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Pompey's date with destiny

FA Cup Portsmouth
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If the engravers of the FA Cup believe in fate then they will have probably already started inscribing Portsmouth’s name on the trophy for this season.

Such has been Portsmouth’s passage through to the final of the competition, it is hard not to feel it is written in the stars that the south-coast club will lift the cup.

Pompey will be firm favourites to win at Wembley on 17 May no matter who comes through Sunday’s all-Championship tie between Barnsley and Cardiff.

But it was Tony Mowbray’s West Brom side who were the pick of the two teams in a disappointing semi-final at Wembley, played in front of a record crowd of 83,584 for this round at Wembley.

Pompey scraped through versus 10-man Ipswich in the third round, survived scares against Preston and Plymouth before emerging victorious from the sixth-round siege of Old Trafford.

For much of Saturday’s visit to Wembley they looked like one of those non-League sides that pull off a shock and then freeze when they find themselves on the big stage.

How will they perform when they make the return trip to the national stadium in May, when the whole of the footballing world will be watching?

For Pompey boss Harry Redknapp that is a problem for another day.

Nothing was going to dent his excitement at stepping closer to a first piece of silverware of his career.

Redknapp was on the books at West Ham when they lifted the Cup back in 1964.

The competition has gone through some major changes in the 44 years since and, for some, the magic will never be the same – but not Redknapp.

Victory in the final would give Portsmouth a place in the Uefa Cup next season, which would be a remarkable achievement for a club that not so long ago almost slipped out of the Premier League before Redknapp’s return.

"I don't give a monkey's about Europe, I just want to win the FA Cup," said Redknapp.

A huge horse-racing fan, the semi-final had dominated his attention to such an extent that he had forgotten all about Saturday’s Grand National race.

"I couldn't even tell you a runner,” said Redknapp after the game, although he did suggest he may have a flutter on the way home.

The smart money is on the favourite to come good once again when it really matters at Wembley next month.

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comment by malunited (U2356334)

posted Apr 6, 2008

'Arry is one manager that I have always liked. His talks are always very entertaining and the man is lucky to be coaching after that horrible crash. I sincerely hope that he gets to lift the Cup.

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comment by Hammer81 (U10973269)

posted Apr 6, 2008

Thoroughly likeable chap.

I wish him well in the final.

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comment by ManilaTrueBlue (U11475346)

posted Apr 6, 2008

I was a sceptic when he came back from 'them down the road' but he has proved me wrong time after time Although my wife and I are living in Manila and have been since 2004 we have retained our season tickets at Fratton Park! Now its really worth it, our flights are already booked in May would not miss it for anything. Thank you 'Arry' biggrin

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comment by Scottlufc (U4344288)

posted Apr 6, 2008

I was there yesterday and it was the worst first half performance I have seen in a long time but in the end the job was done, come on Pompey lift the cup, wonder if Dave Kitson wishes Reading had tried now?

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comment by BrettSpaceman (U2657544)

posted Apr 6, 2008

As a massive Pompey fan - just wish to say a big shout out for WBA. Yesterday they were superb. I was embarrased in the first half and part of me was very sorry that the Baggies lost. I hope you guys go up.

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comment by bluearmyron (U10493378)

posted Apr 6, 2008

we didn't play our best game yesterday but , it seems that when we play like that we still pull off another win. wonder what the score would have beeen if we could have had defoe playing. still what a feeling it is here in portsmouth today , its great for our city and i can't wait for the final. one quick point. Baros? - benjani was the same , all work and no goals!!! will we ever get a striker, who can bag them like defoe. work rates great but not much use if you can't get a ball in the net. work rate helps a win but scoring gets you there quicker. put nugent on harry. with his injurys now behind him , he's got the best chance to prove himself. hope everton lose today for us to stay focused on the league!!!

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comment by TrianBurnerbaggie (U7999774)

posted Apr 6, 2008

BrettSpaceman.

Thank you for your honesty and best wishes in the final

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comment by appyammer (U11481930)

posted Apr 6, 2008

Harry's time at West Ham will always be tainted
by some of his transfer dealings involving the agent Willie Mckay.There are a lot of un-answered questions regarding Harry's son Mark's involvement aswell.Shame really.

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comment by Cricketing_stargazer (U2150250)

posted Apr 6, 2008

UEFA have stepped in and said that IF Cardiff qualify via the FA Cup then they should be allowed to play in the UEFA Cup. It is by no means decided that Cardiff would not take up the UEFA Cup place.

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comment by largejohnsey (U11486933)

posted Apr 6, 2008

although pompey below par never felt we were going to lose , well done harry and lads , good luck to west brom for promotion.

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