Oh fantastic, it’s Portsmouth. A team, fanbase and club that is best summed up by a couple of my WMS colleagues’ favourite word: Losers.
From the Orc in the grey trackie and his pot noodle-headed sidekick attacking Sweet Luke O’Nien in the playoff semi, via *that* Checkatrade final, to the pitch from October that resembled something you’d see on a grainy re-run of MOTD from December 1976 crossed with a rice paddy field; all the way to the moron who presumably still has an ASBO that threw a flare into the North Stand from their away end a couple of years ago. It’s safe to say we’ve had a few memorable encounters with them during our sojourn in this Third Division Hellscape .
All of this as well, before we even mention *clears throat* John Portsmouth Football Club Westwood. “Who’s that?” I hear you ask. “Oh wait…it’s him isn’t it?” Yes. Yes it is. The man who some say you can smell through the screen every time you see a picture of him; the dreadlock-sporting, vest wearing, ships bell-ringing, antique book-selling (thanks Wikipedia… yes sadly he does for some reason have his own Wikipedia page) specimen that rocks up everywhere Portsmouth go. If ever a supporter personified their club, it’s him. Presumably they would see this as some kind of badge of honour, but I’m here to assure you it most certainly is not.
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We at WMS have been working hard this week producing well-researched (allegedly in some cases only) content for you in the build-up to yet another MASSIVE™ game at the top of League One. There’s the preview pod featuring SAFC legend and all round nice guy Stephen ‘Sleeves’ Elliot (as well as Matt and Stephen too, if you’re asking), there’s Jonny Lambert’s excellent preview piece which covers the fixture in all the detail needed that I don’t need to add anything in this, there’s Stephen Kennedy’s regular Played For Both feature which as ever provides a nightmare down memory lane, and finally the boy Micky Lough spoke to a contributor from Stoke City fanzine DUCK about our new signing from the Potteries, Danny Batth. Plenty there to get your teeth into before 3pm tomorrow I dare say.
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In other news on Wearside this week, the focus has been, once again, on the Transfer Window. The aforementioned Danny Batth signed earlier this week and this afternoon, the club confirmed the signing of Patrick Roberts from Manchester City on a permanent deal.
Bringing experience of higher levels from a few different countries as well as a dazzling goal-reel, you can’t help but be excited about the prospect of this one. We also say goodbye to Ollie Younger, a promising looking defender needing a lot more game-time than we could guarantee him, as he moved on a permanent deal to Donny Rovers.
There has also been a lot of talk about a certain Mr Defoe. This one has all the hallmarks of a classic Transfer Saga, with loads of articles from the local press, cryptic comments from those ITK, to a TalkSport interview where it was categorically NOT ruled out, and a real deep-dive on Lee Johnson’s comments and/or psyche on the matter from certain sections of the fanbase. All great fun I’m sure.
While Defoe’s pedigree is undeniable, what is also undeniable is that he’s 39 and therefore would surely be no more than an impact player were he to sign. Now that would be some impact and could well make the difference where it matters, but as the manager said a lot has to be balanced when making a decision like this. Paticularly as we have no idea of the level of finances required, nor any other offers he may have had.
Anyway, I’ll leave this here – I much prefer talking about transfers that have happened rather than speculating,
The main thing we need to focus on is three points tomorrow - HA’WAY THE LADS
Jimmy Reay
