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							<title>Portsmouth FC News</title>
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							<description>Portsmouth Football Club News Headlines</description>
							<lastBuildDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:12:49 GMT</lastBuildDate><item>
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					<pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:11:10 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Coles Signs New Contract]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[Pompey goalkeeping coach David Coles has signed a new contract to keep him at the club until 2011.

Executive Chairman Peter Storrie expressed the club’s delight after Coles committed his future to the Blues.

He said: “Everything that was written in the papers about David leaving was completely wrong.

“He has always been completely happy here and we are delighted to extend his contract.

“He’s one of the best goalkeeping coaches in the country, so naturally we wanted to keep him at Pompey.”

Coles has built a superb relationship with all of Pompey’s keepers during nearly three years at Fratton Park.

He joined the club in 2006, the same year as David James.

James was recalled to the England set-up in 2007 and is now Fabio Capello’s first choice goalkeeper, and was one of four Pompey players involved in England’s 2-1 victory in Germany on Wednesday night.

Coles, 44, who spent the bulk of his playing career at Aldershot, moved to Pompey from Southampton, where he had been their goalkeeping coach.]]></description>
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					<pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:52:07 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Portsmouth Football Club Statement]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[Portsmouth Football Club today expressed disappointment over a misleading front page newspaper report about plans for the club’s new stadium at Horsea Island.

The front-page headline and accompanying images in local Portsmouth newspaper, The News – which appear to contradict the actual article and the newspaper’s own Comment page - give the impression of friction between the club and Portsmouth City Council over the 36,000-seater scheme.

But the city council has been nothing but helpful over the plans and share our goal of seeing the club’s new stadium built.

The club told supporters more than five months ago that the stadium development needed a retail element to be viable. This was announced when the design for the new stadium was unveiled on June 18.

But the report portrayed the retail element as a fresh impediment to the scheme, forcing the club ‘back to the drawing board’.

Pompey executive chairman Peter Storrie said: “The football club is extremely disappointed with the way The News has painted a false picture of a major planning showdown between the club and Portsmouth City Council. It’s complete and utter nonsense.

“My brief comments about the stadium came at the end of an interview about football matters with The News’ football reporter.

“I merely reiterated what had been said before in my programme notes and what the club’s owner, Sacha Gaydamak said in an interview with The Quay radio station recently: that we need the city council to get behind us, which I’m sure they will, over the fact that, with the credit crunch, a retail element has got to be included in the stadium development.

“The football club can reiterate that the council have been nothing but helpful throughout this process. 

“To suggest there is any form of showdown is complete misrepresentation. We cannot underline enough how annoyed we are that The News is damaging the relationship we have with the council.

“We are working very closely with the council to try to prevent the stadium scheme having to go to a public inquiry. 

“Misleading stories like this are extremely unhelpful and make me wonder if I should do any more interviews with The News.”
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					<pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:40:14 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Flying The Nest]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[John Metgod always thought his son would be the first to fly the nest from their home in Holland.

But a call from Tony Adams changed all that, and it was the 50-year-old who was first to pack his cases and bid farewell.

The speed of negotiations was such that Metgod, who was in Switzerland on a scouting trip for Feyenoord, was preparing to move to England just four days later to become the Blues' first team coach.

The former Nottingham Forest and Tottenham star explained: “Things went so quickly that I didn’t really have time to think about the impact it would have on my life.

“I got a call on a Friday when I was scouting in Europe and after returning from there, flew into England on the Monday to speak with Tony.

“Only when I went back to Holland for two days did it suddenly hit me that I was going to be based in England.

“I had to go back to sort out my contract with Feyenoord and that was no problem because they were all proud that someone from the club was going to work in the Premier League.

“My son was moving into his new house on the Friday and we always thought that he was going to be the first one to move out.

“But as things turned out it was me that moved out two days before him, so that was a great surprise to everyone.

“Pompey’s like a real family club with everyone trying to help you and from the moment I came in, I felt like I’d been here for years.

“It was already a dream to come here but after just a few days it is now a dream come true and I am very happy.”

Though Metgod had spent two years of a 14-year coaching career at Feyenoord, he had spent the last 12 months as a scout.

Despite enjoying his new role, he never once believed that his coaching days were over.

He said: “I have been able to go back on the pitch again and I always thought that I would get back on the coaching side.

“It is an opportunity for me to work in the Premier League and also to work with a man like Tony Adams.

“Some people in Holland think that Portsmouth are not a big club and compared to Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea that may be the case.

“But you only find out when you are working here what a really big club this is. It is not only the squad but the whole place.”
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					<pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:18:34 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Tony's Tigers Warning]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[Blues boss Tony Adams says his side are well aware of the threat posed by Hull City, who visit Fratton Park on Saturday having already won away at Spurs, Arsenal, Newcastle and West Brom.  ]]></description>
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					<pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:49:10 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Good News On Diarra]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[Lassana Diarra’s ankle injury is not as severe as Pompey first feared.

The midfielder even has an outside chance of being fit for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Hull City at Fratton Park.

Diarra has had a scan on his ankle in France, where he is with the national team.

Pompey had first feared Diarra would be out for several weeks after being hurt during Pompey’s goalless draw at West Ham last Saturday.

Pompey physio Gary Sadler said: “When Lassana left Upton Park on crutches we thought he had a very bad ankle injury. But the injury isn’t as bad as we originally thought. 

“We’ve had a call from him from France. He’s had a scan after reporting to the French medical team. 

“The good news is that he could be available for AC Milan. Even better news is that he might even be available for this weekend.

“He’ll return to us on Thursday and we’ll see how he is. He seemed in quite high spirits about things when we spoke to him.”

Niko Kranjcar has had an injection in his sore ankle to help reduce the swelling.

Pompey’s midfielder saw a consultant in London on Tuesday over damage to tendons which kept him out of the draw at West Ham.
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					<pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:33:35 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Arsenal v Pompey: Tickets Latest]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[All supporters who applied by the closing date for tickets to watch Pompey’s Premier League clash at Arsenal on Sunday, December 28 have been successful.

Fans will be sent their tickets in due course for the game, which kicks off at 2pm.

Pompey are looking for their first win at the Emirates Stadium, where they lost 3-1 last season and drew 2-2 the year before.]]></description>
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					<pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:00:24 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Christmas Holiday Courses]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[If you book a Christmas holiday course then you can win the chance to watch AC Milan train at Fratton Park.

Book before midday on Tuesday, November 25 and you will be entered into a draw to watch AC Milan train on Wednesday, November 26. Any children who have already booked will be automatically entered into the draw. 25 places are available and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Pompey in the Community’s Christmas holiday courses:

Portsmouth:
Roko/Play Football – December 22 & 23
Miltoncross School – December 29 & 30

Horndean:
Horndean Technical College – December 22 & 23

Gosport:
St Vincent College – December 22 & 23

Petersfield:
Bohunt Centre, Liphook – December 22 & 23

Chichester:
Chichester College – December 22 & 23
Bognor Arena – December 29 & 30

Isle of Wight:
Ryde High School – December 22 & 23

All courses start at 9am and finish at 3pm. All courses last two days and cost £10 per day (plus £1 booking fee).

There is also a special coaching day at Miltoncross school on Tuesday, December 23 which also includes a ticket to watch Pompey play West Ham on Boxing Day, certificate and free gift.

Coaching day costs £30 per child. Only 45 places available on a first come, first served basis. Coaching starts at 10am (registration at 9.45am) and ends at 2pm.

To book a place on a course, please call 023 9277 8557 or click on the link below for more information.
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					<pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:43:05 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Goals Galore As Ladies Reach Semi-Final]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[Red Star 0 Pompey 19

A rampant Pompey Ladies side sealed their progression through to the Hampshire Cup semi-final in fine style at Hamble.

Both sides began the game confidently, with the Hampshire Division One side forcing Blues’ keeper Sally-Anne Thompson into making a super save in the opening minutes of the match.

But  the visitors fired back and it wasn’t long before the first of Pompey’s eight scorers found the back of the net.

It was Cassie THORP who broke the deadlock after just 10 minutes - and from there the floodgates opened as the Blues, who play four divisions above Red Star, threw everything at their defence.

Thorp added two more to her tally, with Amy SWALLOW also picking up a hat-trick – made all the more impressive as she came on as a substitute with 30 minutes left to play.

Captain Kirsty McGEE hit a brace, while Becky MILES, Molly CLARK, Lisa LANGRISH and Lynsey CREWE all scored one a piece.

But it was Gemma HILLIER (pictured) who bagged the most goals, with seven to her name.

Manager Vanessa Raynbird was delighted for the striker.

“It was brilliant to see Gemma on the scoresheet so many times because she was so unlucky the previous week at Ipswich, where I think she hit everything except the back of the net,” she explained.

“She is very much a confidence player, so it was good for her to get so many.

“It was a good result from our point of view and their keeper played very well. I know that might sound strange when you look at the score, but we could have scored 30 but for her.

“Aside from their opening effort, they rarely got back into the game. But they kept on working hard. I’ve got to say I was very impressed by Red Star’s attitude.

“They kept on plugging away and never gave up, which was great to see.

“We’re pleased with the result though. It’s a competition we really want to win. We held it for a few years and were upset to lose out last year so we’re hungry to get it back this year.”

Pompey: Thompson, Hier, Crewe (Fisher), Murphy (Langrish), Kirby, Clark, McGee (c) (Swallow), Rutherford, Thorp, Hillier, Miles

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					<pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:43:38 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Concession Ticket Warning]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[Portsmouth Football Club would like to remind supporters that anyone who attempts to enter Fratton Park with a concession ticket (individual match ticket or season ticket) for which they are ineligible will face instant removal from the ground.

Their ticket will be confiscated and there may be a further ban from attending future matches.

Please ensure you are in possession of the correct ticket before travelling to the match to avoid any embarrassment on arrival.

Please note that all turnstiles are now rigorously monitored by club stewards.

Concession tickets are available for seniors (60 or over), juniors (16 and under) and young persons (17-21). Please note the young persons concession applies to season ticket holders only.

If there is a problem with your ticket, please contact the ticket office as soon as possible.
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					<pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:19:22 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Diop: Confidence Is High]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[Papa Bouba Diop says that the Blues' dressing room is buzzing under Tony Adams]]></description>
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					<pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:23:09 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[My Deadly Duo]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[After a goalless draw, it is not usually the strikers that get all the praise.

But Tony Adams was keen to eulogise about his strike pairing of Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch in the wake of Pompey’s point at West Ham.

Both have been called into Fabio Capello’s England squad to face Germany in an international friendly on Wednesday – along with Blues team-mates David James and Glen Johnson.

The duo are the only Pompey players to have scored more than once this season. Defoe leads the club’s scoring charts with seven goals with Crouch close behind on six.

Neither managed to find the net at Upton Park, although Defoe was denied on three occasions by the impressive Robert Green.

But Adams was still delighted with the all-round performance of his forwards in east London.

“Peter’s very useful,” said the Blues boss. “I understand why Mr Capello uses him. He’s a fantastic football player.

“I’m really pleased that he’s playing for Pompey and he’ll play for England many more times.

“Jermain is always a threat. I’m sure there will be some big clubs after him in January, but hands off because he’s mine!

“He’s going to keep me in a job by scoring goals.

“Jermain was born and bred just down the road from West Ham and he desperately wanted to score a goal.

“He had some great chances but their goalkeeper made some fantastic saves.

“I was pleased with how resilient we were and with the clean sheet. We deserved that - although on another day Jermain gets a hat-trick.

“We defended from the front. Peter and Jermain worked hard for us defensively – they kept us very compact.”

West Ham only came close to breaching Pompey’s defence once, when Craig Bellamy’s 20-yard free-kick cannoned off the crossbar.

But Adams still believes that his side need to improve their defending.

He said: “Harry liked a good footballing side and so do I. I don’t want to change that. But at times we are a little but too open.

“We can be too open to the counter-attack. We’re probably at our most vulnerable when we turn the ball over.

“That’s an area where we’ll have to improve.”
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					<pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:19:16 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Highlights: West Ham 0 Pompey 0]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[Watch Pompey come close to taking all three points from Upton Park


Pompey: James; Johnson, Kaboul, Distin (c), Pamarot; Diop, Davis, Diarra (A.Traore 19), Belhadj; Crouch (Kanu 75), Defoe
Booked: Pamarot
Subs not used: Ashdown, Hreidarsson, Mvuemba, Hughes, Nugent

West Ham: Green; Neill (c), Collins, Upson, Ilunga (Faubert 61); Behrami, Parker (Mullins 76), Collison; Sears (Etherington 46), Bellamy; Cole
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Davenport, Bowyer, Di Michele

Referee: Martin Atkinson

Attendance: 32,328
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					<pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2008 10:51:30 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Groves: Defoe Was A Constant Threat]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[Pompey's assistant first team coach Paul Groves believes that Jermain Defoe was unlucky not to find the net against West Ham]]></description>
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					<pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2008 21:32:36 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Fabio's Fab Four]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[Pompey have four players in Fabio Capello’s squad for England’s midweek friendly in Germany.

David James, Glen Johnson, Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch have all been included in the 23-man contingent.

Strike-partners Defoe and Crouch, who have scored 13 goals combined for Pompey this season, will be vying to start up-front but will face stiff competition from Gabriel Agbonlahor and Darren Bent.

Defoe scored in the dying minutes of England’s 5-1 victory against Kazakhstan at Wembley on October 11, after coming on as a substitute in place of Wayne Rooney.

James has started in all England’s World Cup qualifiers so far and will be seeking to earn his 45th cap ahead of Scott Carson and Joe Hart, who has been picked ahead of Robert Green.

Johnson completes the Blues’ representation in the national squad.

Notable absentees from the squad include David Beckham and Manchester United duo Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney, who have back and calf injuries respectively.

England take on Germany in Berlin on Wednesday, November 19 at 7.45pm. 

England squad: Carson (West Brom), Hart (Manchester City), JAMES (POMPEY), Bridge (Chelsea), Davies (Aston Villa), JOHNSON (POMPEY), Lescott (Everton), Mancienne (Wolves, on loan from Chelsea), Richards (Manchester City), Terry (Chelsea), Upson (West Ham), Barry (Aston Villa), Carrick (Manchester United), Downing (Middlesbrough), Gerrard (Liverpool), Lampard (Chelsea), Walcott (Arsenal), Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), Young (Aston Villa), Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Bent (Tottenham), CROUCH (POMPEY), DEFOE (POMPEY) 
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					<pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:41:03 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Natural Born Defender]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[Younes Kaboul toasts Pompey's clean sheet at West Ham - and explains his delight at playing centre-half]]></description>
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					<pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:38:47 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[How Times Have Changed]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[It says something about the last few years at Pompey that a point at West Ham is viewed as disappointing.

But that was exactly how Tony Adams was feeling after watching his side play out a goalless draw at Upton Park.

The game was not flooded with chances but – aside from a Craig Bellamy free-kick that rattled the crossbar – the best ones fell Pompey’s way.

Three times Jermain Defoe fired dangerous shots towards goal and three times he was denied by the impressive Robert Green.

But Adams was pleased with the overall performance of his troops – especially after midweek injuries to Sol Campbell and Niko Kranjcar forced him to make changes to his starting 11.

“I’m a little bit gutted that we didn’t take all three points,” sighed the Blues boss. “We certainly created enough chances to.

“On another day, I think Jermain puts three away. He was born and bred down the road and I think he way maybe trying a bit too hard.

“I got a fantastic header here a few years ago – maybe I’ll teach him in the week!

“I’m proud of the guys who have come into the side today. I was proud of their attitude.

“Kaboul had a great game. They got the wrong side of him on a few occasions but he’s a fantastic athlete and only young. And big Papa moved into the middle and did well.

“The quality into the final third is an issue that we’ve been speaking about for the last few games. We’ve been at our most vulnerable when giving away the ball in that area.

“We can keep the ball a bit better but we played better than we did at Sunderland and we won that match.”

Pompey could be without Lassana Diarra for the next few games after the midfielder limped off with an ankle injury midway through the first half.

Adams said: “Sol and Niko went down injured with knocks in the week and now Lassana – one of our most influential players – has turned his ankle.

“It was completely unintentional but their player’s weight came down on his ankle, so it’s a bad sprain.

“He has to go away with France now, which I think is a bit ridiculous. I’ve got to let him go.

“I don’t want him on a plane. We could scan him and give them a fair assessment straight away.

“I’m not a physio but when I’ve twisted my ankle like that, it’s usually about three weeks out.”

Adams has now been in charge of the Blues for five matches - including the 1-1 draw with Fulham when he shared managerial duties with Joe Jordan.

And he is slowly starting to imbue his side with his own thoughts and philosophies.

“My relationship with the players has changed a little bit,” said the former England skipper. “I am the leader now.

“I don’t say anything that I wouldn’t have said when I was still a coach. I’m probably saying more now – no one could get a word in with Harry!

“Paul Groves says a bit more now as well but John Metgod is very calm in the dressing room – that’s what I brought him in for.

“I’m a different person to Harry and we all have strengths and weaknesses. Harry was a master at man-management and it was amazing to watch him work.

“It’s about spotting where you can contribute. I like training a lot. They’re my babies and I’m very protective of them.”
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					<pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:11:00 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[James: We're Tough To Beat Again]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[If anything defined Pompey last season, it was clean sheets.

A staggering 22 of them, 16 in the Premier League, were the bedrock of the club’s top-10 finish and FA Cup triumph.

It’s why the Blues’ goalless draw at West Ham left David James satisfied as he left Upton Park on Saturday night.

Pompey’s keeper, of course, would be content with any clean sheet.

But he felt this one was particularly significant because it suggests Pompey are regaining the defensive solidity that at times eluded them earlier this season, when, for instance, they conceded in 10 goals in two away matches at Manchester City and Chelsea.   

Undaunted by Sol Campbell’s absence with a toe injury, Pompey’s back four of Glen Johnson, Younes Kaboul, Sylvain Distin and Noe Pamarot came close to being breached just once, when Craig Bellamy’s second-half free-kick struck the bar.

The result left Pompey eighth in the table and made it four points from two away games ahead of Hull’s visit to Fratton Park next Saturday.

James said: “We were resolute at the back. I didn’t have a lot to do, to be fair, so it was a positive draw, which is very important, rather than hanging on for 90 minutes.

“We were well-organised in defence, which is encouraging, because it’s only our third clean sheet in the league this season.

“Against Chelsea on the opening day of the season we were poor all-round, and at Manchester City we were even worse. 

“But I think we’ve now got ourselves back in the groove and look like a side that’s hard to beat again, which is very important.

“The clean sheet was encouraging because it came in a match where we made changes at the back, with Younes coming in for Sol alongside Sylvain. He did well.

“We controlled the area in front of the back four, which was very important, because it limited West Ham’s opportunities to get in behind us. 

“The transtition from Harry Redknapp to Tony Adams has been very smooth – this performance was very much like the Portsmouth of last season. We didn’t look like we were going to concede goals.

“We also created the best opportunities. Robert Green pulled off some decent saves - on another day Jermain might have had a hat-trick.”
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					<pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2008 16:48:51 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[West Ham 0 Pompey 0]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[Pompey had chances to win this match with Jermain Defoe denied by three great saves, but they had to settle for a point at Upton Park.

Tony Adams made two changes from the side that beat Sunderland last week. Sol Campbell and Niko Kranjcar were missing with toe and ankle injuries respectively, so Younes Kaboul and Papa Bouba Diop both came into the starting 11.

The game started at a frantic pace with both sides looking to burst forward, although neither goalkeeper was given much to do in the opening stages.

Pompey should have taken the lead on 10 minutes, however. Glen Johnson waltzed past two lazy challenges on the right and found Defoe in the area, but the striker blazed his shot high and wide.

The visitors were forced to make an early change on 19 minutes. Lassan Diarra was injured in a challenge with Scott Parker and, despite attempting to run it off for a couple of minutes, was replaced by Armand Traore.

Traore took up position wide on the left with Nadir Belhadj switching to the right flank and Diop moving inside.

Moments later, Johnson forced Hammers keeper Robert Green to make his first save with a drive from the edge of the area.

As the half progressed though, it was the hosts who were beginning to look the more dangerous side. Kaboul was forced to make a vital clearance, while David James had to race off his line to deny Craig Bellamy.

But Pompey were still creating chances of their own and on 34 minutes, Defoe’s low strike was deflected inches wide by Herita Ilunga.

Noe Pamarot then almost gifted West Ham a goal when he decided to chest the ball down in the area, but the Frenchman recovered well to block Carlton Cole’s follow-up shot.

Pompey’s left-back then became the first name in referee Martin Atkinson’s book following a late challenge on Valon Behrami.

Half Time: West Ham 0 Pompey 0

Defoe almost fired Pompey ahead within two minutes of the restart when he raced unchallenged towards goal, but his fierce strike was superbly tipped over the bar by Green.

The Hammers keeper denied Defoe again moments later, just getting his hand to the striker’s delicate chip.

At the other end, Bellamy rattled the crossbar with a 20-yard free-kick after Kaboul had fouled Behrami. Jack Collison’s follow-up shot was well saved low down by James.

Julien Faubert then sent a header straight into James’ arms after connecting with Matthew Etherington’s cross from the left.

Chances were proving to be at a premium. Traore tried his luck with an ambitious effort from 30 yards on 71 minutes but it comfortably cleared the crossbar.

Kanu replaced Peter Crouch for the final 15 minutes as Adams looked to turn one point into three.

And his pin-point pass sent Defoe through on goal on 84 minutes. The Blues striker held off the challenge of Matthew Upson but his low shot was turned behind by Green.

Pompey: James; Johnson, Kaboul, Distin (c), Pamarot; Diop, Davis, Diarra (A.Traore 19), Belhadj; Crouch (Kanu 75), Defoe
Booked: Pamarot
Subs not used: Ashdown, Hreidarsson, Mvuemba, Hughes, Nugent

West Ham: Green; Neill (c), Collins, Upson, Ilunga (Faubert 61); Behrami, Parker (Mullins 76), Collison; Sears (Etherington 46), Bellamy; Cole
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Davenport, Bowyer, Di Michele

Referee: Martin Atkinson

Attendance: 32,328
]]></description>
					<link><![CDATA[http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/index.php?cms_ref=news&qs_article_id=1780]]></link>
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					<pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2008 14:26:55 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Two Changes For Hammers Clash]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[Tony Adams made two changes for today’s Premier League clash at Upton Park.

Sol Campbell and Niko Kranjcar were both missing from the side that won at Sunderland last week.

Campbell was replaced in the centre of defence by Younes Kaboul.

Pompey’s skipper had picked up a toe injury, so Sylvain Distin wore the armband in his absence.

Kranjcar was also missing with an ankle injury and was replaced on the right-side of midfield by Papa Bouba Diop.

David Nugent, fully recovered from hernia surgery, took his place on the bench.

Pompey: James; Johnson, Kaboul, Distin (c), Pamarot; Diop, Davis, Diarra, Belhadj; Crouch, Defoe
Subs: Ashdown, Hreidarsson, A.Traore, Mvuemba, Hughes, Nugent, Kanu
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					<link><![CDATA[http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/index.php?cms_ref=news&qs_article_id=1779]]></link>
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					<guid isPermaLink="false">www.portsmouthfc.co.uk-1778</guid>
					<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:33:13 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Apply Early For Tottenham Tickets]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[Supporters are being asked to apply early for tickets to watch Pompey face Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday, January 18, kick-off 4pm.

Postal applications only should be sent to the ticket office by Wednesday, November 26.

This is so the club can decide whether to take an allocation of 1,700 or 2,900 seats.

Send a stamped addressed envelope, full payment and your client reference number to: Ticket Office, Portsmouth FC Head Office, Rodney Road, Portsmouth, PO4 8SX.

Please send a cheque made payable to ‘Portsmouth Football Club’ or provide your credit/debit card details.

Tickets cost £37 for adults, £22 for over 65s and £19 for under 16s.
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					<link><![CDATA[http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/index.php?cms_ref=news&qs_article_id=1778]]></link>
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					<guid isPermaLink="false">www.portsmouthfc.co.uk-1775</guid>
					<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:54:40 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Have Your Photo Taken With The FA Cup]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[Are you struggling to find the perfect Christmas present?

Well on Tuesday, December 9 – in the Victory Lounge between 12pm-7pm – the Pompey fan in your life can have their picture taken with the FA Cup.

The photo will be framed in a presentation wallet and serve as the perfect reminder to that glorious day at Wembley went Sol went up to lift the FA Cup.

To book your FA Cup photoshoot, please call Angela Hayward on 023 9277 8555.
]]></description>
					<link><![CDATA[http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/index.php?cms_ref=news&qs_article_id=1775]]></link>
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					<guid isPermaLink="false">www.portsmouthfc.co.uk-1773</guid>
					<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:20:24 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Business As Usual]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[Pompey's new assistant first team coach Paul Groves says that not much has changed for him, despite his job switch]]></description>
					<link><![CDATA[http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/index.php?cms_ref=news&qs_article_id=1773]]></link>
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					<guid isPermaLink="false">www.portsmouthfc.co.uk-1772</guid>
					<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:00:46 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Metgod: My Philosophy]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[John Metgod has quickly settled into life at Pompey.

The Blues’ new first team coach made his first visit to the training ground on Thursday and immediately looked at home alongside manager Tony Adams and assistant first team coach Paul Groves.

Metgod was introduced to the players by Adams and the Dutchman was soon dishing out advice from the touchline.

The former Nottingham Forest and Tottenham star is delighted to be back in England.

And he explained how he hopes the Blues can play skilful Dutch football, while also keeping the solid backbone that the English are famed for.

He said: “I was working for Feyenoord for over 20 years, first as a player and then as a coach in the youth development scheme.

“At the start of the season I became a scout but I felt that my time as a coach was not finished.

“I feel privileged to come and work for a club like Portsmouth and also to work for Tony Adams, who’s a big name in football.

“I got to know Tony a while ago when he came over to work in Holland. I invited him over to have dinner at my house a few times and we talked about football. We’ve kept in touch ever since.

“People used to talk about Portsmouth as a small club who were just trying to stay in the Premier League but they’ve grown over the last few years and are now playing in Europe for the first time.

“The Dutch are very skilful and play a different sort of football but it’s not possible to play just like that. But it’s also not possible to play the typical English game.

“If you can find the right mixture then you have a good chance of finding success.

“You want the players to be comfortable on the ball, so that they always want the ball.

“Football is played with a ball, so it helps if you know what to do with it!”

Metgod’s last experience of Fratton Park was as a player. He featured in the Nottingham Forest side beaten 1-0 by the Blues in a league cup tie 24 years ago.

And while he does not remember too much about the match itself, there is one thing that sticks in the memory.

He said: “I certainly remember the crowd. There were 20,000 people always making a noise and creating a good atmosphere.

“No matter what happens, I hope they’ll always be behind the team.
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					<guid isPermaLink="false">www.portsmouthfc.co.uk-1770</guid>
					<pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:46:40 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[James: My Blues Mission]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[England No 1 David James says he is excited about the future at Fratton Park]]></description>
					<link><![CDATA[http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/index.php?cms_ref=news&qs_article_id=1770]]></link>
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					<guid isPermaLink="false">www.portsmouthfc.co.uk-1769</guid>
					<pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:29:19 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[No Further Wolfsburg Tickets]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[Pompey will not be receiving an additional allocation of tickets for the UEFA Cup clash in Germany against Wolfsburg next month.

The current allocation of 2,600 tickets for the match on December 4 is oversubscribed.

The club have worked hard to try to get extra seats, but unfortunately there were none available.

Fans who attended both previous UEFA Cup matches in Portugal against Vitoria and Braga are already ensured a ticket, as long as their application was received on time.

Further postal applications were then made by season ticket holders and members on a first come, first served basis. 

Those who have been successful should have received their tickets and the club will be writing to the unsuccessful applicants in due course.]]></description>
					<link><![CDATA[http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/index.php?cms_ref=news&qs_article_id=1769]]></link>
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					<guid isPermaLink="false">www.portsmouthfc.co.uk-1768</guid>
					<pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:55:04 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Metgod: Solid As A Rock]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[Blues boss Tony Adams explains the qualities new first team coach John Metgod will bring to Fratton Park]]></description>
					<link><![CDATA[http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/index.php?cms_ref=news&qs_article_id=1768]]></link>
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					<guid isPermaLink="false">www.portsmouthfc.co.uk-1767</guid>
					<pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:47:54 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Here Come The Goals: Pompey v West Ham]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[Our look at Pompey's Premier League goals continues with the best strikes against West Ham]]></description>
					<link><![CDATA[http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/index.php?cms_ref=news&qs_article_id=1767]]></link>
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					<guid isPermaLink="false">www.portsmouthfc.co.uk-1766</guid>
					<pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:08:18 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Let's Keep The Winning Habit]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[Defender Sylvain Distin says Pompey head to West Ham determined to build on their win at Sunderland ]]></description>
					<link><![CDATA[http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/index.php?cms_ref=news&qs_article_id=1766]]></link>
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					<guid isPermaLink="false">www.portsmouthfc.co.uk-1791</guid>
					<pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:30:51 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Ipswich Ladies 0 Pompey Ladies 6]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[Pompey Ladies put their Premier League Cup heartbreak behind them to bounce back in style with a comprehensive win over Ipswich in the league.

The first goal came on 28 minutes, when Cassie THORP found the back of the net after latching on to a good ball from Leeta Rutherford (pictured).

Minutes later Rutherford was then on hand to set up Pompey’s second, crossing for Lisa LANGRISH to slip the ball past the keeper.

An impressive solo effort saw Gemma RITCHIE pick up the ball in the Pompey half and race down the line, beating three players before calmly firing home for the Blues’ third.

It could have been four at half-time but for the Ipswich keeper denying Rutherford from the spot.

Instead it was skipper Kirsty McGEE who added the fourth goal, although Rutherford was once again the provider.

After so much involvement in the game, it was only a matter of time before the midfielder saw her name on the scoresheet - and sure enough her chance came in the 60th minute.

The referee pointed to the penalty spot again after an infringement and this time RUTHERFORD fired the ball past the keeper.

She then wrapped up Pompey’s rout with her second of the game shortly after.

Manager Vanessa Raynbird was pleased by the resilience of the team after their quarter-final exit from Premier League Cup seven days earlier.

“It was nice to bounce back from the disappointment of the previous week with a good win and a few goals,” she said.

“Ipswich aren’t the best team in the league, but they’re not the worst either - they’ve won a few games, so we knew it wasn’t going to be easy.

“I thought it was a good performance and it was nice to see some flowing football.

“It was good to get a few goals in the league and we now have the best goal difference, which could prove important.

“It’s very tight in the table at the moment. No team has really raced out in front."

Pompey: Thompson, Hier, Crewe, Murphy (Fisher), Kirby (Swallow), Ritchie (Clark), McGee (c), Rutherford, Thorp, Hillier, Langrish
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					<link><![CDATA[http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/index.php?cms_ref=news&qs_article_id=1791]]></link>
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					<guid isPermaLink="false">www.portsmouthfc.co.uk-1765</guid>
					<pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:03:39 GMT</pubDate>
					<title><![CDATA[Gosport 1 Pompey Academy 3]]></title>
					<description><![CDATA[A very youthful Pompey Academy side comfortably triumphed against Gosport Borough on a chilly night at Privett Park.

Nadir Ciftci, James Hurst and Gael Nlundulu were present from Ian Woan’s under-18 side but the rest of the team were from younger age groups.

The Blues took the lead after only five minutes when HASSAN finished after some good work down the left.

And they doubled their advantage 15 minutes before the interval, Danny BOGARD stealing the ball from an opposition defender and finding the net from the edge of the area.

Gosport pulled a goal back five minutes into the second half, however. The referee spotted a tug in the box and Glenn Howes converted the penalty.

But Pompey sealed victory on 80 minutes when the ball was played to CIFTCI, who finished at the near post.
]]></description>
					<link><![CDATA[http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/index.php?cms_ref=news&qs_article_id=1765]]></link>
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