They Did It Just Like We Knew They Would…
Well it was a tight match, and probably not the best spectacle that will ever grace Wembley, but we always knew that would be the case. As Harry pointed out it was the result that mattered and you only had to see the 100 000 people out on Sunday to see he was right.
Some of the more jealous supporters of the “Big 4″ are saying it was the worst final ever (funnily enough mostly Arsenal fans, who have gone another season without silverware). History has show though that with the odd exception - Liverpool v West Ham for example, these matches tend to be close and fairly dour occasions. And let’s not forget the “1 nil to the Arsenal” tag which followed them around for years.
In the main though the praise has been high from all quarters ad supporters, who are just glad to see the monoply of the big 4 broken. I don’t believe for a second that we will be a top 4 side next year as one or two over optimisitic supporters are suggesting, but hopefully we can build on the success and make it top 6.
My concern though is that the UEFA Cup could prove to be a poison chalice, particularly with the new league format meaning extra games. Without a deep squad, the extra strain placed on them could prove a disaster on the domestic scene, with tiredness and injuries playing a part.
So let’s just hope that Harry does get enough players in over the summer to do that and we don’t lose too many either and we can continue to build on the solid platform, which has been built so far. But that is for next year. In the meantime I think I’ll just bask in the glory of supporting the FA CUP holders for a few months!
on May 19th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Worst final ever?! Are these muppets saying that not forgetting last year’s snore fest between Chelsea and Man U? Or the dreadful Chelsea Villa final in 2000?
We’d have loved a final full of goals, but the tension in both sides was there for all to see, and no wonder. They may never play a bigger game in their careers! Its not about how you win the final, as long as you do though Cardiff should also be noted for their achievement as well. I really can’t see the many thousands of Portsmouth fans caring- I’d bet you’d all happily re-live it!
The UEFA Cup will be interesting. When Everton qualified for the CL and lost to Villarreal, we got thrashed by Dinamo Bucharest and struggled a bit domestically. But last season we did well in Europe, so it’ll be good to see how Harry copes with it. I’m sure he’ll add to the squad, and the carrot of European football will definitely help entice players to sign for Pompey.
But I’m delighted the final was won by a non big gun. First FA Cup for Portsmouth in 69 years. Thats what the tournament is all about.
Many congrats to all at Fratton Park!