Rams v Portsmouth Preview Friday, 10th Aug 2007 17:00 Is it really five years since we were starting the season confident of a rapid return to the Premiership? The Rams v Portsmouth "You've only come to see the Champions," we chanted at Reading that day and how that phrase came back to haunt us. Five years of near extinction, fan rebellion, mediocre football and unremitting gloom - finally extinguished by the glory of the new Wembley. The actual Champions that season were Saturday's visitors Portsmouth. They completed a double over us on their way to the title. We ended up finishing 18th and got through three managers during a very poor season - the shape of things to come. Portsmouth have managed what we're about to attempt. They stayed up and consolidated, finishing 13th, 16th and 17th in their first three seasons before finishing 9th last season. Indeed, but for a poor run in the second half of the season, they might have made a UEFA place. This is a remarkable achievement when you consider that behind the scenes at Fratton Park has been chaotic to say the least. Controversial chairman Milan Mandaric sold his stake to Franco- Russian Businessman Alexandre Gaydamak. Harry Redknapp, resigned, went to Pompey's most hated rivals and then came back again. Meanwhile Fratton Park decays (it can only hold 20,688 fans) and the latest redevelopment plan for a 36,000 seater stadium in Portsmouth Harbour is yet to be approved. Redknapp has been busy in the close season bringing in: David Nugent, John Utaka, Sylvain Distin, Hermann Hreidarsson, Sulley Muntari, Martin Cranie and Arnold Mvuemba. Several players have left Fratton Park including Derby new boy Andy Griffin. Current Portsmouth Squad Last 5 games Portsmouth are unbeaten in their pre-season including a penalty shoot out win over Liverpool in the Asia Cup Final. Danger Men His fellow striker Kanu is, ominously for superstitious Derby fans, one goal away from 100 league goals, while LuaLua only needs two for 50. The mood on the message board There's a thread talking about realistic finishing target for Portsmouth this season and the consensus seems to be in the top ten and hoping for a EUFA place. There's little about us but there is a poignant thread started by the Brother of a Portsmouth fan who passed away during the close season - for the first time he will be attending the first match of the season without his brother. Kind of puts football into perspective. The Rams What we have to realise as fans is that Peter Gadsby has not gained control of the club and got it's finances under control only to throw it all away on mad signings and long contracts as soon as we get back to the Premiership. The bookies think relegation is inevitable and even the most die-hard Derby fan would concede it's a possibility. Even if we bought a whole new team of signings, there's no guarantee we will stay up. Expectations have to be tempered with reality. That said, Billy Davies is not the sort of manager to send out a team who will give up at the first hurdle. The players will have something to prove - for many this may be their only crack at the Premiership. Some of our players may find the more cultured football of the Premiership more to their liking. Many fans noted that last season the more physical sides caused us more problems than the footballing sides. That's not to say the Premiership guys are a physical push-over. Fitness and skill levels are higher so ours will have to be. Now that Billy has a full team around him, the players will have no excuses. Barring any signings I expect the line-up to be Bywater, Mears, Leacock, Todd, McEveley, Fagan, Oakley, Pearson, Jones, Earnshaw, Howard. Ex-Pompey players Darren Moore and Andy Griffin will probably start on the bench. What the bookies think Information for away fans Parking: It used to be at the old Wilmorten College site however that is now a building site so away fans should park at Catalyst on London Rd opposite the Navigation pub. It's about 10-15 minutes from the ground. Don't be tempted to park at the shopping centre unless you fancy being clamped. Driving: Portsmouth to Derby is 185miles and about 4 hours driving in medium traffic. Roads are M27, M3, M40 and the M6 toll to the A38. On arrival in Derby, follow the signs for away supporter parking to London Rd as described above. You can park for a £5 at the hospital further up London Rd near the Railway station. Mick's Prediction That said, Portsmouth are a good side and getting past Sol Campbell and David James will be a tall order for the Rams. I'd probably take a draw at this juncture but a good performance would also please me. Draw. Photo: Action Images Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.
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