That horrendous run was followed by a run of 20 points from just nine games - beginning with Mendes’ goal - that ultimately secured survival in the season’s penultimate game, at Wigan. And for Harry Redknapp, it earned something almost as important - he was loved by the fans, albeit not universally - once more following his ultimate betrayal in December 2004 - jumping ship to join Southampton.
Alain Perrin’s regime had never convinced, and he was sacked 14 games into the season, with Portsmouth having recorded just two league wins. Perrin’s inability to grasp the language, together with his bizarre formation - 3-3-3-1 - and uncharismatic demeanour, meant he was never likely to last. A League Cup exit at Gillingham hardly increased his popularity, while a feud with Laurent Robert - signed by Perrin himself - added to the feeling that here was someone who really should not be in charge of a Premiership club.
And so, following yet another drawn-out saga between the two South coast clubs, Harry Redknapp returned to Fratton Park - just a day before the anniversary of his switch to Portsmouth. Yet, despite two wins in his first five games, Redknapp appeared more of a last throw of the dice than a saviour, especially after a 5-0 mauling at relegation rivals Birmingham in mid-January. This shambolic display, coming soon after Redknapp began splashing Alexandre Gaydamak’s millions, suggested the money spent would prove wasted.
It is not simply being cynical to suggest Portsmouth would have been very unlikely to stay up without the timely cash injection handed to Redknapp, which enabled him to bring in nine players (three of them on loan.) Though some January recruits proved ill-advisable, the loan signing of Argentine wizard Andres D’Allesandro, as well as the permanent acquisitions of Tottenham midfield pair Sean Davis and particularly Pedro Mendes were each imperative parts of Portsmouth’s Great Escape, while fellow January signings Dean Kiely and Benjani also contributed.
However, it took some time for the new players to gel, and Redknapp’s hard-won managerial reputation, as well as his standing amongst Portsmouth fans, began to take a huge battering. Mendes’ fantastic goal - his second brilliant strike of the game - against Man City proved the prelude to salvation for Redknapp.The key was undoubtedly Portsmouth’s creative yet tough-tackling midfield. The January recruits all played their parts - Mendes with his goals, and all-action play; Davis with his combativeness; and D’Allesandro, surely one of the most talented players ever to don the Portsmouth jersey, with his tricky skills and superb crossing. However, the importance of skipper Gary O'Neil, who chipped in with six goals and is a real wholehearted player, must not be under-estimated. Another Englishman who played an invaluable role was left-back Matthew Taylor, whose vivacious play impressed throughout, though he will best be remembered for his iron nerve from the spot, as displayed in vital consecutive wins against Sunderland and Wigan. There was also his 45-yard strike early on against Sunderland.
Despite Taylor's efforts, it was the defence which proved Portsmouth’s Achilles Heel. Dejan Stanfanovic brought solidarity at the back, but several other players flattered to deceive, especially Noe Pamarot, one of Redknapp’s more questionable signings. Meanwhile Sander Westerveld was a liability in goal, and, although Jamie Ashdown was an improvement, veteran Dean Kiely was a vital signing whose reliability helped reduce the ‘goals against’ tally for Portsmouth's sometimes porous defence. Lua-Lua had a typical season, combining spectacular strikes and extravagant skills with chronic and often infuriating inconsistency. What appears certain is Lua-Lua needs a tap-in merchant alongside him, and, though Todorov scored a few important goals following his long lay-off and Benjani worked very hard, a new partner will probably come in during the summer.
The slick, passing football which earned Portsmouth victories against Man City, West Ham, Fulham, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Wigan showcased the potential of this side, particularly if the money keeps rolling in. This was Redknapp’s second dramatic rescue act as Portsmouth manager, and certainly the more unlikely.
For the purists who so enjoyed the football which kept Portsmouth up, the only shame was the stars were largely brought in thanks to a Russian tycoon. But nothing could diminish Redknapp’s achievement.
Manager Harry Redknapp : Ambivalent reception at best, when he came, and, evenhaving spent upwards of £10million, results remained very poor until Mendes’ decisive goal. Thereafter, this was vintage Redknapp: the side were spirited, close-knit, and their manager kept his cool and refused to count his chickens until safety had been secured.
Player of the season: Gary O’Neil The January imports may have stolen the limelight, but O’Neil’s industry was season-long; he contributed six crucial goals, and no one could claim the 22-year-old was thrust into the captaincy too soon.
High: Matthew Taylor keeping his cool when everyone else was losing theirs against both Wigan and Sunderland.
Low: A 5-0 humbling at Birmingham that left supporters feeling relegation was inevitable.
(Footballing World)
Goals of the Season 2005/06
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