Yeah, I know, Chelsea is at Man United today and could seal their 2nd title. A big game for certain but the real drama is at the other end of the table since Chelsea's title win is a given regardless of what happens today.
The relegation war in the EPL has been quite a show in case you hadn't noticed.
I have to say that back in December when the whole return to Pompey deal was sealed as a fan of the EPL I was amazed that Pompey had taken Harry back. Recall, he had abandoned them to move to Southampton just one year earlier, then led the Saints to relegation. Then, when he realized there was little to no chance he could rally the Saints and get them into contention for promotion he turned the tables, abandoned them to return to Pompey! I was disgusted that Portsmouth took him back. Frankly, by doing so I honestly wanted to see him fail because of what he had done.
The board gave him about $20M which he splashed around during the winter transfer window which at first seemed to pay little dividend. What has made the difference now? Redknapp will surely take all the credit he can IF they do manage to survive, and with only two to play he's up 2 points on Steve Bruce's Birmingham City. Decide for yourself where the difference comes from considering the facts. Harry got off to a good start taking 7 points from his first four games back in charge. Then the calendar flipped to 2006 and despite the spending spree things turned sour quickly with Pompey going 0-1-7 (W-D-L) in their next 8 games earning only a single point from 24. The skies could not have been darker over Portsmouth as it looked certain that Harry would fail in his mission to save them. He even complained in the media that it was no wonder things were going so badly as he couldn't seem to communicate at all with all his new foreign players if you can imagine that.
Then, look what has happened over the last 8; Pompey have gone 5-2-1 winning 17 points from the last 24 as they have been among the league's top performers over that stretch. Did he hire translators? Can he keep their run going for 2 more?
Actually, this weekend could decide it all. It might seem advantage Pompey at this stage but their on the road today at Wigan while Birmingham is at home versus a rejuvenated Newcastle that might see Owen make a return as they press for a UEFA Cup spot in spite of losing Alan Shearer to injury (ending his playing career). Regardless, City's only realistic hope is to win both of their remaining games and hope Pompey stumbles.
A win by Portsmouth today at the JJB would essentially seal the deal forcing City to win both their final games to have any chance of surviving. I still hope Bruce can rally his team so I'll be hoping to see Paul Jewell's boys bury Pompey at the JJB. I'd like to see a thrilling comeback by Bruce and his Blues and see off Pompey.
I know its not right but I'd celebrate seeing Harry fail after what he did. Just think, he would be remembered forever for taking both major south coast teams to relegation in successive seasons.
After what he did to Southampton it would be just reward.
