Portsmouth Football Club News

The FA Cup has had its detractors over the last few years. Some have said that it is not the competition it used to be, with critics pointing to Manchester United’s decision to withdraw from the cup to take part in the much-maligned Club World Championship in Brazil in 2000. There are also some managers who view the league campaign as much more vital, opting to field a weakened side when the cup weekend comes around. But try telling Tony Adams that it is a second-rate competition. In fact, try telling that to anyone in Portsmouth and you will be given short shrift. Last season’s competition was the most exciting for some time, with the ‘Big Four’ all dumped out before the semi-final stage. Pompey, of course, went on to lift the cup for the first time in 69 years after Kanu’s goal gave them a 1-0 victory against Cardiff. And now Adams is looking for more joy as the Blues look to defend the trophy they won at Wembley last May. “We had a fantastic run last season,” said the Blues boss. “But there’s no reason why we can’t do it again because we’ve got some great players. “It’s a fantastic competition that I love very much. It can give you great highs and big lows – I’ve experienced both extremes. “The cup throws up some fantastic results and scenarios – that’s what’s so great about it. “We had a tremendous year last year. It was a fantastic achievement and we got a fantastic trophy to put on the sideboard. “It’s such a difficult cup to win, so to bring the cup to Portsmouth was great for everyone at the club and for the fans. “We went up to Manchester United last season and turned them over. We got a penalty and Sylvain Distin made a great tackle on the line. When things like that happen you start to think that your name is on the cup. “We got the rub of the green there, as well as at Preston and Ipswich but you need that if you’re going to win the cup. “I have been lucky enough to win it a few times. “I made my playing debut with Arsenal in 1983 but I didn’t win the cup until 1993. In that time we went out to different teams at different stages but when you win it’s worth the wait.” Pompey’s FA Cup defence begins with the visit of Championship side Bristol City on Saturday. And Adams believes that any side managed by Gary Johnson will provide tough opposition. He said: “Gary’s done a great job with Bristol City, just like he did with Yeovil and Latvia. He’s a great manager and a great guy. “He gets his teams to play, so it should be an interesting game. “Whether you’re looking to win the cup or just get into the next round, the competition is always tough. “But we’re looking to get through to the next round. It’s devastating to lose, especially when you go out to a lower league side. “You only get limited opportunities to win the cup, so you don’t want to feel that you’ve wasted a chance.” Glen Johnson (ankle), Papa Bouba Diop (knee), Richard Hughes (knee), Jermain Defoe (illness), Younes Kaboul (ankle) and John Utaka (hip) are all unlikely to feature against Bristol City. Goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown is also a doubt after picking up an ankle injury in training earlier in the week. But Martin Cranie is in contention for a place in the side after returning from his loan spell with Charlton.

Click here to read the full article

Filed under: Portsmouth News