Portsmouth News

reddevilleanne · Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Posts: 13228 Location: Nottingham

Robert to fight for Pompey place
By Chris Stanton - Created on 18 Dec 2005

Portsmouth's temperamental winger Laurent Robert has vowed to fight for his first team place under new manager Harry Redknapp.

Robert had been linked with a move to Marseille after falling foul of former Pompey coach Alain Perrin amid a dispute concerning his role as a substitute.

Perrin has since departed Fratton Park and the return of Redknapp means Robert starts with a clean slate - a stroke of good fortune the 30-year-old is eager to turn to his advantage.

"I perhaps have to prove myself again but I am prepared to work hard and show that I have a future here," said Robert.

"I have always been ready to work hard, so it is no different.

"I was fine when Alain Perrin was here but the return of Harry Redknapp is no problem for me.

"My aim now is to do well for Portsmouth for the rest of the season, and then hopefully we can discuss a longer contract."

Redknapp insists he has yet to see any evidence of the suspect attitude that has been called into question by the likes of Perrin and former Newcastle manager Graeme Souness.

"He has not been a problem since I came back," revealed Redknapp.

"Everybody tells me he wants to prove a point and play, and there is no doubt he is a big talent."

reddevilleanne · Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Posts: 13228 Location: Nottingham

Redknapp delight at victory
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 17 Dec 2005

Harry Redknapp could hardly contain his delight after seeing his Portsmouth side pick up three crucial points against West Brom.

In Redknapp's first game back at Fratton Park, Pompey earned their first home Premiership win of the season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over The Baggies, and the manager was proud of his players' efforts.

"It was a great result because it was a must-win game for us," he told Sky Sports News.

"We worked our socks off. We ran and chased and gave it everything we had.

"The fans were brilliant. They urged us on and kept us going. They won't accept anything other than hard work, and they are right to do so, because if we do otherwise we'll be relegated."

Redknapp also singled out Frenchman Laurent Robert for special praise, claiming that his attitude was very good.

"There's no doubting his ability, so I've given him his chance and he's responded. He worked very hard and that was pleasing," he enthused.

The former Southampton boss also insisted that his side are capable of staying up this season, and vowed to bring in new players in the New Year.

"If we go down it won't be for lack of trying," he said.

"It's a squad that needs strengthening. If we can hang on until January then we have a chance."