Portsmouth review

Skysports.com casts an analytical eye over Portsmouth's 2009/10 season.

PORTSMOUTH What Went Right? Erm...their kit is quite nice...Avram Grant seems like a decent guy...anything else? Obviously the tremendously unlikely FA Cup run was a lovely distraction, and a second trip to Wembley in three years will be very welcome, but show us a Portsmouth fan who would take the ever-patronising 'great day out' over another 20 league points and we'll show you a dirty, stinking liar. The cup final is a cherry on top of a past its sell-by date cake, and even the extra money brought in will not help that much, and will rather go towards a forthcoming 10p in the pound offer to the creditors such as Pukka Pies, the Scouts and Southampton FC. Other than that...Kevin Prince Boateng has been OK. What Went Wrong? Everything. Four owners, two managers, three late wage payments, one administration, 85 redundancies and £138million of debt. Mike Williamson neatly sums up the shambolic season at Fratton Park. When, just four days before the transfer window shut, Portsmouth were finally allowed to buy players last summer, they went on a frantic orgy of mediocre purchasing. Williamson was one of the deeply average, brought in for £3million, £1.5million of which they still owe Watford. Four months and exactly zero appearances later, he was quietly ushered out in the direction of Newcastle for about half that fee. That's at least £500,000 in transfer fees and lord knows how much else in wages down the drain. Not ideal for a business that cannot afford to pay for their pasta. Are They Happy? What do you think? The only good news is that they still have a club. Just about. The danger now for Portsmouth is not a failure to bounce straight back up, it's a tumble down the divisions. Signing of the season Jamie O'Hara. The midfielder, on-loan from Tottenham, is a cult hero on the South Coast. This was demonstrated during a half-time presentation of awards in which O'Hara enjoyed pretty much a clean sweep. Flop of the season Mike Williamson. See above for rant and reasons behind this selection. Star man Jamie O'Hara. As mentioned, he has been really excellent. Signed on loan, with the deal extended in January, O'Hara has shone very brightly in midfield, with his left foot producing much magic. Breakthrough player Kevin Prince Boateng. The midfielder has been excellent for Portsmouth this campaign. He has bagged five goals in all competitions and interest in his services is likely to be high this summer. High point Reaching the FA Cup final, obviously. Thank goodness for that, otherwise Pompey fans would have likely given up on football all together. Low point Too many to mention here. Mismanagement of finances has ultimately cost them and it remains to be seen what path they will now take following relegation to the Championship.