Play on Pompey

This is a rather surreal match preview to write with a somewhat role reversal for both clubs.

While Portsmouth were in the Premier League, winning the FA Cup and playing in European competitions, the Cherries were in the process receiving a ten point penalty for dropping into administration and ultimately relegating them out of League One, then receiving a seventeen point deduction the following season and fighting for their own existence with the threat of dropping out of the Football League and then an 18 month transfer embargo, which at times forced then manager Eddie Howe to name a school boy and his previously twice retired assistant manager in the squad to make up a match day side of 14.

Fast forward to today and the Cherries have recently been labelled as 'money bags Bournemouth' by Radio Solent, whilst Portsmouth have dropped down the leagues following two administrations and two relegations.

Portsmouth head into the game still in administration, their takeover has collapsed and their future is still uncertain.

Despite this, their ten point deduction will not come into place until they exit administration, while the Football League have allowed them to sign a whole new squad in 24 hours on short term contracts.

The Cherries fans will wish Pompey fans well in their plight as we have experienced it all ourselves, but some might wonder why the Football League continue to appear to move the goal posts in regards to their treatment of financially stricken clubs.

Portsmouth administrator Trevor Birch told The News...

"We can sign players, but only on a monthly contract. That means there is no liability for the club. And it can afford to employ them on such terms during administration.

"For the players there is no risk. If the club is liquidated they will be able to move to another club, even if it is outside the transfer window.

"Even in administration they will be paid under the terms of their monthly contract."

Pompey have had a full squad training with them during pre-season and the players signed this week are Jon Harley, Brian Howard, Izale McLeod, Mustapha Dumbuya, Luke Rodgers, Liam Walker, Kieran Djilali, Lee Williamson, Conor Clifford and Jack Compton.

Previously linked with the Cherries, Lee Williamson has since left Sheffield United and joined Pompey.

Eunan O'Kane returns from international duty with the Republic of Ireland Under 21's squad and is in contention to make his Cherries competitive debut.

New signing Tommy Elphick could also be set for his first appearance for the Cherries, whilst Shaun MacDonald is also hoping to return.

The Cherries will still be without strikers Frank Demouge, Josh McQuoid and Charlie Sheringham.

Midfielders Wes Fogden, Stephen Purches and Mark Molesley are also unavailable.

After missing the crucial penalty that saw the Cherries crash out of the League Cup against Oxford, Pugh will be determined to bounce back.

Head to head

Bournemouth wins - 5

Portsmouth wins - 8

Draws - 3

Last time out

Portsmouth beat the Cherries at Fratton Park 2-1 in March 1990.

Tuesday 21st August, 7.45pm - AFC Bournemouth V the team from stadium:mk.

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