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Writer: pompeyrug 
Date:Monday September 8 2008
Time: 1:58PM
UK time is: 18:52:24
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Less talk more action John/Appiah latest
John Utaka has said that he is totally committed to Pompey and he had no interest in leaving despite reported interest from Lille in August, which he says was 'rubbish' anyway. He even went as far as saying the talk about him leaving were 'lies'.
I have little, or no doubt that he did not want to leave Pompey for whatever reason as the word I have is that he rejected a move to Lille despite an offer being accept? So, yep it seems to completely add up that he did not want to go...
Utaka also went on to again say how he wants to improve as a player and wants that to be in England with us, and also wants to prove how good he really is.
To be honest I am going to take some convincing that he can become the player he claims he will, but as said previously will give him that final chance - but it is time for less talk and more action John!
==========
Also, Stephen Appiah remains a player that is strongly linked to Pompey, with weekend reports claiming that he wants to come to England - which of course gives us a great chance...
However West Ham remain very keen, with it also suggested that Arsenal are seriously considering a move for him - so we have competition for the free agent. 'Reports' today have also said that German duo Bayern Munich and Schalke are also interested as well.
I did not see the game but Appiah is believed to have been outstanding in an international for Ghana on Friday, with him watched by Pompey representatives as well as those from West Ham and Arsenal - and if reports today are true I would suggest those from Munich and Schalke as well?
I would be delighted if we could bring him to Pompey, and there is still a chance but all we can do is now is wait and see! But his future 'should' be sorted out after the international break...
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Your Comments
Utakahas already played this season and quite frankly, he doesn't look any different to last year. At the ManU game a Pompey player lost a tackle but the ball was close to him and free. The crowd around me was shouting "again, again", but he just stood there. Guess who it was - yep - Utaka! Problem is, even I can see he can see he is a good player and his efforts (when he made them) did get some cheers.
Gandor
I saw somewhere that Appiah said he won't be rushed. If I were a free agent and had all those teams after me, I don't think I would be rushed either. I'd be hanging out for the best deal my agent could carve out for me. Of course, I would want to go to a decent team and that would come into it, but aren't all the teams that are in for him decent? I hope we get him, but I'm not holding my breath. Perhaps Harry can go and have a cup of tea with him?
Gandor
There's still hope! Some practice crossing from the wings would be nice.
Pompeyscum
Talk is cheap & it will soon be January!!! As for Appiah, does Harry want him & does he want us? Time as they say, will tell us!!!
storagematt
I still have faith that Utaka will come good, maybe I am just being too optimistic?
sneakay
Yes, Sneakay, I fear you are. Wholly agree with Gandor, he just doesn't get it. Oh and those cheers at Manure were ironic, to say the least, at least by me.
UKTony
I do think though that Harry playing him week in week out when he was not performing didn't help. Now that he has been left on the bench he may well have decided that he does not like that life.
sneakay
lol agreed tony. I was hopeful before the start of the season but the Man U game just proved to me that Utakas hasn't and probably won't change unfortunatly, oh well as matt said januarys not far away
pompeym@
Irony Tony is not your strong point!! Gandor is right of course Utaka has got it but is is lazy without doubt. Sadly I have it on good authority that HR cannot meet Appiah for a chat as the Ghanaian does not drink tea sadly!!
eastneydave
I think this will be utaka last chance because january is coming and if there is no improvement then sureley he should be moved on because we need 100% committed people and strong people for a club of our size.Hope appiah joins but to be honest i cant see it as munich and arsenal in he will lead to one of these but hope i am wrong
stfc ballboy
I dont question Utaka's commitment, or his ability - it's just that he doesnt fully understand the english game, and maybe even his onw talents! He is lightning quick, and has a good first touch - however he isnt great at running with the ball, or crossing. Unfortunatly, he seems to think he should cut inside more often -when in actual fact, he should be running down the channels behind the defence, latching on to through balls. Once he gets that right, he will be a superstar. If we sell him, so be it - just so long as we dont sell him to an english club - however I will be dissopointed.
pompeycarpet
The one good thing about Utaka if he is on the bench, is that we are back to playing with eleven men, not ten.
007
Appiah could still happen his prefrance is the premier so gives us a better chance along with Arsenal & West Ham who it is said have already made him an offer, but as I have said before he was in no rush, & want's to look at his opptions. So Pompey or Arsenal ?
pompeyyong
I can't belive Appiah would choose Pompey over Arsenal; and West Ham would probably offer more wages, so I'm backing a resurgent Sean Davies to drive our midfield (with fingers crossed that Diarra doesn't get injured (remembering the horror tackle by Deco in the first few minutes of the Chelsea game))
Pompeyscum
I read that Liverpool are in for Appiah. As for Utaka; it's just so frustrating when a player with so much natural talent just doesn't seem to apply himself - so, unlike Carpet, I do question his attitude and, therefore, his commitment. It would be like making a new quality signing if only he could sort it out.
NinjaTim
tim - he comes out saying all the right things. he wants to play, and he talks about anting to be the best - especially for pompey. he wanted to come to pompey long before anyone bothered linking him to us - I genuinly think he is commited to pompey. Unfortunatly, he is possibly suffering from being in the shadow of Kanu, andmaybe wanting to play in a similer way to him - which he simply should not do. Rather than trying to be ronaldo (as he has said before!) or kanu (the way he seems to play) he should just try to be Utaka - and run behind the f********** defence :-)
pompeycarpet
carpet is that the Fenerbahce defence? Appiah has just left them!!
eastneydave
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