Fan banter - Greg Halford. A Wolves view

With Pompey recently completing the re-signing, permanently, of Greg Halford from Wolves we have got a 'fans-eye-view' from a Wolf.

Of course we know quite a lot about him from his loan last season but the ed on Vital Wolves, Akela, has kindly answered a few questions for us in an attempt to give us an even better insight perhaps into Halford.

Without further ado this is what was asked and what was said...

Were you disappointed that Greg Halford left Wolves for good?
Well, yes and no. Apart from his long throw (which he thinks is better than Delap's), he really did not make the grade at the Wolves, even as a utility player. However, we never played him as a central defender, in which position he has proved a revelation for you. Given our problems- and allowing for the difference in performance levels between the two divisions- it's a pity we did not at least try him out there when he was at the club.

Given the fact he only had a year left on his contract and was not really getting, nor would he, a look-in at Wolves it is little surprise he moved on. Any idea why things never really worked out for him with you guys?
I suspect that his reputation and his bad habits influenced opinion and had an adverse effect on his performance in his first season with us. In spite of his physical presence he lacked pace and failed to put in a 'shift'. Even though he straightened himself out and trained well in the close season of 2010, by then it was too late to change attitudes towards him. And, we did not play him at centre back.

As we had him on loan we know a fair bit about him but what would you say are the strongest areas and qualities of his game?
His long throw is always going to be a potent weapon, as is his ability with the dead ball. His height obviously helps him in the centre of the defence.

Again, we have an idea, but what do you think are the things that he is not so good at, or what let him down?
If he is keeping to his good intentions, one can no longer point to his party lifestyle or his hot headedness. He does lack pace at the highest level and can be turned by a nippy forward.

If you were to hazard a guess, not that I suspect you really care that much, what would it be that you think made him want to join Pompey permanently ahead of others 'said' to be interested?
Presumably, the clean Halford enjoyed playing regular first team football, with a bunch of blokes who welcomed his contribution, under a manager who rated him and gave him a chance.

So, all in all have we made a good or bad signing here with Halford?
You know the answer already. I followed his progress in NewsNow last season and he seems to have had an outstanding season.

Whilst we are talking what do you think would be the right hopes, or expectations, for both Wolves and Pompey this season?
If we acquire two reliable central defenders and a left back of proven Premiership quality, we can hope for a mid table position. With regard to Pompey, you need to stabilize the club financially, consolidate your position in the Championship and move on from there. You were not such a bad team in the PL in the 2009-10- you did the double over us- but your financial problems proved to be your undoing.

Thanks to Akela.

I suspect that our paths will cross again at some point, if not during the course of the current season, a season that I wish Wolves well in.

PLAY UP POMPEY!

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