Pompey Chimes (17)

The last few days have seen Pompey in the media a fair bit - as is the norm over the weekend time.

On Saturday the Mirror were saying that Fredi Kanoute's move to Pompey could be getting closer, but we were facing competition from Bolton and Newcastle - in the days that followed the Mali striker pledged his future to Sevilla, this was covered in full by Vital Pompey in this article Harry misses out on Kanoute.

Alan Smith was linked with Pompey in the Daily Mail as Harry Redknapp admitted his interest in the England international and that fact he is 'fantastic value at the money United are asking'. Not so sure on this one myself as I cannot really see what Smith would add us?

Another man returning to the fold as other targets slipped away was John Utaka. The Daily Star claimed Pompey would pay Rennes £4million for the Nigerian international striker. Niko Kranjcar was reported as possible being used as 'bait' - something later denied by Pompey, which was good to hear as Kranjcar started showing what he can do as last season went on.

The will he wont potential transfer of David Nugent to Pompey took another twist as reports claimed Pompey had offered more in wages for the Preston striker. This was another article covered by Vital Pompey in this article Nugent still hopeful of move.

Andrew Cole could be offloaded for £1million to Forest according to the People, while the Sunday Mirror made claims that Leroy Lita could be a £5million target for Pompey and Sunderland.

We did complete our fourth signing of the summer - as reports had claimed we would - when we signed Martin Cranie from Southampton on Tuesday on a 3 year contract for an undisclosed tribunal amount. So another defender signs but still no striker! Again another story covered by Vital Pompey in this article Cranie makes it four for Pompey.

The thing that really caught my eye though - as I am sure it did many of you - was the very sad news over the weekend of the passing of another legendary figure from the late 50's, 60's and 70's, as former Pompey striker Derek Dougan died.

Dougan is more famed for his time at Wolves but the 'doog' started his English career with Pompey in 1957, playing at the 1958 world cup finals with Northern Ireland. He went on to play 36 matches for Pompey scoring 9 goals before a move to Blackburn in 1959.

He may have played long before my time - with Pompey and others - and had even finished playing before my birth, but the forward from the old school is a player that I have seen plenty of on video and have read more than enough about over the years.

Dougan was a controversial figure, but a fella never afraid to speak his mind and say it as it was or how he wanted it. One thing that could never be questioned was his ability to know where the goal was - with Wolves seeing him at his very, very best as one of the games most feared strikers in the 60's and early 70's.

An icon from yesteryear that will be missed by many a fan and a player from the Doog's era - in fact any era for that matter.

Thoughts must be with his family at this time - RIP Derek Dougan.

PLAY UP POMPEY!

Join Vital Portsmouth

It's easy to register, simply click the link and enjoy getting involved (you can even win prizes!)

Message Board To visit the message board, click here.

Get involved This website is your website - so share your opinions.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.