Pompey boys - Martin Cranie

Martin Cranie became our fourth signing when he arrived from the lot down the road on 26th June, for a tribunal decided fee that eventually cost us something in the region of £400,000.

There is not much history with Cranie, as the 20 year old has played less than 50 matches in his career so far, but the former England U20 does have a bright future projected ahead of him.

Yeovil born Cranie signed for the Saints straight from school and played in their youth side that lost the 2005 FA youth cup, also playing a part in their losing play off side last season.

Loans with Bournemouth and his hometown club Yeovil brought him first team football, though what his future with the Saints would have been only he will know, but he decided against signing a new contract and the lure of Premiership football with a 'big club' - his words, proved to strong as he made the switch from the red to the blue half of Hampshire.

Few make this switch, but Harry Redknapp clearly feels he is good enough on the field and strong enough, both on and off it to succeed or he would not have signed him. He appears to have the quality that is needed and is tipped to go all the way to the top.

His background with the lot down the road will inevitably count against him for many, but my thinking is so long as he gives 100% I could not care less that he used to don a red and white shirt - as he is a Pompey player now!

Another excellent acquisition by Redknapp and a player that will have a long and important future with the club as a right back, or a right sided midfielder.

PLAY UP POMPEY!