Portsmouth News 24/7Writer: pompeyrug 
Date:Thursday July 26 2007
Time: 10:18AM
UK time is: 18:36:13
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Should Pompey target Europe?
Several Pompey players have said that uefa cup football is their goal for this season, with all the new signings mentioning this soon after they arrived, even Harry Redknapp has at times hinted towards this - although he soon reminds us how hard it might be, just so expectation do not rise too high.
Sol Campbell was clearly bitterly disappointed that we missed out on this last season, as despite a fine season we all know, even if it was not something everyone wanted, this should have been achieved. Campbell has made no secret of his disappointed that we did miss out, but has targeted it again.
The latest - and probably most forceful - to say this is David James. He has made it very clear that although it will raise expectations, if last seasons showing had not done so anyway, Europe is something we have to aim for this season.
To have any chance of making this a reality we have to sort out our away form, something that James has also spoken about, as it was our away form mainly, although other factors combined, that ultimately cost us last season when all was said and done.
My thinking is we have the players that are capable of doing so, but there are also a whole host of other clubs that will be thinking the same. So providing we are a little more adventurous away from Fratton, should this remain a fortress, then we have every chance.
European football is not quite something that I will be demanding, unless we get into a position again where we should get it, but at least equalling what we achieved last season is a must.
What is your thinking fellas - are you honestly targeting a uefa cup finish this season and do you like the fact that the players are setting levels so high?
PLAY UP POMPEY!
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Your Comments
I think you lot should be aiming for UEFA Cup this season. I really thought you would have grabbed Europe last season. Good luck in the Barclays Asia Cup (or whatever it's called). I think we'll beat you 2-0.
Aamir
If we are believing that a relegation fight is something in the past then you have to set a new target. That can only be European qualification or a cup. With Champions league not a realistic aim (yet) it has to be Uefa cup place either by finishing 5th or 6th or winning the Carling Cup. The experienced players are right to be disappointed with being only a Poll decision from Europe but was that the target and the start of the season? No it was 40 points.
eastneydave
on that particular day it was a poll decision that cost us, but over the course of the season we cost ourselves didnt we mate with poor away showing, negative tactics and stupib mistakes - complacency also set in... yep, altho we are not 'too good' to avoid relegation those days are gone, mid table was something i would have taken last season, top 9 is something that we have to achieve again, but i can see us going better and winning the fa cup of lge cup if we take them seriously... depending on how the season is going around xmas time i will simply maintain these ambitions, if we are in with a shot at europe but cost ourselves a chance this season i wont be as forgiving...
pompeyrug
I agree the away form was disastrous but if we had beaten Charlton at home we would have qualified.. This season we must look to attack sides away from home and pick up more wins rather than draws because surely our home form will not be as good? Winning a cup is a shortcut to Europe only 5 wins not 38 games!!
eastneydave
yes of course we should be trying for Europe, dont say we are a club on the up if you dont think we are/should. it is what the proffesionals play for. the fact that we didnt qualify last time is not down to Poll, we had too many who just went through the motions, too many wasted games, lost when we should have drawn and drawn when we should have won. for me pushing for europe has always been a given, do you reaaly think that.... wait for it... When Harry met Sulley ( been dying to get that one in) do people really think HR said " well sulley join us and you might be able to just miss out on Europe" of course he blo0dy well didnt.
russellm
We've got to target Europe however we get there, it's the next logical step, and imperative to attract more talent in the next lot of tranny windows. 1 word of warning to us all who are demanding it now we've had one good season.Bigger clubs than us have spent millions more than we will ever spend, over the last 15 yrs and still not reached the Holy Grail with any regularity (Spuds, Barcodes,Toffies) Mr Negative, me. Just thought i'd throw in some reality. Lets be honest we're never going to break into the top 4, so that leaves 15 clubs who think they should be in Europe fighting for 3 places!!!
pentonpompey
spending, spending wisely, millions of wasted pounds difference between the two. Pentonp i actually think a ten game run in the great escape says we had two good seasons, also the finances seem to be in good order and we have a bit of class about us. i think sol is pushing for more and i agree, as much as i like Richard Hughes, Noe Pamarot, Dejan and possibly Davis i dont think they are top quality cover. But we missed an Utaka, a Muntari and a goal scorer last season and i think IF WE CAN WIN AWAY things will be different next season
russellm
noe pamarot has impressed me with what i have seen in pre season so far - he seems like he is finally over his serious injury he had at spurs and is kicking on again... i was not that impressed with him when we had him 1st time round, altho he started winning me over last season. as i say in pre season so far he has looked a decent footballer... penton tbh i dont think that breaking into the top 4 is unrealistic. it wont happen overnight, but given time i really think we might be able to do it you know...
pompeyrug
when going for europe, we have to remember all the other teams also going for it. Everton are good, totenham ar very good, newcastle and villa will also be ompeting...and with fulham finishing above us, that only leaves 2 places to go far :) (oh kamara, you will never forget saying that)
pompeycarpet
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