Grateful Grant hails Pompey stars

FROM Mick McCarthy there was humour, from Avram Grant heartfelt passion.

Such is the difference in the way fate has bestowed its favours on these two managers in the Premier League basement.

Wolves boss McCarthy, his team secure for another term in the top flight, grinned wryly as he said: “People keep telling me about second-season syndrome. I wouldn’t know. I’ve never had one.”

For Grant there is the cup final to look forward to, but the prospect cannot remove the sense of hurt he feels about Portsmouth’s relegation.

Grant addressed the Pompey crowd after the club’s last home game in the Premier League. As speeches go, it may not have been Churchillian, no pledges to fight them on the beaches as such. Even so, there was no doubting the sincerity of his sentiments.

“If anyone in the world wants a lesson about passion and commitment, then Fratton Park is the place,” he declared. “They can take points from us, put an embargo on us, but they cannot destroy our spirit – never!”

At least the crowd had a rare three points to celebrate with this 3-1 victory – only the third time Pompey had scored more than two goals in a match this season.

Grant admits he has offers elsewhere, but the banners still said “Please Stay Avram”. And he told the crowd: “On May 15, each one of us, players, staff and fans can be very proud to come to Wembley with a sign ‘we did it, we did it’.”

Aruna Dindane – whose French parent club Lens have agreed to let him play in the cup final without triggering an appearance-related clause – fired the home side ahead on 20 minutes, before Kevin Doyle bundled home an equaliser.

However, Pompey went into half-time ahead following John Utaka’s 20-yard effort and a well-crafted third from Michael Brown after 67 minutes sealed victory.

Grant maintained off-field matters must be resolved before he will be able to decide whether to remain in charge next season.

“I love this club, and it will always stay in my heart, but we need to know first what the future of the club will be. My own future is not so important,” he said.

“I have had offers, but did not sign for anybody. I am waiting first to see what happens with this club. This club needs a new direction and stability. Hopefully in two weeks, we will know what is going to happen.”

Wolves boss McCarthy accepted his side had not reached the level of performance of recent games. “It was below what we have been producing,” he said.

“While I did not want to come here and lose, I think I can forgive the players a bit of a dip as they have been as tight as piano wire for 36 games, being really solid and committed.

“You only have to be a couple of per cent down on things you do, and that is what we were today.

“Saying that, we could have won 7-5, because we missed some outrageous chances.”

MATCH RATING: *** - A fine victory but one of the stars is in recognition of the Pompey fans who have remained loyal.

REFEREE: Mike Jones (Cheshire) 7 – Must have been one of his easier games this season.