Cherries: Mitchell expects victory despite Pompey signing spree

7:00am Saturday 18th August 2012 in Sport Photograph of the Author By Ian Wadley

CHAIRMAN Eddie Mitchell admits he will be “very disappointed” if Cherries fail to show their class at Fratton Park – regardless of Portsmouth’s controversial signing spree.

Much-fancied Cherries take their expensively-assembled team to take on troubled Pompey in a League One derby opener this afternoon (3pm).

The south coast neighbours have experienced fluctuating fortunes in recent months – with promotion-hunting Cherries splashing the cash while the beleaguered Blues have endured serious off-field problems.

Cherries supporters remembering the club’s long-running transfer embargo have questioned the decision to allow Portsmouth, who are still in administration and without an owner, to sign new players.

Administrator Trevor Birch gave Pompey boss Michael Appleton the green light and he handed temporary deals to a host of players as he built a squad from scratch on Thursday.

But Mitchell, in charge during some of Cherries’ transfer embargo, insisted he had no issue with Portsmouth being permitted to recruit. And he insists Cherries should still be able to make their preparations count.

Mitchell told the Daily Echo: “I don’t make the rules and I don’t approve the rules so what happens, happens.

“I’m not going to get on my high horse about it. I just want us to go there and win.

“But other than that, for the sake of their supporters, I hope they keep their club going and playing at a level where their fans come out in numbers.

“We have got to make sure we go there and be the superior team. We have had a long close season to get ready, we have brought in new players and they have had time to settle. I know we have got a few injuries, but the boys have got to step up to the mark and show their superiority.

“Portsmouth have signed players and whether they have been together in the close season, I don’t know.

“But will they be as well prepared as us? I would like to think not.

“We have quality players at the club. I think we have got to go and start proving it week after week now. I shall be very disappointed if we don’t start today.”

Mitchell added: “I want Portsmouth to stay afloat and keep playing in our division. I don’t wish them all the best for today but after that I hope they do well. It is good to see that they are able to get some players together.”

Comments(14)

Nat1234 says...
7:06am Sat 18 Aug 12

Lee Barnard , now that has got to be the best signing we have made since ANDERTON . With this signing it just proves what MITCHELL wants this season . I take my hat of to you MR MITCHELL ..

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Football banning order yob says...
7:17am Sat 18 Aug 12

Buzzing for today!! Cant wait, great signing getting Barnard..

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Richard 1976 says...
7:51am Sat 18 Aug 12

Things are tough in the third division when the mighty fall. Realisticly Pompey are no threat but their fans have passion and will support them regardless, that has to be applauded. As for our boys, we have to be optimistic this season. Play offs at the least. Sheffield Utd have high hopes again but 3 big teams went up last time. The coast is as clear as it will get for afcb to show what they're capable of. An exciting season I hope, and no panicking if only mid table in November!

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Square Old Codger says...
8:51am Sat 18 Aug 12

This game isn't going to be the "walkover" that some are expecting. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Pompey take a point - our own experience of a couple of Seasons ago demonstrates just what can be achieved when a teams back is to the wall. Nor are the "plays offs" a certainty - I would question whether we have a midfield good enough to able to control a game and create chances. But the Season starts today and we will soon know how good our chances are likely to be. Todays game is more akin to a cup tie than a normal League Match though and Pompey will be really fired up!

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bluewhiteandred says...
8:55am Sat 18 Aug 12

hi cherries fans have a good trip to pompey and a good day . Yes 10 new players so you do have the advantage they have not had the time to gel so it will be for pompey hit or mss if they do blend great if not a big disaster you will get a few goals ! should be a full house and great atmophere jointly singing s..m saints are going down all four sides that would be good

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devon fan says...
9:28am Sat 18 Aug 12

if we are prepared to work hard, and settle into our game we will give any team a good game , but if we take our foot off the pedal and are negative in any way we will pay the price, Mr Groves has gone public and stated he wants his teams to play good football, and with that good football the results will come, if we continue in the same vein as last season it will be a long hard season for the fans if not for Mr Groves

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eaststandman says...
9:39am Sat 18 Aug 12

bluewhiteandred wrote:
hi cherries fans have a good trip to pompey and a good day . Yes 10 new players so you do have the advantage they have not had the time to gel so it will be for pompey hit or mss if they do blend great if not a big disaster you will get a few goals ! should be a full house and great atmophere jointly singing s..m saints are going down all four sides that would be good
Don't feel too sorry for yourself BWR. You have the better manager and the most loyal and passionate fans.

I want The Cherries to win today, but all the best to Pompey this season !

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Afcbpete says...
10:00am Sat 18 Aug 12

I'm delighted Mitchell has come out and said what many of us are thinking. The money has been spent and Groves now needs to deliver. There have certainly been some very good signings made and maybe still lacking in midfield, but this is a squad brought together by Groves and the fans AND Mitchell expect big things.
Good Luck to the team for the coming season, it should prove to be very interesting one way or another...

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exiledcherries says...
10:14am Sat 18 Aug 12

For once Mitchell speaks some sense! Safe trip over to Portsmouth today ...... some of us are already here (for +20 years now!). UTCIAD

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yokel cherry says...
5:50pm Sat 18 Aug 12

The problem is though its not all about money its about the right players and more importantly the right manager as a certain Mr Howe proved

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nonnogeppetto says...
5:53pm Sat 18 Aug 12

yokel cherry wrote:
The problem is though its not all about money its about the right players and more importantly the right manager as a certain Mr Howe proved
I hope EM doesn't leave it too long as he did with LB if PG continues to prove that he hasn't got it.

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lionheart says...
8:51pm Sat 18 Aug 12

What does Mitchell know about football. Absolutely nothing.

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Football banning order yob says...
9:16pm Sat 18 Aug 12

Disgusting performance today.. Our players looked like theyd never met, disorganised clueless.. Only one to emerge with any credit was Barnard. Eddie if serious about promotion get rid off groves now

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KENROY says...
7:05am Mon 20 Aug 12

If we are to meet expectations this season we need a much better midfield ours with Macdonald,and Gregory especially is much too weak Feeney and Robinson would add much needed bite and pace then we would be a team that could achieve promotion

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