LAST summer it was Watford who were throwing their money around as if it was going out of fashion, but that example of good financial practice (don't laugh!) is now being followed by the Golden Boys' opponents on Saturday, Portsmouth.

Since the days of Mr Sheringham and 'sicknote' Anderton, Pompey have largely under-achieved, but while most clubs have been struggling to survive since the ITV Digital cock up, Mr Redknapp has been quite happily waving his chairman's wads at anyone remotely interested.

Shaka Hislop, Deon Burton and Paul Merson have all been recruited from the Premiership, and they were joined today by 'Boro defender Gianluca 'Uncle' Festa.

On paper, the luckiest father-in-law in the country (how can he keep his mind on football when he's got Louise in the family!) has assembled one of the best squads in the division, and their opening results (two wins and a draw) suggest that talent is being translated onto the pitch.

However, they meet an improving side on Saturday, who, against Wimbledon, proved they are heading in the right direction.

Apart from one moment where they completely fell asleep, the defence are now looking a cohesive unit, the midfield - while still coming to terms with the 3-5-2 shape - are slowly beginning to fire, while all Hornets' fans should individually write to that miserable Scottish Sir at Man U pleading with him to let us have Mr Webber for nothing!

Give him the service and this kid has got goals written all over him, although the same, sadly, cannot be said of his striking partner Smundger who must be praying for a two-yard tap-in to get his confidence back.

The good news is that Webber is fit to return at Fratton Park, and Mr Hyde could also be in contention.

Prediction: I'll take a point right now, thanks very much, and a nice portion of fish and chips to go with it!

August 22, 2002 17:00