Match Report 2002-2003

Sunday 4 May, 2003, Division One

Portsmouth at Valley Parade

Once more, from the top

Let's not bother talking about Svetoslav Todorov hat-tricks from dodgy penalties and off side positions that you won't be getting at Old Trafford next season, Steve Stone and Luca Festa goals or about the light touch of Tom Penford, the Stuart McCall style display of Simon Francis or the promise of Ben Muirhead and instead lets have a story related by one of the Northern Blues as told by Pompey boss Handsome Harry Redknapp ...

It's 1965 at Upton Park, West Ham and young Harry Redknapp sits outside manager Ron Greenwood's office waiting for his turn to talk contracts with the gaffer. As Harry is waiting out steps Bobby Moore. Bobby, a year off lifting the World Cup for England, is looking pretty pleased with himself.

"You're looking chipper," says Harry "You must have got yourself a good deal."

"I did 'arry" says the affable England captain "Ron has just given me 'undred pound a week during the playing season, and sixty pound a week in the summer." Back then a football couldn't pick up £40k a week fifty two weeks of the year and in the close season players accepted that because they would not be playing, the would not get as much in the pocket.

Still Bobby Moore's 100 notes a week represented a good return. Harry congratulated his teammate and had a spring in his step when he walked Ron Greenwood's office, hoping for the same.

"Don't say a word Harry," said Greenwood "because I've got a new deal for you here. I'm going give you sixty pound a week during the playing season, and forty pound a week during the summer."

"I've just talked with Bobby Moore," grumbled Redknapp "and he is getting hundred pound a week during the season, and sixty pound a week during the summer."

Ron was expecting this. "You have to understand Harry that Bobby is a full England International, England captain no less, and he has years of experience and, without wanting to be rude to you Harry, Bobby Moore is a better player than you."

"Not during the bloody summer he isn't!"

Have a good summer.

Man of the Match

Simon Francis

Bradford City Team