what the papers say

Delap queries SWP ban

A
double-whammy from the Sun, and it seems that even Rory Delap thinks
what everyone-else is saying - that SWP's three-game ban is a bit
harsh. Plus, our next opponents are seemingly linked with our last
maanger - could Sven return to see us on Saturday?

The Sun

"Delap blasts ban for SWP"

SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS was hit with a three-game ban for kicking Rory Delap — but the Stoke man admitted the rap was “harsh.”

Delap was sent off for his tackle on the Manchester City winger.

SWP escaped a card from referee Martin Atkinson but then faced an FA violent conduct charge.

Delap said: “Shaun’s been pretty hard done by.

"After what I did, his reaction was to be expected really.”

Turning to Portsmouth....

"Pompey launch Eriksson bid"

SVEN GORAN ERIKSSON is Portsmouth’s No 1 target to replace Tony Adams as boss.

And
Eriksson has emerged as the man the players want. Peter Crouch, Sol
Campbell, Glen Johnson and David James played under Sven for England.

And Pompey owner Sacha Gaydamak has been told they would support his appointment.

Eriksson,
61, is in charge of Mexico but is not popular and faces a crucial World
Cup qualifier against the USA tomorrow night. Should he lose, he is
likely to be sacked.

Gaydamak believes he could get the Swede
in place at Fratton Park by Friday — before the game with his old club
Manchester City.

Ex-England coach Sven is aware of the interest
and it is understood he will be offered a seven-figure bonus if he can
keep the club up.