Redknapp Eyes New Signings

Harry Redknapp believes he will have to bring in ten new players if Portsmouth qualify for the Uefa Cup.

Pompey must beat Arsenal on the final day of the season and hope that Bolton and Reading both fail to win in order to secure European football for next season. Redknapp feels the additional workload of the Uefa Cup would put a huge strain on his current squad, but would relish the challenge of building for the competition.

He explained: "That's what we are all here for. That is what it is all about. You need new challenges, you need to keep building and improving your squad. It will be great for us to get into Europe but we can't take it on with what we've got. We are going to need about ten extra players because if you are going to be successful in the Uefa Cup you are going to play at least ten extra games. It starts like a cup competition, goes into a league format and then back to a cup again. Ask Newcastle and Tottenham how difficult that was to handle this season."

Arsenal are likely to field an under-strength team on Sunday but have never lost to Portsmouth in the Premiership and Redknapp accepts it will be difficult for his side to claim the three points they need.

"If we let them get into their passing game we could get murdered," he said. "We've got to go at them right from the start like we did in beating Manchester United, Newcastle and Liverpool at Fratton Park. It would be great to add Arsenal's name to that list.

James Signs New Deal

Courtesy of Sky Sports

Portsmouth have received a boost ahead of the final day of the season with goalkeeper David James agreeing a new contract at the club. James has agreed a new two-year deal, with the option of a third season on top, which could see the player remain at Fratton Park until 2010.
James confirmed to Pompey's official website: "The last year has been great and I am delighted to have signed the extension to my contract. I have enjoyed my football here and with the plans for the new stadium the future for Pompey is looking very good on and off the field. To be part of that future is exciting and I'm greatly looking forward to things developing."

The 36-year-old, a £2million signing from Manchester City last summer, has been in superb form this season and recently eclipsed David Seaman's record for Premiership clean sheets.
His form has been instrumental in Pompey's fine campaign which looks set to secure the club their highest league finish in more than 50 years.

Harry Redknapp's team are also still in contention for a Uefa Cup place, with Arsenal the visitors to Fratton Park on Sunday