Intertoto is a Pompey no-no
POMPEY have decided against entering next season's Intertoto Cup.
Instead, Harry Redknapp will put his faith in his exciting side clinching European qualification outright.
The Intertoto provides an alternative route into the UEFA Cup for sides who do not win a place via their position in the Premier League.
At the start of this season, Blackburn, Atletico Madrid, Lens and Sampdoria were among 11 clubs which reached the UEFA Cup after winning through from the controversial tournament.
As it stands, the team finishing sixth in the Premier League would qualify for next year's Intertoto – providing they have applied. Only Manchester City have so far publicly revealed their decision to enter having met the January 25 deadline.
But they will not be joined by Pompey.
Instead, the club is considering another pre-season tour abroad, following on from the hugely-successful trip to Hong Kong last year.
Thailand is currently a realistic option, while America, Singapore and Amsterdam have also been mooted.
Ironically, Redknapp won the Intertoto as West Ham boss in 1999 after beating FC Metz 3-2.
But chief executive Peter Storrie has revealed the Blues boss is not interested in entering this time around.
He said: 'We have decided not to apply, it's not something the manager particularly likes to play in.
'The Intertoto is so early in the season he believes it disrupts the whole pre-season preparation and can do more harm than good.
'The first game is played some 14 days after coming back to training.
'Playing competitive matches that early can see the players run the risk of getting injuries to their calves, hamstrings and elsewhere.
'Even in early August we would be playing Intertoto games, just weeks before the Premier League season starts.
'Obviously, it has been given careful consideration, but we don't feel it is in our best interests to enter.
'Instead, we are looking at a pre-season tour, although the exact destination has yet to be finalised.
'We are currently looking at a whole host of options.
'But we would like to think we can qualify for Europe anyway, without the need of the Intertoto Cup.'
Since 2006, the tournament has consisted of three rounds instead of the five.
The 11 winning teams from the third round then go through to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup.
Meanwhile, Pompey have promised action against any supporters found guilty of throwing missiles.
The FA have written to the club after a plastic bottle and coin were hurled at match officials during Saturday's Chelsea draw.
Pompey have seven days to respond and Storrie has vowed to stamp out any culprits.
He added: 'Such actions cannot be condoned by this football club.
'As frustrated as we might get a times with decisions, there is no excuse for behaviour like that.
'We have not had this problem for a long, long time and will be looking at punishing those responsible.'
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Weather for Portsmouth
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
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