On this day: Benjani backed to be part of Portsmouth revolution... age just a number for Doyle

Benjani backed to be part of the Fratton revolution (2006)

Harry Redknapp backed Benjani Mwaruwari to play a big part in Pompey’s revolution.

Despite the imminent arrival of Jefferson Farfan, Redknapp expected Benjani to play a key role for the 2006-07 season.

Pompey’s strengthening plans heightened speculation about Benjani’s future.

The Blues may have been tempted to recoup some of the £4.4m they paid for the forward after he struggled for goals the previous campaign.

But Redknapp wanted Benjani at Fratton Park alongside his new stars.

Pompey were poised to pay PSV Eindhoven £7.5m for 21-year-old Peruvian striker Farfan.

And they were in talks with Fenerbahce about a loan move for striker Nicolas Anelka.

Marseille and Nice were both said to be keen on Benjani.

But Redknapp reckoned Pompey owed their Premiership status to the 27-year-old.

He said: ‘I like Benjani – he’s a good player. I don’t know what will happen, but I’m not looking to get rid of him.

‘People are quick to jump on Benjani’s back. But I’ve seen enough of him in training to know what he’s capable of.

‘Benji’s got a great attitude. He’s a team player. I’ve got a lot of time for the lad.

‘Just because we spent £4.4m on him, people expect him to be a world-beater. But that’s only half what Everton paid for Andy Johnson.’

Signed from Auxerre in January, Benjani had a clause in his contract that would have seen him return to France if Pompey had been relegated.

He scored just one goal in 16 games for the Blues.

But Redknapp said: ‘It sometimes takes time for players to settle in when they come over into the Premiership.

‘He was playing in Auxerre and the people in France were saying only good things about him.

‘We would have been relegated without Benjani. We had hardly anyone else up front. Him and Toddy were the only forwards we had.

‘I always thought he was a threat. Now I’d like to see him go on and score a few more goals.’

Primus confident of Crouch reunion (2008)

Linvoy Primus expected to welcome Peter Crouch back for a Pompey reunion.

Crouch was set to finally clinch his much-anticipated Fratton Park move after the Blues upped their bid to close to £11m.

It would end a lengthy pursuit of the England striker who Harry Redknapp had long coveted.

Shaun Wright-Phillips was another target whose potential arrival was gathering momentum after both Redknapp and Peter Storrie returned from their holidays.

In the meantime, Crouch was expected to be Pompey’s first big-money recruit of the summer.

The Blues were believed to have agreed a fee with Liverpool two days earlier.

And despite competition from Spurs and Newcastle for Crouch’s signature, Primus believed the striker would be wearing the star and crescent for the 2008-09 season.

The veteran defender was the only remaining survivor from Crouch’s first Blues spell in the 200-102 season, although the pair had lost touch.

But the fans’ favourite was convinced they’d be teammates once again in the forthcoming campaign.

He said: ‘It looks like it will happen. I don’t think it’s a secret. I just think the clubs couldn’t agree terms.

‘It’s like Gareth Barry going to Liverpool – you just expect it to happen.

‘I don’t think it was Peter stopping it – it boiled down to the two clubs getting together and sorting it out. That’s usually the reason why these things take so long.

‘Once the clubs agree I’m sure it’s a done deal. I certainly hope so.

‘He’s going to be an asset and I’m sure a lot of fans would like to see him as well.

‘I remember him first time around and he was always destined to go on and do well. You don’t score 18 goals in a struggling team and not go and push on – and he has.

‘Everybody knew about his ability. We used to see it in training every day and it’s no surprise seeing him play for England and scoring goals. It was no surprise when Liverpool signed him.

‘I’d love to play with him again. It’s a case of just making sure that if he does sign, I can be in that team to play with him.’

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