A Call For Benjani: Bring Him Back to Fratton Park!

January 2008: Speculation was rife that then Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp was seriously interested in purchasing Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe.

It was a rumor that had done the rounds for quite some time. Harry had worked with Defoe during his time at West Ham, and Jermain was ready to leave to seek first-team football.

But we had heard it before.

On deadline day, however, it seemed like everything was to go forward. There was great excitement at Portsmouth at the prospect of bringing in such an excellent striker to pair with the on-fire Zimbabwean Benjani Mwaruwari.

And then, it was learned, that in order to raise some of the funds for Defoe's arrival, Benjani was being sold to Manchester City.

I, for one, was crushed. Benjani had a mixed beginning to his time at Fratton Park, but he had established himself as a firm favorite with Portsmouth supporters. His work-rate was always second-to-none, and even though he had struggled to score goals for much of his time with us, we were patient with him.

We knew how much work he put in for the team, and how many chances he was providing for others.

And our patience was very much paying off. Going into that January transfer window, Benjani was in the form of his career, having already scored a marvelous hat-trick in Pompey's 7-4 thrashing of Reading.

He would add another hat trick later in the month of January in a come-from-behind win against Derby County. With twelve goals to his name and with the season just half-way over, Benjani was brilliant.

Deadline day was a confusing affair for Portsmouth supporters, with no one knowing if we would manage to wrap-up the Defoe deal before the midnight limit. All the while, it was announced that Benjani—on his way to a medical in Manchester—missed his flight, and his deal might not go through either.

Finally, it was confirmed that Defoe had signed for Pompey as we waited for news on whether we were going to be able to keep our Zimbabwean hitman. Sky Sports even reported that the Defoe deal was done, but the Benjani deal had fallen through.

I was hopeful.

In the end, however, it was announced that Benjani had indeed signed for City in a deal worth about £3.5 million plus clauses, which only appalled Portsmouth supporters further.

Not only had we lost a player beloved by the fans, but we got crap for him, too.

Since leaving, Benjani has enjoyed a mixed time at the City of Manchester Stadium, scoring a few goals but having been laid-low by injury for some of his year there.

Benjani also scored against Portsmouth in his only match so far against the club. He promised before the game that if he managed to get on the score sheet, that he would refuse to celebrate in front of the supporters he has such great respect for.

And when he scored, he kept his word.

And now, having made only ten appearances for the club this season and under stiff competition from fellow strikers Robinho, Jo, and Darius Vassell, speculation linking Benjani with a return is picking up.

With other strikers at the club currently young and improving or injured, and with manager Mark Hughes certain to bring in striking additions this transfer window, Benjani's departure is a realistic possibility.

Today, The Sun has again reported that Portsmouth's Tony Adams is interested in bringing him back to the club to fill the void left by Defoe.

In my opinion, there are few smarter transfers for Pompey.

With Manchester City's deal for Craig Bellamy apparently getting closer and closer, the Citizens will probably be pleased to recoup some money as they look to strengthen the squad.

And Benjani's passion for Portsmouth Football Club and our supporters make him the perfect re-acquisition.

Even more so, because Benjani has proven in our relegation struggles seasons ago that he has the grit and determination to battle for our club.

Something it certainly seemed Jermain Defoe wasn't interested in.

And it is through the example and quality of players like Benjani that will allow Portsmouth to get the results that are necessary.

And a partnership between Benjani and Crouch could be a wonderful pairing for the club.

Tony Adams and the Portsmouth board: do what many Portsmouth supporters are already calling for, and bring Benjani back to Fratton Park!