Premier League - Niemi signs for Portsmouth

Eurosport - Fri, 07 Aug 14:31:00 2009

Portsmouth have signed Antti Niemi after the former Fulham goalkeeper reversed his decision to retire from football.

FOOTBALL 2008 Fulham Antti Niemi - 0

The 37-year-old announced his decision to hang up his gloves at the end of last season but having had a re-think will now provide competition for first-choice David James.

Pompey boss Paul Hart told the club's official website: "Antti has got vast experience and will be a welcome addition to the squad.

"Our goalkeeping coach David Coles worked with him in the past and told me all about his character and his quality.

"He has a massive appetite to succeed and he relishes a challenge.

"It provides David James with some good competition and also allows Asmir Begovic to go out on loan, while Jamie Ashdown needs first-team football as well."

Meanwhile, Portsmouth also confirmed Arnold Mvuemba has left the club after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.

Eurosport

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  1. good old lead boots himself returns----waste of money­ Pompy why you think we ditched him K-FFC

    From Keith W, on Sat 8 Aug 4:38PM

  2. I never saw the blackberry pies when I was down there­ last, they sound tasty

    From Mike, on Fri 7 Aug 10:12PM

  3. @#$% on pompey!!! we need strikers! not more­ goalkeepers james is a g8 goalie but simon l is right­ jamie is a better backup then that ex scum!!! play up­ pompey!!!

    From viv.pester, on Fri 7 Aug 9:27PM

  4. 2 old goalies is never a cunning move.

    From Half A Brain, on Fri 7 Aug 7:37PM

  5. Another Goalkeeper?! Ok Niemi is a good, experienced­ keeper, but what does Jamie Ashdown have to do to get a­ chance? He was first Choice keeper a few seasons ago,­ didn't do anything wrong, and was then replaced by­ Dean Kieley. I feel Sorry for you Jamie, and i­ wouldn't blame you for looking elsewhere for 1st­ team action. obviously that's what PFC are hoping­ for at the moment.
    Surely our priorities are a bit­ further up the field?? 1 week to go and still only 1­ striker? Still no Training ground, still no new Ground,­ still no new owner, and still that Fan is making­ blackberry Pies from the bushes in the Fratton car­ park. Embarrassing. Play up Pompey

    From Simon L, on Fri 7 Aug 3:46PM

  6. It will keep Jamo on his toes.

    From terryrussell40, on Fri 7 Aug 3:26PM

  7. It will keep Jamo on his toes.

    From terryrussell40, on Fri 7 Aug 3:25PM

  8. He is bloody good on his day could well get ahead of­ calamity James.

    From JT CaptainLegendHero, on Fri 7 Aug 2:35PM
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