Pompey in fight to keep Diarra and Kranjcar

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While Harry Redknapp confirmed he wants "two or three signings" and Portsmouth's chief executive, Peter Storrie, said the manager would be given the funds to "strengthen the team" there were indications that the FA Cup winners will have to fight to hold on to Lassana Diarra and Niko Kranjcar, their best two young players.

Tony Adams, the Portsmouth assistant manager whose own future needs to be resolved this summer, said that if Diarra, who only arrived at the club from Arsenal in January, continues to perform the way he did at Wembley "we might lose him".

The former Arsenal captain added: "Portsmouth will do well to keep him... Portsmouth needs to come up to his standards."

For that to happen Storrie, who said a statue of Redknapp should be erected at Fratton Park to mark his achievement, acknowledged that money would need to be spent. A planning meeting will take place today and Storrie added: "We're going to bring in more players, strengthen the team and get better and better. We want to retain this [the Cup] for a start and obviously do better than we did this year in the league. We had a great season, finishing eighth, but maybe we can go up a couple more places next year. We'll be looking to bring more quality players in and widen the squad as well. It's our job to go on and win more. We're not going to stand still now. We need to build on this."

Like Diarra, who he predicted will be "one of the stars" of the tournament, Kranjcar will play at next month's European Championship and the Croat is aware of the growing interest in him. Asked about his future, the midfielder said: "I will say it like this. If I don't go anywhere and stay at Portsmouth, I am very happy here. I would be crazy if I said I would not be tempted by big clubs because everyone wants to achieve as much as they can in their career, play Champions League football and win more trophies.

"But I am very happy at Portsmouth, especially winning the Cup. Next season will get better. It means we will be playing in Europe and that is another reason why I am happy here. I am not in a hurry to go anywhere; I am only 24 years old. What comes, comes."

The Portsmouth goalkeeper David James revealed that he had thought about moving to Plymouth Argyle – to be closer to where his girlfriend lives – when he decided to leave Manchester City two years ago. "Not that Plymouth ever knew about this," said the 37-year-old. His ambition changed, however, when Portsmouth wanted to sign him.

No monkey business when the naval port last made waves

When Portsmouth last won the FA Cup in 1939...

*They arrived at Wembley placing their faith in manager Jack Tinn's "lucky spats".

Major Frank Buckley, the flamboyant manager of Pompey's opponents, Wolverhampton Wanderers, trusted in his team's special diet featuring "monkey gland" supplements to bring success. The shoes won 4-1 as Tinn's men belied expectations by pulling off a huge upset.

Wolves had finished second in the league, and included Stan Cullis at the heart of their defence, but were played off the park. Pompey's opening goal came from a familiar face, Bert Barlow having been on the books at Molineux just two months previously.

John Anderson added a second prior to half-time before two goals from Cliff Parker sandwiched Dicky Dorsett's solitary reply.

Wolves' goal was more than just a consolation effort, as the teenager became the youngest Cup final scorer.

*Portsmouth held the trophy for the duration of the Second World War, which broke out four months later. It remained safe despite heavy bombing of the naval port.

*FA Cup final tickets cost 10 shillings and sixpence – 52p.

*Champions: Everton.

*Record transfer fee at the time: £14,500 (Bryn Jones, Wolves to Arsenal, 1938).

*Blackburn win promotion to top flight.

*Prime Minister: Neville Chamberlain (National Government).

*Monarch: George VI.

* The Wizard of Oz opens in cinemas.