The past 10 months have been somewhat of a rollercoaster a Fratton Park.

With numerous twists and turns, not to mention ups and downs, there is little wonder that fans are unsure whether to classify the 2008/09 season as one to remember, or one to forget.

In truth, like every season, it is perhaps a little of both.

However, on looking back on this turbulent campaign Richard Hughes is keen to focus on the highlights - like Pompey's first foray into Europe.

He said: "It's been difficult season, but it has also been a fantastic season in terms of experiencing European football for the first time and we played one of the biggest games in the club's history against Milan."

"European football in general is something tha I've always wanted to be part of."

"I've been fotunate enough to play at international level before, but having grown up on the continent playing European football has perhaps a special meaning to me."

"And to play against probably thebest team in Europe - my boyhood team - was definitely a highlight."

It was certainly a night that will be remembered by fans and playes alike for years to come - a real spectacle of football as ompey shocked the Italian giants by taking a 2-0 lead.

As the match entered its final ten minutes, it looked as though the Blues would be celebrating a historic victory but it was not to be.

Substitute Ronaldinho struck a stunning 30-yard free-kick to reduce AC Milan's deficit, before Filippo Inzaghi equalised in injury time.

After the game, the players were distraught. Time is a big healer though, and Hughes - who grew up in Milan - now looks back at the game with philosphical fondness.

"We put in a good performance," said the 29-year-old midfielder. "It was disappointing not to have won having had the lead, but looking back we got a decent result against them."

As the season progressed though, Europe felt a distant memory as the Blues found themselves embroiled in a relegation dogfight.

It was not a challenge that anyone relished, but the team certainly rose to it and achieved thier aim of securing a seventh consecutive year in the top flight.

"Like every club in every season, there have been highs and lows her," admitted Hughes. "But, like always at Portsmouth, we came good in the end and finished on a positive note - we secured Premier League status again when at one point it was looking tough."

"Survival was te goal we set ourselves and we managed to achieve that."

"I choose to look back on the positives and not dwell on the negatives."

"You can't change or control them, but all's well that ends well."

"Now we can have a break, and then get back into it next season, refreshed and ready for the challenge."

Portsmouth F.C.

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