Portsmouth

The last English club outside the “big six” to win a major trophy. Forever beloved by fans. Financial collapse followed — adding to the myth. FA Cup winners (beating Man United and Cardiff), finished 8th in the Premier League, and qualified for Europe. Massive overperformance. Not quite a seismic cultural force, but admired as a classic FA Cup underdog story. Became a warning tale for financial mismanagement later. Kanu’s FA Cup winner. David James in the UEFA Cup the following year. Diarra bossing midfields. But no “eternal” highlight moment beyond the cup win. They had charm, chaos, quality and a feeling that something was happening. Redknapp’s alchemy, a blend of grit and stardust.