Winger can't wait for Oxford test
The waiting is almost over.
After five weeks of pre-season training and friendly matches, the start of the 2013/14 campaign is just a day away.
Pompey start life in League Two with a home test against Chris Wilder’s Oxford at Fratton Park.
And Andy Barcham cannot wait to take to the pitch as a Blues player for the first time in a competitive fixture.
The winger said: “It’s good that it’s finally come around. We’ve put a lot of work in during pre-season and it’s great to be so close.
“I didn’t play at the end of last season because of injury and it feels like forever since I’ve been out on the pitch and in competitive action.
“No-one likes pre-season, but you’ve got to put in the work because you need to be ready when that first Saturday arrives.
“Now we’re where we need to be and everyone is fit and raring to go.”
Barcham is hoping for a successful first season at Pompey, but knows that winning promotion is a tough task.
He said: “It’s a difficult league to get out of and you have to prepared to graft. It’s nice to play good football, but sometimes it’s just about working together as a team.
“Everyone at the club wants to push forward and get out of this league and we all know what to expect.
“We’ve got people who have played in this league and experienced players who have played in higher divisions – that’s a good combination.
“It’s a difficult task ahead, but one that we’re relishing and feel that we’re up to.”
Barcham is also looking forward to playing in front of a packed crowd at Fratton Park.
He said: “It’s not every day that you get to play in front of so many fans all cheering you on.
“The fans have been unbelievable since I’ve been here. They travel in high numbers and are very vocal.”