Midfielder used to Christmas slog
There were a lot of tired bodies following the victory over Dagenham & Redbridge on Boxing Day.
But Pompey’s squad do not have long to get ready to go again.
The packed festive schedule means that the games come thick and fast, with fixtures against Northampton, Southend and Accrington all approaching.
But Thery Racon is fine with not getting much rest over Christmas – even if it might confuse some from his homeland.
“I’m used to it now because this is my seventh season in England,” he says in the official matchday magazine for Sunday’s clash with Northampton. “It was a little odd when I first came to this country and we were training on Christmas Day and then playing a game 24 hours later.
“In France we would have a little break at this time of year, so it’s very different.
“But that is the culture over here and you have to be prepared to play a lot of matches.
“You don’t have time to celebrate the holiday because you need to be professional and ready to perform on the pitch.”
You can read the full interview with Racon – where he also talks about his return from a groin injury – in Sunday’s programme.
Issue 15 is another packed edition with a double-sided pull-out poster and collectable player cards.
Also in the perfect-bound 84-page publication, Alan McLoughlin discusses his firsts, we take an in-depth look at Northampton and there are exclusive columns from Richie Barker, Iain McInnes and Johnny Ertl.
Sunday’s matchday magazine is available to buy from programme sellers around Fratton Park and is great value at just £3.