Chief executive meets Pompey Stateside group
Blues staff and directors are used to going the extra mile in order to meet with supporters,
But chief executive Mark Catlin flew more than 5,200 miles across the Atlantic to visit Pompey Stateside – the USA-based supporters’ club – in Las Vegas.
The group for exiles was formed by chairman Steve Butcher and vice-chairman Ian Jones back in 1997
Other locations where the Blues flags have proudly flown for the club’s annual get-together, included Fort Lauderdale, New York, San Diego, Mexico, Dominican Republic – as well as during a cruise in the Caribbean.
Pompey Stateside currently have 53 members spread across many different states, but all of them are true fans of the club.
They can also boast former players among their ranks, three of whom were there for this year’s Las Vegas bash.
George Ley, Ron Newman and Norman Piper all joined in the celebrations, while Blues boss Paul Cook and midfielder Gary Roberts recorded video messages from the club’s training ground.
Several of the group also congregated in one of the group's hotel suite to listen to live coverage of last month’s Fratton fixture against Barnet.
That meant a 7am start – but it was well worth it, as Pompey produced the perfect end to the celebrations with a 3-1 victory.
Catlin was the first club official to attend the annual Stateside meeting since supporter liaison officer Johnny Moore flew across to San Diego 10 years ago.
Speaking about his trip across the pond, Catlin said: “They are a really great bunch of lads over there and my wife Elaine and I were made to feel very welcome.
“It makes you realise and appreciate that little bit more the fact we have loyal fans all across the world, not just on our doorstep.
“The Barnet result was the icing on the cake and the lads were chuffed at being able to listen to the action.”