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Interviews

Williams: A Privilege To Play For Fratton Faithful

Winger on the possibility of games behind closed doors

27 April 2020

Ryan Williams
Photo: Joe Pepler/PinPep
Interviews

Williams: A Privilege To Play For Fratton Faithful

Winger on the possibility of games behind closed doors

27 April 2020

Pompey players are used to regularly competing at a packed – and noisy – Fratton Park.

Kenny Jackett’s men are the only side in the entire EFL not to be beaten on their own patch in the league this season.

But matches are likely to take place behind closed doors once the action is finally allowed to resume following the coronavirus lockdown.

Ryan Williams admits that will make things tougher for the Blues, but understands why it might be necessary.

The Australian winger said: “It’s a strange one, but we do 100 per cent want this current season to be finished.

“Playing in front of so many dedicated fans is a real privilege and obviously helps us – especially when we’re attacking the Fratton End.

"I think we’ve got the quality in our squad to be able to win games, even if they’re at empty grounds."

Ryan Williams

“It will be disheartening for them to have watched us all the way to this stage and probably not be allowed in as we try to get into the top two.

“But with everything going on in the world, it would be nice for everyone to have some football being played again.

“There are other clubs – such as Ipswich and Sunderland – who get big crowds and it would affect them as well.

“But I think we’ve got the quality in our squad to be able to win games, even if they’re at empty grounds.”

Players are trying to maintain their fitness levels during the lockdown, although Williams cannot wait to meet up with his team-mates again.

He said: “It nice to do some stuff away from football, but you do miss things like being in the changing room and all the buzz around matches.

“It’s really strange not having the usual schedule of waking up, going to training and preparing for a game.”


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