Welcome to this evening’s Sky Bet League One fixture against Burton Albion. We hope everyone here from Staffordshire has had a good trip and wish you all a safe journey home.
Our last home fixture was truly special and played in front of another huge crowd – the biggest at Fratton Park since 2010. But what was particularly outstanding was the amazing wall of noise from all four stands, especially throughout the closing minutes. It was incredible and nobody should underestimate the massive part that played in helping the team across the line to secure another big three points.
The Fratton Park support is renowned throughout English football, but that was truly something else. Sport has moved into an era where the study and delivery of marginal gains has become big business, but what cannot be manufactured or planned is that phenomenal atmosphere we witnessed 10 days ago. Replicating something similar over these next five home games will be immense. It is inevitable that there are going to be tough moments ahead in each one, but such togetherness, positivity and belief will mean everything and be huge to every single Pompey player out there on the pitch.
The tough encounter with Oxford was followed by a challenging trip to Blackpool, who despite being outside the top six, boast one of the strongest home records in League One. Another away point was delivered with a superb following of more than 2,100 travelling supporters. The only disappointment was the injuries sustained to Jack Sparkes and Callum Lang.
It has been a recurring theme throughout the season, but the depth of the squad and the belief we hold has taken us to where we find ourselves tonight. No complaints, no excuses, no feeling sorry for ourselves – we are instead blessed with a group of players and staff who possess bundles of positivity and all believe in each other. We did reinforce the squad recently, signing midfielder Lee Evans for the remainder of the campaign. Possessing a successful pedigree at this level, we are delighted and excited to bring him to Pompey.
Tonight’s game follows International Women’s Day, recognised worldwide last Friday. It is therefore fitting that this evening we profile the sporting organisation Her Game Too and celebrate the role of women in football. Their aims and objectives perfectly complement the club’s own campaign to raise awareness and promote the importance of inclusivity and diversity in football. I am delighted to welcome the club’s new Her Game Too ambassador, Vicky Lamb, who will join us in the directors’ box. We look forward to her support in helping us create a safe environment for everyone attending matches at Fratton Park.
We were also thrilled last week to confirm that Pompey Women will play their next home game against Rugby Borough at Fratton Park on Sunday, March 24. The team’s 4-2 victory over Ipswich at the weekend means just three wins are needed from their remaining five fixtures to secure the National League Southern Premier Division title.
The champions are eligible for promotion to the Championship – the second tier of the women’s professional game – subject to their licence application being accepted. Next season, a new organisation, NewCo, will take over the running of the top two divisions from The FA. This new entity will spearhead the professional and commercial growth of the elite level of women’s football in England.
Promotion would represent a massive achievement for our players and all associated with the team. We are hugely proud of their performances, with 16 wins from 17 league games and an astonishing goal difference of +59. They proudly represented the club in the League Cup semi-finals last month and in front of more than 22,000 at St James’ Park, devastatingly conceded a decisive goal late on to Newcastle. It means that all focus is now on securing the title.
The Fratton contest with Rugby creates an opportunity for everyone to not only show their appreciation to the side, but to demonstrate to NewCo that Portsmouth can sustain a successful women’s team at the highest levels of professional football, thereby supporting our licence application, should we win promotion.
Please do join us for the game, which kicks-off at 2pm. Tickets can be purchased online, priced at £8 for adults, £5 for seniors and £1 for juniors, with discounts for men’s season ticket holders. The Fratton End FanZone will be open and there will be opportunities for our younger supporters to receive autographs from the players afterwards.
There is also another match at Fratton Park tomorrow evening, when we will be proud to host the Royal Navy, as they take on the Army in an inter-services tournament. Kick-off is at 7.30pm, with free admission in the South Stand.
I would like to congratulate John Mousinho on being awarded the League One Manager of the Month for February. He has not only credited his staff for this second achievement of the season, but further underlined the togetherness throughout the club by acknowledging the critical role played by supporters throughout the return of positive results.
We now have an exciting nine games ahead of us, starting tonight and then followed by a trip to Peterborough on Saturday, where almost 4,000 of you will be in attendance. We do appreciate your passion, encouragement and commitment. It means so much to all of us and we will continue to do our best to deliver the success that you deserve.
Thank you for being with us tonight and enjoy the game. PUP!
Andrew Cullen
CEO
