Welcome to this afternoon’s Sky Bet League One fixture and thank you to everyone in attendance, including our visitors from Oxford United. Fixtures between the two clubs in recent years have generally guaranteed entertainment and excitement – and we hope you see another classic encounter today.
Our last outing at Fratton Park delivered a pulsating second half performance and a 4-1 victory over Reading in front of the highest attendance here for 14 years. Furthermore, we will be close to reaching – or even beating – that 20,113 figure today as we take advantage of our ability to maximise seat availability in the Milton End. This is all thanks to the flexible nature of the segregation measures designed into the build of the stand.
Your support continues to be phenomenal on the road, with more than 3,000 travelling to Charlton last weekend, backing the team throughout to take home a useful point against improving opponents, who went on to win at Derby last Tuesday and had already secured a draw at Bolton before our visit to The Valley.
I was, therefore, delighted that our director of sales Mark Judges and his ticketing team were able to negotiate extra tickets from Peterborough for our forthcoming game at The Weston Homes Stadium. This will enable around 4,000 of you to support us there for another crucial top-of-the-table clash.
I was also humbled to meet several fans at St James’ Park, Newcastle last Sunday. Many had left home in the early hours – some as early as 2am – to support Pompey Women in their League Cup semi-final with the Magpies. The team produced an outstanding performance in an incredible atmosphere, in front of more than 22,000, with ‘Play up Pompey’ sung loudly throughout the match. The players and our supporters were never fazed and everyone can be proud, despite the heartbreak of a last-gasp Newcastle winner. Jay Sadler and his team of staff and players can now focus on their goal of winning the league, currently enjoying a six-point lead with just seven games to play, starting away at Cardiff tomorrow.
We are delighted to both recognise and support Level Playing Field’s ‘Unite for Access’ campaign today, which focuses on raising awareness and driving equality to provide a more inclusive matchday experience.
Our newly refurbished Fratton Park has seen significant improvements in accessibility throughout the stadium, with a major upgrade on what can only previously be described as somewhat basic and primitive conditions. We now have wheelchair provision in all four stands and at a higher level in the North Stand. Wheelchair using away supporters can now sit with their own fans and enjoy excellent sightlines, thanks to the new lift, which became operational for the recent Cambridge fixture. This can also be used by others in the North Stand who would prefer not to climb the stairs. Meanwhile, the South Stand houses a state-of-the-art ‘Changing Places’ bathroom and access to WC facilities with hoists and a shower all provided.
But it is not just about making improvements to accessibility to watch the match. We also recognise that people of all abilities should be given the opportunity to actively engage in football or other sports, with Pompey in the Community proudly delivering fantastic pan-disability coaching and games sessions for all ages.
Elsewhere, Pompey’s amputee team reached the semi-finals of the European Amputee Football Federation Champions League earlier in the season. They also compete in the England Amputee Football Association League, sitting top of the table after four games of the current campaign, and are the current holders of the EAFA Cup.
Pompey Pedals is Pompey in the Community’s inclusive cycling project, engaging adults and children with disabilities and differing needs in a quality activity that is socially, physically and mentally stimulating. Specially adapted bikes and equipment allow families to enjoy a free experience of cycling together, which might otherwise not be available. To find out more on any of these programmes, please visit the Pompey in the Community website.
On Wednesday evening, we held our latest supporter matchday experience working group meeting, discussing a whole range of issues to further improve matchdays for all fans, with topics including safety, catering, the big screen, PA system, ticketing and travel to the game. I am grateful to all those who gave up their time to come together to share feedback and develop a series of creative ideas to make matchdays better for everyone.
I would like to take the opportunity to wish one of Pompey’s much-loved personalities, Barry Harris, many congratulations on marking his 80th birthday last week. I know everyone here who knows Barry would want to send him their very best wishes.
Speaking of celebrations, tickets are now on sale for a special anniversary dinner in the Victory Lounge on Friday April 5, which will recognise the latest inductees to the club’s Hall of Fame and provide an opportunity to celebrate 125 years of Portsmouth Football Club. Tickets are priced at £55 to include a two-course dinner and a Q&A session with a number of former players.
We make the long trip to Blackpool next Saturday before returning here on Tuesday, March 12 for a fixture against Burton. There are a limited number of child tickets on sale in the Milton End priced at just £1 for what is sure to be another special night under the Fratton Park floodlights.
Thank you for your support today and enjoy the game. PUP!
Andrew Cullen
CEO
