MATCHWATCH : Portsmouth (a)

[Snowflake Royal]

One of their fans decided to use a homophobic slur to describe one Reading fan, they’re quite keen to tell us that it’s only a minority. Funny that.

Given we recently had a 'fan' use a racist slur, I wouldn’t be too quick to tar them all with the same brush, because that shit works both ways.

[TiagoIlori]

One of their fans decided to use a homophobic slur to describe one Reading fan, they’re quite keen to tell us that it’s only a minority. Funny that.

Given we recently had a 'fan' use a racist slur, I wouldn’t be too quick to tar them all with the same brush, because that shit works both ways.

They all painted us under the same brush for that one as well. The exact point I was trying to make was as to why you don’t paint everyone with the same brush.

[Snowflake Royal]

One of their fans decided to use a homophobic slur to describe one Reading fan, they’re quite keen to tell us that it’s only a minority. Funny that.

Given we recently had a 'fan' use a racist slur, I wouldn’t be too quick to tar them all with the same brush, because that shit works both ways.

They all painted us under the same brush for that one as well. The exact point I was trying to make was as to why you don’t paint everyone with the same brush.

Righto, as you were then! Clearly missing some context.

[Clyde1998]

Interesting* to note that yesterday (20,113) was Portsmouth's highest attendance since 6 March 2010 against Birmingham in the FA Cup (20,456) and highest for a league game since 30 December 2009 against Arsenal (20,404)!

[Millsy]

Interesting* to note that yesterday (20,113) was Portsmouth's highest attendance since 6 March 2010 against Birmingham in the FA Cup (20,456) and highest for a league game since 30 December 2009 against Arsenal (20,404)!

Of course, finding ourselves in this league, playing a massive club like Reading is like a World Cup final for most of these League One clubs.

[WestYorksRoyal]

Interesting* to note that yesterday (20,113) was Portsmouth's highest attendance since 6 March 2010 against Birmingham in the FA Cup (20,456) and highest for a league game since 30 December 2009 against Arsenal (20,404)!

Of course, finding ourselves in this league, playing a massive club like Reading is like a World Cup final for most of these League One clubs.

Tbf, wasn't it just because they have recently finished a redevelopment and so they had a bigger capacity? They're top of the league after a horror decade, of course they're going to sell out.

[AthleticoSpizz]

Don’t know if it’s a contributory factor, but they have safe-standing emplaced in both the Reading end, and in the top half of the stand opposite….seems to work well.

[Clyde1998]

Interesting* to note that yesterday (20,113) was Portsmouth's highest attendance since 6 March 2010 against Birmingham in the FA Cup (20,456) and highest for a league game since 30 December 2009 against Arsenal (20,404)!

Of course, finding ourselves in this league, playing a massive club like Reading is like a World Cup final for most of these League One clubs.

Tbf, wasn't it just because they have recently finished a redevelopment and so they had a bigger capacity? They're top of the league after a horror decade, of course they're going to sell out.

They've had a capacity to get over 20,000 for matches - as they exceeded it in the Premier League.

Some of it will be the away following - we're one of three teams so far to take a full allocation to Portsmouth (along with Charlton and Bristol Rovers); Charlton got slightly more tickets than us and Bristol Rovers. There won't be too many sides in the bottom two divisions who'll take 2,000 to Portsmouth. They've still got to play Derby and Oxford - who'll likely take decent numbers there.

I know they've been limited in the past couple of seasons due to the work they've been doing, but would've thought they would've had 20,100+ at least once since they were in the Premier League. I think the next highest in that time was 20,040 against Leeds in 2011. I know they've played Southampton a few times since then, but it's likely the capacity is restricted due to increased need for segregation.

[Zammo]

Top day out, despite the result. Train from Reading to Fratton (via Basingstoke) . Arrived about Midday. Got a tip off to visit this place https://www.staggeringlygood.com/, which is a Brewery Tap Room just behind Fratton Park. Made more than welcome. Home fans were chatty and good natured in there.

Game itself, we were excellent first half. Kept the crowd quiet until their deflected opener. Even at 3nil/4nil we kept going. Loved the scenes at the end when the players came over with Reuben. How different from Orient away was that.

[kieran]

Of course, finding ourselves in this league, playing a massive club like Reading is like a World Cup final for most of these League One clubs.

Tbf, wasn't it just because they have recently finished a redevelopment and so they had a bigger capacity? They're top of the league after a horror decade, of course they're going to sell out.

They've had a capacity to get over 20,000 for matches - as they exceeded it in the Premier League.

Some of it will be the away following - we're one of three teams so far to take a full allocation to Portsmouth (along with Charlton and Bristol Rovers); Charlton got slightly more tickets than us and Bristol Rovers. There won't be too many sides in the bottom two divisions who'll take 2,000 to Portsmouth. They've still got to play Derby and Oxford - who'll likely take decent numbers there.

I know they've been limited in the past couple of seasons due to the work they've been doing, but would've thought they would've had 20,100+ at least once since they were in the Premier League. I think the next highest in that time was 20,040 against Leeds in 2011. I know they've played Southampton a few times since then, but it's likely the capacity is restricted due to increased need for segregation.

I can clear this up.

Saturday was the first match where we have been able to use the entire newly refurbished milton end since it was restricted capacity due to safety reasons in 2012. This was announced in the stadium as our owners where at the game (they come from LA). It was a remarkable moment as it marked the first game where capacity has been at 21200k with enough away fans to actually utilise some of it. Quite a milestone following years of neglect, worthy of celebration. As I am sure you are aware home sell outs are most weeks and have been most weeks for the last 12 years in these lower divisions. Expect any game between now and the end of the season with a decent away following to match/surpass this.

Next step is a new north stand that will further increase capacity by circa 8k.

I hope you manage to find yourselves owners as decent as ours.

[Dirk Gently]

I hope you manage to find yourselves owners as decent as ours.

You had the best owner it was possible to have, after so much hard work and dedication from so many fans - and then you voted to sell to an outsider.

I find that decision absolutely astounding and so very short-sighted.

[kieran]

I hope you manage to find yourselves owners as decent as ours.

You had the best owner it was possible to have, after so much hard work and dedication from so many fans - and then you voted to sell to an outsider.

I find that decision absolutely astounding and so very short-sighted.

We had no future as fan owned. FP was falling apart, we couldnt finance a decent squad. The numbers just dont add up. We wouldnt have just sold to anyone, they had to be particularly trust worthy

[Whore Jackie]

Buttons worst game in a Reading shirt. I think he was at fault for the first and 4th goals

Well, he's built up quite the portfolio of poor games, but I think he was even worse away at Northampton. Lumley wasn't brilliant, but he's just streets ahead of Button. We've had some brilliant keepers, some alright and a few shockers, and he's definitely in the last category. Biggest transfer mistake this season IMHO.

Top day out, despite the result. Train from Reading to Fratton (via Basingstoke) . Arrived about Midday. Got a tip off to visit this place https://www.staggeringlygood.com/, which is a Brewery Tap Room just behind Fratton Park. Made more than welcome. Home fans were chatty and good natured in there.

Also went there. Cracking pre-match venue, absolutely rammed. Must have been well over 300 people in there. Will definitely visit again. Went to a few central ones near Portsmouth & Southsea, that were reasonable, and then ended up the night in the Hole in the Wall, halfway between the centre and Southsea. Really lovely pub.

[AthleticoSpizz]

Iirc, it was voted through by the fan-owners at a meeting with the American. Promises were made, which (as an outsider) seem to be getting delivered.

[WestYorksRoyal]

I hope you manage to find yourselves owners as decent as ours.

You had the best owner it was possible to have, after so much hard work and dedication from so many fans - and then you voted to sell to an outsider.

I find that decision absolutely astounding and so very short-sighted.

We had no future as fan owned. FP was falling apart, we couldnt finance a decent squad. The numbers just dont add up. We wouldnt have just sold to anyone, they had to be particularly trust worthy

I see the dilemma. Fan ownership is romantic, but it has a clear ceiling even for bigger clubs at this level (which both Pompey and Reading are). You're competing with rich benefactors and will always find it hard to get promotion.

That being said, the new owner won't be with you forever. He could take you to the premier league, even do a Leicester, but what if he falls ill and has to sell unexpectedly? How can you control who comes next? You can't. Fan ownership is almost an iron clad guarantee that you won't be where we are now (and where you used to be) and you gave it away. And if Exeter can hold their own in L1, perhaps Pompey and Reading can in the Championship.

[Clyde1998]

Tbf, wasn't it just because they have recently finished a redevelopment and so they had a bigger capacity? They're top of the league after a horror decade, of course they're going to sell out.

They've had a capacity to get over 20,000 for matches - as they exceeded it in the Premier League.

Some of it will be the away following - we're one of three teams so far to take a full allocation to Portsmouth (along with Charlton and Bristol Rovers); Charlton got slightly more tickets than us and Bristol Rovers. There won't be too many sides in the bottom two divisions who'll take 2,000 to Portsmouth. They've still got to play Derby and Oxford - who'll likely take decent numbers there.

I know they've been limited in the past couple of seasons due to the work they've been doing, but would've thought they would've had 20,100+ at least once since they were in the Premier League. I think the next highest in that time was 20,040 against Leeds in 2011. I know they've played Southampton a few times since then, but it's likely the capacity is restricted due to increased need for segregation.

I can clear this up.

Saturday was the first match where we have been able to use the entire newly refurbished milton end since it was restricted capacity due to safety reasons in 2012. This was announced in the stadium as our owners where at the game (they come from LA). It was a remarkable moment as it marked the first game where capacity has been at 21200k with enough away fans to actually utilise some of it. Quite a milestone following years of neglect, worthy of celebration. As I am sure you are aware home sell outs are most weeks and have been most weeks for the last 12 years in these lower divisions. Expect any game between now and the end of the season with a decent away following to match/surpass this.

Next step is a new north stand that will further increase capacity by circa 8k.

I hope you manage to find yourselves owners as decent as ours.

Thank you. Hadn't realised you'd had a restricted capacity for as long as that and certainly explains why you've not had any 20,000+ crowds since the Premier League. The home sell outs were why I was surprised by you not having any 20,000+ crowds. I imagine your game against Derby will no doubt have a higher attendance than Saturday.

Good to hear there is progress with the stadium. There's clearly demand for an expansion and it's appeared from afar the ground has needed some work for a while now. It's come at a good time for you as well, as you'll almost certainly be playing Championship football next season.

In the away end, I'd say the rail seating (safe standing) worked well. A large amount of people stand at away matches anyway, so it was good to have facilities that reflects that. I note you've got it at the back of the opposite stand too. It's something I'd like to see at Reading once there's the money to pursue that.

I think Portsmouth are an interesting case study into how teams can recover from financial issues with stable ownership and a long term strategy. You're clearly on an upward trajectory now and there's a much better atmosphere around the place when compared to a decade or so ago.

[Millsy]

Tbf, wasn't it just because they have recently finished a redevelopment and so they had a bigger capacity? They're top of the league after a horror decade, of course they're going to sell out.

They've had a capacity to get over 20,000 for matches - as they exceeded it in the Premier League.

Some of it will be the away following - we're one of three teams so far to take a full allocation to Portsmouth (along with Charlton and Bristol Rovers); Charlton got slightly more tickets than us and Bristol Rovers. There won't be too many sides in the bottom two divisions who'll take 2,000 to Portsmouth. They've still got to play Derby and Oxford - who'll likely take decent numbers there.

I know they've been limited in the past couple of seasons due to the work they've been doing, but would've thought they would've had 20,100+ at least once since they were in the Premier League. I think the next highest in that time was 20,040 against Leeds in 2011. I know they've played Southampton a few times since then, but it's likely the capacity is restricted due to increased need for segregation.

I can clear this up.

Saturday was the first match where we have been able to use the entire newly refurbished milton end since it was restricted capacity due to safety reasons in 2012. This was announced in the stadium as our owners where at the game (they come from LA). It was a remarkable moment as it marked the first game where capacity has been at 21200k with enough away fans to actually utilise some of it. Quite a milestone following years of neglect, worthy of celebration. As I am sure you are aware home sell outs are most weeks and have been most weeks for the last 12 years in these lower divisions. Expect any game between now and the end of the season with a decent away following to match/surpass this.

Next step is a new north stand that will further increase capacity by circa 8k.

I hope you manage to find yourselves owners as decent as ours.

My comment was hopefully obviously tongue in cheek re: us being big club Congrats, a cracking place from what I can see and a decent team to match. All the best!

[Dirk Gently]

I hope you manage to find yourselves owners as decent as ours.

You had the best owner it was possible to have, after so much hard work and dedication from so many fans - and then you voted to sell to an outsider.

I find that decision absolutely astounding and so very short-sighted.

We had no future as fan owned. FP was falling apart, we couldnt finance a decent squad. The numbers just dont add up. We wouldnt have just sold to anyone, they had to be particularly trust worthy

And what guarantee do you have for the future? The current owner might be fine, but what of the future? When he dies/gets taken ill/loses interest etc, etc?

It just strikes me as a real tragedy that PST struggled for so long and it dominated the lives of some of the individuals concerned for so long, and it was such a massive achievement for them to achieve the impossible and rescue the club for their supporters - who for many years had feared they'd have no club at all in the future - and more or less as soon as it'd done the supporters say "Thanks for keeping us alive, but we're going back to the same "take it all on trust, sugar-daddy" ownership model that so very nearly killed us.

PFC could have been the flag-bearer that proved that it could work, with a little imagination and effort - they'd come so far and done so much that people thought was impossible - and there were ways to make it work while still retaining supporter control. But there wasn't that imagination or drive among the fanbase - just a thirst for immediate success paid for by someone else.

Ungrateful, short-sighted and a betrayal of the supporter ownership movement.

[kieran]

And what guarantee do you have for the future? The current owner might be fine, but what of the future? When he dies/gets taken ill/loses interest etc, etc?

It just strikes me as a real tragedy that PST struggled for so long and it dominated the lives of some of the individuals concerned for so long, and it was such a massive achievement for them to achieve the impossible and rescue the club for their supporters - who for many years had feared they'd have no club at all in the future - and more or less as soon as it'd done the supporters say "Thanks for keeping us alive, but we're going back to the same "take it all on trust, sugar-daddy" ownership model that so very nearly killed us.

PFC could have been the flag-bearer that proved that it could work, with a little imagination and effort - they'd come so far and done so much that people thought was impossible - and there were ways to make it work while still retaining supporter control. But there wasn't that imagination or drive among the fanbase - just a thirst for immediate success paid for by someone else.

Ungrateful, short-sighted and a betrayal of the supporter ownership movement.

The current owner is the Eisner Family and they have said they want to be custodians for the very long term. Of course, we cant be sure that they wont sell. If they do they will at least be selling us in a much better position than when they found us. We will therefore be more sustainable. FP was falling down, now look at it and once the new north stand is built it will be 28/29k and it will still be fratton, not somewhere new and off the island where no one can get too and there's no soul. They are making sure the club stays at the heart of the community. These are the sort of owners we sold to, not just any old buyer. The difference they made to Disney tells us all we need to know.

You make it sound like it was the PST alone that bought the club. Yes it was, but, with all our money on our behalf. We all owned the club and sold it. Ungrateful? we cant be ungrateful to ourselves.

Yes, we could have been the flag bearer, but it wouldnt have been a very good flag. It would have been a crumbling stadium, with further reduced capacity slogging it out in L1 and L2. If there had been a watershed and other clubs had quickly followed suite then possibly as it would have been an even playing field, but that didnt happen. We had to watch clubs like Swansea, Millwall and your good selves getting 13/14k in the championship whilst we were still getting 19k week in week in a sold out stadium but watching us lose at home to Newport in L2. Its not a great advert.

I really feel that the future of Pompey is as safe as it could be now, given the circumstances, and the future is bright and thats because we rose up, not in spite of it.

[kieran]

My comment was hopefully obviously tongue in cheek re: us being big club Congrats, a cracking place from what I can see and a decent team to match. All the best!

It wont be long until you are sorted and we will be back locking horns, hopefully in the Champ and who knows maybe the Prem.

It might feel like its never going to end but it will, like covid, it will.