May 2009 - myPompey News

How delightful to read that some tabloid wit has us down for bringing Hotspur back to Fratton Park. Priceless and much better value than whatever a rag costs these days.

I noticed within minutes of the story being released the Spurs fan sites were full of it.

"Is he going to leave me?"

Like some paranoid lover expecting the worse.

The very fact that Spurs fans are even prepared to believe this nonsense speaks volumes of the premise of Redknapp's engagement at White Hart Lane. He's only been there 9 months or so and already their fans are checking his pockets for incriminating evidence.

Perhaps their palpations are driven by the news that Levy is insisting  that players will need to be sold before new ones arrive. A sure way if ever there was one, of getting Redknapp to scan the footballing equivalent of the lonely hearts columns.

Redknapp caught blowing a kiss to his latest love...

Ok so the deal hasn't been done and we've no real idea of how much the ‘Doc' plans to invest. But even if it falls though, it's great to feel fulfilled, even if it lasts just a day or so. We need good news.

Sure we won the Cup last year, but any reasoned fan that could see past the end of their noses could forecast that it was a temporary celebration. Hocked to our eyeballs and praying for a favourable wind in a chilly economic climate.

Then Europe came and plenty had fun on their travels.  But let's not kid ourselves, Pompey despite a Fratton Park induced marvel display against Milan, were way out of their depth.

And that's how it's been since I was a kid. Some good, some bad but always a nagging feeling it was going to get worse.

Which is why today's news could be... very good news.

Apparently the Doc was involved in last year's big money takeover of a Thai takeaway in Manchester. This year tho' the effort is all his own. Fancying a flutter in the Prem, he proved smarter than the average bear and put his money where our mouths are. The Fratton Faithful ready to sing the salute of any man prepared to ring the Pompey Chimes.

Let's not get carried away though folks. This may just be a steadying exercise. But do we care? It would be wonderful to taste the cash backed success of the Top 4 or 6, but at the end of the clichéd day, I'd settle for us all just having a few good seasons.

Free of the worries that every window delivers us our very own Hunter Gracchus.

Kafka. A Pompey fan perhaps?

The last name the player of the 2008/09 season.... reckon you know?

Announcing the new myPompey Screensaver here.

We are continually improving myPompey and we are about to launch a new front page.

It's currently in development (beta) and due to be released soon.

If you have time please take a look.

Please note it is beta software and there are some issues with the youtube videos.

Any suggestions for youtube inclusions?

Many thanks

myPompey

UPDATE - NOW ON HOME PAGE FOR TRIAL

Please note it may prompt you to install the latest Flash player.

A little bit of fun for a Friday afternoon.

Name the players. Left to right - 1, 2,3,4.

Didn’t you just know that Barcelona was going to put one over on Chelsea last night? Norwegian ref colour blind it would seem and intent on doing as much as he could to ensure that last year’s all English Final wasn’t repeated.

I can’t see how Barcelona deserve to go through. They couldn’t score at home and then took advantage of the away goals rule to the detriment of a clearly shocked and probably hard done by Chelsea.

It’s tempting to suggest that the current system be dropped and instead be replaced it with a formula that favours home teams scoring goals.  That may not be workable, but the current system is mad.

Yes it adds excitement but all too often the tie hinges on the second leg and if the away team score even a single goal, it really does put the home team at a disadvantage.

Drop the away goal rule I say.  Does it add anything other than intrigue for the neutrals? Although I have to say I'm looking forward to the Final.

From PFC.

SUMMER ISN'T SO BAD AFTER ALL!

Summer is coming... no it's not all bad.  Whilst the season is over, We are staying up AND you can now come to Fratton Park and enjoy a behind the scenes tour at one of the oldest grounds in the football league and home to Portsmouth FC. Not just for the Portsmouth fan, the Stadium is packed full of history and allows you to follow in the footsteps of England legends past and present from Jimmy Dickinson and Paul Merson to David James and Peter Crouch.

Highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guides will lead you round areas of the stadium normally off limits.  Your tour will start at the hallowed Players' entrance, then into the Press Room where you can almost feel the pressure of the post match press conference and through to the Home Dressing Room.  Get a real insight into how the team prepare for the game and learn about their match day routines.

Then imagine the roar of the crowd and the famous Pompey Chimes as you stroll through the tunnel and out onto pitch side.  Visit the Manager's Bench and the Dugouts and listen to an explanation of the technical areas as well as the playing surface and the protruding goalmouths. Then onto the Directors Box where you can sit in owner Alexandre Gaydamak's seat with its unique view of the stadium, keeping an eye out for the commentary box.

These are just a few of the sights you will see as you experience your very own 90 minutes at Fratton Park, a truly unforgettable day out, with plenty of opportunities to take unique photographs and learn all about the fascinating history of Portsmouth Football Club.

Finish off at the huge Portsmouth FC Megastore to collect your free key ring and to stock up on all things Pompey from gifts and accessories to kits, leisurewear and fashion. 

The amazing tour launches on Sunday 10^th May.

Please visit www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/tours or call the bookings line on 0844 335 0540.  There is a 15% discount for Season Ticket Holders.

For further information please contact:

Katy Ashby @Portsmouth Stadium Tour

E: katy@thestadiumtour.com / M: 00 44 7711 515 074

Prices:

Pompey have teamed up with Portsmouth City Council to give fans a great new way of getting to Saturday's home game against Arsenal.

Supporters from the north of Portsmouth or outside the city will be able to catch a bus to Fratton Park from the City's new park and ride site.

The Fratton Park service is a one-off trial funded by the club. If it proves a success, it could be repeated next season.

Meanwhile, the regular park and ride service, launched by the council earlier this month, is available to shoppers and visitors heading for central Portsmouth and its attractions. The service runs on Saturdays and bank holidays (including this Monday).

Buses go from the park and ride site at Lakeside, North Harbour to the city centre shops, Gunwharf Quays shopping centre, the Spinnaker Tower and the Historic Dockyard.

The extra Pompey service has been funded by the club. Like the regular service, it costs just £2.50 per car.

Club spokesperson Gary Double said: "Anything that can ease congestion in the City on a match day and make life easier for the fans has to be to the advantage of everyone."

For more information on the park and ride service, drivers can call (023) 9283 4092 (weekdays 8am to 6pm) or see www.portsmouth.gov.uk

For more tourist information, vistors can go to www.visitportsmouth.co.uk or call (023) 9282 6722

Getting there           

From the west - The park and ride is just off junction 12 of the M27. Follow the park and ride signs to Lakeside, North Harbour, using Western Road.

From the east - Leave the A27 at the Cosham/Hilsea turn-off. At the roundabout take the second exit towards Fareham, using Western Road. Follow the park and ride signs to Lakeside, North Harbour.

Sat nav users: the postcode is PO6 3EN