The News' chief sports writer & author of 5 Pompey books. Moaned at for being too critical, whined at for not being critical enough. ‘It’s in the article’.
Delighted to announce another guest for the PUP4 launch…
Mark Chamberlain!
📅 Friday, September 27, Fratton Park
✅ Confirmed; Redknapp, Evans, Symons, Chamberlain, Reynolds, Rose, Youlden
🎟️ Tickets
🎤 Event details
#Pompey
Farewell League One. Farewell Bristol Street Motors Trophy. Farewell Liam Sercombe. Farewell Steve Evans. Farewell FA Cup rounds 1 and 2. Hello Championship.
#Pompey
Pitman told to train away from the club. Casey and May told they are being released and have no Fratton Park future. Yet all three agreed to stay on for an extra month to help
#Pompey
and keep squad numbers up. Outstanding from the trio. Deserve immense credit.
Later this month marks 20 years since this man took over as
#Pompey
boss. Today sat down with him for an epic chat about some truly wonderful Fratton Park times. The club’s most successful manager of the last 70 years.
Sean Raggett. Took the criticism, believed in his own ability and got his head down to prove people wrong. What a season he’s having for
#Pompey
. So much respect for the bloke.
Sorry, never usually block
#Pompey
fans, but will be doing so to those lovely people swearing and abusing me personally after the Blues’ gutless display today. I don’t kick the ball, sunshine.
The competition that meant nothing, but meant everything. Wonderful day for
#Pompey
fans - and next generation of fans to emerge since 2010. BUT all those to have witnessed club's plight had lump in our throats at the end. Catalyst Evans MOM. Pleased for Hawkins. Another trophy!
#Pompey
have bought Roko. Will now own the health club and its facilities, plus have the freehold of their training ground. Will officially take over on June 23. So much potential at that site - and quite a financial commitment from Tornante. Surely everyone is cheered by this?
Time to turn the focus back to this man. Yesterday was his day. The first-half control, that shot from distance, 'Raggett for England', 'One Sean Raggett', named man of the match. Received biggest cheer when players were introduced for medals. A true cult figure.
#Pompey
Been plenty of stars this season (so far) for
#Pompey
. But it's about time a conversation was had about Joe Rafferty. Outstanding today - but he's been like that all campaign. Gets little attention, but defensively an absolute rock. Consistent, reliable and a proper leader. Bravo
Through
#Pompey
ownership troubles, often opposition fans mocked, waved money & sung ‘Pay Up Pompey’. Today at Bloomfield Road, 1,638 Pompey fans united with Blackpool supporters and sang anti-Oyston songs. Class gesture.
RIP Pete Blackman. Such a talented photographer but, most of all, what a man. Outpouring of love and respect on social media is richly deserved. Will genuinely miss his Tweets, always reasoned, empathetic and absolutely spot on. The
#Pompey
family have lost a great human being.
As I understand it, Chris Wilder is open-minded about managing
#Pompey
. Always spoken highly of the club and fans - but needs to be convinced of their ambition.
So that’s 6 signings in the last 13 days - Josh Griffiths, Joe Pigott, Josh Oluwayemi, Colby Bishop, Michael Morrison and Dane Scarlett. Perhaps
#Pompey
knew what they were doing after all…..
We were unable to go to O’Neill’s (working), so instead enjoyed ourselves last night. Like you all, we’ve lived and breathed every day of this wonderful season. Believe it or not, it’s considerably more pleasurable covering a winning side and a successful club! Play Up
#Pompey
!!
I know some will never accept the Eisners. And I know some hate giving them any credit. But their desire for a sporting director and involvement in Hughes and Mousinho appointments (they obviously had a say) has proven inspired. Cullen too. Club-transforming decisions.
#Pompey
.
#Pompey
exit the play-offs with a whimper for a second successive season. No excuses, no hard-luck stories, not good enough. Attritional, mechanic and uninspiring - which will hurt the fans the most.
List the top-six iconic moments since
#Pompey
left the PL and surely this chap was instrumental in three of them. Notts County, Cheltenham and Wembley. Privileged to spend two-and-a-half hours interviewing Jamal about memorable Fratton Park times. He hasn’t forgotten about us!
Possibly
#Pompey
's finest display of season. Magnificent as attacking force, played with positivity and fluidity not often seen. Cannon driving force and MOM. What a recruit Seddon is. Never underestimate Close. Love Williams' energy. 2 defeats in 21. Smile (even you Brian Howe).
Paul Cook and his 4-2-3-1 system........
2013-14 - L2 Title
2014-15 - L1 Play-offs
2015-16 - L2 Play-offs
2016-17 - L2 Title
2017-18 - L1 Title
Not bad for someone ‘useless’, ‘tactically inept’ and having ‘no Plan B’.
#Pompey
#CookOut
At home, 4-0 down to your fierce local rivals and fans still singing and generating an atmosphere like that. Doesn’t happen, if just doesn’t happen. Last night it did.
#Pompey
supporters will never be outclassed off the pitch. (Horse punchers not included).
What a brute of a defender Nathan Thompson is - and one of
#Pompey
's most underestimated performers. Absolutely outstanding against Cov. That goal-line block was pivotal at 1-0 down. His heart, guts and desire epitomise this team. Master at defending one-v-ones too. MOM today.
‘I dream about Anton, then you wake up and cry because it hits you like a ton of bricks. Suddenly it’s back to reality.’ Many thanks to the Walkes family for entrusting me with their heartbreaking story. And much credit to
#Pompey
👏👏👏👏👏
When
#Pompey
hosted AC Milan it generated the greatest atmosphere many present - including players - have ever heard. No pyrotechnics, no clappers, no goal music. Just supporters backing their team. Perhaps Fratton Park really is trapped in the past.
No new manager gives a bad first press conference, just doesn't happen. Regardless, found the Cowley's passionate, eloquent, immensely likeable and possessing an enthusiasm which was incredibly infectious. Does indeed feel like a breath of fresh air. Now onto the pitch.
#Pompey
I know fans always dispute my player ratings - comes with the territory. But surely we can all agree that Zak Swanson was magnificent today - and against that calibre of player. What a find for
#Pompey
. Man of the match.
#Pompey
were 20th when they lost at Wycombe in mid-September. Today they are 8th - one point off the play-offs and three from second place. Thoroughly-deserved win today. Had to be patient and crowd recognised that, but eventually beat well-organised league leaders. Encouraging.
At 10.30 this morning. ‘Hi Neil, this Mr Mandaric’s PA here. He’s back in Portsmouth today - would you like to interview him before the match?’. Oh yes!!!!! The incomparable Milan Mandaric is at
#Pompey
’s game today. No doubt a terrific reception from the Fratton faithful awaits.
Some revel in only Tweeting when
#Pompey
lose, but everyone should recognise an excellent display today. What a reaction to Accrington shocker. Harrison MOM and such a handful, Curtis’ outstanding form continues. Naylor at his finest. Blues dominant throughout. Bravo.
This man will reach 227
#Pompey
games tonight. No player has represented the club more in the 21st Century. Blues braveheart Sean Raggett on his journey.
In April 2013, individual fans, families, syndicates, supporter groups and ex-players raised £2.35m to help save
#Pompey
from liquidation. Sadly, some are no longer with us. Today a new generation are enjoying their legacy. The Blues are back in the Championship.
Sad to see The News was the only newspaper/website in the press box at
#Pompey
against Lincoln today - for both clubs. Not even a national paper present. Reflects approach to regional sports coverage these days, unfortunately. We’re still here, though. Every game. Like it or not.
Final word on Kal Naismith. While on holiday abroad with his pregnant girlfriend, he today spoke to us about leaving
#Pompey
. He didn't have to - but genuinely wanted to out of respect for the club and the fans. Another class act from that superb League Two title-winning group.
John Marquis was my
#Pompey
man of the match today. But what a season Sean Raggett is having. Immense yet again, such consistency. Absolute warrior and never, ever hides. Total respect.
Superb day at Fratton Park. Statement victory over a very good Peterborough side, but so much more than that. A positive reaction from
#Pompey
fans after falling behind and the revamped Fratton Park packed and rocking throughout. Such a great feeling around the place at present.
The end of my 23rd season involved in The News’ coverage of this fantastic football club. Hasn’t been a memorable campaign, but I still absolutely love my job.
#Pompey
Farewell Joyce Tynan, you will be sadly missed at Fratton Park. What a character. She often gave managers a good luck kiss upon their appointment. And goalkeepers and owners by the look of it!
#Pompey
So
#Pompey
top of the league and only undefeated L1 team. Victory a real statement. Deserved goal for ever-honest Hawkins, talismanic Curtis man of the match, Clarke and Burgess with towering displays. Smell the belief.
10 years ago today, a city united to save its football club from liquidation. Thank you to the below
#Pompey
fans and syndicates who raised £2.35m - and other Blues followers who backed the cause.
As for those who sided with Balram Chainrai - you’ll never be forgotten either.
Last time I saw Gareth Evans with a microphone in his hand was on Southsea Common! Great to see him at today’s game, what a servant he was to
#Pompey
.
Tremendous to reminiscence with this character on his prolific
#Pompey
career. As I told Brett, perhaps we didn’t appreciate just how classy he was at the time. Turned out he was infinitely better than the strikers Kenny Jackett subsequently recruited to replace him.
George Hirst has scored 10 goals in his last 22
#Pompey
appearances. Before that he had scored none in his opening 13 games. Shows how patience and backing can help a young player flourish.
Pulsating match in a magnificent atmosphere.
#Pompey
roared a message to L1 rivals. Ruthless against 10-man Sunderland, never stopped hunting for goals. Curtis the catalyst, Hawkins with couple of assists. MacGillivray key first-half stop. Ben Thompson class. Merry Christmas!
Was a touch emotional while writing my tribute article to Gareth Evans (online tomorrow morning). What a group of players that title-winning side were. As footballers, as human beings, top class - and each of them got
#Pompey
. The end of an era, but right time for Gaz to leave.
Could write a good book about this chap’s eventful football career to date. But I’m going to stick to a very, very long chapter. Thanks for the 3-hour interview
@Burgey44
!!
#Pompey
That’s 13,000 season tickets now sold by
#Pompey
. Incidentally, in the club’s most recent Premier League campaign (2009-10), the season ticket tally was 12,200. Proper support.
Will put some thoughts together on Danny Cowley tomorrow. But it's heartening to see so many respectful comments on here this evening towards a manager who put his heart and soul into
#Pompey
and connecting with the community. Nothing was ever too much effort. Wish him the best.
Hopefully Ross McCrorie and Kenny Jackett had a very pleasant chat down Gunwharf just now. It’s my day off, there’s bound to be a
#Pompey
signing. (Not my pic BTW!)
Look who has just popped round to return The News/Sports Mail
#Pompey
Player of the Season trophy. Still time to get your vote in for this season’s worthy recipient. Email sport
@thenews
.co.uk
What a long 19 days. Gained followers, while blocked & muted a fair few numbskulls over abuse. We’ve had record viewing figures for our stories and I’ve laughed at your humour along the way. Covering
#Pompey
boss hunt is why I love my job. But please, no new one for a while, eh?
Those there today - and still there after the 87th minute - will testify that was something special from the
#Pompey
fans for those final 10 mins. Losing 4-0 yet no moans, no whinging, no booing. Instead non-stop singing about 'Super Pompey are going up'. Truly superb backing.
All said and done, tomorrow will be
#Pompey
’s seventh visit to Wembley in the last 13 years. And none have involved the play-offs. That is a remarkable record.
At some point, we’ve all been written off in life, every single one of us. But sometimes we’re fortunate to encounter somebody who shows faith in us. John Mousinho is a huge gamble, no mistake. Yet let’s give the guy a chance. Who knows what will happen?
#Pompey
An epic chat today with this huge
#Pompey
favourite. Well, so much to talk about in three hours!
Cook, Jackett, 2018-19, Wembley, half-time brawl, Alanis Morissette, Plymouth, Southsea Common sing-song, Crewe, dismantling of L2 title-winners. As expected, no punches pulled!!
I know a few months ago there were those who wanted Kenny Jackett sacked and some pilloried the playing system - but his
#Pompey
record is outstanding. 109 games and 57 wins. That’s a 52.29 per cent win ratio. Staggering.
Absolute privilege to be at Fratton Park tonight for John Jenkins’ birthday celebrations. Milan Mandaric, Iain McInnes, Knightsie and Awfs among those present. Plus classy video tributes from ex-bosses Appleton, Grant, Cotterill, Redknapp, Cook, Adams. The
#Pompey
family.
Undoubtedly
@bennthompsonn
has been
#Pompey
’s finest loan player since Jamie O’Hara (2009-10). Although neither quite beats Andres D’Alessandro! Still, Thompson has been a delight to watch and an absolute credit around Fratton Park. Really embraced the club - a class act.
Yesterday was a wonderful reminder why, after 20 years in my job, I still absolutely love it. The drama, the agony, the unpredictability, the histrionics, the humour, and, of course, the social media meltdown. And thanks to those who backed me &
@pn_jordan_cross
. This is
#Pompey
!
If one picture sums up a character’s personality and dressing room standing, this is it. Team-mates loved and respected him. Farewell Lee Brown.
#Pompey
Never let Chainrai and his bootlicking sycophants rewrite history. Seven years today the city of Portsmouth united to save its football club. A remarkable feat from magnificent support.
#Pompey
When
#Pompey
won the FA Cup in 2008, some chap purporting to be a fan rang up the sports desk complaining that we were giving it too much coverage. Well, we’re not going to shut up about capturing this glorious silverware. Tomorrow’s News - buy it…..
This chap can expect a tremendous Fratton Park reception on Jan 27 as
#Pompey
’s guest (v Shrewsbury). Will also be signing books in Victory Lounge 12.30-1.30pm. Fancy a personalised copy? Email neil.allen
@thenews
.co.uk
@R3Rocha
'You need to live in this brilliant city to truly understand it'. John Mousinho on why he's loving life in Southsea and enjoying your
#Pompey
songs while walking his dog! What a man!!