Supporters who have booked tickets for Pompey’s match at Southampton in April are reminded that they are required to purchase coach travel to the game.

As a condition of entry, travelling on an official club coach is the only way to gain access to St Mary’s Stadium.

Match tickets will also only be issued to supporters once they are on board their coach.

There will be two pick-up/drop-off points available for supporters to use: the main car park at Fratton Park and Lakeside North Harbour. Free car parking is available at both sites.

In order to purchase your coach travel, you must provide your client reference number used to purchase your Southampton v Pompey match ticket and specify which pick-up location you require. Once selected, your pick-up location cannot be altered.

Travel tickets must be produced at the pick-up/drop-off points. If you do not arrive with your coach ticket, or if you arrive late, you will not be permitted to travel and no refunds will be issued.

Supporters will be searched before entering the coach. A list of prohibited items by Southampton is detailed below. Any banned items will be confiscated before boarding the coach.

Supporters will arrive at St Mary’s into a sterile area and will enter the stadium.

Each coach will be escorted by the police to St Mary’s stadium and on the return journey to Portsmouth.

Supporters can arrive from 9.30am at Fratton Park and Lakeside. Coaches must be loaded and ready to leave at 10.45am.

Each supporter must return to Portsmouth by the official coaches.

Coach Prices
Adult £12
Junior (Under 17) £9

Coach travel can be booked online at www.lucketts.co.uk, by phone on 0845 389 0644 (9am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday) or by visiting the Lucketts office in Fareham (9am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday). For more information about coach travel, please visit www.lucketts.co.uk

Please click here for more information about ticket and travel arrangements for the match.

Southampton Football Club Prohibited Items
Flares
Knives
Firearms
Fireworks
Laser devices
Bottles, glass vessels or cans
Balls, frisbees or inflatable items 
Air horns
Offensive weapons, i.e. baseball bat
Flag poles
Alcohol
Unauthorised fliers and handouts
Aerosols
Smoke canisters
Dangerous or hazardous items
Glass
Flasks
Drugs (illegal substances)
Musical instruments, i.e. Bell
Transmitting devices or recording monitors
Spray paint
Cameras, flash photography or other lighting devices
Flags (due to an expected capacity crowd for this specific fixture there will be no areas where flags may be displayed)
Any item which may be used as a weapon and/or may compromise public safety

Make sure you enjoy Pompey's match against Leeds at Fratton Park in style.

Hospitality in the Victory Bar is available for the match on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Your package includes:
· Glass of champagne on arrival
· Seats in the South Stand executive seating area
· Two-course fork buffet
· Copy of POMPEY, the official matchday magazine
· Team sheet
· Car parking space
· Cash bar (Two-and-a-half hours before the match, at half-time and two hours after the match)
· Tea or coffee at half-time

All this costs just £100 (excluding VAT) per adult.

Or, for £150 (excluding VAT), you can add a second match of your choice with hospitality in the Pitch Side Restaurant!

For more information or to book your place, call our sales team on (023) 9277 8555.

Please note, full payment is required and bookings are non-refundable or transferable.

Tickets for Pompey’s trip to Southampton on Saturday, April 7 (1pm kick-off) are now on general sale (one per person) to supporters who were on the club's database before May 1 2011.

 

There are around 900 seats still available to buy for the second south coast derby of the season.

 

Supporters who purchase match tickets will also be required to purchase coach travel via Lucketts Travel. As a condition of entry, travelling on an official club coach will be the only way to gain access into St Mary’s Stadium. Supporters are guaranteed coach travel once a matchday ticket has been purchased.

Match tickets will only be issued to supporters once they are on board their coach.

 

Nick Byrom, Pompey’s commercial director, said: “Following the successful operation here at Fratton Park in December and discussions with Hampshire Constabulary, we are working closely with our colleagues at Southampton to ensure that enjoyment and safety at the game are the priority for our visit to St Mary’s.

“We hope that this will provide a safe environment for all supporters, enabling them to enjoy the drama on the pitch without any concerns.”

Tickets can be purchased online here, by calling 0844 847 1898 (option two) or in person from the Frogmore Road ticket office.

Important Information: It will not be possible to locate supporters next to each other if the tickets are not purchased in the same transaction, during the same phase. This includes junior and adult tickets purchased separately. Tickets can only be grouped together if they are purchased in the same transaction, in the same phase.

If you are purchasing concession tickets, please ensure you have proof of age identification. If you cannot prove that you are entitled to use your concession ticket you will not be permitted to enter the stadium. You will remain on the coach in the sterile area at St Mary’s Stadium throughout the match.

Match tickets will be issued to supporters once they have boarded their coach.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Once a match ticket has been bought, compulsory purchase of coach travel is required via Lucketts Travel (by visiting www.lucketts.co.uk or by calling 0845 389 0644.

There will be two pick-up/drop-off points available for supporters to use: the main car park at Fratton Park and Lakeside North Harbour. Free car parking is available at both sites.

In order to purchase your coach travel, you must provide your client reference number used to purchase your Southampton v Pompey match ticket and specify which pick-up location you require. Once selected, your pick-up location cannot be altered.

As a condition of entry, travelling on an official club coach will be the only way to gain access into St Mary’s Stadium.

Travel tickets must be produced at the pick-up/drop-off points. If you do not arrive with your coach ticket, or if you arrive late, you will not be permitted to travel and no refunds will be issued.

Supporters will be searched before entering the coach. A list of prohibited items by Southampton is detailed below. Any banned items will be confiscated before boarding the coach.
 
Once on board, your match ticket will be issued to you. Supporters will arrive at St Mary’s into a sterile area and will enter the stadium.

 

Each coach will be escorted by the police to St Mary’s stadium and on the return journey to Portsmouth.

Both Portsmouth Football Club and Southampton Football Club hope that by adopting this procedure it will provide an environment where supporters will be able to travel safely in order to support their team.

Supporters can arrive from 9.30am at Fratton Park and Lakeside. Coaches must be loaded and ready to leave at 10.45am.

 

Each supporter must return to Portsmouth by the official coaches.

 

TICKET PRICES
Adult £27
Seniors (65+) £22
Young Person (17-20) £22
Junior (16 and under) £14
Junior (Under 11, accompanied by an adult) £5 (must be purchased at the same time as an adult ticket)

Disabled supporters wishing to purchase tickets must contact Allison McNeil on 023 9273 1204 or via email at allisonmcneil@pompeyfc.co.uk

Coach Prices
Adult £12
Junior (Under 17) £9

Coach travel can be booked online at www.lucketts.co.uk, by phone on 0845 389 0644 (9am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday) or by visiting the Lucketts office in Fareham (9am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday). For more information about coach travel, please visit www.lucketts.co.uk

Southampton Football Club Prohibited Items
Flares
Knives
Firearms
Fireworks
Laser devices
Bottles, glass vessels or cans
Balls, frisbees or inflatable items 
Air horns
Offensive weapons, i.e. baseball bat
Flag poles
Alcohol
Unauthorised fliers and handouts
Aerosols
Smoke canisters
Dangerous or hazardous items
Glass
Flasks
Drugs (illegal substances)
Musical instruments, i.e. Bell
Transmitting devices or recording monitors
Spray paint
Cameras, flash photography or other lighting devices
Flags (due to an expected capacity crowd for this specific fixture there will be no areas where flags may be displayed)
Any item which may be used as a weapon and/or may compromise public safety

Pompey Academy’s Carl Walshe has joined Frome Town on loan.

The 19-year-old striker will spend one month with the Somerset-based side, who are currently 12th in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division.

Pompey and Frome Town have a long history, with the Blues signing Billy Haines from the Robins in 1923.

The centre-forward went on to become arguably the club’s most popular player during the 1920s, scoring 128 times in 179 appearances between 1923 and 1928.

by Eddy Wilson

 

Jack Maloney and Jed Wallace (pictured) were on target as Pompey Academy twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Dorchester in a friendly at The Avenue Stadium.

 

The hosts – who play in Blue Square Bet South and are managed by Pompey legend Alan Knight – fielded their strongest side and took the lead when a defensive error allowed Sam Malsom to slot into an empty net.

 

But Andy Awford’s Pompey hit back instantly, with a through ball straight from kick-off splitting open the Dorchester defence and Maloney firing home from the edge of the box.

 

The Blues fell behind again midway through the second half, courtesy of Ryan Dovell’s bullet header from a corner.

 

However, Pompey rescued a draw on 77 minutes when a neat one-two teed-up Wallace to slide past the keeper.

 

Pompey: Gledhill (Khaiken 46); Webster, Warren (Grant 46), Triggs (Cook 60), Butler (Fitzharris 46); Colson (c) (Hartson 46), Awford (Tallack 46), Branford; Maloney (Jennings 46), Antelmi (Wallace 46); Harris

Pompey Ladies’ FA Women’s Cup hopes came to an end amid a host of missed chances against Sheffield FC at Moneyfields.

The Northern Premier League side beat the Blues 3-1, but Pompey weren’t without opportunities to take the match themselves.

Within seconds the hosts could have been ahead only for Jemma Tewkesbury (pictured) to blast the ball over the bar.

They paid the price minutes later when Sheffield scored after Pompey failed to clear a loose ball in their box.

The Blues came close to equalising almost immediately but Shelly Cox was denied by a brilliant save from the visiting keeper.

But on 21 minutes TEWKESBURY levelled from the spot after a penalty was awarded for handball.

Pompey took control as they went in search of the lead, with Tewkesbury key in creating several chances. First Charley Wilson went close, then Kirsty McGee’s effort skimmed the post.

But Sheffield restored their lead shortly before half-time when Jodie Michalska outpaced Pompey’s defence and beat Sadie Blakely.

Moments after the break Blakely made a good save to keep the visitors from adding another.

But Sheffield stayed on top and added a third on the hour after Blakely had saved a disputed free-kick.

The resulting corner was cleared by Pompey’s defence but, controversially, the referee ordered the corner to be retaken – deeming it to have been taken outside the quadrant. Michalska netted from the second corner following a goalmouth scramble.

With about 20 minutes left to play Sheffield were reduced to 10 players when Ellie Gilliatt was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

Pompey tried to capitalise by pushing forward, but the visitors defended resolutely to keep them at bay.

Manager Vanessa Raynbird said: “It was a disappointing result for us, but we didn’t make the most of our chances when we should have and we paid the price.

“We know we are capable of doing much better than that.

“It’s always frustrating to lose games, but we now have to make sure we concentrate on other competitions and the league.”

Pompey: Blakely, McGee, Kirby, McMillan (Russell), Heron, Rutherford, Roe (Rawlins), Cox (Quinn), Hillier, Wilson, Tewkesbury

by Neil Weld

 

Greg Halford was named Pompey Player of the Year for 2011 at the News Sports Awards on Monday night.

 

The defender pipped Joel Ward to the honour at the Fratton Park event, which is held to recognise excellence in local sport.

 

Halford and Ward joined team-mates Liam Lawrence, Jason Pearce, David Norris, Ricardo Rocha, Marko Futacs and George Thorne in the Victory Bar, while coaches Guy Whittingham and Stuart Gray and head of club liaison Linvoy Primus were also on hand to help present awards and draw the raffle.

 

Pompey skipper Lawrence took to the stage for an interview with host Kris Temple and revealed that he will be out for a couple of weeks with a tear in his hamstring.

 

But the midfielder also spoke of his belief that the Blues can climb out of the Championship’s bottom three.

 

He said: “Everyone knows what’s going on off the field, but hopefully we can now move on. We knew the 10 point deduction was coming, so we just have to get on with it.

 

“We still have plenty of spirit in our squad, so we have to remain tight as a group and keep battling away to get out of trouble.”

 

Norris – who is close to a return to training after undergoing hernia surgery – added: “There’s nothing we can do about the problems, but we can affect what happens on the pitch. I’m looking forward to getting fit for the challenge that awaits us.”

 

The evening’s entertainment was provided by Pearce and Halford, who teamed up with darts stars Simon Whitlock and Arron Monk respectively to throw some arrows.

 

It was the professionals who got the biggest scores, but Halford secured victory for his team with a double 10.

 

 

The News Sports Awards winners

Sportsman of the Year: Hampshire and England bowler Danny Briggs

Sportswoman of the Year: City of Portsmouth athlete Cassie Thorp

Young Sportsman: Javelin thrower Richard Shuttleworth

Young Sportswoman: Transplant Games athlete Nicole Mackenzie

Team of the Year: Heart of Portsmouth boxing club

Young Team of the Year: Warren Park School under-11s football team

Outstanding Contribution to Sport: Weightlifting coach Bronwin Carter

Outstanding Contribution to Disabled Sport: Athlete Chris Tolett

Coach of the Year: Gymnastics coach Natalie Porter

Best One-Off Performance: Rugby player Kara Palmer

Pompey Player of 2011: Greg Halford

Lifetime Achievement: Athletics coach Gerry North

Four Pompey stars have been called up for international duty later this month.

Erik Huseklepp – the Blues’ top scorer with six goals – has been included in the Norway squad who face Northern Ireland on Wednesday, February 29 in an international friendly.

Defender Tal Ben Haim will return to Israel for a friendly against Ukraine on the same date.

Striker Marko Futacs will travel to Malta with the Hungary under-21 squad for a friendly, again set to be played on February 29.

 

And midfielder George Thorne, on loan from West Brom, is in the England under-19 squad for their clash with Czech Republic at Leyton Orient’s Matchroom Stadium on Tuesday, February 28.

by Neil Weld

 

Jason Pearce believes Pompey’s spirit can see them survive in the Championship.

 

The Blues – docked 10 points last week for entering administration – slid into the bottom three on Saturday after being beaten 2-0 at Barnsley.

Jim O’Brien and Matt Done scored late goals at Oakwell after Dave Kitson had been dismissed for two bookable offences just before half-time.

But Pearce – who wore the captain’s armband in the absence of the injured Liam Lawrence – says there is still plenty of time to climb out of trouble.

Pompey are three points behind 21st-placed Nottingham Forest, who leapfrogged the Blues at the weekend thanks to a victory over Coventry – another side in the relegation places.

But there are still 15 matches remaining for the Blues to save their Championship status – and nine of those are at Fratton Park.

Pearce said: “The lads showed great fighting spirit against Barnsley, which is what you need when you’re in a relegation battle.

“It looked like it was going to finish 0-0. Barnsley didn’t look like they were going to score and we didn’t look like we were going to score.

“But the first team to score was always going to win the game and they were lucky enough to get it.

“We can take a lot of positives from the game, though, and hopefully can take that spirit into the remaining 15 games of the season and get ourselves out of trouble.

“We’re obviously really disappointed to get nothing out of the game, but we have to stick together because we’ve got 15 cup finals.

“We’ve got to start putting things right. We all know we’ve got that fighting spirit in us, so hopefully we can get ourselves out of trouble.

“The fans have magnificent and we have to thank them for that – now we have to keep on going.”

Pompey Academy take on Dorchester Town in a friendly at The Avenue Stadium on Tuesday night, kick-off 7.30pm.

Blues academy boss Andy Awford had arranged the game with Dorchester manager and former Pompey team-mate Alan Knight.

Blue Square Bet South side Dorchester are unbeaten in 2012 under Knight, who made 801 appearances for the Blues.

Pompey’s Academy go into the game fresh from a 1-0 win at West Ham. George Colson scored the only goal early in the second half.

Meanwhile, Pompey Academy and England under-17 defender Sam Magri has joined Liverpool for a week-long trial.

Awford said: “Liverpool have expressed an interest and want to cast their eye over him. It’s a fantastic opportunity for Sam.”

by Neil Weld

 

Pompey Academy recorded back-to-back victories for the first time this season with a 1-0 victory at West Ham.

 

George Colson (pictured) completed a fine attacking move early in the second half to secure all three points for the Blues.

 

Academy manager Andy Awford said: “I’m really pleased with the fact we’ve now had consecutive wins and clean sheets.

 

“The game was very open and could have gone either way. There were plenty of chances, but a mixture of solid defending and sloppy finishing meant there was only one goal.

 

“And the goal we scored was superb – we’ll definitely be putting it forward for the goal of the month competition.

 

“Jack Maloney cut inside from the wing and found Jed Wallace, who burst into the box and back-heeled the ball for George Colson to fire home. It was such a quick and incisive move.

 

“But I was also delighted with how professional we were in seeing the game out. We’ve led on numerous occasions this season without getting any points, so it was great that we managed shut up shop towards the end.

 

“West Ham are a decent side and the club has produced plenty of good players over the years, but we more than matched them and deserved our victory.”

 

West Ham: Wootton; Hurley, Young, Siafa, Shaw; Ruddock, Powell (Miles 68), Vose; Turgott (c), Sadlier (Fanimo 59); Lee

Subs not used: Baxter, Boake-Yiadom, Nasha

 

Pompey: Lawrence; Fitzharris, Warren, Grant, Butler; Colson (c), Awford, Wallace; Maloney, Antelmi (Cook 83); Harris

Subs not used: Triggs, Branford, Hartson

by Neil Weld

 

A 10-point deduction for entering administration has plunged Pompey into a battle for Championship survival.

 

But George Thorne showed he was up for the fight by returning to help the cause.

 

The 19-year-old – who had a four-game spell with the Blues earlier in the season – completed a loan switch from West Brom on Saturday morning.

 

And just a few hours later he was lining up alongside Hayden Mullins in Pompey’s midfield in a 2-0 defeat at Barnsley.

 

“I was aware that I might be able to come back here,” said Thorne. “But with the current situation I just had to sit and wait.

 

“As soon as I got the call from Appy I was up for it. I went to the training ground to sort out the paperwork and then travelled up to be with the team on Friday night.

 

“My last competitive game was a few weeks ago, so it might take one or two games to get my match sharpness up.

 

“But I’m looking forward to the rest of the season. It’s going to be tough – any side that finds itself in the relegation zone is going to be in for a battle.

 

“Every point is vital and there’s a bunch of lads in the dressing room that are ready to fight for every one.”

 

Dave Kitson was sent off for two bookable offences at Oakwell, before late goals from Jim O’Brien and Matt Done sealed victory for the Tykes.

 

The result means Pompey fall into the Championship’s bottom three with 15 games remaining.

 

Thorne said: “Anyone’s going to find it tough after going down to 10 men. The timing wasn’t great either – we had to play a full half with a man down.

 

“But we had to push on and do what we could – unfortunately we couldn’t get a result.

 

“We felt comfortable and in control. Barnsley didn’t create any clear-cut chances and we were counter-attacking.

 

“Everyone’s disappointed, but we’re optimistic and there are positives we can take from this game.

 

“We’ll have to get back into training next week and push on ahead of the Leeds game on Saturday where we’ll try to come away with three points."

by Mark Storey

Michael Appleton insisted Pompey’s loss at Barnsley has not buckled their spirit.

Two late goals put paid to any hopes of a point for the 10-man Blues who had Dave Kitson sent off.

The result means Pompey, docked 10 points for going into administration, are third-bottom in the table, just one point ahead of basement club Doncaster.

But Appleton believes the Blues still have the belief to avoid the drop to League One.

And despite the defeat there was encouragement for the Blues boss after a fruitful meeting with the club's new administrator, Trevor Birch, on the morning of the match.

Appleton hopes Birch will be able to persuade the Football League to allow Pompey, who had just three on the bench at Barnsley, to recruit more players.   

He said: “I’ve just said to the players in the dressing-room that we can lose a game on a poor decision, a poor technical error or not being right tactically, but as long as we keep our brains and our hearts, then we’ll have the belief we will need over the next couple of months.  

“I thought the sending off was harsh. Kits was trying to stop the ball being played down the line and their player has kicked the bottom of his foot.

“After we went down to 10 men it was damage limitation, really. But in saying that I felt we looked very comfortable until they scored their goal. The shape was good and we were organised.

“The goal was a little bit disappointing. There were a couple of small errors in the build up to it.

“But we move on – we have bigger fish to fry over the next couple of months. And hopefully soon we’ll have more players to utilise. Hopefully someone will show some common sense at the Football League and allow us to bring players in so we can be competitive.

“I’ve spoken to the new administrator and the first thing he said to me was that the first thing he’ll do is look to address getting more players in the building. That was really positive. We just want to a level playing field.

“March is a huge month for us and hopefully we can get the points we need to stay in the league.” 

by Neil Weld at Oakwell

 

Pompey dropped into the Championship relegation zone after suffering defeat at Barnsley.

 

It was always going to be a difficult afternoon for the Blues – who could only name three players on the bench – once Dave Kitson was sent off late in the first half.

 

But the visitors were comfortably holding on for a point until Jim O’Brien struck 14 minutes from the end.

Matt Done then added a stoppage-time second for the Tykes after Pompey had committed men forward.

Michael Appleton made three enforced changes from the side that were beaten by Ipswich on Tuesday night.

 

Greg Halford (knee), Liam Lawrence (calf) and Kelvin Etuhu (hamstring) all missed out after picking up injuries against the Tractor Boys.

 

George Throne came straight into the midfield after completing his loan switch from West Brom earlier in the day, while there were also starts for Aaron Mokoena and Kitson.

 

The sides traded half-chances in the opening few minutes, before Tykes striker Craig Davies let fly with a shot from distance that looped onto the crossbar.

 

But there was not too much to lift an Oakwell crowd that was very subdued – apart from around 600 noisy travelling fans.

 

Those Pompey fans almost had something to celebrate on 19 minutes, though, as Erik Huseklepp dragged a shot just wide after Joel Ward’s cut-back had found him on the edge of the box.

 

Kitson was then in the action – although not in the way he would have wanted – shown a yellow card for flooring Stephen Foster.

 

And the striker’s afternoon got a whole lot worse on 42 minutes when he was booked again for a high challenge on Korey Smith and then shown a red card by referee Eddie Ilderton.

 

Half Time: Barnsley 0 Pompey 0

 

Pompey made the brighter start to the second half, with Thorne just failing to meet Huseklepp’s corner before the Norwegian fired wide after Hayden Mullins had done well to steal possession.

 

But it took a fine save from Stephen Henderson to keep the scores level on 54 minutes. The Irish keeper just managed to push the ball clear after Ricardo Rocha had sent a header flying towards his own goal.

 

Like the opening 45 minutes, however, chances were at a premium and the Blues back-line were doing a good job of protecting their goal.

 

And it was Pompey players who were providing Barnsley’s best chances, with Mullins hooking a clearance straight into Henderson’s arms.

 

The visitors were not causing too many problems at the other end, but Appleton would have been pleased to see his side looking solid at the back.

 

But the Blues’ defence was finally breached on 76 minutes when O’Brien let fly from 20 yards with a shot that swerved wickedly on its way into the net.

 

Rocha then bravely got in the way of Davies’ fierce strike from the edge of the box as Barnsley looked to strengthen their lead.

 

That was the Portuguese defender’s last moment of action, as he made way for the more attack-minded Benjani seconds later.

 

But it was Barnsley who scored deep into stoppage-time. The hosts broke quickly from a Pompey free-kick and substitute Done slid the ball past Henderson.

 

Barnsley: Steele; Wiseman, Foster, Edwards (c), McNulty; O’Brien, Smith, Perkins (McEveley 29), Golbourne (Done 72); Davies, Gray (Dagnall 65)

Goals: O’Brien 76, Done 90+3

Booked: McEveley

Subs not used: Preece, Cotterill

 

Pompey: Henderson; Mokoena, Rocha (Benjani 85), Pearce (c), Ben Haim; Ward, Mullins, Thorne, Huseklepp; Kitson; Futacs

Sent off: Kitson
Booked: Mokoena, Ben Haim, Benjani

Subs not used: Ashdown, Webster

 

Referee: Eddie Ilderton

 

Attendance: 9,336 (618 Pompey fans)

George Thorne goes straight into Pompey’s side at Barnsley after arriving on loan from West Brom.

The midfielder is one of three changes for the Blues, who are only able to name three substitutes.

Dave Kitson and Aaron Mokoena also come into the side, while Joel Ward and Ricardo Rocha start after passing fitness tests.

Greg Halford (knee), Kelvin Etuhu (hamstring) and Liam Lawrence (calf) are all fresh casualties from Tuesday night’s defeat to Ipswich.

Pompey: Henderson; Ben Haim, Rocha, Pearce, Mokoena; Ward, Thorne, Mullins, Huseklepp; Kitson; Futacs
Subs: Ashdown, Webster, Benjani

George Thorne has today rejoined Pompey on a one-month loan from West Brom.

The deal for the 19-year-old central midfielder – who made four appearances while at the Blues earlier in the season – has been sanctioned by The Football League.

He made his debut in a 1-1 draw with Leicester at Fratton Park in November and also featured in victories against Coventry and Burnley.

Thorne's final appearance was the derby draw with Southampton. He then returned to The Hawthornes where he has played three times for the Baggies.

The teenager links up again with Pompey boss Michael Appleton, who helped nurture him as an academy player when the pair worked together at West Brom.

by Johnny Moore and Neil Weld

 

Alan Biley, Steve Claridge, Reg Flewin and Norman Piper were all inducted into Pompey’s Hall of Fame on an evening of nostalgia.

 

The former Blues players were honoured at a dinner and awards ceremony held at Port Solent’s Marriott Hotel.

 

There was also a special surprise presentation to former club secretary Paul Weld, who served the club for 38 years from 1973 until last October.

 

Piper, Biley and Claridge were all present to be honoured, while there was a posthumous award for Flewin, who captained Pompey’s back-to-back top-flight title-winning sides of 1949 and 1950.

 

Portsmouth-born Flewin made his Blues debut as an 18-year-old in 1939, but the outbreak of the second world war meant the centre-half had to wait more than seven years to make his next start.

 

A Royal Marines heavyweight boxing champion, Flewin took over as Pompey captain early in the 1946/47 season, becoming a key part of the side that would become the finest in the country.

 

Flewin’s award was presented to family member Andrea Hawkins by club stalwart Barry Harris.

 

Piper, who flew over from his home in the United States to be honoured, was a fixture in Pompey’s side between 1970 and 1978.

 

The Blues equalled a club record by paying Plymouth £40,000 for the England under-21 midfielder, who went to make 356 appearances and score 57 goals.

 

Piper – who received his award from Weld – said: “I’m thrilled and honoured to be here and it means so much to me. There are no better fans than Pompey fans and I also have to thank my team-mates, for without them I wouldn’t be here.”

 

Biley made himself a cult hero in the three years he played for Pompey after signing from Everton for £100,000 in 1982.

 

His resemblance to Rod Steward made him the first Blues star to hold a pop star-like status as the image of footballers began to enjoy a transformation.

 

He scored 57 goals in 115 appearances, but will always be famed for two injury-time strikes at Fratton Park against top-of-the-table Oxford in 1984, turning a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 victory. Those goals came in time added on for a pitch invasion by a fan dressed as Father Christmas!

 

Biley said: “This is very emotional for me because everyone knows how much I love Pompey. I’ll always hold a special place in my heart for the fans and this is the biggest honour I’ve ever had.”

 

Portsmouth-born Steve Claridge returned to Fratton Park in 1998, 14 years after being released as an apprentice.

 

As Pompey stared at relegation from Division One, Claridge’s return – initially on loan from Leicester – coincided with a ‘Great Escape’ from the drop.

 

His first Blues goal proved to be the winner on a famous Fratton night against Stockport that is still talked about. A constant chant of ‘Alan Ball’s Blue and White Army’ from the 8,662 crowd resounded around the ground for most of the night and helped spark a seven-match unbeaten run.

 

Claridge signed permanently in the summer and went on to make 122 appearances and score 37 goals, later becoming player-manager.

 

He said: “When I came back to sign for the club, I knew it was the right place for me – it was a dream move. Pompey is a proper football club.”

 

Weld’s award was presented by former Pompey boss Frank Burrows, who led the club out of Division Four in 1980, managing the Blues in two spells from 1979 and 1982 and again between 1990 and 1991.

 

Burrows was one of 19 full-time Pompey managers that Weld worked under during his outstanding period of long service at Fratton Park.

 

The former Blues boss said: “Paul was a big help to me during my time at the club and someone I consider to be a life-long friend. He’s one of the best.”

 

Weld said: “I’m overwhelmed to get this award from someone I respect and admire so much. It’s also great to see so many people who love Pompey as much as I do.”

 

This year’s inductees join an impressive list of former Pompey greats in the club’s Hall of Fame: Andy Awford, Jimmy Dickinson, Jack Froggatt, Johnny Gordon, Peter Harris, Ray Hiron, Alan Knight MBE, Albert McCann, Alan McLoughlin, John Milkins, Len Phillips, Linvoy Primus, Duggie Reid, Mick Tait, Jack Tinn, Paul Walsh and Guy Whittingham.

Portsmouth Football Club have been deducted 10 points in accordance with Football League rules and regulations.

This Sporting Sanction has been implemented with immediate effect, following formal confirmation that the club is in administration. Pompey have seven days in which to appeal.

The Football League will now begin dialogue with the administrator aimed at achieving a successful sale of the club and its continuation in league football.

by Neil Weld

 

If you are struggling to remember Pompey’s trip to Oakwell last season then don’t worry, you are probably not alone.

 

Barnsley won an instantly-forgettable game 1-0, with Adam Hammill – now at Wolves – scoring the game’s only goal after 13 minutes.

 

That was the Blues’ first visit to the Tykes’ home for nine years. It was a more memorable game in 2001, though, thanks to a dynamic display from Robert Prosinecki.

 

The Croatian genius was even applauded by the home fans when substituted late on after inspiring Pompey to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 4-1 victory, helped by Lee Bradbury’s brace and goals from Jamie Vincent and Peter Crouch.

 

Memorable for different reasons was the Oakwell clash in 1999 when Pompey had Andy Awford and Fitzroy Simpson sent off as they crashed to a 6-0 defeat.

 

Barnsley currently sit a comfortable 14 points above the Championship’s bottom three in 16th position.

 

But Keith Hill’s side go into Saturday’s clash with Pompey on the back of consecutive away defeats at Watford and Burnley.

 

They were victorious in their last game at Oakwell, though – a 3-2 win over Derby at the end of January.

 

Barnsley’s form on their own patch is mixed, having won seven and lost six in their 15 league games at home this season.

 

They have taken maximum points from matches against Coventry (2-0), Burnley (2-0), Hull (2-1), Doncaster (2-0), Crystal Palace (2-1), Leeds (4-1) and Derby.

 

But the Tykes have been beaten at Oakwell by Southampton (0-1), Middlesbrough (1-3), Bristol City (1-2), Ipswich (3-5), Blackpool (1-3) and Millwall (1-3).

 

And Barnsley will have to do without 12-goal top scorer Ricardo Vaz Te who left for league leaders West Ham on transfer deadline day last month.

 

However, they have kept hold of Craig Davies and Andy Gray, who have notched nine and eight goals respectively this season, while Jacob Butterfield has added another five from midfield.

 

Pompey will be trying to improve an away record that has seen them win just twice on their travels this term.

 

They have been beaten nine times away from Fratton Park, but only two of those losses have been by more than a single goal.

 

And the Blues will be buoyed by the fact that they have taken four points from their last three away games, courtesy of a 3-0 victory at Peterborough and 1-1 draw at Blackpool.

 

A threadbare squad with several senior players out injured hurts Pompey’s chances of picking up three points this weekend.

 

Liam Lawrence (calf), Kelvin Etuhu (hamstring), David Norris (hernia) and Luke Varney (knee) are all on the sidelines, with Ricardo Rocha (calf), Joel Ward (hip) and Greg Halford (knee) all doubtful.

 

But victory at Oakwell would provided a much-needed lift to Pompey and briefly take everyone’s mind off problems away from the pitch.

Top scorer this season

Barnsley: Ricardo Vaz Te – now at West Ham (12)

Pompey: Erik Huseklepp (6)

 

Most assists this season

Barnsley: Daniel Drinkwater, Jacob Butterfield (both 7)

Pompey: Liam Lawrence (6)

 

Most shots this season

Barnsley: Jacob Butterfield (71)

Pompey: David Norris (43)

 

Shots on target this season

Barnsley: 181

Pompey: 153

 

Shots off target this season

Barnsley: 156

Pompey: 187

 

Hit woodwork this season

Barnsley: 7

Pompey: 11

 

Average league gate at Oakwell this season: 10,578

 

Blues have edge in head-to-head record: Barnsley 17 wins, Pompey 21 wins, 12 draws

 

David Norris and Luke Varney were both on target when Pompey beat the Tykes 2-0 in front of the Sky cameras at Fratton Park earlier in the season.

 

The sides both won 1-0 on their own patch last term; Adam Hammill scoring the only goal at Oakwell, before Kanu scored Pompey’s winner on the south coast.

 

But before last season’s meetings the sides had not played each other since the 2001/02 campaign.

 

Both clashes were memorable that campaign, with Robert Prosinecki starring in both games. The Croatian maestro was man-of-the-match as goals from Jamie Vincent, Peter Crouch and Lee Bradbury (2) secured a 4-1 triumph in Yorkshire.

 

He then hit a hat-trick in the return fixture at Fratton, although the Tykes scored twice late on to salvage a 4-4 draw.

 

Keith Hill’s side currently sit 16th in the Championship table with 39 points from 30 games. They average 1.4 goals per game, compared to Pompey’s 1.1.

 

Barnsley have won seven, drawn two and lost six at home in the league this season; beating Coventry (2-0), Burnley (2-0), Hull (2-1), Doncaster (2-0), Crystal Palace (2-1), Leeds (4-1) and Derby (3-2); drawing with Leicester (1-1) and Watford (1-1) and losing to Southampton (0-1), Middlesbrough (1-3), Bristol City (1-2), Ipswich (3-5), Blackpool (1-3) and Millwall (1-3).

 

Pompey have won two, drawn five and lost nine on their Championship travels this season; beating Burnley (1-0) and Peterborough (3-0); drawing with Middlesbrough (2-2), Bristol City (0-0), Crystal Palace (0-0), Leicester (1-1) and Blackpool (1-1) and losing at West Ham (3-4), Hull (0-1), Leeds (0-1), Ipswich (0-1), Derby (1-3), Watford (0-2), Millwall (0-1), Cardiff (2-3) and Birmingham (0-1).