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Season end summary

2012-05-19T16:59:15+01:00

Well folks - that’s another season over and whilst troubles off the field and relogation have tainted another season following the blue army - we can still fondly look back on watching some great football and some fantastic trips away with all the clan members. Highlights that will live long in the memory must include a cracking result away at the scum (albeit for me witnessed via TV), but for me generally the highlight this season more so than usual, was the was the fantastic ‘party’ atmosphere and ‘never say die’ spirit witnessed at many away games. The best that I witnessed was the Blackpool away game - which was a fantastic cornucopia of crazy hats, fancy dress and togetherness - which all created a great match experience and weekend. What was your favourite match performance and clan away day? Give your thoughts on the Facebook page.

Now personally, I am not too bothered that we went down - on the positives it means some ‘proper’ football (including standing at games - how very ‘old school’!) and some new grounds to check off the list. Plus of course - a very ‘local game’ for all the clan members away at Carlisle!

The Clan Pompey player of the season award as voted by our members was won by Stephen Henderson and a fantastic trophy was passed on to our now Ex keeper via PFC. John Whittaker was our very own Clan Pompey fantasy league winner this year - so congratulations go out to him - I hear it was all a bit close and exciting in the end! Well done from the Clan and thank you to all who took part.

Finally, on behalf of the Clan I wish to thank all the administrators and all the active members for all their hard work and support keeping the supporters club going and for all their hard work organising tickets, travel, away day plans etc. A special thank you goes out to Stevie - who’s hard work is often forgotten but always appreciated!

Look forward to seeing you all next season.

Brian

Clan Pompey - 10 year celebration book

2012-02-12T17:55:43+00:00

All Clan members and friends of the Clan - as some of you may be aware, we are planning to produce a book this year to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the formation of Clan Pompey. We would like as many people as possible to contribute to the idea. So please have a think about things you would like to see in the book, things like favourite away days, memorable moments of the clan etc. Get in touch with all your ideas and complete stories, memories etc via our contacts page, Facebook or members’ own email. Alan and Brian are collating and editing it all together - so get in touch!

Blackpool v Pompey weekend/match report

2012-02-12T15:06:10+00:00

The clan were on their travels again - this time ‘on mass’ heading towards the ‘picturesque’ city of Blackpool with an extended stay by the sea. We arrived by train on the saturday morning (a few ‘die hards’ travelled down the day before) and we descended onto our accommodation - the Sandgate hotel, who clearly underestimated their beer supplies for the onslaught gathering of Clan members, Northern blues and Westwood and entourage! As we enjoyed the buffet (well done Ken for organising it all) it proved to be a great occasion for catching up with friends and agreeable pre-match preparations!

The short walk to the ground (well done again Ken!) was like a step through some ‘crazy dream’ with every pompey fan seemingly dressed as Elvis, wearing some form of fancy dress, silly hat or wig! (Who won the competition then Chris?) It all helped to generate an atmosphere by the travelling fans that would turn out to be a bit special. From the moment the ground started to fill - to long after most home fans had gone, the travelling fans never stopped singing - clearly enjoying the occasion. However once again, (and I seem to write this all to often), the home fans created no atmosphere and were quite frankly pathetic! Where has all the passion and singing gone from football grounds these days……?

The game started and the first major chance came to Blackpool with a free kick from the left that was crossed in and seemed to beat everybody including Henderson. Thankfully it was disallowed for offside. The game continued with both teams fairly even. Blackpool probably had the lions’ share of possession but they found a Pompey rear guard that was again on top form. Pompey chances throughout the game largely seemed to be about breaking with pace on the counter-attack, with both Futacs and Hesklopp keeping busy with plenty of running. Any chances through the midfield seemed to come through Etuhu but he seemed lacking any real pace and his short runs seemed to end with plenty of promise but no end product. Lawence too - on a number of occasions seemed to get beaten easily and just ‘give up’ then not chasing the player - quite the opposite to Mullins who looked ever competitive in the tackling. Normally not my favourite player - but looked solid in midfield.

The half time was fast approaching with the game remaining a pretty even contest - somewhat surprising considering the league positions and form guide. However Blackpool were proving to be not quite so ‘unbeatable’ - an opinion that had been vehemently exclaimed by a ‘slightly inebriated’ Blackpool fan on the train journey down! Just as we were waiting for the halftime whistle, came the opening goal - a short cross from the right was not cleared and Hesklopp found the ball at his feet and with a quick turn - beat the goalkeeper. The travelling fans erupted as the Pompey players came over to celebrate in front of the cheering blue army masses.

There was little time for the match to get going again before the half time whistle and a standing ovation from the travelling fans (not that we ever sat down!)

The second half began with a fans’ display of unity and support about the plight of the financial miss-management within the club. As the second half started, the vast majority of the travelling fans turned their backs to the game for two minutes, with a rousing rendition of ‘Appletons blue and white army’. Some clan members who will remain nameless couldn’t resist a peak at the action - going on behind them though! Whilst some may see it (as what it was) something that will have little affect in the grand scheme of things, it did offer the fans a chance to collectively express their togetherness under the spotlight of live tv cameras - and certainly gave me a lump in my throat….

The second half was largely about missed chances for Pompey, firstly Hesklopp and Futacs beat the offside trap with two on one but wasted the pass/shot effort - clearly in two minds. Then Futacs had an effort that brushed the post beating the keeper to his left. However the pressure from Blackpool was unsurprisingly building and it was possibly not surprise when those chances to extend the lead came back to haunt us. A weak free kick was won against Halford just outside the right side of the area - with the resulting shot a sweetly taken curling shot in the top corner - which gave Henderson no chance at saving. Finally the home fans came to life… temporarily (within a few minutes, normality was resumed). Now on the pitch with added impetus, it was now set up for a Blackpool win and it was only a good diving save by Henderson late on that denied them that luxury.

The final whistle was met by great cheer - whilst it felt as though we had let two points slip away, in reality it was a good result away from home against an inform team. As the teams left the field - It was great to see so many players coming over and applauding the travelling fans and throwing various parts of clothing into the stand! I’m sure a large does of admiration was drifting pitch side towards the stands.

As previously mentioned, long after the home fans had made for the exits, many travelling fans were still on the terraces singing and dancing. It had the air of last day ‘staying up’ celebrations - a bit extra special. Eventually we made our way towards the exit and I saw a number of the grounds’ stewards standing in awe, smiling and clearly impressed by the fantastic support - even by Pompeys’ standards it was something else.

And so began operation Blackpool night life commenced! The clan unfortunately got fragmented into different bars and restaurants around Blackpool, but eventually many of us rejoined in a pub back near the hotel to suffer the ‘delights’ of karaoke. Whilst much cajoling took place - I refrained from such inappropriate behaviour! The beer flowed long into the night, as did the Pompey chimes - much to the eventual annoyance of the table of ladies next to us in the pub, who all took the the matter of karaoke a bit too serious! Highlight of the evening was probably Jims’ singing and Jim, Steve and Simons’ dancing! Oh dear lads……!

Overall an enjoyable weekend I think was had by all - and the game was pretty damn good too!

Brian Brooks

Pompey Supporters Trust support

2012-01-26T16:55:21+00:00

Clan Pompey is proud to support our friends at the ‘Pompey 12th man website’ (Portsmouth Supporters Trust) initiative. Please visit their website to register your important support. www.pompeys12thman.co.uk

“The fans of Portsmouth Football Club have always been Pompey's 12th man. It's time for Pompey fans all over the world to stand together and show our support for the club as it faces yet another crisis.

But this time, the Club needs more than just loyal support from the stands. It needs to look at a different model of ownership, with meaningful supporter involvement and dialogue, allowing those who care about the club the most - the fans- to help safeguard the club's future and play a real role in running and developing the football club.

It's time to show the strength of our commitment to the football club we love. The names and faces on this site have signed up to support a new way forward for Pompey. Make your voice heard - and make it matter.

If you believe that fans should have a significant role in Portsmouth Football Club, and ensure the football club represents the best of our proud City, then please register and show your support.”

Calling all Clan members...

2012-01-18T23:00:32+00:00

We still cannot find some of the missing ‘Player of the Season’ presentation photos from earlier seasons - somebody has them somewhere?! Please have a dig through your photo albums and see if you have any of the missing photos? It would be nice for posterity to have the complete collection on the website!

Also don’t forget we are always after any good photos of Clan members at matches, meetings etc for the website!

Chelsea v Pompey match report

2012-01-18T22:46:53+00:00

Chelsea v Portsmouth, FA Cup Third Round, 8th Jan 2012

The walk from Fulham Broadway tube station to Stamford Bridge provided an illuminating moment about the opposition for the travelling Pompey fans. How many other football clubs have hot food vans selling roast pork baguettes and smoked salmon? The other point to note was the sheer quantity of stewards Chelsea had laid on to prevent us from interacting with their fans. Two solid lines of yellow jackets extended from the away fans’ entry point to the road outside the stadium, forming a gauntlet that took several ticket checks and a continual threat of frisking to negotiate. It seemed our reputation had come before us!

Inside the stadium and the away end was packed out, as was the rest of the ground. Needless to say the 3,000 Pompey fans had no trouble making more noise than 37,000 Chelsea supporters throughout the afternoon! The team line-ups revealed that Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas had paid us the respect of opting to play the strongest team that he could given the absences of Drogba and Kalou to the African Cup of Nations, and Daniel Sturridge to injury. For Portsmouth, Luke Varney was still not fit, but Ward and Halford returned from suspension. Michael Appleton opted to go for a 4-4-2 formation, albeit a quite defensive one as front men Dave Kitson and Marko Futacs would spend much of the game behind the ball.

The match started with real excitement for the Pompey fans as in the first thirty seconds Kitson found himself with just the keeper to beat but only managed to pull his shot wide. From then on the game settled into a pattern with Chelsea having most of the ball and zipping it around on the ground. Pompey however, appeared comfortable, if occasionally stretched, and still offered some threat going forward, After 20 minutes all Chelsea had to show form their superior possession and territory was a header from Torres that was saved easily enough by Henderson. Torres was as petulant as I remembered from observing him playing for Liverpool at Fratton Park a couple of years ago – continuously moaning to anyone who would listen. At one point Aaron Mokoena brushed against him by the touchline and he threw himself to the ground. Nobody, not even his own team-mates, paid him any attention whatsoever, and he eventually got up and carried on!

The rest of the half continued in much the same vein with Pompey holding Chelsea off with surprising ease and Pearce and Rocha doing very well at the back. Lampard burst into the box and Henderson saved at his feet, but Chelsea were beginning to resort to long shots and crosses from deep that normally consisted of Malouda blasting the ball high and wide. Pompey hadn’t created much since the first minute but were causing Chelsea a few problems down the wings from time to time. 0-0 at half-time and Pompey were very comfortable.

Unfortunately, all this went to pot straight after half-time. Ashley Cole bundled the ball through to Malouda and he got in behind the defence and pulled the ball back for Mata to slam home. Straight after the goal I could see on the replay on one of the big screens that the Pompey defence had been claiming that Cole had handled. He was probably guilty as charged but the referee hadn’t seen it and the slight hesitation had given Malouda the space he needed.

Following this Pompey didn’t crumble and produced our best moment of the match. Kitson dispossessed David Luiz and poked the ball through to Futacs. He had a shot saved by Cech and the ball came to Joel Ward who headed the ball goalwards only to see it blocked on the line by John Terry. David Norris then blasted a shot towards the corner only for Cech to recover and save it. Terry was down injured after this, having collided with the post. He received some magic spray while the Pompey fans delivered a loud rendition of the Pompey Chimes and ‘Terry’s going to prison’ but sadly he was ok to play on after a few minutes. Later in the game he managed to plant his studs in Ward’s chest but the ref only gave him a yellow card.

On the terraces, Portsmouth fans were having a great time making much more noise than Chelsea’s legions. An amusing moment came when some of the home fans roused themselves enough to sing ‘Stand up if you hate Tottenham’ and Pompey fans immediately joined in and upped the volume considerably.

The score remained 1-0 until the last 10 minutes. At this point Appleton decided to go for it and altered the tactics and formation. First he replaced Mullins with Huseklepp on wide left and pushed Lawrence into the middle, and then he took off Rocha, who may have had a knock, and replaced him with Williams (centre-half for right midfield).This left Pompey with three at the back in a very attacking 3-5-2 arrangement. The manager probably had this switch planned from the start as the two players at full-back, Halford and Mokoena, are much more comfortable in the middle. The change looked like it might pay dividends as Pompey started pressurising Chelsea’s defence with a series of crosses and breakaways that Chelsea were just about managing to deal with.

The game was up however with five minutes to go as Ramires stabbed home a loose ball in the box to make it 2-0. A killer blow. Two minutes later and it was 3-0 as Pompey refused to sit back and Ramires was played in by Torres on the half-way line to run through and lift a quality shot into the top right hand corner. Deep into stoppage time, Lampard managed to find space on the edge of the box to stroke home a fourth and make the score look incredibly harsh for Pompey. The gamble had not paid off but at least we had had the guts to try to hit back rather than accept a 1-0 defeat in a cup match. It was a game that we could quite easily have drawn or even won on another day, despite being up against one of the top Premier League sides, so pride was very much intact. However, the day out was over and there will be no trip to Wembley this season, unless of course a play-off final materialises!

John Whitaker

Burnley v Pompey match report

2011-12-11T10:12:22+00:00

Sat 10th Dec 2011

A bitterly cold, frosty morning greeted our early train extravaganza from Glasgow (Ed. Carlisle) southwards towards Burnley. The clan were on their travels again! For some, a considerable task with up to four separate train journeys - starting and ending in the early hours! Never the less, on route - a hearty full English breakfast, a noteworthy rant over Preston stations’ lack of toilets and a considerable dousing of beer - all aided in keeping spirits high on our traveling adventure. After our final train leg - a tediously slow crawl of a journey - through the ‘picturesque’ Lancashire landscape - we eventually arrived at a damp and dreary Burnley.

Pre-match pub banter predominately centred around every football fans’ tried and tested dilemma of head verses heart. On paper - Burnley came into the game in good form and would certainly have fancied their chances against Pompey without a win away all season. It suggested a recipe of head over heart with many predicting a low score draw or close burnley win....

The match itself was largely a nullifying ordeal - with neither side producing many real goal scoring threats. Pompey demonstrated some neat one touch passing at times and some positive play - yet repeatedly found wanting in the final third. Burnley looked a shadow of the pre-match form guide and looked very average. The game continued on the field with plenty of huff and puff yet little purpose - whilst noise a-gusto rang from the Pompey fans, unsurprisingly berating the lack of noise from the home fans and reminding everybody of the forthcoming derby match!

At the half time whistle - many fans had already made an early exit to the refreshment stands to ‘beat the queues’. By then the air had turned decidedly colder - as the old habits of foot-stamping and hand rubbing became visible by anybody still braving the half time stands’ lowering temperature.

The second half continued largely in a similar vain to the first. Chances of witnessing a goal were few and far between - with shots taken from long range or threat stifled before reaching the box. It seemed any snap shot by either side had little chance of stretching the net. The game had an air of nil-nil written all over it. One moment of note and one of the best chances came when Pompey were clearly denied a penalty when the Burnley player hand-balled jumping high with arms flaying to block a cross. The referee was not interested - much to the unsurprising vehement frustration of the traveling fans.

And so the game played out its course - with end to end football - yet it never seemed to feel like their would be an end product by either side. Pompey continued to have good possession and neat passing with the majority of the attacking threat down the left. Burnley threat seemed largely to be more direct through the middle and at set pieces - but nothing ever looking too troubling for a stout Pompey rear-guard.

And so the game neared it’s end. Watches were checked and re-checked. A draw was mentally prepared for - not a bad result by the form guide but Pompey would have felt a little aggrieved having had the better share of chances and play. However all that was to dramatically change - as Norris fired in a late low shot to left of the Burnley keeper and send the traveling fans in a late burst of delirious enjoyment and increased noise. Could this be the away win we so badly craved? We didn’t have to wait long, for the simple answer was to be YES - as Burnley had next to no time to reply to the opening goal.

It was difficult to pick a man of the match as the whole team seemed to have a reasonably good game - so instead I’m going to dedicate the ‘man of the match’ award to google maps and the iPhone for being the saviour of the day!

And so we witness the highs and lows of being a football fan. Both sets of fans would have been content with the draw for different reasons - yet the blue army went home with smiles on their faces, sore throats and warmth in their hearts, whilst the fans donned in Claret - could only exclaim excuses of ‘a bad day at the office’.

Bring on the scum...
Brian Brooks

Alan completes Great South Run!

2011-11-11T21:57:19+00:00

Well done to our club secretary Alan for completing the ‘Great South Run’ in Pompey. On 30th October he completed the run in 1hr41mins - not only a great achievement but raised lots of money for charity too. Good work Alan - we’re all proud of you!

Clan Pompey AGM minutes

2011-11-07T20:10:38+00:00

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - BON ACCORD, GLASGOW 15th October 2011
Present:- Chairman: Simon Bowman, Treasurer: Stephen John, Secretary: Alan Cottingham, Membership:Jamie Kirkby   (Not Present), Website/Admin: Brian Brooks (Not Present), Others attending: Chris Evans, Ken Wilson, Phil Cook, Jim Hainey, Neil Davies (new member…welcome)

1. A quick nod of approval in regards to the acceptance of last years minutes.

2. ACCOUNTS Steve gave a brief account of last year’s expenditure and confirmed that the Clan Pompey current bank balance is a very healthy.

3. MEMBERSHIP
a) It was put forward that Neil Wiggins wanted a more of an active role in the Clan. After a quick e-mail it was deemed another wee practical joke by his mate Jamie. Unfortunately Neil can’t spare the time with his work commitments and family. At the moment we have Ken Wilson who has taken on the role as Social member for the Blackpool trip and has already put the wheels in motion as we speak. Alan Cottingham will look into trying to organising the Xmas Dinner on the 18th December.
b) It was also decided that no membership cards were required for near future as it was deemed to be unnecessary.
c) Membership fees were also to stay the same as last year £5.00 Seniors £10.00 Adults £20.00 Family membership It was also requested that the fees have to be paid up front. There to many members leaving it to the last minute.
d) It was also discussed that the Club should try to promote the Club and push for new members. Brian Brooks has already started an open group page for any Pompey members on Facebook so please lets try and get everyone involved.
e) As it seems nearly every Clan member are going down for the Blackpool trip, it might be an idea for an advert being placed in the Blackpool programme on match day to ask for new members to join the Clan. We use to do this in the past and we gained quite a few members along the way by doing the adverts.
f) A big thank you to Phil Reed for the past few years on looking after the Clan’s Website and keeping up dated. Brian Brooks is now looking after our interests on the website and has asked for our help by sending any Clan Pompey photos from the past. So, please help out where we can.

4. BLACKPOOL TRIP As most of you know the BIG WEEKEND is in Blackpool to watch Pompey play and have a damn good time. As mentioned before it was discussed that Ken Wilson has taken a big active role at has already got a small hotel in mind. So look out for your e-mails because places are being snapped up as we speak. As Northern Blues have been such great friends to Clan Pompey these last few years. Could say they are our Brothers in Arms or even our Blues Brothers. It was put forward that we put a small spread on and a few beers for them all in the hotel where we will be staying.

5. CHRISTMAS DINNER - Sunday 18th December It was decided that the best place to have the Xmas dinner would be the Bon Accord in Glasgow. Over the years they have stuck by us and put up with our antics these past nine years. They are willing to put aside a large area for the xmas dinner and will make sure that the Portsmouth v Southampton game will be shown live on Sky for us. As Kick off is 1pm we will not be eating until about 3.30ish. It would be great occasion and would be brilliant if we could get as many Clan Members and family at the Bon Accord as possible. If not for the game maybe for the Xmas Dinner. To try and coax Clan members and family away from their cosy settees it was decided that the Clan would pay a good portion of the price for the Dinner for members and family. So, a lovely Xmas Dinner for £10!! Yes a five course meal for £10 each. What more do you want…Portsmouth beating Southampton…A good meal for a tenner..and of course good company and a few drinks thrown in during the afternoon. So please make a big effort. Could do your Xmas shopping in the morning and chill with good friends watching footie and having a good meal later on in the afternoon. Alan Cottingham will give you all the details at a later date.

6. MERCHANDISE Simon is going to look into the firm that use to do our Merchandise to see if they still have the Clan templates.

7. BON ACCORD Chris has kindly offered his signed Portsmouth shirt that the Clan present Chris for being a good egg and for all the hard work he put in these last 8 years. So we will ask the Bon Accord if they are willing to put up in the pub when it is framed.

8. DERBY GAMES In regards to the two derby matches with Southampton. They will be MEMBERS ONLY for the tickets so don’t go putting pressure on Stephen for extra tickets for this game because you won’t get them. Members only!! So don’t ask.

9. TEN YEARS ON   Would you believe in July next year Clan Pompey will be ten years old. Scary eh? Where has all the time gone. It would be great if we could do something special to mark this event. Might an idea to invite past members back for a night out. Anyway, get your thinking caps on and see what you come up with. Lastly a big thank you for Stephen John and Young Simon Bowman for all there hard work this year as Chairman & Treasurer. It is sometimes a thankless task and all you seem to get is hassle…So, cheers lads

Great South Run

2011-10-19T10:47:21+01:00

On the 30th October Alan is travelling down from Scotland to take part in The Great South Run in Portsmouth with 22,000 other runners.He’s decided that he would like to raise some funds for MacMillian. He has raised a page on Just Giving and was hoping that you can donate to this great cause. Please click on the link below as it explains why he is running 10 miles for Macmillian...

http://www.justgiving.com/Alan-Cottingham1

He would be grateful if you could spare any cash for the great work that Macmillian carry out...

Kindest regards

Alan

Ipswich v Pompey match report

2011-10-19T10:14:07+01:00

Prior to the game I was aware that Ipswich had a good home record and are a team with confidence and ability. My understanding is that Pompey have been a team of one half per match this season, well last night was a much improved display with Pompey being the better team for both halves and Ipswich showing none of the qualities I had been told to expect.

We had most of the possession and won most of the one to one battles around the pitch. I haven’t read any newspaper reports yet, but I would say that nobody was poor with the exception of the awful defending for their goal. The defence really hadn’t had much to do to at that point in the game and that is why they were opened up so easily and attackers not closed down. I couldn’t tell you who the offending players were but the defensive mix up happened on our left side.

After we went down a goal we changed from 4-5-1 to 4-4-2, we bought off Rocha and bought on Eric and then soon after Kanu came on for Kitson and we also made a defensive substitution and took off Lawrence but I couldn’t tell you who came on. It was a frantic 10 minutes at the end but as had been the case throughout the game, lots of huff and puff and possession but no killer instinct and by this time, we never looked like breaching their effective defence. The result was an unfair 1 – 0 loss.

I came away really pleased that we had made an effort for both halves of the game and despite losing, we had been the better team throughout the game.

It was great to see Jan at the game although I think he had had significantly more to drink than me and waffled a lot!

Rob

New Website Launched!

2011-10-15T00:00:00+01:00

Welcome to the new Clan Pompey website - we hope you like it! We also now have a Facebook group for improved communication and messaging etc. Check out the link and join us via our contacts page. If you have any ideas, stories or suggestions for the website then please get in touch - we’d love to hear them!

Clan Pompey AGM

2011-10-14T00:00:00+01:00

Clan Pompey AGM Agenda 2011-2012.

Date: 15th October 2011.
Time: 1400.
Venue: Bon Accord. 153 North Street. Glasgow. G3 7DA.

1. Acceptance of last years minutes.

2. Accounts.
Brief summary of accounts

3. Office Bearers.
Chairman Simon Bowman.
Treasurer Stephen John.
Secretary Alan Cottingham.
Membership Jamie Kirkby.
Website/Admin Brian Brooks (to be formally agreed).
(Posts to be confirmed).

4. Membership.
Membership cards
Promotion of new members.
Membership fees.
Payments for membership outstanding.

5. Matches/Travel.
Burnley, 10th December.
Scummers, 18th December.
Leicester, 31st December.
The BIG weekend – Blackpool, 11th February.
Barnsley, 18th February.
Doncaster, 14th April.
Notts Forest, 28th April.

6. Website.
Thanks to Phil for looking after the website.
Thanks to Brian for taking up the role.
Reminder; send photos and tales to Brian.

7. 2011 Christmas Dinner.
Suggestions.

8. Use of Funds.
Suggestions.

9. Flags.

10. AOB.

11. Beer time, watch telly.

(Meeting outcome to follow)...

Chris Evans at Sheffield

2010-09-18T00:00:00+01:00

Falklands veterans overwhelmed by welcome as guests of honour at Bramall Lane.

Two Falklands War veterans who survived the sinking of HMS Sheffield 28 years ago received an overwhelming surprise when welcomed as guests of honour at Sheffield United’s game against Portsmouth. Sheffield-born Andy Stephenson but now living in Helensburgh (Argyll and Bute), Scotland and Portsmouth fan Chris Evans were in Sheffield to lay a wreath at the Cathedral in memory of their 22 shipmates lost that day on May 4, 1982. Already guests of the club for the match, a chance meeting in the Copthorne Hotel at Bramall Lane the night before saw them and their wives treated to an incredible VIP day.

Andy, who served with the Royal Navy until 2007, said: “We originally had two tickets and a tour of the ground sorted out. But on the Friday night in the hotel bar we ended up talking to Mike Farnan, group executive director of Sheffield United. Before we knew it Mike decided we should get the red carpet treatment, with four tickets in the directors box, four boardroom passes and a champagne reception.” Andy and Chris were also introduced to the crowd before kick off and received a rapturous reception. Andy said: “When we walked onto the pitch the clapping and cheering was quite overwhelming, and it made us realise how much our military service is valued. While we lost many friends on that fateful day, the welcome we got, showed that the ship and its company will always be remembered and never forgotten."

Chris, a fan of 48 years, was not too disheartened with seeing his team lose. He said: “I have travelled to many grounds both in the Championship and Premiership to watch my club and without doubt no club has come anyway near in matching the organisation and hospitality shown by Sheffield United FC. Chairman Kevin McCabe said it was a pleasure to honour us and the least he could do - to be honest we would have just been happy with the tour and the two tickets in the stand, but to have the day out we did and people coming up to us shaking our hands, there really are not enough superlatives to put their way."

Mr Farnan said: "We were delighted to support Andy, Chris and their wives. It was only appropriate they became the club’s guests of honour. Both Mike and the Chairman said that “Andy, Chris and their families will be welcomed back to the ground whenever they are in the area. Andy and Chris are now very much considered to be part of the “Blades family; HMS SHEFFIELD meant a lot to this club.

Clan Pompey AGM

2010-07-31T00:00:00+01:00

AGM : 31st July 2010
The AGM was held on Saturday 31st of July at Mathers Bar in Edinburgh. Thanks to Jamie and Neil for arranging the venue.

The key highlights from the meeting were; Membership fees are to stay the same. Chris Evans, founder member and former Chairman and Secretary to stand down. However, Chris will remain an active member of Clan Pompey. He was give an Honorary Membership. We all thanked him for his hard work over the years.

New club structure is:
Chairman : Simon Bowman Secretary : Alan Cottingham Treasurer : Stephen John Membership : Jamie Kirkby Web Admin : Phil Reed

Charity Bike Ride

2009-05-31T00:00:00+01:00

In 2009, Jamie and Neil, got on their bikes for Charity. Here is what they got up to.
For me this ride was quite eventful, our plans to ride together as Team Clan Pompey were short-lived, the wheel Jamie had sold me lasted about 100 metres from the start line before buckling under the weight of all the carbohydrates I had consumed the night before. As Jamie disappeared round the first corner I decided I would just have to nurse the bike round the 81 miles to protect the weakened front wheel. After a few miles as we rode around Loch Tay I succumbed to the temptation to get more involved and jumped on to the back of a group of fast riders, (a peloton). After 28 miles this tactic backfired as the two riders in the peloton touched wheels and went to ground, despite slamming on the brakes I crashed into the back of the group, falling on to the handlebars of another rider's expensive carbon fibre bike, injuring my (well protected) ribs.

Having picked myself up and dusted myself down and denied all responsibility for damage to bikes or bodies I set off again. perversely my front wheel seemed to be truer than before the crash, even so I borrowed a new wheel from the support crew.

Sabotage

After 40 miles, the halfway point, I realised I'd lost my camera and waterproof in the crash but then noticed an increasing number of cyclists attending to punctures on the side of the road, there were dozens of bikes standing upside down whilst their riders turned the air blue and picked tacks out of their tyres. Thinking that I'd had my share of bad luck already on the ride, I hoped I would escape any further mishaps, but trying to pick a path through the tacks was impossible, they were a quarter of an inch long and black so invisible to the human eye from the height of the saddle. Slowly I made my way through the wreckage until BANG, the back tyre went down instantly. Was this more of Jamie's skulduggery to ensure I remained behind him?

I fixed the puncture, made all the more difficult by my aching ribs and continued to the foot of the Schiehallion climb. I decided to ditch my winter gloves there as the sun had come out and I wouldn't need them again that day. I made it to the top of the climb with ease only to be stopped at the top of the hill along with hundreds of other cyclists as the race organisers halted the race to allow further stretches of the course to be cleared of tacks.

A 45 minute wait, in the wind and cold shade of the trees did little to improve my mood and those around me were already devising a plan of what they would do to the saboteur when he was found. We were allowed to descend slowly from the top of the hill though there were still many casualties of the tacks on the final 20 miles of the route, I suffered one more rear wheel puncture before cruising back to Pitlochry to be reunited with the half of Team Clan Pompey. Jamie had managed to avoid all of the above dramas to post a very creditable time of just over 5 hours for the 81 mile route.

"Where the **** have you been?"

Arriving about 2 hours later than originally planned I was greeted with the now traditional welcome from Mrs Wiggins, no hugs, kisses or concern for my welfare, but a " where the **** have you been? Stanley's been going mental and I've been standing here for 2 hours, 2 hours of my life that I'll never get back, my back hurts and I'm hungry and this is the last time I ever come to see you finish anything". All hail the conquering hero !

Of course Jamie is loving this, adding fuel to the fire as the Wiggins marital harmony goes up in flames. We return to the cars where Jamie's wife Rhona had brought a lovely picnic lunch. As we sat there the irritating clown on a bike who had been scaring Stanley all morning (no it wasn't Jamie) cycled past the car one more time to terrorise Stanley.

"Do you know how fast you were travelling sir?"

Jamie, his friend John and I return to Jamie's house, en route we were flagged down by a police officer waving a radar gun at us and asking us to pull over to the side of the road. Excuse me gentlemen he says "do you know how fast you were travelling? This is a residential area and the speed limit is 30mph, you gentlemen were travelling at 42mph in a 30mph area"

Now most cyclists would boast about being stopped by the police for speeding and so would we if it weren't for the fact that the bikes were on top of Jamie's car at the time. A little white lie about having no points on his licence and we were allowed to carry on our way without penalty.

Postscript - at present a 62 year old local church elder has been charged with endangering lives by laying carpet tacks on a 20 mile section of the Etape Caledonia route, if prosecuted he faces potentially a claim from each of the 3500 cyclists for their entrance fee and new tyres. His objection to the race is that the roads in the area are closed for part of the Sunday morning so locals cannot get to church and farmers cannot get between their fields. There is some local opposition to the ride even though it is worth approx £500,000 in tourism to the area and raises about £400,000 for charity each year.

Edinburgh marathon - 31st May 2009 - no such drama in this second part of my fundraising campaign. Despite the unseasonal hot weather I completed the marathon in 4hrs 11 minutes, just outside my personal best. Thanks to all of you who sponsored me.