Clan Pompey - 10 year celebration book
12/02/12 Filed in: Help
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
12/02/12 Filed in: Match reports
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
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
26/01/12 Filed in: Help
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.” |