Pompey v Bristol Rovers

A point at Northampton would see us mathematically safe, although we're as safe as houses now anyway

 

Well done boys, well done! Much Love

 

So now that I'm not on my phone, I can provide more comments....

Firstly, I have to say (apart from the ten minute period after half time) what an atmosphere. Especially after the final whistle chanting "We are staying up!" and "Andy Awford's Blue Army!" (I don't care what the news says, the word white is so not there).

Secondly, the celebration for the third goal was epic. Massive bundle infront of the Fratton End then Ricky Homes rushed over and jumped on/over the bundle, 'twas amazing.

Thirdly, the seats that are closed due to health and safety reasons, it looks like they are the ones in the corners of the Milton End, is that the case?

Fourthly, I reckon we may just stay up now.

Fifthly, good on them to mention Pompey Ladies' match against Notts County and having it advertised on the scoreboard before the match.

Sixthly, the barbed wire is still there. Please get rid of it!

 

A good result that should see us ok....hopefully though we just keep putting in the effort so we can end the season on at least 56 - 58 pts - I have to say fair play to their fans - great turn-out and really contributed to a great atmosphere - their team gave us a really tough first half - 2nd half we took our time but the final 20 mins was pretty much all us. Some really good performances but I still think we need a ball winning defensive midfielder - the back four recovered well after the first half in which I thought we looked a bit nervy - their second goal was down to not being switched on. That said 3 pts needed and the lads look a different set of players under AA so well done to all. PUP

 

Happy Birthday Wooperts

 

Happy birthday! Was your name mentioned at half time?

 

Happy Birthday What a great present they gave you. It was a joy to watch, I was on the edge of my seat when I wasn't stood up, some very nervy moments in the first half, but second half they certainly proved to be more confident.

As far as being safe, the 3 teams on 47 points need 7 points more than us out of the next 3 games, so 2 wins and a draw with us losing all 3. So if we score another point, they need to win all 3.

Wycombe can probably get 6 points, Bristol away record is not good, Torquay is there last match, but their next match against Fleetwood, I don't see them winning.
Rovers have Mansfield and Rochdale at home, and Wycombe away, so I'm guessing 0 points, 2 at a push, Mansfield are on form and Rochdale are going to be fighting to get that automatic promotion spot.
Northampton have us next and have a 1 day advantage between matches, then Dag & Red and finally Oxford, I would like to think that there will be no more than 4 points out of that.

For us Northampton, Bury and Plymouth, not easy games by any stretch of the imagination, but I think we can get 4-6 points out of them.

It'll be a nailbiting match on Monday, just gutted I wasn't quick enough to get tickets, travelling up there tomorrow for a lovely stay in a hotel I rather foolishly booked on a deal that doesn't refund if you cancel. Ah well, it'll be a little holiday away from teenagers!!

 

There's a hill just outside the stadium apparently which offers a good view of the pitch, you could always have a nice picnic there while watching the game!

 

Yes I do seem to remember there is a hill there, not a full pitch view, but it might be worth checking out. It's a while since I was at Sixfields, but I think there are restaurants and a cinema there too, so plenty of parking. Will see what the other half thinks to having a picnic

 

I have contemplated that, and it is still a possibility, but they clearly state "Away fans are not permitted in home areas. Any away supporter found in home areas will be ejected. No refunds given." on their website and I'm not sure I could manage a whole match sat on my hands, or be able to contain myself if we scored. We'll have to see what happens, it is quite frustrating as I have looked on their website and they have loads of seats still available. If not their is always Pompey Player!

 

What's going on a FP? You all sound soooooo positive. It is good to see after the years of negativity. Good result today and well done on 4 in a row!!! Hopefully you will have a good summer and resume business on the front foot!!! Remember the saying "poc a poc." Turn that into a terrace chant and I will love you!!!!!!! Serious!!!!

 

Another great win! I am sure we are safe now. And this means I must eat some of my earlier words. Just prior to Barker's sacking I said I thought we had to stick to the horse we were on - it was too late to change management. I'm so happy to be proved wrong.

One of the reasons for my comment was that I thought it would be too late for a new manager to determine the abilities of the players and thus determine a suitable combination and tactics. In this regard AA had the great advantage of already being in and around the club. I doubt that an outsider could have had the same immediate success AA has had.

Now the big question is should AA be given the job permanently?

the two areas of management are 1) Finding the best combination and tactics for the available players - in his thus far short reign AA could not have been more successful in this regard.
2) recruiting suitable new players on the available budget. - as far as I know AA has not had experience in this regard.

If AA goes back to the academy his presence in the background may make it difficult for a new manager when the inevitable 'lean spell' comes along.

I suspect loyalty to Whittingham prevented him from putting his hand up at the time of Barker's appointment and the experience of sacking one loyal club servant probably would have made the Board hesitant in considering him anyway.

This time I believe, on balance he should get the job if he wants it.

However, an assistant manager with experience round the traps of Divs 1 & 2 and therefore knowledge of available players may be a prudent compliment to AA's skills.

P.S Al ate happy birthday Woopert.

 

I'd heard a couple of weeks ago that AA had been interviewed for the job when Barker was appointed - then it was confirmed by Neil Allen in the News.

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/when-pompey-woke-up-to-see-awford-should-be-boss-1-6010730

If he wants a Managerial post we aren't going to keep him at FP by making him stay in the Academy, either he gets the job he wants or he'll be off. The big worry seems to be if at some point he hits a dry spot, then we lose a valuable person. Alan Knight keeps talking about a Dario Gradi type of position and I heard Mick Williams on Express FM say they have to 'think outside the box' on this one.

My personal belief is that AA will be offered the manager post, it will just be set up differently to most other clubs.