It also has the advantage that if there are problems, they are all laid at Pompey's door. Our fans cannot be accused of starting anything from inside a coach. Perhaps the coach company should contact the manufacturers of the "Popemobil". With that special glass he doesn't have to rely on his faith to keep him safe from bricks!
We're practically neighbours. The Artillery arms is a pretty safe pub so far as it goes, you ever drink there?
So who's going then? I know I am, but this will be my first game at FP as a Dad so I know that i've been thinking long and hard about whether I should or not....
I know I feel shame by proxy if any of our fans get into trouble, so we mustn't forget that most true Pompey fans must cringe at the antics of the hooligans who claim to cause trouble in their name.
Been in there once a few years ago, but it seemed to be full of old locals that didn't make us feel particularly welcome. The Meon Valley's my local but only been in there a couple of times - the next closest is the Milton Arms so certainly not welcome in there. Once spent 5 mins in the Shepherds Crook, and that was 5 mins too long!! I tend to go to the Wine Vaults more than anywhere else.
You'll be fine. Last time as we left I just slipped out of the crowd and walked home, 5 minutes tops. The time before we were herded back to the station and on to a train. I had to go all the way to Netley (the first stop) and back again! It too bloody hours to get back too as it was a Sunday
Ha ha, Brave man. Ive never been in the Shepherd's crook. I just can't bring myself to do it. I'd be too on edge I think. The AA is a bit of an old geezers pub but for that reason it's fairly safe. They show footy there too I think? I've only been there once.
All over the top and things are not as bad as they used to be in 80's & 90's. As ever, common sense goes out the window and the authorities still think that all football fans are scum. Yes there are a few who play up to that, but the large scale fights of the past are over and a bit of "fence rattling" isn't exactly the crime of the century is it? I bet Hampshire Old Bill don't insist on this plan for the reverse fixture.
I've been to a few South Coast derbies in my time and never had any trouble. Like the majority of people, I just keep my head down and move with the masses. If you look for trouble then you will find it, that's my opinion.
I don't know what all the fuss is about,a safe trip to the ground without any worry of getting abused or smacked about a bit,think it's a very sensible move by the club,who the hell wants to walk around pompey and go drinking around there town anyway? i know it may be a radical thing but maybe just don't drink for one game? think you'll live! for people who say it's an over reaction,there hasn't been big trouble for years,why do you think that is? maybe it has something to do with the fact that it has extra policing and it's regarded as a high risk game?,if the club and police just let us get on with it i gurantee they'll be trouble.
It's a sad reflection on today's society that measures such as this are deemed necessary, especially as the game is being played so close to the season of peace on Earth and goodwill to all men.
I doubt there is not many, if any saints fans who want to go beering it up or take in the sights of pompey before the game, just think it's OTT to make fans go on a coach and only then do they get their ticket. The club and police know who the nutters are at each club and also who the wannabees are. I can't believe its that hard to stop those people getting a ticket, especially as the ballot is all done behind closed doors anyway. Even in 84 & 88, I can't recall many if any fans of either clubs without tickets turning up in either city to cause trouble. Fans will only go to Fratton or to St Mary's if they have a ticket these days. There maybe a few oiks from the local estates in each city hanging around their home ground, but with CCTV etc, they know they'll get nicked and Hampshire Police are always keen to prosecute fans for next to nothing as shown by the last encounter in Soton. I'm sure the local media will go over the top in the build up to the game and on the day itself, think the Police would be better served telling them to calm it down.
What sanctions would be imposed? Millwall, Cardiff, Leeds, Man Utd have trouble most weeks and at least 3 or 4 times a season on a largish scale but no punishment is put on the clubs.
Thinking about it, I'm not sure a coach is that safe. I suggest hot air ballooning 10 fans in at a time, direct onto the Fratton Pitch. During the match, shovels will be given to the away fans to dig their own escape tunnel back to safe terriority, probably Hedge End.
It's a Bubble Game as pompey's will be well and truely burst come full time. They will still be fighting relegation and the new managers honeymoon period will be over.
