Congratulations to Joe Hancott; from the Isle of Wight; who becomes the blues youngest player at 16 years and 161 days, surpassed previous holder Gary O’Neil, who was 16 years and 256 days when he made his bow in January 2000 against Barnsley. please log in to view this image
EFL 'request AFC Wimbledon observations' on reported failure to use MK Dons' full name. please log in to view this image There was no mention of AFC Wimbledon's opponents, MK Dons, on the front of Friday's matchday programme. The English Football League says it will look into reports that AFC Wimbledon failed to recognise opponents MK Dons by their full name at their League One game on Friday. Wimbledon referred to the away side as Milton Keynes or MK, and did not mention them on their programme cover. AFC Wimbledon were formed in 2002 by Wimbledon FC supporters dismayed by the Football Association's choice to allow their club to move to Milton Keynes. The EFL says it "sought assurances" from Wimbledon before the game to ensure it would be "treated in a consistent and appropriate manner" after MK Dons were not referred to by their full name in a number of circumstances when the sides met at the Cherry Red Records Stadium last season. Reformed club Wimbledon did not acknowledge the 'Dons' part of their opponents' name in their matchday programme when they last met in London in March. "Following reports regarding Friday's fixture, it would appear that a similar situation has transpired and, as a result, the EFL board will request the observations of AFC Wimbledon at the earliest possible opportunity," a league statement said. "The EFL is more than aware of the issues around the creation of MK Dons and the upset this caused for the then, Wimbledon FC. "The failure to recognise MK Dons in the correct manner causes reputational issues for the EFL as well as creating the potential for unrest amongst MK Dons supporter and, as such, is of concern for the EFL." The EFL pointed to regulations that all clubs are required to behave towards one another with the "utmost good faith" and not to "unfairly criticise, disparage, belittle or discredit" any other club. A Wimbledon statement said: "Fans will have seen that the EFL has asked for our comments about aspects of Friday's game at the Cherry Red Records Stadium. "We will be responding to the League in due course and until then we will make no further comment." Well done AFC Wimbledon in your stand against the imposters
Yeovil approach Harry Redknapp about advisory role. please log in to view this image Yeovil Town have released a statement confirming that manager Darren Way has approached former Tottenham and Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp about an advisory role with the club. Redknapp was recently dismissed by Birmingham after a poor start to their Championship campaign, but the 70-year-old has a wealth of experience to provide the Glovers boss. Way’s approach has been made after Redknapp made comments about his willingness to help out at Huish Park, even saying he would do so without pay. Yeovil have said that Way approached the former Spurs boss with their approval, and that the club would be meeting with him soon to hash out the details of his potential new role. Way spoke to Yeovil’s official website about the approach, saying: “Harry has been in the game a long time and is someone I highly respect for all the experience he’s gained and achievements he’s accomplished. “I’m still starting my journey in management and feel the opportunity to bring in someone like Harry to offer advice and pass on his knowledge is a no brainer. “There’s no pressure or long-term commitment from either side, but I’m looking forward to having Harry at Huish Park and we welcome him to the club.” Redknapp would be joining a Glovers said who’ve made an indifferent start to the season, currently sitting in 17th in the League Two table.
Pompey fan Anya Shrubsole becomes the first woman to feature on the front cover of Wisden. please log in to view this image
Mourinho: Old Trafford is nothing like incredible Pompey please log in to view this image Jose Mourinho criticised the atmosphere at Old Trafford and revealed: It’s not Pompey. Speaking after Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over Huddersfield, the Red Devils boss described Old Trafford as a ‘quiet’ stadium. Mourinho then contrasted United’s ground to Fratton Park. He remembers the atmosphere at PO4 when he was in charge of Chelsea as being ‘absolutely incredible.’ ‘It’s not Portsmouth,’ Mourinho told reporters when talking about the Old Trafford atmosphere. ‘I remember Portsmouth – such a small stadium, the atmosphere was absolutely incredible. ‘In here, the atmosphere is a bit quiet and there is not very (much enthusiasm). But the players like to play at home.’
please log in to view this image Former Pompey owner Sulaiman Al-Fahim is believed to have been sentenced to 5 years in prisons over his dealings with Portsmouth football club. https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http...xtbkxT42jWd0NyMDvcRDXBOxw2FWgl5QhNy6DzHKnH2u0
please log in to view this image Was This The “Real” High Water Mark Of Fratton Park Attendances? Graham Dubber of the Pompey History Society talks us through the fascinating story behind a seemingly routine photograph of fans arriving at Fratton Park:https://pompeyhistory.wordpress.com/2018/02/15/was-this-the-real-high-water-mark-of-fratton-park-attendances/
Pompey Win Regional Community Award. please log in to view this image Pompey will be recognised and celebrated in Parliament for their outstanding community work. They have been named South East Checkatrade Community Club of the Year as part of the 2018 EFL Awards. Following the exceptional work of Pompey in the Community, the Blues will be joined alongside five other EFL regional winners – Bristol City, Charlton, Derby, Blackburn and Middlesbrough – at the House of Commons on Monday, March 12. They will receive their award, for the second consecutive year, with EFL chairman Ian Lenagan, Sports Minister Tracey Crouch and host Colin Murray all confirmed to take the stage at the event. Last year’s overall winners of the Checkatrade Community Club of the Year Award, Pompey will again be put forward alongside the five other regional winners for the 2018 award, which will be announced at the EFL Awards on Sunday, April 15 in central London. Pompey in the Community impressed the judges with their Wheels for All project, an inclusive community cycling scheme that offers adapted bikes and personal support to local adults and children with physical and learning disabilities. The scheme also works with older people at risk of isolation and allows users to take part in safe, structured and supported rides in two city wide locations. EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey said: “EFL clubs are based in the heart of communities up and down the country, often in some of the most disadvantaged areas. “It’s important that we recognise the clubs that have gone that extra mile to make a real difference to the community they represent, which is why the announcement of the Checkatrade Community Club of the Year regional winners is a fitting tribute to the excellent and innovative work that takes place. “I’m proud to say that all clubs, not just the winners, are at the forefront of helping to tackle some of the biggest issues in society by using the power of the club badge. “In 2018 we celebrate 10 years of the EFL Trust and in the past decade our clubs have played an instrumental part in transforming their local community, from helping to reduce crime, improving health and inspiring education. “Hundreds of thousands of people have been, and will continue to be, positively influenced by the work undertaken in this area seven days a week, 365 days a year.” The EFL received strong submissions from a wide range of clubs, with the panel marking the applications on social impact and their showcase projects. The six regional winners were selected by an independent judging pane, including The Times’ chief football writer, Henry Winter; Team Leader for Faith Engagement, Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Hilary Patel; Director of CSR at The PFA, John Hudson; Sky Sports’ Michael Weightman and the EFL Trust Director of Operations, Mike Evans. For more information regarding the 2018 EFL Awards, visit www.efl.com