Are we moving to an SO postcode? Where’s our Milton End Season tickets? Why is Clark Robertson captain? Yes, it’s BBC Radio Solent’s annual fans forum, where supporters got to pose their burning questions to Pompey’s panel of Andrew Cullen, John Mousinho, Marlon Pack, and Jay Sadler. It was an entertaining evening as always, and here are some of the key takeaways.
Marlon Pack is going NO where
There was no time for skipper Marlon Pack to ease himself into the evening, as he was asked, ‘if his game time was restricted, would he leave or fight for his place?’ It was a slightly bizarre question, that was greeted by an array of chuckles from supporters, but judging on facial expressions, John Mousinho was less amused.
Nonetheless Pack fielding the question with the same class he has demonstrated in his entire time as captain. Despite less game time last season, the skipper made 41 appearances, and has no plans of slowing down. Pack is a professional, and relishes his duties both on and off the pitch. Whether it be in the community, slotting in Centre Back, or pulling the strings in the middle of the park, Pack is here to stay, and his impact cannot be understated
Playing the long game in Academy Development
A topic that gets brought up every year is regarding Pompey’s lack of Academy progress. More so the lack of Academy graduates in the first team. Sure, Toby Steward and Harry Clout have signed professional contracts, and are well regarded. But for so long there has been smoke with no fire with academy graduates. Highly regarded prospects who don’t quite make it.
Andrew Cullen managed this question superbly, even when it was essentially repeated. Pompey have invested heavily in their academy recently, with significantly improved training facilities. But the Blues are prepared to play the long game with their academy.
Unfortunately, Pompey are feeling the affects of the early 2010s, during the ‘financial troubles.’ Not only did Pompey’s academy have a pretty poor reputation, but so did the club in general. A club surrounded by such uncertainty, hardly made an exciting prospect for upcoming talent. To make matters worse, the best players at underage level, are quickly snapped up by Premier League clubs, with it being a hard argument to convince teenagers to remain at a League 1 or 2 club. As a result of this, the players that have progressed through the academy, unfortunately haven’t cut the mustard.
But with the Blues back in the Championship, with increased investment, and a soaring reputation, there is much more hope down the line for Pompey to retain some of their young talent, and for a better crop of players to break into the first team.
Survival is the name of the Game
When quizzed over Pompey’s plans and aims for the season, John Mousinho quoted, ‘if we’re sat here in a year’s time still a Championship club, that would be successful.’ Quite a few times throughout the forum, the heavy spending of clubs like Birmingham, Wrexham, and Charlton was addressed. Making the Championship on paper look more competitive this season.
Fear not, survival doesn’t mean Mousinho is aiming for a 21st placed finish. Pompey flirted with relegation most of last season, before securing an impressive 16th placed finish, and will likely be aiming for a similar finish this campaign, looking to build consistency, and to establish themselves as a Championship club, and would absolutely love to push for mid table. However, I wouldn’t be expecting a play-off push anytime soon.
How do Pompey increase revenue streams?
Andrew Cullen was asked about the University of Portsmouth’s sponsorship, and how lucrative a sponsor they are for the Blues. Frequent comparisons were made to Birmingham and Wrexham, with their documentary’s and high profile sponsorships. Realistically Tik Tok, and the University of Portsmouth, hardly compare.
Nonetheless, Cullen spoke of his pride around the Club’s sponsors, like all sponsors, they pay the going rate. He went into detail about the great work the University of Portsmouth do, and how having them as sponsors promotes local business and the city of Portsmouth further. Cullen would rather this, then spray betting logos across Fratton Park.
It was this stance that earned Cullen a round of applause from those in attendance. Portsmouth is a proud city, and it’s incredibly refreshing to have owners who embrace and promote this.
The possibility of a ‘welcome to Wrexham’ style documentary has long been a speculative prospect, given the Eisners media experience. Cullen said nothing like this was imminent, and if Pompey were to publish a series/documentary, it would have to be unique and differ from what we have seen from Wrexham and Birmingham. Him and Mousinho were definitely aligned in ensuring no cameras enter the changing rooms.
But truthfully, however the Blues are generating revenue, they are in a better position than ever. With Forbes recently publishing an article which reported Pompey’s net assets had risen from £5million to £25million under Eisner ownership, with revenue steadily rising (outside of COVID).
Main Takeaway
If the fans forum taught us anything, it’s that Pompey are in a fantastic position both on and off the pitch going into the new campaign. With Mousinho at the helm, Cullen pulling the strings, and Pack leading the changing rooms, the Blues are in for a quietly exciting season.
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