One Pompey Supporter Talks To Vital Lincoln City

The last time The Imps faced tonight’s opponents Portsmouth at home was on Tuesday 3rd November 2020. The visitors won 3-1 that night, thanks to two goals from John Marquis (5′ and 50′) and one from Ronan Curtis (61′), with Tom Hopper scoring a consolation goal in the 73rd minute.

Ahead of tonight’s match, we have done a Q&A with a Portsmouth supporter, so thank you to Sam (from PompeyNewsNow) for answering our questions!

If you would like to get involved with the conversation on 100% Imps, you can join our Lincoln City v Portsmouth Match Thread! Every page view helps raise money for Lincoln City Football Club!

How long have you supported Portsmouth?

I have supported Pompey since 2005 and have had a season ticket every year since.

Where did you finish last season?

Pompey missed out on the playoffs in the final fixture of last season and ended the season in 8th position.

What do you think of your manager?

So far, I am a fan of Danny Cowley, our results have been up and down, and there have been some extremely poor displays. However, recently it is clear the side are very much playing for the manager. The majority of his signings have been a success and with another couple of transfer windows, I am confident that he will turn Pompey into a force to be reckoned with next season.

What are your hopes and expectations for the 2021/22 season?

At the start of the season, I accepted that this season would not be a smooth one for Pompey, and it hasn’t been. We have had a large player turnover and still have players that need moving on to free up the wage bill. This has resulted in some slightly disjointed displays and a lack of leadership at times. Most Pompey fans are happy to accept that this season is one of transition and that a mid table finish is a possibility. However, four wins on the spin in all comps and a seven game unbeaten run heading into the festive period could be the springboard for Pompey to push themselves up into the playoffs. If they can stay in and around the top six, and strengthen in January, there is every possibility that the Blues could be up there come May. On their day, there is considerable quality in this squad, we just haven’t seen it enough.

One(s) to watch?

On current form, Marcus Harness. Harness has eight goals in ten games and has been in the best form of his Pompey career. Other notable players to watch are Gavin Bazunu in goal (won’t find a better keeper in League One) and Michael Jacobs, who has recently returned to the side after a stop-start career at Pompey. Jacobs on his day can be one of the most creative players in the League, he just needs an extended run in the side.

Which teams do you think will finish in the top six in League One?

Rotherham, Ipswich, Sunderland, MK Dons, Wigan, and Plymouth.

Which teams do you think will finish in the bottom four in League One?

Crewe, Gillingham, Shrewsbury, and Doncaster.

What are your thoughts on Lincoln City?

Superb manager, the job Appleton did last year was simply brilliant. The recruitment and style of play was as good as anyone in the League and you were unfortunate not to go up. This season, like Pompey, has been a stop-start but when I look at the bottom half of the League, the one side I think has the potential to go on a ‘Blackpool-esque’ run is Lincoln City. Losing Rogers and Johnson was a big blow and It has clearly taken time to adjust to life without them, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Lincoln were pushing for the playoffs come May.

What do you think the score will be?

Lincoln seem to be a hard side to beat, looking at recent results. However, I do feel Pompey have shown slightly more going forward in recent weeks and look to have turned a corner. Ogilvie and Raggett have developed a solid partnership and a clean sheet for the Blues wouldn’t be out the question. I’m going for a 2-o Pompey win.

Random fact about your Club?

After playing against Pompey in 2008, Ronaldinho said “Fratton has one of the best atmospheres in world football”

If you could steal one Lincoln City player for your own team, who would it be and why?

Anthony Scully. The game against Cambridge was about a complete a performance as you are ever likely to see at this level. Scully is still young and will only get better. If Lincoln don’t get promoted, I highly doubt he will be at the club next season.

What are your proudest and most embarrassing moments as a Portsmouth supporter?

My proudest moment was the 2010 FA Cup Final, where the side were a penalty kick from beating Chelsea at a time when the club was in deep financial trouble and had no right to be in an FA Cup Final.

My most embarrassing moment was this season’s 4-0 battering by Ipswich at Fratton Park, with Paul Cook in charge of the Tractor Boys.

Who would you say is your most underrated player?

Sean Raggett – Raggett has been immense this season, but due to his no-nonsense unglamourous defending, he sometimes doesn’t get the credit he deserves.

Do you have a Supporters Trust and what role do they play at the Club?

Yes – the PST were instrumental in buying the club after it was on the brink of nothingness. After the American takeover, the PST hold regular meetings with the ownership and management to ask questions and raise any concerns they may have.

Which was your favourite match involving Portsmouth?

Portsmouth 2-0Tottenham FA Cup Semi-Final in 2010. Tottenham had half our old side and our manager, we deservedly won in extra time and were relegated the same day. Seeing the Spurs end disappear in a mass exodous was one of the sweetest moments I’ve ever had at a Pompey match.

Which was your least favourite match involving Portsmouth?

Pompey 0-4 Southampton – The less said the better.

Do you have a Former Players Association at Portsmouth?

Yes.