Turnbull’s simple message to squad
But USP boss slightly ‘nervous’ ahead of the restart
US Portsmouth manager Glenn Turnbull's message to his squad will be a simple one as they prepare for a return to competitive action: Pick up where you left off before lockdown.
But the USP boss admitted to feeling some slight ' nervousness' about how his side will fare following a monthlong season suspension.
US Portsmouth were just starting to hit their straps when ' non-elite' football in England was brought to a temporary halt last month.
A run of six wins in seven matches in all competitions left them sitting fifth in Wessex League Division One with a place in the FA Vase second round also secured.
But just as they were beginning to build some momentum the four-week nationwide lockdown arrived and prevented them from training or playing.
Although conceding that enforced break probably came at the worst possible time for his in-form squad, Turnbull has welcomed the Wessex League's decision to resume the season from Saturday.
Now it's just a case of making sure his team are best prepared to pick up where they left off before the campaign was stopped.
‘We were on a good roll so we’re just keen to get back,’ said the USP boss.
‘The boys have had a programme to do on their own during the four weeks.
‘Obviously, it’s a concern (how we’re going to come back), we were on a really good roll, we got up a good head of steam and we lost one game in October.
‘We had some good results beating some good teams both in the cups - beating teams from higher leagues - and in our own league. We beat Bemerton at their place, we beat Newport on the Isle of Wight which were two tough games we felt.
‘There is a little bit of nervousness again about can we pick up where we left off.
‘In fairness to the lads, when we got back together after the first lockdown and we went into some pre-season games we were okay.'
US Portsmouth were back training at their HMS Temeraire base last night. Boss Turnbull is then planning an in-house full-size game on Saturday before USP return to competitive action next week.
A trip to league rivals Andover Town for a Wessex League Cup tie on Tuesday is then followed by a home FA Vase second round meeting against the winners of the tie between Brockenhurst and Street comes next Saturday (December 12).
Turnbull feels the fact their first league game after the lockdown does not come until a visit to New Milton on December 15 will give them some extra time get back up to full speed. ‘There is no such thing as a free-hit but the New Milton game is important in hopefully getting some more points on the board,’ added Turnbull.
‘If I was told we were to win the game against New Milton but you’ve got to lose one or both of those cup games and you’ll get everyone sharp - I’d probably take that.
‘It would be nice to get through in the Wessex Cup and we’ve probably got a chance in that.
‘In all due respect, I don’t think we’re going to win the FA Vase.
‘Like everyone else, we’re in the competition so we’ve got a chance, but our chances of winning it are minimal.
‘We’ll use those two games for what they are.’
Longer-term absentees Harry Bedford and Elliott Turnbull remain out but other than that the USP squad are back to full fitness.
Bedford is set to undergo an operation in a bid to resolve his knee issue before Christmas while Turnbull (hamstring) is not expected back until the new year.