Pompey fan who turned down Saints is on the rise
His club finds itself in turmoil as it endures a troublesome time on and off the pitch.
But amid the difficulties being faced in League Two at Accrington, there’s a Blues fan whose star is on the rise.
Jack Nolan is the Pompey supporter who turned down Southampton as a child to play for his club, before moving on to Reading at 14.
The 22-year-old was handed a pro deal at the Madejski Stadium but never made a senior appearance, before being taken to Walsall by former Blues academy coach Darrell Clarke in 2020.
Nolan arrived at the Crown Ground a year later, and immediately pinpointed the prospect of a trip to Fratton
Park as a day he had circled in his calendar.
That goal of playing at PO4 became a reality at the end of last term in a 1-0 loss for John Coleman’s side, who went on to be relegated to League Two.
It’s not gone as well as hoped this term. But despite the difficulties and just one win in eight games, Nolan has been in outstanding goal form.
Operating as a winger, he has returned nine goals since Christmas and 10 in 19 appearances, to take his total for the season to 14.
Despite that form, Nolan revealed this month he’s faced some online criticism from disgruntled Accrington fans.
He told the BBC after a 3-0 loss to Bradford: ‘There were a few comments made to me from fans on Saturday.
‘I think everyone forgets that we've all got social media and we see it. We all go out to give 100% for everyone.
‘It cut deep a bit, from your own fans. You have to be thickskinned and take it on the chin but you don't expect it from your own.’