PORTSMOUTH

LAST SEASON

LEAGUE ONE 4th FA CUP Fourth Round

LEAGUE CUP First Round TOP SCORER Jamal Lowe (17)

FANFILE BRENDON BONE @brendonvbone

The big talking point among the fans is the massive blow of missing out on promotion last term, having lost to Sunderland in the play-offs. We hope to see money reinvested from the sale of Matt Clarke to Brighton. This season will be different because in the past five seasons we’ve seen steady progress, but this has to be the year to get back to the Championship. I’m not sure that boss Kenny Jackett [below] will be afforded another year if we don’t get over the line.

I won’t be happy unless we secure promotion. It’s that simple.

Our key player will be Tom Naylor, massively underrated as a central midfielder. He joined Portsmouth from Burton last year and makes us tick up and down the pitch.

The one recommendation for away fans is a visit to the D-day museum. Portsmouth is steeped in history.

The pantomime villain will be Joey Barton, after last season’s antics. Our most underrated player is Ben Close. The young midfielder emerged as a standout player in the second half of last season.

The best thing about the matchday experience at Portsmouth is that we play a video shortly before the players come out, which shows the history of the city and the club. As soft as it sounds, the fact that we’ve been there and done it always makes me a bit misty-eyed before kick off, and then I’m bang up for it.

The best away ground is the Stadium of Light, and there’s some rivalry there after our five games with Sunderland last season. It’s one of our first away trips of the campaign, so it’ll be pretty tasty. Both Sunderland games will be huge for us as a barometer, because they still have some funds and will be strong this season.

The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is that Jackett is experienced at getting teams out of League One, although the football is pragmatic. I hate to say it, but I now miss the fire of Paul Cook. We’ll finish in the top six again, but it’s difficult to see much beyond that until the season gets going.