‘We celebrated as a fam ly’
Whatcani say except PLAY UP POMPEY! Like the rest of the city and supporters far and wide, I’m over the moon that Pompey FC have finally been promoted to the Championship after seven long years.
I’m just so pleased for the team, for the players, for the manager and coach, the staff, but most of all the fans.
I got to see first-hand that Pompey fans are simply like no others when I was at 107.4 The Quay FM, which was the official football club radio station at the time. I witnessed daily the passion, commitment and dedication that fans of Portsmouth FC have, and I’ve never seen anything else like it.
I think that was evident on Tuesday nights game, not just from the crowd spilling out onto the pitch (which bought a tear to my eye) but by the show of support over the last seven years – turning up to every game and supporting (through pure faith) the club they love so much.
It was Matt’s 44th birthday on Tuesday but instead of going to the pub for our usual gathering or going out for dinner he went to his dad’s to watch the game together. What could I say?
As much as I love Pompey and have always supported them, I wanted him to be with his dad because football is a passion they share together, but I was every bit as anxious throughout the game and I can’t even begin to imagine what it was like for those who attended – my goodness, the highs and lows of that game!
I remember going to Wembley when Pompey lifted the FA Cup (oh, what glory) and the subsequent party through the streets of Portsmouth and Southsea with the players and management on the buses.
The roar of excitement and optimism; it was just like what I witnessed on Tuesday and once again I was reminded of what makes our city so remarkable.
I couldn't be more proud of our team, and of the great
I wanted him to be with his dad because football is a passion they share together
people that live in our city. I’ve always heard people say that Pompey fans are like no other and I think the whole world got to see that on Tuesday.
Well done lads – now for the championship! You’ve got this – and the whole city behind you!