POMPEY FANZINE

Welcome to the inaugural issue of The 12th Man. This issue will be your ultimate guide to Portsmouth Football club. Delve into the rich history, thrilling matches and loyal fanbase that defines our beloved club. From iconic moments on the pitch to exclusive interviews with players and staff. This fanzine is your front row seat to the heart and soul of Pompey.

Portsmouth football club was established on the 5th of April 1898 and didn’t become a member of the football league until 1920. In this period they were an amateur team competing in the southern football league until a new third tier of the football league was formed. Now an established professional team, with the city expanding from a town, Pompey had all the ingredients to push on and become a top club. And this is what they did, winning in the third tier in 1924 and earning promotion to the second division. After two years in the second division Portsmouth found themselves in a race to become a top division club for the first time in their history. In the end they placed second after a close battle with Manchester city, having pipped them on goal difference. The following season Pompey survived relegation by a mere one point and by the 1930-31 season they had climbed up to 4th in the table behind only Arsenal, Aston villa and Sheffield Wednesday. Despite this rapid incline up the English football pyramid, Portsmouth failed to improve any further, finding their form as a mid table club leading up to the second world war.

A contrast in fortune in the world’s oldest football competition, the 1938/39 FA cup saw a stellar run where Pompey weren’t just beating every team in their wake but beating them convincingly. After a tight knit affair against Preston North End in the semi-finals, Portsmouth F.C were finally within a shot of clinching their first piece of silverware. The final was played in front of 99,370 at the then Empire stadium in Wembley, London. They played an inform Wolves team who had impressed in a 5-0 win against Coventry in the semi final. A great start to the game saw Portsmouth Lead 2-0 at halftime through goals from inside-forward Herbet Barlow and John Anderson. Henry Parker solidified Pompey’s dominance in the second half with a brace. The game ended 4-1.

The following 7 seasons were abandoned due to the second world war, subsequently handing Pompey the record of holding the cup for the longest time in the history of the competition. The 1948/49 and 1949/50 seasons saw Pompey hit the peak of their powers. Winning both seasons in a fabulous fashion. The latter coming down to the last day against none other than Wolves. Despite a 2-0 away defeat, it was enough to win the first division on goal difference.

10 years on from the first division one title and after 32 consecutive years in the top flight Pompey found themselves bottom of the table, by some distance. Relegated once more after surviving demotion back to the third tier by 2 points the season prior, a return to division 3 was imminent. This, arguably the club’s toughest period in its history, at the time. Portsmouth, desperate to rediscover their form from the glory days, kicked off their 1961/62 campaign strongly. Winning 27 from 46 games was enough to conclude the season at top spot. Unfortunately the next 14 years were spent stuck in division two before 2 relegations in 3 years to the fourth tier, the lowest the club has ever been since it was established as a professional side. A resurgent Portsmouth slid their way back into division one for the 1987/88 season after amassing 78 points just 6 behind eventual champions Derby. Even with the club finding its feet again, it wasn’t enough to escape relegation and would have to do it all again. Which was a task unmountable until the 2002/03 season. Pompey would dominate, winning the league and falling just 2 points short of 100. This success would kick start an amazing period for Portsmouth.

RETURN TO TOP FLIGHT ADMINISTRATION

Surviving relegation in the 2003/04 premier league season with relative ease, Pompey started the season fabulously, going unbeaten in the first 5 five games and seeing themselves as high as third in the table. Eventually though, wins came few and far between as they slumped into the relegation zone. In time, form would pick up when it needed to with Pompey losing just one game of the final 10. Fratton Park quickly became renowned as a fortress, as 10 of the 12 wins were at home. They were also one of two teams to remain unbeaten against Arsenal’s invincibles. After an incredible spell at the club to this date, Harry Redknapp decided to leave the club due to a falling out with the chairman Milan Mandaric over the appointment of a new director of football, Velimir Zajec. Subsequently, Zajec would take over as manager, however the club’s form would dip dramatically, resulting in another managerial change. Alain Perrin would be the man to steer Pompey to safety after a dominant 4-1 victory over rivals Southampton, marking an unpleasant return to Fratton Park for Harry Redknapp. The following season saw a surprise return for Redknapp at the start of December. After spending most the season in the relegation zone, Pompey would conclude the season just one place above the drop zone, sneaking out after a 1-0 win to Middlesbrough with just four games remaining. A host of exciting new arrivals, including the likes of David James and Sol Campbell would promise for an exciting season ahead. Leading the way after five games, Pompey stayed in the hunt for european football right until matchweek 37. In the 2007/08 season Portsmouth lifted their second FA cup, conceding just one goal in the whole competition. Their incredible run saw a 0-1 away win at Old Trafford and of course beating Cardiff in the final 1-0 at wembley. Their form would also continue in the premier league with an iconic 7-4 win against Reading, again fighting for europe and again falling short, although winning the FA cup earnt Pompey qualification to the first round of the UEFA cup. The next season kicked off with a penalty shootout loss in the community shield against Manchester United, this set the tone for a disappointing year. Despite this they had a solid run in Europe earning praise from Ronaldinho, who said Fratton Park has “the best atmosphere in world football” after a 2-2 draw with Italian juggernauts AC Milan. Pompey would fall two points short of qualification to the next round

This would be the end of Portsmouth’s good fortune and the decline had already got under way. In February 2010, Pompey became the first Premier League club to fall into administration and were docked nine points for their troubles. Their problems were transparent, overpaying big name players and ending up well over 100 million pounds in debt. Somehow despite all the drama behind the scenes Pompey would visit Wembley once again, facing Chelsea in the final of the FA cup, unfortunately Didier Drogba won the game for Chelsea in the 59th minute. Portsmouth plummeted to the fourth division in just 3 seasons with the fans steadying the sinking ship by buying out the club in 2013. Then started a gradual climb up the football league earning promotion in the 2016/17 season to league 1 and now this season, earning promotion to the championship, one step below a return to the premier league.

CONCLUSION

The history of Portsmouth Football Club is a testament to the highs and lows experienced by many football teams. From starting out as an amateur team to lifting the FA Cup twice and competing in European competitions, Pompey has seen it all. Despite facing financial turmoil and relegation, the unwavering support of the fans has been a beacon of hope, guiding the club through adversity. As Pompey prepares for a new chapter in the Championship, one can’t help but reflect on the resilience and determination that defines this historic club.

2023/2024 SEASON REVIEW

Pompey rounded out their 2022/23 campaign on a high, going 11 games unbeaten, this run would continue on into the following season. Bringing in an abundance of quality, including Kamara, Yengi, Poole, Saydee and Roberstson to name a few. Yengi saved the day in the season opener against Bristol Rovers with an injury time equaliser in what was a fairly even encounter, heading home from a Joe Rafferty cross, the ball trickled in off the post. Pompey would face Forest Green in the first round of the EFL cup, easing past with a Yengi brace.

A return to league one action, demonstrated an impressive display of goal scoring ability, netting four goals against newly promoted Leyton Orient. Colby Bishop scored his 2nd of the season in a close game against Exeter City, pivoting the defender and smashing into the net, leaving the goalkeeper with little chance. The following two league games resulted in boring 0-0 draws, Pompey would see most of the ball but struggle to make any proper chances.

The unbeaten run in all competitions was halted by Peterborough, the posh would win on penalties in the second round of the EFL cup. The two would face in the league a few days later, this time Pompey would win 3-1 after initially going a goal down. Bishop scored a last-minute equaliser away at Derby to extend their impressive unbeaten league run to 18 games. Three early goals helped Pompey beat Barnsley despite a late scare, conceding two in the 2nd half. This result bumped Pompey to the top of the table from 6th.The following three matches, Pompey came back from a goal down to win 2-1.

Winning games when the performance on the pitch has not been great, is something that has improved drastically from previous years, it’s turned Portsmouth into serious title contenders this season. This narrative would continue as another stoppage time goal would see Pompey scrape a 1-0 win versus Carlisle United and an immense 2-3 win against Reading after going 2 down early on.

Unfortunately Blackpool thumped Portsmouth 0-4 at Fratton Park, including the back end of last year this match ended a formidable 28 game run without a loss in the league. 4 games, 4 wins and 10 goals later, including a vital 2-0 triumph over title challengers Bolton Wanderers, Pompey found themselves immediately back on form before a crashing 2-5 home defeat in the EFL trophy to AFC Wimbledon. The next 6 games wouldn’t be too dissimilar, managing just one win and two draws, the toughest period of John Mousinho’s managerial career to date. When talking to Portsmouth’s goalkeeper coach Joe Prodomo, shortly after this, he was quick to suggest the attitude among the group, stating “it’s impossible to be perfect in life and when that patch comes in the season, you’ve got to stay dedicated, consistent and hopefully ours is behind us now.”

Bristol Rovers (H)

Forest Green (A)

Leyton Orient (A)

Exeter (H)

Cheltenham (H)

Fulham U21 (H)

Stevenage (A)

Peterborough (H)

Peterborough (H)

Derby (A)

Barnsley (A)

Lincon (H)

Wigan (A)

Wycombe (H)

Port Vale (H)

Gillingham (H)

Carlisle (H)

Cambridge (A)

Reading (A)

Chesterfield (A)

Leyton Orient (A)

Charlton (H)

Blackpool (H)

Burton (A)

Northampton (A)

Bolton (H)

Shrewsbury (A)

AFC Wimbledon (H)

Fleetwood (H)

Bristol Rovers (A)

Exeter (A)

Stevenage (H)

Cheltenham(A)

Leyton Orient (H)

Fleetwood (A)

Port Vale (A)

Oxford (A)

Northampton (H)

Carlisle (A)

Cambridge (H)

Reading (H)

Charlton (A)

Oxford (H)

Blackpool (A)

Burton (H)

Peterborough (A)

Wycombe (A)

Derby (H)

Shrewsbury (H)

Bolton (A)

Barnsley (H)

Wigan (H)

Lincon (A)

1-0

3-3 0-0 1-1 3-1 1-1 2-3 2-1 1-2 2-1 2-0 5-1 1-0 0-0 2-3 1-0 1-2 2-2 0-4 0-2 0-3 2-0 0-3 2-5 1-1 2-1 0-0 2-1 2-1 0-3 0-1 0-1 2-2 4-1 0-1 3-1 4-1 0-0 2-1 0-0 2-1 0-1 1-3 2-2 3-1 1-1 3-2 1-2 0-2

SEASON REVIEW

A bounce back was needed imminently as teams around were on form and had games in hand. Pompey would follow up an embarrassing 0-3 loss to Leyton Orient with two narrow and important 0-1 wins. Oxford United would hold Portsmouth to a 2-2 draw after a 90th minute goal crushed Pompey hearts. A red card early in the second half couldn’t stop Pompey from hammering Northampton Town 4-1. Another 4-1 hammering versus Reading would follow after two well deserved victories at Carlisle and against Cambridge. Unlike previous years Pompey didn’t let their poor form over christmas deter them. Usually we would see their promotion push fizzle out but this year it felt different, with key players stepping up and playing the best football they have ever played in their respective careers. Players like Kamara and Lane contributed massively on the attacking front and Raggett and Shaughnessy established a daunting defensive partnership for opponents. Pompey would eke out their advantage at the top, assembling another impressive unbeaten run to 13 by the end of march. This run saw Yengi and Bishop hit stellar goal scoring form, the pair netting a brace in two crucial fixtures. The most important match of the season would be against 2nd place Derby at Fratton Park.

With the season coming to a close, a win would virtually confirm the title and promotion for Pompey. Joe Ward opened the scoring for Derby, although a wonderful piece of skill from Kamara before slotting it home would level the tie. Then Ward scored his 2nd of the night meaning Pompey would have to come from behind once more. A second half with no real creativity pursued before a moment of magic from Owen Moxon who belted a long range shot that rifled into the top corner. The game finished 2-2. Two games later, after defeating Shrewsbury 3-1. The chance to get mathematically prompted presented itself. Pompey would travel north to the toughsheet community stadium in Bolton, where they would have to win to secure promotion to the championship. Kamara started the party, netting in the 7th minute, however the score would be levelled before the final whistle, meaning another chance to guarantee promotion would occur at Fratton Park against Barnsely. Like many times this season Pompey had to come from a goal down. A draw would secure promotion to the championship and a win would see them promoted as champions of league one. Late on, Saydee went down in the box and a penalty kick was awarded. Bishop calmly converted, making it 21 for the season. Already on the brink of gaining promotion, Conor Shaughnessy’s near post header won the game and the title for Pompey. Fans flooded the pitch when the full time whistle went and long awaited celebrations started for the city of Portsmouth.

John Mousinho endured an 18 season playing career, including spells at Brentford, Burton Albion and Oxford United, to name a few. Playing as high as the championship for Burton Albion in the 16/17 and 17/18 seasons. He was an adaptive player who played in several positions, including midfield, fullback and centre back, scoring 25 goals in 490 appearances. Towards the end of his career at Oxford United he took on a player coach role and ended up leaving this position after a year and a half to become head coach of Portsmouth Football club. Being a player so recently allowed Mousinho to be “really in tune with what the lads need.” According to Portsmouth’s goalkeeper coach Joe Prodomo. He took on the job when Pompey was in a spot of bother, finding themselves in 15th following the sacking of Danny Cowley. The first thing he did well, according to Joe Prodomo, was “read where the group was at.” His reign kicked off on the 21st of January with a 2-0 win against Exeter City. After a run of solid performances popularity increased within Portsmouth, as they ended up in 8th and had an ongoing 11 game unbeaten streak. Over the summer break Mousinho brought in a host of players, with varying experience and ability, he secured the signatures of highly rated defenders Connor Shaughnessey and Regan Poole along with some impressive attacking talent, Yengi and Saydee. The loan signings he made had a massive impact on the season, the standout being Kamara who sits on 10 goals and 11 assists this season. Robertson also stood out until he was injured in January, for the remainder of the season. Mousinho and Pompey started the year on fire and for this he subsequently won the EFL manager of the month award in September, an award he would once again win in February. He guided Pompey to a 28 game unbeaten streak and the League 1 title, giving the club promotion into the second tier of English football for the first time since the 2011/12 season. This successful first year at the helm of Portsmouth FC awarded him League 1’s manager of the season. Within the club Joe Prodomo stated he is seen as a “really good delegator.” “His

key strengths in management are his people skills, he’s created a good environment in which everyone knows their place.” Now hugely popular and highly rated among football fans, John Mousinho will look to further his stock and steer Pompey to many years of exciting, possession based football in the championship.

Colby Bishop was born in Nottingham, he grew up as a Nottingham Forest fan and had a passion for football from a young age. During his college years he wasn’t at an academy but kept playing in pursuit of his dream. As he put it, through “luck, hard work and consistency” he got a scholarship and signed his first professional contract for Notts County. He made his debut at 17 and played in 4 matches before being injured and subsequently fell out of professional football. During his time in National league north, Bishop played for Gloucester City, Worcester City, Boston United and Leamington, racking up 29 goals in 53 appearances. During this time he worked as a PE teacher and slowly progressed his way to be head of PE. After a few good seasons in semipro football, Accrington Stanley took a chance on him. He played extremely well in a team that was punching above their weight. Pompey saw these performances and signed him up for the 2022/23 season, where he would be the team’s top scorer since he joined to date.

I made the 200 mile journey up north to Lincoln, to watch Pompey their final game of the season. Pompey were looking to end an amazing campaign with a victory, while Lincoln needed a win to cement themselves a playoff place. John Mousinho didn’t field his strongest eleven and player of the season, Marlon Pack, wasn’t in the squad. Towler, Lang, Sparkes and Lowery started, with Kamara, Ogilvie, Yengi, Moxon and Saydee being left on the bench. An eventful 0-0 in the first half saw plenty of yellow cards being dished out and a few great chances squandered by both sides. Early on in the second half Lincoln were awarded a penalty after a misplaced pass from Norris gave Mandroiu a run at goal, Lowery brought him down in an attempt to take the ball. Mandroiu stepped up and slipped, the ball fell into the path of Norris. With Oxford leading at Exeter, it was win or season over for the Imps. Eventually, Mousinho made some substitutions, bringing on Moxon, Yengi, Saydee and Kamara, their fresh legs turned the game into Portsmouth’s favour. Late on, Peat-Harris picked up the ball from his own box, drove the ball up the pitch, past two players kick-starting a counter attack before laying it off to Moxon who shrugged off a foul attempt and then spread the ball out to Kamara. Kamara found Lane who cut in and laid it on a plate for Peat-Harris to slot it into the bottom corner, finishing off the move he started and giving Pompey a one-nil lead. A second goal would come in stoppage time. Lane tapped in the ball after Kamara hit the post. Many Lincoln fans exited the stadium as their playoff dreams were crushed in a game they could have won. Some fans stayed to congratulate their team, which was very wholesome to see.

Nearly the perfect goalkeeper. If he can improve his handling he’ll be the difference for us next season. Came up with plenty of crucial, game winning saves this season and also helped kickstart attacks with his distribuiton.

If he can cut out some mistakes he’ll get to a new level but still showed why he deserved to start after he came back from injury. Sparkes is strong going forwardbut defensively Ogilvie is much better and also add something going forward withhis crossing.

Not only did his late winners produce some of the best moments of the season, but he was also a consistently calming and solid presence at the back. His physical presence and aerial ability were crucial for the team both in attack and defence, but he was also the ball playing centre back we have been looking for.

Stepped up time and time again this season and always showed up when needed. It was worrying when Poole was injured but Ragget came back into the team and did more than just fill the role.

Took his game to another level this year being both an attacking presence with his overlapping runs and also very consistent defensively. New sigings are definitely needed but if he can play at this level again he’d be a good fit for the championship.

Sets the tone of the game each time he plays and leads the team both as a captain and a player. Showed his class throughout nearly every game and was the driving force of the team across the whole season. Every team needs a ball winning centre midfielder and one who can play out and begin an attack, but Marlon Pack did both of those things every game.

The players who came in to replace Morrell did very well but I still think Morrell is a more complete player and definitely a big part of our championship campaign. His intensity and energy drives the team from the middle and he also has that touch of class on the ball.

The missing piece that we’ve been looking for and an exciting prospect both in his career but also for us next season if we can get him back for another year. A creative midfielder of his caliber is something the team has been missing and as soon as he played his first game it was clear that he’s what we needed. That being said Christian Saydee, Callum Lang and Tina Anjorin also have a place within the discussion.

Went from an exciting prospect for the future at the end of last season to a crucial part of the team. If we can keep him for a while I think he’ll continue to grow as there were lots of games throughout the season where he looked another class.

The fact that there’s a debate around who should start as striker is a testament to how good both Bishop and Yengi are, and with them being very different players we have 2 great options for different games. That being said, Bishop has gone consecutive seasons with over 20 goals, and continues to prove why he’s the first choice.

Him and Alex Robertson were both such important players this year and hopefully can continue to have this impact if we can sign them both up. At the beginning of the season I was apprehensive about Kamara as he was inconsistent with flashes of brilliance, but once he started doing those brilliant things every game he was unplayable. Sign him up.

QUIZ

What year was Portsmouth established?

What is Portsmouth’s nickname?

What stadium do Portsmouth play in?

Who are Portsmouth’s main rivals?

What year did Portsmouth win their first FA cup?

How many Division one titles have Portsmouth won?

How many points have Portsmouth amassed this season?

What manager won the 2007/08 FA cup with Portsmouth?

Who is Portsmouth’s all time top goal scorer?

What’s the biggest victory in Portsmouth history?

Who was the first ever manager of Portsmouth?

Who did Portsmouth beat in their first FA cup win?

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