Colinjb

It surprises me actually as to why they do not feel patronised by the media's perception of them? They were the beloved underdog in many parts of the media a few years ago, their vocal fans saluted for their noise and bluster, "Aw, bless them....." They were saluted because they were small time and competing with the big boys. We do not get the same attention because there isn't the same novelty in having a Derby County, an Ipswich or a Southampton in the Premier League.

Ok, i'll bite. My perception of the above: Pompey Fans Pompey Fans think; Yes, the truly and genuinely think they are the best around. There is an extremely vocal core, granted, but that core seems to be at most around 7,000. At times like this you see what the true strength in depth of a club is, the 10,000 home fans for the Swindon game is a real eye opener. Some of the away attendances towards the end of their spell in the Premier League were utterly embarrassing. It must be something to do with the culture of living on Portsea Island. A reasonably sized city that look after their own and believe their own hype. The media thinks; Pompey Are Gutsy, Noisy, Loyal, Crisis riden money-spunkers. - Yes, coupled with the love of a fairy tale they will have talked you up. The unravelling of the club's finances has allowed them to go with the 'poor fans' stories. Appealling to the lowest common denominator, no analysis, just looking at the surface image. The reality (Probably is); A club with a fanbase and equivalent history to the size of Preston North End. With Fans that are good at being loud rather then numerous, think Millwall with a little more to show for it. Saints Fans I think; We are a good sized club with a decent history. Due to poor running at board level we didn't push on and really become one of the elite in the 1980's but given our good sized fanbase (18-20k crowds in League 1) we should certainly be placed in the top 30 clubs in the country on fanbase alone, arguably top 20. Our Stadium is more then fit for purpose currently and our other infrastructure helps us to push on. We may not be the most vocal, but then we don't need to be. The media thinks; Not a lot, we generally fly under their radar. So be it, lessens the pressure. When there is a good news story to tell (Our fans at the FA Cup final 2003, The record ticket sales at the 2010 JPT final) then it is told. The reality (Probably is); Superbly structured with a very good fanbase, arguably the largest on the South Coast (With Brighton now rivalling Portsmouth for second.) Starting to become a little more interesting again but despite perceptions of arrogance by rival fanbases, we never seem too inclined to shout about it, we're quite content as we are.

It's the old New Labour policy, never admit your flaws and hope that people eventually drop it.

Officially there's no charge. Personally. I bet she'll be stoned......

But how beat would we need to get beat before Adkins got beat off?

Would be the greatest comeback since, erm, well.... Punch.

This is Tom Tom data? Seriously!? Ok, try searching for Luton. ha!

Sounds just like the old 80's Ford sales strategy. Let the consumer do the product testing/debugging....... We're the market leaders, it'll never bite us in the arse... no chance...

That would be an interesting study.

That has happened, my Dad insists on Smoking inside too. At work as well, the nature of the beast is to hold meetings 'on the run,' which sometimes involves groups going into smoking shelters..... it's a case of either be excluded or suck it in... Even in open areas it is presenting a risk to innocent bystanders, it may be a minimised one but it is still utterly needless. I will admit that my view is clouded somewhat by my mum's terminal COPD, caused by a lifetime of smoking.

Ok, it's in it's infancy.... but seriously, how the f**k did they miss out Stratford on Avon!? Try it, it's labelled as 'Shottery.' (The very tiny part of the place where Anne Hathaway's cottage is.) Had an appointment there this morning, decided to try the new Maps App on my work iPhone 4..... was astonished. An American firm totally cocking up the name of one of the few places you would expect them to know, the home of Shakespeare.

Extra Tax for the country. That's it!

No. I shall be controversial here too. It is the most disgusting selfish habit out there, unlike drinking (which only directly affects the health of the consumer) smoking places every single person in the nearby incidental vicinity of the user at risk. It should be banned entirely.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/366987/reviews/pes-2013-review-at-last-konami-gets-it-right-review/ Interesting......

The guy lodging the bid, "Harry Kerr" runs this lot apparently: http://www.avaloninvestment.co.uk/

Portco, why so many ports in a storm?

The more they have the better a chance they have.

Having watched a few prior games in the run up to this year, its not much different. The finishing has always been lethal (James Beattie in his prime....), losing possession will always get you punished (Everton at Home, 2005) but I grant you the footballing styles seem to be getting more cultured, on the most part of what we have seen so far..... from 3 champions league teams and one of the most attractive footballing sides in the division. The main adjustment is for me comparing our immediate opposition to teams like Coventry, Middlesbrough and Derby; teams who will let you play. If you are able to stop the premiership teams getting into their rhythm you can beat them.... the pressing game works against the more technically able sides, but you need to be 100% relentless and spot on in that approach for 90 minutes, no less. Teams will be attacking us in that way. The step up is high, I still believe we are capable of it.

Mark Robins confirmed at Coventry. Poor old 'Appy. Not even a side rock bottom of League 1 want you..... Don't worry, you'll soon be in that position where you are.

And along the lines of Dubai Phil, something a Man Utd supporting mate said about us in relation to our game against them.

Another reason to be positive, the Rickie Lambert thread that's just been opened. What a Gent, we are lucky to have him.

As Adrian said, already a legend. Played a key role in 3 of the best years that any of us will ever know as Saints fans.

It seems he was too late in the end. Well, so much for the loyal manager either way!

Right, Michael Appleton has applied for the Coventry City job. They are seriously considering him, that is why the Mark Robins appointment at the Ricoh has been delayed.

3 Clubs in 12 months.... He has only played for us and Palace, he could go elsewhere. Johnno Forte has played for us, Preston, Crawley and Preston North End within the last year, Aaron would be fine.