Portsmouth fans have their say on whether they'll feel safe returning to Fratton Park after Prime Minister gives green light
It’s the news that plenty of us have been waiting for.
Today, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed supporters will be able to return to football grounds in October under the current plans being implemented by the government.
As a result, it means Pompey fans could be back at Fratton Park for the first time since March 10. That was a 2-2 draw against Fleetwood before the campaign was suspended amid the coronavirus outbreak.
But there could be some light at the end of the tunnel, with the Prime Minister giving a tentative green light to fans returning to sporting events in the autumn.
However, he made clear that stadiums will have to reopen in a ‘Covid-secure way’, meaning some form of social distancing – and reduced capacity – is likely.
The Covid-19 crisis will naturally cause hesitation for some supporters to go back to attending matches.
We decided to ask members of the Fratton faithful whether they’d keen to get back to watching their side when able to do so.
In a poll on Facebook page Portsmouth FC – The News, more than 400 fans cast their vote.
And 80 per cent of those who took part have said they would be keen to return to PO4 when it is safe to do so.
One fan said they’d missed the Pompey family after more than four months without being allowed to attend, with another saying they would feel safe.
On the flip side, some are tentative about returning with Kenny Jackett remaining as manager.
Jackett has his detractors after failing to lead the Blues to promotion during his three years in the hot seat.
Pompey have suffered League One play-off semi-final defeat in successive seasons to Sunderland and Oxford respectively.
One supporter did admit he will still attend despite not being behind Jackett, although another said he’ll be attending away matches only in the upcoming campaign.