None appreciate such special qualities more than those players who have turned out for the Blues over the years, serving with great distinction.
So here, in the words of former Pompey players, ex-managers and others from football on why the Fratton faithful are among the finest supporters in the country...
5. Erik Huseklepp
I still enjoy playing football, it remains so much fun. I’m passionate about it, Pompey fans are passionate about it too, when I was there they reminded me of Brann and I loved that, I loved their affection for the game, they really care. You don’t find that everywhere and that’s probably what hit me most about my time at Fratton Park. Those passionate fans - it really was wonderful.’ Erik Huseklepp, The News, June 2024 Photo: Steve Reid
6. Tim Walter
I heard the reaction from Portsmouth (fans) and they kept going all the time, also when they were behind. So maybe we have to work more together and they (Hull fans) can help us as well because sometimes you have bad situations and you are down and you need maybe a push from the fans. That is what I expected to be honest and that’s what we can do even more. I try to push them, but they can help us. They can help us, we can’t do everything right but we try to do, and it’s a young team and it’s a young squad, and we are new together. All we need is a bit of support from the stands, not if we are scoring a goal. Also if it’s maybe not on our side, we need their support. I understand they are angry about things sometimes, but all we can expect is support. It’s (needed) from both sides (team and fans) and that’s what we need. Tim Walter, BBC Radio, Humberside, November 2024 Photo: Bruce Rollinson
7. Terry Brisley
When you come to places like Pompey, you don’t realise how the lives of those people standing on the terraces revolve around the football club and its fortunes. You possess the power to make these people smile, laugh and be happy and I still think of those wonderful scenes at Northampton and around the city following promotion. That, as a footballer, is so, so humbling. (Terry Brisley, Played Up Pompey Four, 2024) Photo: None
8. Chris Wilder
I know they are a fantastic football club. The manager has had success in his first job. A couple of quotes from a couple of their players; they are looking for their first win of the season, which you would be if you were one of their players, and would be if you were their supporters as well. It is a tough crowd to go and play against if they are on top, and a tough crowd for the home players if they are not on top, so we have to make sure we quieten those as well. We need to be aware that if we are not right, and not on it, and we don't show that consistency in attitude, then we can get hurt. (Chris Wilder, September 2024) Photo: Simon Bellis