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...
9. Robert Prosinecki
In my year in Portsmouth, I felt loved by the fans, I believe I played really well for them, and it’s great to be back. Playing for the club was amazing, very special, I can still see it now, they live and breathe for their football club. The big clubs have huge numbers of fans - this is smaller, but also feels special. Pompey’s fans are equally as loud. Whether they are winning or losing, you can tell they are loyal to the club. (Robert Prosinecki, The News, March 2023) Photo: Steve Reid
10. Patrick Agyemang
Then, at Pompey, I scored my first goal at Crewe, feeling the excitement from the crowd, there was the togetherness from the boys. I found my love again for football. There was the crowd chanting my name all the time, it was a good end to my career. The end I wanted. I loved it at Fratton Park, they were one of the best crowds I had throughout my career. I’m not just saying that because I’m giving this interview, it’s true. The fans gave me a lot of love and it was a good time to come to Pompey - it was a good match. I had never experienced a crowd like that. I had played in bigger stadiums, but the noise was massive, especially what they showed me. It was amazing. (Patrick Agyemang, The News, May 2021) Photo: Joe Pepler
11. Danny Cowley
It’s a brilliant football club and the supporters are so amazing. They love the club and the game so much, it means everything to them. Nicky and I are just the same. (Danny Cowley, The News, May 2024) Photo: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages
12. Sylvain Distin
The atmosphere was always amazing at Fratton Park, but the fact we were playing a club like AC Milan sent the fans crazy, with the Milan fans also very good. The whole place was really friendly and really enjoyable. I can recall it wasn’t possible to hear anything between the players when speaking on the pitch, Fratton Park is a small stadium and the supporters are so close so when they are loud, it really is loud. (Sylvain Distin, Played Up Pompey, 2015) Photo: Will Caddy