The Opposition View: Portsmouth
Sam Down speaks to Ellis Hampton, Graphic Designer and Fratton Park Season Ticket Holder
1. Thanks for joining us. It feels like the two clubs have often been co joined climbing up through the leagues in recent years. How did it feel to finally get promotion last season?
It felt perfect. Particularly in the manner we won it, everyone had their part to play and to finally achieve it after 7 long seasons in League One was fantastic. The celebrations will definitely live long in the memory.
2. There was a bit of spice between the two clubs at times, stretching back to the rivalry between Paul Cook and Derek Adams. What are your thoughts on those battles between the sides over the years?
I’ve always found the fixture an entertaining affair. I think there’s always a good build up and anticipation knowing we’re both well supported teams and with the history we’ve had in the past, particularly in the play offs, that’s it will be a lively one. It what every club should have.
3. It’s safe to say it’s not been the start Pompey wanted. How did you feel about your summer incomings and outgoings?
I think early on there was some concern we weren’t getting numbers through the door quick enough and missing out on some of strongest League One players like Abu Kamara were questions. I think establishing ourselves as a Championship team again requires clever recruitment which can only be judged over time.
4. Only the one win so far including some nasty defeats. What do you put this down to?
I think we’re still figuring out our best side that suits the Championship the most effectively. The fixture calendar early on wasn’t the kindest along with a string of injuries has made us unbalanced in certain areas.
5. Have the fans kept faith in manager John Mousinho despite this start?
Absolutely. I think seeing the difference both John and sporting director Rich Hughes made over the last year and a half has cemented a strong relationship with the fanbase.
6. Where are Pompey strong, which areas can you cause us trouble in?
Callum Lang can be a fierce challenge on the front foot. Josh Murphy has also been an impressive sight, now with his first goal on the weekend adding to his solid performances.
7. And any weak areas we can exploit?
I worry when we’re caught on the counter attack. The level of press has made us concede far too often.
8. More generally, what changes have you noticed being back in the championship after a long abscence?
Higher intensity opposition and much better grounds!
9. Who from the Argyle team would you like to sign if money was no object?
Can I say Rooney but when he was in his prime? Ibrahim Cissoko looked like he had a really impressive start before the ijnury. Injuries were the story of our season last year, but look how that turned out!
10. How confident on survival are you? And what about argyle’s prospects?
I would say are prospects are on level terms. I think results this month for both teams will begin to showcase whereabouts we will end up.
11. and finally a prediction for the game?
I’m going for classic 2-2. We love to draw!