Pompey fans to be given say in Fratton future

The first step of public consultation over Fratton Park's future will be taken next month.
The future of Fratton Park will be on the agenda at the Pompey Supporters' Trust meeting next monthThe future of Fratton Park will be on the agenda at the Pompey Supporters' Trust meeting next month
The future of Fratton Park will be on the agenda at the Pompey Supporters' Trust meeting next month

The Pompey Supporters’ Trust are to host an open meeting on Monday, March 14, in the Victory Suite.

For members only, the event is designed to bring fans up to speed with the latest Trust news, in addition to a general Q&A session.

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However, leading the topics of discussion will be an update on the issue of the Blues’ home.

Trust board member Mike Saunders, who has been working alongside club chairman Iain McInnes and president Peter Lee in researching a way forward for Fratton Park, is to give a presentation on the evening.

Fans will then be able to quiz him, while having the chance to offer their services for any subsequent project.

And for Saunders, the meeting provides the maiden opportunity for supporters to get involved in whatever direction is eventually chosen.

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He said: ‘The ground is the last big thing as a club we have never resolved.

‘If you are a Trust member you can now have your say about what will happen to Fratton Park.

‘We want to engage with supporters and this Trust event gets the conversation going, we have to look at the future together.

‘There will be a number of topics discussed at the meeting, although the stadium is the subject I’m most familiar with and I will be giving a presentation.

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‘We all know the history of Fratton Park and the aborted schemes over the years.

‘We took over a stadium in a pretty poor state, and although it is as good as it has been for many years, fundamentals still require sorting out in the next two to three years.

‘For instance, the Milton end is pretty much shot to bits now and is a big problem for the club.

‘These are early days, this is a big issue which cannot be decided overnight. There are short-term, medium-term and long-term strategies which need to be put into place.

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‘This event will get the ball rolling. A lot of people have opinions and views, some valid, some not, but those questions have to be asked.

‘It will also be an opportunity to gauge numbers and discover how many people are interested in being involved in a working group down the line.

‘You have got to start somewhere. This is an issue which has been knocking around for many years and needs addressing sooner rather than later.’

Although the meeting admits only Trust members, supporters can sign up on the night, costing £5 for a year’s membership.

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Doors will open at 6.30pm, with the event scheduled to finish at 8.30pm. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and Saunders is hoping for a good turnout.

He added: ‘The Trust is working hard on a number of projects and want to tell the supporters all about them.

‘We expect plenty of debate and are urging fans to come along and have your say on matters, this is your chance.’

To order tickets call 07980 843600 or email [email protected]