Knowing me knowing you - dedmans

We get to know a little more about dedmans.

1 – Vital Pompey username?
dedmans is my username for most things, either eBay or other sites. It can be confusing to use different ones.

2 – Where do you come from/where do you currently live?
I live in Medstead near Alton and was born in the town having played many sports when I was younger.

3 – How long have you been a Vital Pompey member?
Five months only. (Written in March 2009)

4 – What do you think of Vital Pompey? Be brutally honest!
Fun and full of camaraderie.

Spells out the truth of how the team plays as seen from the terrace and gives sensible and honest opinions on the players and how the team should be. I also enjoy the memories that are brought back by the numerous articles. If you are not able to watch live you can appreciate the opinions as if you were actually there.

5 – How did you find out about Vital Pompey?
I found the site on Google trawling info about players I remembered in particular Cliff Portwood and Brian Lewis.

6 – When did you first watch Pompey live – not on box unless this is the only way you have been able to see them? Not necessarily at Fortress Fratton though.
My father grew up with Jimmy Dickinson went to the same school and was his best friend.

Just to add substance to my past here is a picture of my dad and Jim together. Jim at that time was a tired person carrying all the troubles of Pompey although he would have it no other way. He was indeed a very kind, assured and great person.
This picture is one of my favourites for both men.

When I was old enough I went with my father to watch the games must have been around 1963 onwards. Later on, my sister married Cliff Portwood even though Terry Paine was chasing her at the time. Being young my memories are many but not lengthy.

Uncle Jim rising up high to head the ball but always directing it to a team member. Cliff skinning Charlton players on a hard frost, Ray Hiron getting in there and scoring goals, McClelland scoring direct from a corner. George Graham and Brian Lewis playing the ball so deftly and cleverly even though as players they had lost pace, David Kemp and Garwood’s fantastic turn with backs to goal etc.

7 – How often do you get to watch Pompey?
Sadly no longer go to Fratton Park but would love to one day. When playing even in the darkest hours had the radio on and followed the team.

8 – Who is your favourite Pompey Player – current and/or former?
Jimmy Dickinson, John Milkins, Cliff Portwood, Brian Lewis, Neill Webb, Paul Walsh, Noel Blake and Garwood.

9 – What is you favourite Pompey moment?
Listening on the way back from playing myself that we won and were promoted from Div 4, Jim’s last match, Old Pompey playing me with my team at Alton, the thrashing of Southampton, Mendes goal, winning the cup.

10 – What are your realistic hopes for Pompey in the future?