Eoin Doyle decided to drop from the championship to league two to join Pompey so he could work with his former Chesterfield manager Paul Cook again.
That was one of the draws – having enjoyed a successfully spell working under Cookie that took him to the championship with Cardiff then onto Preston – but another was the atmosphere that Fratton Park is famous for.
Asked to offer full backing to the side ahead of the game the Fratton faithful responded with Doyle saying this was the atmosphere he had heard about and also tempted him to drop own to league two.
He told the News:
‘The place was rocking, we played good football and set the tempo early on. It was a good game to be part of. It was a tough, old game off the back of Saturday, but it was enjoyable and good to be a part of. The games under the lights can be a bit more special and it felt a bit different. There was a bit of magic in the atmosphere and from the first minute the fans were rocking.’
The 12th man made a difference against Blackpool with the Irishman saying this can continue to make the difference for the remainder of the season:
‘They were with us for the whole 96 minutes and I really enjoyed being part of it. That was the atmosphere I was told of when I came here, it was really good to be part of that. I hope there is plenty more occasions like that during the run-in now, because last night the fans were behind us and we definitely need them with us. They were the 12th man for us and can really make the difference.’
As for that first goal – not only at Fratton – but for Pompey the 28 year old went on to say:
‘I came inside and I thought I was going to get in at goal but three defenders got around me. But I saw Carl (Baker), slipped me in and it was nice to get there for a tap-in. It was great we got that second goal. It should have come sooner and it should have been from me, but I was pleased to get it. It got us over the line – and it always adds to the atmosphere when it’s right at the end like that. The place was rocking at the end and I enjoyed helping to create that with the goal.’
I’ve not enjoyed the atmosphere for large periods of the season – then again I’ve not enjoyed the footie either – but the players have to give then fans something to back, which hasn’t always been the case. Then again there have definitely been times when the fans have been very short of patience…
All being well we’ll work together and this will get us over the line.
PLAY UP POMPEY
Follow @VitalPortsmouth.
2016-17 Prediction League – February
Barnet (a) – Saturday 18th February – click here.
Carlisle (a) – Saturday 25th February – click here.
Morecambe (h) – Tuesday 28th February – click here.
