Pompey pilgrimage for far-off fans

By Kieran Fox BBC News, Portsmouth

It is the first chance for fans to see Pompey in an FA Cup final since 1939

When Portsmouth take on Cardiff City in Saturday's FA Cup final, it will be the first chance for the vast majority of fans to see their team star in English football's biggest day out.

So perhaps it is no surprise the occasion is luring fans from across the globe, keen to make the all-too-infrequent pilgrimage to Wembley.

Perhaps because the Hampshire port's history is entwined with centuries of overseas naval expeditions, fans of the club are dotted far and wide.

But if you can take the boy out of Portsmouth, you can't take Portsmouth out of the boy.

And among those cheering "Play up Pompey" will be a sizeable contingent from Down Under, with both New Zealand and Australia represented in north-west London come the 1500 BST kick-off.

For others the journey will not be so far, but it will be all the more nostalgic.

Peter Scott photographed in Pompey shirt in Egypt earlier this year

Formerly from Lee-on-the-Solent in Hampshire, Peter Scott now runs a travel agency in Melbourne.

Little wonder then that the life-long Portsmouth fan has been able to make the 24-hour trip along with a several other Antipodean Pompey supporters.

"I've packed my bags," he said.

"I made sure that my inflatable kangaroos are in there as well.

"My flight to Heathrow lands on Friday morning - my 39th birthday - then I'll drive straight to the Pompey shop for some last minute supplies, then off to my cousin Steve's house in Fareham and a family catch up.

"There about 55-60 of us in Australia doing the same thing.

"We've all got Wembley tickets in the same area on the top level, I just can't wait.

"Look out for the kangaroos. Play Up Pompey from Down Under!"

Joe and Tom Davies took this picture in Christchurch

Tom Davies, 53, emigrated to Christchurch, New Zealand, to teach.

Another life-long Portsmouth fan, Mr Davies has not let the near-12,000 miles between the two cities dilute his interest for his favourite football team.

He will be leaving his family at home for what he believes may be a once in a lifetime chance to see Pompey in the FA Cup final.

In anticipation he went out with his son Joe and managed to track down some Portsmouth shirts for the above picture opportunity.

"Joe is not coming to the final sadly, but our family are hosting a cup final party in New Zealand," he said.

John Jenkins, 89, is still a steward at his beloved Fratton Park

Few Portsmouth fans can claim to have witnessed their club's only FA Cup triumph, way back in 1939.

But John Jenkins is one of them.

The 89-year-old will be at Wembley this weekend, 69 years on from that day he still holds precious in his memory.

"My enthusiasm has never waned," said Mr Jenkins, who still works as a steward at Fratton Park.

"We didn't think we'd get to Wembley that year.

"Wolves were a top team, but we really played them off the park that day. It was 4-1. We couldn't believe it."

So how does the former merchant seaman and TS sergeant think the 2008 final will compare to 1939?

"There wasn't the colour there is today, no-one wore replica shirts as no-one could afford them, it was rosettes and rattles.

"The FA Cup was the pinnacle, better than winning the First Division.

"Football today is quicker and the gear is different, no heavy leather ball. I think about three players [from 1939] could get in today's team.

Portsmouth are hoping to leave their home Fratton Park for a new, bigger stadium.

And despite Mr Jenkins' association with the stadium - whose name he claims must be "written across his heart" - he said it is time for the club to move on.

"Everyone will miss Fratton Park, but one's got to live for the future.

"Where's the good in playing in the Premier League if you've not got a 32,000 gate? I only hope I'm here to see it all."

Portsmouth Expects: A South Today Special previewing the FA Cup final, can be seen at 1900 BST on Friday, 16 May on BBC1 in the South.

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