Matt Le Tissier launches Portsmouth dig on social media following Southampton promotion
Matt Le Tissier did not hold back on social media over the weekend, ensuring he took aim at Portsmouth following Southampton’s promotion to the Premier League.
In a post on X [27 May], Le Tissier declared that Pompey needed to “try harder” in order to reunite with Southampton in the South Coast derby, which has not been played in the league since 2011-12.
John Mousinho’s side and their supporters were hoping they would reignite the clash next season after promotion to the Championship, but Russell Martin’s team secured an immediate Premier League return after beating Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley.
Following his club’s win, Le Tissier said: “Sorry Pompey, but you’re gonna have to try a bit harder if you want some derbies.”
Portsmouth awaiting Southampton showdown – but when?
From a supporter’s perspective, the opinion when approaching derbies varies – some fans relish it or at least claim to; some dread it as the pain of losing can outweigh the joy of winning.
For Portsmouth, fans are longing for the derby again. With Southampton having spent the majority of the last 15 years in the Premier League whilst Pompey have battled out of the doldrums of the lower leagues, the last derby in September 2019 was one in which the Blues had little to lose in terms of pride – regardless of what Saints fans would say.
The red side won that Carabao Cup meeting, though there was a two-division gap separating the teams at Fratton Park. The return of then-Saints skipper James Ward-Prowse to his hometown whilst leading the old enemy was a talking point, but the result was to a point expected.
Despite difference in league positions and fortunes, Pompey tended to perform well in the derby, unbeaten in four before the 2019 clash. The respective league showdowns in 2011-12 were memorable for late equalisers from Joel Ward and David Norris.
It would take a cup draw, a Saints relegation or a Portsmouth promotion to reunite the teams in the near future – and Pompey fans the next time around will be quietly confident.
In other Portsmouth news, Rich Hughes has delivered an update to questions on an Under-21 team.
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