No pre-season friendlies at Fratton Park as Portsmouth plan European camp
Portsmouth have confirmed there will be no pre-season friendlies hosted at Fratton Park this summer, as of the club’s official website.
It was revealed on 5 June via portsmouthfc.co.uk that due to ongoing renovation of the South Stand at Fratton, Pompey would spend their complete pre-season programme on a series of away fixtures.
John Mousinho’s Portsmouth will want to endure a challenging pre-season on a physical front in order to acclimatise for the Championship, as well as bed in the numerous expected new recruits.
After confirming a friendly in late July away at League Two side MK Dons, the Blues’ website article read: “John Mousinho’s men make the trip to Stadium MK for a midweek contest on Tuesday, July 30 (7.30pm kick-off).
“Pompey are also in the process of finalising details for another away game against an EFL side, as well as a European training camp.
“Fans should note that there will be no pre-season friendly at Fratton Park this summer due to the ongoing work to build a new broadcast gantry above the South Stand.”
Portsmouth build pre-season schedule
Following a longer summer break than usual due to Wembley’s requirements for the Champions League final and the upcoming Euros and Copa America, Portsmouth will kick off their long-awaited Championship return on the first weekend of August.
Fixtures will be announced on 26 June at 9am, by which time players will begin to return to Hilsea for pre-season training.
With fixtures confirmed against local neighbours Gosport Borough, Havant & Waterlooville and Bognor Regis Town, the trip to the Stadium MK resembles the first friendly against a fellow league opponent, in great facilities.
Pompey fans will be eagerly anticipating the return of captain Marlon Pack, one of the only current players with extensive second-tier pedigree, with the local lad close to signing a new deal at Fratton Park.
Connor Ogilvie is also negotiating a new deal from the champions’ squad of 2023-24, with a clutch of new signings expected within the next month for a gruelling return to the grass in the coming weeks.
The Blues faithful will also be keeping a close eye on the location and details of the planned European camp, and whether that will involve any fixtures open to the public.
In other Portsmouth news, the club have until Friday to respond to an FA disciplinary charge.
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