From the Snooze (Monday and Tuesday)

[stefeni]

The big fish in a small pond and the bookies’ early, early promotion favourites.But Mark Catlin is adamant Pompey’s wage bill will be nothing more than mid-table in their new League Two environment.

There will be plenty of expectations on the Blues next term to bounce straight back from inhabiting England’s bottom division for the first time since 1980.

However, the restructured club will not be paying high wages in order to achieve that.

Therry Racon and Gabor Gyepes are two first-team regulars who will not be around next term as they feel they can earn more elsewhere.

The playing budget has been set at around £1.2m – a figure Catlin expects to be nothing more than ‘competitive’ when compared to their rivals.

Pompey’s gates will inevitably comfortably outstrip the vast majority of fellow League Two clubs, providing substantially more income in that respect.

But the club’s new chief executive has vowed the wage bill will not reflect that.

Catlin said: ‘I have read Pompey are favourites to win the league and, with the experience and spirit among those people involved in the club, it is fair to say we all want promotion.

‘But the wage bill is only slightly better than your average League Two budget.

‘It’s not a crazy, rich budget. It is a competitive League Two budget, slightly better than mid-table.

‘I will be surprised if we are one of the big spenders. I know we won’t be.

‘We need to manage expectations and you have to be truthful and tell the fans that we have not got a big budget for the league. We really haven’t.

‘And it would not be right if we did – we have got to self-fund.

‘We have got the legacies of previous regimes and need to settle those debts, so this club will be built from scratch with good foundations.

‘I reckon the three sides promoted from League Two (Gillingham, Rotherham and Port Vale), in addition to Bradford, who are in the play-off final, have the biggest budgets in the division.

‘I say that without knowing the exact fixtures, but without a shadow of a doubt they are paying the most in wages.

‘I actually think your average League Two budget will come down this season. That’s just the way it is going.

‘And ours will be in the middle of that.’

Bury, Scunthorpe and Hartlepool join Pompey in dropping down from League One next season.

They will be accompanied in League Two by Mansfield and Newport County, who have come up from the Blue Square Bet premier division.

Catlin added: ‘Newport and Mansfield are coming up so I’m not sure of their budgets.

‘Hartlepool will have a decent one because they are a very, very well-run club.

‘We all know about Bury’s financial problems.

‘Scunthorpe have been relegated twice in the past three years and I don’t think they will have a huge budget.

‘People have got to start working within what they can afford and for us as well that means the playing budget.’

Gabor Gyepes and Therry Racon will not be at Pompey next season.But Yassin Moutaouakil and Phil Smith have agreed new Blues deals.

And they will this week be followed by Simon Eastwood and Dan Butler as Guy Whittingham’s squad begins to take shape.

Gyepes and Racon were key members of Pompey’s remarkable resurgence during the last few months of the season.

Yet defender Gyepes has now returned to Hungary and feels he will be able to earn just as much in his homeland without the need to uproot his young family.

In addition, Racon, who was on loan from Millwall but is now a free agent, priced himself out of a move after asking for an unrealistic £4,000 a week.

Whittingham is still awaiting answers from Johnny Ertl, David Connolly and Ricardo Rocha.

Ertl is currently backpacking in the Philippines for three weeks and Pompey remain confident the captain will sign when he returns to England.

In the meantime, Moutaouakil will this week sign his contract he has verbally agreed.

Former France under-21 international Moutaouakil grew impressively after an indifferent start at Fratton and made 19 appearances.

He made the right-back role his own after joining from Blue Square Bet South side Hayes & Yeading.

Keeper Smith, who has been with Pompey since December without featuring in a competitive match, signed a new deal on Thursday.

Of course, as revealed by The News last week, Patrick Agyemang will officially link up with the Blues on July 1 when his existing Stevenage deal expires.

It promises to be a busy week on the player front, with as many as three new faces potentially undergoing medicals on Thursday.

Whittingham has spent the past week negotiating with a number of targets as he seeks to assemble his squad well ahead of pre-season.

More talks will be held at Fratton Park today with several targets and their agents. In addition, midfielder Matty Blair had discussions with the Blues boss last Thursday as his expected move nears.

Blair, who has left York, is one of a number of wide players Whittingham is looking to bring in to his set-up for next season.

This week will also see Eastwood and Butler given long-term deals, the pair having blossomed with regular football this term.

Fellow squad members Shaun Cooper, Sam Sodje and Liam Walker also remain on Whittingham’s radar.

The Pompey boss has indicated he would like the trio to stay, although that will largely depend on how his recruitment drive develops over the summer.

John Akinde will also be given the opportunity to remain, but Whittingham is looking at other striking options.

Jed Wallace, Ashley Harris and Adam Webster are already contracted for next season, having penned deals before the Blues’ latest administration.

Pompey have avoided an FA fine following a Brentford pitch invasion by a section of their fans.However, the Blues have been warned over their future conduct.

Around 200 fans left the away end and entered the playing area at the final whistle of last month’s 3-2 defeat at Griffin Park.

It wasn’t until 15 minutes later that they returned to the stands.

That prompted the Football Association (FA) to request an explanation from Pompey.

Punishment could have been a £10,000 fine in a worst-case scenario for supporters encroaching on to the pitch.

New Pompey chief executive Mark Catlin, though, believed there were extenuating circumstances leading up to the incident – with it being at the end of a week which saw the Pompey Supporters’ Trust settle with Portpin in their ownership battle.

Now the FA have made their judgement and, crucially, Pompey have not been slapped with a costly fine.

Catlin said: ‘We have heard back from the FA and been given a warning about our future conduct, which has been accepted.

‘No mistake, we have been reprimanded and, in response, have assured the FA we will do everything in our power to make sure it will never happen again.

‘I believe we put in a robust case which detailed the significant circumstances on that day and how they should be taken into consideration when looking at any punishment.

‘The FA accepted our explanation and warned us of our future conduct so now we move on and look ahead.’

Brentford themselves had insisted they were not to blame for the pitch invasion. Although, as the hosts, it was their responsibility to police fans accordingly.

In a strongly-worded statement on their club website afterwards, they pointed the finger of blame at Pompey.

Nonetheless, it had been an emotional week for Blues followers after the giant steps taken in the High Court for supporters to own their club.

In addition, Pompey were adamant the pitch invasion was a non-aggressive act and not designed to provoke the home fans.

As part of Pompey’s defence, they also pointed out tickets for the Griffin Park match had been sold only to Fratton season-ticket holders and never went on general sale.

A FOOTBALL fans’ group says it wants to hear from any Pompey supporters who were herded into a nightclub by police.Up to 200 Portsmouth fans were frogmarched into Fever nightclub in Shrewsbury before the final game of the League One season the Saturday before last.

They were kept there until coaches arrived to take them to the Greenhous Meadow ground, and could only leave the nightclub with a police escort.

Only three arrests were made on the day and police hailed the operation a success.

But the Football Supporters’ Federation is furious about the treatment dished out to fans – and says it may have been illegal.

Now its director of casework Amanda Jacks wants to hear from fans who were ‘kettled’ into the club – as evidence may form part of a case against West Mercia Police.

‘In my view this was completely unwarranted,’ said Ms Jacks.

‘If they had firm intelligence there would be trouble they should have acted on it, not taken everybody into a nightclub.’

Ms Jacks said that she had spoken to a solicitor about the incident, and said that it is possible that the police have acted unlawfully.

She also said that in general the federation is worried that the police are taking a heavy-handed approach to fans – and that misdeeds of the past are being used as an excuse to ride roughshod over the law.

Pompey fan Richard Palmer, from Petersfield, said he felt supporters’ civil liberties had been curtailed.

The 52-year-old said: ‘When we got off the train a few of us needed the loo.

‘There was quite a long queue and when we came out after 10 minutes the big group of Pompey fans from the train with us had disappeared. It seemed a bit strange and we wondered what was going on.

‘It wasn’t until afterwards we learned what happened.

‘According to those involved they were forced to march to a nightclub and that’s where they had to stay until they were taken to the game.

‘According to their evidence there were people in there with kids and the police were saying they couldn’t leave to get food or cash without an escort.

‘They were effectively held under some sort of arrest.’

Mr Palmer said there would have been no threat of violence or disorder from Pompey fans who were happy that the club had been bought by the Pompey Supporters’ Trust, and that the game had no bearing on the already-relegated club’s fate.

Fans reported they had a police escort on the coach to the ground with seven or eight officers on board. The only option was to get on a coach to the ground which had a motorcycle escort.

Mr Palmer added: ‘This to me seems an outrageous breach of civil liberties.’

A West Mercia Police spokesman said: ‘The operation was based on information and intelligence and sought to ensure genuine fans from both Portsmouth and Shrewsbury were able to enjoy the game without unwanted inconvenience from a minority of individuals who wished to engage in disorder.

‘West Mercia Police always strives to ensure its responsibility to both residents and fans is balanced against its duty to prevent crime and disorder.

‘The success of this operation was reflected in the fact that only three arrests were made following the game.’

· Anyone who wants to report their treatment to the Football Supporters’ Federation can email amanda.jacks@fsf.org.uk
Matty Blair is the latest transfer target on Pompey’s radar.The York wideman has held talks with the Blues in order to join Guy Whittingham’s charge back from English football’s basement division.

Free-agent Blair is a name on Whittingham’s lengthy hit-list as he goes about putting his squad together for next season.

Yet Luton’s Solomon Taiwo is not a man wanted by the Pompey manager.

Taiwo has been linked with a summer move to Fratton Park after his contract with the Hatters came to a close.

The 28-year-old, however, is not a player Whittingham is focusing on as he continues to assemble his squad.

But the Blues boss is keen on Blair, who has become a highly-regarded and influential figure at League Two York.

The 22-year-old hit seven goals in 49 appearances last season at Bootham Crescent.

That followed 12 goals in the previous campaign, which included the winner in the Blue Square Bet Premier play-off final at Wembley.

Blair has indicated to York boss Nigel Worthington he won’t be renewing his contract this summer after becoming a free agent.

Talks over a new deal with the Minstermen broke down earlier this year and the former Kidderminster man has made it clear he is listening to other offers.

Now Pompey is looking increasingly likely to be his destination after the player was offered a deal by the Blues.

Blair is one of a host of players Whittingham has now met as he cranks up his hunt for new recruits.

He has held positive talks with a string of targets who are out of contract this summer.

Discussions are also moving along well with a number of players who spent last term with the Blues.

Patrick Agyemang will spearhead Pompey’s attack in the new campaign after agreeing a two-year deal.

The 32-year-old has inked a pre-contract and will become a Blues player on July 1 when his existing agreement with Stevenage comes to a close.

That’s a boost after the impact he made in 15 appearances on loan at the end of the season, bagging three goals.

Taiwo is not a player who is in Pompey’s sights, though, despite talk of the Blues being one of a host of sides keen on his services.

Whittingham is continuing his player search apace and is keen to wrap up his work quickly.

He said: ‘There are players out of contract at their clubs.

‘There are players who are not sure if they are going to be playing here or there.

‘We’ve looked at so many games and players already.

‘We’re making plenty of phone calls and meeting plenty of people.

‘We have to do the hard work to put the squad together as quickly as we can.

‘Managers and coaches will not stop. We’re carrying on that work this week.’

Ashley Harris has been challenged to find the consistency needed to make the grade. Guy Whittingham has told the promising young starlet he needs to find a solid run of form in Pompey’s first team.

The 19-year-old made 29 appearances in his first full season at Fratton Park, scoring three goals during the 2012-13 campaign.

Despite scoring in the final game of the season against Shrewsbury, Harris’ form fluctuated during that time and Whittingham feels he needs to make a continued impact if he’s to impress.

‘Things started well for Ashley,’ said the Pompey boss.

‘Then he’s had a dip and couldn’t get in the team.

‘That probably sums up Ash, really.

‘If he wants to do it and he’s determined enough, he’ll do it.

‘I’m glad he scored that goal against Shrewsbury because it showed his persistence.

‘He hasn’t played for along time, so it’s a case of him trying to play where we want him to play.

‘We’re trying to make sure one comes short and one goes long.

‘Ash likes to go to the ball. That’s where Dave (Connolly) is helpful because he’ll stretch it a bit.

‘I’m pleased that he scored, though, and he’s doing okay.’

Whittingham also had a warning for Pompey’s young guns that regular first-team football will not be a given next season.

He said: ‘We have promising players at this football club.

‘That doesn’t mean we will have five or six players from the Academy playing every week next season.

‘They have to step up to the mark.

‘This is men’s football now.

‘It’s not a case of playing 75 per cent of the games because that’s what you do with the Academy.

‘Now it’s a case of whoever is best plays. If they have the appetite they will be playing.’

Shaun Cooper warned Pompey: It’s a rough ride in League Two.The Blues loanee sounded a stark warning about the realities of the English game’s basement tier following the club’s relegation.

Cooper feels anyone thinking Guy Whittingham’s side will bounce back with ease next season is in for a shock.

The 29-year-old reckons it will be far from straightforward for Pompey to gain promotion in the 2013-14 League Two campaign.

And Cooper is speaking from experience after operating in the division throughout his career.

The defender knows all about the hurly burly that is in store for the side he joined on loan from Crawley.

The Isle of Wight-born talent has seen plenty of League Two playing time in his periods at Bournemouth, Kidderminster and Leyton Orient.

And he feels the excitement and enthusiasm at the possibilities for the first season of the Pompey Supporters’ Trust era needs to be tempered with realism.

Pompey are expected to become short-priced favourites with the bookies to succeed Gillingham as League Two champions next season.

But Cooper feels the reality is it will be anything but simple for the side he made seven appearances for this season to enjoy success.

He said: ‘The club is back on its feet. It is good to see that, too, after everything it’s been through.

‘It’s exciting at last for the supporters and there is a lot to look forward to next season, that’s for sure.

‘I just hope everyone keeps their feet on the ground moving forward.

‘One thing I do know is it’s not going to be easy in League Two next season.

‘Anyone who thinks it will be straight-forward to bounce back is going to be in for a surprise.

‘I know myself that it is a tough, tough league to get out of.

‘And anyone thinking it is going to be easy because Pompey are a big team will soon be shocked.’

Pompey’s crowds will undoubtedly install them as heavy-hitters as they step down to League Two for the first time since 1980.

But it will be a different story on the road as Whittingham’s men are introduced to many of the game’s outposts.

Trips to Morecambe, Fleetwood and Accrington will all be on the agenda as fans clock up plenty of new grounds.

And Cooper believes that may take some getting used to, along with the brand of football Pompey are going to come up against.

‘The games come all the time and you will be playing during the week and at the weekend,’ he said.

‘That’s a test but that’s not the biggest issue.

‘It’s horrible football. It’s not pretty and won’t be for the faint-hearted.

‘The players will have to get used to that quickly.

‘There’s no guarantees at all. It’s not always easy to play football.

‘You just can’t play football all the time and that is something that will need to be adjusted to.

‘Another thing is people will look forward to playing against Pompey. It will be a big occasion for them.

‘That’s something I think Bradford have found out this season. Everyone has raised their game to play them.

‘But if things are organised and get sorted out here, there’s no reason the side won’t do well.’

Cooper’s team-mate, Simon Eastwood, echoed the sentiment that Pompey will be a side teams will want to impress against next season.

‘There are going to be a lot of expectations placed upon us,’ he said.

‘Hopefully, we are capable of managing them.

‘All the lads want to concentrate on football.

‘We’re going to be bookies’ favourites.

‘We want to keep the best players we have here and justify that.’

Simon Eastwood believes Pompey need to build their team around Jed Wallace next season.Eastwood feels the in-demand midfielder is exactly the type of player who needs to be at the fulcrum of the Blues’ League Two promotion assault.

Wallace has courted plenty of attention since making the breakthrough into the first-team picture this season.

There have been a flood of scouts at Fratton Park keeping tabs on the 19-year-old’s progress.

Eastwood has been impressed with what he’s seen from Wallace, as he bagged six goals and delivered a string of all-action displays.

The keeper feels the former Lewes man should be the focus of Guy Whittingham’s side in the new campaign.

And Eastwood is certain he has benefited from being given his chance as Pompey throw in the young blood.

He said: ‘To be fair, Jed’s one you’d want to keep and build the team around.

‘Because of the situation we’re in he’s played a lot of football.

‘If that wasn’t the case he would maybe have not got a chance. He’s taken that, though, and done well.’

Despite being keen to see Wallace stay, Eastwood knows his team have a tough task on their hands to keep the player.

Pompey have activated a clause to extend Wallace’s existing agreement for another year.

But that won’t stop suitors being keen on the player who made his league debut in January.

Eastwood believes the player has more than shown he can make the grade at League One level.

He thinks Wallace’s thriving self-confidence has a lot to do with that.

Eastwood said:‘I hope he stays but, at the end of the day, that could be quite hard.

‘He went out on loan earlier in the season and proved himself at a lower level.

‘People wondered if he could do it in League One but, to be fair to him, he’s taken his opportunity and proved himself.

‘It’s about confidence. If you have confidence on the pitch it’s a big thing. You will do a lot better with it. It’s his own decision whether he goes.

‘But he’s done well for us for three months and been consistent.’

Eastwood also had a message for Wallace that it could be in his interest to stay at Pompey and enjoy regular football.

He said: ‘We’ll see what happens now.

‘For everyone to play games is massive.

‘It’s massive for him to have that.

‘He’s definitely good enough to do what he’s doing and keep playing games here.’

[This Time Next Year]

What was the name of the nightclub again?

[stefeni]

What was the name of the nightclub again?

?????

[Purbrook Chimes]

What was the name of the nightclub again?

?????

Fever , they posted on here , was it a trick by the Police

[Mr Nuts]

What was the name of the nightclub again?

?????

Fever , they posted on here , was it a trick by the Police

Judging by the poor grammar in the fever post it probably was the police.