Strong Pompey squad expected for friendly at Bognor Regis Town

It is understood the Fratton Park manager, who steered the club to promotion from League One to the Championship last season, sees the game as an opportunity to run the rule over his key players as they continue their preparation ahead of their big kick-off on August 10.

Ticket sales for the game are “very healthy” according to Bognor general manager Simon Cook and he admits he expects to see an upsurge in sales and a bumper gate given that Portsmouth are bringing such a strong squad to the fixture.

He said: “It’s such a popular annual fixture and is always so well supported with the Pompey supporters travelling in good numbers and they always seem to enjoy their visit to Nyewood Lane. There is an added excitement, of course, given that Pompey have been promoted so I can imagine that we will see a really good gate for this one.”

Rocks boss Robbie Blake has thanked the Blues for committing to the annual fixture and spoken of how much the club value their ties with the club.

He said at the time the friendly was announced: "I want our players to enjoy the occasion against a squad that will be competing in the Championship next season. John has worked wonders and the club and the supporters have got their reward and it promises to be an exciting season for them.

"We are lucky enough to enjoy a great relationship with Portsmouth and over the years have had young players on loan with us, which I think benefits both clubs in terms of helping us obviously but their younger players experience men's football which ultimately is important to their development.”

Tickets are currently on sale at: https://therocks.ktckts.com/event/bog2425fri7/bognor-regis-town-v-portsmouth-