The Twe12th Man Website

“Pomp” Up The Volume..!!
Friday, May 2nd, 2008

“Play up, Pompey! Pompey, play up!” So goes the resonant chant of today’s opponents. As all wheelchair-user fans are located in front of the (Home fans) Fratton End, I have had, on many occasions, first hand experience at closer quarters than desired of the racket generated by the supporters at Portsmouth FC. However, I must admit to a certain begrudging admiration of them in the way they build and maintain the vocal atmosphere…it’s ‘rhythm’ can be infectious too, although I would stop short of joining in with them!! Whether it is due to the acoustics of an old stadium, the varied beat of the drummer, or the ringing of the ‘Bell Man’, the noise is constant and incessant, even when their team is losing, as witnessed earlier this season when Tuncay’s winning strike secured us 3 valuable points. Their team must surely appreciate such unconditional backing if this is the norm at Fratton Park…

What would it take for the Riverside Stadium to become a similar cauldron of noise? And on a regular basis, not just against the ‘big’ clubs or matches? It has been shown by the Twe12th Man’s recent initiatives that Boro can match, if not surpass, other Club’s in the ‘visual’ department with the banners, surfers and flags, and the periodic card displays are unquestionably impressive, even if governed by the right timing and circumstance, e.g.: Cup matches, etc. However, to dream of vocally emulating the likes of Pompey’s fans, we have to replicate the vociferous ‘away day’ atmosphere at our home games. Next season perhaps provides an ideal opportunity to encourage the Boro faithful to be noisier with the creation of the new Family Enclosure and the Clubs plans to increase the younger fan base with the favourable pricing policy. These next-generation groups should be encouraged to take the lead from the ‘New Holgate’ by joining in with the singing or better still, making up new songs and chants. Young ‘uns can make a noise if given the opportunity - remember the game against Chelsea a few years back when the kids silenced the visitors with the seemingly never-ending “Who are ya!” chanting.

Our two final home games have added significance now following Saturday’s last minute defeat at SOL; the team need to know we’re fully behind them and hopefully they’ll reciprocate with performances to warrant OUR unconditional support and guarantee Premier League football next season. Let’s throw off our inhibitions; create a wall of noise; get the Riverside rocking and show Pompey we can match them in generating an atmosphere.. …PUMP UP THE VOLUME!!