Portsmouth Football Club: Introduction

Portsmouth Football Club (Pompey) is a professional football club based in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England. The club has a rich history and a passionate fan base. Portsmouth currently plays football in the English Championship.

Staff at the Fanbase hope that the club and supporters enjoy future success. So here’s our overview:

Before we continue, here’s a link to the club’s official website.

Founding and Early Years

• Founded: Portsmouth F.C. was founded on April 5, 1898.
• Stadium: The club’s home ground is Fratton Park, which has been their home since 1898. The stadium is known for its traditional and intimate atmosphere. Pompey fans call their stadium The Old Girl; such is the attraction. Furthermore, the club has played their home games here since their formation.
• Nickname: Most refer to the club as “Pompey,” a nickname that fans and the media use often.

Portsmouth Football Club: Key Historical Moments

• League Success: Portsmouth has won the English Football League Championship (formerly known as the First Division) twice, in the consecutive seasons of 1948–49 and 1949–50. This was during the club’s golden era.
• FA Cup Victories:
  • 1939: Portsmouth won their first FA Cup by defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-1 in the final. Due to World War II, they held the cup for seven years, the longest by any team, as the competition was suspended during the war.
  • 2008: Portsmouth secured their second FA Cup title, beating Cardiff City 1-0 in the final. This victory was a significant achievement as it marked the club’s resurgence in English football.

Recent History

• Premier League: Portsmouth spent several seasons in the Premier League during the 2000s, with their highest finish being 8th in the 2007–08 season. They attracted notable players like Sol Campbell, David James, and Kanu during this period.
• Financial Struggles: Following their successful spell in the Premier League, Portsmouth faced severe financial difficulties. This resulted in the club entering administration twice (2010 and 2012), leading to relegation from the Premier League and a dramatic drop down to League Two (the fourth tier of English football).
• Community Ownership: In 2013, after years of financial turmoil, Portsmouth became the largest fan-owned football club in England. The Portsmouth Supporters Trust took over the club, stabilizing it and beginning the process of rebuilding.

Portsmouth Football Club: Return to Stability

• League Two Title: Under fan ownership, Portsmouth rebuilt their squad and eventually won the League Two title in 2016–17, earning promotion to League One.
• Recent Performance: Portsmouth has been competing in League One (the third tier of English football) since their promotion, consistently challenging for promotion to the Championship.

Portsmouth Football Club: Rivalries

• South Coast Derby: Portsmouth’s biggest rivalry is with Southampton, another club from the South Coast of England. Matches between these two clubs are known as the South Coast Derby, and they are highly charged affairs given the intense rivalry.
• Plymouth Argyle: This game fives rise to “the Battle of the Ports” or the “Dockyard Derby.”
• Lesser Rivals: The fans love to beat the following teams: Bournemouth, Brighton and Hove Albion, Millwall, and Sunderland.

Notable Players

Over the years, Portsmouth has had several notable players, including:

• Jimmy Dickinson: A legendary figure at the club, Dickinson made over 800 appearances for Portsmouth and is widely regarded as one of their greatest ever players.
• Peter Harris: Another club legend who was instrumental during the club’s post-war success.
• Paul Merson: Played a key role in helping Portsmouth gain promotion to the Premier League in 2002-03.

Portsmouth Football Club: Supporters and Culture

• Fan Base: Portsmouth has a loyal and passionate fan base. The club’s supporters are known for their unwavering support, even during difficult times.
• Fratton Park Atmosphere: Fratton Park is known for its vibrant and intimidating atmosphere, with the famous “Fratton End” being the most vocal section of the stadium.

Current Status

• League: Portsmouth is competing in the EFL Championship.
• Ownership: The Tornante Company, with American businessman Michael Eisner at the helm, owns the club, which they took over in 2017. Since then, the club has continued its journey towards stability and growth, both on and off the pitch.

Portsmouth Football Club: Honours

Portsmouth has won the top English league twice in consecutive years. Furthermore, they have won the FA Cup twice:

• League Titles: 2 (1948–49, 1949–50)
• FA Cup Titles: 2 (1939, 2008)
• Community Shield: 1 (1949, shared with Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Pompey also has the following honours:

• Second Tier: Champions: 2002–03
• Third Tier: Champions: 1923–24 (South), 1961–62, 1982–83
• Fourth Tier: Champions: 2016–17
• EFL Trophy Winners: 2018–19

Portsmouth F.C. is a club with a storied history marked by significant successes and challenges. Despite the ups and downs, the club remains a cherished institution with a bright future.

Promote Portsmouth Football Club

Why does such an old, established football club like Portsmouth need promotion? Well, we are not talking about up the leagues; we are talking about publicity. As every good soccer fan knows, Portsmouth FC is the best, aren’t they?

However, you may also have some footy banter with other fans in our massive Football Forum here.

With Portsmouth having so many rivals, it makes sense to propel your team above them. So, come on, play up Pompey! Whichever way you wish to promote Portsmouth FC, let Football Fan Base be your main home!

** Information updated on September 3, 2024.