Six Questions we asked a Pompey fan

A very long trip down to Portsmouth awaits Lincoln City tonight as they take on an underperforming Portsmouth side.

Another week another supporter to chat to. Portsmouth took the stage this week. I got to speak to another old university mate of mine Sam Jones. Here’s what he said:

1) Portsmouth have had an underwhelming start to the campaign. Why do you think that is?

I can’t really put my finger on it. I think the manager has been playing the right players to us back up the division. There are some players that fired us into the play-offs last season that just haven’t had a look in for some reason. The style of football that we play, particularly at home, has been frustratingly negative. If we aren’t a goal up early doors then the Fratton Park crowd can really get on the backs of the players which creates a poor atmosphere. Teams have walked away from Fratton Park with points when perhaps they shouldn’t have done.

2) There’s a lot of supporters calling for the head of the manager. Is it justified?

I think I can see why supporters are calling for his head. Results and performances haven’t been good enough so far this season. They say that a manager is judged purely on results, if that’s the case then Jackett should have lost his job already. His play style has got progressively worse over the last twelve months that have left fans extremely frustrated.

3) With the investment in the summer, where should Portsmouth be setting themselves to finish come May?

Realistically, we’ve spent an awful lot of money in the summer. Pompey have invested in good players in this division such as John Marquis so I think the lowest we should be aiming for is a play-off spot. With the squad that we have though and had we started the season stronger then I would be saying that we should be looking at the automatics.

4) What are your views on Lincoln?

The rise of Lincoln City has been nothing short of spectacular over the last few years. Rising through the divisions as quickly as they have is admirable. Obviously, the success that they have had was down to the Cowley brothers. Now that they’ve gone it’ll be really interesting to see if they can continue on their current path. I’m not sure where they can finish this season but I can’t see them struggling in this league at all.

5) What players should Imps fans look out for?

Marcus Harness, Ronan Curtis and Marquis are the players that I’d be looking out for. But they do have to start to be able to impact the game. Harness has been the man in form so far this year coming from Burton Albion and has probably been our best player.

6) How do you think the game will go? Score prediction?

I think it’ll end up in a draw. The fans have turned on the manager so these circumstances won’t help the manager or the players at all. Lincoln are arriving at Fratton Park at a really good time for a visiting team with all the pressure that’s mounting and I can see them frustrating us and getting a credible point on the road.