I was born in Portsmouth and have been a Pompey supporter for over 50 years. My brother and I were taken to our first match by our parents on 20th February 1960 - It was addiction at first site!.
My mother was first taken to Fratton Park by my grandparents in the 1920s. I have a season ticket in the Fratton End with my brother, his daughter and grandson. I firmly believe that our football clubs are so much more than just a business, they are part of our communities, our heritage, our histories and our memories.
I became involved with the early days of PST because it felt better to be doing something rather than just standing by and watching while our Club died. I was on the steering committee, then elected to the board.
I am chair of the FSF Southern Division and for many years I have represented the Supporters' Club CB at the FSF Southern Division meetings. I represented the Southern Division at the FSF National Council for about 6 years, standing down on being elected to the PST Board, because with the serious situation at Pompey last year, I wanted to spend more time on Pompey matters.
I have always been strongly in favour of the return of safe standing areas to the top two tiers of football. Many supporters, including myself, prefer to stand. Many do not or are not able to, and object to having people standing in front of them.. It is all about having the choice. With the re-instating of standing areas there would be no conflict between the two groups, or with stewards.
I also strongly believe in the right of football supporters not to be treated differently just because we choose to spend our leisure time supporting our football teams. Watching football is not a crime.
I am looking forward to working with the new board and I feel we are now putting together a good group of people with the expertise to take the Trust forward towards our main goals of ownership or representation on the board of PFC, and a bigger involvement in the local community.
Pompey Supporters Trust
