The Jury is 'IN'

[Lancer]

Well I think our wonderful team proved beyond any shadow of doubt that they are not fully motivated to play for Pompey.

On Sky TV, when perhaps their future employers or agents are watching and assessing them, they are; well' I won't say outstanding but they do play a good passing game, as a team, in fact the best I have seen them play for a long time.

Then on Saturday back to FP, and even in front of a full house. They fall apart and show a dismal game. We made the opposition look good.

So on TV they are great and back here they fall into disrepair !

I just wonder is this the managers fault ?
Is he unable to motivate them ?
What is their mindset ?

(OK there were a couple of guys who's workload was outstanding and they ran their hearts out, but not the whole team !)

Am I right or am I right ? What do you think ?

[Scoular1]

Maybe the Accrington result against Chesterfield put our 0-0 against them in perspective.

[jon6_1999]

I think we always concentrate on our team and completely ignore that there is an opposition doing their level best to prevent you doing what you want to do.

In a league that is very level in terms of ability (20 points seperating 18 teams), and the top team averaging 1.78 points a game (Pompey 2003 - 98 points from 46 games - 2.13 ppg), games (not just ours), are coming down to who wants it more, who gets the breaks and are you're strikers prolific when chances come along.

I suspect that the 16 teams from Southend to Accrington (seperated by only 10 points) are all saying exactly the same things.

[kernow]

Perhaps they struggle to cope under the weight of the expectation of the crowd ?

[philfridge]

Everytime i go to Fratton Park, i go so with expectation but as soon as i get within site of the place i feel depressed because its such a dump. Maybe the players feel that ...its such a negative place!

[jon6_1999]

Cheer up Phil, just remember that you are entering a ground that has been home to the champions of England (twice)!

It's like comparing the Victory with a brand new Sunseeker.

Yes the Sunseeker is comfortable, looks new, has all the mod cons, is faster etc etc.

But no history, no character, boring and if you have enough money, anyone can buy one.

[PompeyScarf]

Everytime i go to Fratton Park, i go so with expectation but as soon as i get within site of the place i feel depressed because its such a dump. Maybe the players feel that ...its such a negative place!

Is it a dump compared to the other grounds they play in?

[Grannie64]

Cheer up Phil, just remember that you are entering a ground that has been home to the champions of England (twice)!

It's like comparing the Victory with a brand new Sunseeker.

Yes the Sunseeker is comfortable, looks new, has all the mod cons, is faster etc etc.

But no history, no character, boring and if you have enough money, anyone can buy one.

And like HMS Victory it's lacked proper investment over the years and been no where. Thankfully HMS Victory is a National treasure and the money is being spent on her now so her future is secure.