Portsmouth pre-season friendly match day thread.

[brad blit]

Did i read somewhere there's an additional 20min being played today?

I know its only 2 friendlies so far, but from what iv seen we are much fitter team than before, wing backs will be a hugely important position for us, and we will be much more solid/hard to beat

[Lrrr]

Just now, brad blit said:

Did i read somewhere there's an additional 20min being played today?

I know its only 2 friendlies so far, but from what iv seen we are much fitter team than before, wing backs will be a hugely important position for us, and we will be much more solid/hard to beat

Extra 30 I believe 

[Varrei]

really hope we can keep Joe Williams fit this season 

[Port Said Red]

Sykes immediately looks happier in behind the front 2 instead of being more to the right. 

[Kodjias Wrist]

From what I seen so far albeit pre season, I really enjoy watching tanner.

Edited July 12, 2022 by Kodjias Wrist

[Port Said Red]

3 good chances in quick succession, make it 4.

[Rossi the Robin]

Strong finish, good fitness, pushing for a winner 

[Simon bristol]

Missed a bit of the second half due to working at the same time, but this isnt very impressive…. Theres a lack of goal threat and quality, though the lovely louise makes the world a better place!

[RoystonFoote'snephew]

We look fit. I'm liking Naismith in the middle of the 3. His comfort on the ball seems to give more space for Williams and James and make it easier for them to look forward. The battle for RWB should be interesting as both Wilson and Tanner are high energy and adept at getting forward. 

[Kodjias Wrist]

I find it bizarre that pompy are using three of our players

Edited July 12, 2022 by Kodjias Wrist

[Wiltshire robin]

2 minutes ago, Kodjias Wrist said:

I find it bizarre that pompy are using three of our players

I think they did last season and he scored against us

[Kodjias Wrist]

Just now, Wiltshire robin said:

I think they did last season and he scored against us

Yeah he did but im surprised Portsmouth don't have young players to throw in.

[Port Said Red]

I wonder what team Birmingham City U23's were able to muster? 10-0 suggests either Schoolboys or a bunch of triallists.

[handsofclay]

3 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

I wonder what team Birmingham City U23's were able to muster? 10-0 suggests either Schoolboys or a bunch of triallists.

From what I have read on here about the shambles at St Andrews I'm guessing it was their first team.

[grifty]

9 minutes ago, Simon bristol said:

Missed a bit of the second half due to working at the same time, but this isnt very impressive…. Theres a lack of goal threat and quality, though the lovely louise makes the world a better place!

2nd friendly of the season is more about shape and new players integrating into the team and learning how everyone plays, despite the fact we are missing 2 of our main forward threats + Scott.

Still, at least you get to perve on a presenter like some deranged sex pest.

[Kodjias Wrist]

3 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

I wonder what team Birmingham City U23's were able to muster? 10-0 suggests either Schoolboys or a bunch of triallists.

That club are a mess from top to bottom. I was always under the impression they were Cat 1 . 

[Northern Red]

Just now, Kodjias Wrist said:

That club are a mess from top to bottom. I was always under the impression they were Cat 1 . 

They are but may have to downgrade to Cat 2.

[Kodjias Wrist]

Just now, Northern Red said:

They are but may have to downgrade to Cat 2.

Literally just double checked that myself ! With the way things are going for us is it worth us going for Cat 1? Not sure what extra benefits we get other than status for potential new players and the loan system. 

[exAtyeoMax]

1 hour ago, westonred said:

My15 week old German Shepherd is loving it 1.09 MB · 0 downloads

https://shop.bristol-sport.co.uk/bcfc/gifts-accessories/homeware/pets/1879_bristol-city-dog-lead.html

 

[KeNDAILIL]

I'd possibly look at playing Tanner in centre midfield. Looking sharp again today. Still feel we haven't improved in that area bar Williams currently being fit. He's also chipped in with goals while being with us and Carlisle which again is something our midfield lacks. His natural defensive traits from full back would also free up Scott in hopefully his favoured number 10 role. Would also provide good cover when Wilson gets caught high up the pitch.

[Port Said Red]

Just now, Kodjias Wrist said:

Literally just double checked that myself ! With the way things are going for us is it worth us going for Cat 1? Not sure what extra benefits we get other than status for potential new players and the loan system. 

We need "exclusive" use of an indoor pitch, the Bears facility apparently doesn't count. The other benefits would be that we can hold on to our players more easily compared to now, and I guess they would be playing against a higher level of players.

[Simon bristol]

6 minutes ago, grifty said:

2nd friendly of the season is more about shape and new players integrating into the team and learning how everyone plays, despite the fact we are missing 2 of our main forward threats + Scott.

Still, at least you get to perve on a presenter like some deranged sex pest.

Fair enough, ok, weve got established championship players whose speciality today is missing chances and over hitting crosses and passes, and pack has been the best player on the pitch, and we have no money to spend to improve it.

Im sorry you are offended by the deranged nature of the comment 

[grifty]

Just now, Simon bristol said:

Fair enough, ok, weve got established championship players whose speciality today is missing chances and over hitting crosses and passes, and pack has been the best player on the pitch, and we have no money to spend to improve it.

Im sorry you are offended by the deranged nature of the comment 

We know we can score from last season (finger crossed) if we keep the same front three, our issue was keeping clean sheets. 

Id prefer if they spent the first few games of preseason being tight at the back, defending as a unit, learning any new defensive roles they have. So far we have 2 clean sheets out of 2 albeit against lower division opposition.

Obviously ideally we’d win every game 5-0 but baby steps with this team!

[Port Said Red]

Palmer-Houlden is not yet 18 is he? I think he is pushing himself up the list very quickly.

[RoystonFoote'snephew]

We created some chances, Wells, Sykes, Conway, Bell and Palmer-Holden all had opportunities to score but on the day didn't take them. I'd happily trade today's misses for goals in the keagye when ut matters. Happy with the workout. 

[Lrrr]

2 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

Palmer-Houlden is not yet 18 is he? I think he is pushing himself up the list very quickly.

If he hasn't he will be very shortly as he was a 2nd year scholar last season so has progressed to the U23's squad this season

[Bris Red]

17 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

We need "exclusive" use of an indoor pitch, the Bears facility apparently doesn't count. The other benefits would be that we can hold on to our players more easily compared to now, and I guess they would be playing against a higher level of players.

Still pretty surprised we didn’t build an indoor pitch as a part of the HPC? Surely there is enough land within the grounds of the complex to do it.. not sure if you would need additional planning for it though?

Edited July 12, 2022 by bris red

[Sir Geoff]

12 minutes ago, Simon bristol said:

Fair enough, ok, weve got established championship players whose speciality today is missing chances and over hitting crosses and passes, and pack has been the best player on the pitch, and we have no money to spend to improve it.

Im sorry you are offended by the deranged nature of the comment 

That's twice now you have said that and it really is not true. He played deep just in front of the back four and saw a lot of the ball, first half. The reason for that is that the shape we were playing we were happy for him to have the ball there and we didn't have the players in the right positions to press him. Don't think he influenced the game any more than any other player. His two long passes first half were no better than Rylee Towlers later on.

[Port Said Red]

2 minutes ago, bris red said:

Still pretty surprised we didn’t build an indoor pitch as a part of the HPC? Surely there is enough land within the grounds of the complex to do it.. not sure if you would need additional planning for it though?

Assume that it would be more intrusive for the golfers and any nearby properties.

[Sir Geoff]

Shout out to James Taylor, didn't look out of place first half. Some good decision making and playing out of position.

[Lrrr]

2 minutes ago, bris red said:

Still pretty surprised we didn’t build an indoor pitch as a part of the HPC? Surely there is enough land within the grounds of the complex to do it.. not sure if you would need additional planning for it though?

In terms of the new HPC grounds, you have the show pitch which obviously wouldn't be indoors, the  space the other side from the building isn't a full size pitch size which therefore means that you'd need to not have a full size outdoor training pitch to build it on the space behind the goal you can see. 

However I'm not sure if City bought the land the old first team training pitches are on or whether they still rent them, even if they own them getting planning permission when its right next door to the school grounds may not be easy.

[Sir Geoff]

27 minutes ago, Kodjias Wrist said:

Literally just double checked that myself ! With the way things are going for us is it worth us going for Cat 1? Not sure what extra benefits we get other than status for potential new players and the loan system. 

First off it is expensive, we don't have the facilities, as others have said and there isn't much benefit to our players getting hammered each week by Liverpool, Man U etc. Our pathway is working fine, if it aint broke don't fix it. Tinns gave a good explanation on one of the post season pod casts, possibly 3 peaps.

[petehinton]

23 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

Palmer-Houlden is not yet 18 is he? I think he is pushing himself up the list very quickly.

My top tip to be in the first team by end of the season 

[BLRed]

Mark Sykes….. discuss…… but meh from what I’ve seen so far

[Jerseybean]

https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/report-bristol-city-0-0-portsmouth/

[phantom]

49 minutes ago, grifty said:

2nd friendly of the season is more about shape and new players integrating into the team and learning how everyone plays, despite the fact we are missing 2 of our main forward threats + Scott.

Still, at least you get to perve on a presenter like some deranged sex pest.

I'm assuming you are referring to Louise rather than Neil Swift?

[Bristol Rob]

1 minute ago, phantom said:

I'm assuming you are referring to Louise rather than Neil Swift?

What are both of their roles? 

I was on a call, so never had sound on at the start. 

[Port Said Red]

4 minutes ago, BLRed said:

Mark Sykes….. discuss…… but meh from what I’ve seen so far

From what I understand he is being asked in to play in a way which is sufficiently different to confuse him at the moment. When you consider the move to us itself and the higher level of fitness and training it may be a little bit of time before he really gets going.

[Son of Fred]

7 minutes ago, BLRed said:

Mark Sykes….. discuss…… but meh from what I’ve seen so far

The new O'Dowda??

[phantom]

2 minutes ago, Bristol Rob said:

What are both of their roles? 

I was on a call, so never had sound on at the start. 

Not sure on the lady, not seen her present before, Neil is one of the development coaches for the youth teams

[Kodjias Wrist]

30 minutes ago, Sir Geoff said:

First off it is expensive, we don't have the facilities, as others have said and there isn't much benefit to our players getting hammered each week by Liverpool, Man U etc. Our pathway is working fine, if it aint broke don't fix it. Tinns gave a good explanation on one of the post season pod casts, possibly 3 peaps.

Ah thanks ill give it a watch.

[chinapig]

12 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

From what I understand he is being asked in to play in a way which is sufficiently different to confuse him at the moment. When you consider the move to us itself and the higher level of fitness and training it may be a little bit of time before he really gets going.

All fair comment but we must maintain the great OTIB tradition of writing off a player before he gets started.

[Port Said Red]

1 minute ago, chinapig said:

All fair comment but we must maintain the great OTIB tradition of writing off a player before he gets started.

[BLRed]

2 minutes ago, chinapig said:

All fair comment but we must maintain the great OTIB tradition of writing off a player before he gets started.

Not writing him off, but currently I’m not sure what he brings that makes us better, apart from maybe his versatility (which I don’t always think is a good thing) and a determined attitude. I’m just not sure where he fits in to improve us. I know it’s early and I’m keen to see more of what he can do but it’s just my initial thoughts

[headhunter]

19 minutes ago, Son of Fred said:

The new O'Dowda??

Well 'ees from Oxford like our Callum!

[chinapig]

7 minutes ago, BLRed said:

Not writing him off, but currently I’m not sure what he brings that makes us better, apart from maybe his versatility (which I don’t always think is a good thing) and a determined attitude. I’m just not sure where he fits in to improve us. I know it’s early and I’m keen to see more of what he can do but it’s just my initial thoughts

Of course, I was being tongue in cheek hence the . 

We'll see in due course. If Nigel sees something in him I'm prepared to wait.

[Merrick's Marvels]

1 hour ago, BLRed said:

Mark Sykes….. discuss…… but meh from what I’ve seen so far

Doesn't improve our starting XI in the way Wilson does.

And possibly the way Naismith might (who knows yet if Kalas-Klose-Naismith is an upgrade on Kalas-Klose-Atkinson?)

But it's very early days for Sykes and, unlike Wilson and Naismith, he's being asked to play differently to the way he did at his previous club, so he's going to need time to change, adapt, find his feet. Whereas Wilson and Naismith can just carry on doing what they've always done - they can be integrated much easier. 

Imo Sykes won't be a starter when everyone's fit but, if he can get up to speed, he'll add much needed depth to the squad - we need to get to a position where we have a strong bench as last season there were times when it was far from that (Brum away springs to mind - it was basically Max O’Leary and some kids). 

Edited July 12, 2022 by Merrick's Marvels

[GrahamC]

1 hour ago, Port Said Red said:

Palmer-Houlden is not yet 18 is he? I think he is pushing himself up the list very quickly.

He was 19 in January.

[Merrick's Marvels]

1 hour ago, Port Said Red said:

Palmer-Houlden is not yet 18 is he? I think he is pushing himself up the list very quickly.

 

1 hour ago, petehinton said:

My top tip to be in the first team by end of the season 

Definitely think he's got something about him, so was surprised to find he has just a 1 year contract, ending 2023. 

[Redrascal2]

1 hour ago, grifty said:

We know we can score from last season (finger crossed) if we keep the same front three, our issue was keeping clean sheets. 

Id prefer if they spent the first few games of preseason being tight at the back, defending as a unit, learning any new defensive roles they have. So far we have 2 clean sheets out of 2 albeit against lower division opposition.

Obviously ideally we’d win every game 5-0 but baby steps with this team!

I would be concerned about the goals we will get without Senenyo and would hope somehow we get the defensive midfield player which has been such an issue for us.

[Davefevs]

3 hours ago, Denbury Red said:

Kicked off about 2:08. Pompey were late out onto the pitch.

Marcus Harness was pulled out of the starting eleven last minute.  That might’ve been the reason for the delay.

1 hour ago, BLRed said:

Mark Sykes….. discuss…… but meh from what I’ve seen so far

I’ve actually liked what I’ve seen so far.  Finds pockets, good technique / tough, bit of pace, links up well with Wilson.

I’m not sure I buy all this “he’s learning a new position” stuff though.  It was only really last season he started to play wide right.  He’s play as an attacking midfielder for much of his career up to that point.  He may of course be learning the intricacies of the expectation of the exact role for us, but it’s not like he’s playing out of position per se.

As I said, I’ve been quietly impressed with him so far.

Today for much of the opening 70 we played a more 3421 (343) with initially Weimann left and Sykes right of Wells, then second half, Wells and Weimann swapped around.  When the subs were made we went back into 3412 with Sykes as the AM/10 for the remaining 20 he was on.

3 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

He was 19 in January.

I have him as 01.01.2004….was he 18 in January???

[Shuffle]

It’s clear that without Semenyo we are all too predictable in the final third and ponderous. Taking into account that it’s about fitness  more than the result it was a good workout but personally worried about where goals will come from without Antoine who is our ace in the pack. Some good performances and shout out to James Taylor who didn’t look out of place. When Kalas, Scott, Semenyo return we will be fine.  Still need a couple in as the depth behind the starting 11 becomes stretched imo. 

Edited July 12, 2022 by Shuffle

[petehinton]

6 minutes ago, Merrick's Marvels said:

 

Definitely think he's got something about him, so was surprised to find he has just a 1 year contract, ending 2023. 

Hang on I’m getting him confused with Knight-Rebel. Too many double barrels knocking around. 

[ExiledAjax]

If we're going to go down the road of analysing a pre-season game featuring a 20 year old that few had heard of, and not featuring one of our starting strikers, then I'm going to concentrate on the clean sheet.

That was our issue last season.

Goals conceded is what we need to look at here. Defensive organisation, decision making, shot prevention etc. I've only read the club's report but that mentions just one Bentley save and one other Pompey chance (plus a save for Max in the extra 30 mins at the end).

So on that basis, in addition to the clean sheet against Cheltenham, we're doing ok?

Those that watched might have a different view, but I assume we've been defensively better so far in pre-season than we were last term?

Edited July 12, 2022 by ExiledAjax

[Merrick's Marvels]

11 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I'm not sure I buy all this “he’s learning a new position” stuff though.  It was only really last season he started to play wide right.  He’s play as an attacking midfielder for much of his career up to that point.  He may of course be learning the intricacies of the expectation of the exact role for us, but it’s not like he’s playing out of position per se.

Then why in the 'Fleming mic'd up' video does Fleming spend time explaining to Sykes how he wants him to dro into space to take the ball off our defenders even though he's  got an opponent up his arse, pop a pass, spin and take the return, now facing forwards - all the while Sykes saying (words to the affect) "but I'm not used to playing like that"?

Sounds very much like he's learning a new way of playing to my amateur ears. 

Edited July 12, 2022 by Merrick's Marvels

[Numero Uno]

1 hour ago, Simon bristol said:

Fair enough, ok, weve got established championship players whose speciality today is missing chances and over hitting crosses and passes, and pack has been the best player on the pitch, and we have no money to spend to improve it.

Im sorry you are offended by the deranged nature of the comment 

I realise you said today but we were 5th highest scorers in the league last season but given we are specialists in missing chances presumably you thought we should have scored 400 last season…….

[Davefevs]

5 minutes ago, Merrick's Marvels said:

Then why in the 'Fleming mic'd up' video does Fleming spend time explaining to Sykes how he wants him to dro into space to take the ball off our defenders even though he's  got an opponent up his arse, pop a pass, spin and take the return, now facing forwards - all the while Sykes saying (words to the affect) "but I'm not used to playing like that"?

Sounds very much like he's learning a new way of playing to my amateur ears. 

New “role” as opposed to new “position”…..as you say in your final sentence, he’s learning a new way of playing.

There was an Oxford journo who wrote a piece last week that implied he’d always been a right winger.  He hasn’t.  That’s the bit I was trying to get across…if that makes sense?

And I think he’s doing pretty well so far in taking that onboard.

[Merrick's Marvels]

10 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

New “role” as opposed to new “position”…..as you say in your final sentence, he’s learning a new way of playing.

There was an Oxford journo who wrote a piece last week that implied he’d always been a right winger.  He hasn’t.  That’s the bit I was trying to get across…if that makes sense?

And I think he’s doing pretty well so far in taking that onboard.

Agreed, he's played in central areas before but is now being asked to execute some different movements and actions.

A highlights reel is, obviously, not the whole picture but in the Sykes one posted here when he signed, it's all him facing forwards and bombing on into the opposition penalty area - whereas now I get the impression his role might be slightly different, judging by the Fleming video (haven't watched either of the friendlies), certainly in the build up phase when we have initial possession. 

Edited July 12, 2022 by Merrick's Marvels

[TV Tom]

28 minutes ago, Redrascal2 said:

I would be concerned about the goals we will get without Senenyo and would hope somehow we get the defensive midfield player which has been such an issue for us.

Semenyo will prove to be our most important player

[Rocking Red Cyril]

5 hours ago, Davefevs said:

Think they corrected the missing comma between Dasilva and Massengo.

Now I am confused , neither of those started

[GrahamC]

25 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

 

I have him as 01.01.2004….was he 18 in January???

I’ll ask, I’m pretty sure I was told he’s 19, & the person who said really should know!

[REDOXO]

28 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I have him as 01.01.2004….was he 18 in January???

You and your bloody statistics!

[ExiledAjax]

7 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

I’ll ask, I’m pretty sure I was told he’s 19, & the person who said really should know!

Praying this turns into our own version of this.

[Davefevs]

10 minutes ago, Rocking Red Cyril said:

Now I am confused , neither of those started

 

[LondonBristolian]

2 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

 

Thank Christ that was a typo. I thought we had a new player and, with this cost of living crisis, I don’t think any of us could afford the letters for the back of the shirt…

[steviestevieneville]

1 hour ago, BLRed said:

Not writing him off, but currently I’m not sure what he brings that makes us better, apart from maybe his versatility (which I don’t always think is a good thing) and a determined attitude. I’m just not sure where he fits in to improve us. I know it’s early and I’m keen to see more of what he can do but it’s just my initial thoughts

He’s played a few minutes of two friendlies & you’re judging him already , ******* hell

[archie andrews]

32 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

New “role” as opposed to new “position”…..as you say in your final sentence, he’s learning a new way of playing.

There was an Oxford journo who wrote a piece last week that implied he’d always been a right winger.  He hasn’t.  That’s the bit I was trying to get across…if that makes sense?

And I think he’s doing pretty well so far in taking that onboard.

Said before he sounds like a scott wagstaff type player... 

 

[chinapig]

15 minutes ago, ExiledAjax said:

Praying this turns into our own version of this.

I'd be inclined to round down the guy's IQ score by dividing by zero.

[sglosbcfc]

21 minutes ago, steviestevieneville said:

He’s played a few minutes of two friendlies & you’re judging him already , ******* hell

It might be best for all concerned to transfer list him now

[Sleepy1968]

14 minutes ago, chinapig said:

I'd be inclined to round down the guy's IQ score by dividing by zero.

That's either going to give you an error or some maths genius doing a Masters is going use it to prove he has an infinite IQ (in which case the rest of us are all screwed). Maybe he's a massive WUM, but fairplay to "Graham" for playing a straight bat regardless .

Edited July 12, 2022 by Sleepy1968