Ahead of Tonight’s game (Weds 29th) at the AEI Stadium - BORO’s Football Management Team gave their thoughts, with extracts the match day programme notes

Joint Head Coaches - Pat & Joe

‘ Thanks for braving the cold and coming to support the lads tonight.

We were disappointed with Saturdays performance. No doubt many were expecting a comfortable victory against a resilient Didcot side but we’ve been in this league long enough to know there is no such thing as an easy game. We weren’t at our best and Didcot deserve credit for their defensive performance levels. Ultimately, we couldn’t break them down and need to look at why that is.

Head of Football Operations - Mark

‘ Personally, for me it’s a great time to have a midweek match, it’s probably a sign of how far we have come that we are disappointed with a point at home Saturday, but you can’t hide it we are disappointed and we must do better tonight to try and continue are push this season. That’s why it’s a good time to have a Wednesday night game, no time to dwell, straight back on the horse and let’s show a real reaction to Saturdays disappointment and put in a display we all know we capable off and have come accustomed too.

The squad except for Charlie Wassmer long term knee injury is in good shape, Kav, Toby and Rory return from suspension and everyone else is fighting fit.

Hanwell currently sit at 15th, 4 places above the bottom 4, no time to panic but every point is as valuable to them at that end as it is to us currently the other end. Hanwell won’t be coming here to lay down and surrender to our reaction though, as no doubt following a disappointing defeat to Tiverton Saturday they will be looking for their own reaction. Let’s hope that provides the ingredients for a great game tonight.

Gosport Chairman - Iain

‘ Not quite what the doctor ordered on Saturday was it but all credit to Didcot who came fought like tigers for their point and if not for a remarkable flurry of smart saves in a short spell from Callum who knows may have gone home with all 3 pts.

‘If you cant win don’t lose’ is a well established motto and that’s what we did albeit we were surely the home banker of the day in the SPL. Those things happen in the unpredictable world of football (anyone predict the Pompey result?) what matters is how you respond to them and this squad has real form in the responding stakes. I know P&J will have them champing at the bit for tonights encounter against opponents not to be underestimated.

One sour note from Saturday and that the unseemly but isolated fracas post match involving just the one individual who took it upon himself to hurl unacceptable insults at one or two team members and then attacked a club stalwart who intended to calm matters. The said ’supporter’ was ejected from the ground and banned for life as a punishment for that ridiculous behaviour. The clubs sincere apologies for any offence caused to those within the vicinity. As a club we’ve worked hard to provide a safe inclusive and family orientated environment at the AEI and the response has been gratifying you may be sure that atmosphere is a top priority and no quarter will be given to any culprit for any reason who undermines that intent.

We‘re making some desirable alterations within the clubhouse later this week and in time for the next home match in way of installing doors offering direct access from the ‘old boardroom’ onto the patio area within ‘Trappers’ thus creating direct access to a new ‘overflow’ bar with inside seating and outside all weather protection. The bar will also provide separate function facilities on non match days for private hire and stand alone catering requirements. We hope you use and enjoy this latest enhancement to match day and hospitality facilities.

Pleased to announce Dave Hurst formerly Pompey head of recruitment for 30 years and responsible for bringing talents like Andy Awford Kit Symons Darren Anderton Rowan Vine Gary O’Neill Jack Whatmough Asmir Bekovic and Matt Richie to Pompey is joining the board having had the dubious pleasure of my company at almost every match this season. Dave of course was born and has resided in Gosport his entire life and brings an enormous amount of footballing knowledge to the club. Just approach him anytime for some football history lessons. Welcome Dave.

Enjoy the match have fun and travel well.

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