A proposed walkway for football fans which could unlock development has won initial funding, an MP has said.
The money previously caused a dispute between Portsmouth FC owner Michael Eisner and Network Rail.
The rail body said it would not pay for a footbridge in order to “unlock the redevelopment of the stadium”, while Mr Eisner called the body “irresponsible”.
A feasibility study would be funded by the club, the council, and a real estate company, according to Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan.
“[It] brings us one step closer to delivering the regeneration that the surrounding area deserves and to improving infrastructure links from Fratton station to Fratton Park,” the Labour MP stated.
“With support at the highest level, we will now be meeting with government officials to explore future funding streams to make this project a reality.”
He said the walkway would relieve congestion on Goldsmith Avenue and encourage rail travel.
In August 2023, he made the following statement: “I am frustrated with a company [Network Rail] that won’t spend £15,000 to do something that is so obvious.”
We’ve reached out to the rail company for more information.
At Fratton Park, Pompey defeated Barnsley 3-2 on Tuesday to guarantee their promotion to the Championship.
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John Mousinho makes a significant plea to Portsmouth prior to the League One trophy being presented.
In the event that Tuesday night’s pitch invasion occurs again, the Football League has threatened to axe the presentation ceremony.
John Mousinho has appealed to the Fratton faithful to remain in the stands for today’s visit of Wigan to PO4.
The Blues boss made the request after jubilant supporters made their way onto the pitch following Tuesday night’s win against Barnsley – a victory that sealed the League One title and the club’s return to the Championship.
As fans flocked to their heroes to celebrate the historic accomplishment, many joyful memories were made, and the players were delighted to accept the praise they received.
But Mousinho has asked everyone attending the Wigan game to stay off the field, with the Football League threatening to call off this afternoon’s League One trophy presentation if similar incidents were to occur.
On a platform in the middle of the circle, the trophy and medals for the winners of the players’ league will be given out. following the last whistle. Pompey has also scheduled a lap of appreciation, in which the players will thank the supporters for their support throughout the campaign, escorted by their young families.
However, the Blues head coach reiterated a request made by chief executive Andy Cullen on Thursday, asking supporters to honor the event by remaining seated.
In a statement released via club media, Mousinho said: ‘Hi everyone, I hope you’ve all recovered from the other night – and what an amazing, special night we had a Fratton. It was simply amazing. There was a great time had by all at the football club; it was an amazing occasion.
I just wanted to send you a very short message asking that you please, please stay off the field on Saturday. Without it, we won’t be able to raise the trophy.
The League One Champions Trophy is on its way to Fratton Park. It’s going to be an amazing occasion, but if you can enjoy it from the stands that would be absolutely amazing.
‘We’ll be out here with the team, with families. We’ll spend plenty of time out on the pitch and we’ll really, really enjoy it if we manage to lift the trophy.
‘It will be a really, really special day, so thank you in advance for your cooperation. I will see you on Saturday to have a proper celebration.’
The Football League are investigating Tuesday night’s pitch invasion and individual incidents which happened following Conor Shaughnessy’s 89th-minute winner.
Cullen told The News on Thursday that the EFL were anxious about a repeat of the midweek celebrations. He said: ‘The EFL are understandably nervous after Tuesday’s pitch invasion and have told us in no uncertain terms that the ceremony will be abandoned or not to take place should any fans enter the pitch either before or after the final whistle.
‘I hope you will all agree that we cannot let that happen.
‘We should all have the chance to see the players receive their medals and being presented with the trophy, rather than it instead handed to them within the close confines of the dressing room.
‘The players are resolute that they don’t want this opportunity to be taken away from them. They want to have a lap of appreciation to thank you – and for the trophy and medals to be presented to them in front of the fans.
‘John Mousinho, myself and the players are appealing for supporters to stay in their seats and enjoy the special moment together. We would be grateful for everyone’s help.’
Pompey’s game against the Latics is a sell-out.
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