By The MKDSA Media team.
On Saturday, MK Dons are on their travels as they head South to Fratton Park to take on Portsmouth in FA Cup action. This week we spoke to Portsmouth fan Ricky Woods with some questions regarding the game. Many thanks for taking part as always!
A bit of a uneventful season for Pompey last season, how do you think your side have been so far this season?
It was certainly short of where fans and the noises from the club expected us to be as automatic promotion was talked about, but the club finishing 10th was a massive underperformance. I think this season is make or break for the Cowley’s with so much expected and the additions made to the squad, there has been some noise from fans questioning their tactics of late with the number of draws we have seen 4 in the league of late, that’s a huge 8 pts we have lost out on, so the FA Cup will hopefully be a good starting point for the team to continue winning ways after a good win in the PJT against Ipswich.
Where do you think Portsmouth fans will be looking to progress to in the FA cup this year?
Well in the league, should be pushing for promotion but again have fallen away after a good start, it has to be playoffs for us this year as a minimum there, so a good cup run will be important to help with keeping momentum going. If we get a good win against MK Dons and progress I would like to see us draw that lot down the road (Southampton) here at Fratton & give them a good hiding!
Were you happy with the clubs’ activity and business in the transfer market during the summer?
We had a host of new players come in with 12 new additions pretty much a brand new squad when you look at it. Josh Griffiths a new first choice keeper after signing on loan from West Brom with Joshua Oluwayemi as back up. In Defence, we have Joe Rafferty, Zak Swanson & also Michael Morrison sign, with Marlon Pack, Josh Koroma, Tom Lowery adding to midfield. Also we have had Dane Scarlett, Joe Pigott, Owen Dale and Colby Bishop come in to refresh the attack. A big turnover in playing staff. Overall on paper that’s a pretty strong side, so far 7th in the league, so time will tell but I am positive we have good depth with who we have brought in.
Do you think the club need to do further business in the January transfer window to strengthen?
I feel if we do bring anyone in, it should be that something special, looking at MK Dons last season with Scott Twine, for me what is missing is that something a bit special to help pull it all together. George Hirst not coming to us was a bit of a blow, so I hope that we can find one or maybe two players with the something to really help us push on.
Who or what made you support Portsmouth?
Family! Most people will tell you in Portsmouth the whole city are Pompey mad. Its a special club with a great connection to the fans and city as a whole, so I grew up watching the team from an early age and been a fan ever since.
It’s was a double whammy of losses last season against the Dons, do you think Portsmouth can get the upper hand this time round?
I hope so! We’ve been hard to beat in recent weeks we just now need to find a bit more of a cutting edge up front, if we can do that, then I think it should be a case of a trio of wins for us against you this season. Saying that MK do tend to be one of those teams we always struggle against, so I am hoping we can put an end to that.
Have you been to Stadium MK? What is your opinion of the ground?
I’ve never been, but from what I know its a lovely stadium and one many fans would love to have. Personally I wouldn’t as I love Fratton Park and the traditional style of ground. Its just a shame for your lot that such a big stadium always seems to be near empty for MK Dons.
How do you think your team will approach the game?
I’m expecting us to be taking this one seriously. With the win in the PJT this is again a great opportunity for us to build some momentum heading back into league action, so I don’t expect to see to many changes to the team set up. After last season’s defeat at home to MK Dons, I am sure we will be fired up for this one.
What players do you think the Dons should look out for/who will cause the Dons problems?
Its a tough one to answer without knowing the team sheet, but I would expect to see the likes of Dane Scarlett and Colby Bishop cause MK some headaches as both have been really great additions since joining. That said I’m sure a certain Joe Piggott would love to put one past MK Dons!
How surprised have you been by MK Dons’ start to the League One season baring in mind they were a point away from the Championship last season?
To be honest very surprised. Losing players is always hard, but it looks like you have not replaced quality just gone for quantity, with not many stand out players signed. Mo Eisa and Will Grigg aside it looks like you have had the spine replaced with a lot of youth and not much experience. Given how well MK ended the season, I am surprised you did not go all out to sign a few of last seasons players again with the money you sold Twine for. Looking like a very difficult season for you and maybe even one where you could be a point away from league two come May!
If you could have any current player from the Dons who would it be and why?
Tough one if you had of asked me last season most of your squad! Jamie Cumming, your goalie, I like him he did well for you last season and looks like he is doing his best this season to keep you out of trouble too.
Thank you for participating, it really helps us understand our opponents and what to expect from them. Finally, what do you think the score will be?
Portsmouth 3-0 MK Dons
