"Scruffy little ground, but nice"

We went into the docklands first so see all of Portsmouth's sights before taking the light railway to Fratton. I would highly recommend it. The docklands contain some of the navy's oldest, most important ships.

The stadium is a short walk from Fratton station. The area around the stadium isn't the prettiest. Fratton Park is surrounded by wasteland, terraced housing and no places of interest.

Upon arrival one must go to the old Tudor-style entrance for a photo opportunity. Probably the most unique entrance to a football stadium I've ever seen.

To get to the away end we had to squeeze down a narrow ally. Once through the turnstiles it was a pretty steep climb up a hill to the stand. I was surprised that in all Portsmouth years in the Premier League they hadn't thought to upgrade this entrance. The toilets are dotted along the path, but are again, not up to modern standards.

The stand itself isn't bad. The view's not great with pillars holding up the roof. I was surprised to see these as the roof was built in the last few years.

The away end at Fratton Park (behind the goal) is built to generate noise. The home fans aren't quiet, and the Pompey chimes are one of the great sounds of English football.

There's not much of a concourse, so half time is a real squeeze. The same goes for when you leave the ground at the end.

Fratton Park is an old-style stadium that's seen marginal development in recent times. As such it's not comfortable, but it's a dying breed.

Location

In the middle of nowhere, with little parking space close to the ground.

The best option is to take the train to Fratton station, a 10 minute walk from Fratton Park.

Getting to the away end means squeezing through a tight alleyway. This gets very crowded after matches as the whole away end leaves. It can get uncomfortable.

Not that difficult to find as the stadium sticks out like a sore thumb.

View

Considering this has been a Premier League ground for many years, the view and comfort is abysmal.

Pillars block your view, and the stand is very low, meaning even at the back of the stand you hardly get a panorama view.

Leg room isn't brilliant.

Facilities

Again, very poor for a club that's been in the Premier League for many years.

It's a tricky walk down a steep path to get to the toilets. If you eventually manage to get there without breaking your leg you'll find very small toilets, and probably a queue.

Very poor.

Food & Drink

I couldn't get to the food and drink outlets because the concourse was so small that I couldn't get anywhere near them. I hate people leaving before half-time to get food, but if you want refreshments, I think you'll have to miss added time.

Police & Stewards

It's a tough job getting people away from such an inadequately built stadium, and the stewards and police haven't got it right.

There's a crush when you get to the road behind the away end, as home fans join the away exodus.

During games stewards and police aren't heavy handed.

I do believe there should be a better system for relieving congestion on the concourse.

Atmosphere

Great atmosphere.

The home fans are vocal, yet not intimidating. Now that the away end's got a roof it's possible to generate a real noise.

Outside the ground fans are very friendly and always willing to have a chat. You'll never have a problem with Pompey fans as long as you don't go looking for it.

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