Pompey fans deserve reward for all the pain

It's hard to believe that on the eve of this year's FA Cup third round weekend, a side who played in two of the last five FA Cup finals are not involved because they are 3-1 shots to win away at Walsall in League One.

But it's a new year and with that brings hope of a fresh start, at least until you get thrashed 5-0 by Swindon on New Year's Day.

So, how do you keep picking yourselves up off the floor when you've suffered two relegations in three years, it's the transfer window and any club is free to come and prize away any half decent players you have and you're without a win in 13 matches?

Fair play to the Pompey supporters. Their loyalty has never wavered throughout this nightmare period and I think it could be rewarded in fine fashion with a defiant performance by getting a result - that's if they choose to head up north rather that watch it down the pub with their mates on the box.

Still, no guarantee they'll force a result considering they could only name 15 players in their squad at the weekend.

But who knows, if they make the trip and pack a pair of boots then Guy Whittingham may even sign them up on a free?

It is the transfer window after all and surely they deserve something for all the pain they've endured.