Portsmouth are flying high at the top of League One, having most recently beaten Cambridge United 3-1 on Tuesday evening.
John Mousinho’s first management job could not have gone any better, with 14 games between Pompey and a return to the Championship.
Slowly but surely, Michael Eisner and his family are getting things right on the South Coast.
Implementing a new sporting director and recruitment on the pitch has made a significant difference this season, along with some impressive off-the-field work.
The redevelopment of Fratton Park deserves immense credit. The refurbishment of the Milton End and the South and North Stands has made Pompey’s home a safer and more atmospheric place to watch football.
Furthermore, the club have implemented safe standing towards the back of the Fratton End and the away section, one of the first EFL clubs to do so.
However, Eisner’s Fratton Park vision isn’t over yet.
Portsmouth’s North Stand development
Eisner has always insisted upon his vision to expand Pompey’s North Stand, with a £40million development in the offing.
“We’ll do it (build the North Stand) when the environment tells us to do it,” he told The Portsmouth News in August.
“It could be well before the Premier League. I don’t know when we will be in the Premier League, but it really relates to the bridge, to the pressure on us for more seats for the fans.”
However, the American’s plans hinge on a new footbridge being built from Fratton station to accommodate the increased capacity. An agreement over who will fund the footbridge is yet to be reached.
Pompey’s owners aren’t giving up on their vision for the club and have held face-to-face discussions with Portsmouth’s Labour MP, Stephen Morgan, this week.
“Pompey’s success is our city’s success,” Morgan wrote via X.
“Good to catch up with Michael Eisner and Andrew Cullen today to continue to offer my full support and to do all I can in Parliament to help deliver Pompey’s ambitions for the future.”
Should Pompey reach the Championship, a footbridge from Fratton station should be a requirement.
Increased attendance could make the walk down Goldsmith Avenue potentially dangerous.
Furthermore, from a commercial perspective, a more prominent stand would help the club add external revenue streams that could aid Mousinho’s side on the pitch.
Nevertheless, exciting times could well be around the corner at PO4.