Andrew Cullen's Barnsley Programme Notes

We appreciate your presence at Fratton Park tonight for our postponed Sky Bet League One match against Barnsley. A friendly greeting to all those who traveled from South Yorkshire during the week, and we wish you a secure journey back home.

Firstly, I would like to start by saying congratulations to Pompey Women for clinching the National League Southern Premier Division title on Sunday. Even though they didn't play themselves, their triumph was confirmed after Hashtag United lost to Ipswich. What an amazing season it has been for the team! They won 18 out of 20 matches, lost only once, scored 73 goals and only let in seven. A big round of applause to Jay Sadler, his staff, the volunteers, and players for putting up an outstanding display throughout the season. It was an absolute delight to watch them and cheer them on. Now, let's shift our focus to Saturday's game against Bolton.

The teams at the top are able to move up to the second level without having to compete in playoffs against the northern champions like they used to in past years. Nonetheless, we need to patiently wait until next week to know whether our proposal to move up, which we put forth in February, has been approved by The FA and NewCo.

Last Saturday's game against Bolton followed a crucial victory against Shrewsbury. It was a high-stakes match at the Toughsheet Stadium, filled with excitement and anxiety. Despite the challenges we faced in the final stretch of the game, we were able to add another point to our score thanks to our persistence and determination. Our fans were amazing yet again, showing up in droves and supporting us every step of the way. They exemplified the true Pompey spirit and we couldn't have done it without them.

We are aware of the requirements to get promoted, but nobody at the club can let their guard down. We have all put in a lot of effort to reach this stage, but there will be tough challenges ahead. For instance, we have a crucial match tonight against Barnsley, who desperately need a win to secure their play-off spot. Additionally, we will face Wigan on Saturday, a team that recently ended Lincoln's unbeaten streak. In order to succeed, everyone at the club will need to work together, stay patient, and show determination both on and off the field.

Over the weekend, the club went to the EFL Awards, which took place at the Grosvenor Hotel in London. A big shoutout and well done to Marlon Pack, Will Norris and Conor Shaughnessy, who were chosen to be in the League One Team of the Season. Also, a special congratulations to John Mousinho, who won the League One Manager of the Year trophy for his exceptional efforts this season. We are overjoyed for John and feel proud of him and his team for all they have accomplished.

Our hard work in engaging fans has been recognized with a nomination for the Fan Engagement Award. This is due to the efforts of our Matchday Experience Working Group and Piglet’s Pantry. We plan to build on our success and continue to improve in this area next season. To address the issue of congestion during half-time at the North Stand, we are constructing a new mezzanine level with more bars and restrooms for both men and women. This is necessary as kiosk business has tripled across the stadium in just two years. Additionally, we are developing new toilets in the home section of the Milton End to enhance the supporter experience. We also plan to provide extra temporary toilet facilities in that stand tonight and on Saturday to manage the flow of spectators.

Our supporters are our top priority and we urge everyone to refrain from stepping onto the pitch, regardless of the outcome, during both tonight's game and this weekend's game. We have another match coming up on Saturday and it's important to preserve the delicate condition of the playing field. Moreover, it's crucial to safeguard the well-being of the referees, players from both teams, and the opposing fans, as well as protect our own fans from potential disciplinary actions.

For many years, it has been a tradition for football fans to go onto the pitch at the end of the season. But, in recent times, this has turned into something more violent at other clubs. People have been attacking other players, fans and match officials causing arrests and prison sentences. This behavior is now considered a criminal offense and can result in a Football Banning Order. This means that those who receive one can't attend matches, may have to hand over their passports regularly and can be banned from city centers on matchdays when their team is playing.

There has been a rise in incidents that has caused The FA and the police to warn that they may take stricter action against individuals and clubs if pitch invasions happen this season. It is impossible to know what may happen when fans enter the pitch, so it is important to keep celebrations safe for everyone. The club and players are urging fans to stay in their seats, so they can enjoy special moments on the pitch together. Let's make sure that celebrations are filled with happiness and not regrettable actions that last for years.

Sadly, I must bring up a somber topic to close out this note. Our beloved steward, Chris Hadley, who dedicated himself to serving fans in the South Stand for many years, passed away last week after a brief illness. He was a well-known and cherished figure among his colleagues and supporters in that section of our stadium. Our hearts and condolences go out to his family and friends. On match day this Saturday, we will pay tribute to all the fans and staff we've lost in the last year with a special video tribute on the big screen. It would be most fitting to end this season on a positive note in memory of those we have lost.

Thanks for backing us up tonight and have a great time watching the game. Go team!