Mick

The third factor of determination is that Pompey are growing his successor in Andrei Segachich, who's developing well and seeks to replace him, not unnaturally.

So the reasons for his transfer are textured and debatable.

And some people get too angry too quickly.

I don't believe for one moment the people at Pompey, any of them, wanted this.

Why would they want to lose a proven, popular goalscorer, and at this time, in a difficult season?

I can only see the timing as a result of pressure from, and maybe promises to, the player.

And the fact is, Sounders, you can't and shouldn't keep a reluctant footballer.

Hello Sounders, it is Mick here.

So I know some of you will be disappointed with that draw on Sunday.

As I said on Pompey Sound before the game, I'm not one of those.

I was full of worry really before the game and I was content afterwards that we held the line, held our own.

because it's no ordinary fixture, that one.

The actual football is buried by the torrent of emotion and you come out of it as best you can.

A draw meant pride intact.

I just want to talk about being there for a moment.

So forgive me, those of you whom

for a multitude of good reasons, family commitments, distance to travel, illness, cost, unavailability of a ticket, or simply preferring to watch it in the comfort and warmth of your own home.

All reasons we understand, but being there sounders at that fixture is extraordinary.

in the true meaning of that word, because you're in the company of 18,000 people on the Pompey side of things, going through the exact same emotional experience that you are.

And it gets to you, it gets to everyone.