Hang on, this cup's still got a job to do!
POMPEY will be allowed to keep the FA Cup for an extra six days – to help raise cash for a hospice.
The club had been due to return the famous old trophy to the Football Association yesterday but FA officials have now sanctioned it staying in Portsmouth until next Thursday.
Pompey had asked for the extension in order to help a charity fundraising dinner at the Pizza House restaurant in Hilsea.
On Wednesday, the restaurant is holding a dinner in an effort to raise more than 2,000 for the Rowans Hospice at Purbrook.
The cup will take pride of place in the restaurant, and some of the players who helped Pompey lift the trophy for the first time in 69 years last year are also expected to be there.
Pizza House owner Giuseppe Mascia said that, after his approach to Pompey, the club's executive chairman Peter Storrie sought permission from the FA to hold on to the cup in order to help the cause.
'It's very kind of him. We are good friends with the club.
'We bought a replica trophy before the final last summer and I told Peter not to worry because they'd bring the real one back.
'Now, the restaurant will be the last place it's seen in Portsmouth before it goes back to London.'
Since winning the FA Cup last May, Pompey staff have safely escorted it around the area.
This has enabled thousands of fans to see the trophy close-up.
As The News reported, it suffered damage once, when it was accidentally knocked over as excited youngsters climbed on a stage.
They had been at an event at Fratton Park last December organised and marshalled by cup sponsors e.on rather than Pompey.
The club says it will be raffling signed shirts, photos and other memorabilia to help swell the proceeds at the Pizza House event.
And well-known local crooner Tommy Jones has also agreed to perform, singing hits from the Rat Pack.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Friday 25 May 2012
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