RICK JACKSON: It won't be long before we are firmly back on the map

It’s been the same since my first ever memory of them, back in 1980.

As we beat Northampton Town 2-0, we finished fourth on goal difference in the old Division Four and Pompey were back on the up after years of decline.

It’s a similar story today. After that memorable picture from the Sports Mail of Peter Mellor looking up in the tunnel at Fratton Park and seeing celebrating fans, Paul Cook’s squad have now done the same.

I must admit, the high pollen count on Monday didn’t help my eyes as they started to well up at around 4.50pm. This was around the time the final whistle went at Kenilworth Road as Luton Town drew 1-1 with Newport County.

By this time, we were already 3-1 up at Notts County and, after that result, no team could deny us finishing at least third in the table and getting promoted to Division One.

So what now for Pompey?

I really feel things are on the up for the team.

With a fantastically strong fan base, it won’t be too long before we’re firmly back on the footballing map.

Chairman Iain McInnes has done an absolutely superb job in steering the club back on a course of success.

It was a dream come true for me to see a true fan running the club after so many years.

But you may not agree with my thoughts on the proposed takeover by the American businessman Michael Eisner.

The wounds of the past eight or so years are still sore for me.

I’ve seen for myself how the club has, or has not been, run and I think it will take a lot to convince me that this is the correct route.

This season our average attendance has been roughly 16,700.

This would put us 15th in the Championship, just below Reading and just ahead of Ipswich Town, Cardiff City and QPR.

This is where we should aim to be.

Then, like Swansea City, Brighton & Hove Albion and AFC Bournemouth, who knows what might happen?

CARVED TREE IS VERY WELCOME ADDITION TO OUR LOVELY PARK

We’re being spoilt in Alverstoke right now.

We have some wonderful gardens and parks in the village and we really enjoyed them over the Easter break.

But now visitors will have an extra surprise. Stanley Park is looking as resplendent as ever with beautifully-coloured flower beds.

But some much-needed tree felling has also taken place and a very large tree, which would normally have been cut down, has been used for some attractive carvings.

The artwork forms the shape of Gosport Borough Council’s emblem and some of the flora and fauna found in the park.

It should last for the next 100 years and is stopping people in their tracks. A very welcome addition to our lovely park.

IF NEW TERMINAL DOESN’T HELP, WIGHTLINK WILL HAVE TO MOVE

We had a brilliant trip to Portsmouth on Good Friday.

We decided to use the park and ride for a change – and it was spot on.

We stopped at Commercial Road and then headed for Gunwharf Quays.

But it was a shame our plans were affected by the traffic chaos in the city that day.

With the work going on at Wightlink’s car ferry terminal, it wasn’t long before the city ground to a halt.

Hopefully the increased size of the new terminal will solve this issue, otherwise Wightlink will have to move to the International Port, so its operation doesn’t strangle the city centre.

It didn’t spoil our day out though, as both Freddie and daddy enjoyed getting soaked by the hovercraft!