Manager Harry Redknapp was joined by a number of players from his squad on board HMS Ark Royal to help celebrate the club's success and to introduce the new away shirt, which they will wear this weekend to play against Fulham.

The huge strip, which measures 184 by 131 feet, was laid out across the top deck of the ship, after it had been trailed from a helicopter earlier in the day.

Captain Mike Mansergh was delighted to have the team on board his ship. He said: 'It's been a wonderful day and it's nice that we can say good luck and best wishes to Portsmouth Football Club.

'We have got a huge number of members on the ship who support Portsmouth.

'I think we share a lot in common in that we in the navy believe in team support and working together, and the ethos of winning. Portsmouth are a great team, they are great role models.'

Captain Mansergh also said that it was fantastic for many of the players, who had never been on the ship before, to experience a Royal Navy ship. 'It showed them the complexity of a modern war ship,' he said.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp said: 'It's nice to be here on such a fantastic ship as this. It's a massive part of Portsmouth's heritage.

'Portsmouth is proud of the navy and they are proud of their football team.'

The shirt will also make an appearance on the day before the cup final, on May 16, at Portsmouth Guildhall where fans will be invited to come down and sign it.