Hawks boss Doswell calling on Pompey fans to flock to Westleigh Park when football resumes

Pompey's Ben Close keeps a close eye on Jonah Ayunga during last summer's pre-season friendly at Westleigh Park. Photo by Dave Haines

He is calling on Blues fans to flock to Westleigh Park when the two clubs’ matches do not fall on the same day.

Football is currently shutdown in England with the country on lockdown amid the Covid-19 epidemic.

No competitive action will take place in the EFL or Premier League prior to April 30 while the three National League divisions have been 'suspended indefinitely'.

But when the Hawks are finally able to return to action, Doswell has highlighted how Pompey fans can offer a helping hand.

A number of non-league clubs are facing crippling financial problems because of the pandemic.

And with Pompey season ticket holders able to enter Westleigh Park on match days for a reduced price of £6, Doswell wants them to adopt the Hawks as their 'second club'.

‘When Pompey are away and we’re at home, we get about 300 or 400 fans come down,' he said.

‘Most Pompey fans will adopt Havant as their second club.

‘We need them to come and help us because things are extremely difficult at the minute.

‘When Pompey are away or not playing on the same Saturday, if they could come down to Westleigh once we’re back that would make a huge difference to the club and its wellbeing, that’s for sure.'

The Hawks still have eight National League South matches left to play in 2019/20 – including home matches against Dartford, Billericay, Tonbridge Angels and Oxford City. At present, no-one can really say whether they will ever take place.

Hawks and Pompey, meanwhile, have always had a good relationship and that has continued since Doswell took over from Lee Bradbury at Westleigh Park last May.

The 53-year-old is in regular contact with Blues boss Kenny Jackett and the pair recommend players that could make the switch between the two clubs that are three divisions apart in the football pyramid.

'We’re very well aligned with Pompey. We have that great first pre-season friendly with them,’ said Doswell.

‘We’re always talking to Kenny. He’s looked at a couple of my players over the past season or two, we’ll recommend players to him first.

‘He’ll recommend a player if he wants to try to get them out on loan.'