Pompey defender insists '˜we'll get it right'

Pompey’s winless run was extended to 17 games after Saturday’s 3-2 loss to Colchester United.

The defeat was also their seventh on the bounce after they shipped three first-half goals in an insipid performance.

Caretaker manager Guy Whittingham saw his side rally after the break.

But it was not enough to rescue a return from the game.

Sam Sodje came into the side for his Pompey debut after eight months out of football following his release from Notts County.

Despite seeing yet another defeat, the Fratton faithful stayed behind their side to the death.

They showed their gallows humour by singing ‘you’re nothing special, we lose every week’ to U’s fans after they fell behind in 98 seconds.

But Sodje admitted it hurt to hear that – and he vowed to give fans something positive to sing about in the coming weeks.

He said: ‘I want to say to these fans – they are the best fans ever.

‘We’ve not won for 17 games and they stick behind us.

‘It is difficult for us at the moment but the fans should stop singing that song about losing every week.

‘It is frustrating seeing all the fans sing “you lose every week”. It is hard to take.

‘Well, guess what? We won’t lose every week.

‘We will get it right on the pitch. We can’t lose every week. We know that.

‘We don’t need the press to tell us because it is a hard time.

‘They were three cheap goals but we know that.

‘We will not give free goals like that every week.

‘So that means we’ll get a win. They are young players learning – but we won’t lose every week.’

Sodje was at fault for Colchester’s second – when he recklessly flew into a tackle on Freddie Sears in the box.

He felt he won the ball but admitted it was a stupid decision to make.

Sodje felt that was partly due to his time out of the game but promised to put that mistake right.

He said: ‘I’m speaking as an experienced player who hasn’t played for eight months, that was laziness.

‘I’ll not hide. When I’m 100 per cent that will not happen.

‘It was laziness but at the same time you want to get your tackle in.

‘I thought I got a touch on the ball. But I shouldn’t have really tackled in the box. I’m not defending it.

‘But when I get a couple of games under my belt I think it will be better.

‘It’s about being strong and showing heart. That’s what I’m all about. I want to show I’m still at a good level.

‘Playing 90 minutes for the first time in eight months is not easy but I lasted it.

‘I couldn’t feel my body but my heart will keep me going.

‘That’s the sort of person I am.’