Pompey quell talk of Borough bust-up

POMPEY have played down talk of a rift with Gosport Borough.
Pompey boss Paul Cook, centre, taking in last year's pre-season fixture with Gosport Borough    Picture: Steve Reid Blitz PhotographyPompey boss Paul Cook, centre, taking in last year's pre-season fixture with Gosport Borough    Picture: Steve Reid Blitz Photography
Pompey boss Paul Cook, centre, taking in last year's pre-season fixture with Gosport Borough Picture: Steve Reid Blitz Photography

Blues chief-executive, Mark Catlin, insisted there has been no fallout with the National League South outfit.

Pompey’s pre-season calendar has now taken shape with the announcement of Bournemouth’s visit to Fratton Park on July 23.

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But they will not make their annual trip to Privett Park with no clash with Borough on the schedule.

The Blues will go to Bognor and Hawks, however, as they gear up for the new campaign against other local non-league sides.

There was a link between the clubs last season, with Adam May being sent to Borough for game time.

Catlin moved to quell the suggestion of any problems with Borough.

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He stated not playing Borough was purely down to scheduling.

Catlin said: ‘I just think it’s the games Paul (Cook) has lined up.

‘We can’t fit everyone in. I don’t think there has been any falling out, as far as I’m aware.

‘Again pre-seasons are totally down to the manager.

‘It’s for the manager to arrange his pre-season programme and who we play on certain dates.

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‘It’s down to the manager. He arranges the pre-season, and if that’s not part of the programme, that’s a decision for the manager.’

Pompey are expected to confirm games against Irish sides Sligo Rovers (July 6) and Bohemians (July 9) this week.

Meetings with National League champions Sutton United (July 16), Salisbury (July 19) and Bournemouth (July 23) continue the build-up to the season.

A trip Nyewood Lane to face Bognor (July 27) and visit to Bristol City (July 30) complete the programme.