Doncaster boss Darren Moore anticipates 'strange' Fratton Park experience on Portsmouth return

Darren Moore has admitted returning to Fratton Park on Saturday with his Doncaster Rovers side will be a ‘strange’ experience.
Doncaster Rovers Manager Darren Moore.  Picture: Daniel Chesterton/PinPepDoncaster Rovers Manager Darren Moore.  Picture: Daniel Chesterton/PinPep
Doncaster Rovers Manager Darren Moore. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/PinPep

The League One fixture will go-ahead behind closed doors as fans remain locked out because of coronavirus.

It will deny Rovers boss Moore, who played 64 games for Pompey between 1999 and 2001, the chance to experience the famous PO4 atmosphere once again.

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The now 46-year-old will also miss out on a warm receptionf rom the Fratton faithful, who are always glad to see one of their favourite former players back in familiar surroundings.

Moore’s priority will, of course, be three points against his former club, with 11th-placed Rovers one point behind the Blues (eighth) in the table with a game in hand.

However, talking to the Doncaster Free Press, he said there’ll be an ‘eerie’ feel to the occasion with no fans present.

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Moore said: ‘It will be a real strange day - particularly there with knowing the atmosphere they (the Pompey fans) create.

Darren Moore in action for Pompey against Wimbledon and a young Patrick Agyemang in December 2000.  Picture: Craig Prentis /AllsportDarren Moore in action for Pompey against Wimbledon and a young Patrick Agyemang in December 2000.  Picture: Craig Prentis /Allsport
Darren Moore in action for Pompey against Wimbledon and a young Patrick Agyemang in December 2000. Picture: Craig Prentis /Allsport

‘I would imagine it will be quite eerie. There would potentially be 17-18,000 fans down there in a crowd that just doesn’t stop.

‘They are continuous with their support of the team and they get right behind you.

‘The Pompey faithful always remember the players that have been there in the past.

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‘They’ve got a never-forgetting attitude with past players that have come back there to either play against them or manage.

‘They make it known and show their appreciation.

‘For someone that has played there and knows what it’s all about, I always get a warm welcome from them.

‘Going back with my own team, it will seem eerie. I’m returning to Fratton Park as a manager and there’s not going to be anyone there - it’s going to be strange.’

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