Marie Curtis' words of advice for Portsmouth players ahead of latest battle with Oxford

And today should be no different – especially with it being ‘game day’!

The Pompey winger’s mother has developed a bit of a following on Twitter thanks to her engagement with the Fratton faithful.

No subject is out of bounds – just ask Brett Pitman or Ronan, for that matter.

Meanwhile, her positivity and kind nature has provided a welcome boost during a difficult year – not just for the Blues, but for us all.

With such influence, it’s no surprise that her tweets got a mention on national television earlier this month, when Ronan came on as a second-half substitute for the Republic of Ireland against England.

You just wonder, though, does Blues boss Kenny Jackett take as much notice?

Maybe he should, with Marie always willing to provide her own team-talk before a game.

Tonight the Blues take on Oxford at Fratton Park – their first meeting since their play-off semi-final tussle back in July.

And, once again, Marie hasn’t shied away from delivering her inspirational big-match thoughts.

Indeed, she’s asked the players to seek revenge against the U’s, after they shattered Pompey promotion hopes last term.

And with an attacking philosophy at the heart of her delivery, she wants the Blues to ‘keep the ball on the floor’ and be ‘ruthless’.

Not a bad message, you’d agree, for Jackett to ram home just before the team heads into battle.

Marie said: ‘Game Day. Can we Please Play like Sat ruthless and what great game.

‘We certainly need (to) give this team one.

‘Defenders stay tight work for each other Midfield & wingers same applies let’s keep ball on the floor get up to strikers nice 1-2 touch it’s been working & attack attack.’

Words of wisdom, indeed.

Maybe Jackett can find space in his coaching set-up for the inspirational Marie!

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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