Portsmouth chairman Michael Eisner to make welcome Fratton Park return for first time since 2020

The Blues’ American owner will be at PO4 to take in the home games against Oxford United (Tuesday) and Saturday’s visit of Steve Cotterill’s Shrewsbury, as well as to carry out other business.

It will be the 80-year-old’s first time on this side of the Atlantic since the coronavirus pandemic, with his last trip coming in February 2020, when Pompey beat Sunderland 2-0.

It is not clear who will accompany the former Disney CEO to the UK, although Eric Eisner has confirmed that he too is making the journey over from the United States.

Much has changed in the 33 months since the Tornante founder was last at Fratton Park.

Kenny Jackett has been replaced by Danny Cowley as manager, Andy Cullen is the chief executive following Mark Catlin’s departure, the Blues’ home has been undergoing a £11.5m upgrade, while the club finally has it’s own training ground.

Unfortunately, the one thing that has stayed the same is the Blues’ League One status – despite a huge overhaul of the first-team squad.

Nevertheless, it all means there’ll be plenty for Eisner to catch up on and infrastructures and people to see for the first time as he makes a welcome return to the south coast.

Director Eric Eisner’s last visit was in April – a trip with Tornante president Andy Redman that included the Blues’ 3-2 win over Wigan at Fratton Park.

Tweeting after Pompey’s victory at Forest Green, he said he was excited to be coming back.

‘Much much needed 3 points,’ he wrote.

‘Excited to come across the pond next week for the next two homes games at Fratton!!’