Portsmouth challenged to become Fratton Park history-makers by making Championship return

Pompey’s players have been challenged to become history-makers by ending the club’s eight-year exile from the Championship.
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And Lee Brown revealed every member of Kenny Jackett’s side is determined to ensure the Blues will be in the second tier next season – no matter their personal circumstances.

Pompey will once again ride the League One play-off rollercoaster when Oxford visit Fratton Park tonight in the first leg of their semi-final (5.30pm).

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The Blues have never won a play-off game in six attempts and were beaten by Sunderland last season at the same stage.

With matches being extended into the summer due to the coronavirus, Brown is among six players who have penned short-term deals to ensure they would be available to feature in the U’s double-header and any potential final.

Despite being out of contract at the end of June, it was a ‘no-brainer’ for the vice-skipper to prolong his stay.

Now Brown is determined to achieve the goal he set himself when joining Pompey from Bristol Rovers two years ago.

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That is to help the Blues return to the Championship for the first time since 2012.

Lee Brown. Picture: Daniel ChestertonLee Brown. Picture: Daniel Chesterton
Lee Brown. Picture: Daniel Chesterton

Brown said: ‘It's weird times and everyone has their own personal circumstances.

‘Some people don't quite possibly know where they're going to be this summer, other people will be on promotion bonuses.

‘Everyone has got different scenarios and agendas that are coming close to a head.

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‘But one thing is for sure – everyone wants to get promoted regardless of their situation.

‘It's a chance to make history. Regardless of people's situations, everyone will want to be part of that and everyone will be doing everything they can to get Portsmouth Football Club promoted.

‘Hopefully we get past Oxford first and then see where it takes us.

‘I've been here two years and I want to finish what I come here do to after spending seven years at Bristol Rovers.

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‘That was to get promoted to the Championship and there are no two ways about it.

‘Do I want to finish what I started? Yes, and signing the two-week extension was a no-brainer.’

Brown’s battling to for a starting spot on the left-hand side of Jackett’s defence against Oxford.

He faces a stiff challenge from Steve Seddon, who's excelled since arriving on loan from Birmingham in January, as well as Brandon Haunstrup.

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While Brown wants to feature, he’ll be fully behind whoever does get the nod should he be on the bench or in the stands.

He added: ‘Across the whole team, everyone wants to play. Who the manager picks, I’m not too sure.

‘Everyone wants to play. If Sedds get in there or Brandon gets in there ahead of me then the aim is to be promoted.

‘Whoever plays, you have got to have that togetherness. I know you want to play but it's got to be about Portsmouth Football Club.

‘If I can play then brilliant, but there are no grudges.

‘There has got to be solidarity and we have got to be supportive of one another – especially in these crucial times when it can make the difference.’

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