Portsmouth fan's rousing message of support for beaten Blues proves a hit on social media

Gav Jones penned the note, which was addressed to all Blues supporters, after returning home from a 12-hour-plus round-trip to Fleetwood.

He had just witnessed Jackett’s side suffer a 1-0 defeat against a fellow promotion-contender and took exception to some of the criticism levelled at the team in the aftermath.

The result saw Pompey slip out of the League One play-off positions, with the Cod Army leapfrogging them in the table following their Highbury win.

Hardly the ideal scenario for Jackett & Co, with ground lost on the chasing promotion pack approaching the business end of the season.

But well-travelled Blues fan Jones believed some of the negative comments put out on social media on Saturday, in particular, proved unhelpful.

And in a bid to generate some unity among the Fratton faithful, he called on supporters to get behind the team and Jackett.

Jones, who was also at the FA Cup meeting between Fleetwood and Pompey at the start of January, said the criticism was ‘a tad embarrassing’ and insisted he would not ‘be slagging off the team or the players’.

He also added ‘true die hard supporters come out in force when our backs are against the wall.’

The full message to Blues fans read: ‘Just got home from a long trip to Fleetwood, 576 miles travelled (for the second time this season I might add last time being a 17:30pm kick off).

‘It was cold, it was wet at times, it was windy which completely ruined the game but listen I WILL NOT be slagging off the team or the players even after the 12hr + round trip.

‘I understand people don’t enjoy losing, nobody does, but we have to be realistic, we don’t have a god given right to win every game we play.

‘We have only suffered 2 defeats in out last 14 games, come on give the lads and the manager a break.

‘This silly meltdown is a tad embarrassing. Get behind the team when we win and get behind the team even more so when we lose because believe it or not when results don’t go our way that is when they need us the most.

‘It’s the easiest thing in the world to support a team that wins, but the true die hard supporters come out in force when our backs are against the wall and things aren’t always rosey WIN or LOSE.

‘Up the Blues.

‘Now onto Tuesday when we beat MK Dons 2-0. PUP PPU.’

Jones’ message was posted on Twitter by @Carlofooty with the accompanying note: ‘It’s people like this makes me proud to be #Pompey’.

And with more than 220 likes and 17 retweets so far, it seems many agree.

The post also attracted many positive comments, including one from @Knight37, who wrote: Totally agree been supporting since 1978, seen bad times and good.

‘Can’t always go to matches these days due to family commitments but will never stop supporting Pompey.

‘Everyone needs to get behind the club the manager and the players. Good luck rest of season. Keep the faith PUP’

@RussellRussjm posted: ‘Spot on Carlo & Gav. Having played more games than almost other team in England the team is fatigued and with a fixture pile up they need more support now not less.’

@andyemberson15 said: ‘Great post, my sentiments entirely, you got idiots already after Saturday saying Jacket out, get behind the team or don’t bother coming.’

@MelsomeNeil added: ‘Well said true supporter.’

Meanwhile, @nickgrazier commented: ‘Well said, been on this journey since I was a young boy in late 1970’s and it’s been a ride but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

‘Pompey is in our blood and now my boys are following too just like I did with my Dad.

‘I love this club and everything we are. #pompey #trueblue.’

Pompey are next in action tonight when they host MK Dons at Fratton Park (7.45pm).