Portsmouth Women midfielder says 'players and staff are questioning efforts and empathy from those in senior positions' after Southampton derby latest fixture postponed

Pompey Women midfielder Jade Bradley. Picture: Jordan HamptonPompey Women midfielder Jade Bradley. Picture: Jordan Hampton
Pompey Women midfielder Jade Bradley. Picture: Jordan Hampton
Pompey Women midfielder Jade Bradley says ‘players and staff are questioning efforts and empathy from those in senior positions’ at Fratton Park.

The Blues’ south-coast derby against Southampton, which was due to take place this afternoon at Baffins Milton Rovers, was postponed following a pitch inspection.

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It means Jay Sadler’s side still haven't played a home league game since September, while they haven’t had a fixture in almost six weeks.

In a post on Twitter, Bradley wrote: ‘With no home game since September and no game for nearing on six weeks, I think it’s got to the point where players and staff are questioning the efforts and empathy from those in senior positions.

‘As a women’s cub we are grateful for the efforts put in by the groundsmen and women at Baffins for their time in getting out pitch and stadium ready, coaches and staff for long hours put into preparing us week in, week out and each other as team-mates for continuously pushing on but with games being called off so close to the game, it’s near impossible to find competitive friendlies to keep players ticking over physically and mentally.

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‘Not only that, but with the backlog of games and evidently a pitch that isn't sustainable in this weather, how are we as UNPAYED (sic) PLAYERS, FULL TIME WORKING INDIVIDUALS commit to more than likely two games a week plus training?

‘Even in pre-season you don’t go five weeks without a game, so how is it okay during a competitive season for a team to do so?

‘Not that I’m pointing fingers but it would be more than appreciated if the men's club who promote the whole one club, #bluetogether ethos, to help provide some sort of venue to host home games, friendlies, last minute training sessions to accommodate a team who have high targets and standards this season.’

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