Portsmouth Football Club News

Ask any player what the best thing about being a footballer is and you can be sure they won’t reply: 'pre-season.' Running up and down hills all day may now be a thing of the past, but the lead up to the new season is still a gruelling experience. But it is a necessary evil if Pompey are to be physically prepared for the start of the new Premier League season. Hermann Hreidarsson believes the five-and-a-half weeks of training and pre-season games that the Blues will have completed by the time Fulham visit on Saturday, August 15 is vital. And the 35-year-old Iceland defender – who recently signed a new contract with the Blues - is itching to get back out on the pitch again. He said: “It’s been a long time since the end of last season, so I’m looking forward to playing soon. “These forthcoming friendlies are important because they allow us to get some vital match practice before the season begins. “That first match against Fulham is what I’m looking towards, though. That’s when the important stuff begins. “We need to be ready for that. That’s why pre-season training is so important. It prepares you for the forthcoming season. “Of course it’s not my favourite thing, but it’s part and parcel of being a footballer and you know you’re going to benefit from it. “You want to be mentally and physically right for what is going to be a demanding year ahead.” Hreidarsson also spoke of his delight at Paul Hart’s appointment as manager on a two-year deal. He said: “Paul came in last year when we were in trouble and made sure we stayed in the Premier League. “He deserves to continue as manager and I’m delighted that he has been given the job.”

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