Thank you for coming to Fratton park for the Sky Bet League One match this afternoon with Shrewsbury Town. We wish all those who have traveled from Shropshire a safe trip home after the game.

A pulsating crowd of over 20,000 created a memorable and dramatic atmosphere on Tuesday. The volume of noise – both before and after kick-off – was incredible and played a huge part in the team’s response after twice falling behind to an experienced Derby team. A slippery, wet surface and a windy atmosphere added an extra layer of difficulty to a crucial match. However, the players remained confident and never let the conditions affect their confidence.

Congratulations not only to Owen Moxon, who scored a sensational maiden goal for Pompey, but to everyone – players, staff and supporters. You all contributed to securing a point at this crucial stage of the season. I also have to pay tribute to an unsung team. Neil Stephenson and his ground staff worked wonders to ensure the pitch was fit for play, despite 15mm of rain falling in just three hours prior to the game – yet another example of the special togetherness that runs richly right through the club.

As we enter the final five matches of this special season, there is no room for complacency. Your encouragement, support and belief throughout every minute of each match is crucial if you want us to achieve the success and create the atmosphere that you all deserve.

Today, we welcome back a number of other Pompey heroes to the club on what has become our annual Former Players’ Day. You will be able to recognize them at halftime, and we were thrilled that many of them attended the Hall of Fame Dinner held in the Victory Lounge yesterday evening.

That event also saw us celebrate 125 years of Portsmouth Football Club and the induction of FA Cup winner Hermann Hreiðarssonn, as well as, posthumously, Dave Coyle for services to Pompey Women over more than 25 years. The theme of commemorating special history was continued with Bob Blyth’s induction. Bob Blyth played in the very first Pompey squad before becoming player/manager and director, vice-chairman of the club, and then chairman from 1924 to 1934.

The dinner was also part of a special week which had earlier seen the Pompey Supporters’ Trust unveil a stunning mural on the wall of the Pompey Store featuring more club greats, namely Alan Knight, Paul Merson, Guy Whittingham, Robert Prosinečki, Kanu and Linvoy Primus. The tribute is yet another triumph for PST, in our 125th year. It follows on from their fundraising efforts that led to the delivery of the Jimmy Dickinson monument in September.

The nostalgia theme has been topped off today with the release of a new retro shirts – the much-loved KJC-branded jerseys worn between 1997 and 1999. They will only be available through the Pompey Store which will be open both before and after today’s game.

Marlon Pack was nominated for League One Player Of The Year at the EFL Awards on Thursday. It was announced that our captain had been named the League One Player of the Community last week. John Mousinho was nominated for League One Manager Of The Year and the club is also on the shortlist of the Fan Engagement Award. This award also recognizes the excellent work done by our partners Piglet’s Pantry to improve the catering concessions, and their role in creating the new FanZone at the Fratton end. The awards ceremony is taking place in London on April 14, 2014. We are We are proud of our nominees We wish them all the best for their next event.

Pompey Women could take a giant step towards winning the National League Southern Premier Division tomorrow when they play Plymouth at Westleigh Park (kick-off 2pm). It is only necessary to win one of the three games, but a win would be enough. Hashtag United are in second place with a goal-difference of plus-23. Please consider joining us for this wonderful occasion. It has been a fantastic season for Jay Sadler and his team. Admission is £8 for adults, £5 seniors and £3 under-18s, with further discounts for season ticket holders of the men’s team. We will have our beloved face painters, balloon models and Pompey Women merchandise for sale inside the stadium.

On Wednesday, our Academy team will play a big match at Fratton park, facing Preston in the finals of the Youth Alliance Cup. Tickets for this match in the South Stand can now be purchased. Online purchases, priced at £5 for adults and £1 for those aged 17 and under.

Thank you for your support today. We look forward to seeing some of you in Bolton next weekend before we return on Tuesday, 16th April for the rearranged game with Barnsley (7.45pm).

Enjoy the game with PUP!

Andrew Cullen