Fratton redevelopment, training facilities...

...is this real?!

By this I do not mean it 'is it real' as in as much as is this all a front to build up hopes! I mean 'is it really happening, real' in as much as are these developments, which we have craved for so long, really getting as close as they seem, well bar a few 'technicalities?' Could we finally see the club that we love so dearly move into the 'here and now', instead of being stuck 'in the past'...

Stadium redevelopment going ahead, the training complex 'given the green light' - can this really be happening with Pompey?

Something that I do know is for Pompey to even maintain a level that we have become accustomed too, let alone get thoughts back into heads of 'moving further forward', we need these areas sorted out - if for nothing else but for another means of generating some other form of revenue...

So, last week we announced that we have gone back several years and decided that redeveloping Fratton was the way forward - before leaving it for a new stadium built for the world cup in 2018 if England get it - turning the stadium and building onto existing areas to increase the capacity. I know countless millions of pounds have been wasted on planning, planning applications and so on, all of which is highly frustrating, not to mention the negative press it has given the club over the years, but could it finally be worth it. We all moan about the 'Pompey hating press', but in fairness so many times we bring this upon ourselves with our announcements and then counter announcements and so on do we not?

'When' the work begins on Fratton in summer 2010 I will 100% believe this is happening - my concerns are though, if money is no longer going to be invested in the current ownership how will we fund this without clocking up more debts/loans? In that case player departures to pay for this 'could' happen, so the cynical might think this will happen but this money would not be used to fulfil these plans...

Skip onto this week, and Monday sees the announcement that the training ground has been given 'the go-ahead', although this was mentioned during the Fans Forum last week I believe? Gosport Borough Council 'unanimously approve the £8m project', with work hoping to be underway in the next 6-8 weeks, which could be finished and ready for use as soon as February 2010 - get in! But, how is this funded? Hmm...

However fresh concerns have been raised about the Cherque Way, Lee-on-the-Solent, project - now there is a surprise, as there is always something. Granted these do not appear to be major concerns, but there are worries over possible 'fuel spillages' and how these would then pollute waterways! Pompey now have to confirm where lawn mowers and other equipment, that will maintain the 35-acre site, will refuel to ensure that everyone is happy with this. Details on how we will 'landscape the area' are also needed. If it is not one thing it is another holding up proposed plans...

As always, on the face of it we seem so close to fulfilling the developments we want to, but at the same time as always seem so far - can things just not be simple for us?

All being well when the curtain comes down on our season, which will hopefully see our premier league status maintained, the builders can move into place and start the next phase of Portsmouth Football Clubs developments, and start cracking on with the training ground.

You know, to be honest until I do see these steps taken it will always be something that I will have slight doubts about, and of course will have doubts over how we can fund these developments if Sacha is not prepared to put in any more money, but 'should' the new owners that he wants us to have come in this summer then you would think these developments will happen without a glitch, in theory...

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