Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Who Is This Blue Army?

In the very unlikely event that you haven't heard, the Charleston Battery are proud to host the world-renowned Portsmouth Football Club in an exhibition match at Blackbaud Stadium this Wednesday night.  International exhibitions are nothing new for the Battery but are still a great source of pride and prestige for the club.  Since the birth of the club, Blackbaud has showcased top class teams from Jamaica, Mexico, England, and other European nations.  Most recently, the Battery hosted EPL side Bolton Wanderers last summer.

I figured it would be a good gesture to provide a bit of a backdrop for Wednesday's match with some info even the most casual fan may appreciate.  Much like the city of Charleston, Portsmouth, England is an important port city with a rich maritime history.  Portsmouth F.C. was formed in 1898 and Fratton Park has been their stomping grounds since day one.  In a recent survey/study, the fans of the club a.k.a. The Blue Army, were voted the ugliest in all England.  The most notable of these is of course, John Anthony Portsmouth Football Club Westwood.  He can be recognized by his stovepipe hat, blue wig, 60+ PFC tatoos, and usually a bugle/handbell.  Pompey were twice the champions of all England, boasting back to back titles in 1949 & 1950.  The last major trophy won by the Blue Army was the 2008 FA Cup.  Portsmouth won the FA Cup in 1939 as well.
PFC fans revel after winning the 2008 FA Cup
Portsmouth have always been proud to call diverse international talents their own.  Currently some of their most notable players are:  Aaron Mokoena (PFC captain & South African national captain), Liam Lawrence (PFC vice-captain & Ireland winger), and Nwankwo Kanu (Legendary Arsenal striker with years of European experience).  PFC's traditional colours are royal blue and gold.  Their stadium, Fratton Park has been said by football greats Henry and Ronaldinho to be home to "the greatest fans" and "the greatest football atmosphere in the world."  The Blue Army are also known the world over for their famous chant, The Pompey Chimes.
Historic Fratton Park
Looking forward to a great exhibition as welcome Portsmouth Football Club and the Pompey faithful!  Can't wait to see how our Battery matches up with one of the world's most famous clubs!  GO BATTERY!!!

No comments:

Post a Comment