Praise after sponsor gesture boosts Pompey finances

The Shepherds Crook pub were the main match-day sponsor of the original abandoned fixture against the Chairboys last month.

As the game was washed out, they are entitled to retain that agreement for the rearranged match on December 4 – at no extra cost.

Similarly, supporters are also allowed to gain re-entry on their original tickets, without being charged again – a gesture made by the club.

However, the Crook, run by Steve Hudson, have decided to waive the £900-priced hospitality to give Pompey a financial boost.

The match-day sponsors for the fixture are now PR Electronics Ltd from Chichester, who paid the amount in full.

According to chief executive Catlin, others have also followed the Crook’s lead.

And he believes it is indicative of the attitude from fans and businesses towards the club in its community ownership guise.

‘It’s a fantastic gesture from Steve and pretty much sums up the Pompey fans generally in how much they care for the club,’ said Catlin.

‘It is not something he had to do, but he offered.

‘All those people who also said they are willing to pay for the second game are contributing towards cutting down our costs.

‘That includes other corporate clients and that puts us in with a good chance of ensuring there are no losses.

‘Of course, we will also receive another lot of programme and kiosk sales as well as hopefully new walk-up custom.

‘So once again thanks to Steve and all those others who have made such a tremendous gesture.’

The original Wycombe game was called off by the referee during the half-time break because of torrential rain, thunder and lightning.

The attendance was 14,285, with 556 Wycombe followers.

And according to Hudson, his gesture was the correct thing to do.

He added: ‘We heard the news on the night that everybody was going to get exactly what they paid for.

‘However, we had enjoyed our food, wine and match-day programme so it didn’t seem fair to do it all over again.

‘Straight away we told the club that if they wanted to sell the hospitality again they could – and it was gratefully accepted.

‘Hopefully a few more corporate guests will make the same offer because it really will help the club.

‘This is our community and we will do anything we can to help our football club.’