Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Supporting Pompey in the FA Cup Final
All eyes will be on Wembley on Saturday (15th May 2010) when Portsmouth take on Chelsea in the FA Cup Final and the Historic Dockyard will be flying flags in true ceremonial style to support.
The iconic HMS Victory that once flew the signal under Admiral Lord Nelson’s command ‘England Expects’, will be flying the signal ‘Pompey Expects’ from the Mizzen Mast from Colours (morning) to Sunset (early evening) on the day of the cup final. As far as aware - this is the first time the ship has received the special permission to fly this signal.
HMS Warrior 1860 will similarly be flying the signal ‘Play Up Pompey’ and displaying the football club flags along the jetty.
The Mary Rose will also be dressing their figure of Henry VIII in the Pompey FC blue football shirt as he gazes upon the flagpole before him that will be flying the football flag; as they hope that the club repeat their FA Cup Final glory from 2008 and bring the cup home again!
Chris Hayler, Commercial and Marketing Manager for Portsmouth FC commented “We are delighted that the Historic Dockyard is proudly showing their support for our club in the cup final, to the thousands of visitors expected through their gates on Saturday. What better way to support than flying the flags and signals on Portsmouth’s iconic, historical landmarks on the day that we hope history will repeat itself from our 2008 win!”
To win the final Portsmouth managed by former Chelsea boss Avram Grant, will have to take on the current FA Cup holders Chelsea who have done the double over Portsmouth in the Premier League this season.
Portsmouth last won the FA Cup in 2008 by beating Cardiff City in the final 1-0.
