Pompey News

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The John Westwood Debate

 

John "Portsmouth Football Club" Westwood (breath) was at the centre of controversy last week after being asked to stop ringing his bell. In disgust he decided to walk out at Half Time and not return. A very emotional John then spoke to the Quay radio station after the match explaining the situation.

 

He travels to every game and Portsmouth is his life basically, why else would you change your name? He has also moved to the back of the Fratton End because the club claimed his current location was breaking health and safety regulations.

 

Having moved to the back of the stand some fans complained to officials about the over use of his bell. Many claimed the drum was bearable but the constant ringing in their ears spoilt their viewing pleasure. I don't personally sit near him at Fratton Park but do hope I'm not sitting near him when travelling to away games. Post your views on the situation below....  

 

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  • Big Phil (No not that one) said:

    I used to think of him as a prat with an annoying bell, then when I went to the Carling Cup game against Gillingham under the Perrin era my views changed slightly, yes he's still a prat with a bell but in those dark times he was making a real effort to get the fans behind the team.

    Considering the team at the time didnt seem to care, his passion for Pompey was the one bright thing about that game.

    Since then my view has changed again, I go to games and see him come in 30 minutes late as he's been down the pub.

    Personally I go to Pompey games to watch Pompey, not to get bladdered and turn up late and miss a large part of the game.

    Saying that though I think he is a vital part of what makes Portsmouth the club it is, do we really want the prawn sandwich brigade all around the stadium?  Or fans with near fantical passion?  Given the two I would'nt change Westwood at all.

    August 31, 2008 2:18 PM
  • Squee said:

    Football matches are meant to be noisy and raucous affairs - if the fans who complained want a bit of quiet then they should go and watch live snooker.

    August 31, 2008 2:40 PM
  • exiled in Wales said:

    People who can't stand the bell obviously don't remember the rattle he used to have back in the early 90s. That was far worse! Leave Westwood alone, he's a character and a fanatic and is part of the unique flavour we have. Opposing fans also find the bell infuriating which is a great reason to let him do it. I don't travel a 300 mile round trip to Fratton Park for a bland corporate leisure experience (things are creeping that way, season by season), I want fire and passion and a little bit of eccentricity from JW is fine by me. If Fratton Enders don't like it, wtf are they doing in the Fratton End? Go somewhere quieter or stay home and watch the big 4 on TV.

    August 31, 2008 2:40 PM
  • Callard said:

    He's a dirty lard-ass. Popped too much lsd, and is now taking it out on peacefull spectators

    August 31, 2008 3:43 PM
  • Westwood Bound said:

    He's been there for years, leave him alone. Don't let the premier league kill our club

    August 31, 2008 4:09 PM
  • DaveP said:

    What fan walks out of a match half way through the game because he can not have his own way? He's becoming an embarrassment of late.

    August 31, 2008 4:24 PM
  • Chris James said:

    I must confess I don't sing at matches even though I have always stood or sat at the Fratton End. John is part of Fratton Folklore, true fans remember the depths of despair we went through and how his chanting and humour (the Bugle) pulled us through. Sometimes when we are losing I want to ram the drum sticks and bell up their arses but in reality its part of supporting Pompey and I would not change that. My only gripe is a lot of kids look up to him, he lets them shake his bell, which is excllent but he stinks of beer.

    August 31, 2008 4:58 PM
  • Callard is a fool. said:

    the only lard ass is you little boy !!!

    Personally not a fan of John the Song, but he is what he is, they should not stop the Bell or the Drum, the only thing which needs attention is the amount of Alcohol he consumes.

    As for the fool who is now the Safety officer at Fratton Pk, this is scandalous appointment by the club, he has no experience of doing this job. He has "ZERO" customer service skills, One decision I hope Sasha and Storrie review.

    PUP

    August 31, 2008 5:05 PM
  • Dave P said:

    "He's a dirty lard-ass. Popped too much lsd, and is now taking it out on peacefull spectators"

    Certainly his reputation has taken a dive of late. Full of abuse for everyone at the recent charity shield..... Needs to clean his act up and fast.

    August 31, 2008 8:03 PM
  • H3dge said:

    strange but we're better off with JW than without.   thought the atmosphere 2nd half against manu was flat then later found out JW had left a halftime.  was at mansfield,  year before last? as away fans we were quiet, JW walks in pished middle of 1st half and Pompey are off. OK he looks strange, smells worse, doesn't see a full 90 minutes BUT brings the crowd to life and supports the team, if you dont't like noise in the Fratton End sit elsewhere.

    August 31, 2008 8:16 PM
  • Mickey T said:

    I sit in the North Stand Lower, so I am not too close to him, which I am pleased about. I have a split thinking on this one. Whilst I would be well annoyed with sitting near him, hence why I sit where I do, he has become a legend in the Premier League for his undying love for the club. It would be a very sad day if he and his team never came back with their instruments. The only problem I think Derek (Rocky) Stone has a problem with, is the health and safety of blocking an aisle and exit. May I suggest a compromise by the club. Instead of moving him to the top and annoying the lovely quiet placid people who sit up there, give the two drummers and Mr Westwood their original three seats back, and the three infront of them to put their instruments on. This would keep them in their places, and by shuffling the people around them about, keep those who did sit near him, and happy with the noise they make, close to him. Of course the club would loose three season ticket places, but a small price to pay for the support they encourage from the rest of the fans. We all saw how quiet the second half was against Man Utd. John and crew, please turn up 15 minutes before kick off to get the crowd going before the teams come on the pitch, it would encourage the crowd and the team to perform.

    August 31, 2008 8:29 PM
  • Fratton Del Sol said:

    No Debate needed. Peter Storrie sort it out for John and the drums to be accommodated in the Fratton End.

    August 31, 2008 10:34 PM
  • Dean Evison New Zealand said:

    When I lived in England I meet John a few times when Ihad some tattos done at his place. All I can say is that I have never meet any one world wide who is a paasinate at his club, He know world wide and has stoud by pompey though the good and the bad time something a lot of other supporers have not. I bet other clubs wish they had supports like John. Carry on ring john thoes supports will soon levse if pompey have a bad run Proud Kiwi supporting the blues

    September 1, 2008 1:01 AM
  • More Sauce on My prawns Please said:

    The bell isn't the problem, it's the satnding up. You are not allowed to stand up, we've had numerous warnings from the FA about it. He stands up (god knows how)to  ring his bell and slur abuse, those behind can't see so they stand up and you get a knock on effect of if they stand up so am I.

    The rear section are some of most verciferous chanters so don't go calling them JCL/prawn munchers. If he turned up on time, sober and without his entourage all trying to squeeze in after the game has started this mole hill wouldn't be the inflated problem it has grown into. He's not the life and soul of our club he is just an inflated ego of days gone by.The fanS are the life and soul, they just need some new songs to get interested again, our aim is to support the club and back the players not "hate the sc*m".  

    September 1, 2008 8:31 AM
  • talkpompey said:

    GOOD POINTS.... he has been moved to the back though

    September 1, 2008 9:39 AM
  • JenniP said:

    Does Westwood actually need to stand up to be in people's way though?  I would of thought that his hat is hard to see through :-)

    September 1, 2008 10:31 AM
  • WJD said:

    I appreciate that John Westwood acts the clown and is not to be taken too seriously, but we must not underestimate the impact he has on the atmosphere and reputation generated by the club. He is a figurehead recognised by other clubs and supporters across the world and he is generally seen as a light hearted cheerleader with a smiling/comically contorted face, who simply wants to enjoy himself following Pompey. This is a million miles away from the fearsome reputation for violence and aggression that this club's fans 'enjoyed' not so long ago. During the second half against Man Utd, after John had left, anyone with an ounce of honesty would have to agree that the atmosphere left the ground with him. The atmosphere in the first and second half against Manchester United could not have been more different, the first half was the cauldron of sound that we and visiting clubs have come to expect, the second was more like a Sunday league match. Some might point to the fact that we simply played better in the first half, I would argue that the atmosphere was a key reason for that. Over the years Harry, Mr Mandaric, Mr Gadamak and many, many others have said that we, the fans, are the 12th Man, well if that is true, the man that sends that sub on is John Westwood so please let's not mess this up by banishing him to the back of the stand and trying to keep him quiet. We are talking about football support here not the snooker at the crucible......we need noise and atmosphere.    

    September 1, 2008 10:38 AM
  • RussP said:

    There is no doubt he is Fratton parks Cheer leader.When he wrings his bell/bangs his drum the hole ground responds and starts pumping.Leave him alone.If you don't like the noise stay at home or sit in the south stand.If you choose to site in the fratton end SING UP POMPEY!!!

    September 1, 2008 10:45 AM
  • johnb said:

    When jw ain't there the atmosphere dies away

    September 1, 2008 11:23 AM
  • TurkTownBlue said:

    I have always backed JPFCW but even I must admit that he is taking the p**s now.  At the Gosport Borough game he didn't even turn up until the second half and then his entourage promptly climbed up onto the perimeter fence.  When they were politely asked to get down the silly b*gg**s climbed onto the clubhouse roof.

    I have no problem with the bell, bugle or drums but they do need to shed their "untouchable" attitude.

    September 1, 2008 12:17 PM
  • Is that Rose Marie Sauce? said:

    Why does everybody wait for him to grace us with his presence after kick off to start singing? There's no rule that you can't sing without his limited repetoire.There's enough of you up there with minds of your own to come up with some songs for the team and players without ner, ner, ner etc.

    When I was a kid back in the 60's I was one of the little sods up the back of the FE kicking the metal doors to generate the noise, the sound doesn't come from the front where it evaporates into the air it comes from the back reverberating off the roof. It just needs a few to get things going and others will join in, try it and you'll soon forget the drunk existed.

    September 1, 2008 12:26 PM
  • talkpompey said:

    so what we saying clean up act but keep up the support (with bell and drum?)

    September 1, 2008 12:40 PM
  • Pompey Pete said:

    If Pompey need their 12th man, and the 12th man needs Westwood, the Pompey need Westwood and should do everything they can to keep him.

    However, he should have to follow the same rules as the rest of us and yes he should clean up his act a bit.

    September 1, 2008 12:52 PM
  • Chris said:

    He really is part of the eccentricity of this club of ours and I had the 'in your face' treatment as I was stood immediatly behind him at Everton.

    Sure it can be a bit irritating trying to see round his hat but the passion and indeavour he puts in to getting the fans going really is worth the bit of downside. This club has a reputation for passionate fans so let's not do anthing that effects that ok  

    September 1, 2008 1:27 PM
  • Richard said:

    As a Saints fan, I have to say Pompey are welcome to Westwood. The poster who states that Westwood adds to Pompey's reputation isn't wrong, but it's not the reputation Pompey want!

    September 1, 2008 1:30 PM
  • talkpompey said:

    but you've heard of him, i couldn't name you a saints fan...

    September 1, 2008 2:23 PM
  • These Prawn sandwiches are soggy said:

    It would be a start, get him sober & to turn up on time for a change.I wonder whether he'd enjoy a game if he saw all 90 minutes through sober eyes?

    At Bournemouth his van was in the car park well before kick off, he turned up with entourage 10 minutes into second half and left before the end. At Oxford a couple years ago he watched half of the first haf on the bonnet of a car looking over the fence with a pint in his hand. Is he a Pompey fan or a Carlsberg fan? Maybe he has gone too far down the road of being a z list celebrity and feels he must maintain his image.

    Isn't it illegal to be drunk in a football ground??

    September 1, 2008 2:23 PM
  • Fan Just As Good As JW But Without The Tats & Bell ! said:

    Anyone who urinates in the seats at any ground like JW did at Scum is in my book a foul lout and shouldnt be associated as number 1 fan with any club - Yes !!!! even if it was at that club in the fizzy pop league !

    September 1, 2008 5:24 PM
  • sing sing sing said:

    whats made the difference about pompey since the stockport game is that the fans sing whatever is happening-unlike at other grounds where the fans have been spoilt over the years and expect too much. We cant let the recent success stop us forgetting where we came from . John is part of that, and so what if he goes off the rails a bit-he was part of the support that got pompey back on the rails and  attracted investment. he 's part of pompey folklore and just needs a bit of support from the club now.  

    September 2, 2008 10:15 AM
  • Peter Tonge said:

    I know the woman who is "Supposed" to have complained about the the bell..  She did not compain about the Bell. This is what happened.

    Johnny and his 3 mates were Standing up, not a major issue with lots of people i know, but standing is not allowed, its the rules, the club have to abide them.

    That was also, not the problem, the problem was, 7 other mates of Johnny's wanted to stand with him, that did not move their seats.  Therefore 11 people were cramed in the stair well, by Johns seat.  

    The stewards asked them to sit down, meaning they would have to return to their own seats.  They told the stewards to F off.

    The lasy in question, then said, to john, We have paid to see the game, we have to sit down, your friends are in out way.  He replied, If you dont like it, you should have asked to move your seats when the club wrote to you.

    She said, listen, we put up with your Poxy Bell all game, we put up with the Drum, we are just asking you to sit.  That is where the reference to the Bell came in, no one asked him to stop ringing it.

    John is just using that as the reason to gain support from his band of merry followers.

    John as good as admitted that to the Evening News, and declined making a comment in reply to Gary Doubles statement that "John left the ground as result of being asked to Sit down, he was not asked to stop ringing the bell."  therefore his silence speaks volumes.

    September 2, 2008 11:27 AM
  • Well, what a liberty: said:

    Reference Fan Just as good's, comments about Johhny Peeing on the Seats...

    What annoyed me, was he was on the Quay, being defended by Mark the Mudie as he said Johnny is a good influence on the crowd, and respects the kids, and does not swear in front of them etc... yet he dropped his trousers, and peed on seats in front of them.  He also hung on a barrier at Wembley, and screamed in womens and kids faces about Johnny come F@@@in lately's...

    The bloke could be such an assett for this club, but instead is an embarrasement.

    September 2, 2008 11:38 AM
  • BOB said:

    Portsmouth FC is known for having the best support and atmosphere in the country for the numbers we have at ol' fratton. Jonnie Westwood is a big part of that, our atmosphere is unique, becuase of the bell, drums and horn...even computer games have taken on our unique sound.

    If people have such a big problem with sitting next to him then swap tickets with those who like us being the best fans in the prem...or get a season ticket in the south stand, cos you dont buy a season ticket in the fratton end to sit down and discuss the match, thats where most of the atmosphere is generated!

    September 2, 2008 12:40 PM
  • RussP said:

    well said BOB (REF ABOVE)

    September 2, 2008 2:34 PM
  • Peter Tonge said:

    Shut up BOB, you are just echoeing the same noise without reading the thread and appreciating the arguement here. No one is saying everyone should sit and discuss the game, only thta Johnny cant be a big profile fan and then show lack of respect.  Look at the Peeing incisdent, the climbing on the fences and roofs, and the screaming abuse at women and kids.  He cries wolf too much.

    September 4, 2008 12:43 PM
  • PompeyFan Canada said:

    Alot of fans would love to shove that damn bell up his backside, but that doesn't mean they're not fans. He is a character for sure and like it or not is part of the clubs heritage, he's kinda made a name for himself. Personally I think he should be left alone with the exception that he cleans up his beer stenched drunkard outlook and have some consideration for other supporters. A die hard pompey fan he might be, but he aint the only one, and he certainly isn't the only one who deserves to actually be able to 'see' the game after having paid good money to get in. It's been a while since I suffered the bells toll in my ears long after the games finished, but nevertheless, I'm still a fan and like everyone else I enjoy the atmosphere created but surely there are common grounds to be found for the benefit of all supporters.

    September 23, 2008 9:11 PM

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