Pompey's '08/09 season is just underway, and Portsmouth fans couldn't be happier. It appears the Blue Army is geared up for another exciting season. Pompey fans are a die-hard bunch, loving their team through wins and losses alike. However, it's clear that they're hoping their home team will deliver another winning season. It remains to be seen whether Portsmouth will bring home another FA Cup this year.



Last season's win for Pompey was only its second in history. The team's first FA Cup came in 1939. It was an exhilarating match between two underdogs. Portsmouth's competition, Cardiff, was also aiming for its second FA Cup in history. Cardiff's first and last was in 1927. The Pompey edged out Cardiff 1-0, shattering their hopes for another FA Cup.

The football club has a rich and longstanding history. It was founded in 1898 and originally part of the Southern League. The new club got off to a roaring start, winning 20 out of 28 league matches that season. Their inaugural season saw Portsmouth land in the runner-up spot overall, impressive for a brand new team.

No one is quite certain when Portsmouth became known by its nickname 'Pompey'. It came about within a few decades of its founding. Fans debate the time 'Pompey' become synonymous with 'Portsmouth' almost as hotly as the origin of the name. The nickname seems to have dubious roots. It has become, in fact, something of an urban legend. What's very certain is that no one really is quite certain where 'Pompey' came from. Theories abound by the hundreds and many hold to their own preferred theory religiously. It seems to be agreed upon by fans and historians alike that the name is of naval origin. Not much consensus has been reached beyond this. Sometimes these things are best left undebated, at least between those who wish to remain cordial.

Portsmouth's strip has changed dynamically since the club's inception. Today's fans might be shocked to learn that 'The Blues' weren't always blue. The opening season found the team dressed in pink shirts, white shorts and maroon socks. An apparent majority of fans agree that this combination was ghastly. Few seemed to mourn its passing in 1909. It seemed appropriate to mark a decade of successful football by changing to its more familiar blue. Blue has stuck ever since, and little change has been made with regard to color. The exception to this was socks, which changed from black to red in 1947. It is this ensemble that today's fans are most familiar with. Portsmouth's luck actually seemed to take a turn for the better with the introduction of the red socks. Even the non-superstitious question the team's new blue socks for this year's season. Rumor has it that the red socks will be back for the 2009/2010 season.

New socks coincide with a new sponsor. Club owners have signed with a Malta major airline that will sponsor Portsmouth for two years. The two will partner together on some mutually beneficial commercial ventures. The airline is committed for two years, though another FA Cup win for the Pompey may see that deal extended.

Loyal fans don't seem to balk much at paying 750 British pounds for adult season tickets. However, another FA Cup win by would probably make season ticket holders feel good about their investment. This season's first team looks at least as good as last year's. Fans won't be expecting anything less from the Pompey in 2008/2009.