The Early Years

Last updated : 14 September 2004 By Keith Allman
5 Apr 1898: Six businessmen bought five acres of land close to Goldsmith Avenue for £4,950 and formed Portsmouth FC.
9th Sept 1899: First match at Fratton Park against Reading.
9 Dec 1899: The term 'Pompey' first used in relation to PFC.
Summer 1900: Fratton Park completed at a cost of £6,538.
27 Jan 1901: New manager is Bob Blyth.
18 Oct 1902: First defeat at home against Northampton 0-1.
21 Jan 1903: The legendary C.B. Fry plays his first match.
Summer 1904: Blyth leaves, Bonney replaces him.
4 Feb 1905: FA Cup glory. Win 2-0 v 1st Division Small Heath.
28 Apr 1906: Finish in 3rd place of Southern League Div 1.
12 Jan 1907: 24,329 for 2-2 Cup draw v Man Utd.
1908-1909: PFCs last season in pink & salmon colours.
1909-1910: New colours; white shirts, black shorts and socks.
1910-1911: Relegated into 2nd Div. of the Southern League.
1911-1912: Change colours to royal blue shirts & white shorts.
25 Apr 1914: In first season, Billy James scored 21 goals.
1915-1916: Whirlwind ripped off roof of South Stand.