Pompey's wiping off the football map was a 'mistake'
Tuesday, 31st Jul 2012 16:55 by Dan Brett

Pompey's omission from a high-profile national football map was an 'honest mistake' according to its creator.

The Homes of Football exhibition, capturing historical football clubs across the land, is one of the biggest photographic football collections in the world.

However, Portsmouth supporters have taken to Twitter recently after realising that their club had been left off a country-wide map – an honest mistake according to Sturat Roy Clarke, who admits that Pompey were one of the first clubs in his consideration.

He said: “I can't believe Pompey slipped into sea. They were on there as one of the first when map was begun.

“Pompey are a big club and have played a biggish part in The Homes of Football - I had one of my earliest shows at the City Museum there in Portsmouth, so I am not thrilled at their seemingly being left out for no good reason.”

Despite the mix-up, any addition of Pompey will have to wait until the next re-print.

He said: "It's an expensive map to produce - its been a labour of love - when we get it reprinted within the 6-month show window, we will try and get it printed as one, rather than in two parts."

See below to see where Pompey should be, but won't be for the time being.

Clarke also admitted that Pompey, and especially Fratton Park, is a place that he favours, even when a football hasn't been kicked that day.

He added: “My best man, erstwhile Communications boss at The Premier League is a Portsmouth supporter - as are quite a few friends. Fratton is a ground I really like going to, even on non-match days just to walk and imagine. “

The birth of the map was started with a simple idea from Mr Clarke, who enjoyed visiting small football clubs across the land.

He stated: “It started out as all those places I had photographed and then I joined up the dots with some more clubs who catch my imagination.

“Even my second team Selsey are on there!”

You can find out more about the Homes of Football exhibition by visiting www.homesoffootball.co.uk

PompeyMap