It’s been a long time since we posted on the 1898, but the 2024/2025 season is going to see a huge uplift in content from us. But it did beg the question, where do we start again after the chaos of winning League One?
Well, for me, there was only one place to start. I want to introduce you to Sam Scibberas. During the incredible victory over Barnsley, Sam was sat alone in the seat next to Joe and I. We got chatting through the game, went crazy together when Shaughnessy ended our years of League One pain and went our seperate ways.
But Sam’s story is an incredible one. And I want you to hear it from the man himself.
“As a Maltese family, my brother and I have been been supporting Portsmouth all our life, which really starts with Pompey in the Premier League.
“My grandad worked on a naval supply ship named Fort Duqune at sea for years, supplying the British Navy post WW2 in all corners of the world, namely Singapore. Growing up in Malta, we were exposed to all sort of influences when it comes to football, from Italian to English and beyond, however, my grandad always pressed on his love for Portsmouth which allowed my brother and I to agree on one thing for the first time in our life – our love and support for Portsmouth.
“The history connecting Portsmouth with Malta is rich. As you know, Malta forms part of the commonwealth and was under British administration until 1964. Growing up in Malta in the 90s, this influence was still felt in the language, architecture, institutions, and heritage passed down from our grandparents. Following my grandad’s service at sea, he furthered a career in hospitality, where he worked with Ladbrokes as a manager for the Dragonara in Malta. This led him to Portsmouth, a place he had been exposed to through his work for the British Navy at sea. He knew a Maltese woman married to a man from Portsmouth, and enrolled within a hospitality course which spanned a couple of months. During this period in the 1970s he attended several football games at Fratton Park and fell in love with the club!
“Following his time based in Portsmouth, my grandad kept the connection close by bringing to Malta various academic and specialist in the field of hospitality to lecture the Maltese workforce.
“Malta’s connection with Portsmouth is rich, and we celebrate this largely through a resilient national spirit which brought us through the Second World War. The navy played a big part in this, which as you know, departed largely towards the Mediterranean Sea from Portsmouth. In fact, I have even crossed paths with individuals from Portsmouth in my hometown of Sliema who were tasked with dismantling WW2 mines in the Grand Harbour of Valletta, our capital city.
“Supporting a club means understanding it’s heritage and connecting to it. I feel that following my grandad’s passing, building a stronger relationship with Portsmouth and his legacy keeps him close to us and very much alive in our thoughts.
“The trip from Malta to Portsmouth isn’t particularly short! In total, I travel approximately 12 hours to and from through London. Like myself and my brother, are many other English or Maltese nationals who have settled in Malta and hold the club close to their heart. We even have a local supporters club!
“Ever since our fall from the Prem, supporting Pompey overseas hasn’t been easy, however recent times have brought back a massive sense of hope and potential. Over the past 2 seasons I’ve visited Fratton Park 4 times and intend on keeping my attendance to at at least twice every season!
“We met at Portsmouth VS Barnsley coincidentally, and honestly I’m so proud to have been present that night. In true Pompey fashion we pushed back from what was looking like certain disappointment (for me at least who travelled to enjoy the victory)! I’m honoured to be able to share our story and shine a light on Pompey fans in Malta who hold the club so close in both the good and bad moments!
“We’ll be following the summer from afar and will be back as our season in the Championship gets underway! Supporting Portsmouth is an honour, privilege, and a labour of love which I will hold dearly for years to come.”
