Pompey dressing room fires warning ahead of South Coast derby with Southampton

Excitement is already building ahead of the south-coast derby, with Portsmouth preparing for a highly anticipated trip to Southampton.

Pompey midfielder Odin Bailey has insisted the squad fully understands the importance of the fixture and says the players are determined to come away with the bragging rights when the two sides meet on October 11.

It has been 16 years since Portsmouth occupied a higher division than their south-coast rivals, following their relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2009-10 season.

However, Southampton have not beaten Pompey in a league meeting for 21 years. The Saints did claim a 4-0 victory in the Carabao Cup seven years ago, but that came at a time when the clubs were separated by two divisions.

For a number of Portsmouth’s current players, the upcoming encounter will be their first experience of the rivalry. Bailey admitted he has watched the derby on television previously but believes nothing compares to actually being involved in it.

The midfielder is eager to experience the atmosphere at St Mary’s and says the squad must embrace the occasion while remaining focused on their responsibilities on the pitch.

Bailey explained that the players want to experience the rivalry and enjoy the opportunity to secure bragging rights, but they also need to maintain their concentration and approach the fixture professionally.

The Portsmouth midfielder recently returned to action with another appearance against Blackburn and is hoping to feature again when Pompey face their local rivals.

He also acknowledged that different players prepare for high-profile matches in different ways.

Bailey believes the key for him is finding the right balance between excitement and composure. While some teammates may deliberately build themselves up for the occasion and others prefer to remain relaxed, he wants to combine plenty of energy with a calm mindset.

With the derby approaching, Bailey’s message is clear: Portsmouth must recognise the significance of the occasion without allowing the rivalry to distract them from the task of winning the match.