League Two side Portsmouth "have unveiled plans for a new training ground in the city," according to the BBC. The partnership is with Roko Health Club. Contractors "have been working on the site since April and the club hopes to be using the facility by the end of the summer." In the meantime, the club "will continue to use its training base at the University of Portsmouth." The agreement will see Pompey "invest significant funds to initially create two state-of-the-art training pitches, as well as integrate and refurbish the existing football changing rooms and player lounge facilities" (BBC, 5/20). In Portsmouth, Jeff Marshman reported former player Alan Knight called it "a big step forward for the club." The training center -- featuring two "state-of-the-art" pitches, refurbished changing rooms, player lounge facilities and a "purpose-designed" fitness suite – will be the Blues’ new permanent training base after a 30-year lease was signed on the site. Knight: "This is something that Pompey have been crying out for from when I first came to the club nearly 40 years ago" (PORTSMOUTH NEWS, 5/20). The club will also install football offices and create a fitness suite for players. Local football club Pickwick will move into Alexandra Park with Roko and Pompey to help them find a new home (Portsmouth).
