From the Manager

Havant and Waterlooville assistant manager Ian Baird is relishing the test in which Portsmouth will provide at Westleigh Park tomorrow. 

Baird says although Portsmouth will be stiff opponents, they will not be overcome by the League 1 side coming to town tomorrow afternoon.

The showpiece friendly encounter takes place tomorrow at 3pm and Baird is looking forward to both the game and the occasion.

Baird said: “It is always a big game for Havant. It’s a big money spinner for us as far as getting as many supporters in.

“But we’re looking forward to playing against Portsmouth, they had a very good season last season albeit being disappointing at the end.

“They’re a very good footballing side and and we’re looking forward to it.”

Despite the gap in leagues between the Hawks and Pompey, Baird says that a cup tie mentality will not be donned for the clash and hopes the players will go out and prove their worth in front of a big crowd.

“I think we’re a bit long in the tooth for that.

“There is an obvious gulf but you look at the squad that we’ve got and they’ve all played at a decent level, they’ll be looking forward to facing the Portsmouth first team.

“The most important thing is that nobody gets injured from both sides and we both have a competitive game.”

Havant’s assistant manager has been full of praise for Kenny Jackett in the build-up to the encounter and expects a good brand of football being displayed by his team tomorrow.

“Kenny Jackett’s sides always play good football.

“I expect that we will be chasing the ball a little bit, but it will be a big test for us.

“We’ve played against Alresford and Bognor and they’ve found us a big test and we’ll certainly find Pompey a big test that’s for sure.”

WATCH IAN BAIRD’S FULL PRE MATCH INTERVIEW ON TWITTER NOW:

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