John Mousinho’s men take on the Rocks in their first friendly match of the summer on July 20, 1pm kick-off and arrive after a table-topping League One campaign that saw them crowned champions.

Bognor bosses expect a bumper gate for the money-spinning encounter with Pompey fans having the chance to see any new signings in action. Last season the home side earned a 1-1 draw in front of around 2,000 fans. News of tickets for the fixture will be released soon.

And Blake has thanked the Blues for committing to the annual fixture and spoken of how much the club value their ties with the Fratton Park outfit.

He said: “It promises to be a cracking occasion and there will be plenty of fans in, that’s for sure. We can’t wait to welcome them. I want our players to enjoy the occasion against a squad that will be competing in the Championship next season. John has worked wonders and the club and the supporters have got their reward and it promises to be an exciting season for them.

“We are lucky enough to enjoy a great relationship with Portsmouth and over the years have had young players on loan with us, which I think benefits both clubs in terms of helping us obviously but their younger players experience men’s football which ultimately is important to their development.”

The Rocks kick off their pre-season training on June 26 at East Dean FC and have arranged six of pre-season fixtures as they prepare for the new Isthmian premier division campaign which starts on August 10th.

Fixtures:

Sunday 7th July – Littlehampton (away) 3pm
Tuesday 9th July – Moneyfields (away) 7.45pm
Friday 12th July – Pagham (home) 7.45pm
Saturday 20th July – Portsmouth (home) 1pm
Saturday 27th July – Horndean (away) 3pm
Sunday 4th August – Worthing (home) 2pm

Pic: TOMMY McMILLAN