By Site reporter
It's been a while since Fratton Park had the sort of qualities the famous forts in ans around the city possess - but one of the Blues' new recruits says the team must make it a fearsome place for opponents to try to breach. Darel Russell believes Pompey's stadium can be intimidating to League One sides - but admits the occupants will have to do better than they did in his debut against Oldham if that's to happen. Russell hopes to see a stronger home performance on a regular basis, starting with Tuesday's Johnstone Paints Trophy tie with Bournemouth, who have already drawn at Fratton in the league. Russell told the club website after the Latics defeat: 'I want to win. I love winning and it’s disappointing we couldn’t do that for the fans, but hopefully we’ll improve over the coming weeks. We had a good start and if we’d have stuck one away I think we would have gone on from there. 'It wasn’t to be but we need to make Fratton Park a fortress. The fans provide great support and we have to be as good on the pitch. It could take three or four weeks for everyone to settle in – you don’t know. But once you got the first win something can click and you’re up and running.' Russell, the former Norwich and Stoke midfielder, said he was 'inspired' to be a club fighting so hard against financial problems. He added: 'I sat down with the manager and had an open and frank conversation. We were very honest with each other. I was inspired to come here despite all the other factors going on at the club currently. I have nothing to do with boardrooms and administration – I just have to perform on the pitch.' Russell has signed a one-month deal at present. Click here for the latest offers in the Pompey store of TOFFS.com Click here for the latest offers in the Pompey store of UKsoccershop.com Discuss this story in our forum. It's quick and easy to register. truebluearmy.com
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