Remember the date: 10 April 2013. 4:10pm. For this is the moment in history when Portsmouth Football Club sailed into unexplored territory - becoming the largest fan-owned club in English football.
| Advertisement |
For without their keen intervention and determination to save their 115-year-old club, the ol' girl could have seen its final home match next weekend.
However, rejoice Pompey fans, as now the club are in safe hands - set to be run by the very custodians that it lives to serve.
Fitting, that on the day that boss Guy Whittingham was niminated for the usually unwanted 'manager of the month' award, the fans which he served so well as a player were rewarded for their off-field efforts.
As the nervous hour of verdict approached, those both inside and outside of High Court waited on bated breath to realise the club's future - live or die.
And as the verdict was finally given, 14 months after Pompey were plunged into administration, grown men and women who bleed blue were reduced to tears of joy, relief and hope for the future.
An all-too-tense day for many, myself included, as a fans' trust went toe-to-toe with a multi-million pound corporation - and won.
Many outlets are claiming this to be 'Portsmouth's biggest win of the season'. I disagree - this is the modern football fan's biggest win, ever.
Now, Guy and the team can finally start to forward-plan for next season - something the side hasn't been able to do for a number of years.
Paperwork and point deduction are all that stand in Pompey's way come August 2013 - with life in League Two looking an almost certainty.
However, with many players who have shown in recent weeks their commitment to the Royal Blue shirt, the future certainly is bright in PO4.
Ricardo Rocha, Jonny Ertl and Jed Wallace - just three of Pompey's most influential characters this season, all credited the fans on today's achievement.
But credit to them, should they opt to stick with the Blues next season - the side's best opportunity to reward its loyal fan-base with a real chance of promotion.
Finally, a time for Pompey fans to once again be able to enjoy on-pitch antics, rather than scouring national media - looking to see what plight their beloved club had been plunged into next.
This, starting with a trip to League One high-fliers Brentford on Saturday - set to be the backdrop for a 2,000-fan party.
Well-praised for their support, home and away, throughout the club's well-known troubles - the mood at Griffin Park will certainly be much different to previous games.
For it offers chance for Pompey fans to enjoy their club, reap the rewards of months of hard work, and realise the ambition that many had criticised and shunned for being 'impossible'.
And a reward richly deserved - after five years of mismanagement, pain and torment by those who did not serve to the club's best interests.
It's times like these when it's important to remember those who have made all of this possible - from Trust board members, as well as those Pompey fans unfortunately no longer with us.
The views of Dan Brett are his own and don't necessarily reflect the editorial view of pompey-fans.com.
www.walkthe92.co.uk is the chosen charity of pompey-fans.com for season 2012-13. Donate to Prostate Cancer UK either through www.justgiving.com/walkthe92 or you can text the phrase "wtnt92 £10" to 70070 Please give generously.
Click here to sign up for an account and reserve your username! You can then post on the Forum and add your comments to articles
The Pompey Supporters' Trust is still seeking pledges from Pompey fans to back their bid. Information can be found here