The Portsmouth News’ Sports Mail last folded in October 2012. However, 10 months later, demand from the Fratton faithful drove its resurrection, coinciding with rejuvenated Pompey’s new era under fan ownership, having survived the threat of liquidation. 10p from every copy sold was initially donated by The News towards the Pompey Supporters’ Trust, with a cheque presented at the end of each season. Except on this occasion there can be no reprieve initiated by powerful public persuasion, says the publisher.
Since 2017, says the Portsmouth News, following the closure of the Southern Daily Echo’s Sports Pink, the Sports Mail has stood alone in what was once a thriving market for Saturday/Sunday sports papers. Unfortunately, they are now bowing out, with our final edition scheduled for July 23.
Under the banner of the Football Mail and then Sports Mail, the publication has scrutinised the fortunes of Pompey and other local sports since 1903. It’s now the end of an era - for the Sports Mail and all sports newspapers in this country.
According to the publisher, the final issue will be a special collector’s copy to mark the end and will contain the following:
In-depth Pompey pre-season coverage looking ahead to the 2022-23 League One campaign.
Feature interviews with Danny Cowley and the vast majority of his first-team squad as the Blues gun for a long-awaited Championship return.
The final Sports Mail will also include plenty of nostalgia, along with some of the more memorable front pages.
Click here if you wish to reserve a copy of the last Sports Mail.
