Preparations are going to be so so important given the huge step up. We've obviously spent many in Spain / Portugal recently and quite a few Premiership teams still do that.
For the squad, a change of environment preseason is probably a good way to signal a whole new start and new level we need to reach. Perhaps we remain in Algarve but fancier accommodation & facilities. Doug will want to maximise revenue so can imagine us potentially jumping into some preseason tournament.
But why would you want to risk an important player having extra miles / games / injuries. I know it will happen to some of our players, but given we're not going to have an established PL squad with a lot of depth, wishing more players to be involved is plain odd imo. I'll take it when we've become a regular Champions League team (until then, no!)
Still would be happy with away friendly v Nuneaton.
Between Asda car park and Nuneaton railway station when Pompey scored to secure our promotion.
97th minute Pompey winner and location will never be foregotten by me!
Bidwell has been with the club 4.5 seasons, since when has that deserved a Testimonial?
also were these not just to create a pay day for a retiring player in a time when wages were not as high as they are today, and for players who had done like 10 seasons? or in exceptional circumstance like Dave Busst?