Portsmouth chief executive Andy Cullen has expressed concern over leaked team information giving their opponents an advantage, citing an incident involving Oxford United earlier this season.
Cullen has urged those responsible for such leaks to consider the potential harm they cause to the club’s Championship aspirations.
The issue came to light following the 1-1 draw with Oxford in October, when a team line-up used in training was shared on social media. According to Cullen, the leaked details were then utilised by their rivals to adapt their plans for the match. Although the line-up was not final due to late fitness tests, the shared information still allowed Oxford to adjust their strategy effectively.
Addressing the Source of Leaks
Concerns have been raised over the visibility of Portsmouth’s training sessions at their Hilsea base. The club’s Health and Fitness Club overlooks the training pitches, potentially giving spectators a view of tactical preparations. Manager John Mousinho has previously acknowledged the challenge of safeguarding team selection and tactics under such circumstances.
“We’re very sensitive at the moment, because we had a situation against Oxford where team news was referenced in the public domain on social media. That caused us an issue because that news was then picked up by Oxford. It does weaken us,” Cullen explained.
Despite these frustrations, Cullen stressed there is no ill-will towards Oxford for using the leaked information, as such practices are common in professional football. “Every team will try to steal as much information to get an advantage as they can. We’d do exactly the same,” he admitted, noting that the club actively monitors opposition news for similar insights.
Portsmouth are now exploring measures to better protect their training sessions and prevent further leaks. Cullen also appealed to supporters and observers to consider the broader impact of sharing sensitive information on social media.
Writer’s View
The issue of team leaks underscores the increasingly fine margins in professional football, where every detail can provide a competitive edge. While openness in training is often seen as a positive connection with fans, it also exposes vulnerabilities. For Portsmouth, balancing accessibility with safeguarding their tactics will be crucial to maintaining their Championship ambitions. A tighter approach to security could be the key to avoiding further incidents.
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