Pompey go international

Over the last few years, our pre-season matches have certainly become far more interesting. Not to say that playing the likes of Spurs and Chelsea wasn't "interesting" when we were in Division One and seemingly with no chance of ever playing those two in league competition, but the foreign flavour recently seen - Feyernoord, Alavés, Inter Milan still to come - has certainly been a little bit different.

However we've really pushed the boat out in terms of weirdness with the announcement of our final home friendly against the Iran national team. They're popping over to England on a training camp (as you do) and are set to play friendlies against ourselves, QPR and Millwall.

No date has yet been announced although I'd imagine the Saturday before the season starts properly would be as good a bet as any. Iran are currently top of their World Cup qualifying group after beating North Korea 1-0 on Friday, and it certainly promises to be an intriguing match-up.