Policing the South Coast derby (From Daily Echo)

Policing the South Coast derby

1:25pm Monday 25th January 2010 in

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So Saints and Pompey get to meet in the next round of the FA Cup.

This is the sort of fixture that fans want; excitement, good football, city rivalry and a chance to show that despite recent problems for both clubs the football heritage in this area is still very strong.

I was glad it was a Saints home draw, not because it favours Southampton (I must maintain police impartiality) but because I genuinely think that it's a great ground for putting on a safe event for everyone. I think of the tens of thousands of fans for whom this will be a great day either at the stadium or around the two cities or watching or listening at home.

I was policing the Ipswich match on Saturday and when the results were in this was the draw I was looking for.

We'll deliver a top class police operation and support both clubs so it's a great day for everyone to be proud of and remember for ages.

We have already had our first planning meetings and there will be lots to do over the next 3 weeks and I will be saying more here and elsewhere about how the work is going.