The widespread support for Dave Jones throughout football will tomorrow face its biggest test yet as he steps out for his first home game as manager of Wolves.

Although assured of a warm welcome from the Molineux faithful, he knows he could be in for a hot reception from the Pompey fans.

The intense local rivalry means the former Saints boss is bound to get a fair bit of stick - but it is to be hoped it is only on a football front.

Jones has been deeply moved by the backing he has had from supporters of all clubs during his 18-month ordeal facing unfounded allegations of child abuse.

He received a standing ovation from the Nottingham Forest crowd as he took the dug-out in his first game back in football since being cleared at Liverpool Crown Court.

And the Portsmouth followers could do their image a power of good if they steered clear of any sick songs - even if they give him some stick for his Southampton connections.

Jones said: "If they want to chant then there is nothing I can do to stop them. All I would say is I just hope it never happens to them and they never have to go through what my family and I have suffered.

"I would like to think they will treat me with the respect I deserve after all I have been through. But if they think that having a go will upset me or get them a win, then let them.

"The support I have had around the country has been fantastic. I think that showed people knew I was innocent.

"Even the Forest fans gave me a standing ovation which was very nice and the Wolves supporters have made me very welcome.

"I am really looking forward to my first home game as manager. Things have gone really well so far with the FA Cup win at Forest and I just hope we can keep it going.

"I did not realise quite how big this club is until I got here. There must have been 5,000 of our fans at Forest last week and they are desperate for success.

"If I can get them up into the Premiership then things will really take off. Although we are mid-table now our target is to get onto the shirt-tails of the play-off candidates and hopefully we can start with a win tomorrow."

Pompey will be looking to put a dismal run of results behind them tomorrow but Steve Claridge's side are down to only four fit defenders after it was confirmed centre-back Linvoy Primus, who has missed the last six weeks with a thigh injury, will be out for the next two months following surgery on torn stomach muscle and groin injuries.