PORTSMOUTH manager Steve Claridge and the club's most easily-recognisable fan John Westwood have joined forces to send out a clarion call to supporters in the run up to tomorrow's FA Cup tie with Tranmere Rovers.

Claridge, who has been concerned with the team's recent lack of firepower, said: "I realise the fans are frustrated but they must know that we are as frustrated as they are.

"They know we are down to the bare bones and have nobody else to bring in at present.

"We really need them to get behind us on Saturday, because although it may have become something of a cliche, they really are like a 12th man when in full voice.

"If the KJC stand can return to the atmosphere it generated when the club was struggling near the foot of the table when I joined a couple of years ago, I am sure it will help drive the players on.

"It is a phenomenal wall of sound and must surely affect visiting players."

During the tail end of season 1998/99, under the stewardship of Alan Ball, the team avoided what seemed months earlier to be certain relegation.

And during those months, the KJC stand earned rave reviews nationwide.

John Anthony Portsmouth Football Club Westwood, who changed his name by deed poll to incorporate the club title, feels the visit of Tranmere Rovers is the perfect opportunity to resurrect the old atmosphere.

He said: "Steve is dead right. The atmosphere of two years ago is now missing and it may be having a detrimental effect on the team's performance.

"It was obvious that the noise the KJC stand was generating at that time was providing a lift for the players.

"We might not have been playing particularly well, but I felt the atmosphere we were generating helped us grind out some vital wins.

"If we can get the singing and chanting going again on Saturday for the duration of the game, I am sure we would see a positive outcome. Not only do the players feel better but the fans do as well.

"And if the KJC stand is noisy for 90 minutes the other stands tend to join in as well. That can only be of benefit to the club as a whole."

Claridge hopes Pompey can trigger an extended cup run with a win over Tranmere and end a personal FA Cup jinx for the boss.

The Blues' manager played in an FA Cup semi-final with Wolves a couple of seasons ago after signing from Leicester after a move to Fratton Park at that stage collapsed.

Claridge said: "All my success has been in the various guises of the League Cup and it is about time that changed.

"I would love it if we went on a searching run in the FA Cup, it is something that would be a bit special for everyone involved with the club, supporters and players alike.

"It's a relief that we have avoid the likes of Manchester United and the other big clubs. A home tie against Tranmere may not be as exciting as a draw with one of the big clubs but it gives us every chance of getting into the hat for the next round."

Goalkeeper Russell Hoult yesterday completed his £470,000 move to West Bromwich

Hoult (28) signed for Pompey from Derby County for £300,000 in March 2000 after a successful loan spell. He played 26 times for the club this season.