The top police boss in Hampshire hopes she "won't need" all of the £250,000 she has budgeted to police Southampton's fixtures against Portsmouth next season.

Hampshire Constabulary have set aside £125,000 to police each fixture in a bid to ensure supporters can "enjoy some old-fashioned south coast rivalry".

Saints, relegated from the Premier League in record time this season, will face Pompey in league action for the first time since 2011/12 next campaign.

The date of those games will be confirmed when the Championship fixture list is announced on Thursday, 26 June.

Southampton recorded a 4-0 win over Pompey in 2019.Southampton recorded a 4-0 win over Pompey in 2019. READ: Fernandes reportedly 'under consideration' at Premier League club

The ferocity of the rivalry, particularly after its recent absence, means the force requires significantly more resources to police the fixture.

Seven men were jailed for violent disorder after Southampton's 4-0 win over Portsmouth in the Carabao Cup in 2019.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary would usually require around £10-15,000 to police Saints or Portsmouth games, meaning this budget is nearly 10 times the usual sum.

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones told the Daily Echo: "I have put aside around £250,000 to pay for it, although I am hopeful that the budget I have set aside won’t be needed.

"There is a historic rivalry between the two teams, and we know that most fans will be looking forward to the games, which the force is very experienced in policing.

"The police can re-charge the football club for the cost of policing the game in the ground and the areas surrounding football stadiums, which are owned by the club.

"With good planning and good work with the supporters' associations and the police, I am optimistic the Portsmouth/Southampton games next season will enable everyone to enjoy the game and enjoy some old-fashioned south coast rivalry on the pitch, but not off it."