Fans queue to meet former Pompey striker Peter Crouch

The former Pompey striker was at WHSmith, in Commercial Road, Portsmouth, today to meet fans and promote his How To Be A Footballer.

Dozens of life-long Blues fans queued eagerly inside and outside the shop and many were all smiles after meeting the current Stoke City player.

Crouch, who scored 35 goals for Pompey in 88 appearances across two spells, said it was good fun meeting the public.

Speaking to The News, he said: '˜I haven't been down here for a while so it is nice to be back and meet the fans.

'˜I have lots of good memories from my time at Pompey, certainly the first time around when I was 19. It is where it all kicked off for me.

'˜Meeting the fans has been nice and I always get a good reception from the Pompey lot. Thankfully I have played for a few clubs where I get a warm welcome back.'

Crouch's book covers his experiences of being a footballer and has lots of stories of his 20-year career.

He said it is not an autobiography and differs from other footballer's books.

Fans of all ages waited in-line to meet Crouch, have their picture taken and get him to autograph their copy of his book and memorabilia.

Lots of season-ticket holders managed to make it to WHSmith before Pompey's game against Shrewsbury.

Ashley Arnell, 19, from Fratton, said: '˜Crouch was in the Pompey squad for my first home game so I grew up watching up him. I am a big Pompey fan and everyone still loves him. He was a really nice bloke and is still a legend.'

Father and son David and Jamie Williams travelled from the Isle of Wight to meet Crouch and go to the game.

Jamie, 12, said: '˜He's a legend. It was amazing and I cannot wait to read the book.'

David added: '˜We like collecting autographs of players so it is great for Crouch to come back to Portsmouth and meet fans.'

Massive Pompey fan Ryan Goodall, 14, was at the signing with his parents Derek Goodall and Lisa Yeomans and his aunt Sharon Yeomans.

Ryan said: '˜I was really excited. It was really good.'

Lisa added: '˜Ryan loves football and wanted to meet Crouch. He was lovely.'