The word ‘Legend’ can be vastly overused. But there could never be a more fitting word to use to describe Pompey’s Alan Knight who was not only a legend for the football club but also for the city of Portsmouth.
Although the former Blues goalkeeper was born in London he was one of our own. He joined Pompey as an apprentice when just 14 and made 801 appearances for the club as a player, as well as roles as a coach and ambassador in five decades of service to the club he adored.
News of his death has davastastated the city he called home, with Knightsie a well-known figure in the community, attending events and supporting local businesses.
Made an MBE in 2001, he was awarded the Freedom of the City of Portsmouth in May 2025 in recognition of his incredible dedication to the football club and the local community and the support he gave.
He was an ambassador for Pompey In the Community as well as Patron for Age UK Portsmouth, Friends Fighting Cancer (FFC) and We Are Pompey 2029 which is leading Portsmouth’s city of culture bid.
And after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2024 he spoke openly of his battle with the disease to raise awareness, and raised around £40,000 for charity though his Alan Knight Prostate Appeal.
On Saturday a minute’s applause will take place at Fratton Park on Saturday (September 5) when Pompey take on Cardiff.
Here we look back at pictures of Knightsie from over the years - and the key role he played in both the football club and the city:
17. Alan Knight
Alan Knight at a charity football match at The Havant and Waterlooville ground to raise funds for One upon a Smile and Children with Cancer, 2015. It was Pompey Legends v The TV Stars which included several actors from popular TV soap programmes. Alan is pictured with his granddaughter Amelia-May Wingate Picture by: Malcolm Wells (151004-6127) | The News
18. Alan Knight
2015: Alan Knight at a charity cricket match between Hambledon and an Ex-Professionals XI. The game was in memory of Kim Manns and is raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Picture: Allan Hutchings (151142-544) | The News
19. 2015: The Tesco store in Fratton was officially opened by Alan Knight, joined by The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth Frank Jonas, Clare Martin, CEO of Pompey in the Community, and Jon Roberts the Tesco store manager Picture: Sarah Standing (151886-770)
The News
20. Alan Knight
Alan Knight meeting young fans (left to right) twins Wendy Lloyd (11) and Martin Lloyd with Simon Lloyd (8) in 2016. Picture: Malcolm Wells | The News