Macca's thanks to Bournemouth for Blues benefit game

Pompey yesterday announced McLoughlin is to have his career celebrated in the club’s only planned home pre-season friendly on July 23.

Macca, as he is commonly known, made more than 300 appearances in the 1990s before being inducted into the Blues’ Hall of Fame.

A controversial departure from the club’s coaching staff in December 2014 hurt the ex-Republic of Ireland midfielder, though.

But the club’s commitment to honour a pre-existing agreement means McLoughlin will now get the chance to say a proper goodbye to the Fratton faithful.

And the Cherries have vowed to field a full-strength side for the occasion – and donate their half of the gate receipts.

McLoughlin said: ‘For Bournemouth to allow their half to be donated back into the benefit fund is fantastic.

‘They have acted with huge dignity and respected what we are trying to do.

‘I believe Eddie (Howe) is bringing a full-strength side because he is preparing for the Premier League season, which is great – I hope it will be a good game.’

McLoughlin also paid tribute to those he worked alongside at Fratton Park.

He added: ‘I also need to say thank you to Andy Awford for bringing me back to the football club because if he didn’t, then none of this would have happened.

‘Also to all of the Academy staff from Paul Hardyman to Jon Slater to Ian Buckman.

‘In that short time we were involved, we left a great legacy for the football club in the shape of its young players and I know Paul Cook appreciates the quality we left at his disposal.’

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