'Safest pair of hands', 'A special person', 'an even better human being' - Former teammates and the football community pay tribute to Alan Knight
‘One of the best goalkeepers I ever played with’
Former teammates of Alan Knight have been paying tribute to the Pompey legend after he passed away this morning.
Having featured for the club from 1977 to 2000, teammates from across eras have shared their thoughts on the 65-year-old who played over 800 games for Portsmouth. Players such as Darren Anderton and Chris Kamara have revealed the esteem they held him in, not only for his talents as a goalkeeper but his traits as a human being.
Anderton featured for Portsmouth from 1990 to 1992, famously scoring in FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool. He posted on X: “Such awful news. Knightsie was a true legend. One of the best goalkeepers I ever played with. The saves he would make had you put your head in your hands in disbelief at what we would witness on so many occasions. But he was an even better human being. So loyal, so humble RIP Bud”
David Hillier played over 60 matches for Pompey between 1996 and 1999. He said: “So sad to hear of the passing of my former teammate the Pompey legend Alan Knight RIP my friend, another taken too early my thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
Chris Kamara started his career at Portsmouth in 1974 before leaving in 1977 and returning in 1981. He posted: “Another good’un gone. Knightsy was a giant and I remember Ray Crawford (youth team coach) bringing him in to the club at 15. One of safest pair of hands I have played with. A regular face I would see at the club over the years and he has never changed. Fabulous career and loved at Pompey forever.”
Striker Micky Quinn was at the club from 1986 to 1989 scoring 54 goals in 121 appearances.
He posted on X: “Absolutely Gutted when I heard this news. Knightsy was one of the best Goalkeepers I’ve played with or against, a special person and a true Pompey legend. We were due to do a gig together in November and I was looking forward to catching up with him. R.I.P my fellow Gremlin.”
Vince Hilaire made 146 appearances for Portsmouth between 1984 and 1988. He commented on Facebook: “RIP my room mate my buddy and one of the kindest people I have ever met thanks for being in my life and giving me so many happy memories thinking about you and family at this extremely sad time. Love you Knightsy.”
It was more than just his old teammates that have been affected by the news, with the football community as a whole sharing their sadness at his passing.
Former Southampton player Matthew Le Tissier said on X: “Thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. An absolute legend for your club and a nicer bloke you couldn’t wish to meet. RIP Alan.”
Ian Darke, a football commentator for ESPN and Pompey fan shared on social media: “Devastating news of Alan Knight. So very sad. Alongside Jimmy Dickinson , probably the most loved Pompey player ever. Met him many times. Great bloke. 801 games and if there were any bad displays I don’t recall them. Fratton Park drowning in tears tonight. RIP The Legend.”
BBC commentator Chris Wise said: “Heartbroken to hear of Alan Knight’s passing. Not sure anyone could epitomise the essence of Portsmouth Football Club more than him. Loyalty on the pitch for four decades, and later a coach, an ambassador, and, for so many, a friend.”
TV presenter and commentator Daniel Windle shared: “Hard to find the right words right now...Heartbroken we've lost Ledge.”