'Rest in peace, The Legend' - Tributes paid to Portsmouth hero Alan Knight

Tributes have poured in from across Portsmouth and the football community after it was confirmed that the former Pompey goalkeeper and coach Alan Knight has died at the age of 65.

Knight played 801 games for Pompey, the second-most appearances after Jimmy Dickinson, after making his debut, aged 16, on the final day of the 1977-78 campaign.

Having been diagnosed with prostate cancer in October 2024, he chose to go public with the news to help raise awareness and encourage people to get tested.

A Portsmouth Football Club statement read: “The word legend is often overused in football, but the fact that Alan was still known as ‘The Legend’ at Pompey more than 20 years after hanging up his gloves speaks volumes.

“He will be sadly missed by the Fratton faithful, teammates and all of us at the club who knew and loved him.

“Our thoughts are with Alan’s wife Heather, his daughters Jade and Rebekah, and all his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.

“Rest in peace, The Legend.”

Knight embedded himself in the Portsmouth community and has been ever-present in giving his time for charitable causes.

Pompey in the Community paid tribute to him on social media calling him a “true community hero”.

The post said: “We are devastated to hear of the passing of Alan Knight MBE. Alan was not only a Pompey legend, but a true community hero. From supporting our Covid response and visiting schools, to starting last year’s Great South Run, he always gave his time to help and inspire others across Portsmouth.

“We will always be grateful for everything Alan gave to our community. Our thoughts are with Heather, Jade, Rebekah, and all of Alan’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, The Legend.”

Knight was awarded the freedom of the city of Portsmouth in 2025 in recognition to his services to the football club and the community.

Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin said she was “deeply saddened” by the news of his passing and praised his dedication to the city while Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage called him a “true Pompey great”.

Stephen Morgan, the MP for Portsmouth South, said Knight was a “crucial advocate” and campaigner in the “national fight against prostate cancer” and praised his service to the football club and the city.

Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: "Alan wasn't just a Portsmouth Football Club legend; he was someone who gave so much back to the city he came to call home. It was a real privilege to be part of honouring him with the Freedom of the City earlier this year, recognising not only his incredible achievements on the pitch, but also the difference he made to people's lives off it.

“Alan faced his illness with remarkable courage and continued to inspire others through his charity work and efforts to raise awareness of prostate cancer. He will be greatly missed by Portsmouth and remembered with enormous affection. My thoughts are with Alan's family, friends and everyone connected with Portsmouth Football Club at this difficult time."