'One of the most remarkable people I ever met': Neil Allen's tribute to Portsmouth Legend Alan Knight

A footballer’s regard among supporters is primarily established on the pitch, with adulation, respect and, on occasions, character assassination dictated by calibre of performances.

Although, to my eternal regret, I never saw Alan Knight play for Pompey. His 801 appearances spread over four decades had escaped my attention, the last of which was 11 months before I joined The News.

As a consequence, I didn’t truly view him as a footballer. For, unlike generations of adoring Fratton faithful, I never witnessed those glorious goalkeeping displays which elevated him into club legend status.

Without such preconceptions, I judged Knightsie entirely on how I found him in post-playing days - and he was one of the most remarkable people I’ve ever had the privilege of encountering.

A humble man and without ego

Irrespective of extensive footballing achievements during 22 years as a Fratton Park first-team player, including becoming the second-highest appearance maker in club history, he remained a humble man and without ego.

Wonderfully self-deprecating and marvellously modest, he would reflect on his career with that wry smile of his, usually with a put down at his own expense. There was never a clamour to remind you how good he was, he didn’t refer to himself as ‘The Legend’.

Indeed, Knight wasn’t one for demanding attention, despite being fixed in the public glare for more than half a century. Having successfully battled with alcoholism and been sober for 17 years, he continued to attend club functions, although, around 9pm, he would quietly slip away, usually without a goodbye.

Recognising when an evening was ramping up and becoming more boisterous, he preferred to bow out of the action with the minimum of fuss. As understated as ever - even if it often left his good friend Johnny Moore stranded without a lift home.

Nonetheless, Knightsie loved speaking to supporters, it was a natural gift, a touch of genius even. Always patient, always approachable, he never tired of answering well-worn questions, for instance the Noel Blake own goal at Plough Lane (he was rubbing his leg, by the way!).

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Match-days would be spent walking around the Fratton End/South Stand areas, stopping to chat with any familiar face - and he knew most people, of course - often providing an affectionate cuddle. He had an impressive way with people, a tremendous talent in itself.

There would also be the customary pre-match visit to the press room, being partial to a sausage roll, particularly the giant ones produced by Piglet’s Pantry. ‘Hello Mr Allen,’ was his usual greeting, with accompanying big handshake.

Sporting Chance transformed his life

There weren't any sides to Knightsie, no hidden agendas or ulterior motives - which certainly is unusual in football. It was never about what was in it for him, instead his desire focused purely on helping others. He didn’t seek favours, he initiated them.

It’s why he cherished his Pompey ambassadorial role, a position which allowed him to attend charity events, pay his respects at funerals of supporters, and make hospital visits. While, for a number of years, he drove club media staff to away matches in the ‘fun bus’, as they lovingly nicknamed it, combining it with working for Express FM on commentary.

There had been demons, of course, specifically alcoholism and depression. Knightsie credited 28 days spent at the Sporting Chance Clinic in September 2008 as saving his life. At the time he had been sleeping on friends’ sofas and drinking heavily, before his family sought urgent help, funded by the PFA.

He once said: ‘As part of our treatment, we would be taken to stables in Hindhead, blindfolded and encouraged to chat with horses, stroking them and leading them around, with the idea that horses can sense your fears.

‘Well, horses scare me - and I’ve not been anywhere near one since!’

Raising prostate cancer awareness

To complete his life transformation, Knight married his beloved Heather in July 2010, within 18 months of the pair meeting at a funeral, and settled in Clanfield. It was his second marriage - and he saw it as a second chance at life.

In 2020, he told Pompey: The Island City With A Football Club For A Heart: ‘Smoking was probably tougher to give up (than alcohol). During my playing days, a drinking session could see me smoke between 40-50 cigarettes a day, with around 20 a day normally.

‘My wife, Heather, has been instrumental in conquering my addictions. She’s not a big drinker and hated me smoking, while she’s provided me with stability, love, support and belief which I never had.’

In October 2024, following a diagnosis of prostate cancer, Knight decided to raise public awareness by revealing his health battle - in the hope it would encourage others to seek medical guidance.

He subsequently oversaw the staging of a charity football match at Fratton Park in May 2025, with a crowd of 6,012 lending their support. Southampton icon Matt Le Tissier was among those participating, demonstrating the respect which bridged rivalry.

More than £42,000 was raised and split between PCaSO, a local organisation raising money for equipment at QA Hospital, plus Prostate Cancer UK and the Barry Kilby Prostate Cancer Appeal.

He told The News at the time: ‘I never wanted this to be all about poor old Al, that’s definitely not the reason why I decided to go public.

‘Everyone is, in some way, affected by cancer. Most of us have been touched in some shape or form, whether that’s personally or with family and friends. The word is scary, but I want to create awareness.

‘I have always been around and involved with people with cancer, whether that’s raising money or visiting them in QA Hospital. I never thought it would ever happen to me, I’m not the Superman I thought I was.’

Knightsie was genuinely touched by the levels of support from the public following his diagnosis, likewise he was buoyed hearing the stories of those he helped through creating awareness.

It was July 1975 when a 14-year-old from Balham, South-West London, arrived at Fratton Park - and he never left. Pompey were his only Football League club and, except a spell coaching in Dallas, Portsmouth remained his home.

Sadly, he passed away on Tuesday at the age of 65. We all lost a friend, a family member, a hero and a legend. It has hit a city hard.

Yet Alan Knight is - and will forever be - Portsmouth Football Club.

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