‘For Knightsie’: Portsmouth skipper’s tribute to The Legend as he backs calls for lasting memorial
Marlon Pack dedicated victory over Cardiff City to Alan Knight as he paid an emotional tribute to the Pompey legend.
And the Blues skipper backed calls a lasting memorial for the all-time Fratton great, following his death this week at the age of 65.
Pompey have been in mourning following the devastating news of Knight’s passing on Tuesday, after a brave fight with prostate cancer.
The club paid tribute with an impeccably-observed minute’s silence before Saturday’s 2-0 win at Fratton Park, with a wreath laid on the pitch before kick-off while Knight’s family was present.
Pack felt the moving scenes before were a fitting and moving way to honour the man who made 801 Pompey appearances.
He said: ‘I’m just delighted we could get a win for Knightsie and his family.
‘It was a really tough moment before the game for myself, having known him for so long.
‘I’ve said in meetings all through the week, when you mention Portsmouth Alan Knight is the first person I think of.
‘He’s been a brilliant servant, not just to the football club but to the community.
‘He’ll be missed dearly, but his legacy, his impact on us all and what he did for this city will last forever.’
Pack’s own relationship with Knight is a lengthy one, stretching back to the Buckland boy emerging through the Fratton ranks as a youngster.
The Pompey skipper made it clear the man whose one-club career spanned four decades deserves a fitting and significant memorial.
He added: ‘My thoughts are with his family, he’s going to leave a huge hole.
‘I thought it was right to do the minute’s silence, because the way we do things at this football club are so respectful. It gives me chills and was a really emotional moment.
‘I spoke to the players about it after the minute’s silence.
‘I knew the fans would be with us at the start and we needed to match that energy.
‘So for the performance to match that energy and togetherness for Knightsie was great.
‘I’m sure there will be something for him, a statue or a stand. He’s deserving of that - that’s how important he was.
‘He’s a player whose name will live forever, I hope we gave him a fitting tribute.’