Portsmouth mourn the death of former Spurs and Barnsley defender

Collins made 87 appearances at Fratton Park after being signed by Ron Tindall from Spurs in 1971.

Pompey paid £5,000 for the Welsh under-23 international who was used as left-back and midfielder before moving to US side Dallas Tornado in 1974.

Football historian and Blues stalwart, Barry Harris, explained Collins was a decent player who attacked well down the flank.

Harris said: ‘John was a useful player, a good passer with a good left foot and positional sense.

‘He used to get forward well and I think Ron Tindall realised that so used him further forward at times

‘He was with the Wales squad when he was here but never got a full cap.

‘John was a pleasant bloke with a few stories to tell from his Spurs days and he will be missed.’