Portsmouth mourn the loss of defender Alan Garner

Garner, who played for the Blues between 1980 and 1982, has died at the age of 69.

The Londoner made 44 appearances in that time scoring three goals after being recruited by Frank Burrows in February of 1980, as his side went on to gain promotion from Division Four.

A ball-playing defender, Garner forged a useful partnership with Steve Aizlewood as Pompey finished sixth in the third tier.

The man who arrived from Watford, where he won player-of-the-season plaudits, struggled with injuries, however, which restricted his number of appearances.

Those issues led to Bobby Campbell eventually selling Garner as he moved into non-league football with Barnet.

Pompey stalwart, Barry Harris, felt Garner was a defender who was easy on the eye.

He said: ‘Alan was a good footballing centre-half and he worked well alongside Steve Aizlewood.

‘Steve was the rough and tumble defender and Alan was the footballer. They had a good balance.

‘He had his injuries and when Bobby Campbell came in he brought in Ernie Howe, but Alan was a useful player for us.

‘He was a decent bloke, too, and loved his music particularly Neil Diamond I remember.

‘Those who watched Alan play will saddened to hear of the news.’

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