'The birth rite of everyone born in St Mary’s to be held up and shown Fratton Park' - Portsmouth fans pay tribute to departing friend

The impending farewell following 58 years of stoic service has struck a chord with many of the Fratton faithful.

Fans took to Twitter to reflect on the four iconic structures which became intrinsically linked with following the Blues.

And there were touching - and often emotional – stories provided by some of our readers.

SEE ALSO: Catlin gives season ticket update as Pompey plot allowing fans back into Fratton Park

Alison Knight started off the reminiscing with: ‘Memories of my son being born at St Mary’s at 2am. Exhausted but not able to sleep, holding him as he slept and watching out the window as the sun rose over those floodlights. A moment in time for sure.’

Stories based around the St Mary’s view proved particularly popular, with Tom Wellstead saying: ‘My dad’s favourite story of me when I was born, was he held me up to the window at St Mary's and told me he would be taking me there as soon as my mum allowed. Which was 10 months later!’

Albie Somerset agreed: ‘The birth rite of every boy born in St Mary’s Hospital to be held up and shown Fratton Park to induct them into the faith early on, both @mark11s & @PJSomerset went through this ritual & survived’.

Barbara Bailey joined in with the reminiscing: ‘My husband brought in a miniature pair of football boots to hang on our baby’s crib, as he was born in St Mary’s. That was 48 years ago and he hates football. Good job 10 years later we had another son who shares our love of Pompey.’

Andy Ford added: ‘Remember the day after Sam was born. We were in St Mary's and I held him up to see the lights at FP from the ward before we played Liverpool. Four days later we were still there and there was a certain 4-1 victory. Would never have guessed how much he would grow into loving going there.’

Nathan Butler himself was born in St Mary’s overlooking Fratton Park. He said: ‘I was one of the first (my mum said no 6) born at St Mary’s new wing in 1967. I always say I was born within the floodlights of Fratton Park. Who remembers the three fans that climbed to the top for a PC to climb up and get them down at the last home game against Sheffield United before promotion to Division One?’

That May 1987 memory is shared by Matt Blake: ‘I remember our last game of the season '87, home v Shefffield United, stood under the floodlight watching the game, when a bloke climbed to the top to watch the game. A copper then went up to get him down! Me and my brother took his change that fell out his pockets as the police nabbed him.’

Many recall to Fratton Park with family members – and seeing those floodlights in their glory during midweek matches.

Mick P said: ‘I remember going to my first evening game with my late dad in 1969. Walking along Dog Muck Alley and seeing the bright floodlights in front of me. I was excited before but seeing those lights for the first time just made the whole experience surreal. I love this club.’

Dan Strophair added: ‘Walking with my dad down Milton Road, having parked the Cortina up. My hand in his, as the excitement built with every step towards those floodlights in the distance. Happy times.’

He was echoed by John Lish: ‘Getting the train in as a kid, getting past Bedhampton and seeing the glow of the lights as the train headed towards Cosham was always a thrill. Best game under lights? vs Keegan's Newcastle in 92/3.’

Lee Cooke contributed with: ‘Such a sad time. When I was a lad it was the first thing I saw standing on the Fratton railway bridge with my dad!! The butterflies I get every time I stand on the spot and look over towards Fratton Park. Even now. I hope to still get the butterflies but won’t be the same for sure.’

John Grant added: ‘Memories flood back. A Milton lad, too young to go to the sacred ground, staring at those four towers, hearing the roars. Sixty years on, the lone tower the first landmark to seek when coming back to Pompey. Skyline diminished by its loss but the memories, the love, still so strong.’

Rob Hutchison said: ‘They were the first thing you'd look for on the skyline entering the city. My dad would always stop and turn back to look at them illuminated after an evening game – a habit I inherited. They looked amazing shining through fog. Grounds without pylons just aren't as good!’

Tom Jeffereys was just as wistful: ‘I lived on Hollam Road until I was 11. Along with the roar of the crowd from the garden, I can remember walking to the ground with my dad - knowing we were getting closer by the growing crowds but also those looming lights. It won’t be the same.’

The final words should be left to Julia Moneypenny: I’ve always told my children and grandchildren that you are only a true Pompey person if you were born within the shadow of the Fratton Park floodlights – thankfully they all were and are true blues through and through.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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