The men who embrace Portsmouth's island spirit and the 'heroes' who wanted no part of it

As for the notion of residing in a property with a PO postcode, or even spending a little time enjoying hundreds of years of history and the finer points of a proud island city? Forget it, you’d be more likely to see Hollywood A-listers around these parts during their down time.

That literally became true after Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway embraced Portsmouth’s charms when filming Les Miserables in 2012. The galaxy of stars assembled by Harry Redknapp a few years earlier were more interested in what Millionaires’ Row in Sandbanks and exclusive London postcodes had to offer.

Likewise, with a couple of notable exceptions in the likes of Richard Hughes and Linvoy Primus, tempting a player to a community event through that era was more challenging than beating Alex Bass at present.

The time Sol Campbell was feted as a cross between Bono and Bob Geldof by a Blues PR man for spending an hour with some local school children in Eastney springs to mind. It was that rare.

Now consider that attitude and juxtapose it with the words of Christian Burgess, as he spoke of the affinity he’s developed with his adopted home across 200 appearances and five years spent in the city.

‘It’s the island nature of the community,’ said Burgess, when explaining why he’s long made Portsmouth his base and taken steps to ingratiate himself with all aspects of life in the city.

‘It’s that feeling that everyone is a part of something and part of the island. I enjoy it.

‘There’s a sense the club is a focal point for the city and something everyone buys into.

‘It’s unparalleled really in the country. Even in your Liverpools and Manchesters there’s two clubs.

‘In Portsmouth there’s a massive sense of pride in being from here.

‘Having the history with the navy also adds to what it means to be from Portsmouth.

‘The togetherness you feel, well, I don’t think there’s many places like it.

‘So to experience that and be welcomed into that has been an honour really.’

Four years ago, a series of popular dinners saluting promotion-winning sides from the down the years concluded with a Boys of 2003 dinner lauding Harry Redknapp’s title-winning heroes who reached the Premier League.

After some memorable and, indeed, emotional evenings which saw the promotion wins and cup runs of yesteryear lauded as they reunited, hopes were high of another special night. In the event, however, it was down to Hughes and Primus to represent. They were the only squad members present.

Now, it must be noted there was mitigating circumstances for a host of other players who’ve been present at other reunion and hall of fame events. But it did leave onlookers to speculate if organisers were to face such difficulties encouraging attendance from that era, how would they get on pulling the FA Cup squad of 2008 together? Hermann Hreidarsson and David James possibly, but beyond that?

And would the affinity felt so warmly for the area as the likes of Bally’s Gremlins from 1987, Bobby Campbell’s title winners from 1983 and Jim Smith’s FA Cup heroes of 1992 reconvened be present?

The thought already is the Boys of 2017 is a night to remember in the waiting, however, when the time’s right for Paul Cook’s League Two champions to be remembered. And the way those players and manager did their partying it should be a lively affair.

Again, though, that side largely embraced the community and would often be found frequenting restaurants, cafes and even back-street boozers across the area. It’s unclear if Lassana Diarra or Sulley Muntari did the same.

Even three years on from the dramatic achievements of Cook’s side, past differences and difficult moments have been forgotten as the players involved reflect fondly on what unfolded. The dark times will be forgotten amid success, as their manager used to say.

Burgess, of course, was a central figure to a side who will take their place among the roll call of modern achievers.

And in a week in which he became just the fourth player in the 21st centrury to hit a double-century landmark for appearances, he is honest enough to admit the thought of leaving a Pompey legacy is present in his thoughts.

‘Football is a short career and I’d be a liar if I said I don’t think about how I’d look back on it,’ Burgess said.

‘You see things about the number of games I’ve played and it’s nice to hit those milestones.

‘People come and go from clubs and have success and disappointments.

‘Maybe it’s not the biggest thing, but anywhere you go you want to achieve success and leave a legacy. It’s a motivation, for sure.

‘But I feel that Portsmouth is a part of me. I can call it home.’

Now when the new hall of fame members are inducted in 2030, who should history remember fondly?