Time to honour long-serving stalwarts for their loyal services to Portsmouth

Pompey’s long-serving kit men should be handed a testimonial for their unstinting loyalty.
Barry Harris. Photo by Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.comBarry Harris. Photo by Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com
Barry Harris. Photo by Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com

That’s the view of respected commentator and Blues fan Ian Darke, who has called for the stalwarts’ efforts to be recognised.

The pair have an association with Pompey spanning a combined 89 years, with Harris’ roles including club mascot, Pompey sailor, physio and now kit assistant since 1952.

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Neither man has ever received a testimonial and nor would they ask for one, with both men viewing filling their roles as an honour.

But Darke has voiced a sentiment it would be fitting to give their pair a reward for all they’ve done for Pompey down the years.

He wrote on Twitter: ‘Why don’t Pompey hold a joint testimonial game for two very popular long-serving club stalwarts - kit man “Big Kev” and the remarkable Barry Harris? Just floating the idea. Feel free to retweet.’

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