Former Portsmouth goalkeeper Alan Knight has died aged 65 after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2024.
Knight spent 22 years at Fratton Park, making 801 appearances for the club between 1978 and 2000 — a record for a goalkeeper at a single English club.
He made his Portsmouth debut as a 16-year-old in 1978, keeping a clean sheet against Rotherham, and went on to represent the club in all four divisions of English football. His career included three promotion-winning campaigns, among them Pompey’s return to the top flight in 1986-87 after a 28-year absence.
Knight’s final appearance came in January 2000, making him the only Portsmouth player to feature for the club across four decades. He was later awarded an MBE and the Freedom of the City of Portsmouth.
Supporters affectionately knew him as ‘The Legend’. After retiring, Knight returned to the club as a coach and later served as an ambassador.
Portsmouth said: “The word legend is often overused in football, but the fact that Alan was still known as The Legend at Pompey more than 20 years after hanging up his gloves speaks volumes.
“He will be sadly missed by the Fratton faithful, team-mates and all of us at the club who knew and loved him.
“Our thoughts are with Alan’s wife Heather, his daughters Jade and Rebekah and all his family and friends at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, The Legend.”
Portsmouth captain Marlon Pack paid tribute on social media, writing: “RIP Knightsie. A true club legend who bled blue. A figure who has done so much for this football club and the wider community over so many years.”
