Alan Knight dead at 65: Legendary Portsmouth goalkeeper who spent 22 years at Fratton Park dies as tributes pour in

PORTSMOUTH legend Alan Knight has tragically passed away. Knight, just 65, holds the record for the most appearances for a single club by a goalkeeper. Portsmouth legend Alan Knight has died aged 65 Credit: Ian Tuttle Knight played more than 800 times for Pompey Credit: Alamy He played an enormous 801 games for the Fratton Park club, and played a huge role in Pompey’s charge to the 1992 FA Cup semi-final, where they eventually lost on penalties to Liverpool. Having joined Pompey at just 14 as an apprentice, Knight quickly established himself in Fratton folklore. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! He was a member of the 1982/83 Third Division winning side, and earned a call-up to England’s Under-21s team in the process. When Pompey won promotion to the First Division in 1986/87 with Knight between the sticks, he became one of very few to have represented the club in all four divisions of the English Football League. Though they were relegated after just one season, Knight kept a clean sheet at The Dell as Pompey claimed a 2-0 win over bitter rivals Southampton. His final Portsmouth appearance came on January 3 2000 aged 38, meaning he was the only player to have played for the club in FOUR different decades. Knight passed away surrounded by close family, the club announced on Tuesday morning, following a battle with prostate cancer,. He bravely went public with his diagnosis in October 2024, and helped raise over £40,000 for cancer charities with a charity match at Fratton Park. Most read in Sport Knight was the only Pompey star to play for the club in FOUR different decades Credit: Alamy Knight revealed he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004 Credit: Colorsport Pompey wrote: “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, teammates 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.” Fans also sent their condolences after the shock news as they hailed Knight “an absolute Pompey legend”. One called the loss “devastating” and said: “He was a huge part of the club on and off the pitch and will be irreplaceable and massively missed.” Another wrote: “RIP, a true Pompey Legend. Definitely need a stand or statue named after him.” A third added: “So gutted. I can’t believe it. Thank you legend for everything.” Comment now