Pompey icon Alan Knight passes away at 65 after cancer battle

Alan Knight, who made a record 801 appearances for Portsmouth as a goalkeeper between 1978 and 2000, has died at age 65. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2024 and spoke publicly about it to encourage early detection. Knight later served as a club coach and ambassador, and received an MBE and the Freedom of the City of Portsmouth.

Knight's Portsmouth tenure spanned four decades, from his teenage debut in 1978 to his final match in January 2000 at age 38. He appeared in all four English divisions and helped secure three promotions, including the club's return to the top flight in 1987 after a 28-year absence.

After retiring, Knight remained central to Portsmouth's identity as coach and ambassador. His public discussion of prostate cancer in 2024 aimed to prompt early detection, and he credited walking football with providing vital support alongside family and former teammates during treatment.