The Official History Portsmouth Football Club a Celebration of 125 years.
On Thursday 30th November, a celebration was held at Fratton Park to launch of the new official history of Portsmouth Football Club. The authors and printers gave speeches and explained their roles in making this fantastic book. Many former players were there to chat with fans and sign copies of the book.
I was invited along because some of my photographs appear in the book. This was because I was a staff photographer at The News from 1990-2012. As a lifelong Pompey fan it was a real honour to be there.
This video as a record of the evening. I interviewed the books editor, Colin Farmery and two of the authors, Neil Allen and Steve Bone. There is an interview with one of the clubs longest serving players Alan Knight MBE. Steve Bone also talks to former player Paul Hardyman. Two of the other authors Mick Comben and Johnny Moore are in the video signing autographs.
Enjoy watching, I enjoyed making it.
What’s in the video?
As a lifelong fan and someone deeply involved in Pompey publications, Colin Farmery expresses immense pride in assembling the Portsmouth Football Club’s 125th-anniversary book. He emphasised the importance of a great team for such a project, highlighting the skilled group of authors who contributed.
Gerry Spraggs, a dedicated fan since 1959 and a University of Portsmouth alumnus, joined this project due to his keen interest in the Pompey Champions of England Project. His meticulous attention to detail was evident in the chapters he authored, particularly those focusing on the 1920s and 1930s.
Bishops Printers reflected on their intertwined journey with the club, recalling fond memories of launching the centenary book. They’ve supported the club through all its ups and downs, a relationship cherished and valued.
Alan Knight MBE, honoured to have played for Pompey, praised the club’s supporters. He describes as the best in the country, if not the world. He has long-standing connection with the club and talks about some of the best players he has worked with.
Steve Reid, in conversation with Colin Farmery, discussed the genesis of the anniversary book. Colin shared the team’s ambition to create something special for the 125th anniversary. They aimed for a definitive history, emphasising the use of photographs and accurate statistics. The colorisation of early photographs was particularly striking, offering a fresh perspective on the club’s storied past.
Neil Allen, chief sports writer of The News in Portsmouth, covered the modern era of the club’s history. His firsthand experience reporting on the team since 1999 provided a unique and insightful angle.
Steve Bone, sports editor of Sussex newspapers. A lifelong Pompey fan, contributed significantly by covering the John Deacon and Gregory years, a period spanning 1973 to 1999. His section chronicled the promotions, relegations, and boardroom dynamics of those times.
The book captures the club’s highs and lows across different eras, bringing to life the vibrant history of Pompey. From the struggles in the seventies to the memorable promotions under Alan Ball. The book offers a comprehensive look at the club’s journey. It also pays memory to Gerry Spraggs. A key contributor who passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy through his work.
The book is a testament to Portsmouth Football Club’s rich history, capturing the heart and soul of the club and its supporters. It stands as a benchmark for future chroniclers of this remarkable football club’s story.
