by Johnny Moore
Alan Knight has been through some tough times.
The former Pompey goalkeeper battled alcohol and debt before seeking help and emerging with renewed hope.
Now he has teamed up with Pompey’s community department as part of a project to help men lead healthier lifestyles.
The Fratton legend, who was approached by health trainer Paul Allen to be the ambassador for the scheme, believes his own problems will enable him to empathise with others facing similar issues.
Knight, who made 801 appearances during his 23 years with the Blues, said: “The things I’ve been through since packing up football have been well documented, although the problems began when I was still playing.
“The problems I endured gave me a deeper interest in how people actually get themselves in the type of position that I found myself in – and how they can get out of it.
“There were times when I was banging my head against the wall, without knowing how to get myself out.
“And at times there seemed, for people who find themselves at their lowest ebb, nobody to turn to.
“As a former footballer I was very lucky to be able to attend the Sporting Chance clinic, which was founded by Tony Adams.
“In the end I had somewhere to go, but it was a big step for me to go and seek help because of my pride.
“Anything I can now do to help, I will. If I can raise the profile of the programme a little and help someone who finds themselves in those dark places, so much the better.
“Some might find it strange that someone who drank and still smokes is attempting to help others – but who better than someone who knows what they’re going through?
“So I consider it a privilege to be asked to become ambassador, and hopefully we can raise a lot of awareness.”
Paul Allen added: “I approached Alan a couple of months ago with a view to getting involved.
“The programme is concerned with men’s health, something that is often neglected due to the lack of awareness and reluctance to seek help.
“Obviously Alan remains a legend at the club and I thought he was an ideal ambassador for the health programme.
“He will be perfect for raising awareness of what the programme wants to achieve for the male population in the city.
“We work closely with Centrepoint, a local homeless centre where you can have a hot meal and shower, as well as help with housing, benefits and drink and drug matters.”
This website will be carrying out a series of interviews with Alan over the summer, looking at the problems he has faced in order to raise awareness of the men’s health programme.