After 38 years of working for Portsmouth Football Club, club secretary Paul Weld has announced his very well-earned retirement from his position at Pompey. He will step down at the end of the month.
One of the most loyal and long-serving employees in the history of the club, Paul has overseen nearly four decades of ever-changing fortunes.
Paul has worked through nine changes of ownership, 19 different managers (22 if you include Frank Burrows, Alan Ball and Harry Redknapp, all of whom managed Pompey twice), encompassing two periods of administration, four relegations, four promotions, one FA Cup final triumph, one FA Cup final defeat and a season in Europe!
He has seen the club sink to the old division four and back up again for two spells in the top flight.
A Pompey fan, Paul was an active member of the London Supporters' Club before arriving at Fratton Park from the Football Association as assistant to the then secretary Jimmy Dickinson, before taking over as club secretary.
It is almost impossible to express the ways in which Paul has supported the Club both professionally and personally over the years of his service, but everyone at Portsmouth Football Club wishes him a very long, healthy and happy retirement, enjoying time with his wife and family while continuing to follow the club.