Pompey are mourning the loss of Paul Mariner, who has passed away at the age of 68.
The former England international striker scored nine goals in 66 appearances for the Blues between 1986 and 1988.
He was part of the side that finished second in Division Two during the 1986/87 campaign to secure promotion to the top-flight.
A statement from his family read: “We regretfully inform you that Paul passed away peacefully on July 8 surrounded by his family after a brief battle with brain cancer.
“We would like to thank all the people who came to see him through his illness for their support and for the messages that were sent to him. They meant a great deal to him and us.
“A special thank you must go to the NHS and the unbelievable care he received when he most needed it and for that, we as a family, will forever be in your debt.
“Paul lived a full life and was fortunate enough to represent a group of fantastic football clubs, as well as his country, all of which meant the world to him.
“Anyone who knew Paul will attest to his fantastic sense of humour, his passion for life and his work. He will be sorely missed by everyone who was ever around him and by those most close to him.”
"I know he’ll be missed by everyone who played alongside him during a incredible career, as well as those who watched him from the stands."
Blues club ambassador Alan Knight said: “Paul was a quality player and also a great person. He was a popular member of a Pompey side that enjoyed great success in the 1980s and this is incredibly sad news.
“I know he’ll be missed by everyone who played alongside him during an incredible career, as well as those who watched him from the stands.”
Starting his career with Plymouth, Mariner is probably best remembered for his time with Ipswich and was inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame.
A member of Sir Bobby Robson’s squad that lifted the FA Cup in 1978, he also enjoyed UEFA Cup glory three years later.
He moved on to play for Arsenal before arriving at Fratton Park and later featured for clubs in Australia and America.
Mariner was capped 35 times by England – scoring 13 goals – and represented his country at the 1980 European Championship and 1982 World Cup.
After hanging up his boots in the 1990s, he moved into coaching and had a stint as manager back at Plymouth.
The thoughts of everyone at Portsmouth Football Club are with Paul’s family and friends at this sad time.
So Sad to hear the News that my old striking partner at @Pompey Marrers has passed away,I knew he was struggling as I did a piece for a book about him recently
— Mick Quinn (@mickquinn1089) July 10, 2021
He was on and off the field an absolute Class Act
R.I.P Kidda x pic.twitter.com/PfeOspIUXv