Former Blues defender passes away
Portsmouth Football Club are mourning the death of Steve Aizlewood, who passed away last night aged 60.
A Welsh schoolboy and under-21 international, Steve made his debut for Newport County at the age of 16, becoming the youngest player to play a century of games for the club.
Steve joined Pompey along with fellow Swindon defender John McLaughlin in the summer of 1979, signed by another former County Ground man Frank Burrows.
He was signed for £45,000 in order to plug the gap created by the sale of Steve Foster to Brighton for a then record fee of £150,000.
A colossal centre-half, Aizlewood was a major factor in two Pompey promotions – the first from the old Division Four in 1980 and the second when the Blues won the old third division in 1983.
He was brave and uncompromising and later in his Blues career sported a headband to protect his battered face and nose from further punishment.
After a penalty jinx struck the third division championship side with Bobby Doyle (2), Neil Webb, Alan Biley and Trevor Ross all missing from the spot, it was Aizlewood who stepped up against Doncaster to fire home and successfully claim the role for himself.
He played 201 games between 1979 and 1984 before briefly turning out for local non-league side Waterlooville.
Portsmouth Football Club send their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Steve Aizlewood.