Club ambassador cuts the ribbon
Pompey legend Alan Knight cut the ribbon to officially open the new Pompey store in Fratton Way before Saturday’s home game with Bury.
Club ambassador Knight, who played more than 800 games for the Blues between 1978 and 2000, performed the honours along with club mascots Nelson and Mary Rose and their pups, Georgie, Archie Royal and Ted.
Set up in partnership with sports retail giant Sports Direct, the store stocks a wide range of Pompey merchandise, with more arriving in November for the Christmas market, as well as a range of competitively-priced football kit and equipment, including, boots, balls and goalkeeper accessories.
Store manager Laura Conway said: ”It was incredibly busy on Saturday and there was a brilliant atmosphere in there.
“We’ve had some great feedback from fans who are all really pleased the club has a store again.
“When the new stock arrives I think you will see even more people coming along. We have a number of initiatives planned over half-term next week and in the run up to Christmas to get fans to visit the store.”
Knight, who also took time to pose for photographs and sign autographs, added: “The store looks terrific with some great merchandise on sale. I was particularly impressed with the goalkeeping gear on offer.”
The Pompey store is open for business Monday to Friday from 9am-5.30pm, Saturdays from 9am-6pm and on a Sunday from 10.30am-4.30pm. On an evening matchday the store will stay open until 11pm.
Watch a short video on the shop opening here.