Pensioners treated to slap-up meal
Pompey showed off their community spirit by treating pensioners to a traditional Christmas dinner at Fratton Park.
Directors Mark Trapani and Mick Williams were on hand, along with club ambassador Alan Knight, to serve turkey with all the trimmings to a sitting of more than 150 guests in the Victory Suite.
Portsmouth’s Lord Mayor Stephen Wylie joined a host of people at the event, including his predecessor Lynne Stagg and former Pompey players Pat Neil and Bill Albury.
And among those special guests was Gladys, the wife of the late Bill Thompson, a former Blues player and caretaker manager.
His two goals against Aston Villa, when deputising for regular striker Ike Clarke on the final day of the 1949/50 season, were pivotal in the 5-1 win that earned Pompey their second consecutive championship title on goal average.
This was the second year the event, organised by the Pompey Supporters’ Trust and sponsored by the Shepherd’s Crook and the Central Branch Supporters’ Club, has been held at the club.
Ann Williams, who planned it alongside PST treasurer Steve Tovey, said: “It is nice to be able to do something for older people in this area, and to get them back into the club to meet the past players and have something to eat.
“Half the people who came were from residential and nursing homes, and a small group of people were put forward to attend by the Portsmouth Carers Centre, and then we had a group of about 70 or so from Portsmouth City Council’s independence and wellbeing group.
“It’s a great way to get people back into the club, some of whom have long been Pompey fans. It was lovely.”
Also at the event, 94-year-old John Jenkins MBE was made an honorary member of the Ex-Players’ Association.
John is found regularly at Fratton Park chatting to guests in the lounges about his memories of Pompey.