Former Blues keeper passes away
Portsmouth Football Club are mourning the death of former Blues keeper Pavel Srnicek, who has sadly passed away at the age of just 47.
He arrived at Fratton Park in September 2003 and played four times before signing for West Ham the following March.
The Czech Republic international made his debut in a League Cup tie at Southampton before keeping a clean sheet in a Premier League draw with Everton.
Former team-mate Linvoy Primus said: “It’s incredibly tragic news because he was still very young and had plenty to offer – in football and in life.
“When Pavel signed, we knew we had brought in an experienced goalkeeper who could do a job for us.
“But he was also a solid guy off the pitch and encouraged all those around him. He got on with everyone in the squad and I know he’ll be missed by many.”
Fellow keeper Alan Knight added: “I’m gutted. He didn’t play a huge amount of times for the club, but was a larger than life character and a great person.
“It’s very sad, especially because he was still a young man. My thoughts are obviously with his family and loved ones.”
Srnicek came to England to sign for Newcastle in 1991 and became a firm favourite with the fans during his seven years in the north-east.
He also turned out for Sheffield Wednesday and West Ham before returning to Tyneside for a short second spell with United in 2006.
Srnicek suffered a cardiac arrest while jogging before Christmas and was placed in an induced coma.
Everyone at Portsmouth Football Club would like to send their deepest condolences to Pavel’s family and friends.