A huge roar went up across Southsea Common when Pompey’s skipper took to the stage on Sunday.
And Marlon Pack admitted to feeling emotional when he saw all those members of the Fratton faithful who had turned out to celebrate the League One title success.
It is a particularly special achievement for the midfielder, who is a lifelong Blues fan and progressed through the academy, departing in 2011 and returning 11 years later.
And Pack is only just starting to comprehend the joy that the team’s success has brought to the people of Portsea Island.
He said: “I didn’t know it was going to happen when I want up on stage, but my eyes started welling up a bit.
“I’m a Pompey fan and I’ve been there on the other side of the barrier in the past, so I was almost lost for words.
“I’m getting emotional, but I grew up in a council estate in Buckland and I’m getting messages from people saying ‘you’re my son’s hero’.
"We’ve all brought into something special at Portsmouth Football Club and managed to do something great for this city."
“That legacy is so important for me. I’m a Portsmouth boy and have lived and breathed this football club.
“To go on and play for – and captain – my hometown club is special and hopefully it makes kids here believe it’s achievable for them.
“It’s only really starting to sink in just what we’ve achieved this season and it feels better and better whenever I think about it.
“These fans deserve it all because of how they’ve backed us and I think us players deserve it too, with the commitment we’ve shown all season.
“It’s been a real team effort and I’m so proud of everyone – the boys, the supporters and all the staff, both at the training ground and Fratton Park.
“We’ve all brought into something special at Portsmouth Football Club and managed to do something great for this city.
“We talk about the island mentality living down here and the vast majority of people are fans through thick and thin.
“It’s why you hear from so many people who used to play here talking about how they still have a fondness for Pompey. This club is just so special.”
Incredible. Remarkable. Special. 🔵#Pompey: 2023/24. Champions. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/1ZZPTtIK3J
— Portsmouth F(C) 🏆 (@Pompey) April 28, 2024
