Fratton Park will unite before tomorrow's game against Barnsley to pay respect to former captain Mick Kennedy, a firm favourite of everyone that watched Bally's team of the mid-80s that took us up to the top flight after a 28 year absence. A key lynchpin of that side, he was controversially sold by owner John Deacon in a decision that many feel cost the club it's chance to stay up that season.
Pompey SLO Johnny Moore has given us his thoughts in a blog post in which he recalls how Mick endeared himself to a generation of Pompey fans - https://www.pompeytrust.com/blog/one-moore-for-the-road--february-2019
PST board member Eric Coleborn worked for the club in the 1980s, a period that coincided with Mick's time at Fratton Park. Eric recalls:
I remember Mick as a leader, a captain, someone who would lead by example.
He was the heartbeat of the team. A player the fans loved because he always gave 100% in every game. He joined Pompey in 1984-85 season with the club in the old 2nd division. In his 3 full seasons at Fratton Park the team finished 4th, 4th and 2nd winning promotion to the old 1st division in the 1986-87 season.
Mick would play in all of the league games back in the 1st division until he was sold in the January 1988 to Bradford City.
I will remember Mick as a part of that promotion winning side who delivered us back to the old first division alongside players like Noel Blake, Billy Gilbert and Mick Tait.
We hope everyone will join in celebrating a true Pompey Legend both in the minute's applause before the game and by singing his name on the 57th minute.