Title-winning trio reunited for Pompey book launch

Promotion heroes Alan Biley, Alan Rogers and Alan Knight are to be reunited to mark the publication of a new Pompey book.
By Sports Desk
Published 8th Sep 2015, 20:00 BST
Played Up PompeyPlayed Up Pompey
Played Up Pompey

The trio were key figures in Bobby Campbell’s side which won the Division Three title in 1982-83.

Biley netted 26 times, Rogers was the supply line from the left wing, while Knight was an ever-present during the memorable promotion campaign.

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The three are included in the forthcoming Played Up Pompey, written by The News’ chief sports writer Neil Allen.

The book contains fresh in-depth interviews with 24 former Blues players who remain eternally popular among the Fratton faithful.

And to mark it’s launch, Biley, Rogers and Knight will be in the Victory Lounge, Fratton Park, on Friday, October 2 to meet supporters.

In addition, long-serving kitman Barry Harris will also be present, having contributed the book’s foreword.

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Harris, who has been associated with Pompey since August 1952, has worked with 23 of the 24 players interviewed.

The quartet will take questions from the audience for the event, which will be hosted by Roger Higgins and starts at 7pm.

Tickets are free and still available to supporters who wish to attend.

Meanwhile, copies of Played Up Pompey will be on sale on the night priced at £16.99.

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Printed by Bishops Printers, it features players who represented the club between 1949 and 2013, establishing themselves as popular figures.

In their own words, they lift the lid on their Pompey days, with brutal honesty, refreshing candour and deep affection.

It features Lindy Delapenha, the last surviving member of the Division One title-winning teams of 1948-49 and 1949-50.

Then there’s Ron Saunders, the third-highest scorer in Blues history, the incomparable Robert Prosinecki, Great Escape hero Matt Taylor, and FA Cup winners Sylvain Distin and Hermann Hreidarsson.

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Also featured are Dave Kemp, Ron Newman, Arjan De Zeeuw, Paul Merson, Mike Barnard, Ricardo Rocha, Billy Wilson, Lomana Lualua, Mick Kennedy, Alan McLoughlin, Mark Hateley, Noel Blake, Andy Awford, Guy Whittingham and Norman Piper.

To get tickets for the launch of Played Up Pompey, e-mail [email protected]

Related topics:PompeyAlan KnightNeil AllenMatt Taylor