Renowned sports journalist Pat Symes delves through the careers of the 20 greatest Cult Heroes in the history of Portsmouth Football Club and discovers the essence of what makes a South Coast icon. From league title winner 'Gentleman' Jimmy Dickinson, through goalscorers Billy Haines, Paul Walsh, Guy Whittingham, Duggie 'Thunderboots' Reid and David Kemp to hardmen such as Jimmy Scoular, Noel Blake and Mick Tait, Symes reveals why each of the 20 icons became the embodiment of the fans on the pitch through anecdotes, interviews and revelations, not to mention charting how Portsmouth dominated English football after the war. Along the way Symes recounts numerous infamous incidents, including how Linvoy Primus had a day named in his honour by Afro-wig wearing fans and how Alan Biley's two stoppage time goals caused a Father Christmas pitch invasion one yuletide.
- ISBN10 1905449046
- ISBN13 9781905449040
- Publish Date 31 October 2006
- Publish Status Cancelled
- Out of Print 14 June 2010
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Pitch Publishing Ltd
- Imprint Know the Score Books
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 288
- Language English