01/09/2026
Today, Portsmouth has lost a true legend, and we have lost someone we were incredibly proud to call a friend of the Queens Hotel.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Alan Knight MBE — a man whose name will forever be part of the story of Portsmouth.
Alan's achievements on the pitch made him a Pompey legend, but those of us fortunate enough to know him also knew the person behind that title. His dedication to this city, his generosity and his commitment to helping others earned our deepest admiration.
Almost two years ago, Alan bravely chose to make his prostate cancer diagnosis public, not simply to share his own battle, but to encourage other men to get tested and to raise vital awareness of the disease.
That determination to help others continued throughout his journey. Last year, Alan helped organise an incredible charity match at Fratton Park between an Alan Knight XI and Pompey Legends, raising £40,000 for prostate cancer charities. We were incredibly proud that our own General Manager Paul was able to take part in such a special occasion and support a cause that meant so much to Alan.
Over the years, we also had the great honour of welcoming Alan through the doors of the Queens on many occasions and sharing some wonderful charity events and moments together here in Portsmouth.
Those are memories we will always treasure.
801 appearances may tell the story of his extraordinary loyalty to one football club, but numbers could never tell the full story of what Alan meant to Portsmouth and its people.
His legacy reaches far beyond football.
From Farid and all of us at the Queens Hotel, our hearts and thoughts are with Alan's wife Heather, his daughters Jade and Rebekah, and all of his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
Thank you for everything, Alan.
Portsmouth will never forget The Legend. 💙
Photos: Alan Knight MBE in Pompey in the Community John Jenkins stadium prior to the charity match organised by owners of the Queens Hotel; General Manager Paul with Alan Knight post a charity match at Fratton Park involving an 'Alan Knight XI' and a 'Pompey Legends'; last photo: the hotel account Greg together with Alan years ago.
