Pompey mourns the death of Brian Snowdon, who died aged 88.

The centre-half – who spent his national service with the Royal Air Force – played for Shildon Works in Durham before signing for Blackpool.

Blues boss Freddie Cox then parted ways with £10,000 to bring him to Fratton Park in 1959, with a start coming in a 1-0 Division Two defeat at Derby.

He replaced club legend Jimmy Dickinson as skipper, although a thigh injury and dislocated shoulder halted his progress.

Pompey was relegated at the end of the following season, but immediately rebounded by winning the third tier title under George Smith.

Snowdon was a regular on this success and then looked assured at a higher level before another injury sidelined him.

He was relegated to reserve at the start of the 1963/64 season and Smith allowed him to leave for Millwall.

Appointed skipper, he led the Londoners to successive promotions from Division Four to Division Two – playing his part in a remarkable 59-game unbeaten run at home.

Snowdon later appeared for Margate, Detroit Cougars and Cystal Palace, also working as a physical education teacher.

The thoughts of everyone at Portsmouth Football Club are with Brian’s family and friends at this sad time.