R.I.P Steve Aizlewood

Last updated : 07 August 2013 By Jim Bonner

Former Pompey centre back Steve Aizlewood has sadly passed away at the age of 60 following a short battle with illness.

The Welshman was signed from Newport in 1979 and made 201 appearances in four years for the Blues, being a key part of the promotion winning sides of 1980 and 1983.

Aizlewood's career was before my time but Pompey fans tell me he was a "proper defender" and someone who did not compromise when it came to the physical side of the game. He would often finish games with some kind of facial injury and later wore a protective headband to prevent further punishment.

He also became Pompey's specialist penalty taker when other players kept squandering their chance from the spot.

R.I.P Steve, how we could do with a player like you in our squad now.