Pompey title-winner Reg Pickett died on Sunday night
Pickett, who played for the Blues between 1949-1957, was 85 years of age.
He was born in India where his father was in the army but the family returned to England when he was three months old.
Pickett signed for reigning first division champions Pompey from Weymouth in January 1949 for a fee of £750.
The versatile player made his Blues debut at left-half in the 3-1 home win over Derby on October 15, 1949, while Jimmy Dickinson was on England duty.
The following week, Pickett was selected at inside-right to replace the injured Duggie Reid.
By the end of the 1949-50 season, he had made 14 league appearances, which was enough to win a league championship medal when Pompey claimed the title for the second year on the trot.
Pickett remained at Fratton Park until 1957, giving his best in whatever role he was called upon to play in.
In the summer of ‘57, Alf Ramsey took him to Ipswich Town for £5,000.
Pickett was soon made captain and led the Suffolk club to the second division title in 1960-61, the same season Pompey dropped into division three.
A year later, Ipswich astounded the football world by winning the first division crown.
One day, Ramsey called Pickett into his office and told him he was thinking over the offer of becoming England’s manager. Pickett’s reply was: ‘If you do, you’ll win the World Cup.’
Bobby Robson succeeded Ramsey at Portman Road and, seeing Pickett as too old, gave him a free transfer to Stevenage.
Pickett later moved back to Portsmouth to work in the Dockyard until he retired at the age of 60 and he later lived on the Isle of Wight.
Born: Bareilly, India; January 1, 1927
Position: Forward, half-back
Pompey career: 1949-1957, 128 appearances, three goals
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