Tributes are being paid to Pompey footballer and Hampshire cricketer Mike Barnard, who has died aged 85.

The death of a man who starred at a time when a number of pros played football during the winter and cricket in the summer was announced by the club on Wednesday morning.

A Pompeey statement ran through Mike's life: 'Born in Portsmouth, the talented all-round sportsman played first class cricket for Hampshire, as well as making 123 appearances for the Blues. He made his debut in a 1-1 home draw with Tottenham in December 1953 and helped the club finish third in the top-flight the following season.

'One of Mike’s finest performances in a Pompey shirt came in a Fratton clash with Arsenal, when he scored in a 5-4 victory at Fratton Park. A right-handed batsman and brilliant slip fielder, he would turn out for Hampshire over the summer and made a total of six centuries.

'Barnard left the Blues in 1959 to focus on his cricketing career — winning the County Championship two years later — but still appeared for non-league Chelmsford. Later working as a coach and commentator for BBC Radio Solent, he also organised reunions of former Pompey and Hampshire players.

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

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