Pompey chief executive Mark Catlin says the death of John Jenkins will be felt by many, many people.

The D-Day veteran and Fratton boardroom steward has died soon after celebrating his 100th birthday.

He started supporting Pompey in 1928 and is one of the few fans to watch Pompey lift the FA Cup at Wembley in both 1939 and 2008.

Chief executive Mark Catlin told the club website: 'On behalf of Portsmouth FC, our directors and the Eisner family, we wish to offer our sincere condolences to John’s family. John was a well loved and welcome member of the Pompey family and as recently as the last home game, was in the boardroom celebrating with others the stories of his life.

'He impacted on the lives of so many and I am sure that the sadness felt at John’s passing by all of us at the club today, is being replicated in many places where he had such a positive effect on those he connected with.'

John's life and career was recounted in a tribute on the website. It said: 'Growing up in Southsea, John worked as a Cunard bellboy as a teenager, later becoming a sergeant in the Royal Pioneer Corps.

'He took part in the Normandy landings in 1944 and landed on Gold Beach on June 6, as British troops joined Allied forces to begin the liberation of Nazi-occupied France. John worked as a trolley bus driver after the war, then joined the naval services, where he remained for 35 years.

'He played a key role in the commemorations for the 75th anniversary of D-Day last summer, taking to the stage to address the Queen, world leaders and other dignitaries.

'John celebrated his 100th birthday with a party at Fratton Park last month, with guests including former Pompey chairman Milan Mandaric. As well as being awarded an MBE and the Legion d’Honneur, John was named Portsmouth Volunteer of the Year in 2016 for his work with the city’s ‘D-Day Story’.'

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