Two Pompey stars of the 1960s and 1970s are being mourned.

The club have sent their condolences to the families of Ray Hiron and Fred Smith. Both deaths were announced on Monday.

Hiron has passed away at the age of 76. The centre-forward scored 117 goals in 364 appearances during his 11 years on the south coast. He was spotted playing for Fareham Town and also worked in the city’s dockyard

It was in 1964 that he signed professional terms at Fratton Park. After two reserve outings behind him, Hiron was handed his senior debut in a 1-1 Division Two draw at Bury.

Pompey said: 'The towering target-man was a constant nuisance to opposition defences and once hit four goals in a 5-2 victory over Norwich at Fratton Park. He brought up a century of league goals for the Blues by diving full length to head home Ken Foggo’s cross against Nottingham Forest.

'Hiron was awarded a testimonial against Southampton in 1975, fittingly scoring both goals in a 2-1 win over Pompey’s south coast rivals. He left to sign for Reading in the summer of 1975, spending three years with the Royals and later working at the Mountbatten Centre.'

Smith has died at the age of 77. Pompey said the diminutive right-back made 96 appearances for the club between 1970 and 1973 after arriving from Burnley.

'He signed alongside Colin Blant and made his debut in a 1-1 Division Two draw at Norwich on the opening day of the 1970/71 campaign. Smith recovered from injury to become a regular member of the side and memorably provided the cross for Mike Trebilcock to score a famous FA Cup equaliser against Arsenal.

'He was ever-present during his second season on the south coast and scored his only goal in a Blues shirt. Smith managed to spring the offside trap before lobbing the keeper in an impressive 6-3 victory over Fulham at Fratton Park.

'He ended his career with brief spells at Dallas Tornado and Halifax, later becoming a milkman and running a newsagents and restaurant.'

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