Farewell to a Portsmouth legend as much-loved figure relives memorable journey
The renowned Pompey kitman is lifting the lid on 30 memorable years at PO4.
He feels like he’s lived ‘10 lifetimes’ in his 30 years at Fratton Park.
Now, following his exit from Pompey after three decades of service at PO4, he gets his chance to say goodbye.
Kev the Kitman: ‘Thirty years at Pompey - that feels like 10 lifetimes on its own!’
That means the opportunity to offer some rare insider insight into life at Fratton Park - and being able to ‘set the record straight’ on a number of the famous tales and big events.
Kev McCormack is the focus of a tribute evening on Friday night in Southsea, which will recount his experiences as the Blues’ kitman.
A Special Evening with Kev McCormack takes place at The Gaiety on South Parade Pier, and will be a night for Pompey fans to savour.
All the glorious events of his time at the club will be relived, with classic stories of supplying Robert Prosineck’s half-time cigarettes and putting Gary Neville in his place as he called Fratton Park a ‘dump’ recounted.
And expect some untold anecdotes, too, on a night hosted by ‘Touchline’ Tony Male.
As well as telling his story guests will have a chance to question the Pompey kitman, while Blues great Alan Knight is also expected to be among the special guests.
McCormack believes the evening will afford him the chance to properly sign off after suffering a heart attack, as he steps down to spend more time with his wife Sarah - who has battled bowel cancer.
He said: ‘I’m looking forward to it and it’s nice that people are willing to come along and lend their support, as I say goodbye.
‘From coming to the city as an 18-year-old, being a marine, boxing and then 30 years at Portsmouth - that feels like 10 lifetimes on its own!
‘I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some massive characters and brilliant players from Harry Redknapp to Robert Prosnecki and all the others.
‘I’ve also got the chance to set the record straight on a few things, as well as telling people about one or two things they probably don’t know.
‘It all went so quickly at my last game, so it will be good to properly say goodbye to everyone.
'Portsmouth is the city which shaped my life.
‘I’m a working class person and Portsmouth is a city of working class people. It’s an aggressive city and one which likes a fight - a bit like me!
‘I’ve mellowed now really and I’m a big softie really, but this is a city with a heart which has given me my best years.
‘I’ve met a lot of good people, but when I had a heart attack I knew it was time I had to put my health and family first.
‘So to have this night to say goodbye is something I’m really looking forward to, it will be to brilliant to share it with everyone.’
A Special Evening with Kev McCormack takes place this Friday (7.30pm) at The Gaiety on South Parade Pier. Tickets are still available from £20. To book tickets visit www.book.events/kev