Linvoy – Is he good enough to carry on? – Johnson’s Replacement: Part II of IV

The next candidate for the right-back position is a Mr. Linvoy Primus. The 35-year-old remains the current longest-serving player at the club. He remains an icon in the Portsmouth area and in my opinion just remains one of the nicest and humblest blokes in football. His work in the community is second-to-none. There’s a phrase in Portsmouth which states, ‘If you haven’t met or seen Linvoy, you haven’t lived in Portsmouth for very long’, or at least something along those lines.

Many have doubted his playing ability over the years, yet the Forest Gate born defender has come back and defied his critics each season. However, Primus has been unfortunate in terms of injury these past two years, which has led him to miss important events in Pompey’s history, such as winning the F.A Cup and performing in Europe.

Although missing out on these great events, Primus has not been forgotten. His appearance in Pompey’s last home game of the 08/09 season against Sunderland summed up the general attitude of fans towards him. His appearance brought out the largest cheer from the Fratton faithful for what had been quite a while.

His smile said it all.

Chants of ‘Linvoy Primus’ Blue & White Army’ and the complimentary if not ambitious chants of ‘Linvoy for England’ only made that smile bigger. Every touch of the ball he had was greeted by another large cheer by the Pompey fans. Even the normally miserable looking Sol Campbell managed to crack a smile hearing the huge cheers his fellow teammate was receiving.

Primus’ contract was set to run out at the end of last season, however if reports are to be believed, Primus has agreed a twelve-month contract extension, which will also see him lend some of his lengthy experience to the younger players at the club, acting as a ‘mentor’.

He’s a great guy, he’s a club ambassador and his come-back attitude is one to be commended. However, can he still cut it as a week-in, week-out Premier League footballer? His age and his pace are attributes perhaps against him, but with God on his side and knowing Linvoy, nothing is impossible…