Everyone at AFC Portchester is saddened to hear of the sudden death of supporter Paul Davidson.
One of the most dedicated Arancione, he passed away suddenly this week at the age of 71.
He is pictured (above on the right) with his friend of nearly half a century Brian Bigwood (left) enjoying a Portchester away day.
Our condolences go to Paul’s family and friends at this sad time. Brian has written the following tribute:
Born in West London, Paul was the ultimate sports fanatic, a dedicated supporter of Queens Park Rangers and Harrow Borough plus following speedway, cricket and basketball with the same fervour, which meant to him being there and not just watching on TV.
Sport also gave him the excuse to travel – there were few countries in Europe he had not been to with a view to seeing a sporting event of some kind.
He also went to cricket in the West Indies and Australia, two trips to Africa for the Cup of Nations and travelled extensively to North America for baseball, hockey, basketball and the NFL.
He also found the time to write two self-published books, one documenting his trips around Europe following the London Towers basketball team and the other a fiction about a non-league ground hopper.
After moving down to Bognor Regis, he wanted to find a non-league club to commit to and after a brief dalliance with Pagham, he found AFC Portchester by accident.
He was won over by a warm welcome from chairman Paul Kelly, the dazzling orange of the kit and the flowing football on the pitch.
It has only been four years but he missed only a handful of games home and away in that period, despite not being in the best of health.
After suffering those heart-breaking end of season defeats at Bemerton in 2023 and Shaftesbury in 2024, it was fantastic that as part of the Arancione, he enjoyed the unbelievable 2024-25 season and especially that wonderful night at Cowes last April.
Paul loved being welcomed into the Portchy family and these last few years have been so much fun for him.
Paul leaves his wife Carol and myself – his heart broken friend of near 50 years and fellow Arancione forever.
