Doctor of the University
An important figure in the story of Portsmouth Football Club.
Portsmouth Football Club has been an integral part of Eric Coleborn’s life for more than 50 years. As a young supporter, he’d watch games from the ‘boiler makers’ hump’ (Milton End) with his brother and friends.
As soon as he was old enough, he became a ‘Golden Goal’ ticket seller. He got involved with SOS Pompey and helped form the Pompey Action Group to raise funds for the Club. He even met his wife, Carol, through football.
In the mid-1970s, Eric started working in the Club’s commercial department. He played a part in setting up the Pompey Lottery and running the ‘Football Special Trains’ to away games up and down the country. As the Club entered the old First Division (now the Premier League) Eric stepped away to help run his family’s firm, which dates back to the 1700s.
He was active in the fans’ takeover of Portsmouth FC in 2013 and, as one of the Presidents, he’s worked to help both the Club and its charity, Pompey In The Community. In 2017, Eric took over as chairman of Portsmouth FC Women from his good friend and fellow president, Mick Williams.
When the Women’s club was taken over by the main Club under the Tornante Group, at the end of the 2022/23 season, Eric was invited to be a director of the new company. The 2023/24 season has seen both the Women’s and Men’s teams promoted as champions – a fittingly triumphant achievement in the Club’s 125th year.