Derek and I worked together at Schroder Life in the early 1980s but it was in 1996, at a Schroder reunion, that Derek asked me if I would like to go and watch Pompey with him. As I had staunchly supported Pompey all through my teens, I needed little persuasion and we turned up at Fratton Park on a cold December day; the crowd was just 6,000 and we were given free mince pies on the way in! Pompey won 3-1 and we were sold. We continued to go to many home games over the next 2 seasons and in 1998, when a new stand was built at The Fratton end, we decided to invest in Season tickets. Our seats, AA90 and AA91 we retained for the next 12 years, through good and bad (quite a lot of that!!) We came to know the people sitting around us and it was like meeting a group of old friends every fortnight. We had some wonderful experiences and I feel privileged to have shared them with Derek. Winning division one in 2003 was an amazing night, with the people of Portsmouth out in the streets singing and dancing as we drove home. And then the ultimate goal - winning the FA Cup in 2008 - such a thrill! We clapped and stamped to Mike Oldfield's Portsmouth high up in the stand at Wembley while the players cavorted around on the pitch. A magical moment that I will never forget; so happy to have shared it with Derek. Alas, all good things come to an end and I'm sure everyone knows about the sad demise of Pompey. With careful consideration in 2010, Derek and I decided to relinquish our season tickets as we no longer trusted the club and felt that we had been cheated and lied to. We have been to a few games since but the magic had gone and our last game together was a miserable 1-0 defeat by the mighty Fleetwood Town. I have missed the football over the past 4 years but even more I have missed Derek's company. He was always interesting and amusing and we talked for hours, often about football, but often not. He was a good listener who handed out sensible and thoughtful advice when needed. His devotion to Josie, Jamie and Natalie I also found very endearing, speaking of them with such pride and love. I am so sad that Derek has left us but I have some lovely memories which will stay with me forever. Liz Farquharson