Neil Allen joined The News in 2000 and now in his 13th year as chief sports writer.

He was named Regional Sports Journalist of the Year for 2018 and 2019 at the British Sports Journalism Awards, and at the 2019 and 2010 Regional Press Awards.

Neil has written four books - Played Up Pompey, Played Up Pompey Too, Played Up Pompey Three and Pompey: The Island City With A Football Club For A Heart.