Portsmouth Football Club supporters are mourning the death of devoted fan Nick Whyley, affectionately known as ‘Blind Nick’, a legendary supporter who became part of Pompey folklore through his remarkable adventures around the world despite being blind.
The 64-year-old Fratton End season ticket holder passed away on 2nd June whilst wearing his treasured Portsmouth shirt, according to his family. Whyley had suffered from a degenerative condition that began affecting his vision at age 11, eventually leaving him completely blind by his thirties.
Despite his visual impairment, Whyley lived an extraordinary life filled with adrenaline-fuelled activities including downhill skiing in Colorado and deep-sea diving in destinations such as the Caribbean, Gozo and Cuba.
Nigerian Adventure Creates Legend
Whyley gained particular notoriety amongst Portsmouth supporters as one of the famous ‘Nigerian 11’ – a group of dedicated fans who travelled to Abuja in 2008 to watch Pompey face Kano Pillars and Manchester United during pre-season.
The trip spawned one of the most remarkable stories in Blues supporting history when hotel security inadvertently allowed the blind supporter to handle an AK47 assault rifle.
His stepson Brad Taylor recalled: “Perhaps letting a blind man get hold of a high-powered weapon wasn’t their best move! I think they realised it was a bad idea when he started wobbling and flinging the rifle around his head!”
Life of Adventure and Mischief
Taylor described his stepfather as “unique”, explaining how Whyley belonged to a group of disabled individuals who participated in extreme sports. “He’d go skiing in places like Colorado and diving in places like the Caribbean, Gozo and Cuba – which was his favourite,” Taylor said.
The devoted supporter’s adventures weren’t limited to foreign shores. Taylor recounted various mishaps over the years, including an incident when Whyley was seven and mischievously ran onto the pitch to grab the ball, earning an official sending-off from the referee and a “colossal telling off” from his father.
Another memorable moment occurred at Fulham in the 1990s when Whyley accidentally head-butted a police horse after stepping off the team coach, being almost completely blind by that stage.
Final Match and Lasting Legacy
Whyley’s last match at Fratton Park was the memorable victory over Oxford United in March 2024, where the home crowd’s support helped propel Portsmouth to a crucial win on their way to the League One title.
Even as his health declined, Whyley remained deeply connected to events at Fratton Park, ensuring he stayed informed about his beloved club’s progress.
Funeral Plans and Tribute
The funeral will take place at Portchester Crematorium on 8th July at 3.15pm, with attendees encouraged to wear Portsmouth shirts or royal blue colours.
Taylor has issued a special request to the wider Portsmouth community: “I’d love everyone to raise a glass and play Portsmouth at 3.15pm on July 8. That’s the song which his coffin will be brought into at the funeral and it would mean the world to get as many Pompey fans doing the same, wherever you are.”
He added: “It’s fitting the nurses told us he passed away wearing his Pompey shirt – he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”
The Fratton Faithful are being encouraged to honour the memory of a supporter whose remarkable life story and unwavering dedication to Portsmouth FC made him a true legend among the club’s supporters.
