Pompey Online Bookstore - Pompey's Gentleman Jim was published back in 1988. How long did it take you to research and write the book?
Peter Jeffs - About two years in all, most of which was taken up with either going to see members of his family, playing colleagues, former managers, old supporters or researching from old newspapers, books, playing records.

POB - What sort of support did you get from the Club in writing the book?
PJ - As much as I needed really in the way of access to records and encouragement.

POB - Did you ever see Jimmy Dickinson play and if so what do you particularly remember about him as a player?
PJ - I saw him play from about 1956 onwards but not unfortunately when he was at his peak as an established international. Much of the time I saw him play in a struggling side and later on as a veteran but he was always a special player who stood out even then. I remember his composure, his unique timing e.g. tackles, interceptions, his anticipation, and reading of the game, and of course his dignity.

POB - The book is a fine tribute to the greatest figure in Pompey's history. Is there another former or current player who you'd like to write a biography of?
PJ - Nobody quite warrants a biography which would have such national appeal as Dickinson's. From a local standpoint I suppose Alan Knight comes close and would probably have a good story to tell of his times at Fratton Park. Nobody could have seen so many ups and downs! When he's no longer associated with the club I might weigh it up, but the first hurdle is convincing a publisher that its viable.

POB - I remember JD as a manager of Pompey, in particular the scenes of jubilation when Pompey beat York to avoid relegation on the last day of the 1976/77 season. In different circumstances, ie with more money and with the club not in crisis, could Jimmy Dickinson have become a great Pompey manager?
PJ - In reality I don't think Jimmy was in any way cut out to be a manager, and even with some money to spend and a stable club the pressure would have been too much for him. He did not have the assertive nature to handle strong-minded players and was too quiet and self-effacing altogether for the job. He found it hard to relate to the modern players of the 1970s so what he would have made of the 1990s version is anybody's guess.

POB - JD's personal qualities, including loyalty to the club and an unblemished disciplinary record, are virtually alien to the modern game. How do you think he would have fared as a player at the beginning of the 21st century?
PJ - At his peak in the early 1950s he was a great player and might well have held down a place on the left-side of three in the centre of a defence. My only worry would be the speed of the modern game because Jimmy was not blessed with great pace but he made up for that with his anticipation and sharp tackling.

POB - Does PFC do enough to remember the stars of its past - and in particular would you like to see the new stadium named after JD?
PJ - I would like to see him remembered by a stand being named after him, with a suitable bust at the entrance say.

POB - You've contributed to other books about Pompey, notably the Centenary History - are there any others in the pipeline?
PJ - A project is underway to issue a book to mark the departure from/demise of Fratton Park on the removal to the new stadium. Largely pictorial, a coffee-table type, book recording all the sights and memories of the old ground, with views of different parts of the ground inside and out, for posterity really, pre and post seating etc.

POB - Can you tell POB a little about yourself, including when you first saw Pompey and who your all-time favourite Pompey players are?
PJ - My first visit to Fratton Park was on 26 December 1954 Boxing Day, with my father as a 13-year old, primarily to see Stanley Matthews for Blackpool but he pulled out minutes before the kick-off. I was captivated and have been going ever since, other than five years or so when I played on a Saturday. My favourites from different eras : JD of course, Jackie Henderson, Kevin Dillon, Alan Biley, and latterly Paul Walsh. The last-named is probably my all-time favourite and gave me the most pleasure.