Butler, Ernest

Ernest Butler

Clubs played for: Portsmouth (1946-1953)

Born: 1919

Birthplace: Box, Wiltshire

Position: Goalkeeper

Biography: Became one of the Pompey's greatest ever goalkeepers but had only ended up between the sticks by chance. While playing at left-back in a Bath & District League match, the regular keeper received a knock and as the tallest player in the side, Ernie was given the gloves. He played in every match in both of Pompey's Championship winning years and played over 200 league games in total. At the end of his career he stayed in the Portsmouth area to run a fruit and vegetable business and then ran the George & Dragon pub for seventeen years. Died on 31st January 2002. He was 82. He was so proud of his Championship medal that he always carried it around with him.

Do you have any interesting, happy, or humorous memories of Ernest?
If so, please let us know and we will be happy to share them with the world!

Butler, Ernest Years ago, we used to go in the Royal British Legion Club in Fratton. My son who was about 12 years didn’t believe me when I told him that it was Ernie Butler we were talking to. To which Ernie said next week he will bring his medals in to show my son. Next week there was very proud man and a very exited young boy telling everyone that he knew Ernie Butler .
06-09-20 Stephen clark