Tuesday 29 December 2015 19:47, UK
Former players and team-mates have been paying tribute to ex-Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek following his death aged 47, with Les Ferdinand hailing him as an 'ultra professional'.
The former Czech Republic international collapsed while out jogging on December 20 and after being in an induced coma for nine days, passed away on Tuesday.
Srnicek spent two spells at St James' Park, playing alongside Ferdinand in the 1990s and also spent time at Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and West Ham.
"I'd known he'd sort of collapsed a few days ago and you're just praying and hoping he pulls through," Ferdinand told Sky Sports News HQ. "I got the text message from his agent that the family decided to switch the machine off and it was just shock and disappointment because Pavel was a really nice guy.
"Looking back on him he was one of the fittest professionals I've ever played with. I saw him since our days of playing together and he still looked a very fit and healthy man.
"When I went to Newcastle in the 95/96 season he was one of the people I saw first because he was big, tall and upright. He came and welcomed me and I'll remember him as an ultra professional. He was a very good goalkeeper but was about his business."
Ferdinand's former Newcastle team-mate Steve Howey also joined in the tributes for Srnicek.
"First and foremost, as a person he was such a big, strong, lovely, warm man. Everybody loved him and I've never known anyone to have a bad word to say against him," Howey told Sky Sports News HQ.
"I think sometimes in life you're blessed with meeting people that do have an impact on you and Pav was certainly one of them.
"I know he played for another couple of clubs but he was classed as 'Pavel the Geordie'. Newcastle fans all loved him and he loved them. It's a horrendous day."
The former England international also hailed Srnicek as the 'complete goalkeeper' and reflected on his giving nature during his time on Tyneside.
"For me, he was a complete goalkeeper. He was big, strong and good in the air. He could kick with both feet, he could get down low to save the shots or up high and he had great reflexes too. As a defender, when you've got someone like that behind you, it definitely fills you full of confidence.
"He had that mentality of wanting to help as much as he could and that's just the way he was. While there's a lot of other players paying tributes to Pav - and a lot of the lads are very upset about it - my thoughts and everybody else's are with his family."
Former Magpies team-mate Darren Peacock also spoke to Sky Sports News HQ echoed the same feelings and recalled: "He was the life and soul of the dressing room. He was loud - but only at the right times. He was competitive - really competitive. I didn't hear him say a bad word about anybody and it's such as shame.
"He was totally into team sport and totally into helping other players. In the dressing room you can tell which players are going to go into coaching. Pav was certainly one of those who you felt would definitely be involved in the game.
"The Geordies took him to their hearts. You could tell at the Villa game on Boxing Day. He was infectious, his personality, his character. He will be remembered forever."
Other former Newcastle team-mates have also paid tribute to Srnicek on Twitter.
Alan Shearer posted: "So very, very sad to lose my friend and former team-mate Pavel Srnicek. My thoughts are with his family at this awful time."
Former United goalkeeper Steve Harper tweeted: "A beautiful soul has left this world far too early. Thank you so much for everything you did for me."
Winger Keith Gillespie tweeted: "So sad to hear about Pavel Srnicek. Proud to have known him and played with him. Absolute gentleman."
Fellow 'keeper Shaka Hislop posted: "Rest in peace my friend. #Pav" and midfielder Gavin Peacock added: "Words fail to express the sadness at the death of my former @NUFC room mate."
And Newcastle United posted: "It is with immense sadness that we confirm the passing of former #NUFC goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek today. Our deepest condolences go to Pavel's family, many friends, former colleagues and supporters at this very difficult time. #NUFC".
