Former Newcastle keeper dies aged 47

                                

Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek has died at the age of 47, nine days after suffering a cardiac arrest in his native Czech Republic.

The son of a woodcutter, he joined Newcastle at the start of the 1990s and played under Jim Smith, Ossie Ardiles, Kevin Keegan and Kenny Dalglish.

While Keegan was in charge, Srnicek helped the Magpies win promotion to the Premier League and was an integral part of the squad that came close to winning the title in 1996.

A big favourite with fans during his first spell at St James' Park between 1991 and 1998, Srnicek collapsed while jogging on 20 December.

He was taken to a hospital in Ostrava and placed in an induced coma.

Srnicek, who also played for Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and West Ham, made 49 appearances for his country.

His agent, Steve Wraith, said the final brain scans on Monday had shown "irreversible damage" and the decision "had to be taken" to switch off the life support machine.

Wraith added: "Pav passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday, 29 December 2015, with his family by his side."

"My final conversation with him was about getting the entertainers team back together one more time for charity next year as it will be 20 years since that Newcastle team almost won the Premier League.

"We will make that happen and celebrate this great man's life together. United. Fans and players alike."

May his gentle soul rest in peace. May God keep his lovely family at this trying times.