DRIVING in his car, former Saints skipper Jason Dodd was looking forward to the annual golf day fundraiser for Wessex Heartbeat.

Many of his old team-mates and former managers, including club legend Alan Ball, would be there to take part.

But as he turned on the radio the current manager of Eastleigh Football Club heard the devastating news that would cloud what was set to be a fantastic day.

Arriving at the Meon Valley Golf and Country Club in Shedfield yesterday morning he found himself sat in the car as the news slowly sank in.

"I was just driving to the club when it came on the radio. I made a couple of phone calls to find out what had happened. I just couldn't believe it."

Jason, whose Saints career spanned from 1989 to 2005, played under the watchful eye of Alan during his reign at The Dell between January 1994 and May 1995.

He added: "I was only chatting to him on Saturday night at a dinner. He looked really well and he was in great spirits.

"He was fantastic for me when he was the manager. We did a lot of charity events and particularly golf days and he was always at the front of it.

"When I pulled into the car park I just sat there, I didn't want to get out of the car.

"When I went in we just sat there with a coffee. These days are always fantastic but the mood has been a bit sombre.

"Everyone is just in shock. A lot of people, especially the footballers and ex-footballers - everyone has fond memories. Alan's death is a massive blow."

After what Wessex heartbeat chief executive Terry Osborn described as "an agonising decision" Jason and his fellow golfers decided to continue with the fundraiser because it was what Alan would have wanted them to do.

Jason added: "I know it sounds stupid but it's always said that sadness brings people together. I would be surprised if you could find anyone with a bad word to say about him.

"Alan used to get invited to every event because people knew what sort of entertainment they would get out of having his company.

"Alan should have been playing this afternoon - he was due to be on Lawrie's team and not surprisingly Lawrie is finding that a little difficult.

"He would have wanted us to do this and carry on with the event. It's a fantastic day and feel that it is something he would have wanted us to do - to get on and get out there.

"It's very very sad and he will be terribly missed."