IT IS the famous crest that hundreds of Saints players and fans have worn with pride.

But now the man who created the crest in the 1970s has passed away aged 86.

Graphic designer Rolland Parris created the badge in a competition, and his logo included a halo which is reference to the Saints nickname, a red and white scarf for the team's colours, a tree to signify the nearby New Forest and a river for the city's maritime connections; it also uses a white rose which is borrowed from the city's crest.

Since it was created there has only been a minor alteration in the 1990s, when a football at the top was updated.

"When I was young my brothers and I would each in turn spend a week with my grandparents over the summer,” said Nick Henman, grandson of Mr Parris.

“During these times, he would take us out on days out, to art galleries, museums, historical sites and we would often spend a day crabbing at bittern park on the gamble river.

"He would always encourage us to play the piano and would often paint with us. Helping us draw and make pictures.

"He was kind and involved with the upbringing of all his grandchildren.

"He loved football, a regular season ticket holder, he would go to many if not all possible home Saints matches.

"And of course, by default, we all support Southampton as well.

“For as long as I knew him art, music and football, especially Southampton, were his main passions.”