A LIFE-long Saints fan and 'adored' family man has died suddenly at the age of just 39-years-old.

Tributes have poured in for Totton man Nick Biddlecombe, 39, who died on Wednesday.

Described as an avid Southampton FC supporter, fellow fans are calling on the club to allow for a minute-long applause during Saturday’s match to honour him.

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Upon hearing the news of his passing, one friend Tweeted: “My fellow Saints FC fans we have lost another great man taken far too soon today.

“Please can we pay tribute to him on Saturday with a minute of applause?”

His younger brother Jon Biddlecombe has described the applause as “an amazing idea" and says it is "awesome."

He said: “As a family, we think people suggesting it is amazing.

"Nick was always a massive Saints fan.

“We would like to thank everyone for their kind messages and support at this time.”

Daily Echo: Nick (centre) with his siblings Helen and Jon and their respective daughtersNick (centre) with his siblings Helen and Jon and their respective daughters

Aside from attending Saints games, Nick also spent his time advocating against tombstoning after an accident in 2000 left him paralysed from the waist down.

He was only 17 when a jump, two and a half feet down into the water, broke his neck in four places.

But Jon says Nick’s situation did not change his outlook on life.

He said: “Nick was a very positive person and he was very keen for others to not go through what he did and to know about the repercussions.

“He had a positive outlook on life and he was my best mate and a legend.

“We became closer after his accident, he was my best friend.

“Nick chose not to have children, but he adored his two nieces. His stepson has a daughter so he was a grandad too and he doted on her.

“We were a close family and we adored him.”

Daily Echo: Nick BiddlecombeNick Biddlecombe

Nick was well-known and loved amongst Saints supporters, with many sharing their condolences online.

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Jon said: “Our dad was a supporter of Saints, so we were both fans. And he used to play football before his accident as well.

“He and his fiancé Julie went to every home game and sometimes went to away games.

“We are devastated at our sudden loss we will truly miss him so much.”

The cause of his death is yet to be established.