TRIBUTES have been paid to a life-long Saints fan who died just before his beloved team’s FA Cup clash against Manchester United.

Club shareholder Barry Heys, pictured, had been making his way to St Mary’s to see the game when he suffered a heart attack.

Yesterday the 69-year-old’s family described him as “a man of the utmost integrity”

and “a true gentleman”.

Barry’s son, golfer Martin Heys, said: “Dad was an avid Saints fan and was a season ticket holder for more than 30 years.

“He has seen his beloved team go through highs and lows but would never miss a home game.

“He was a true gentleman, a very generous person in many different ways and would never let anyone down.”

Born in Blackpool, Mr Heys joined his parents and brothers in Southampton in the 1960s where he helped with the family business running the Albany Hotel in Winn Road.

His love affair with Southampton FC began, and he was at Wembley Stadium in 1976 to watch his team lift the FA Cup after beating Manchester United 1-0.

Mr Heys would attend every home match at the Dell and St Mary’s, where he sat in Row 1 on the halfway line just in front of director Rupert Lowe.

Martin added: “Dad liked the football Saints are playing at the moment but hated the blame culture that exists.

“What he did believe in was the famous spirit of Southampton, something he embodied and wanted to see shine through.”

A member of the public found Mr Heys lying on a pavement at the corner of Britannia Road and Northam Road, just metres from the stadium, at around 3.40pm on Sunday.

A thanksgiving service in memory of Mr Heys is being held at Highfield Church, Southampton, at 10am on January 19.