HUNDREDS of mourners are expected to gather today for the funeral of a popular young Southampton dad who died of a heart attack aged just 27.

Sukhwinder Singh Rathor, who was known as Danny, was driving home from playing football with friends when he felt pains in his chest and parked his car in a side street.

It is thought he got out of the vehicle before collapsing and dying. He leaves a wife Amrit and one-year-old son Nishaan.

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Tributes to the former Cantell and Mount Pleasant school pupil have been led by his older brother Bhadur.

Mr Singh Rathor, 29, said: “I don’t think it has sunk in yet what has happened.

He was just so full of life. He was the sort of person where if you put him in a room with ten people he would be friends with them in five minutes.

“He had the sort of smile that would light up a room. If you were down he would instantly cheer you up with his grin.

“It is just such a loss, we are all devastated.”

An avid Saints fan, Danny was a regular at St Mary’s Stadium, only a short distance from his Northumberland Road home. He was also a talented footballer and would play every week with friends.

David Singh Roath, secretary at the Sikh Gurdwara Tegh Bahadur Sahib temple, where Danny’s funeral will take place this afternoon, said he was a huge loss to the community.

He said: “It is such a tragedy, he was so well liked and such a big part of the community. His death has been a big shock and such a tragic loss. I remember he was always laughing. He was football mad and loved Southampton.

“I have fond memories of him celebrating his son’s first birthday, he was so very proud.”

Danny’s beloved Southampton Football Club are also paying their own tribute by sending a signed shirt to his family so his son can keep it.

A dedication to Danny will also be made in next Saturday’s match day programme for the game against Charlton Athletic.

A spokesman for Saints said: “On behalf of the club our thoughts are with Danny’s friends and family through this difficult time.”

Up to 600 people are expect to gather at the St Mark’s Road temple at 12.30pm for the funeral service before family and friends pay their final respects at Southampton Crematorium.