Bobby McLaughlin, a tough-tackling Saints half-back in the 1950s, has died suddenly in Southampton aged 77.

The Belfast-born player was signed by George Roughton from Cardiff City to stiffen up Saints' defence after their relegation to the old Third Division South in 1953.

And McLaughlin fitted the bill well, helping to establish Saints as one of the top sides in the division.

His longest unbroken run in the side came during the 1954/55 season when Saints finished third.

He was given a free transfer after the 1958/59 campaign, so missed out on the club's promotion back to the Second Division the following season.

McLaughlin, who began his early playing career at Distillery in Northern Ireland, ended it with Headington United, then Salisbury.

But he retained his links with Southampton, working in the docks.

He is survived by his wife Bretta, his children and grandsons Tom and James. Bobby's funeral is at Southampton Crematorium (East Chapel) on Tuesday (10.20am).