AN EMOTIONAL tribute will be held to remember a young Saints fan when his team next play at St Mary's.

Jack Dowding, 20, died suddenly on Saturday morning (January 7) at his Hedge End home, in St John’s Road.

His dad Laurence Dowding said Jack's friends were behind a campaign launched to hold a minute's applause for the student during the match against Liverpool on Wednesday.

Mr Dowding, 53, said: “Jack had a huge amount of friends. We decided the best way to let them know was to put out on social media what had happened to him.

“It is just lovely to have so many people care about your child and say all of the lovely things they said.

“Everyone was writing the same thing - that Jack never had a bad word to anyone and always had a smile on his face.”

Jack, who was a Type 1 diabetic, died from complications with the illness, his parents confirmed.

The #20Mclapforjack appeal set up by Jack’s friends asks fans to applaud in his memory when the match reaches the 20 minute mark.

Earlier today, Southampton FC tweeted its support and urged fans to get behind the campaign to remember Jack.

Posting on Twitter, the club said: “Our thoughts are with Jack’s family and friends.

“We encourage #SaintsFC fans to join in a round of applause in the 20th minute on Wednesday.”

Paying tribute to his son, Mr Dowding said: “Jack was a son that every parent could wish for – he was so kind and generous.

“Words will never describe the loss of my wonderful son. He was my best friend and everything a father could want.”