Family call for minute's applause at League Cup Final to honour grandad David Wood

Now a campaign has been launched to honour supporter David Wood who died after suffering a heart attack in Liverpool on his way to watch Southampton's League Cup semi final at Anfield.

Th 49-year-old suffered heart attack outside a pub before last Wednesday's match which Saints won 1-0.

To remember Dave, fans are calling for minutes applause the League Cup Final at Wembley next month.

The father of two, went to the pub with friends before the game where he was hoping to see Saints secure a place in EFL final.

But before the game began CCTV showed Mr Wood clutching his ticket and struggling to walk outside - where he collapsed.

Two police officers at the venue performed CPR but failed to get a response.

One of the Liverpool police officers stayed with the Southampton man until the reached the Aintree University Hospital where he died on Friday.

His family including son Alexander and daughter Victoria, who was only released from the hospital herself that day following a horse accident, rushed to be by his side.

David, who lived in Eling for his whole life, managed Downton FC, Romsey Town FC, AFC Totton reserves as well as helping Testwood Girls football team.

He was formerly a referee for Hampshire FA and formed the Peg and Parrot football club in Totton in the late 80s.

"Dad loved going to Saints games, he always sat in the Itchen North and you could hear him chanting and singing at the top of his voice," said 25-year-old Alexander.

Family members described the former landscape gardener as "Happy-go-lucky" and said he lived each day to the full.

Another passion of David's was horse racing and he was knew all of the statics of the Hampshire horses that raced.

His daughter Victoria, who is a jockey, said: " He came to all of my races and I would ring him to discuss horses all the time - I am really going to miss that.

"I was a daddy's girl and there was nothing he wouldn't do for his family and friends."

Victoria, who broke her pelvis earlier that week in a horse riding accident said he father raced to the hospital when he heard of her injury and even though he did not drive managed to arrive at the hospital before the ambulance.

On the 27 minute of the EFL cup final at Wembley, the family are hoping that fans will stand up and clap to applaud in his memory.

"Dad would love the attention and be proud we have managed to do this for him," said his 22-year-old daughter.

Since his death, his children have started an Internet campaign 'Stand Up For David - Wembley Final', and the post has been shared by more than 1,000 people.

"He was my dad but he was also my best friend, we did everything together, he even gave me my first job - I going to miss him every single day.

"It's the little things like never being able to go and have a Sunday roast with him and my son Archie or going to watch the football with him," said Alexander.

His children have also started a justgiving page which will help to pay for his funeral.

A sportsperson for the football club said: “Southampton Football Club was saddened to learn of David’s passing. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends at this time."

To donate to the just giving page visit: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Victoria-wood-Alexander-wood