TRIBUTES have flooded in for a young Saints fan who passed away suddenly, aged just 23.

Jamie Isherwood, from Thornhill, who was a season ticket holder in the Northam stand, was remembered at the home game at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday with a minute’s applause during the first half.

Jamie, who was a care support worker, died of a suspected heart attack on Friday.

The 23-year-old had been diagnosed with Antiphospholipid syndrome aged 12, which causes an increased risk of blood clots.

Southampton-born and bred, Jamie attended Thornhill School and later Woodlands College.

Cathy Isherwood, Jamie’s mum, told the Daily Echo: “He was a massive Saints fan. He went to every home game and every away game.

“He was lovely, he would help anyone. Everyone says it, but he genuinely would.

“He was very close to his family and his two older brothers. He was brilliant with his oldest brother who has cerebral palsy.

“He was just really kind and funny, a loving guy. His condition didn’t really affect him apart from having to go for blood tests.

“But he had been unwell for around two months and he was advised to have a scan of his head and neck, which showed abnormalities on his brain.”

Jamie was then admitted to Southampton General Hospital in the stroke unit where he rapidly deteriorated.

“He had another scan and we realised then that he had blood clots on his heart valves – his heart was very, very weak,” continued Cathy.

Speaking about the tribute at Saturday’s match, she said: “It was very emotional for me. I know where he sits and looking across he wasn’t there, which was hard.

“A couple of his Saints friends must have told someone and it went from there on social media.”

She added that she wanted to thank the club for their support during and after the game.

“After the match finished I went home to get a shirt that I wanted printed with his name and number. The manager of the Saints shop did that for us for free,” she said.

Tributes were also paid to the young fan on social media.

One wrote: “I’m in total shock, my good mate Jamie Isherwood was taken far too soon. All those fantastic away days with Saints won’t be the same without you fella.”

Another wrote: “RIP Jamie, can’t believe you’re gone, still doesn’t seem real. 23 is far too young to be taken.”