SAINTS fans are mourning the death of former Southampton Football club President John Mortimore, aged 86.

He also held the positions of caretaker manager, assistant manager and coach during two spells in a long association with the club which goes back to 1968.

Even before that he had enjoyed travelling from his home in Farnborough to The Dell to watch the Saints as a teenager.

He was initially brought in to help Ted Bates. His appointment was not initially welcomed by a dressing room which consisted of the likes of Terry Paine and Mick Channon. But his tightening of the defence took them to seventh in the table and European football at the end of the 68/69 season.

Mortimore left in 1971 for stints in Greece and Portugal, including with Benfica. He worked at Portsmouth for one season and held various other posts before a return to The Dell.

John served Saints as Lawrie McMenemy's assistant between 1979 and 1985 and enjoyed a short spell as caretaker manager alongside Lew Chatterley in 1984, between the reigns of Ian Branfoot and Alan Ball.

His playing career began as an amateur with Woking during his time as a school teacher. He won promotion to the top flight with Chelsea as well as the League Cup, making almost 300 appearances, and also played for QPR.