THE Southern Daily Echo apologises unreservedly to George O’Brien and his family and friends for wrongly publishing the Saints legend’s obituary in yesterday’s editions.

It was erroneously reported that George, one of the greatest goalscorers in the club’s history, had passed away after suffering with dementia.

We deeply regret the distress this has caused but are pleased to report he is living in a care home in Southampton.

The obituary was published after checks with independent sources including an ex-colleague of George who claimed a family member had confirmed his passing.

George was likened to Jimmy Greaves by Saints teammates for his outstanding finishing during the 1960s.

He scored an incredible 180 goals for the club, including 19 in the FA Cup, from only 281 appearances, and took painkilling injections so he could play with an arthritic knee before he was controversially released in 1966.

George also worked as a Southampton taxi driver and was landlord of The Waterloo Arms in Freemantle.