Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek dies aged 47

[Ron Obvious]

There was a sombre soundtrack to Newcastle United’s home defeat against Everton on Boxing Day. The repeated choruses of “Pavel is a geordie” from a packed St James’ Park served as a grim reminder of Pavel Srnicek’s plight.

Shortly before Christmas the former Newcastle and Czech Republic goalkeeper, most recently a coach at Sparta Prague, suffered a cardiac arrest while out running. As he lay in a coma in an Ostrava hospital, his family played him recordings of that Tyneside choir singing his name in the increasingly forlorn hope of evoking a response.

Sadly Srnicek never woke up. He was only 47 when he died on Tuesday and the awful news prompted a wave of heartfelt tributes to one of the most popular players to have played in front of the Gallowgate End in recent decades.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/dec/29/pavel-srnicek-newcastle-united-goalkeeper-geordie-fans

[ornotna]

1. Way too young

Sad

[Ron Obvious]

2. I was very moved by this part...

As he lay in a coma in an Ostrava hospital, his family played him recordings of that Tyneside choir singing his name in the increasingly forlorn hope of evoking a response.

Damn, I teared up over that. Shame real life isn't a made for tv movie...

[ornotna]

3. Pavel is a Geordie

That was touching.

[BKH70041]

4. RIP

Last I remember hearing about him he was playing at Brescia, but I lost touch with his career after that. Awful young to pass.

[T_i_B]

5. He also played for Sheffield Wednesday in the 90's

He was a very good goalkeeper.

RIP Pavel.