TODAY we pay tribute to Kevin Nash, who until 2010 was very much part of the Echo team.

Kevin was just 57 when he died. He was taken ill with pancreatitis just 11 days before he passed away.

The sudden news has been greeted with shock, sadness and disbelief by all who knew him here.

Kevin will always be remembered as a warm, genuine person, with a great sense of humour, who had excellent sporting skills.

He was also an exceptional writer and journalist. His copy combined facts with flair and it was always immaculate. There was not a comma or a word out of place.

Tributes have poured in from soccer bosses, including Cherries manager Eddie Howe.

He said: “It was great dealing with him – he was just a gentleman.”

We echo those sentiments and our thoughts are with his wife Michele and their three children.

Kev, you will be missed.