McClaren Pays Tribute To Pav

By Dominic Scurr

Head coach Steve McClaren has paid tribute to former Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel SrníÄek, who died on Tuesday.

The Magpies fans' favourite had been in an induced coma for more than a week, having suffered a cardiac arrest while out jogging in his hometown of Ostrava, in the Czech Republic, just before Christmas. 

Just 47-years-old, SrníÄek was unresponsive to the efforts from the local hospital's medical staff before the decision to turn off his life support machine was made, and McClaren knows the loss will be felt by everybody associated with the Club.

"We're absolutely devastated," said United's boss.

"To lose anybody, but especially a character like Pav at that age, is really, really sad and condolences to his family and friends.

"I've come across him many times and he's a great character and a typical goalkeeper - a little crazy in the mind but a fantastic goalkeeper and a fantastic servant to the Club.

"It's a sad way for everybody at Newcastle to end this year."

SrníÄek was a key figure during the 'Entertainers' era on Tyneside, having made 188 appearances between 1991 and 1998, and a further two during his return in the 2006/07 campaign.

"People like Peter Beardsley have worked with him and know him really well," McClaren continued.

"He wasn't just a good player off the pitch but a great guy off the field with the fans.

"Sport and football is a terrific event and a great occasion but it really puts things in perspective when things like that happen to Pav - it really makes you thankful for what you've got."