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Being a Newcastle fan, I always knew this was coming but it still didn't fail to shock my system. The man who had given us the most glorious years in recent times was gone. This wasn't the first time that he had to battle through Cancer and everyone who followed football would have loved to have seen him get through it. 

The solace is knowing that no matter how much the football world needed him and will definately miss him, the man upstairs needed him more. 

Characters of his like are few and far between in these eras, where money and the marketability can sometimes outweigh ability. Someone who could control his audience, whether they were prima donnas or a room full of journalists, part of his personality touched a part of everyone. Let alone his personality but his trophy haul is one to be admired also. Barcelona and PSV saw his biggest clubs triumphs.

But who can forget Italia '90. Semi-finals against Germany. The pain and the heartache. Yet, he was arguably made into the footballing idol that he is that night. Had it not been for a misplaced penalty, there may have been an extra star above the three lions these days.

Whilst my thoughts are with his family in such a difficult time, I offer him the greatest thank you for what he gave to the game we love.