THE funeral of one of Saints’ most passionate supporters ever will take place on Wednesday.

The service for well known supporter Mike O’Callaghan – nicknamed Jim Steele after his likeness to Saints’ 1976 FA Cup final hero – will take place at 12.30pm at Southampton Crematorium East Chapel.

Mike's family have stressed that this an occasion to celebrate his life.

Therefore they are leaving of choice of attire to the individual.

A statement read: "There will be those who will prefer to wear something sombre, whilst others may choose to wear something red and white to represent Saints or the green and white of Celtic.

"Whichever is fine by the family."

Anyone wishing to send flowers can do so via: Co Operative Funeral Care, 2B Windemere, Avenue, Millbrook, Southampton, SO16 9GH. Call: 02380 771752

Alternatively a donation can be made to Countess Mountbatten Hospice.

Mike had followed the club since the early 1970s and was a former chairman of the Southampton Independent Supporters Association.

Mike was diagnosed with a brain tumour earlier this year and had been receiving care at a BUPA nursing home only a few hundred metres from Saints’ former Dell home.