He was the former Echo sports journalist who earned the trust of Lawrie McMenemy, Chris Nicholl, players and fans as he covered Saints during the golden years of the late 70s and 80s. 

Highly regarded writer Bob Brunskell, who also edited Saints books and wrote for the match day programme, has passed away aged 80.

The beloved father and grandfather, who had lived in Romsey for decades with his wife of 43 years Lynne, was honoured with a programme mention and half time announcement at St Mary's at the weekend. 

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Bob was born in a small mining village in the north east, catching the football bug when he was taken to Sunderland's Roker Park from the age of six. 

The family later moved to Hertfordshire where Bob fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a journalist, taking up a post on the local paper in Watford after finishing his education. 

A move to the sports desk in Southampton saw him involved in the greatest day in Saints history in 1976, taking over permanently as the Saints correspondent for The Echo and The Pink in 1979. He also enjoyed writing about golf. 

(Image: Newsquest / Gordon Agg-Jones) Bob moved to a desk-based role as a sub nearly a decade later, a 24-hour return trip to Newcastle in the snow putting him off of the roving sports reporter role for good. He went on to write player features for the Saints programme and edited Match of the Millennium, a book chronicling Saints 100 most memorable matches of all time. 

Bob was able to catch up with family, friends and former colleagues during a surprise 80th birthday party at home recently.

Graham Hiley, who followed Bob in covering Saints for the Daily Echo, said: "He was one of the nicest, kindest people you could ever hope to meet, despite working in a cut-throat business.

"Bob somehow managed to tread that fine line between keeping the club happy and keeping the fans happy, he was a really good journalist with integrity who got on with everybody. He was always very generous with his time and taught me so much."

Bob's funeral next month is for family only, but a celebration of his life is being planned at Romsey Abbey at a later date. 

(Image: Newsquest / Paul Watts)