AFC Totton striker Charlie Austin took time out after the team’s big 1-1 draw with Merthyr Town to pay his respects to a fan who passed away after a long battle with illness.

Marcus Howells was a season ticket holder and owner of The Stags’ promotion rivals, who are a 100 per cent fan-owned community club.

But he divided his footballing passions between his home-town team and Queens Park Rangers and was a member of QPR de Cymru, a group of fans of the Championship side based in South Wales who routinely travel to home and away games together.

For many QPR fans, Charlie remains a goal-scoring and promotion-winning hero.

Knowing that he would be travelling to Penydarren Park with the squad for Tuesday night’s game, the fans’ group asked if there was the chance of meeting him to remember Marcus, who died in 2023 at the age of 59.

The club immediately agreed and chief executive Steve Brockwell arranged for Charlie to present a gift of an AFC Totton shirt, signed by the star striker ‘in loving memory’ of Marcus.

AFC Totton striker Charlie Austin presents a signed shirt to Tiarna Howells in memory of her late father Marcus. Also pictured are QPR de Cymru members Alun Boore, left, and Alan Vaughan.AFC Totton striker Charlie Austin presents a signed shirt to Tiarna Howells in memory of her late father Marcus. Also pictured are QPR de Cymru members Alun Boore, left, and Alan Vaughan. (Image: QPR de Cymru) All thoughts of on-the-pitch rivalry were banished after full-time as Charlie handed over the shirt to Marcus’ daughter Tiarna, alongside QPR de Cymru founder Alun Boore and fellow supporters Alan and Jack Vaughan.

Tiarna said: "I want to say a massive thank you to Totton for their hospitality and especially to Charlie for signing the shirt dedicated in memory of my father Marcus. It’s something I’ll treasure forever."

Marcus Howells who, away from football, loved music and was the lead singer for punk bank Foreign Legion.Marcus Howells who, away from football, loved music and was the lead singer for punk bank Foreign Legion. (Image: The Howells family) Alun added: ‘QPR de Cymru is extremely grateful that Charlie was able to spend some time with Tiarna in memory of Marcus.

"Totton made organising the presentation very easy and were very welcoming and helpful throughout.

"We wish them well for the remainder of the season."

Steve said that it was a ‘pleasure’ to agree to the request of QPR de Cymru.

Marcus Howells who, away from football, loved music and was the lead singer for punk bank Foreign Legion.Marcus Howells who, away from football, loved music and was the lead singer for punk bank Foreign Legion. (Image: The Howells family) "Life is all about memories and I’m sure that the look on Tiarna’s face (when she met Charlie and received the shirt) created a lasting impression and memory for everyone. We are a community club and without the community and fans we are nothing," he added.

Tuesday’s match between the top two teams ended 1-1 with Joe Oastler - another former QPR player - scoring the equaliser.

The teams meet again at The Snows Stadium on March 1.