IT is the touching tribute to a popular Saints star.

A special pub has been opened to honour former Southampton defender Kevin Moore who died of the degenerative Pick's disease.

Moore made 185 appearances for Saints, scoring 13 goals, from 1987 to 1994. He also played more than 400 times for Grimsby, while he had spells with Oldham, Bristol Rovers and Fulham during his career.

Moore lived in Otterbourne, but his condition meant he quickly required regular care and could not remain at home. He had initially been looked after at the White House care home, in Curdridge, before moving to the Maypole Nursing Centre, in Hedge End, as the illness became progressively worse.

Sadly he died in 2013, aged 55, but three years on the White House have paid their own tribute to the former resident by building the pub called 'Kev's Corner' in memory of him.

On hand to open it was Saints legend Francis Benali, who had fond memories of playing with Kevin.

Benali has described Moore as a "fabulous professional", in an interview in 2013, he said: “He was a fabulous teammate, a strong and tough defender, and an incredible header of the ball.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player who had the ability to time their leap as he was able to do, and I think that was typified by his goal at Wembley.

“I’ve still got images of him being as high as the crossbar, if not higher, when he headed the ball.

“He was a fabulous professional and always willing to offer advice and support to us as younger players. He was everything you wanted in a senior teammate.

Julie Harrison MD of the White House said “Kevin was such a very popular resident and we wanted to come up with a fitting tribute to such a special sportsman who fought the illness with such bravery right to the end”

Hampshire Chronicle:

The pub called Kev’s Corner was the brainchild of Julie’s family and provides them with the opportunity to provide residents with as normal surroundings as possible to make their lives more comfortable, whilst remembering Kevin.

The Pub complete sporting memorabilia includes a TV and electronic games for the residents to enjoy whilst supping a non-alcoholic drink.

It is open to all residents serving a range of soft drinks giving them the experience and comfort of a real pub.