Southend United fans plan to raise funds for the family of referee Mike North, who died during yesterday's (Monday's) Roots Hall match against Mansfield Town.

The game was abandoned at half-time, with the score deadlocked at 0-0, after the 41-year-old collapsed in the centre-circle from suspected heart failure.

But Blues hope to play the Third Division fixture again soon.

And Southend's supporters club trust want to collect donations before the rescheduled clash to financially aid the Poole official's wife and two young daughters.

There had been speculation that the fixture would be played tomorrow (Wednesday), although that has now been ruled out by the clubs, who are consulting the FA on when to rearrange the tie.

Before that decision was taken, Blues fans spokesman Martin Prenton said today (Tuesday): "Everybody is totally devastated by the death of Mr North and we plan to help his family in any way we can.

"We will be organising something for the game if it is played tomorrow night, even it means collecting cash from supporters in buckets outside the ground before the match.

"We want to do everything in our power to aid Mr North's family."

And Martin praised Blues' fans for their positive reaction when the match was finally abandoned after Mr North had been rushed to Southend hospital by ambulance.

"I was proud of the supporters," he added. "It was the only decision that could have been made under difficult circumstances.

"The fans reacted brilliantly and respectfully by joining together and applauding the postponement - nobody complained!"

Blues owner Ron Martin was not at the game, but Southend director Ray Osborne spoke on behalf of the club.

"This whole incident is very upsetting and we as a club would like to express our deepest sympathies to Mr North's relatives," he said.

"You don't expect things like this to happen during football matches - it has been a massive shock to all of us.

"This is very sad for both clubs and sets of fans. Our thoughts are with Mr North's family at this difficult time."

All supporters were urged to keep hold of their tickets for a refund or admission to the rearranged fixture.

On the ball - referee Mike North watches Southend right-winger Michael Black making a break before tragedy struck

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.