Pavel Srnicek, ex-Newcastle goalkeeper, dies at 47

Pavel Srnicek, March 1968 - December 2015. Picture: PA

The Czech goalkeeper took ill while out running in his homeland, and was put in an induced coma.

His agent Steve Wraith said at the time: “Pavel was running last night and his heart stopped - he was like that for 20 minutes then rushed to hospital. He is in an induced coma.”

A decision was taken today to switch off his life support machine.

Wraith said in a statement: “It is with deep sadness that I have to announce the passing of former Newcastle United player Pavel Srnicek.”

The Ostrava-born footballer spent most of his career in England, and made over 150 appearances for Newcastle over two spells, helping the club win promotion to the Premier League in 1993.

He spent two years at Sheffield Wednesday and had brief stints at Portsmouth and West Ham, before returning to St James’ Park in 2006 on a season-long loan deal as cover for the injured Shay Given.

Srnicek started his career with hometown side Banik Ostrava, and would also go on to have spells with Italian clubs Brescia and Cosenza and Biera-Mar of Portugal during a career of nearly 20 years.

Srnicek in action against Don Hutchison during a Scotland match with the Czech Republic in March1999. Picture: Ian Rutherford

He also made 49 appearances for his country between 1994 and 2001.

After hanging up his boots, he turned his hand to coaching, and joined Sparta Prague’s backroom staff in January 2012.

Newcastle fans chanted the goalkeeper’s name during their match with Everton on Boxing Day, while former team-mates paid tribute on Twitter.

Gavin Peacock, who played in the same team as Srnicek in the early nineties, said: “Words fail to express the sadness at the death of my former Newcastle United room mate Pavel Srnicek.”

The club’s official account tweeted: “It is with immense sadness that we confirm the passing of former Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek today.

“Our deepest condolences go to Pavel’s family, many friends, former colleagues and supporters at this very difficult time.”