THE crucifix at the nape of the neck of the black and white scarf draped around the shoulders of the club chaplain confirmed the old adage: football is a religion in the North-East.

And in the shadow of the sporting cathedral that is St James’ Park, Pavel Srnicek’s family, friends, former teammates and fans gathered to pay tribute to his colourful life.

The memorial service for the former Magpies goalkeeper was led by The Reverend Canon Glyn Evans, himself a Newcastle United fan, and attended by many famous faces from the world of football.

Alan Shearer, Peter Beardsley, Rob Lee, Lee Clark and John Beresford were just some of Kevin Keegan’s ‘entertainers’ who turned out in memory of the 47-year-old, who died in his Czech Republic homeland, on December 29, nine days after suffering from heart attack while running.

The temperature outside St Andrew’s Church may have been just above freezing, but inside, the atmosphere among the congregation was full of warmth for the charismatic player who made over 150 appearance for the Toon Army.

Canon Evans said: “It is an opportunity to give thanks for Pavel’s life and his contribution to our football club and our city. Today is a sad day. We pray for Pavel, his family and ourselves. He was part of our family, our Geordie family.”

The congregation sang the hymns, The Lord’s My Shepherd and Abide With Me, and listened sombrely to the ever emotional football song ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ by Gerry and the Pacemakers, as well as Lifted by The Lighthouse Family, one of the AC Sparta Prague coach’s favourite songs.

Another former Newcastle goalkeeper and firm friend, Steve Harper, who spoke at the service, said: “I worked with him for the first five or six years at the club and he was a huge influence on me.

“The work ethic he had made me realise how hard you had to work and that it is tough being a professional footballer.”

After leaving Newcastle in 1998, Srnicek went on to play for Sheffield Wednesday, Postmouth and West Ham, as well as clubs in Italy and Portugal, before returning for a short spell in the 2006-07 season.

His fondest memories were of his time on Tyneside, so much so he titled his recently released autobiography ‘Pavel is a Geordie’ after the affectionate chant bestowed on him by fans.

His friend and agent, Steve Wraith, who organised the service, which was attended by Srnicek’s brother, Milan, said: “Pavel was a Geordie. He may have been born thousands of miles away, in the Czech Republic, but somehow, he got it. He was quickly adopted by the Geordies and he never got it out of his skin. He started to talk like us. His place will forever be written into the memory of Newcastle United.

“We love you, Pavel, we do. Pavel, we love you.”

After the service, former Newcastle and England captain, Alan Shearer said: “He was very professional and was never late. He mixed with everyone and wanted to be with everyone, and that was the great thing about him.”

Another Magpies legend, Peter Beardsley said he would not be forgotten at the club.

He said: “For John Alder and Liam Sweeney, we have the 17th minute and I am sure we will have something similar for Pav, maybe the first minute because he was our number one.

“There will be definitely be something in the future that will always remind us of him.”