A MINUTE-long applause is being planned in memory of a life-long Blues fan.

Southend United make their first home appearance of the season on Saturday and the grieving family and friends of Neil Haslam, are planning the minute-long tribute.

The 28-year-old died on June 5.

Mr Haslam had been a regular at Roots Hall from a young age, and his brothers and parents will be at Saturday’s game against Blackpool.

The family and Neil’s friends are organising an unofficial minute-long applause in his memory in the 28th minute.

Brother Louis Waters said: “It will mean a lot to us as a family, and a lot to Neil as well.

“He watched as many Southend games as possible, and I do not doubt he will be watching the game on Saturday.

“He will be watching the game, and watching over us, and it will mean a lot to everyone.”

Louis paid tribute to Neil as a well-loved and caring man.

The 27-year-old added: “He was a loved uncle, brother, son, and was selfless in everything he did.

“Family always came first for Neil.

“He was a clever man, very clever, he went to university but dropped out.

“Unfortunately he had his demons, like so many of us do, and unfortunately they got the better of him in the end.” Following his death, a fundraising page was set up to support the family funding his funeral, which raised £4,500.

The funeral was held on July 5 at Southend crematorium, with friends and family donning Blues shirts.

Louis added: “He has been going since he was a kid; we have all been going together, Southend United meant so much to him.

“He was popular, £4,500 was raised for his funeral, which says it all really.

“The funeral was amazing, there was a huge turnout and everyone wore Southend shirts in his honour. It meant a lot to us as a family.

“It has been difficult, but I am throwing myself into my work, and my family and two young children.

“Neil was a family man and would have wanted that, I keep thinking about the time we spent together, particularly over Christmas.”

The family are hoping fellow fans will join them in the tribute in the 28th minute on Saturday at Roots Hall.