THE BROTHER-IN-LAW of legendary AFC Bournemouth supporter John Garard described him as “always positive” and someone who “brought people together”.

John, affectionately known as Nonny, was famous around Bournemouth for leading the “Red Army” chant at the Vitality Stadium.

First going to the football in his early teens, Nonny became hooked and soon became a cult hero at the club.

Bournemouth Echo: John 'Nonny' Garad at Dean Court in 1993

His brother-in-law, Neil Whitlock, paid tribute to him following his death over the weekend.

Neil said: “His life was football. He had endless shirts and programmes, it was something he adored and it was his life.

“He was incredibly caring and loved his family, very patriotic. He did everything for his family and very much liked being the man of the family.”

Tributes flooded in to Nonny after his death from players, the club and fans.

Neil said it was “heart-warming” to see and that Nonny would have loved the attention.

Bournemouth Echo: John 'Nonny' Garard. Picture: Steve Brown

“He was happy and always positive. Bournemouth brought him to the stadium, Steve Fletcher spoke to him and we had a tour. He is certainly well-loved and was a happy chap.

“When we gained promotion, we went to the bus parade. Eddie Howe spotted him and said, ‘we heard you, John’ and it struck me just how he is one of them.

“Players come and go but the club is only there on the supporters.

“He is someone who brought people together. He brings the best out of the community and AFC Bournemouth, he was a great asset to them.

“We wanted his life to be happy and full of adventure and it was.

“It would be nice if the Red Army chant continued but some people would rather it went with John, anything is possible which is exactly the motto of the club.”

Bournemouth Echo: John 'Nonny' Garard with Yann Kermorgant after the bus parade