Hundreds at AFC Bournemouth fan John 'Nonny' Garard's funeral

Hundreds of people came to pay their respects to Nonny, the man behind the famous “Red Army” chant at Cherries games.

Nonny became a cult hero at Cherries, first watching a game in his teens, and friends and family attended his funeral on Monday wearing red and black to honour his life-long passion.

As the funeral cortege carrying Nonny in a casket decorated with Cherries badges and flags drove towards Bournemouth Crematorium, mourners broke out into a round of applause.

The cortege passed a giant Cherries flag often seen at games which read: “Keep your head high. Cherries forever.”

Inside the service, which was live streamed so those unable to attend in person could watch from home, mourners sang hymns and remembered the life of Nonny.

A “We are Premier League” flag was draped over Nonny’s casket, remembering the club’s meteoric rise up the football pyramid, of which Nonny witnessed it all.

A lot was made of his passion for Cherries, but also his work in the inclusivity at the club, ensuring as many people could enjoy their love of the game as possible.

So many people wished to attend his funeral, some had to watch on a screen outside.

The funeral procession left the service in the sun and headed towards Vitality Stadium.

There they were met by Nonny’s famous “Red Army” chant and another round of applause.

Cherries chairman Jeff Mostyn attended the funeral and was joined by club secretary Neil Vacher outside Vitality Stadium.

Nonny passed away in November and tributes flooded in for “our matchday voice”.

Cherries fans have recently been singing a new chant for Nonny, ending with “you will always be at Dean Court with me”.

Paying tribute after his death, Nonny's brother-in-law Neil Whitlock 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.”

An AFC Bournemouth spokesperson said: "Nonny, as he was affectionately known, was our matchday voice and was liked and respected by everyone at the club. He will be much missed, and all our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”