MARC Pugh admitted that photographer Mick Cunningham would be in his thoughts prior to Cherries' clash with Watford tomorrow (3pm).

Employed by the Dorset club for nearly two decades prior to his exit in 2013, Cunningham was working for the Daily Echo when he fell ill during the Premier League fixture at Stoke on Saturday.

The 55-year-old was taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital before he passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday morning.

Cherries boss Eddie Howe led the tributes to the former Dean Court stalwart, a lifelong fan who had performed a wide-ranging media role at the club.

And winger Pugh, who met Cunningham after signing in 2010, says Cherries are keen to do him proud when they take on the Hornets.

Pugh told the Daily Echo: "We will be thinking about Mick – we definitely want to give him a performance.

"He was an amazing guy and I can't speak highly enough of him, so he will definitely be in my thoughts going into the game.

"When I signed for the club I met Mick and thought what a genuinely great guy he was. He was humble and honest and I got on with really well with him.

"It was a massive shock to hear the news because I knew his son as well and spoke to him on a couple of occasions.

"I haven't heard anyone say a bad word about him. He was so down to earth and I have so much respect for him.

"My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time."

Fans will be able to pay their respects to Cunningham in the 55th minute of the clash with Watford when a minute's applause is due to take place, the minute marking Cunningham's age when he died.

Reflecting generally on the fixture, Pugh added: "It's going to be a really tough game as Watford have added some quality to their squad. They have a lot of pace and are really good up front – Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo are a real handful.

"We played brilliantly against them twice last season, albeit they had a man sent off early doors at our place.

"But they have had a decent start this season and it's going to be a massive game for us."