FORMER Cherries goalkeeper Mark Ovendale has died after a battle with cancer. He was just 37.

Ovendale made 111 Cherries appearances between 1998 and 2000 after making his league debut against Lincoln City.

The Leicester-born stopper also played for Northampton and Barry Town and was an ever-present in his first season at Dean Court, making 58 appearances.

More recently, Ovendale was on the coaching staff at Wimborne Town.

He had been receiving treatment at a hospice in Wales, but passed away today.

A collection in the goalkeeper’s honour has been set up and fans can make donations by visiting justgiving.com/MarkOvendaleCR.

• See Wednesday’s Daily Echo for a full tribute to Ovendale.