Saints players and supporters alike are rallyin round to help Kevin Moore.

Kevin Moore has unfortunaely been diagnosed with Alzheimers and now his former team mates and supporters are helping to raise money to support him and his family.

Moore joined Saints in the summer of 1987 and in his first season was a virtual ever present alongside Kevin Bond despite making his top flight debut at the ripe old age of 29, the following year he had a new central defensive partner in Russell Osman although his appearances were reduced with the arrival of Neil Ruddock at the club.

But those who thought that Kevin's top flight career was going to be short and sweet were wrong 89/90 would see him vye with both Osman and Ruddock but he still appeared in over half of the league programme.

1990/91 was manager Chris Nicholl's last season at the Club and many assumed that it might be Moore's as he approached 33, especially with the arrival of Jon Gittens to give Nicholl four options for the two central defensive spots, but of the quartet only Ruddock started more league games than Moore.

The next season many though would surely be his last, but again they were wrong, it was perhaps his best in many respects but not his last, true his league appearances were dropping off, he would only manage 15 and in addition to the other contenders for his shirt, you could add the names of Richard Hall and Steve Wood, but he kept on in there and it would be Moore who would partner Ruddock at Wembley in the Zenith Data Cup Final and it would be Moore who would rise in the 70th minute to cap a comeback from a two goal deficit and bring Saints level.

But this was still not the end, not by a long chalk, although now no longer first choice he still continued to deputise and let no one down when called upon92/93 saw 18 league appearances as well as scoring in two games running as Saints hauled themselves clear of relegation in the Premier leagues inaugral season, both decisive goals in that they turned draws into wins and as Saints stayed up by a single point, viatal.

At the start of season93/94 Kevin had turned 35 and surely this would be his last season at Saints and indeed it would be, it was the first of several last day escapes for Saints and with Richard Hall injured both Moore and Steve Wood would vye for the job of partnering Ken Monkou, Wood had the lions share but Kevin played 14 games his last being a 3-0 defeat at White Hart Lane alongside both Wood & Monkou as Saints got it woefully wrong playing three centre halves in what was a vital relegation clash.

So the 29 year old top flight debutant in 1987 had stayed for seven years, when some had thought he would be lucky to make that many months indeed games, when eyebrows were raised at his purchase, but his total games were 180 plus 5 as sub, weighing in with 13 goals a not insignificant total.   

He has always remained in the are living in Otterbourne with his wife Mandy, but now he requires care seven days a week at the White House, in Curdridge.

To help finance his visits to the centre, as well as support the family, a group of friends, fans and former colleagues have arranged a charity fundraiser.

They will hold a golf day at Meon Valley in April, followed by a dinner, complete with an auction and raffle.

Many forrmer Saints stars are to captain the golf teams on the day. Already, the likes of Claus Lundekvam, Francis Benali, Jimmy Case, Iain Dowie and many more have been confirmed.

All the golf teams have already been sold, but a limited number of tickets remain for the dinner.

Caddy positions for the ex- Saints and team captains are being auctioned off.

Bids should be emailed to Richard Becheley at richard@bbmltd.com If not enough are received, the caddy positions will be auctioned on eBay.

Due to the high demand for the golf day, Becheley and co are planning more events in aid of Moore.

Anyone interested in tickets, or providing sponsorship or raffle prizes, can contact Richard Becheley on 07876 778891.

Letters, cards and donations can be sent to The Kevin Moore Benefit Fund, 1 St Simon Close, Locks Heath, Southampton SO31 6DH.

Photo: Action Images via Reuters