WALSALL Football Club are mourning the passing of one of our favourite sons, David Preece.

News has reached the Banks's Stadium that David passed away in the early hours of this morning after a short illness, aged just 44.

The news has shaken everybody at the club and we would like pass on our sincerest condolences to David's wife and three daughters.

"Of all the players I ever played with at Walsall, David was up there in terms of ability," said Mick Kearns, who played alongside David during the 1980's. "Everybody connected with Walsall Football will be devastated by this news and our hearts and thoughts go out to his family at this terrible time."

David began his career here, making 110 league appearances, scoring 5 times before joining Luton Town in December 1984. He went on to win the Littlewoods Cup with The Hatters, making 336 league appearances, scoring 21 goals.

David also had spells with Derby County, Birmingham City, Swindon Town, Cambridge United and Torquay United.