AN EMOTIONAL Stuart Heath paid a glowing tribute to the late Alex Legge after last night’s 2-1 defeat to Truro.

Legge, the Magpies’ kit manager, died at the age of just 38 early yesterday morning to the shock of everyone at the Avenue.

But Heath insists Legge “will never be forgotten” and described the devoted Dorch-ester fan as far more than just a kitman.

“It’s been a tough day for everybody involved at the club,” said caretaker-boss Heath. “Our thoughts at the moment are fully with Alex’s family.

“He wasn’t just a kitman, he was a friend to a lot of us, and one of those rare human beings that everybody who came into contact with him had good words to say about him.

“It was devastating news when we heard it and sometimes when things like that happen to someone as popular, loyal and honest as Alex, life doesn’t seem fair.”

He went on to add: “You can’t replace someone like that.

“He was just an honest, loyal, hard-working, popular man.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met someone like that.

“Everyone knows Stacey (Legge’s dad) at the club and he should be very proud of how he brought his son up.

“Very rarely do you get people that everybody, to a person, says good things about.

“Alex Legge was one of them and I know it’s a tough time for his family but they should be very proud of how Alex has been seen by people tonight.

“What a legacy he has left, even at such a terribly young age.

“He will never be forgotten at this football club, that’s for sure.”

Meanwhile, Hamworthy United boss Graham Kemp has played down the prospect of a switch to the Magpies but stopped short of ruling himself out of the vacant manager’s position completely.

“Anyone would be foolish to dismiss interest from higher levels but my focus is on the job at Hamworthy,” said Kemp, who is understood to be a contender to succeed Phil Simkin.

A decision on Simkin’s successor could potentially be made before Saturday’s trip to Yate Town in the FA Cup.