The Northampton rugby community has been paying tribute to Keith Picton, who sadly passed away over the weekend.
Keith was a large character in the town's sporting landscape, not least here at Franklin's Gardens, where he helped a host of future Saints start their careers in black, green and gold.
The man who persuaded me that Franklins Gardens was the right choice at 18yrs old. I'll never forget that call. #greatdecision #indebted https://t.co/HGqGRuCRCk
— Matt Dawson (@matt9dawson) March 6, 2017
Very sad news. Every club needed a "Keith". At the heart of everything and a friend to so many players right through their careers. https://t.co/SDWIfG71jP
— Martin Bayfield (@MartinBayfield) March 6, 2017
Gutted to hear this news. A great Saints man. RIP Keith https://t.co/sbnA7Z7L8k
— Ian Hunter (@ianhunterchat) March 5, 2017
David Merlin, who played Number 8 67 times in the mid-1990s, said: "I first met Keith as a young man when I joined Saints and toured Limerick in Ireland with the Colts/U21 side. I've got many happy memories of a great tour and a great man. My best wishes go out to his nearest and dearest."
Chris Parr, coach at Northampton Old Scouts, added that Keith was: "arguably was one of the most influential people involved with the Saints over the past generation."
Everyone at Franklin's Gardens sends their condolences and thoughts to Keith's family and friends at this sad time.
