SWINDON Town fans and ex-players have paid tribute to former defender Jamie Vincent after his death was announced on Tuesday.

The 46-year-old played 89 times for Swindon between 2006 and 2009 and helped the club to promotion into the third tier while also going on to be named as the club’s vice-captain under manager Paul Sturrock.

The defender never found the net for Swindon and often saw his time at the County Ground interrupted by injury, but he was still widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in a generation due to his tough tackling, his commitment, and his pride for the badge.

Vincent played for a number of other high-profile clubs throughout his career – including AFC Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Crystal Palace, and Huddersfield Town – and made over 500 professional appearances in total.

Following the announcement of his death on Tuesday, the 46-year-old’s daughter, Elle tweeted to say Vincent had suffered a cardiac arrest at his home.

Reacting to the news, several former Swindon teammates conveyed their sadness on Twitter.

Replying to Vincent’s daughter on Twitter, former striker Lee Peacock said: “I can't express how sorry I am to hear of your loss. As a former teammate of his all I can tell you he was an amazing teammate and an even better human. A true family man in every sense. The world has lost, in my eyes, a true gent. My thoughts and prayers are with your whole family.”

Another ex-striker, Sam Parkin, said: “I was desperately sad at seeing this news. He was a great friend and teammate during our time together at Walsall. Lots of happy memories. Sending you all love.”

Jerel Ifil played directly alongside Vincent in the mid-2000s as Town won promotion on the final day of the 2006-07 season thanks to a 1-1 draw against Walsall in which Ifil scored his first career goal.

Ifil said: “My centre-half partner for our promotion year at Swindon Town and a calming influence as I grew that year. So sorry for your loss, I’m sad and shocked. I pray for you and your family at this time.”

Ady Williams, who played for Swindon over the course of the same period as Vincent, said: “Nice to read so many tributes being paid to my mate Jamie Vincent. He was a great friend of mine, and I am truly saddened to hear of his passing. My thoughts are with his family and with loved ones. 46 is no age at all.”