THOUSANDS of St Mirren supporters are among those to pay tribute to a tragic dad who died suddenly at the age of 30.

They held a minute’s applause in the 30th minute of Friday night’s league match against Dundee United in honour of David Murphy, who was a loyal Saints fan.

David’s photo was also displayed on the giant scoreboard at the Paisley 2021 stadium as his fellow Buddies made their feelings clear.

The emotional tribute came just days after the Erskine man collapsed and died on a night out.

David took ill at the Mango nightspot, in Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street.

The joiner, who was a keen footballer, had been out with friends and colleagues from his family’s construction business before tragedy struck.

Paramedics were called in as the venue was cleared to allow them to perform CPR.

However, despite being rushed to hospital, David didn’t recover.

Police are treating his death, which took place on December 23, as unexplained.

The tragedy is a devastating blow for David’s wife Nerys, who gave birth to their daughter Annabelle in October.

Other loved ones have taken to social media to express their heartache.

David’s uncle, Hugh Chalk, said he is already sadly missed.

In a Facebook post, 52-year-old Mr Chalk, who is a pastor at Mossvale Community Church, in Paisley, added: “There is an ache in our hearts that only God can soothe.”

David, a former pupil at Park Mains High, in Erskine, married 21-year-old Nerys last year.

After receiving the devastating news about her husband, Nerys changed her cover photo on Facebook to an image of David in action as a goalkeeper – a role he had excelled in as a trainee with his boyhood club.

David is also survived by mum Elizabeth, 54, dad Brian, 55, and sister Deborah, 25.

Many people have gone online to send messages of condolence to the Murphy family.

Ada Russell took to Facebook to write: “Tears running down my face. So very sad. David was such a sweet boy.”

And popular St Mirren supporters’ Twitter account Black & White Army added: “Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace Buddie.”

Shannon Hughes said: “Saddened by this news, such a great guy. Praying for the family.”

Among the Saints supporters who took part in the minute’s applause on Friday night was Johnstone man Joe Niven.

He told The Gazette: “I didn’t know Dave that well but I was really sad to hear about his death.

“At the age of 30, he should have had many years left ahead of him.

“It’s all the more tragic when you consider he got married recently and has a baby girl who is just a few months old.

“My heart goes out to all of his loved ones.”