Sussex football was stunned and horrified by the tragic death of Herve King on Saturday when he was playing for Ringmer.

I had the pleasure of meeting Herve three years ago when he was at Burgess Hill.

He agreed to take part in our Focus On profile and one of the questions was: "What would you like to be remembered for?"

Herve's answer was: "Just for being a good player."

The mass of tributes posted on The Argus website this week have demonstrated he will be remembered for being that but also much more.

Sussex football has been united in paying tribute to him, not just as a footballer but as a much-loved personality with a constant smile on his face.

Perhaps the answer which best summed Herve up was to the question: "What is the best word to describe you?"

He simply put "Smiley".

The death of Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell, aged just 35, last December prompted calls for full health screening to be made mandatory for all footballers at professional level.

Herve's death has again put the issue into sharp focus. He was only 27 and a seemingly healthy.

I am not suggesting clubs should introduce medicals but individuals can get themselves checked out.

What has anyone got to lose by getting a once-over by the doctor, whether you think you need it or not?

Herve was probably one of the fittest players on the pitch. But his death and the tragic passing of Phil O'Donnell and Cameroon international Marc-Vivien Foe in 2003, show nobody can take their health for granted.