'˜Rest easy pal!' Former Boston United teammates pay tribute to '˜unbelievable man' Kevin Austin

The popular ex-Swansea, Lincoln and Leyton Orient player passed away yesterday, aged 45, following a battle with cancer.

He made 46 appearances for Boston in 2011 and 2012.

“Absolutely devastated to find out that the big man Kevin Austin has passed away, an absolute gentle giant and an unbelievable man and player,” ex-Pilgrims keeper Paul Bastock wrote on Twitter.

Jamie Yates added: “RIP Kevin Austin. Travelled in with Kev for almost a year at Boston United. If you asked anyone about Kev they wouldn’t have one bad word to say about him, that’s the type of fella he was, thoughts with his family at this sad time. Rest easy pal.”

Midfielder Chris Hall also paid tribute.

He wrote: “Deeply saddened to hear this man mountain of a person has passed away at the age of 45. Absolute gem of a guy who was a pleasure to play with and more importantly a genuinely nice person. RIP Kev.”

Jason Field was a youg defender at Yok Street who learned from the help Austin offered.

“Gutted to hear the news about Kevin Austin. Always gave great advice when I first broke into Boston’s first team. Pleasure to of known and play along side you. #legend,” he wrote.

BBC Radio Lincolnshire summariser Mark Hone played alongside Austin at Lincoln City.

He wrote: “No words needed, biggest smile always....RIP big guy.”