TRIBUTES were paid from across the football world today (WED) for Sunderland's FA Cup win goalscoring legend Ian Porterfield, who died last night.

The 61-year-old Scottish midfield player, who enjoyed a long post-playing career in club and international management across the world, lost his long battle with cancer on Tuesday evening.

He was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this year, while managing the Armenian national team.

Porterfield went into hospital in Armenia in February for checks after complaining of pains in his pelvic area, and tests revealed the tumour.

He underwent a course of chemotherapy and came out of hospital, returning to work, but was re-admitted to hospital last month.

Sunderland fans gave donations to assist the Armenian hospital, the St Grigor Medical Centre in Yerevan, at the Black Cats' final home game of last season, against Burnley.

Despite lengthy treatment, both in Armenia and, recently, in hospital in London, he died last night in a hospice in Surrey.

Dunfermline-born Porterfield signed for Sunderland from Raith Rovers, in Scotland, 1967.

He went on to make 268 appearances for the club over the next ten years, surviving a potentially career threatening car crash after a home win at Roker Park, in 1975.

On leaving Sunderland in 1977 he went on to play for Sheffield Wednesday, Reading, on loan, and Rotherham.

A quiet, but cultured left-side midfield player, he was best known for the goal which shot Sunderland to a shock 1-0 FA Cup Final victory against the then mighty Leeds United, at Wembley, on May 5 1973.

His 31st minute goal, scored ironically with his unfavoured right foot, ensured a permanent place in the hearts of all Sunderland fans.

He is the first member of the 1973-cup side to die, three years after the Wembley-winning team manager, Bob Stokoe, passed away, aged 73.

Despite his deep-set illness he managed to return to Yerevan to watch Armenia's recent surprise 1-1 draw with star-studded Portugal, and he was given a rapturous reception by the crowd.

His widow, Glenda, who he met while managing Trinidad and Tobago, said: "He may have been a football man all his life, but I know him best as a wonderful human being who was liked by everyone he came in contact with.

"He had a wish to die in harness. Just over two weeks ago we flew to Armenia for the Portugal game and I'll always remember what happened at the open training session at the stadium, the day before the game.

"The stadium was packed to see all the Portuguese stars, like Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco and the rest, but when Ian walked out, they all stood up and shouted his name.

"It was very moving."

Following his football career he began a lengthy managerial career, initially as a coach at Rotherham, in 1979, later taking charge of Sheffield United, Aberdeen and Chelsea.

His coaching career took him around the world, often managing national teams in emerging countries, including stints in Zambia, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Trinidad and Tobago, and South Korea, where he led club side Busan to cup success, before becoming Armenian boss.

At Aberdeen he succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson when he left for Manchester United after his trophy-laden stint in charge at Pittodrie, in 1986.

Sir Alex said: "His death so young is a tragedy for his family and for football.

"It isn't long ago, when he was coaching in Korea, that I spoke with him with the intention of getting a few young players over to United.

"I played against him when he was with Raith Rovers. He was an exceptional footballer, blessed with a lot of natural talent."

Sunderland chairman, and former club striker, Niall Quinn, described Porterfield as, "a true legend".

"It's a very, very sad day for the football club and of course our immediate thoughts are with Ian's wife Glenda and his family during what is a tremendously difficult time.

"The word legend can be very much over-used in the modern era of football, but Ian is what I would call a true legend of the game.

"He is part of what can only be described as an institution in the long and proud history of Sunderland AFC, the famous FA Cup-winning team of 1973.

"His appearances for the club during 10 loyal years at Roker Park, not to mention his winning goal at Wembley in '73, also ensure that his name is up there with the likes of Charlie Hurley, Raich Carter and Bobby Gurney."

Cup-winning team-mate, goalkeeper Jim Montgomery, today described Porterfield as, "a quiet man, who always had time for people and a smile on his face."

Montgomery, famed for his double save which helped to secure the Wembley victory over Leeds, said: "We went to see him in hospital in London a few weeks ago and he still just always wanted to talk football.

"He was adamant he was going to go over to see the game in Armenia against Portugal, and what a fantastic result that was, as well.

"He was always talking football, he knew the game inside out, and he knew players inside out.

"It was no surprise to the lads when he went into management.

"It's a tremendous loss, particularly to his family."

* Fans can make their own tributes to Porterfield via a book of condolence which has been opened on Sunderland's website, safc.com today.