I WAS deeply saddened by the tragic and untimely death of Tim Carter the former Sunderland goalkeeper and current goalkeeping coach for the youth teams at SAFC's Academy of Light.

While Tim may not have been the greatest goalkeeper to play for the Wearsiders he always gave 100 per cent for the team and was a fantastic person. I had the pleasure of meeting him on several occasions and one particular time I was at the Academy of Light watching the first team train when my son asked Tim for an autograph the big man could not have been friendlier.

While SAFC manager Roy Keane replaced Tim Carter with his former Manchester Utd teammate Raimond Van Der Gouw as first team goalkeeping coach Keano still clearly rated Tim by appointing him as Sunderland's first ever goalkeeping coach for the youth teams at the Academy of Light.

Tim was also highly rated in Estonia, where he was part time goalkeeping coach for the national team. Over the weekend they showed their respect by conducting a minutes silence in the Estonian football leagues for Tim.

My thoughts go out to his family. Rest in peace Tim Carter.

Tony Ratton Sunderland