The football world is in mourning after legendary Middlesbrough, England and Great Britain defender George Hardwick who died.

'Gentleman George', as he was affectionately known, was one of the greatest players to ever pull on the Boro shirt, and captained the Great Britain side that played against the Rest of Europe in the VE celebration match in 1947.

The Saltburn-born full back had been ill for some time and passed away in the early hours of Monday morning in a nursing home aged 84. Until recently he attended home games to watch his beloved team with his wife Jennifer, who described him as her 'shining light'.

She said: "It was heart breaking to watch his decline as he had been so ill for such a long time, but he passed away peacefully. It was a blessing to see his suffering end.

"It is a mark of the esteem that George was held in the town that the Bishop of Middlesbrough asked me if he could conduct the funeral service, saying it would be a great honour for him to do it."

Club chairman Steve Gibson said everyone at the club was deeply saddened.

"George Hardwick's name was synonymous with Middlesbrough Football club," he said. "He was a Boro legend and alongside the late Wilf Mannion, he represented the club and town at the highest level on the international stage."

Chief executive Keith Lamb said the club's thoughts were with his family and friends.

"We have lost one of our greatest heroes and famous sons. He will be sadly missed by all of us."

Fans will be able to pay their respects when a period of silence is observed at the beginning of the Saturday's Premiership game at home to Aston Villa.

George, who recovered from a double heart by-pass operation in South Cleveland Hospital five years ago, had fought against ailing health over the past year.

Fan Jonathan Preston, 29, who grew up living opposite George said: "It was brilliant going to games with George, I got to meet so many famous players including Wilf Mannion. It was a fantastic feeling being taken to Ayresome Park and rubbing shoulders with all the greats - it is something that will remain in my memory for a long time."

Mayor of Middlesbrough, Ray Mallon said: "I was once asked at a meeting what the best thing about Middlesbrough was. George Hardwick happened to be at the meeting and I thought that he typified everything that is good about the town. His skills brought pleasure and pride to everyone in the town and he was a marvellous ambassador for Middlesbrough on and off the pitch."

At last night's FA Youth Cup Final second leg, Boro's future stars took to the Riverside pitch, where flags were at half mast, wearing black armbands.