TRIBUTE has been paid to a former captain of Sunderland AFC who has died from motor neurone disease.

Rob Hindmarch died this week, aged 41, in the US, where he was a coach at a soccer school for children.

The central defender, who was born in Morpeth, Northumberland, made his debut for the Black Cats as a 16-year-old in 1977.

He was appointed captain three years later and played a total of 125 games during his seven-year spell at the club.

He went on to play for Derby County, and was captain when the club won successive promotions.

Derby County manager John Gregory, who played alongside him, said: "We knew that Rob had a limited amount of time, but his death is still difficult to accept and very, very sad news.

"We had some really great times, and I have some fantastic memories of Rob. He made a major impact on this football club."