FOOTBALL showed a united front yesterday as present-day players joined stars of the past to pay tribute to one of the region's most respected players.

Members of the Middlesbrough squad, including Robbie Mustoe, Paul Ince and Gary Pallister, lined up on the pathway to St Cuthbert's Church, Billingham, to honour former Boro great Willie Maddren.

They were joined by club chairman Steve Gibson, manager Bryan Robson, assistant manager Viv Anderson and coach Gordon McQueen.

Jack Charlton, who managed Middlesbrough in 1973, when Willie was a player, and Peter Reid, manager of Sunderland, also joined the tribute.

More than 150 fans of all ages, had arrived outside the church to quietly pay their last respects to their idol, who had two spells with the club.

Youngsters, who were perhaps unaware of how much Willie had touched the lives of others, clutched their parents hands.

The older generation took off their hats and bowed to the cortge as it passed, while a brass band played in the church grounds.

Inside, the church was packed with family and close friends, who paid their respects to a man who was Middlesbrough through and through.

Paying tribute to their father during the service, his son Steven said: "He was a remarkably strong man, with a cheeky smile. He was an excellent role model."

His daughter, Laura added: "My dad was a very special person. He was a special man. He has given me so many happy memories."

The service was led by the Reverend Richard Smith who encouraged the sombre congregation to give thanks for the knowledge that they knew Willie.

The former defender remained a devoted Middlesbrough fan attending matches despite suffering from motor neurone disease in his later years.

He was born in Haverton Hill, and made his debut for the club in 1968.

He played for 11 years as a centre back, making 350 appearances, before a knee injury cut short his career.

He later returned as coach and physiotherapist and then manager in June 1984, for an 18-month spell.

After his illness was diagnosed, Willie became a crusader on behalf of Britain's thousands of MND sufferers.

The 49-year-old passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 29, at the Butterwick Hospice, Stockton.

To enable fans to pay their last respects, an area will be set aside in Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium store, where a book of remembrance will be available, from 9.30am this morning, for individuals to leave their own personal message.

l The Northern Echo attended the funeral with the permission of Willie Maddren's family.