Tributes have been paid to Sunderland great Charlie Hurley, who has died at the age of 87.
Hurley, who was nicknamed ‘the King’, was one of Sunderland’s most popular players throughout his time on Wearside, and was named as the ‘Player of the Century’ to mark the club’s centenary in 1979.
Born in Cork, but raised in London, Hurley began his senior career with Millwall in 1953 before heading to the North-East to join Sunderland four years later.
He spent 12 memorable years at Roker Park, forging a powerful bond with Sunderland’s supporters, who immediately took the tough-tackling centre-half to their hearts.
Hurley played in all bar one game of Sunderland’s 1963-64 promotion-winning campaign, and is one of only ten players to have made more than 400 senior appearances for the club.
He was also a successful player on the international stage, winning 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland, all bar two of which were earned during his time with Sunderland.
After hanging up his boots, he went into management, and while leading Reading, he made an emotional return to Roker Park to manage the Royals in a fourth-round FA Cup tie in the season that culminated in Sunderland lifting the trophy at Wembley in 1973.
He eventually settled down to live out his retirement in Hertfordshire, but he made occasional returns to Wearside, the last of which came in November 2016 when the club paid tribute to the Hall of Fame inductee on his 80th birthday.
On an emotional day, Hurley was joined by fellow players from the 1963-64 promotion-winning team, which he captained, including Cecil Irwin, Len Ashurst, Martin Harvey, Brian Usher, George Herd, Stan Anderson and Jimmy Montgomery.
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A Sunderland statement said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Charlie Hurley, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of Sunderland AFC.
“Named the club’s Player of the Century in 1979, The King was a giant in the story of SAFC and his legacy on Wearside will forever endure.
“Charlie adored Sunderland and Sunderland will always adore him. Our heartfelt sympathies are with his family, and all who loved him.”
The Sunderland Foundation of Light Tweeted: "Everyone at the Foundation of Light is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sunderland AFC Legend, Charlie Hurley.
"A King to many on Wearside, player of the century and a Sunderland legend in every sense of the word."
Micky Horswill, a member of Sunderland's 1973 FA Cup winning team, paid tribute to Charlie Hurley 'The King'.
He said: "Thank you for everything you did for us. A proper player and lovely man."
The Irish FA (FAI) said it was "deeply saddened" to learn of the death of the Cork-born legend.
A statement read: "Capped 40 times by his country, Charlie will always be remembered as 'The King'. We are proud he played for Ireland and offer our sympathies to his family and friends."
Tributes have also been played by former clubs Millwall and Bolton Wanderers, as well as Reading, who he managed for five years in the 1970s.
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