TRIBUTES were paid yesterday after former Sunderland manager Jimmy Adamson died at the age of 82.

Ashington-born Adamson managed the Black Cats between 1976 and 1978, during which time the Roker Park outfit were relegated from the First Division. In his one full season at Sunderland, his side finished eighth in football's second tier.

Adamson was best known for giving Gary Rowell a run of games in midfield, alongside Shaun Elliott and Kevin Arnott as the Black Cats turned to youth.

As a player, he made 486 appearances for Burnley, the only club he represented, while he went on to manage the Clarets for six years, spending less than a year at Sparta Rotterdam before taking the Sunderland job. He also managed Leeds United for two years between 1978 and 1980.

Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne said: "Jimmy Adamson's stature in the game is undoubted.

"As a hugely respected figure he came back to his native North-East to serve Sunderland during a difficult spell.

"He gave belief to young players and had the club heading in the right direction again when he moved on. Sunderland AFC would like to pay tribute to Jimmy Adamson and offer its condolences to Jimmy's family."