Sunderland luminaries, including former striker and chairman Niall Quinn, paid tribute to Black Cats great Charlie Hurley, who died at the age of 87.
Hurley, one of ten Sunderland players to make over 400 games, is recognized as one of the club’s greatest ever players. He played for the club from 1957 to 1969 and was named player of the century in a 1979 poll. Quinn described the centre defender, dubbed ‘King’ Hurley by fans, as a ‘inspiration’ to Irish football players. He has also earned 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
In a poignant tribute, Quinn said, “He was a wonderful man; it was a pleasure to meet him and be in his company.In Irish football, he was an inspirational player and a pillar of the defense. He was brave, rugged, and fair. I’ve heard he’d go through you with salt, then pick you up and ask if you were okay. That spread to Sunderland, where it grew even more because he is a true icon – and will remain so.”
Mike Dodds, the current interim head coach, said, “There are no words to describe how important he was to this football club.”
“Looking at the outpouring of love for him today, I believe it speaks volumes. From myself, the staff, and the players here, we send our condolences to his family and friends.
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