SUNDERLAND legend Charlie Hurley has died aged 87.
Dubbed “The King”, the Irishman has been hailed as one of the Black Cats’ greatest ever players.
GettyCharlie Hurley played more than 400 times for Sunderland[/caption]
GettyHurley was voted Sunderland’s greatest ever player[/caption]
Born in Cork, Ireland in 1936 – Hurley moved to England with his family at seven months old.
He joined Millwall aged 16, and went on to play 110 times for the Lions before joining Sunderland for £20,000 in 1957.
After leaving a strong impression in East London, it was in Wearside that the strapping centre-half would really make his name.
Hurley played for Sunderland for 12 years, representing the Black Cats over 400 times and leaving his mark both on and off the pitch.
Paying tribute to Hurley, Sunderland wrote in a lengthy statement: “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.
“A man mountain on the pitch and a gentleman off it, Charlie’s aura and charisma ensured that he was adored and idolised by supporters and team-mates alike.”
Hurley went on to represent the country of his birth, earning 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
Following Sunderland’s promotion to the First Division in 1963-64, Hurley came second to Bobby Moore for FWA Footballer of the Year.
After 402 appearances and three Sunderland Player of the Year accolades in 12 years, Hurley left Wearside to join Bolton in 1969.
He spent the final two years of his playing career with the Trotters before hanging up his boots in 1971.
Hurley’s first club Millwall have also paid tribute to their former defender.
They wrote: “Millwall Football Club is saddened to hear of the passing of former player Charlie Hurley.
“To a generation of Millwall supporters, Charlie was the greatest player to don a Millwall shirt.”
Bolton added: “Sharing our thoughts with everyone at Sunderland and Charlie Hurley’s family.
“A footballing giant who ended a magnificent playing career with Wanderers.”
Following his playing retirement, Hurley went on to manage Reading for five years between 1972 and 1977.
During his tenure, the Royals earned promotion from Division Four during the 1974-75 campaign.
Upon their former boss’ passing, Reading wrote on social media: “The club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Charlie Hurley, at the age of 87 earlier this week.”
Upon retirement, Hurley settled in Hertfordshire and worked as a scout for Southampton.
Hurley has remained a firm favourite in Sunderland through the years, and was voted their greatest ever player in 2004.
In 2016, he made his final return to Wearside for his 80th birthday.
Joined by a host of his former team-mates, he witnessed the entrance to Sunderland’s academy training ground, named the “Charlie Hurley Gates” – be moved to the Stadium of Light.