Sunderland icon Charlie Hurley dies aged 87, as the Black Cats pay tribute to the 'beloved' former Republic of Ireland centre back

Sunderland icon Charlie Hurley has passed away at the age of 87, the club has announced.

The Championship club confirmed his death in a statement on Thursday morning as they paid tribute to their former player.

The statement read: '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.'

Hurley, who was born in Cork, Ireland in October 1936 before moving to England when he was just seven months old, spent 12 years at Sunderland between 1957 and 1969.

He quickly became a popular figure at the North-East outfit and was voted their 'Player of the Century' in a poll by fans to mark the club's centenary in 1979. 

Hurley, who spent most of his career at centre back, was branded 'The King' thanks in part to his strapping appearance, and he earned 40 international caps for the Republic of Ireland.

The defender started his playing days at Millwall, and they also paid tribute to Hurley following his passing.

'Millwall Football Club is saddened to hear of the passing of former player Charlie Hurley,' they wrote.

Hurley moved on from Millwall after four years at the club to join Sunderland, and he would go on to make 402 appearances for the Black Cats. 

The final two years of his career were spent at Bolton Wanderers, who hailed the 'footballing giant' on Thursday.

'Sharing our thoughts with everyone at Sunderland and Charlie Hurley’s family,' the club posted on X.

'A footballing giant who ended a magnificent playing career with Wanderers.'

After hanging up his boots, Hurley moved into management at Reading in 1972.

During his five years at the helm, Hurley led the club to promotion from the fourth division. 

He resigned in February 1977, and made the decision to walk away at half time during a match. That proved to be his final managerial role as he opted to leave the dugout behind.

Reading released a statement on Thursday, expressing that they were 'deeply saddened' by their former manager's passing.