MYSTERY surrounds the sudden closure of a popular pub run by North-East football legend Bobby Kerr.

The Copt Hill, near Houghtonle- Spring, Wearside, shut two weeks ago amid concern that the Sunderland FA Cup winning skipper may have fallen on hard times.

Yesterday, the only sign that Mr Kerr had been there was a skip outside the pub containing rubbish and belongings, including bedding, shoes and photographs that once adorned the pub.

All efforts to trace Mr Kerr were unsuccessful and regulars said they did not know what had become of him.

Mr Kerr, who ran the pub for several years, shot to fame as captain of Sunderland's 1973 FA Cup-winning side, which captured the imagination of the public nationwide by beating the then mighty Leeds United 1-0 in one of the biggest Wembley upsets of all time.

On quitting the game, Mr Kerr went into the pub trade and was licensee at the Park Inn, in Sunderland city centre, before taking over at the Copt Hill more than ten years ago.

Pub owner Enterprise Inns was unable to comment last night.

A sign on the windows directed all inquiries to The Mill Inn, in Houghton-le-Spring, where licensee Alan Waters confirmed he was taking over the lease of the Copt Hill. He said he hoped to reopen it in about two weeks.

Mr Waters said he had no knowledge of rumours that Mr Kerr intended filing for bankruptcy and added: "Even if I knew something I wouldn't comment.

"Whatever has happened is down to him. I know him very well. Obviously, he is a nice guy, but not the best businessman in the world."

Among Mr Kerr's many regulars were members of the nearby Houghton-le-Spring Golf Club.

But yesterday many of them remained in the dark as to his whereabouts.

One regular said: "Mr Kerr lived in Doxford Park, Sunderland, but Enterprise Inns insisted someone must live on the premises and he then moved in, upstairs. We don't know where he is now."

Another added: "It's a shame."

* Do you know where Bobby Kerr is? If so contact The Northern Echo newsdesk on 01325- 505054.