NORTH-EAST football legend Bob Stokoe died in hospital yesterday. He was 73.

Mr Stokoe, who managed Sunderland's famous 1973 FA Cup-winning team, died peacefully at the University Hospital of Hartlepool with his family around him.

The former Newcastle player managed Sunderland between 1972 and 1976, during which time he led the Wearside club to its cup final victory over Leeds at Wembley, against all the odds.

Sunderland also overcame Manchester City and Arsenal on their way to the final in which Ian Porterfield scored the only goal.

Leeds, the cup holders, had 11 internationals in their squad, were in the final of the European Cup Winners' Cup and had finished third in the old First Division.

It was the first time a Second Division team had won the cup for 40 years and was the last time it was won by a North-East club.

Mr Stokoe also guided the club to the Second Division title in 1976 with a team which included the evergreen Bryan Robson. But poor results the following season led to Mr Stokoe resigning and the club were relegated again under Jimmy Adamson.

Mr Stokoe had been suffering from a severe form of dementia for several years.

Jim Montgomery, the goal-keeper in the 1973 cup final, said Mr Stokoe had been in decline since the death of his wife, Joan.

He was taken to hospital on Wednesday, from the nursing home where he lived, Elwick Grange, in Hartlepool.

Sunderland chairman Bob Murray said Mr Stokoe had been a good friend to him.

He said: "It is very sad news. He was a total friend to me. When he came to help the club after the Lawrie McMenemy era he was so accommodating.

"He tried valiantly to help the club. He had a great love for Sunderland. He was proud of his achievements in his career at Newcastle, but this club was in his heart."