STAN ANDERSON, the only person to captain Sunderland, Newcastle United and Middlesbrough, has died at the age of 85.

Born in Horden, Anderson was an England schoolboy international before joining Sunderland.

A wing-half, he made his first-team debut at the age of 19, and spent the next 12 years playing at Roker Park.

He made more than 400 appearances for Sunderland, helping the club reach the FA Cup semi-finals in 1955 and 56, before joining Newcastle United in a £35,000 transfer in November 1963.

He helped Newcastle claim the Second Division title in 1965, but was sold to Middlesbrough after making 94 senior appearances for the Magpies.

Having worn the captain's armband with Sunderland and Newcastle, he also skippered Middlesbrough during his season-long spell at Ayresome Park.

A two-time England international, who was an unused member of the squad at the 1962 World Cup finals, he moved into management in 1966, taking charge of Middlesbrough.

He spent seven years as Boro boss, suffering relegation from the Second Division before guiding the club back to the second tier.

A Newcastle United statement said: "We're saddened by the news that Stan Anderson, who had the distinction of captaining Newcastle United, Sunderland and Middlesbrough, has sadly passed away.

"Our deepest condolences go to Stan’s family and his many friends both in and out of football."