BOB CASS, who began his journalistic career at The Northern Echo, has died aged 78 following a long fight against cancer.

Born and educated in Darlington, he was a life member and former chairman of the Football Writers’ Association and was a highly-respected sports writer with the Sun and the Mail on Sunday.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Cass.

Sunderland manager David Moyes said: “I knew Bob, he was one of the real characters, one of the old school journalists. I was relatively young when I came into management. 

"Big Sam (Allardyce) and Alex (Ferguson) told me to go and meet some of the sports writers like Bob. Bob was one of the lads who ran the show, he was a real character and at that time he was on the scene, a really good guy and well liked. 

"He phoned me between six months and a year ago and he wanted me to do something for him in a couple of papers. He was well respected by everyone. 

"You could go for a drink with him and talk about anything, but ultimately you would end up talking football. Bob was really helpful to me as a younger manager, I have lost count of the number of the functions we have been to together.

"He was a really good guy. He loved a laugh and a joke and he will be missed.”

Online tributes included one from former England striker Gary Lineker, who tweeted: "Very sad to hear that Bob Cass has passed away. Terrific sports journalist, great character and a lovely man.”