Tributes have been paid to former Middlesbrough midfielder David Armstrong who has died at the age of 67.
Armstrong, who was capped three times by England, played 431 times for Boro, having joined in 1971 and made his debut against Blackpool in April the following year.
He was an ever-present in the promotion-winning side of 1973-74 managed by Jack Charlton and holds the club record for the most consecutive league appearances, with 305 between March 1973 and August 1980.
In total, he made 358 consecutive appearances for Boro and scored 77 goals before moving to Southampton in 1981.
Armstrong, who was born in Durham, featured almost 300 times for the Saints before a final season at Bournemouth from 1987-88.
A spokesman for Middlesbrough FC said: "The thoughts of everyone connected with MFC are with his family and friends at this time."
Neil Maddison, a former Middlesbrough player and now a Boro matchday commentator, described Armstrong as 'a true legend'.
He said on twitter: "RIP Dave (Spike) Armstrong, a true legend and gentleman.
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"Always took time out to speak to me back in the 80s when at Saints.
"What a top player he was also. Saints and Boro legend, RIP Spike."
Hartlepool-born Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling tweeted: "David Armstrong was a warm and welcoming figure to me when I was a cub reporter in the North East, a fine footballer too.
"So sad to lose him so early."
A tweet from the official Southampton FC twitter page said: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the great David Armstrong, one of our finest ever midfielders.
"The thoughts of everyone at SaintsFC go out to his loved ones."
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