MIDDLESBROUGH legend Micky Fenton has died at the age of 89 after a short illness, writes Clive Hetherington.

Fenton, pictured inset, was one of Boro's goal-scoring greats, hitting 162 goals in 269 League and Cup appearances - 147 coming in the top flight.

Born in Portrack, Stockton, the fleet-footed Fenton won one England cap, against Scotland in 1938.

At 25, his career was interrupted by the war after he had scored an astonishing 34 goals in 33 League appearances for Boro, his only professional club.

When his playing days resumed, he was 32 but still amassed 58 goals in 104 games in the next three seasons before retiring and joining Boro's coaching staff.

In that role he helped to develop the predatory talents of the likes of Brian Clough and Alan Peacock.

Former England striker Peacock said: "When you think he was an England international, and myself and Cloughie came through the ranks under him, something must have rubbed off. I always admired him and kept in touch, even when I went to Leeds.''

Boro spokesman

Dave Allan said: "Micky was a Boro legend and one of our all-time top scorers.

"What many people might not realise is that he was also one of our longest-serving employees, as he joined the coaching staff after his career ended.''