TRIBUTES were flooding in last night to one of Middlesbrough's greatest ever players, Willie Maddren.

The former Boro centre back and manager was admired by thousands for his courage on the pitch and off it in his battle against motor neurone disease.

Yesterday it claimed his life after a five-year battle against the odds.

Former Boro striker David Mills, who knew 49-year-old Mr Maddren for more than 30 years, said: "He had such immense courage and a sense of humour. He was also an outstanding player who had a presence about him that all the great players have.

"I'll miss him as a friend as much as anything else. He had an immense inner strength and I just feel so very sad for his wife and family."

Another Boro hero, Bernie Slaven, was picked up by Mr Maddren when he was a manager in October 1985, for a snip at just £25,000, during a troubled financial time for the club.

"He was a terrific guy who gave me my big chance and I'll always be grateful for that," he said. "He had an eye for talent and signed Gary Pallister from Billingham Town for a set of strips."

Those currently at Middlesbrough also paid tribute to Mr Maddren, who gained five under-23 England Caps, but never, to the amazement of many, made the full national side.

Manager Bryan Robson said: "Willie was truly a Boro legend. He was not only a very good player, but loved the club enough to take charge of the team at its lowest ebb when the odds were stacked against him."

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson said: "He was a great ambassador not only for Middlesbrough FC but for Teeside as a whole.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Mr Maddren, who wrote his autobiography Extra Time two years ago, was afforded a benefit match by Middlesbrough in 1996 and remained a favourite of the fans.

Rob Nichols, editor of the club's fanzine Fly Me To The Moon, said: "He was possibly the greatest defender that ever played for us.

"He was also a very brave man who fought his disease for a long time and did not hide himself away as he could have done," said Mr Nichols.