STALWART former Middlesbrough player and manager Willie Maddren has died following a long battle with motor neurone disease.

Mr Maddren, who became a Boro idol during two spells with the club, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday at Butterwick Hospice, Stockton.

The 49-year-old leaves a widow, Hilary, and four children, Lucy, Steven, Laura and David.

He contracted the muscle-wasting disease in 1995 and helped set up the Willie Maddren Motor Neurone Disease Fund, which raised more than £200,000.

Last night, Mrs Maddren pledged that the fund raising would continue.

She said: "Willie touched the lives of everyone who ever met him - he was a wonderful man and my best friend.

"He kept fighting to the end and we have to thank the hospice whose comfort and care was incredible.

"His has been a very public illness though and myself and my children now need to spend a bit of time on our own.

"But the fund raising will continue, which is what he wanted."

Mr Maddren, who remained a devoted Boro fan attending matches despite his illness, was born in Haverton Hill and made his debut for the club in 1968.

He played for 11 years as a centre back, making 350 appearances, before a knee injury cut short his career.

However, he later returned as coach and physiotherapist and then manager in June 1984 for an 18-month spell.

As a mark of respect, flags outside Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium were flying at half mast yesterday.

Boro manager Bryan Robson said last night: "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."

The funeral is expected to be held in Billingham next week.

Skill and courage - Page 9