FORMER Darlington player Kevin Stonehouse has died at the age of 59.

He well well-known and respected not only to Quakers fans as a player during the late 1980s, but also for having led the club’s Football in the Community scheme for many years, coaching thousands of children in his tenure.

He first held the role at Feethams and continued when Darlington moved to the Arena in 2003.

Most recently he was doing scouting work for Newcastle United.

A Newcastle statement tonight read: "We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of club scout Kevin Stonehouse today. Our thoughts are with Kevin’s loved ones and his many friends across the club and football community."

Stonehouse, from Shildon, played as forward during a career that saw him begin at Blackburn Rovers at the beginning of the 1980s.

Blackburn tweeted tonight: “Rovers are saddened to learn of the passing of former player Kevin Stonehouse. Stonehouse spent four years at Ewood Park (1979-1983), making 91 appearances and scoring 29 goals. Our thoughts are with Kevin's family and friends at this incredibly sad time."

After Blackburn he spent time with Huddersfield Town and Blackpool before returning to the North-East with a transfer to Darlington in 1987, when Dave Booth was manager.

He played wide left in two years at Feethams and among his team-mates were David Currie, Paul Ward Alan Roberts, making 87 appearances and scoring 24 goals.

He was the team’s second highest league scorer with 13 in 87-88, behind Currie on 21, when Darlington finished 13th in Division 4.

After leaving in ’89 he later played for both Bishop Auckland and Shildon.

Former Darlington captain Kevan Smith paid tribute, saying: “It’s a very sad and tragic day for me and many more who admired, loved and were proud to say Stoney was their friend.

“I’m absolutely devastated to have received a call to say he has passed away.

“I can’t really put into words my feelings and there certainly isn’t enough words to describe a truly good human being such as he was.”

Andy Collett worked alongside Stonehouse as a coach. He said: “Devastating news, a great bloke, great coach and will be very sadly missed.”

Neil Maddison, a colleague from his Darlington days, said: “Kev was such a nice person and a real close friend.

“He was kind and funny and lit up a room when he was there.

“Totally devastated and my thoughts are with his family. RIP my friend until we meet again.”

Les Hodge, formerly Quakers’ club photographer, said: “I worked for Darlington FC for 16 years and Kevin was always there, did various jobs in the club and no matter how busy he was, he always had time for you.”