Former Darlington footballer Gary Pearson has died suddenly at the age 45.
He had recently been appointed manager at Billingham Town, having previously been in charge at Crook Town and Ryhope CW.
In his playing days he was known as a combative midfielder, tough in the tackle and always committed.
Below are pictures from Pearson’s playing days:
Pearson on his home league debut in February 2002 for Darlington, a 3-2 win against Luton Town in which he scored Quakers' first goal.
Pearson challenges York City's Lee Bullock for a header in March 2002.
Gary Pearson playing against Wrexham in February 2003
Pearson playing for Darlington away to Lincoln City in February 2003
Playing against York City in 2003-04, the club he signed for after leaving Darlington
Pearson, right, playing for Durham City against Shildon in November 2005
Pearson playing for Durham City against Trafford in 2005-06
Pearson scores the winning goal for Hetton Lyons when they won the FA Sunday Cup at Anfield in 2008 against Coundon Cons.
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