SUNDERLAND legend Len Ashurst has died aged 82.
‘Lennie the Lion’ made 458 appearances for the Black Cats – and the club have led tributes to the man who also managed the Wearsiders.
Sunderland said: “We are immensely saddened to learn of the passing of Sunderland AFC legend Len Ashurst.
“Our thoughts are with Len’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.
“Rest in peace, Len.”
Ashurst is the club’s second-highest ever appearance maker behind former goalkeeper Jim Montgomery.
And Montgomery said: “When you came into the first team in those days you didn’t really speak to the senior players, but Lennie looked after you.
“Pointing you in the right direction and talking to you, as did Charlie Hurley and Jimmy McNab. If you needed Len, he was always there.
“As a player, Lennie would have kicked his granny because he was a winner.
“Over the years we had relative gentlemen at right-back, people like Colin Nelson, Cecil Irwin and Dick Malone, but at left-back Len put the fear of God into outside rights.
“Len always gave everything on the pitch, but off it he was a family man who was a perfect gentleman and was always immaculate in collar and tie.”
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