Stuart Boam has died at 77

Former Newcastle United and Middlesbrough defender Stuart Boam has died aged 77.

The popular defender passed away after a battle with illness, with his former club paying a touching tribute to him.

Boam started his career at Mansfield Town before joining Middlesbrough, where he remained a mainstay in the team through the 70s. He later joined Newcastle in 1979 before returning to Mansfield two years later, and eventually hanging up his boots in 1983 at Hartlepool United.

Boam's death was announced by fellow Boro legend Jim Platt, who posted: "It is with deep sadness that I have to tell you our captain of the magnificent 1974 promotion team Stuart Boam has passed away.

"He will join his teammates Willie Maddren, Bobby Murdoch and David Armstrong. Rest is peace my friend. Much love to Janice and family."

Middlesbrough, his most famous club, led the tributes to their iconic defender with a heartfelt statement on social media.

It read: “The club is deeply saddened to hear the passing of our former captain Stuart Boam following a lengthy...