Back to the Sunderland Newsfeed

Former players say farewell to Sunderland legend

Football stars have turned out to pay tribute to Sunderland legend Charlie Hurley.

Former teammates Jimmy Montgomery and Bobby Moncur were among about 180 fans, ex-players and friends who gathered for a service at Sunderland Minster.

Hurley, who captained the club to promotion in 1964 and was known by fans as The King, died aged 87 on 22 April.

"He fell in love with Sunderland and they fell in love with him," said Montgomery, who was helped by Hurley to settle at the club.

Jimmy Montgomery
Jimmy Montgomery said Hurley was "instrumental" to his career at Roker Park

"He was colossal, he was big in stature but also as a person and revered throughout Sunderland, and quite rightly so.