Tributes are paid to Boro legend

There will be a silence before the game against Aston Villa. (Photo:Middlesbrough Football Club)

Tributes have been paid to former Middlesbrough and England football legend George Hardwick.

The player known as "Gentleman George" died on Monday at the age of 84 after a long illness.

He made 166 appearances for Boro, his home club, and led Great Britain to a 6-1 win over the rest of Europe at Hampden Park in 1947.

Flags at Boro's Riverside ground flew at half-mast and there will be a silence before this weekend's match.

Hardwick was born in Saltburn and lived his early life in Lingdale, playing for South Bank East End.

The left full-back joined Oldham as player-manager in 1950 and made 190 appearances for them.

He also coached at PSV Eindhoven and the Dutch FA before rejoining Middlesbrough as youth team coach.

In November 1964, he was appointed manager of Sunderland.

George Hardwick's name was synonymous with Middlesbrough Football Club. Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson

Despite taking the club to their highest post-war position at the time, he was sacked after 169 days in charge.

He was granted the freedom of the Borough of Redcar and Cleveland three years ago.

On the club's official website, Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson said: "George Hardwick's name was synonymous with Middlesbrough Football Club.

"He was a Boro legend and alongside the late Wilf Mannion, he represented club and town at the highest level on the international stage."

Sports Minister Richard Caborn led MPs in remembering the player.

He said: "I am sure the House would join the world of football in passing on their condolences to his family."