FORMER Middlesbrough and Newcastle Stuart Boam has died aged 77.
The iconic defender passed away after a battle with illness.
Boam became a fan favourite at Boro during the 70s, playing over 300 times.
He also starred at Newcastle and Mansfield, who he later went on to manage.
Middlesbrough paid tribute to Boam 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 illness.
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“A centre-back by trade, Stuart’s brave defending and work-rate earned him a place in the starting line-up right off the bat from signing for Middlesbrough.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
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