Sunderland player Billy Hughes dies, aged 70

Former Sunderland forward Billy Hughes - who played with the club when it won the 1973 FA Cup - has died at the age of 70.

Hughes was born in Coatbridge, near Glasgow, and played for the Black Cats from 1966-77, making more than 300 appearances.

He also had shorter spells with Vancouver Royal Canadians, Derby County, Leicester City, Carlisle United and San Jose Earthquakes. In 1975 he won his only cap for the Scotland national team.

After his playing days ended he had a varied career which included owing a shoe-shop in the town centre called ‘Billy’s Shughes', being a licensee in Derby and club house manager of Stressholme Golf Club in Darlington as well as running Keddleston Park golf club in Derbyshire.

The club has announced that flags outside the Stadium of Light and Academy of Light will fly at half-mast today as a mark of respect.

Hughes' passing will also be marked next week when the Black Cats continue the long-standing tradition of observing a period of silence at the last home game of the calendar year, in memory of supporters, former players and club officials who have passed away.

Speaking about the sad news, Sunderland AFC chairman Stewart Donald said: