SUNDERLAND'S interim head coach, Mike Dodds, has paid an emotional tribute to Black Cats legend Charlie Hurley, who has died at the age of 87.

The 'King', as he became known amongst the Sunderland fanbase, made over 400 appearances for the Wearsiders from 1957 to 1969 and remained an iconic figure at the football club.

The giant of a defender was voted supporters' Player of the Century in 1979 and, to this day, is regarded as one of Sunderland's best-ever players.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunderland's trip to Watford this weekend, Dodds paid tribute to 'The King', saying: "I think from my perspective I don't think there's any words that I can find to explain how important he was for this football club. Not just this football club but the football world.

"I was talking before we came in, the general outpouring for him on social media speaks volumes. I think from my perspective, the players and staff, we're sending our thoughts out to the family an friends at this point.

"He's a huge legend at this football club. I've been here a short period of time and he was one of the first names that was - not presented to me, but when I went on the stadium tour he was one of the first players that was explained to me in terms of his importance to the football club.

"Over 400 league games, Player of the Century voted by the fans. As I said there's no real words from my perspective that can justify how important he was to the football club. I think the general outpouring speaks volumes for how well regarded he is.

"Not just Sunderland and the North-East, but the wider football community."