Tributes paid as Middlesbrough great David ‘Spike’ Armstrong dies aged 67

Middlesbrough great David ‘Spike’ Armstrong has died aged 67. The club made the announcement on Sunday evening, adding they were saddened to learn of the passing of the legendary player.

The Durham-born midfielder joined Boro in 1971 and spent ten years at the club before joining Southampton. He pulled on the Boro shirt 431 times, placing him eighth in the all-time record appearance holders list.

Armstrong, affectionately known as ‘Spike’, also holds the remarkable record of number of consecutive appearances for Boro – playing 358 straight games and not missing a match for almost seven years between 1973 and 1980.

He scored 77 goals for the club and was the youngest of Jack Charlton’s great title-winning side and a regular under next boss John Neal before departing for Southampton. As well as the Saints, Armstrong had a stint at Bournemouth before retiring in 1987. He was capped three times by England too.

Since Boro announced his death on Sunday evening tributes have flooded in for the great from fans and team-mates alike on Twitter.

Jim Platt wrote: “I never posted yesterday because I was shocked and upset on hearing of the death of my good friend and former teammate David Armstrong. We spoke every week and for the last time on Thursday before he left on holiday. RIP my good friend.”

Legendary striker Bernier Slaven said: “Very sad news, hearing of the passing of Spike Armstrong. Condolences to his family.” And Billy Ashcroft added: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news my old friend and teammate David ‘Spike ‘Armstrong has passed away…God bless Spike.”

Neil Maddison, who now offers his analysis on Boro for BBC Tees, was a youth player at Southampton when Armstrong was playing on the south coast. Maddison said: “RIP Dave (Spike) Armstrong, a true Legend and gentleman. Always took time out to speak to me back in the 80s when at Saints. What a top player he was also. Saints and Boro Legend RIP Spike.”

Alan Shearer was another who knew Armstrong from Southampton and posted on Twitter saying: “Terrible news. RIP legend.”

Sky Sports favourite Jeff Stelling wrote: “David Armstrong was a warm and welcoming figure to me when I was a cub reporter in the North east, a fine footballer too. So sad to lose him so early.” And Chris Kamara added: “Gutted to hear this news. Top player & a funny guy RIP David.”