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Len Ashurst was Sunderland's outfielder 458 times, more than any other player in their history
Len Ashurst, a former manager in Cardiff City, Newport County, and Sunderland has passed away at the age of 82.
Newport was managed by Ashurst during their most successful period of history. They reached the quarter-finals at the European Cup Winners Cup in 1981.
The Bluebirds were then under his control for two seasons, from 1982-1984 to 1989-1991.
Ashurst holds the Sunderland record for outfield players with 458 appearances - and was their manager when they reached the 1985 League Cup final.
The tributes pour in from Liverpool-born defenders' former clubs. Sunderland will then hold a minute of applause before kickoff against Bolton Wanderers.
Jim Montgomery, a former goalkeeper for Sunderland, is the only man who has made more appearances than "Lennie the Lion".
He said that while Len always gave his all on the pitch, he was also a man of family who was a gentleman and always wore a tie and collar.
