Tony Parry, who died on 23 November, 2009, aged 64, was a mainstay of the Hartlepool United team during the late 1960s and early ’70s.

Born in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, he was Brian Clough ’s first signing when he became manager of the club in 1965, joining from his local side Burton Albion.

Three years later he was voted Player of the Year as the club were promoted from the Fourth Division.

Clough later signed him for his Derby County side in 1972, a £2,500 transfer that helped beleaguered Hartlepool stay in business.

He later had a loan spell at Mansfield and then spent nine years at non-league Gresley Rovers where he was again voted Player of the Year in 1983.

He made a triumphant return to the north-east when he was guest of honour at Hartlepool's hugely successful Centenary Legends Dinner.

Barry Butlin, Secretary & Treasurer of Derby County Former Players' Association, paid this tribute:

"Tony Parry was a lovely man. I played with Tony at Derby County FC. There were four young players in the 'Rams' reserve team, Tony Parry, Tony Bailey, Jeff Bourne and myself. We all came from the Burton / South Derbyshire area and would travel in to training, all taking turns in picking up, and driving to the training ground, and the same on match days. Unfortunately Tony didn't drive, but we were all happy to give him a lift, even though he kept us waiting for ages, parked outside his house in Burton-on-Trent!! Tony was a natural athlete who could dominate games with his power and ability.

"I have really got to know Tony, again, over the last couple of seasons. He became a member of the Derby County Former Players' Association. If he wasn't at his beloved Hartlepools, then he would be at Pride Park watching the 'Rams' or watching Burton Albion. I'll always remember Tony as a modest, humble man who was great company.

"He would phone me on a regular basis, and he was so polite to my wife Jackie when she answered the phone. He was always the perfect gentleman. I got the feeling that Tony never believed how good he was as a player. It is only since he was invited back to the North East, that he had started to realise the high esteem in which he was held. The warmth and kindness the people of Hartlepool and the North East showed Tony was absolutely wonderful.He would often tell me of the fantastic times he enjoyed during his recent visits there.

"It is fitting that Tony's fans at Hartlepool and in the North East had the opportunity to honour him at the 'Centenary' celebrations, and Tony was delighted to be greeted by his telly idol Jeff Stelling . I had the honour and privilege of playing with Tony.

"Tony is a 'Legend' and he will be sadly missed by all those who knew, loved and respected him."