Ex-Newcastle and Middlesbrough star Stuart Boam dies aged 77 as tributes paid
Stuart Boam, who played for Mansfield, Hartlepool, Newcastle and Middlesbrough, has passed away after a battle with illness, with his former clubs paying tribute to him
Football has lost a beloved figure with the passing of former Newcastle United and Middlesbrough defender Stuart Boam at the age of 77.
The much-loved centre-back died following a lengthy battle with illness, prompting an outpouring of tributes from his former clubs.
Boam began his footballing journey at Mansfield Town before moving to Middlesbrough, where he became a stalwart throughout the 1970s. His career then took him to Newcastle in 1979, followed by a return to Mansfield two years later, before he finally retired at Hartlepool United in 1983.
As reported by the Daily Star, the sad news was shared by fellow Boro legend Jim Platt, who wrote: “It is with deep sadness that I have to tell you our captain of the magnificent 1974 promotion team Stuart Boam has passed away.
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“He will join his teammates Willie Maddren, Bobby Murdoch and David Armstrong. Rest is peace my friend. Much love to Janice and family.”
Middlesbrough, where he enjoyed his most memorable spell, led the tributes to their legendary defender with a poignant message on social media.
The statement said: “The club is deeply saddened to hear the passing of our former captain Stuart Boam following a lengthy illness.
“A centre-back by trade, Stuart’s brave defending and work-rate earned him a place in the starting line-up right off the bat from signing for Middlesbrough. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Supporters paid heartfelt tributes to Boam online, with one writing: “RIP Stuart Boam, a Boro legend, get the 3pts for him tonight lads.”
Another commented: “RIP Stuart Boam. A player i remember seeing as kid on my 1st terrace visits. A legend from a Boro team full of Boro legends. RIP Stuey”.
A third posted: “Six Foot Two , Eyes Of Blue . RIP Stuey Boam”. Whilst another added: “RIP Stuart Boam. A giant of a man and a great Boro captain.”
Boam was appointed Middlesbrough skipper two years after signing for the club and led them to Second Division glory in 1974. He racked up close to 400 appearances for the side.
Following his departure from Boro, he turned out 69 times for the Magpies before moving on to take up a player-manager role at Mansfield.
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