John Tudor dead aged 78: Newcastle lead tributes as Toon legend and Malcolm McDonald’s strike partner passes away
FORMER footballer John Tudor has died at the age of 78 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Tudor starred for the likes of Newcastle and Sheffield United during his playing days.
During his time at Newcastle, he impressed with 72 goals in 219 appearances.
He made up an important half of the strike partnership with legend Malcolm McDonald.
Tudor helped the Toon reach the final of the FA Cup in 1974, only to be beaten by Liverpool.
The club have paid tribute to their former players with a touching statement.
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
It read: "Newcastle are saddened to hear of the death of popular former player John Tudor at the age of 78.
"Best known for striking up a prolific partnership with Malcolm Macdonald - and for his terrace chant, 'Hallelujah, John Tudor'.
The Ilkeston-born forward scored 72 goals in 219 appearances for the Magpies in all competitions.
"The club's thoughts are with John's family and friends at this difficult time."
Most read in Football
Tudor's former clubs Sheffield United and Coventry City have also paid tribute.
The Blades wrote: "All at Sheffield United are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player John Tudor, aged 78. Rest in peace, John."
Coventry added: "Coventry City are saddened to learn of the death of our former player John Tudor.
"John sadly passed away on Sunday at the age of 78 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
"Our thoughts and condolences are with John’s family and friends at this sad time."
Tudor's fans have also paid tribute to him on social media.
One posted: "Sad to hear of the death of John Tudor of Coventry, Sheffield Utd, Newcastle and Stoke fame. Probably most famous for his partnership at Newcastle with Malcolm Macdonald. Very underrated by any who didn’t actually see him play."
A second wrote: "RIP Newcastle United Great John Tudor. So sad to hear the news of this wonderful man’s passing."
A third commented: "Very sorry to hear that the great John Tudor has passed away."
A fourth said: "Another 70’s SJP favourite gone….. RIP John Tudor."
Another added: "RIP Newcastle United Legend John Tudor."
Tudor retired from playing after a two-year spell at Belgian side KAA Gent in 1979.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
He then became a publican in Derbyshire and Northumberland before moving to the US.
While across the Atlantic, he worked in coaching at Tonka United in Minnesota.