Consett AFC is deeply saddened to learn of the death at the age of 73 of former club physio Keith Glendinning.

He died on Sunday near his home in Houghton-le-Spring. He had recently been suffering from heart problems.

Keith joined Consett in 2005 when Kenny Lindoe became manager, and was a vital part of the backroom team for the next 10 years.

He played a vital role as the club won the Northern League 2nd Division in 2006, the Durham Challenge Cup in 2007, and were Northern League runners-up three times in four years between 2008-11.

Even after hanging up his physio’s bag, Keith was a regular at Consett matches, home and away.

Today, Kenny Lindoe led the tributes to the friend who he had known for 25 years.

“Keith will long be remembered as a really good man and a real character who loved his family, his little dog, the TA and football.

“I first met Keith when I took the manager’s job at Brandon United in 1998 and inherited him as physio. We hit it off immediately, and he has been a loyal and true friend ever since.

“He joined me at Consett when I went there and continued to support me and the club until he sadly passed away on Sunday.

“He was loved by players, management and officials of both clubs and will be greatly missed by us all.

“He was a truly unsung hero and legend in non-league football. R.I.P. Keith.”

A post about Keith’s passing on the Consett AFC Facebook page was inundated with messages of sympathy from supporters and former players.

His funeral details have yet to be announced.