Former England international David Armstrong dies aged 67

According to Euro Weekly News, former Southampton legend David Armstrong has passed away at the age of 67. The announcement was made by his former clubs on late Sunday, 21 August. His exact cause of death remains a mystery, however.

Armstrong was Middlesbrough's legend

Born on December 26, 1954, in Durham, David Armstrong became an eminent English footballer and also an ex-member of the England national football team during the 70s and 80s. Armstrong joined Middlesborough in 1971 before making his debut against Blackpool in April 1972.

Thanks to his incredible durability, Armstrong then became a first choice for the starting line-up under Jack Charlton’s promotion-winning side of 1973/74. At Boro, he held the club record for the most consecutive league appearances, making 305 between March 1973 and August 1980. In total, he made 358 consecutive appearances for Boro in all competitions during that time, which remains an unsurpassed record for the English club. His stint at Middlesbrough was considered one of the best in the club's history.

After leaving Middlesbrough, Armstrong, who had three caps for England, went on to appear 222 times for Southampton and managed to score a total of 59 goals. Armstrong's flair for goals and emphatic shots earned him 10 league goals and helped the Saints reach the FA Cup semi-final in the 1985/1986 season. However, he was signed off from the team in the next season following an under-par performance, scoring just once in 22 league games.

Armstrong called time on his glittering career at Bournemouth in 1987 where he played for one final season and scored two goals for the Cherries.

Throughout his career spanning nearly three decades, Armstrong found the back of the net 120 times in 590 first-team appearances and had managed to deliver at least 29 assists during his time at Southampton, Middlesbrough, and later Bournemouth.

Tributes have been paid following his death

His formers football clubs and fans have paid tributes following the heartbreaking news of his death via social media:

Middlesbrough wrote on Twitter: 'We are saddened to learn of the passing of our long-serving former player David Armstrong. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.'

Meanwhile, Southampton tweeted: 'We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the great David Armstrong, one of our finest ever midfielders. The thoughts of everyone at #SaintsFC go out to his loved ones.'

Bournemouth - Armstrong's last club, wrote:

Everyone at #afcb is saddened to hear of David’s passing. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Anthony Burdett-Clark wrote:

A sad day for #Saintsfc fans. David & I became friends through meeting at a wedding & then worked together on a few events. A true gent with a good sense of humor. He was a genuine club legend & part of the best team goal ever! RIP David Armstrong.

Saints Analysis wrote:

Former Southampton midfielder David Armstrong has passed away, aged just 67. A creative, goalscoring presence in a successful era for Saints, he scored 71 times in 272 games and is credited with at least 29 assists. Rest in peace.

Jeff Stelling - Broadcaster and presenter from Sky Sports Soccer Saturday mourned:

David Armstrong was a warm and welcoming figure to me when I was a cub reporter in the Northeast, a fine footballer too. So sad to lose him so early.

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