Newcastle United's backroom team have been rocked by the sudden death of one of the club's leading European scouts Kevin Stonehouse.
The sad news of the 59-year-old's death broke on Sunday evening just days after he returned from a talent spotting mission for the Magpies.
Stonehouse, who hailed from Shildon, worked closely with the club's head of recruitment Steve Nickson and the likes of Paul Baker, Mick Tait and George Dixon.
Stonehouse was all set to assist head coach Steve Bruce at the start of a new managerial era at St James' Park.
The former Darlington striker had built up a huge database of players on the Continent and spent time scouting a host of eastern European youngsters last year to help unearth some of the world's top young talent.
A United statement read: "We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of club scout Kevin Stonehouse today.
"Our thoughts are with Kevin’s loved ones and his many friends across the club and football community."
Blackburn, one of Stonehouse's other clubs, posted the following message: "Rovers are saddened to learn of the passing of former player Kevin Stonehouse.
"Stonehouse spent four years at Ewood Park (1979-1983), making 91 appearances and scoring 29 goals.
"Our thoughts are with Kevin's family and friends at this incredibly sad time."
Stonehouse also represented Huddersfield Town, Blackpool, Carlisle Utd and Rochdale.
Off the field Stonehouse spent time raising money for Cystic Fibrosis and held talk-ins on the local non-league scene.
