Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips has become the latest former player to pay tribute to former kitman John Cooke after he was made redundant by the club in Septmeber.
There has been no announcement from Sunderland on Cooke's situation and when asked last week to provide an update, the club declined to comment.
Cooke, who spent six years as a player with the Black Cats before and returning to the club in 1994 in the role of kit manager, is a popular character in the dressing room and his absence has been keenly felt by players and staff.
But the 58-year-old has since confirmed to ChronicleLive that he has been made redundant, and is considering taking the club to a tribunal.
Peter Reid, Thomas Sorensen and Kevin Kilbane were among the players to express their disappointment with the decision.
Keith Havelock posted the video of Phillips on twitter, whereby the Black Cats legend said: "This is a quick message for John Cooke - the ex-Sunderland kitman.
"I'm gutted to hear the news that you've been made redundant from the football club.
"After so many years of service there - when you talk about legends of a football club you're certainly one of them pal.
"We had six great years together, some great times, some great journeys and some great memories which will stay with me forever.
"I hope the club - when the supporters get back into the stadium, I hope the club do the right thing and honour you with a charity match or a testimonial.
"You certainly deserve it mate and I'm sure every one of the players who played around when you were there would come back and support you.
"I'm sure there would be a lot of supporters that would turn up. I wish you all the very best - stay safe, and I hope to see you back at the Stadium of Light very, very soon.
"Take care mate."
