Popular former North East footballer Gary Pearson has died at the age of 45.

He was appointed manager of Billingham Town last month having previously enjoyed a lengthy spell in charge at Ryhope Colliery Welfare.

Pearson, from Seaham, made his name as a tough-tackling midfielder, most notably with Darlington, though he played for several clubs in the region.

After being in the youth ranks at Sheffield United in the 1990s, Pearson played most of his football in non-league for the likes of Gateshead, Spennymoor United, Whitby and Durham City before getting a move into the Football League with Darlington in 2001.

Pearson played in midfield for the bulk of his time with Quakers and made 52 appearances, firstly under Tommy Taylor and then Mick Tait, and was with the club for three seasons.

His scored in his first home league game, a powerful free-kick from 25 yards in a 3-2 home win over Luton Town in January 2002.

Pearson was in the starting XI for Quakers’ historic final match at Feethams in May 2003 against Leyton Orient.

After leaving Darlington in 2004, Pearson spent time playing for York City, Bedlington, Durham City Spennymoor Town and Crook, becoming player/manager at Crook in 2011.

He guided them to promotion from Northern League Division Two in 2013, and a year later moved to Ryhope Colliery Welfare, where he was manager for eight years and last season enjoyed great success.

Alongside Craig Hughes and David Pounder, Pearson led Ryhope CW to a club record high of fifth place in Division One and victory in the Durham Challenge Cup final. But weeks later the club announced their resignation from the Ebac Northern League.

He was appointed boss on May 29 at Billingham Town.

A number of former non-league players have paid tribute. Stephen Thompson said: “Absolutely devastated. One of the very best. A proper bloke, a lunatic and an absolute gent. RIP Gaz. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Ian Clark: “My thoughts go out to all Gaz’s family and close friends, he was an absolute legend. He was a top class team mate at Darlington, playing pranks, having a laugh but no chance go 50/50, he would smash you. RIP Gaz.”

Clark Keltie: "He would put you in your place when needed, but was right by your side when called upon. It was an honour to be your team mate, Gaz. Rest easy my friend."

Neil Wainwright: “RIP Gaz, once a team mate, always a team mate.”

Barry Conlon: “Rest in peace Gaz. What a great lad and team mate.”

Ian Davison: “The heart of a lion and one of the best men in football I’ve ever met! I had the honour to play alongside and managed me as well. I’m absolutely gutted and this life is so cruel to take such a fantastic man! My thoughts are with his family at this horrific time. RIP Gaz.”

Amar Purewal: “RIP Gaz. What an absolute great bloke. Thoughts are with his friends and family.”

Darren Richardson: “Awful news about Gaz. Always top crack. RIP mate.”

Jason Jones: “Played against him (hard as nails) managed against him (born winner). The world is a worst place without him, top man, always had time for people and would give advice. RIP Gaz, you will be missed by many.”

Pearson enjoyed success as a player with Sunday league side Hetton Lyons, winning the FA Sunday Cup final in 2008 at Anfield against Coundon Cons – he scored the winner with a penalty seven minutes from time at the Kop end.

Ian Watson, currently Gateshead assistant manager, was a team-mate that day, and he had warm words for Pearson, recalling: “He was not the designated pen taker that day, nor a pen taker, but stepped up and scored. We asked him that night why he took the pen. ‘I can handle myself missing, water off a ducks back, I couldn’t handle one of the lads missing.’ “A short story to give you an insight of the man.”

Darlington and Stockton Times:

Pearson, left, playing against York City in 2003-04