Tributes pour in as former Sunderland and Middlesbrough coach Ian MacFarlane passes away

One of MacFarlane’s former clubs, Leicester City, confirmed the news – saying the former full-back passed away on June 17.

MacFarlane was assistant to Foxes boss Frank McLintock during 1977-78 and also to Jock Wallace up until 1982, as well as having a brief spell as caretaker manager.

The Lanark-born full-back had also played for Leicester, signing from Chelsea in May 1958 for a fee of £9,000, having started his career in Scotland with Aberdeen.

After leaving Filbert Street just over a year later, MacFarlane went on to play more than 300 games for Bath.

MacFarlane also spent time as Carlisle manager from 1970 to 1972 during which time he signed Stan Bowles, who would go on to play for QPR and England.

He also was assistant manager at Middlesbrough, Manchester City and Sunderland before returning to Leicester, helping the club win the Second Division title in 1980.

MacFarlane was briefly made caretaker manager at Sunderland in late 1976 and oversaw seven games, leading the Black Cats to two wins.

Later in his career, MacFarlane managed Yeovil, coached at Burnley and was also chief scout at Leeds.

Leicester said in a statement: "The club's thoughts are with Ian's wife, family and friends at this sad time."

*Assistant head coach John Terry has signed a contract extension at Aston Villa.

The 38-year-old, who helped Villa return to the Premier League last season, had 12 months left on his existing deal but will now remain at the club until 2021.

Terry had been mentioned as a potential successor to former Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard at Derby should he replace Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge.

The new Villa contract for Terry now appears to have ruled out that possibility, leaving boss Dean Smith delighted the former Chelsea and England captain has decided to prolong his stay at Villa Park.

"I am really pleased that JT has extended his current deal as he is a pleasure to work with," Smith told the club website.

"We have had a successful start to our Villa coaching careers and JT has been instrumental in joining myself, Richard O'Kelly and Neil Cutler.

"He has complimented the team that we have and I have no doubts he will go on to be a top manager in the years to come.

'"Our focus now is on the coming season and to try to continue the progress we have had in the past eight months."

Terry enjoyed a glittering playing career, winning five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, the Champions League and Europa League with Chelsea.

He then spent his final season before retirement at Villa in 2017/18 as the club reached the Championship play-off final, losing to Fulham.

In October last year, Terry was appointed as part of Smith's coaching team following the latter's arrival as successor to Steve Bruce.

Terry played an important role as Villa again reached the Championship play-off final, clinching promotion to the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Derby at Wembley last month.

Writing on his Instagram, Terry said: "I'm delighted to have extended my contract at Aston Villa.