Watford legend Duncan Welbourne has died, aged 78.
The Premier League club announced the news via social media platform Twitter on Monday.
Alongside a photograph of him in action, it read: “#watfordfc are deeply saddened to learn that club legend Duncan Welbourne passed away this morning, aged 78.
“Our thoughts are with Duncan’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Welbourne joined the Hornets from Grimsby in 1963 and his 280 consecutive appearances remains a club record, with only Luther Blissett, Nigel Gibbs and Gary Porter playing more than his 457 games for Watford.
Scunthorpe-born Welbourne spent 11 years at Vicarage Road before departing for Southport in 1974.
He later had a short spell as manager of Southport.
Tributes poured in from social media after the news was confirmed.
Welbourne’s grandson, George Carlile, paid a touching tribute to his grandfather on Twitter.
Alongside a montage of pictures, he posted: “Rest in peace to my Grandad Duncan Welbourne.
“Not only my Grandad but a Watford great and legend. No more suffering @WatfordFC.”
