Born in Liverpool, Len Ashurst joined Sunderland in 1957 as a defender and went on to spend 14 years on Wearside.
He racked up more appearances than any other outfield player for the Black Cats and is one of only two outfield players to make over 400 appearances for the club, during which time he lined up alongside the likes of Jimmy Montgomery, Charlie Hurley and Jim McNab.
After receiving a testimonial against Newcastle United, Ashurst joined Hartlepool United as player-manager, but he returned to Roker Park in 1984 and once again made the Roker Roar as he led Sunderland to their first League Cup Final.