Alan Shearer led the tributes to football scout Jack Hixon who passed away today at the age of 88.
Hixon spotted the 13-year-old Alan Shearer playing for Wallsend Boys Club and recommended him to Southampton.
Alan Shearer: "It's a very sad day. Jack was a lovely man, very hard working and totally dedicated. We were very close and he will be sadly missed."
Hixon spent over half a century unearthing North-East talent.
Hixon spent spells working for Sunderland and Newcastle.
