Paying tribute to Gary Rowell - a true Sunderland legend and one of the finest people you could ever meet

Whoever said don't meet your heroes had never met Gary Rowell.

Gary will forever have a truly unique place in Sunderland history, legendary status that could only be attained by a boyhood fan who scored a hat-trick at St James' Park and set up another for good measure. My generation grew up hearing Gary's name ringing around terraces on Wearside and beyond, one of those select few who could still make grown adults misty-eyed decades later when recalling his goalscoring feats. They saw a fine player and an exceptional finisher but more importantly, one of their own.

Gary's passion for Sunderland was total and never dimmed. His commentary double act with Simon Crabtree was for so many a central and essential part of their life following the club, and whose names will evoke celebrating late goals in front rooms and in cars and wherever else you could get near a radio across Wearside on a Saturday afternoon.

It was my joy and honour to discover that Gary's love for the game and for the club, his club, remained absolute by the time I began to type up his column on the Sunderland Echo.

Every Monday morning spent on the phone with Gary was a thrill. He kicked every ball, celebrated every goal and despaired at every defeat. He was firm but fair in his assessment, and taught me so much about the game. Above all else, Gary was truly one of the kindest and warmest men you could ever wish to spend an otherwise dreary Monday morning with. For a man so revered, he was unfailingly modest and generous to all who had the pleasure of his company.

Gary loved Sunderland more than anyone I've ever met, and it was a source of immense pride to him that it loved him back so deeply. Every Saturday, I would hear 'number one, is Gary Rowell...' start to ring out from the Stadium of Light and would turn to steal a glance of Gary. He would, without fail, be tapping his toes and making no attempt to hide the broadest of grins. Gary lived all of our dreams, and never for a second took it for granted.

I'll picture him on Sunday afternoon, when Wearside comes together to remember his legacy, wearing his Metro Radio coat and smiling from ear to ear. A special footballer and a special man, so dear to anyone who loves Sunderland.

Wearside will always be a Gary Rowell world. RIP.

All at the Sunderland Echo send their condolences to Gary's family and friends, who he was so proud of and loved so dearly.