Tributes pour in as former Newcastle chairman George Forbes dies aged 78

Newcastle United have confirmed former director and chairman George Forbes has died at the age of 78

Former Newcastle United club director and chairman George Forbes has sadly passed away at the age of 78, the club has confirmed.

Forbes, a businessman in the Borders and Northumberland, joined the board of directors at Newcastle in 1983 before also taking on the roles of vice-chairman and then chairman towards the end of the decade.

The businessman was chairman of the club when the Magpie Group, led by Sir John Hall, took a large shareholding in the club and then took control in 1992. A Magpies supporters from his early years, he attended St James' Park from a young age and continued to support the club after his departure.

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Newcastle confirmed the news on Wednesday afternoon with a statement reading: "Newcastle United Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former club director and chairman, George Forbes.

"He sadly passed away on 12th October aged 78. Everyone at Newcastle United extends their sincere condolences to George's loved ones."

The north east outfit face Everton in the Premier League on Wednesday evening and may organise a small tribute for Forbes before kick-off. Tributes have already been pouring in for social media for the former Newcastle chief.