LEADER, FAMILY MAN, GOOD GUY & WARRIOR

ANDY TOWNSEND (ex-Aston Villa team-mate)

“He was a defender every team would like to have at the back. It’s a life that is so tragically cut short and so sad. He was on the training field with the academy boys and would have stayed active. I saw him recently and he was a picture of health, it’s a huge shock.”

JIMMY FLOYD HASSELBAINK (former Middlesbrough team-mate)

“I had to stop the car because I heard the news when I was driving. It is a really sad day. I am lost for words. He was always positive, knew always the right things to say, very calm, never put himself in trouble. A very nice family man, he lived for his family.”

LEE HENDRIE (former Villa and Sheffield United team-mate)

“He was a character, bubbly and would help anyone. A great guy.”

STEVE McCLAREN (ex-Boro boss)

“I only saw him a couple of months ago on a coaching course at St George’s Park, looking fit and healthy as always. I remember Ugo as a gentle giant of a man off the field, but a real warrior on it. He was a leader and becoming a good coach.”

STEVE GIBSON (Boro chairman)

“Ugo was one of our heroes in Cardiff when the club won its only ever major trophy. Ugo and Gareth Southgate were our rocks.”

BRYAN ROBSON (signed Ehiogu for Boro from Villa)

“He was such a good, strong defender and a fitness fanatic, which is why it becomes a real shock if it was a heart attack. He was always in the gym and the last to leave training.”

RICHARD SCUDAMORE (Executive chairman Premier League)

“Ugo made a significant contribution to the Premier League. He was an outstanding footballer and at Spurs the young players had an excellent role model. He also used his profile to support charities and inspire positive change in the sport and beyond. He will be missed.”

CYRILLE REGIS (former Villa team-mate)

“I am not just devastated, I’m absolutely gutted. I saw him only recently and spent 15 minutes chatting with him at the FA Youth Cup semi-final between Spurs and Chelsea in March. He loved his coaching.”