FORMER Cherries midfielder David Armstrong has died at the age of 67.

Armstrong ended his career at Cherries, having had big impacts at his two previous clubs, Middlesbrough and Southampton.

Armstrong, widely regarded as one of Saints' greatest ever players, made 272 appearances for the Hampshire club between 1981 and 1987, scoring 71 goals in that time.

He played a key role in Lawrie McMenemy's side finishing second in the 1983-84 First Division, voted as the club's player of the season.

Durham-born Armstrong, who was capped three times by England, played 431 times for Middlesbrough, having joined in 1971.

He was an ever-present in the promotion-winning side of 1973-74 managed by Jack Charlton and holds the club record for the most consecutive league appearances with 305 between March 1973 and August 1980.

In total, he made 358 consecutive appearances for Boro during that time and scored 77 goals before moving to Saints for a fee of £600,000.

He then ended his career along the south coast at Cherries, before retiring in 1988.

Part of a statement from Saints read: "Everyone at Southampton wishes to extend their condolences to David’s loved ones, who our thoughts are very much with at this time."