VIDEO: Sheffield United supporters pay tribute to late goalkeeper John Hope at Rochdale game

Sheffield United supporters paid tribute to former goalkeeper John Hope with a minute's applause during their game against Rochdale earlier today.
Late Blades goalkeeper John HopeLate Blades goalkeeper John Hope
Late Blades goalkeeper John Hope

Hope, a member of United's promotion-winning squad in 1970/71, was remembered through applause in the 71st minute of the game at Bramall Lane, which finished 1-1.

United's players wore black armbands in his honour in the pre-season game at Halifax and flags at Bramall Lane flew at half mast in honour of Hope, who made 72 appearances for United after leaving Newcastle in 1971.

Late Blades goalkeeper John HopeLate Blades goalkeeper John Hope
Late Blades goalkeeper John Hope
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"Members of the Hope family are guests for the game," a pre-match club statement said, "and we think 'Hopey' would appreciate your kind thoughts being channelled to helping get behind the players during the game."

Last month Tony Currie, United's greatest ever player, paid an emotional tribute to Hope, who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and also played for Darlington and Hartlepool.

“John was an excellent goalkeeper and, just as importantly, an excellent person too,” Currie said.

“When he came to us we went on a couple of long unbeaten runs and Hopey was the goalkeeper throughout all of those. People forget just how good John was but all of us who played with him knew. John was very, very brave as a player, and he was in his personal life too.

"I telephoned a few of the old boys when I heard the news and they were all upset and shocked which shows how well thought of and well-liked he was. Everybody loved Hopey.”