Ali is mostly known as the “Voice of the Boro” but he also helped Darlington FC in many ways, particularly during his commentaries and morning programmes on BBC Tees, and before that during his spell at Century FM.

Ali was diagnosed with bowel cancer in November, and Boro fans held a touching light show in tribute to him soon after.

Darlington manager Martin Gray said; “Ali helped me and Darlington FC enormously over the years. My sympathies go to his family.”

Ray Simpson, Darlington’s media manager, said; “When I commentated on Darlington winning the FA Trophy at Wembley in 2011, Ali was one of the first people who texted me with congratulations.”