By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
Former Busan I'Park boss Ian Porterfield of Scotland died of colon cancer Tuesday at the age of 61.
According to the English media, the Sunderland legend was diagnosed with the cancer earlier this year and undergoing treatment.
The former Black Cat scored the winner on his right-footed volley against then powerhouse Leeds United in the 1973 FA Cup final at Wembley, to help the second division team lift the trophy.
The Dunfermline native began his playing career with Raith Rovers in 1964 and moved to Sunderland in 1967 where he experienced his career-best moment.
Porterfield played 266 games and fired home 19 times with Black Cats.
He had also a loan spell with Reading and wrapped up his resume as a player at Sheffield Wednesday in 1979.
On his retirement, he took charge of third-tier team Rotherham United and led Sheffield United between 1981 and 1986.
In 1986, he succeeded close friend and current Manchester United headman Alex Ferguson as Aberdeen FC manager in the Scottish league.
The deceased also coached Reading and Chelsea before an international odyssey.
He headed the several national teams of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Oman, Trinidad and Tobago.
In 2003, the Scotsman took reign of the K-League's Busan I'Park and led the club to the FA Cup win in 2004, the league's first half title and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League quarterfinals in 2005.
His all-time record in Korea is 30-53 along with 40 ties.
Despite suffering the disease, he continued his managing job, guiding the Armenian national team and his team drew with star-studded Portugal 1-1 in a Euro 2008 qualifier last month.
His widow, Glenda, said, ``He may have been a football man all his life, but I know him best as a wonderful human being.''
``He had his wish to die in the saddle. Just over two weeks ago, we flew to Armenia for the Portugal game and I'll always remember what happened at the training session at the stadium on the day before the game.''
``The stadium was packed to see all the Portuguese stars like Ronaldo, Deco and the rest, but when Ian walked out, they all stood up and shouted his name. It was very moving."
Ferguson also paid tributes to his long-time friend.
``His death so young is a tragedy for his family and for football,'' Ferguson, 65, said.
``It isn't long ago when he was coaching in South Korea that I spoke to him with the intention of getting a few young players over to United. I played against him when he was with Raith Rovers. He was blessed with a lot of natural talent.''