LEAGUE TWO outfit Hartlepool paid tribute to their "most famous fan" Meat Loaf following news of the singer's death.
The rock legend sadly died on Thursday at the age of 74 with TMZ reporting that he passed away from Covid-19, although these claims are yet to be confirmed.
Tributes have been pouring in from all around the world and Hartlepool shared a special story explaining how the ‘Bat out of Hell` singer became a supporter.
Even though the American was born in Dallas, Texas – far away from County Durham – he still became a Pools fan as he was looking for a "really odd team" to root for.
Meat Loaf told Setanta Sports News years ago: ”I started asking, ‘What would be a really odd team for me to say that I root for?` The person who I was talking to said Hartlepool. Fantastic!
”I looked them up, I looked at their record, I went on the internet, looked at their ground. I do look and see, ‘Did Hartlepool win? Yeah! OK!”
”My favourite story of Hartlepool is the monkey that washed ashore that they hung because they thought it was a Frenchman.
"I said, ‘Any team that will hang a monkey and think it's a Frenchman I'm rooting for. That's it. That`s the bottom line.”
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A heartbreaking tribute was posted on Meat Loaf's official Facebook page after his death.
It revealed the singer and actor passed away with wife Deborah Gillespie by his side while his daughters Pearl and Amanda were also with him.
The statement reads: "Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side.
"Daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours.
"His amazing career spanned 6 decades that saw him sell over 100 Million albums worldwide and star in over 65 movies, including Fight Club, Focus, Rocky Horror Picture Show and Wayne’s World. Bat Out of Hell remains one of the top 10 selling albums of all time.
"We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man.
"We thank you for your understanding of our need for privacy at this time. From his heart to your souls…don’t ever stop rocking!"
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