The outside-left had two spells at St. James' Park between 1952 and 1957, but on each occasion found the talent of Bobby Mitchell blocking his path for the number 11 shirt. He made ten appearances in all, scoring three goals.

Prior hailed from football stock - his father, George, appeared for Sheffield Wednesday and his uncle, Jack, for Sunderland and Grimsby while later his brother-in-law was United full-back Bobby Cowell.

Fast and accurate with his passes and crosses, his best season wearing the black and white jersey was during 1951-52 when he deputised for Mitchell on six occasions.

He went on to play more than 60 times for Millwall before settling back in the North East, playing local football and later becoming a prominent official, notably with Ashington.

For a period he was a scout for Jack Charlton during his spell as Middlesbrough boss, and was employed as an electrician for the National Coal Board. The club extends its condolences to Ken's family and friends.​