Albion boss Chris Hughton has paid tribute to the "humble" and "wonderful" Cheick Tiote.
Former Newcastle midfielder Tiote died yesterday after collapsing in a training session with his Chinese Super League club Beijing Enterprises.
Hughton, who signed the 30-year-old in 2010 when he was Newcastle manager, said: "I was shocked and saddened to hear such terrible news. He was a young, fit and outwardly healthy man - to be taken so young is so tragic for his young family.
"I had the pleasure of signing Cheick in 2010 and thoroughly enjoyed my time working with him at Newcastle. I quickly learned he was a very humble person and a wonderful footballer.
"He was a superb professional and proved a great acquisition for Newcastle. He played a lot of games for the club in the seven years he was at St James' Park.
"My thoughts and condolences are with Cheick's young family and many friends at this very difficult time."
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