Former Tottenham star Garry Brooke has died aged 64 after a long illness.
Brooke, who won two FA Cups with Spurs in 1981 and 1982, died on Saturday morning when his former club announced the tragic news on social media.
“We are deeply saddened to learn this morning that our former player Garry Brooke has passed away after a long battle with illness,” they wrote on X.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this impossibly difficult time.”
The midfielder, who also won the UEFA Cup with Tottenham in 1984, started his career at the club and made his debut in the 1980-81 season.
Brooke made 101 appearances for Spurs, scoring 18 times, before also representing the likes of Norwich, Groningen, Wimbledon, Stoke City, Brentford, Colchester United, Reading and St Albans City.
As news of his death spread, several tributes poured in for Brooke from individuals and clubs within the game.
Norwich City said: 'Everyone at Norwich City is saddened to learn of the passing of former player Garry Brooke after a battle with illness.
“We extend our sincere condolences to Garry's loved ones at this sad time.”
Spurs icon Ossie Ardiles added: 'Very sad news. Gary was a great player and even more of a great friend.
“My thoughts and prayers with your family and friends. I am very honored to have played football with you and to have been your friend. Rest in peace, dear Brooksy.'
Former Spurs star Graham Roberts also paid tribute to Brooke, saying: 'I am very sorry to hear that my former teammate Gary Brooke has passed away.
'He was a very underrated player and a big part of the team. My deepest condolences to all his family and friends.”
Tottenham fan and presenter Danny Kelly added: 'RIP Garry Brooke, key part of Spurs' back-to-back FA Cup wins, 1981 and 1982.
'Garry was the (only) substitute for both finals and both replays and came on three times. Thanks, Gary.”
Born in Bethnal Green in East London, Brooke joined Spurs as a ten-year-old.
After breaking into the first team in the 1980-81 season following a loan spell at Swedish side GAIS, Brooke enjoyed immediate success at Spurs, coming off the bench in the FA Cup final against Man City in the opening 1-1 draw .
He didn't feature in the replay but still picked up the winners' medal as Tottenham triumphed 3-2 thanks to a majestic performance from Ricky Villa.
Spurs won the FA Cup again in the following campaign, with Brooke introduced from the bench in both the final and the replay against QPR.
However, the midfielder suffered significant setbacks when he was left fighting for his life following a serious car accident in February 1983.
It took Brooke seven months to return to full fitness and he struggled to regain his place in Spurs' first-team plans, although he featured in the early rounds of their 1983/84 UEFA Cup triumph .
Father-of-two Brooke was then sold to Norwich after making just seven appearances for Spurs in the 1984-85 season.
However, he struggled to establish himself and gain a permanent place in East Anglia.
Brooke became somewhat of a journeyman, never making more than 40 appearances for the clubs he subsequently represented.
Dropping down the divisions, Brooke also played for non-League sides Braintree, Worthing, Romford, Cornard United and Baldock Town.
After retiring from football, Brooke coached at local schools and reported on matches at both Tottenham and Leyton Orient for the Press Association and OPTA.
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