Home Sports Garry Brooke dead at 64: Two-time Tottenham FA Cup winner passes away following a long illness as Spurs pay tribute to the midfielder

Garry Brooke dead at 64: Two-time Tottenham FA Cup winner passes away following a long illness as Spurs pay tribute to the midfielder

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Former Tottenham star Garry Brooke (left) has died aged 64 after a long illness.

Former Tottenham star Garry Brooke has died at the age of 64 after a long illness.

Brooke, who won two FA Cups with Spurs in 1981 and 1982, died on Saturday morning as his former club announced the tragic news on social media.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Garry Brooke this morning, after a long battle with illness,” they wrote in X.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

The midfielder, who also won the UEFA Cup with Tottenham in 1984, began his career at the club, making his debut in the 1980-81 season.

Brooke played 101 times for Spurs, scoring 18 times, before also representing teams such as Norwich, Groningen, Wimbledon, Stoke City, Brentford, Colchester United, Reading and St Albans City.

Former Tottenham star Garry Brooke (left) has died aged 64 after a long illness.

Brooke's former club, Spurs, announced the news of his passing and paid tribute to him on Saturday.

Brooke’s former club Spurs announced the news of his passing and paid tribute to him on Saturday.

Brooke (pictured at a Legends match in 2012) won two FA Cups and the UEFA Cup with Spurs.

Brooke (pictured at a Legends match in 2012) won two FA Cups and the UEFA Cup with Spurs.

As news of her passing spread, several tributes poured in for Brooke from individuals and clubs within the game.

Norwich City said: “Everyone at Norwich City is saddened to hear of the passing of former player Garry Brooke after a battle with illness.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Garry’s loved ones at this sad time.”

Spurs icon Ossie Ardiles added: ‘Very, very sad news. Gary was a wonderful player and even more a wonderful friend.

‘My thoughts and prayers with his family and friends. It is an honor for me 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 of the passing of my former team-mate Gary Brooke.

“He was a very underrated player and a great part of the team. Wishing all his family and friends my deepest condolences.”

Tottenham fan and broadcaster Danny Kelly added: “RIP Garry Brooke, big part of Spurs’ back-to-back FA Cup wins, 1981 and 1982.”

Brooke (third front row left) after Tottenham beat QPR in the 1982 FA Cup Final replay

Brooke (third front row left) after Tottenham beat QPR in the 1982 FA Cup Final replay

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‘Garry was the (only) substitute in both finals and both replays, coming on three times. Thank you, Garry.’

Brooke, who was born in Bethnal Green, east London, joined Spurs when she was 10.

After breaking into the first team in the 1980-81 season following a loan spell with Swedish side GAIS, Brooke enjoyed immediate success at Spurs, coming off the bench in the FA Cup final against Man City in the draw. initial 1-1.

He didn’t feature in the replay but still picked up a winner’s medal as Tottenham triumphed 3-2 thanks to a majestic display from Ricky Villa.

Spurs won the FA Cup again the following campaign, with Brooke coming off the bench in both the final and the replay against QPR.

However, the midfielder faced significant adversity, as he had to fight for his life after a serious car accident in February 1983.

It took seven months for Brooke to regain full fitness and he struggled to regain his place in Spurs’ first-team plans, although he had featured in the early rounds of their 1983-84 UEFA Cup triumph.

Father-of-two Brooke was later sold to Norwich after making just seven appearances for Spurs in the 1984-85 campaign.

1737215858 142 Garry Brooke dead at 64 Two time Tottenham FA Cup winner

1737215858 376 Garry Brooke dead at 64 Two time Tottenham FA Cup winner

1737215859 176 Garry Brooke dead at 64 Two time Tottenham FA Cup winner

Several tributes poured in for Brooke from individuals and clubs within the game following his death.

Several tributes poured in for Brooke from individuals and clubs within the game following his death.

However, he struggled to establish himself and gain a stable place in East Anglia.

Brooke became something of a journeyman and never made more than 40 appearances for any of the clubs he subsequently represented.

As they were relegated down the division, Brooke also featured for non-league sides Braintree, Worthing, Romford, Cornard United and Baldock Town.

Following her retirement 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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