Former Tottenham star Garry Brooke has died at the age of 64 following a long illness.
Brooke, who won two FA Cups with Spurs in 1981 and 1982, passed away 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, following a lengthy 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, making his debut in the 1980-81 season.
Brooke went onto play 101 times for Spurs, scoring 18 times, before he also represented the likes of Norwich, Groningen, Wimbledon, Stoke City, Brentford, Colchester United, Reading and St Albans City.
Former Tottenham star Garry Brooke (left) has died at the age of 64 following a long illness
Brooke’s former club Spurs announced news of his passing and paid tribute on Saturday
Brooke (pictured in a Legends match in 2012) won two FA Cups and the UEFA Cup with Spurs
As news of his passing spread, several tributes poured in for Brooke from individuals and clubs within the game.
Norwich City said: ‘All at Norwich City are saddened to learn of the passing of former player Garry Brooke after a battle with illness.
‘We pass on our sincere 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 your family and friends. Very honoured to have played football with you and been your friend. Rest in peace dear Brooksy.’
Former Spurs star Graham Roberts also paid tribute to Brooke as he said: ‘Very sorry to hear about my former team-mate Gary Brooke passing.
‘He was a very underrated player and a huge part of the squad. Wishing all his family and friends my deepest sympathies.’
Tottenham fan and broadcaster Danny Kelly added: ‘RIP Garry Brooke, important part of Spurs’ back to back FA Cup wins, 1981 and 1982.
‘Garry was the (only) sub for both finals and both replays, coming on three times. Here he threatens the Man City goal. Thanks, Garry.’
Brooke (third left front row) after Tottenham beat QPR in the 1982 FA Cup final replay
Brooke, who was born in Bethnal Green in East London, joined Spurs as a 10-year-old.
After breaking through 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 initial 1-1 draw.
He failed to feature in the replay but still picked up a winner’s medal as Tottenham won 3-2 thanks to a majestic display from Ricky Villa.
Brooke won the FA Cup again in the following season, coming off the bench in both the final and replay against QPR.
However, the midfielder then faced significant adversity as he was left fighting for his life following a serious car accident in February 1983.
It took Brooke seven months to get back to 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.
Brooke, a father-of-two, was subsequently sold to Norwich after making just seven appearances for Spurs in the 1984-85 campaign.
However, he struggled to settle and nail down a regular place in East Anglia.
Brooke became somewhat of a journeyman, never making more than 40 appearances for any of the clubs he played for despite several moves to the likes of Wimbledon, Groningen, Brentford and Reading.
As he dropped down the divisions, Brooke also featured for Non-League teams including Braintree, Worthing, Romford and Baldock Town.
Following his retirement, Brooke coached in local schools and reported on games at both Tottenham and Leyton Orient for the Press Association and OPTA.
