Tottenham have confirmed the sad news that their double FA Cup-winning hero Garry Brooke has passed away aged 64 after a long illness.
Brooke passed away on Saturday morning, with Spurs expressing their heartache over such an "impossibly difficult time" for his loved ones. In a statement from the club: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Garry Brooke this morning, following a lengthy battle with illness. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this impossibly difficult time."
During his tenure with Spurs, Brooke played 101 times, netting 18 goals, before embarking on a career path that took him across a host of clubs including Norwich, Groningen in the Netherlands, Wimbledon, Stoke City, Brentford, Colchester United, Reading, and St Albans City.
Norwich City also extended their heartfelt tributes through their own statement: "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."
Ossie Ardiles, a former teammate of Brooke at Tottenham, reached out on social media to express his sorrow: "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."
Born in Bethnal Green in 1960, Brooke joined Tottenham Hotspur in 1978. Before making his debut in the 1980-81 season, he had a loan spell with Swedish side GAIS.
His first season was a triumphant one as he lifted the FA Cup with Spurs following a 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the final, where he made an appearance off the bench. The subsequent year saw Brooke clinch another FA Cup with Spurs, once again coming off the bench during extra time.