Garry Brooke dead at 64: Two-time Tottenham FA Cup winner dies after long illness as Spurs pay tribute to midfielder

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 hear of the death 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 with this club with his debut in the 1980/81 season.

Brooke played 101 times for Spurs, scoring 18 goals, before also representing 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 people and clubs featured in the game.

Norwich City said: “Everyone at Norwich City is saddened to hear of the death 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, very sad news. Gary was a great player and an even more great friend.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends. I’m honored to have played soccer with you and been your friend. Rest in peace, dear Brooksy.

Former Spurs star Graham Roberts also paid tribute to Brooke, saying: “I’m very sorry to hear of the death of my former team-mate Gary Brooke.

“He was a very underrated player and an important part of the team. I wish all his family and friends my deepest condolences.

Tottenham fan and presenter Danny Kelly added: “RIP, Garry Brooke, an important part of Spurs’ consecutive FA Cup wins in 1981 and 1982.

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 as a 10-year-old.

After breaking into the starting lineup in the 1980-81 season on loan to Swedish side GAIS, Brooke enjoyed immediate success for Spurs, coming off the bench in the FA Cup final against Man City after the first draw was 1-1.

He didn’t feature in the replay but still picked up a winner’s medal as Tottenham won 3-2 thanks to a majestic performance 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 then had to face serious adversity when he had to fight for his life in February 1983 after a serious car accident.

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 opening rounds of the 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 campaign.

However, he had difficulty settling and gaining a permanent place in East Anglia.

Brooke became something of a journeyman, never making more than 40 appearances for any of the clubs he later represented.

Following relegation, Brooke also featured for non-league sides Braintree, Worthing, Romford, Cornard United and Baldock Town.

After retiring, Brooke coached at local schools and covered Tottenham and Leyton Orient games for the Press Association and OPTA.