Obituary | Garry Brooke

We are saddened to hear of the passing of our former midfielder Garry Brooke.

A two-time FA Cup winner and part of our UEFA Cup-winning squad in the early-1980s, Garry passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 64 following a lengthy battle with illness.

Born in Bethnal Green on 24 November, 1960, Garry grew up locally and joined us as a 10-year-old in 1971.

Having represented Waltham Forest and Essex Schools, he would turn professional in October, 1978, and spent a year on loan at Swedish side GAIS before making his first team debut as a substitute in a 3-2 home defeat to West Bromwich Albion shortly after his 20th birthday. He subsequently scored twice on his full debut in a 4-4 home draw with Southampton on Boxing Day, 1980.

Competing for a midfield spot against the likes of Glenn Hoddle, Tony Galvin, Micky Hazard, Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa, Garry went on as a substitute for the latter - who was notably upset following his withdrawal - in the 1981 FA Cup final, before watching on from the bench in the replay as Ricky redeemed himself with a sparkling goalscoring display to see off Manchester City and help us lift the trophy.

Injury struck at the start of the following season, but Garry recovered to play in the 1982 FA Cup final and subsequent replay, collecting a second winner's medal as we defeated Queens Park Rangers at Wembley.

Sadly, a serious car accident in February, 1983, left Garry fighting for his life and although he was eventually able to return to action, he never recaptured the good form he'd shown previously, although he did still feature in the early rounds of our 1983/84 UEFA Cup success.

Garry left us to join Norwich City in 1985, having scored 18 goals in 101 appearances in our colours. He won the Second Division title with the Canaries in 1985/86 and later had spells at Dutch side Groningen, Wimbledon, Stoke City, Brentford, Colchester United and Reading before dropping into non-league.

Following the end of his professional playing career, Garry coached in local schools while turning out regularly for the Spurs Legends side until his mid-50s. He also spent a number of years working as a matchday reporter for the Press Association and OPTA at both Spurs and Leyton Orient.

Garry is survived by his ex-wife Jackie and their children, Jade and Buddy. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.