Former Sunderland midfielder Éric Roy dies aged 58 | OneFootball

Éric Roy, the former Sunderland midfielder, has died aged 58 after a three-and-a-half-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Roy joined Sunderland in 1999 and was part of the side that finished seventh under Peter Reid on the club’s return to the Premier League.

He starred in midfield as Sunderland beat Chelsea 4-1 at the Stadium of Light, later fondly recalling a dazzling run that set up Niall Quinn.

With opportunities limited in his second season, Roy returned to France and became a popular pundit, manager and sporting director. He served as sporting director at Nice and Watford, then took charge of Stade Brestois in 2023, making history by securing the club’s first European qualification. He was named Ligue 1 Manager of the Season in 2024 and continued to enjoy success there in the years that followed.

Stade Brestois said in a statement that they were deeply saddened by the death of their coach and shared the pain of his family, his wife, his two children and his loved ones. The club described Roy as an inspiring figure, loved and respected by supporters, who helped write the finest chapters in its history and lift it to a historic level. They added that he would never be forgotten and would remain in the club’s hearts and history.

Source: Sunderland Echo