Ligue 1 manager Eric Roy dies aged 58 as family release statement

Brest head coach Eric Roy has sadly passed away at the age of 58, his family have confirmed in a statement.

The 58-year-old, who had been in charge of the Ligue 1 side since 2023, had been battling pancreatic cancer for the past three years.

AFP

A statement from Roy’s family announced that the Brest manager had passed away on Wednesday.

In a message on Instagram, his children and wife wrote: “Throughout all this time, he continued to live with a strength that still impresses us, sustained by the love of his family, by football, by his work and by this passion that never left him.

“What he accomplished in recent years will remain exceptional for us.

“To go through this ordeal while supporting such a powerful club, team, and history says a lot about the man he was (…). He loved football absolutely.

“His time at Stade Brestois was one of the best periods of his life.

“It gave him energy, joy, and a reason to keep going, even in the most difficult times.”

Tributes pour in for Eric Roy

Following news of his passing, Ligue 1 wrote in a statement: “Eric Roy, an iconic figure in French football, has passed away.

“Ligue 1 extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Lyon added: “Olympique Lyonnais has learned with great sadness of the passing of Eric Roy, an elegant and much-loved midfielder for OL from 1993 to 1996 (128 matches).

“We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Lille commented on Instagram: “LOSC and its president, Olivier Létang, learned with deep sadness of the passing of Eric Roy.

“The entire LOSC family extends its sincerest condolences to his family, loved ones, and all who knew him during his career as a player and coach.”

Former Manchester United player Mikael Silvestre said: “My deepest condolences. An adversary who became an ally, a model of professionalism wherever he faced challenges.

“We already miss you! Rest in peace, dear Eric.”

Eric Roy’s career

Roy enjoyed a 16-year career as a professional player and is best remembered by English fans for his year at Sunderland.

The ex-defensive midfielder scored one goal during 27 appearances for the Black Cats during the 1999-2000 season.

He hung up his boots four years later during a second spell at boyhood club Nice, who then handed him his first management post.

However, his first stint on the touchline lasted just over a year before Roy spent over a decade away from the dugout.

During this time, he held sporting director roles at Lens and Watford, when the club were in the Premier League in December 2019.

Roy stepped down from his post at Vicarage Road following the Hornets’ relegation eight months later.

More to follow…