Éric Roy, who was an ex-Champions League boss and head coach of Stade Brest, passed away at the age of 58, his family announced in a statement. He died from pancreatic cancer
The head coach of Stade Brest Éric Roy has passed away at the age of 58.
The renowned French manager had battled cancer for the past three and a half years. The cause of Roy’s death was pancreatic cancer. The coach chose to keep his diagnosis private, fighting a battle behind closed doors.
He led Brest to the 2024-2025 Champions League campaign after an exceptional Ligue 1 season, in which Brest finished third. This achievement secured him the Ligue 1 Manager of the Season award in 2024, reports getfootballnewsfrance. A statement read: "For all this time, he kept living with a strength that continue to impress us, carried by his family’s love, by football and the passion he never let go of."
A statement from Roy's family announced he 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."
Roy previously had a long career as a defensive midfielder, with appearances at Marseille, Lyon and Sunderland in the 90s. Roy also had a career in management at OGC Nice, RC Lens and Watford, and tried his hand at punditry.
It comes after the death of legendary football manager Kenny Jackett, who died aged 64. Jackett was a hero in his native Wales where he won 31 caps for the national team before moving into management, where he took charge of Wolves, Watford, Portsmouth and Swansea among other then EFL sides.
Announcing his passing, the League Managers Association said: "On behalf of his family, the LMA is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Kenny Jackett , who died yesterday at the age of 64."
LMA Chief Executive Richard Bevan said: “Kenny stands as one of the most respected managers to have plied their trade in the EFL , a hugely capable leader whose work across four decades has left a lasting influence on the many players, coaches and colleagues who benefitted from his guidance.
“He embodied everything we like to see in a manager, humility, professionalism and a deep care for his players and staff. He improved every club he served and did so with quiet dignity throughout his career.
"From his first role at Watford to his final role at Gillingham, Kenny’s work was characterised by an incredible sense of responsibility to his teams and to the game itself.
"Kenny is a huge loss to all that knew and loved him. Our thoughts are with his wife Samantha, sons David and Ryan, and all of his family and friends, who join us in mourning.”
Jackett started his career at Watford, where he came through the ranks and made his debut under Graham Taylor. He would remain at Vicarage Road road for his entire career, making 428 appearances and placing him among the club’s leading appearance-makers.
Watford said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our former player and manager Kenny Jackett.
"A true club legend and one of our own, Watford-born Kenny was instrumental in some of our greatest successes as a player before going on to serve as coach and then manager. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kenn."
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