Brighton and Hove Albion’s FA Cup final captain dies

Former Brighton and Hove Albion captain Tony Grealish has died from bowel cancer at the age of 56.

The Republic of Ireland international skippered Albion in the 1983 FA Cup final at Wembley when club captain Steve Foster was suspended.

Brighton drew 2-2 with Manchester United in front of 99,000 fans but lost the replay 4-0.

Grealish, who was born in London, started his career at Leyton Orient and played for Luton Town before signing for the Seagulls in 1981.

He was a strong and industrious midfielder who scored eight goals in 121 matches for Brighton and the same number of goals for Ireland in 45 internationals from 1976 to 1986.

After three seasons at the Goldstone Ground he moved to West Bromwich Albion and later played for Manchester City, Rotherham United, Walsall and Bromsgrove Rovers.

Grealish also managed Bromsgrove Rovers and Atherstone United.

He was living in Devon at the time of his death.

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove Albion said: “On behalf of everyone at the club our thoughts go out to partner Wendy, children Garret and Jordana, grandchildren Harrison and Joshua, likewise Tony’s mother Nora, brother Brian and sisters Anne and Christine at this very sad time.”