Eric Roy passed away at the age of 58 earlier this month. The former Stade Brestois manager battled pancreatic cancer for over three years, without ever making it public. Not even all of his squad was aware, or not until the final stages of his battle against the illness.

His bosses at Brest were, however. L’Équipe report that Roy’s cancer diagnosis came just one day after being appointed manager back on 2nd January 2023. On 3rd January, he was told the diagnosis, and one day later, he informed the hierarchy at the Breton club. They decided to keep Roy in the post.

He would go on to lead the club to history. Under his leadership, the club qualified for European football for the first time, not only that, they featured in the UEFA Champions League. On a shoestring budget, Les Ty-Zéfs have become a Ligue 1 regular. Brest have yet to name his successor, although it is Julien Lachuer, Roy’s assistant, who is expected to take the job.