Former Brighton captain Tony Grealish has died at the age of 56, the club have announced.
A statement on the club website read: ‘Brighton & Hove Albion are saddened by the news that former captain Tony Grealish has passed away at the age of 56.
‘The midfielder spent three seasons with the Seagulls between 1981 and 1984, during which time he captained the side to the 1983 FA Cup final against Manchester United.
Club legend: Grealish captained Brighton in the 1983 FA Cup final
‘The Final finished in a draw, and the Seagulls lost 4-0 to the top-flight team in the replay, but the occasion stands as a highlight in the club’s history and will forever be remembered by the Albion faithful.
‘Former Republic of Ireland international Tony began his professional career at Leyton Orient in 1974, where he made over 170 appearances before moving to Luton Town in 1979.
‘He spent two seasons at Kenilworth Road before Mike Bailey signed Tony for the Seagulls, and he racked up over 120 appearances for the club, scoring eight goals as a Goldstone Ground favourite.
International: Grealish made 45 appearances for the Republic of Ireland
‘Following his time in Brighton, Tony went on to play for West Bromwich Albion, Manchester City, Rotherham United and Walsall before finishing his playing career at Bromsgrove Rovers in 1993.
‘Tony made a total of 45 international appearances for Republic of Ireland between 1976 and 1986.
‘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.’