Former Tottenham Hotspur and Republic of Ireland winger Tony Galvin is on the road to recovery after suffering a stroke, the North London club has revealed.
A Distinguished Playing Career
The 69-year-old made a significant impact during his time at Spurs in the 1980s, amassing 273 appearances for the club. Galvin was a key component of the team's successful period, securing back-to-back FA Cup victories in 1981 and 1982. Both finals, against Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers respectively, required replays, and Galvin started in all four of these crucial matches.
The iconic replay against Manchester City was famously decided by Ricky Villa's spectacular solo goal, a move that was initiated by one of Galvin's characteristic powerful runs down the left flank. His contribution to the club's silverware extended to the 1984 UEFA Cup, where he started both legs of the final against Anderlecht. The tie was ultimately won in a penalty shootout.
International Allegiance and Coaching
Despite having represented England at schoolboy level, Galvin chose to play for the Republic of Ireland, earning 29 international caps. He was an integral part of Jack Charlton's squad at Euro 1988, featuring in all three of Ireland's group matches. This included the historic 1-0 win over England, a match where Galvin famously left his former Spurs teammate Glenn Hoddle on the ground during a driving run.
After leaving Tottenham in 1987 for Sheffield Wednesday, Galvin later played under his ex-Spurs colleague Ossie Ardiles at Swindon Town. He subsequently transitioned into coaching, serving as Ardiles' assistant manager at both Swindon and Newcastle United.
Club Support and Recovery
Tottenham Hotspur officially shared the news on social media platform X, expressing the club's collective support. The post read: "Everyone at the club would like to extend their thoughts and best wishes to Tony Galvin, our 1984 UEFA Cup and 1981 & 82 FA Cup winner, who is now recovering following a stroke. We’re all behind you, Tony."
The football community now unites in wishing the former winger a full and speedy recovery.
