Tommy Cassidy, a former midfielder for Newcastle United and Northern Ireland, passed away at the age of 73.
The Belfast native participated in Northern Ireland’s 1982 World Cup squad and earned 24 caps for his country.
He was a key player in the team’s historic 1-0 victory over host Spain in Valencia. He was also a member of the team that British Home Championship winners Billy Bingham led to victory in 1980.
Cassidy started his playing career with Irish League team Glentoran. Between 1970 and 1980, he played 239 games for Newcastle, which helped them go to the FA Cup finals in 1974 and the League Cup finals two years later.
He scored 28 goals for the Magpies, then spent three years at Burnley, before spending the final two seasons of his playing career with Cypriot side APOEL.
Cassidy went on to manage APOEL between 1985 and 1989, before stints in charge of Gateshead, Glentoran, Ards, Sligo Rovers, Workington, Newcastle Blue Star, Whitby Town and Blyth Spartans.
He guided Glentoran to an Irish Cup win in 1996.
Cassidy had been living with Alzheimer’s in recent years.
A post on Newcastle’s official X account said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former midfielder Tommy Cassidy at the age of 73.
“The thoughts of everyone at Newcastle United are with his family and friends at this sad time.”