Former Sligo Rovers manager Tommy Cassidy has died at the age of 73.
Cassidy was in charge of Rovers for two seasons, from 1999 to 2001.
His tenure at the Showgrounds wasn’t the club’s most illustrious – his first season in charge saw Rovers knocked out of the FAI Cup by non-league Bluebell Utd, and the club were subsequently relegated from the Premier Division of the League of Ireland.
He did help nurture the development of young up-and-coming local players, giving the likes of Conor O’Grady and Raff Cretaro first-team opportunities.
The Belfast native left the club at the end of the 2001 season to be replaced by Don O’Riordan.
Cassidy won 24 international caps and was part of the Northern Ireland squad at the 1982 World Cup, featuring in the famous 1-0 win over hosts Spain in Valencia.
He also played with Newcastle United, reaching an FA Cup final with them in 1974.
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.
Rest in peace, Tommy. 🖤🤍
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 2, 2024
