Tommy Cassidy, the former midfielder for Northern Ireland and Newcastle United, has passed away at the age of 73.
Hailing from Belfast, Cassidy earned 24 international caps and was a member of the Northern Ireland team that competed in the 1982 World Cup, playing in the historic 1-0 victory against Spain in Valencia.
He was also part of the squad that secured the British Home Championship title under manager Billy Bingham in 1980.
Cassidy began his professional journey with Irish League team Glentoran before going on to make 239 appearances for Newcastle from 1970 to 1980, contributing to their run to the FA Cup final in 1974 and the League Cup final in 1976.
During his time with the club, he netted 28 goals for the northeast club, later spending three years at Burnley before finishing his playing career with APOEL in Cyprus.
Following his playing days, Cassidy took on managerial roles at APOEL from 1985 to 1989 and subsequently managed Gateshead, Glentoran, Ards, Sligo Rovers, Workington, Newcastle Blue Star, Whitby Town, and Blyth Spartans.
He led Glentoran to an Irish Cup triumph in 1996.
In recent years, Cassidy had been battling Alzheimer’s disease.
Newcastle’s official X account shared a message, stating: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our former midfielder Tommy Cassidy at the age of 73.
“The entire Newcastle United community extends its condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
