Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Guardian sport and PA Media

Former Tottenham and Ireland winger Tony Galvin recovering from stroke, Spurs reveal

Tony Galvin (centre) leaves his former Spurs teammate Glenn Hoddle (left) sprawling and Gary Stevens chasing during Ireland’s victory over England at Euro 1988
Tony Galvin (centre) leaves his former Spurs teammate Glenn Hoddle (left) sprawling and Gary Stevens chasing during Ireland’s victory over England at Euro 1988. Photograph: Getty Images

The former Tottenham winger Tony Galvin is recovering from a stroke, the club has announced.

The 69-year-old made 273 appearances for Spurs in the 1980s, winning back-to-back FA Cups in 1981 and 1982. Both of those finals – against Manchester City and QPR respectively – went to replays, and Galvin started all four matches. The replay against City was settled by Ricky Villa’s stunning famous solo dribble and shot, but it was an attacking passage of play that began following a trademark Galvin charge down the left wing.

He also started both legs of the 1984 Uefa Cup final against Anderlecht, which finished 2-2 on aggregate and went to a penalty shootout, which Spurs won 4-3 after Galvin had been substituted in the second half.

Despite being an England schools player in his younger years, Galvin won 29 caps for the Republic of Ireland and played all three group matches under Jack Charlton at Euro 1988, including his side’s much-celebrated 1-0 victory over England.

He signed for Sheffield Wednesday in 1987, leaving in 1989 to play under his former Spurs teammate Ossie Ardiles at Swindon. Galvin later served as assistant to the Argentinian at both Swindon and Newcastle.

Spurs posted on X: “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.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.