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Sunderland mourns the passing of former midfielder Eric Roy

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 7:25 PM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

Sunderland mourns the passing of former midfielder Eric Roy

Summary

Sunderland AFC has expressed its condolences following the death of former midfielder Eric Roy at the age of 52 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Roy played a crucial role in Sunderland's successful team during the 1999-2000 season, contributing to a remarkable seventh-place finish in the Premier League. Signed from Olympique Marseille, he was known for his toughness and commitment on the pitch. Many fans remember his performances, including a key game against Chelsea where Sunderland won 4-1. Despite his relatively brief tenure from 1999 to 2001, Roy left a lasting impact on the club.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Eric Roy passed away at 52 after battling pancreatic cancer.
•He played a key role in Sunderland's 1999-2000 seventh-place finish.
•Roy was signed from Olympique Marseille in 1999 for £275,000.
•He earned recognition for his tough playing style and commitment.
•Sunderland's official account shared condolences on June 17, 2026.

Latest Updates

7:25 PMYahoo Sports — Remembering Eric Roy – A Key Figure in Reid’s Sunderland Revival

What they're saying

"
Part of one of Sunderland’s finest modern teams, Eric Roy may not have grabbed the headlines, but how many fans remember the tough midfielder who helped drive that memorable seventh-place finish?
— Yahoo Sports

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