'Devastated' - football world mourns the death of Cliftonville legend Tommy Breslin
Tributes pour in for the Reds most successful-ever manager
The Irish League football community is in shock after the sudden death of legendary manager Tommy Breslin.
Tributes are pouring in for the former Cliftonville boss who was one of the Irish League’s most popular and successful-ever figures.
His back-to-back titles with the Res in 2013 and 2014 secured his status as a Solitude legend – winning a total of eight trophies during a four-year spelll.
Mr Breslin, who died suddenly while on holiday in Spain, was 58.
The north Belfast football club said yesterday (Wednesday) it was “devastated'' to learn of Breslin's sudden passing.
In a short statement, the club offered its sympathies to his family and said that it would pay a full tribute to him in time.
“Cliftonville Football Club are devastated to this evening learn of the sudden and untimely death of Tommy Breslin,'' it said.
“While the Club will naturally pay a fuller tribute to Tommy very soon, at this moment in time our thoughts are very much with the Breslin family circle and all of his many friends, to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.''
Footballers and fans alike from across Northern Ireland took to social media to offer their condolences to Breslin's family and friends.
Clifontville club record goalscorer Joe Gormley said Breslin was one of the nicest people he had ever met.
“Absolutely heartbreaking... 1 of the nicest guy I've ever met, thank you for everything Tommy it will never be forgotten,'' he tweeted.
In a tweet FA Ireland, the governing body for football in Northern Ireland, wrote: The Irish FA is shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former Cliftonville manager Tommy Breslin.
“A football man through and through, Tommy will be sorely missed. Condolences to his family and everyone connected with @cliftonvillefc.''
DUP leader Arlene Foster was among those who paid their respects.
She tweeted: “Such tragic news for local football. My thoughts and prayers are with Tommy's family and all connected with Cliftonville FC.''
During the launch last night of the Danske Bank Premiership’s new season, Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter spoke of the great friendship he had with his north-Belfast rival.
“Him and I were fierce rivals but yet we were the best of friends,” he told Downtown & Cool FM
“We had such a unique relationship."