TRIBUTES have been paid to a “deeply loved” ex-footballer who played in the Spurs Academy with Sol Campbell after died aged 47.
Neil Le Bihan was found dead on October 12 following a “challenging period of mental health”.
Tributes have flooded in for the ex-Dover Athletic midfielder, who played almost 200 games for the club.
The team said: “Dover Athletic are saddened to hear the news of the passing of former midfielder Neil Le Bihan.
“Neil was part of, arguably, our best-ever midfield in 1999/2000.
“His goals included netting the winner in a 1-0 win away at Doncaster (April 2000) and a goal in a rare 3-1 win away at Stevenage (April 2002).
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“The one that he’ll be remembered most for scoring is that stunning equaliser at home to Cheltenham Town in the FA Trophy Semi-Final Second Leg at Crabble in April 1998.
“Sadly, Neil took his own life after a challenging period of mental health, something that he had bravely fought against for a considerable time.”
During his career, Neil also played for the Spurs Academy alongside Sol Campbell and had a three-season stint at Peterborough United, as well as Crawley Town.
After he retired, the “beloved father” worked at the Blowing Dandelion in Crystal Palace and was affectionately known as “the coffeeman”.
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The artisan chocolate and coffee shop paid tribute following the “heartbreaking” news.
They said: “Neil Le Bihan, beloved father, and partner of Michaela, has passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at home on 12th October, after a period of ill-health.
“We know that Neil is deeply loved by his Crystal Palace and South East London community, Blowing Dandelion regulars, the footballing world, and beyond.”
While Toby Trimby, who worked with Neil in the coffee shop, described him as a “top geezer”.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
