Former Sunderland midfielder Éric Roy has died at the age of 58.
Roy, who played for Sunderland during the 1999/2000 Premier League season, had recently been managing French Ligue 1 side Brest.
In a statement, Brest said: "It is difficult to find the words to express all the sadness we feel following the passing of our coach Eric Roy.
"The president, the management, and the entire Stade Brestois 29 share the pain of his family, his wife, his two children, as well as all his loved ones.
"Eric Roy was an inspiring person who brought so much to Stade Brestois.
"Loved and respected by the supporters, he helped write the most beautiful pages in the club’s history and enabled it to reach a historic level."
Roy enjoyed a long playing career as a midfielder, featuring for teams including Nice, Toulon, Lyon and Marseille before joining Sunderland.
After retiring from playing, Roy moved into management and football administration, taking on roles as a sporting director before moving into coaching.
He was appointed Brest manager in January 2023 and guided the club to third place in Ligue 1 in the 2023/24 season, earning a historic Champions League qualification.
Roy managed 143 games for Brest, achieving 60 wins before his death.
The club said: "So many things could be said today, but above all, it is the emotion and grief of losing a loved one that overwhelm us.
"Eric, we will never forget everything you brought to the club, nor the man that you were.
"You will remain forever in our hearts and in the history of Stade Brestois 29."
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A Sunderland spokesperson: "Everyone at Sunderland AFC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former midfielder Eric Roy at the age of 58 following a battle with pancreatic cancer."
Speaking of Sunderland Roy previously said: "When I first came here, I didn't know anything about the club.
"My wife and I were very pleased to live here. I like the people of the North because they have a lot of respect for everybody and when I came to the stadium it was the best thing I had ever seen in my life."
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