John Duncan dead aged 73: Tributes pour in for ex-Tottenham star and manager of Chesterfield’s heroic 1997 FA Cup run
JOHN DUNCAN, the former Tottenham striker who guided Chesterfield to a historic FA Cup semi-final as a manager, has died aged 73.
Duncan averaged more than a goal every other game for Spurs with 62 goals in 118 appearances.
John Duncan was a legendary forward beloved by Spurs fansRex
Duncan inspired Chesterfield to the FA Cup semi-finalsRex
The former Dundee man also played for Derby County and Scunthorpe before becoming a manager.
Duncan managed Scunthorpe, Hartlepool United, Chesterfield and Ipswich Town.
His greatest success as a manager came in a second spell at Chesterfield, taking the second division side to the FA Cup semi-finals in 1997, where they lost to Middlesbrough in a replay.
Manchester United legend, Sir Alex Ferguson said: “John had such humility and a great sense of humour and I spoke with him only a matter of weeks ago.
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“I will miss seeing him and I send my deepest condolences to his daughters, his sister, his partner and their families.”
Former Tottenham team-mate and England assistant manager, John Gorman said: “John was a great team-mate and friend.
“He continued to do brilliant work after his career with the LMA helping lots of people with their injuries or illnesses, including myself.
“He was always there for you and will be sorely missed by everyone.”
Duncan’s former player, Sean Dyche, added: “I worked with John for a number of years whilst at Chesterfield FC through some of the best years in the club’s history.
“He was an excellent manager who always worked to get the best out of all of his staff and players in order to mould a team into one that could challenge and be successful.
“He was not only a manager to me, as he became a friend and a mentor as my career progressed from player to coach and onto being a manager.”
Former Tottenham star Micky Hazard wrote on social media: “Just heard the very sad news that our former player John Duncan has passed away, very very sad.
“Go fly with the angels John and say hi to all our former heroes.”
While Spurs legend Steve Perryman, who made a club-record 854 appearances for the Lilywhites, wrote: “Huge respect to the loss of our great friend & colleague John Duncan.
“Rest Peacefully Sir, I will never forget your considered & educated take on life with a goal scoring knack that was effective as much as surprising at times with a touch of character + understanding too.”
Former Bolton and Chesterfield striker Kevin Davies tweeted: “Absolutely gutted to lose my first pro manager and good friend John Duncan today.
“Always there for me personally and professionally. So much to thank him for. Called me last week for a chat even though he was unwell, lost one of the good guys, thanks John.”
And ex-Spurs and Barcelona star Steve Archibald wrote: “Very sad to hear of the passing of John Duncan, lovely man and great player, hugely respected at Spurs and in the game, great goalscorer, RIP my friend, my most sincere and heartfelt condolences to John’s family.”
Duncan scored 62 times in 118 games for SpursRex
