The former clubs of Robbie Brunton have led the tributes to the tough-tackling defender who has died at the age of just 47.
A graduate of the Belvedere club, he had spells at Stoke City, Sligo Rovers, Coleraine, Derry City, Bohemians, Kilkenny City and Dundalk among others.
Brunton is survived by his wife Celine, and sons Ryan and Darragh who have become regulars at Dalymount Park with their Dad in recent years.
Bohs assistant Trevor Croly paid a special tribute to his former teammate, "Robbie grew up in Dunard, I grew up in Arbour Hill, and we played together at Belvo.
“I used to get lifts with Robbie and his father to games – they would collect me at the Cattle Market. We weren’t just team-mates, we became good friends from travelling together."
Croly added, "Since becoming ill, he would never complain. He would always have his next target to look forward to, usually a Rovers game.
“Coming down to Dalymount with his two boys was very important to him. He had a great love of Bohs, and a great dislike of Rovers!
“He would always send me a text on the Friday before our game, and another one on the Saturday after the game. He was very blunt and would tell you where we went wrong!"
Brunton spent two seasons with Bohemians as a player in the late 90's, earning an FAI Cup runners-up medal in 2000.
So sad to hear this morning the passing of our former management committee member Robbie Brunton. Robbie had a distinguished playing career with most notable @sligorovers and @bfcdublin. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Celine and his family and friends. RIP Robbie 🙏⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ySjjKH2Ad2
— PFA Ireland (@PFAIOfficial) October 1, 2020
The PFAI joined the tributes, tweeting, "So sad to hear this morning the passing of our former management committee member Robbie Brunton."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Celine and his family and friends."
Brunton also had a two-season spell at Sligo Rovers where he was named their player of the year for the 1994-95 season. He was also part of the side that beat Floriana in the Bit-O-Red's first ever excursion in Europe.
Sligo said, "We will remember Robbie’s performances at the club fondly and his great contribution to a memorable time for the Bit O’ Red."
Dundalk also took time out before their UEFA Europa League playoff with KI to pay tribute, saying, "It's a huge night for the club but our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of former player Robbie Brunton who sadly passed away today at the age of 47. May he rest in peace."
🕯️ It's a huge night for the club but our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of former player Robbie Brunton who sadly passed away today at the age of 47. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/aNtPDZA8nZ
— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) October 1, 2020
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