Dundee FC legend Alan Gilzean has died just weeks after it emerged that he was battling with a brain tumour.
The club issued a statement on Sunday expressing its “devastation” at the news of his death aged 79.
A spokesman said: “Everyone at Dundee FC are devastated to learn that club legend Alan Gilzean passed away this morning after recently being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Alan’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
‘Gillie’ was part of Dundee’s greatest-ever team and was one of the best goalscorers of his generation.
Born in Coupar Angus, Gilzean spent seven years at Dundee, winning the 1961-62 league title before helping the club reach the European Cup semi-final the following season.
He left Dundee in 1964 and joined Tottenham where he established himself over the next decade as an all-time great and became known as ‘The King of White Hart Lane’.
He formed memorable partnerships with Jimmy Greaves and Martin Chivers and scored 133 goals for Tottenham in all competitions.
During his time at White Hart Lane he won the 1967 FA Cup, two League Cups in 1971 and 1973 and the UEFA Cup in 1973.
Former team-mate and fellow striker Greaves also paid tribute to Gilzean.
“Heartbreaking news today,” he wrote on Twitter.
“The great Alan Gilzean passed away this morning.
“Sympathy to his family.
“He was a lovely man and obviously one of the all time Spurs greats.”
Gilzean played 22 times for Scotland, scoring 14 goals.
In 1964, his solitary strike was enough to earn the national side a memorable 1-0 victory over England.
On leaving Tottenham he played in South Africa before returning to briefly manage Stevenage Town.
He managed a transport business in Enfield after leaving the game.
