Eric Roy died at 58 after three-year cancer battle

Former Stade Brestois manager Eric Roy, 58, died earlier this month after a three‑year battle with pancreatic cancer, a diagnosis he received just one day after his appointment on 2 January 2023. His illness remained private until he informed the club hierarchy on 4 January.

Roy's death was confirmed by GFFN, with journalist Luke Entwistle reporting the news. Even many of his players were unaware of his condition until its later stages.

L’Équipe reported that Roy was appointed manager of Stade Brestois on 2 January 2023, and learned of his cancer on 3 January. Brest’s board was immediately informed of his health situation.

He disclosed the condition to the club hierarchy on 4 January, after which the board elected to retain him in charge. Roy subsequently guided the team to historic achievements.

Under Roy's guidance, Brest qualified for European competition for the first time and later appeared in the UEFA Champions League, establishing themselves as Ligue 1 regulars on a modest budget. The European qualification marked the first such success in the club’s history.

Brest have not yet announced a permanent replacement, but assistant coach Julien Lachuer is expected to assume the role. Lachuer, who served as Roy’s assistant, is widely tipped to step up as permanent head coach.