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Peterborough and Dover pay tribute to much loved former player who has died age 47

Peterborough United and Dover Athletic pay tribute to much loved former player Neil Le Bihan who has sadly died at the age of 47.

During his career, Neil also played for the likes of Spurs Academy, had a three-season stint at Peterborough United, as well as spells with Crawley Town and Dover Athletic.

After he retired, he then took to work at Crystal Palace based artisan chocolate and coffee shop Blowing Dandelion and had been known affectionately known as “the coffeeman”.

Blowing Dandelion wrote on the 15th of October: “It is with the deepest sadness that we share some incredibly heart-breaking news.

“Neil Le Bihan, beloved father, and partner of Michaela, has passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at home on 12th October, after a period of ill-health. Sadly, Neil took his own life after a challenging period of mental health, something that he had bravely fought against for a considerable time.

“We know that Neil is deeply loved by his Crystal Palace and South East London community, Blowing Dandelion regulars, the footballing world, and beyond. Michaela and family have asked for privacy at this very difficult time. Blowing Dandelion will remain open but we ask that flowers are not brought to the shop.

“Memorial and funeral details will be posted as soon as they are available.

“And please, if you are struggling yourself reach out to someone www.instagram.com/samaritanscharity

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PETERBOROUGH STATEMENT

The football club are saddened to learn of the death of former Posh midfielder Neil Le Bihan.

Peterborough United are saddened to learn of the passing of former midfielder Neil Le Bihan who has died at the age of 47.

Le Bihan made 41 appearances for the club during the mid-1990s after starting his career as an apprentice at Tottenham Hotspur.

He went on to make nearly 200 appearances for Dover Athletic before becoming a successful barista following his football career.

The club would like to offer our condolences to Neil’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.

DOVER STATEMENT:

Earlier this week we were saddened to hear the news of the passing of former Midfielder Neil Le Bihan.

Neil was part of, arguably, our best ever midfield in 1999/2000. Neil made 171 (+12) competitive appearances and scored 18 Goals across 5 seasons (1997-2002) with us. His goals included netting the winner in a 1-0 win away at Doncaster (April 2000) and a goal in a rare 3-1 win away at Stevenage (April 2002).

The one that he’ll be remembered most for scoring is that stunning equaliser at home to Cheltenham Town in the FA Trophy Semi-Final Second Leg at Crabble in April 1998.

Sadly, Neil took his own life after a challenging period of mental health, something that he had bravely fought against for a considerable time.

If you are struggling yourself please reach out to someone.

Samaritans are always here to listen, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

If you’re going through a tough time, we encourage you to visit their website below or call their helpline.

Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen

Former teammate Jake Leberl: Such sad news, a wonderful guy a great teammate where we shared many happy memories, stood out from the rest of us with his intelligence on & off the field. RIP Neil & condolences to his young family.

Twitter users along with Peterborough and Dover took to pay tribute to the much loved former player who has died age 47…

@roby_teed: Rest in Peace Neil, way too soon. Sending all my love to his close ones 💙

@TOTcoaching: Wow that’s so sad, good player, scored ‘that’ goal against Wrexham in FA Cup if my memory is correct.

@meresideposh72: That’s really sad news. Remember his time at the club well. Thoughts are with Neil’s family & friends at this very sad time 🙏🏻💙 Please remember that you can always reach out to people even at your lowest, there are people to help you & listen to you. You’re not on your own 🙏🏻

@TartanSimmo14: Sad news. Please speak out if you are struggling 🙏

@Mirrorman73: Jeez. The corner king. Was only talking about him the other day. Far far too soon. RIP Lad.

@Gillywigs2806: So sad- please ask and reach out !! RIP Neil thoughts with your family and friends 😢

@ChestneyS: Really sad no age to leave us. RIP

@PboroRyxn: RIP Neil. Such sad news. Mental Illness is nothing to be ashamed of so if you’re struggling, please speak up. 💙

@craigDLyons: Mental health strikes again. Still remember fondly the goal he scored direct from a corner kick, I was one of only a very small crowd that day, if I remember correctly. RIP Neil.

@Tweets_By_Phil: My condolences to Neil’s family and friends #RestInPeace

@ian_randall1: RIP Neil. Scored a long range goal in the Trophy SF 2nd leg v Cheltenham in 1998.

@jamie_dafc: Awful news, rest in peace 🙏🏼❤️

@mattdavison1970: Very sad to read the news. A player who was a joy to watch and a pleasure to interview. Thoughts with Neil’s family.

@matty263: Really sorry to hear this sad news. Was always a pleasure a tough pleasure playing against Neil and Dover in the late 90’s and early 00’s a talent. RIP Neil 💙❤️🙏🏾⚽️⚽️

@steveysey: So sad, a genuinely lovely bloke. Sat next to him a couple of times on the train to Dover from Canterbury when he was on his way to training and talked all things football. RIP

@el_dee5: Really really saddened to read this, I have great memories of watching Neil play. Excellent footballer and part of a superb midfield which competed with the very best in non league.😞

@MoorsNeil: How awful. Devastating news. Neil was such a naturally talented midfielder, a joy to watch and that goal – wow. Thoughts and prayers with Neil’s family at this difficult time.

@tommyblanche: What a player. So many fond memories from my childhood. Really sad to hear #rip

@PhilRiverman10: Very sad indeed, wonderful footballer, so consistent, great left foot. RIP Neil

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