Touching tributes are pouring in to a Kent football “legend” following his tragic and sudden death, aged 47.
Neil Le Bihan, who played almost 200 games for Dover Athletic, is believed to have taken his own life following a “challenging period of mental health”.
Neil has been described as a “beloved father” and a “top geezer. Picture: Facebook/Blowing Dandelion
The former midfielder, who scored 18 goals across five seasons for the club, was “deeply loved in the footballing world and beyond”.
In a statement today, Dover Athletic FC paid tribute to some of Neil’s finest achievements while wearing the club’s famous white shirt between 1997 and 2002.
“Dover Athletic are saddened to hear the news of the passing of former midfielder Neil Le Bihan,” a spokesperson said.
“Neil was part of, arguably, our best-ever midfield in 1999/2000.
“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.”
Neil Le Bihan played almost 200 games for Dover Athletic FC. Picture: Dover Athletic FC
During his football career, Neil also played for Tottenham Hotspurs’ Academy and enjoyed three seasons at Peterborough United.
After hanging up his boots, he became “the face and heart” of Le Bihan Coffee and his drinks are served across 10 coffee shops in London.
He worked at the Blowing Dandelion in Crystal Palace and was affectionately known as “the coffeeman”.
The Blowing Dandelion has paid tribute, writing: “It is with the deepest sadness that we share some incredibly heart-breaking news,” it read.
“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.
“We know that Neil is deeply loved by his Crystal Palace and South East London community, Blowing Dandelion regulars, the footballing world, and beyond.”
Toby Trimby, who worked with Neil in the coffee shop, described him as a “top geezer” and “coffee aficionado”.
He added: “During the pandemic, I ran out of work and ran out of money. I had nothing.
“But I found a wonderful chocolate and coffee shop which I managed to blag my way into and Saturdays were spent, for a year, working with a top geezer.
“It’s a bit of a shock, to be honest. He was a brilliant man and was an extremely popular player for Dover…”
“I just wanted to say that there’s a lot of people in South London and Crystal Palace who are going to feel this loss because he was such a community guy.
“I’m very grateful to have spent one-on-one time with him.”
Responding to Blowing Dandelion sharing the tragic news, Martin Jessup wrote: “Neil was one of a kind.
“Always had time to chat and made everyone feel special. Not only a talker but a listener.
“In this world there are ‘drains’ – people who leave you empty and lacking in energy and ‘radiators’ who seem to charge you up with their warmth. Neil was a radiator and more!”
Sevda Mustafa added: “I’m just so sad to hear this news. My heart is broken. Such a lovely guy. I’m sad for anyone that knew him, but mostly to his family.”
Tim Dixon played for Dover between 1986 and 1995, and described Neil as a footballer who was “ahead of his time”.
“I never played with Neil but I knew him and was in the bars with him many times after matches,” he said.
“He was a very clever footballer and was so well thought of.
“It’s a bit of a shock, to be honest. He was a brilliant man and was an extremely popular player for Dover.”
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/heartbreak-as-kent-football-legend-dies-suddenly-aged-47-295285/
