TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR have announced the death of former goalkeeper Barry Daines aged 75.

The Essex-born stopper joined the club as an apprentice in 1969.

He went on to make 146 league appearances for the North London club before departing in 1981.

Spurs announced the news in a statement on Sunday.

The club wrote: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former goalkeeper Barry Daines, aged 75.

“The thoughts and love of everyone at the Club are with Barry’s family and friends at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Barry.”

Daines spent much of his 12-year spell with the club as the backup to Spurs and Northern Ireland legend Pat Jennings.

The iconic keeper preceded Daines, arriving from Watford in 1964 before leaving for North London rivals Arsenal in 1977.

Daines took up the mantle of starting goalkeeper in his absence, and featured in all 42 league matches the season after Jennings made the switch.

He was handed a Spurs testimonial upon his exit in 1981, after which he spent two years plying his trade in Hong Kong.

Daines’ former team-mate Micky Hazard led the tributes to the keeper on social media.

Hazard wrote: “Very sad to hear of the passing of the lovely Barry Daines, my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very sad time.

“Rest in Peace Barry and go do some shotstopping in the sky.”

A Spurs fan replied: “That’s very sad. He was keeper when I first became a Spurs fan as a kid in the 70s.

“Had a hard job following the great Pat Jennings. Thoughts to his loved ones.”

And another distraught supporter added: “My first Spurs keeper as a kid, so Barry always held a special place in my heart, RIP Barry!”