Peacock, a Boro great on the pitch who remained a familiar and hugely popular figure at the Riverside, was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2018.
After his diagnosis, Peacock bravely spoke out, saying: “My family and I are hoping that, by publicly acknowledging my illness, it will raise awareness and encourage further research and support for everyone affected by this terrible, progressive disease.”
Peacock, a proud Teessider who grew up in North Ormesby, was a prolific striker, scoring 141 goals in 238 games for his hometown club between 1954 and 1964. He is seventh on Boro’s all-time top scorer list.
Peacock played and scored his way into the England squad and the first of his six caps came in the 1962 World Cup. He scored three times for England, including a brace in a 4-0 win over Wales.
Had he not suffered a serious knee injury during the 1965/66 season, Peacock would have almost certainly been named in Sir Alf Ramsey’s World Cup winning squad.
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Peacock left for Boro for Leeds United, where he helped Don Revie’s side win promotion, scoring eight goals in 14 games after moving to Elland Road. He scored 30 goals in 65 games in three further seasons.
Peacock was forced to retire at the age of 30 but after his dementia diagnosis, the former striker said: “Although my career was sadly and devastatingly cut short due to injury, I actually feel lucky. Perhaps if I had carried on playing, I might have been affected at a much younger age.”
In a tribute after announcing his passing, Boro said: “Alan, 87, was known to many at the Riverside and was a familiar face around the club, always with a smile and a cheeky quip.
“He was involved with matchday hospitality at the club where he was a popular host. He played an active role within the club’s Foundation and he was heavily involved in programmes creating dementia awareness.
“The thoughts of everyone at Middlesbrough Football Club are with Alan’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Former Boro player and now BBC Tees pundit Neil Maddison posted on X: “Absolutely devastating news to hear Alan Peacock has passed away.
“I’ve worked with Alan doing the corporate side at the Boro and worked together doing tours around the Riverside.
“A true Gentleman with a beautiful personality. Some of the stories he told were amazing. RIP Alan.”
Bernie Slaven posted on X: “Just heard the very sad news that one of Boro’s greatest ever strikers Alan Peacock has passed away.
“Condolences to his family. Alan was a great guy, a very well groomed and smart man and a very nice human being.”
Leeds United also paid tribute, saying: “The thoughts of everyone at LUFC are with the friends and family of Alan Peacock, who has sadly passed away at the age of 87. Rest in peace, Alan.”
In a 2020 interview with Heritage Unlocked, Peacock, reflecting on his career, said: “I just wanted to play football for Middlesbrough. I was a Boro lad.”
He also told of his earliest memories of watching his hometown club as a kid, saying: “I was a schoolboy at the time at junior school and when there was a home game we’d go to Albert Park to kick the ball about.
“We’d go at 3pm as Middlesbrough kicked off. We’d kick the ball about until the game was nearly over, then they used to open the gates a quarter of an hour or so before the final whistle.
“When they did we were there to run through and we’d watch the game there for the final quarter of an hour!”
Boro say Peacock passed away peacefully over the weekend, with his family by his side.
