Brighton and Hove Albion legend Gerry Ryan is recovering in hospital after suffering a stroke.

The 51-year-old, who starred for Albion in the 1983 FA Cup final, was taken to hospital on Friday with chest pains and was admitted after doctors discovered he had suffered a stroke.

In his Albion heyday Gerry was known as a fleet-footed winger with an eye for goal. He famously scored in both games as Albion knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup twice in the early Eighties.

Like many ex-pros, he later became a publican and has owned The Witch Inn, in Lindfield, for 20 years.

Alice Carey, barmaid at The Witch, said: "Gerry was feeling rough and had a doctor's appointment booked for Friday but he took a turn for the worse and went straight to hospital.

"He is up and talking but they are keeping him in under observation for the next week.

"All the staff have been really good and everyone is doing extra shifts. The regulars are all shocked and I think there will be a collection going round. The place is not the same without him around."

Fans website North Stand Chat has been deluged with messages of support for the terrace hero who graced the Goldstone Ground during the glory years.

Born in Dublin, Gerry began his footballing career at Bohemians in 1975 and his performances for the Irish side earned him a move to Derby County.

He signed for The Seagulls for £100,000 just a month into the 1978/79 season, in which the team was promoted to the top flight.

He played 18 times for Ireland, scoring one goal. Gerry's career ended prematurely in 1985 later after he suffered a broken leg in a game against arch rivals Crystal Palace. He made 199 appearances for the Seagulls.

Albion supporters club chairman Tim Carder said: "I remember watching Gerry as a young man and he was always so exciting to watch. One minute he was brilliant, the next not quite so brilliant. The fans loved him. I remember him scoring an amazing goal after an 80 yard run against Manchester City in 1979.

"I hope he makes a speedy recovery and is back behind the bar at The Witch as soon as possible."

Gerry returned to the Albion for a short-lived spell as assistant to then manager Liam Brady in 1994. Albion fans got their last glimpse of Gerry in action during an all-star match as part of Kerry Mayo's testimonial game, last month.

Gerry's son Darragh also started his own footballing career with Albion and currently plays for Cork City, in Ireland.

What is your favourite Gerry Ryan memory? Leave your messages of goodwill for the Albion hero below.