Former England and Tottenham boss Terry Venables dies at the age of 80
Former England manager Terry Venables has died at the age of 80.
The ex-manager led the Three Lions during Euro 96, guiding them to the semi-final, and also took charge of Barcelona, Leeds and Tottenham during his managerial career. His last role was as Steve McClaren's assistant during his time in charge of England.
A family statement read: "We are totally devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness."
Venables was on the books of Chelsea, Tottenham and QPR during his playing days. One of his highs in management was leading Spurs to the FA Cup at the old Wembley in 1991. Current England boss Gareth Southgate, who played under Venables with the national side, has previously talked up the impact he's had on his managerial career.
His former club Tottenham confirmed they would hold a minute's applause ahead of their match with Aston Villa on Sunday, while both sets of supporters will wear black armbands.
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On his passing, Southgate said: "Any player will have great affinity with the manager that gave them their opportunity, but it was quickly evident playing for Terry Venables that he was an outstanding coach and manager.
"Tactically excellent, he had a wonderful manner, capable of handling everyone from the youngest player to the biggest star. He was open minded, forward thinking , enjoyed life to the full and created a brilliant environment with England that allowed his players to flourish and have one of the most memorable tournaments in England history.
England Manager Terry Venables and Don Howe console Gareth Southgate after his penalty miss (EMPICS)"A brilliant man, who made people feel special, I’m very sad to hear of his passing and my thoughts are with Yvette and all of his family." Venables landed the England job in 1994 after the disappointing reign of Graham Taylor but decided to stand down just two years later, before Euro 96, over contract demands.
But despite intense media scrutiny, he took England to the semi-finals of the competition on home soil before the heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Germany.
It remained England's best performance in a major competition since 1966, until Southgate - who missed the decisive penalty at Wembley - led the Three Lions to the final at Euro 2020.
(Daily Mirror)"It was the summer of a lifetime. People still stop me in the street to bring it up. It was magnificent, the biggest sporting occasion I have ever been involved in. The nation was behind us and we thought we had enough to win it, but that's life," Venables said back in 2021.
He later had spells in charge of the Australian national side, Crystal Palace and Leeds, while also joining up with Bryan Robson at Middlesbrough.
Former club QPR sent their condolences on social media, posting: "All our thoughts are with his loved ones at this incredibly sad time." Venables' work as a manager in west London saw him land the Barcelona job in 1984, where he earned his El Tel nickname.
Gary Lineker, who played under Venables with Tottenham and Barca led the tributes on social media. He wrote: "Devastated to hear that Terry Venables has died. The best, most innovative coach that I had the privilege and pleasure of playing for.
"He was much more, though, than just a great manager, he was vibrant, he was charming, he was witty, he was a friend. He’ll be hugely missed. Sending love and condolences to Yvette and the family. RIP Terry."
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Fellow former England striker Alan Shearer added: "Extremely sad news the great Terry Venables has passed away. RIP Boss. I owe you so much. You were amazing." His former Three Lions team-mate Paul Gascoigne wrote: "Such a sad day, cheers boss."
Ex-England captain David Beckham said: "So sad to hear the news that Terry Venables has passed away , I met Terry in Barcelona and whilst training at Tottenham at the age of 9… He was one of our greatest England managers and loved by players and fans , Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
A statement from the League Managers Association read: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of LMA member and former president Terry Venables. Our thoughts are very much with Yvette and all of Terry's family at this time."
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