Gary Lineker pays emotional homage to Terry Venables as Spurs confirm tribute

26 November 2023 , 12:53

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Terry Venables has passed away aged 80 (Image: Dave Sanderson/Getty Images)

Tottenham will wear black armbands during their Premier League game against Aston Villa on Sunday in tribute to the club’s former manager Terry Venables.

Venables, who played for and coached Spurs, has passed away aged 80. He played for Tottenham as a midfielder from 1966 to 1969 before moving on to represent QPR and Crystal Palace. After moving into coaching, he took charge of Spurs from 1987 to 1991, winning the FA Cup in his final year.

“The Club is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player and manager Terry Venables,” Spurs said in a statement. “Our deepest condolences are with Terry’s friends and family at this incredibly difficult time. In tribute, we shall hold a minute’s applause prior to kick-off and our players will wear black armbands during this afternoon’s fixture against Aston Villa. Rest in peace, Terry.”

Venables’ family said in a statement: “We are totally devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness.”

Gary Lineker, who spent two years playing under Venables at Spurs, tweeted: "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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Alan Shearer, who played under Venables for England for two years, wrote: "Extremely sad news the great Terry Venables has passed away. RIP Boss. I owe you so much. You were amazing."

Gary Neville, who also played at Euro 96 under Venables, said: "So sorry to hear the news of my very first England coach, Terry Venables. A man who gave me a chance to play for my country and became without a shadow of doubt my number one England coach in my whole career."

Gary Lineker pays emotional homage to Terry Venables as Spurs confirm tribute

Gary Lineker played under Terry Venables at Tottenham (David Davies/Offside via Getty Images)

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Terry Venables at the age of 80," England said in a statement. "Having won two senior caps as a player, Terry went onto manage the #ThreeLions between 1994 and 1996 - proudly leading us to the semi-finals of Euro 96. Our thoughts and condolences are with Terry’s family, friends and former clubs."

"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,” said England manager Gareth Southgate, who played for The Three Lions at Euro 96.

"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.

"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."

Terry Venables and Gareth Southgate in 1995 (Clive Brunskill/ALLSPORT/ Getty Images)

Terry Venables led England at Euro 96 (Mark Sandten/Bongarts/Getty Images)

The League Managers’ Association added: “The LMA is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of LMA member and former LMA President Terry Venables. Our thoughts are very much with Yvette and all of Terry’s family at this time.” Former England player Peter Reid tweeted: “Terry Venables Legend RIP.”

QPR, who Venables played for and managed, tweeted: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of former QPR player and manager Terry Venables. All our thoughts are with his loved ones at this incredibly sad time. May he rest in peace."

Chelsea said: "Everyone at Chelsea Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Blue, Terry Venables, aged 80. The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the Club are with his family and friends at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Terry."

Venables is perhaps best known for leading England during Euro 96, where he guided them to the semi-final. He also managed Barcelona, Crystal Palace, QPR, Tottenham, Leeds and Australia.