Terry Venables' illness and health battles as legendary England boss passes away
Tributes have been pouring in for legendary former England manager Terry Venables, who has died at the age of 80.
Venables was England's boss for their memorable run to the semi-finals of Euro 96, when they suffered a defeat at the hands of eventual champions Germany. He also managed the likes of Barcelona and Tottenham during more than 30 years in the dugout, winning La Liga with the Catalan club in 1985.
"We are totally devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness," Venables' family said in a statement. "We would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly sad time to allow us to mourn the loss of this lovely man who we were so lucky to have had in our lives."
Gary Mabbutt was part of the Spurs team which won the 1991 FA Cup final under Venables, helping the boss claim the trophy with the North London club as a player and a manager. Spurs' team wore black armbands for their Premier League game against Aston Villa, with Mabbutt paying tribute himself before the game.
"I was very lucky to work with Terry for a number of years," he told Sky Sports. "I was his captain during his time here as manager of Spurs, and we had a thoroughly enjoyable time together.
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"I think we worked well together as a manager and captain. I was lucky enough here to have about 10 different managers and I think Terry, out of all of them, was probably the best manager I had here."
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Terry Venables' playing career was ended prematurely (Colorsport/REX/Shutterstock)
Venables was still in his 30s when he moved into management (Colorsport/REX/Shutterstock)Venables' move into management only came when he was forced into early retirement as a player. He won trophies with Chelsea and Spurs as a youngster, and was also part of the QPR side which won promotion to the top tier, but called it quits not long after moving to Crystal Palace at the age of 31.
He was suffering from arthritis at the time, and wrote in his autobiography 'Born to Manage' that each of his appearances for Palace were "very painful" as a result. Malcolm Allison was the Eagles' manager at the time, and the coaching role he offered Venables paved the way for a long and successful career in the dugout.
Perhaps the most memorable spell of Venables' managerial career came in La Liga. He won the title with Barcelona in the 1984-85 season, thanks in part to the goals of Scottish striker Steve Archibald, while Barca reached the final of the European Cup 12 months later but lost on penalties to Steaua Bucharest.
Terry Venables enjoyed some productive years with Barcelona (Bob Thomas Sports Photography via Getty Images)"FC Barcelona deeply regrets the passing of Terry Venables, who managed Barça from 1984 to 1987," the club wrote in a statement shared on social media. "Our condolences to his loved ones. Rest in peace."
Gary Lineker joined Venables' Barcelona in 1986 before following the manager to Tottenham. The former England striker, part of Venables' 1991 FA Cup winning squad with Spurs, shared a tribute of his own.
"Devastated to hear that Terry Venables has died," Lineker wrote. "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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