Terry Venables: Tributes pour in after former England manager dies aged 80 after a 'long illness'

Footballers and fans have been paying tribute to the former England manager Terry Venables who has died at the age of eighty, as Ian Woods reports

Former England manager Terry Venables has died at the age of 80 after a "long illness", according to a statement from his family. 

In a statement released via the League Managers’ Association, his family said: "We are totally devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness.

"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."

As a player he made over 500 appearances for Chelsea, Tottenham, QPR and Crystal Palace, but made his real mark as a coach, also managing Palace and QPR.

England as a country rallied behind Venables’ national team in Euro '96. It was the summer football almost came home as the team brilliantly blew away Netherlands 4-1 – a performance Venables himself described as “perfection: my most thrilling experience in football” – only to lose to Germany on penalties in the semi-final at Wembley.

In Spain, Venables won the domestic title in 1984-85 and the FA Cup with Spurs in 1991.

But it was his spell as England boss, during which he guided the team to the semi-final of Euro '96 on home soil after a brilliantly-memorable 4-1 win over the Netherlands - only to lose on penalties to Germany.

In his managerial career, Venables was also in charge of clubs including Crystal Palace, Tottenham, and Barcelona.

Often referred to as El Tel, he previously played for teams including Chelsea, Spurs and Queens Park Rangers.

Richard Bevan, League Managers' Association (LMA) chief executive said: "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."

In a statement the Football Association said Venables was “a true football icon”.

“As one of the sport’s most charismatic figures, he leaves behind a legacy that captured the imagination of many and enhanced the global reputation of the English game,” it said.

“Today our modern game mourns the loss of not only a great character but an innovative, forward-thinking manager who was an inspiration to a generation of English players and coaches.”

Tottenham held a minute’s applause and players wore black armbands for Sunday’s fixture at home to Aston Villa.

“We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Terry Venables, our former player, manager and chief executive, who passed away on Saturday,” said a club statement.

“We extend our sincere condolences at this sad time to Terry’s wife, Yvette, his close family and friends.”

Meanwhile, England manager Gareth Southgate lauded Terry Venables as a “brilliant man who made people feel special”.

Southgate famously missed the crucial penalty in the semi-final shoot-out against Germany as Venables’ side came up just short in Euro '96 on home soil.

“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,” he said in a statement.

“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.”

Gary Lineker, whom Venables signed for Barcelona from Everton in 1986 and then brought to Tottenham in 1989 after he took the job at White Hart Lane, also paid tribute.

He said: "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".

Gary Neville also shared a tribute to Venables, "the man who gave me a chance to play for my country".

The England Football Team said: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Terry Venables at the age of 80.

"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."

Former England striker Alan Shearer, who was the spearhead of Venables’ Euro '96 side, wrote: "Extremely sad news the great Terry Venables has passed away. RIP Boss. I owe you so much. You were amazing".

Posting on X, Stan Collymore said: "Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Terry Venables today.

"He my dream come true of representing my country which I could never really thank him enough for.

"Vivacious, funny, a superb coach, multi talented, a man who really lived life to it's fullest. Rest in Peace, Terry."

Paul Gascoigne played under Venables for both Tottenham and England and he paid tribute to his former manager with a short message on X.

Alongside a picture of Venables, he wrote: “Such a sad day, cheers boss xxxx”.

Former Tottenham captain Gary Mabbutt recalled his memories of Venables during half-time of Spurs’ match with Aston Villa.

Speaking pitchside, Mabbutt said : “Terry was a fantastic manager of players, he looked after players and always had a smile.

“He was such a fantastic character and when he came in, you would listen to everything he said and he would always have his back.

“We had a lot of players in the 90s that needed looking after and Terry was fantastic at putting us together, getting us bonding and that’s why we went on to win the FA Cup in 1991.

“One of the best half-time team talks I ever had was for the FA Cup final. In the first half everything went against us, we lost Gazza, went a goal down and Gary Lineker missed a penalty.

"He said, ‘go out for the second half with the same attitude and we’ll win the game’, which we did.”

On X, Tottenham Hotspur posted: "The Club is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player and manager Terry Venables.

"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".

In a tribute, QPR wrote: "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 FC wrote: "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".

Frank Bruno MBE added: "RIP Terry Venables I remember my dad telling me about Terry when he played at Chelsea. Terry called me "Big man" I went to his Club Scribes & I remember 1996 how his got the whole of England into belief we could win Euro 96 sad sad loss he was certainly a character!!!"

Mark Bosnich wrote: "RIP Terry Venables…what a wonderful manager,learned so much,and an even better man…xmb".

Rob Lee added: "RIP to the man who gave me the opportunity to fulfil a boyhood dream with my England debut - the legend Terry Venables !!😭"

Former England player Neil Ruddock said: "Incredibly sad to hear about Terry Venables. A great man who always made time for my family.

"He could give me a rollocking at half time, but still make me feel on top of the world.

"He was the best manager I played for. God bless Gaffer & thank you."

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