The football world is paying tribute to the legendary former England manager Terry Venables, who has sadly passed away at age 80.
Venables famously guided England to the semi-finals at the 1996 European Championships.
In a statement, 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.”
Tottenham Hotspur, for whom Venables won an FA Cup both as a player and a manager, have paid tribute. The club released a statement and announced that they will hold a minute’s applause before kick-off and wear black armbands during Sunday’s match against Aston Villa.
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… pic.twitter.com/ot67eolKJl
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 26, 2023
England and current manager Gareth Southgate have also released statements paying tribute to Venables.
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… pic.twitter.com/e1zzUpCZCn
— England (@England) November 26, 2023
…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… [2/3]
— Dom Smith (@MrDomSmith) November 26, 2023
Queens Park Rangers have also paid tribute to their former player and manager. QPR stated, “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/dmitJabeOn
— QPR FC (@QPR) November 26, 2023
Gary Lineker, who played under Venables at both Tottenham and Barcelona, expressed his devastation of hearing the news. On X, Lineker stated, “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.”
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.…
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 26, 2023
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville released a lengthy statement on X, paying tribute to his first England coach. Neville 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.”
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.
There were three things that were important to me about Venables. The… pic.twitter.com/J7QWMcOvmp
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) November 26, 2023
Another former England player who played under Venables, Alan Shearer, released a statement on X. Shearer stated, “Extremely sad news the great Terry Venables has passed away.
“RIP Boss. I owe you so much. You were amazing.”
Extremely sad news the great Terry Venables has passed away. RIP Boss. I owe you so much. You were amazing. 🙏🏻🥲 🏴 ❤️
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) November 26, 2023
Chelsea, whom Venables made 202 appearances for as a player, also paid tribute.
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. 💙 pic.twitter.com/Kk23R0TFF2
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 26, 2023
A plethora of other notable names in the football world have paid tribute to Venables, as well as public figures such as Piers Morgan.
Gutted to hear Terry Venables has passed away. Top player & a fantastic manager 👏🏼👏🏼 I got to know the person & he was a great bloke. Great memories of being with him in his club Scribes in Kensington back in the late 90s. RIP Terry 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/k0uV2Bc5fC
— Chris Kamara (@chris_kammy) November 26, 2023
Dear Terry, you’ll be sadly missed, you told me I was your England Number one and I’ll never ever forget that, you were by far the best England manager and the nation will always remember the way you managed us at Euro ‘96 – great man, great loss💔 #terryvenables
— David Seaman MBE ~ SafeHands (@thedavidseaman) November 26, 2023
Everyone at Coventry City are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Terry Venables at the age of 80.
Our thoughts are with Terry’s family and friends at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/yykvuPvy65
— Coventry City (@Coventry_City) November 26, 2023
RIP Terry Venables. Charisma by the bucket loads and one of Englands most popular managers. pic.twitter.com/WAjJQPBuRK
— Paddy McGuinness ❤️ (@PaddyMcGuinness) November 26, 2023
RIP Terry Venables, 80.
Great manager, great character. Sadly suffered from a long illness but when I bumped into him several years ago, we had a lovely chat in the sunshine, and he seemed very happy and content. ‘I’ve got no complaints,’ he said. ‘I’ve really enjoyed my life.’ pic.twitter.com/G8SBvNkCPy— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 26, 2023
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
