The former manager of England’s national football team, Tottenham Hotspur, and Barcelona, Terry Venables, has passed away at the age of 80 following a prolonged illness, as announced by his family.
Venables, who led England to the semifinals of the 1996 European Championship on home soil, eventually succumbed to his illness.
His family in a statement on Sunday expressed their deep sorrow, stating, “We are totally devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness.”
In addition to managing Tottenham, where he secured the FA Cup in the 1990-91 season, Venables had successful managerial stints with Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and Barcelona.
At Barcelona, he earned the moniker “El Tel,” winning La Liga and reaching the European Cup final in 1986.
Venables was credited with bringing British strikers Gary Lineker and Mark Hughes to the Nou Camp.
Gary Lineker, who played under Venables at Spurs and England, paid tribute, saying, “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, charming, witty, a friend.”
Venables initially embarked on his professional career as a player with Chelsea in 1960, making significant contributions to Tottenham Hotspur, Queens Park Rangers, and Crystal Palace before transitioning to the managerial role.
As a player, he amassed over 500 league appearances, winning the League Cup with Chelsea in 1965 and the FA Cup with Spurs in 1967. He earned two international caps for England.
Apart from his coaching prowess, Venables served as the chief executive of Spurs from 1991 to 1993.
Tottenham Hotspur expressed their sadness, stating, “We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Terry Venables, our former player, manager, and chief executive, who passed away on Saturday.”
The club announced a minute’s applause in his memory before their Premier League fixture against Aston Villa on Sunday.
The League Managers Association also extended their condolences, with LMA chief executive Richard Bevan stating, “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.”
