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Former England manager Terry Venables has died aged 80.
Venables was at the helm for England’s unforgettable run to the semi-finals of Euro 96 after forging a highly successful club managerial career with Crystal Palace, QPR, Barcelona and Tottenham.
He also made over 500 appearances for Chelsea, Tottenham, QPR and Crystal Palace as a player.
A statement from the family of Venables 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.”
Spurs to hold minute’s applause vs Aston Villa
Venables is a legendary figure at Tottenham having won the FA Cup as both a player and a manager. The club will pay tribute to his memory by holding a minute’s applause ahead of their Premier League fixture with Aston Villa on Sunday.
A statement read: “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.”
Neville: England under him was as good as it ever got
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville played under Venables at Euro 96 and hailed him “as my number one England coach in my whole career.”
Neville wrote on X: “The ability that we had to change systems during matches and from game to game was incredible, it blew my mind. England certainly needed more like him and it was a real sadness when he left at the end of Euro 96, I felt it never got as good again for England as it was under him.
“I sit here today thinking back to my special times with Terry and can say he is without doubt the most technically gifted British coach we’ve ever produced.”
Talking to Sky Sports, Alan Smith said: “As a coach, he was viewed with such a great deal of respect. I didn’t play under him, but lots of my Arsenal team-mates did and they would always speak so highly of him – his ability as a coach, ability on the training ground, and he formulated a really successful side with England too.
“I was on the receiving end when Spurs beat Arsenal in the FA Cup – the Gazza free-kick and so on – Terry’s side went on to lift that trophy.
“Only now, in terms of England, under Gareth Southgate are we getting back to those levels that were seen when Terry was in charge. He had good players, but he engendered a great team spirit and forged a really successful side.
“As an England manager, and as a club manager, he contributed so much to the game of football.”
LMA chief executive Richard Bevan 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.”
Terry Venables: A life in pictures
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