Terry Venables, the charismatic former manager of England, Tottenham, and Barcelona, has died at 80.
Terry Venables who died on Sunday was known for his innovative approach, and guided England to the Euro 96 semi-finals. He also led Barcelona to the 1986 European Cup final, and secured the 1991 FA Cup with Tottenham, establishing himself as one of English football’s most admired coaches.
In a statement, Venables’ family expressed their devastation, sharing that he peacefully passed away after a prolonged illness. They requested privacy to mourn the loss of the beloved man who had been a wonderful husband and father in their lives.
Terry Venables’ vibrant personality, love for attacking football, and managerial prowess made him a favorite among players and fans. Former player Gary Lineker, who played under Venables at Barcelona and Tottenham, paid a heartfelt tribute, describing him as the best and most innovative coach he had the privilege to play for. Lineker highlighted Venables’ qualities beyond football, noting his vibrancy, charm, wit, and friendship.
Tottenham honored Venables with a minute’s applause before their Premier League fixture against Aston Villa. Both teams wore black armbands, and an image of Venables was displayed on screens at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Venables’ significant achievements include masterminding England’s Euro 96 campaign, marked by a memorable 4-1 victory over the Netherlands and a 2-0 win against Scotland. Despite falling short in the semi-finals against Germany, his legacy is celebrated for two years of impactful leadership.
Gareth Southgate, England’s current manager, praised Terry Venables’ empathy and tactical acumen, recognizing his enduring influence on the sport.