Terry Venables was the man at the helm for England's unforgettable run at Euro 96; former QPR, Tottenham and Barcelona manager died aged 80; Gary Lineker hails him as the "best, most innovative coach"
Monday 27 November 2023 06:46, UK
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.
His talents did not just lie on the pitch, though. During his playing career, Venables co-wrote detective novels, which were later turned into the TV series Hazell about a wise-cracking cockney private eye. It ran for 22 episodes from 1978-79.
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."
Venables is a legendary figure at Tottenham having won the FA Cup as both a player and a manager. The club paid tribute to him 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."
Meanwhile, after the game, which Villa won 2-1, Spurs' current Australian head coach Ange Postecoglou, a former Socceroos boss, paid tribute to Venables, telling Sky Sports: "If you are asking about a person who embodies everything this football club has always wanted to be, it is Terry.
"He was the manager for the [Australia] national team and almost got us to the World Cup, but the biggest testament is that anyone who I have ever come across that has worked with him will say he is by far the best coach, manager and tactician they have come across."
England manager Gareth Southgate, who missed a penalty in England's Euro 96 semi-final defeat to Germany, hailed Venables as "a brilliant man, who made people feel special".
He added: "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."
Venables gave Gary Neville his England debut and the Sky Sports' pundit 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."
Former England striker Alan Shearer, who was the spearhead of Venables' Euro 96 side, posted on X: "Extremely sad news the great Terry Venables has passed away. RIP Boss. I owe you so much. You were amazing."
Talking to Sky Sports, Alan Smith said: "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."
