TERRY Venables, the former England and Barcelona manager, has died at the age of 80, his family announced today.
Venables guided England to the semi-finals of the European Championships on home soil in 1996 and Barcelona to the 1986 European Cup (now UEFA Champions League) final.
“We are totally devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness,” the family said in a statement issued today.
“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 was a fan favourite in his homeland and he was lauded for the run to the Euro 96 semi-finals, which included a 4-1 thrashing of The Netherlands.
Venables — fondly known as ‘El Tel’ — also some achieved success with Tottenham Hotspur, guiding them to FA Cup triumph in 1991.
Venables also won the trophy in 1967 while playing for the same club.
Tottenham said they would pay tribute to his memory by holding a minute’s applause ahead of their home Premier League fixture with Aston Villa today.
“The club is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player and manager Terry Venables,” their statement says.
“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.”
Venables also managed other clubs, including Queens Park Rangers — who he took as a second tier club to the 1982 FA Cup final — and also Australia.
The League Managers Association also paid tribute to the late coach.
“The LMA is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of LMA member and former LMA President Terry Venables,” said LMA chief executive Richard Bevan.
“Our thoughts are very much with Yvette and all of Terry’s family at this time.”
