Former manager Terry Venables has died aged 80 after a long illness, his family have confirmed.
Venables served as England manager between 1994 and 1996, leading the Three Lions to the semi-finals of Euro 1996 where they were knocked out by Germany on penalties.
He also had successful spells in charge of Tottenham and Barcelona.
A statement issued on behalf of his family 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.’
A statement from the League Manager’s Association added: ‘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.’
Tottenham, who Venables both played for and managed during his storied footballing career,
Born in Dagenham in 1943, Venables made over 200 appearances for Chelsea, also playing over 100 times for Tottenham and QPR during his 16-year playing career.
In 1976, he began life in the dugout with success at Crystal Palace and QPR before taking over at Barcelona in 1984.
He won La Liga in his first season in charge, managing Gary Lineker during his time at the Camp Nou who described him in a glowing tribute as ‘the most innovative coach I have ever played under.’
Venables returned to England in 1987 to take over at Tottenham, leading them to the FA Cup in 1991.
Following England’s failure to to qualify for USA 1994, the national team job beckoned. On home turf at Euro 96, his side thrilled in group stage matches against Scotland and Netherlands before beating Spain on penalties in the quarter-finals. England lost to to eventual winners Germany in the semis after a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeat.
After parting ways with England, Venables spent a year in charge of Australia before returning to these shores for another spell at Palace followed by stints at Middlesbrough and Leeds United.
He returned to the England set-up in 2006, part of Steve McClaren’s staff that ended in failure to qualify for Euro 2028.
with current England boss Gareth Southgate, who was given his international debut by Venables in 1995, among those hailing his tactical innovation.
‘Any player will have great affinity with the manager that gave them their opportunity, but it was quickly evident playing for Terry Venables that he was an outstanding coach and manager.
‘Tactically excellent, he had a wonderful manner, capable of handling everyone from the youngest player to the biggest star,’ Southgate said.
‘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.
‘A brilliant man, who made people feel special. I’m very sad to hear of his passing and my thoughts are with Yvette and all of this family.’
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