Former England, Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona manager Terry Venables has died at the age of 80 following a long battle with illness.
Venables was famously in charge of England during their run to the Euro 96 semi-finals on home soil, when they were beaten by Germany as they fell agonisingly short of a first international title for 30 years.
The Dagenham-born former midfielder also spent time in charge of Crystal Palace, Queens Park Rangers, Australia, Middlesbrough and Leeds United during a highly-successful managerial career.
As a player, Venables was most closely associated with Chelsea, where he made 237 appearances, while he also enjoyed significant spells at Spurs and QPR in addition to winning two England caps in 1964.
Being capped at senior international level saw Venables claim the unique distinction of being the only player to represent England at schoolboy, youth, amateur, Under-23 and senior level.
The Club is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player and manager Terry Venables.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 26, 2023
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... pic.twitter.com/ot67eolKJl
"We are totally devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness," read a statement from Venables's family.
"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."
LMA chief executive Richard Bevan 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."
Venables made over 600 career appearances as a player, winning the League Cup with Chelsea and the FA Cup with Tottenham, and only narrowly missing out on a spot in Sir Alf Ramsey's 1966 World Cup-winning England squad.
However, it is as a manager that he is best remembered, most memorably when he took England to within two games of emulating Ramsey by lifting a major international trophy at the home Euro 96.
© Reuters
Prior to his time as England boss, Venables has spent spells in charge at Barcelona and Tottenham, where he built his reputation as one of the country's greatest managers.
Venables steered Barcelona to their first La Liga title for 11 years in 1984-85, and then one year later won the Copa de la Liga and reached the European Cup final - Barcelona's first since 1961.
More to follow.
