Tributes paid to Terry Venables following death aged 80

A statement issued on behalf of his family today (November 26) 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 made more than 500 appearances as a player between 1960 and 1975, largely for Chelsea, QPR and Tottenham.

Terry Venables has passed away after a long illness. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/wrOavIXJ7k

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 26, 2023

He then went into management at several clubs, and helped guide Tottenham to FA Cup final victory in 1991.

After that, he managed the England national team taking them to the semi-finals of Euro 1996.

Tributes paid to Terry Venables 

Former striker and Match of the Day host Gary Lineker was one of the first to pay tribute to Venables and his career.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, he wrote: “Devastated to hear that Terry Venables has died. The best, most innovative coach that I had the privilege and pleasure of playing for. He was much more, though, than just a great manager, he was vibrant, he was charming, he was witty, he was a friend. He’ll be hugely missed. Sending love and condolences to Yvette and the family. RIP Terry.”

Devastated to hear that Terry Venables has died. The best, most innovative coach that I had the privilege and pleasure of playing for. He was much more, though, than just a great manager, he was vibrant, he was charming, he was witty, he was a friend. He’ll be hugely missed.…

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 26, 2023

Former Newcastle strike and pundit Alan Shearer also was quick to share a tribute, writing: “Extremely sad news the great Terry Venables has passed away. RIP Boss. I owe you so much. You were amazing.”

Meanwhile, former Manchester United defender and pundit Gary Neville shared a lengthy post discussing his time under Venables while playing for England.

He wrote: “So sorry to hear the news of my very first England coach, Terry Venables. A man who gave me a chance to play for my country and became without a shadow of doubt my number one England coach in my whole career.”

So sorry to hear the news of my very first England coach, Terry Venables. A man who gave me a chance to play for my country and became without a shadow of doubt my number one England coach in my whole career.

There were three things that were important to me about Venables. The… pic.twitter.com/J7QWMcOvmp

— Gary Neville (@GNev2) November 26, 2023

Neville went onto add: “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.”

Another former player turned pundit in Chris Kamara posted: “Gutted to hear Terry Venables has passed away. Top player & a fantastic manager I got to know the person & he was a great bloke. Great memories of being with him in his club Scribes in Kensington back in the late 90s. RIP Terry.”

Former player Chris Waddle posted: “Sad to hear Terry venables has passed away,he was a brilliant coach/manager and a top top bloke he will be missed my thoughts are with his family RIP.”