Terry Venables death updates — Lineker, Shearer & England pay tributes as legend dies aged 80 after long illness
TRIBUTES have flooded in following the death of English football icon Terry Venables aged 80.
Venables had a long and successful career in European football both as a player and coach, managing England, Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur during his time in the game.
As a coach Venables would begin an era of success for Barcelona, where he earned the nickname 'El Tel', winning La Liga and the European Cup, while as manager of Spurs, he would win the FA Cup in 1990.
Speaking about Venables' time as England coach, current Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate, said: "Terry opened my eyes to things that no one else has. He has fantastic tactical awareness. Every senior player in the group went away having learnt a lot from him, which is an achievement."
In a statement, Terry's 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."
Read our live blog below for the latest news and updates...
A 'True football icon'
The FA have called Terry Venables a "true football icon" after his sad passing.
"As one of the sport’s most charismatic figures, he leaves behind a legacy that captured the imagination of many and enhanced the global reputation of the English game," it said in a statement.
"Today our modern game mourns the loss of not only a great character but an innovative, forward-thinking manager who was an inspiration to a generation of English players and coaches."
At Barcelona
Terry Venables charmed the Catalans during his spell as Barcelona boss.
He coached the club from 1984-87 - winning LaLiga in his first season following 11 years without a Spanish title.
From his first day at the Nou Camp the fans were enamoured, especially when he spoke to them in Catalan.
Getting the best out of Gazza
For Spurs and at Euro 96 Paul Gascoigne was at his best.
That was, in part, to the man management he received from Terry Venables.
El Tel knew how to get the best out of the midfield maestro.
Gazza scored his best goals - think that free kick against Arsenal and the volley against Scotland - with Venables' belief instilled in him.
They had a great relationship.
Seaman reacts
David Seaman posted his tribute to his former boss.
The goalkeeper legend was instrumental in England's run at Euro 96.
He wrote on X: "Dear Terry, you’ll be sadly missed, you told me I was your England Number one and I’ll never ever forget that, you were by far the best England manager and the nation will always remember the way you managed us at Euro '96 - great man, great loss."
Crooks 'devastated'
Former Spurs star Garth Crooks has revealed his devastated by the news Terry Venables has passed away.
"The game has lost another ambassador. He was a great communicator, tactician and football manager with a wonderful sense of humour," said Crooks.
"He not only created teams, he could handle the big names. In fact the bigger the names the better he handled them. He will be remembered for taking England so close to winning the Euros in 1996 but I will remember him for starting the extraordinary dynasty at Barcelona.
"He won the Spanish title and took them to the European Cup final against Steaua Bucharest. He is one of the few managers who have won the FA Cup as a player for Tottenham and as a manager. He has made a massive contribution to the beautiful game and he will be sorely missed."
Man Utd offer their condolences
Man Utd have paid their condolences following the tragic loss of Terry Venables.
"English football has sadly lost a true great," the club wrote on X.
"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Terry Venables at this time."
Venables the writer
Terry Venables was more than a football manager.
He was also an established writer, having written crime novels that became a TV series.
Hazell ran for 22 episodes from 1978-79 on ITV.
It followed a wise-cracking cockney detective and his adventures.
Beckham posts tribute
David Beckham posted a throwback picture of himself and Terry Venables as he paid tribute to the England legend.
Beckham first met Venables when training as a 9 year old at Tottenham.
The midfielder would later player under him while he was coaching England during Steve McLaren's time as manager.
'Football misses poeple like Venables' - Keane
Roy Keane thinks that football is worse off without "brilliant characters" like Terry Venables.
He said on Sky Sports: "His CV is fantastic.
"He came across as a brilliant character and that is what the game is missing nowadays.
"It's a sad day."
Rednapp 'owes' Venables
Jamie Rednapp has posted a tribute to Terry Venables on Instagram.
The retired football admitted that he "owes" the manager for one of the "best times" in his life.
He wrote: "Every day working with you was an education.
"Euro 96 was one the best times of my life, thank you for believing in me and giving me my debut for England I owe you so much.
"Rest in peace Terry Venables."
Nayim shares Venables call
Spanish midfielder Nayim has revealed that Terry Venables brought him after taking over at Tottenham.
He had already played for Venables when the manager was at Barcelona.
The 57-year-old was not allowed to train with the Barcelona team under Johan Cruyff, but Venables gave him another chance.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "The best call of my life was Terry Venables when he was Tottenham manager and he gave me a call to join.
"I was training on my own because Johan Cruyff didn't let me train with the team; I was about three months training on my own.
"Terry Venables knew about that and he knew how I played. He said 'I would love you to come to Tottenham'.
"I told him about my situation, I think he knew anyway, and that was the best call of my life.
"That changed everything in my life, not only in my professional career but personal as well."
Postecoglou hails Venables
Ange Postecoglou has hailed Terry Venables as one of the best managers of all time.
He told Sky Sports: "If you are asking about a person who embodies everything this football club has always wanted to be, it is Terry.
"It wasn't just about the way he managed or coached; it was the person he was.
"He influenced Australia as well.
"He was the manager for the 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."
What was Terry Venables' cause of death?
The League Managers Association have confirmed that Terry has died, although the cause of death has not yet been confirmed at the time of writing.
There has been some speculation that Terry had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Terry’s family have 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."
What was Terry Venables' net worth?
Terry Venables had an estimated net worth of between $1 million and $5 million, or just under £4 million.
Terry held a series of high-profile managerial positions in football, including a move to Crystal Palace in 1998, where he earned a £750,000 a year salary.
The manager also had a stint at the helm of the Australian national team, for which he was paid £200,000 a year.