Former England, Barcelona and Tottenham manager Terry Venables has died at the age of 80.
As a player he made more than 500 appearances for Chelsea, Tottenham, Queens Park Rangers and Crystal Palace but made his real mark as a coach, also managing Palace and QPR.
"We are totally devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness," read a family statement.
"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."
In Spain, Venables – who became known as 'El Tel' – won La Liga in 1984-85 and the Spanish league cup and also led Barcelona to the 1986 European Cup final where they lost to Steaua Bucharest on penalties after a goalless draw.
He won the FA Cup with Spurs in 1991 but it was his spell as England boss, guiding the team to the semi-final of Euro 96 on home soil after a brilliant 4-1 win over the Netherlands, only to lose on penalties to Germany, that was most memorable.
League Managers' Association chief executive Richard Bevan said: "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 will hold a minute’s applause and players will wear black armbands for Sunday’s fixture at home to Aston Villa.
"We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Terry Venables, our former player, manager and chief executive, who passed away on Saturday," said a club statement.
"We extend our sincere condolences at this sad time to Terry’s wife, Yvette, his close family and friends."
Current England boss Gareth Southgate led the accolades to his former manager, who made famous the 'Christmas Tree' formation.
"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," he said in a statement.
"Tactically excellent, he had a wonderful manner, capable of handling everyone from the youngest player to the biggest star.
"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 his family."
Gary Lineker, whom Venables signed for Barcelona from Everton in 1986 and then brought to Tottenham in 1989 after he took the job at White Hart Lane, paid his own tribute.
"Devastated to hear that Terry Venables has died. The best, most innovative coach that I had the privilege and pleasure of playing for," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
"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."
Former England striker Alan Shearer, who was the spearhead of Venables’ Euro 96 side, posted on X: "Extremely sad news the great Terry Venables has passed away. RIP Boss. I owe you so much. You were amazing."
An England statement on X said: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Terry Venables at the age of 80. Having won two senior caps as a player, Terry went onto manage the #ThreeLions between 1994 and 1996 – proudly leading us to the semi-finals of Euro 96.
"Our thoughts and condolences are with Terry’s family, friends and former clubs."
Paul Gascoigne played under Venables for Spurs and England. The former midfielder wrote a brief message on social media.
"Such a sad day, cheers boss xxxx," Gascoigne posted on X, with a picture of his former manager smiling and raising a tea cup.
Venables followed through with his decision to quit after his Euro 96 disappointment to focus on a number of court cases related to his business dealings after the FA's decision to refuse him a contract extension the previous winter.
Gary Neville was given his international debut by Venables.
The former Manchester United defender wrote on X: "He was someone who the players trusted and had great faith in.
"He was someone who was a players’ man, looked after his players, stood up for his players in big situations like the pre-96 trip to Hong Kong and the dentist chair incident.
"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."
Venables went on to coach Australia to within an away goals loss of World Cup qualification before moving on to Palace, Middlesbrough, where he was appointed to mentor a struggling Bryan Robson and successfully escaped relegation, and Leeds.
Tottenham’s current Australian head coach Ange Postecoglou, a former Socceroos boss, paid tribute, telling Sky Sports: "If you are asking about a person who embodies everything this football club has always wanted to be, it is Terry.
"He was the manager for the (Australia) 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."
