Former Manager Of The England National Team, Terry Venables, Dies At The Age Of 80"

Rekayang Terry Venables di Tottenham Hotspurs. (photo: x @SpursOfficial)

JAKARTA - Terry Venables, former manager of the England football national team and Tottenham Hotspur, died at the age of 80 after being sick for a while. This news was conveyed by his family on Sunday, November 26.

Venables brought England to the semifinals of the 1996 European Championships on their own before finally losing to Germany on penalties.

"We were devastated by the loss of this wonderful husband and father, who died peacefully yesterday after a long illness," the family said in a statement quoted by VOI from Reuters.

Apart from being Tottenham's manager, where he won the FA Cup in the 1990-91 season, Venables also handled Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and Barcelona in his brilliant managerial career.

While at Barcelona, Venables earned the nickname El Tel, won the LaLiga title, and reached the European Cup final in 1986. Venables are also responsible for bringing England forward Gary Lineker and Mark Hughes to Nou Camp.

"The most innovative and best coach I've ever had, honor and pleasure to play for him," wrote Lineker, who has also played under Venables in Spurs and the England national team, on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"He is more than just a great manager, he is full of enthusiasm, authoritative, funny, and at the same time a friend," he added.

Venables started his career as a professional player with Chelsea in 1960 and played for Tottenham Hotspur, Queens Park Rangers, and Crystal Palace before retiring and becoming managers at the last club.

As a player, he made more than 500 league appearances and won the League Cup with Chelsea in 1965 and the FA Cup with Spurs in 1967. Venables also performed twice for the England national team.

Venables also served as Spurs chief executive for two years from 1991-1993.

"We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of Terry Venables, our former player, manager, and chief executive, who died on Saturday," Spurs said in a statement.

England's current manager Gareth Southgate, part of the Euro 1996 team who lost on penalties to Germany, said Venables "made people feel special."

"Every player will have a big affinity with the manager who gives them a chance, but it is quickly seen while playing for Terry Venables that he is an extraordinary coach and manager," Southgate said.

"The tactics are very good, he has an extraordinary way of dealing with everyone from the youngest players to the biggest stars," he said.

Venables also brought a talented Paul Gascoigne to Tottenham from Newcastle in 1988, helping him become one of the world's most wanted midfielders.

"It was a very sad day, thank you, boss," said Gascoigne.