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."
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Prem clubs react to news
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Neville statement continued
The second thing was that he was an unbelievable personality and character, larger than life. 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. He was someone who the players trusted and had great faith in and he always spoke openly and he was a personality that was far too big for the then rigid and stiff FA football association and that’s why they got rid of him after Euro 96 and why the relationship ended.
The third thing is what all great coaches need. He had an unbelievable ruthlessness and clinical side to him. We had brilliant leaders in that dressing room like Ince, Adams, Shearer, Platt, Gascoigne, Southgate and Seaman. He handled them all really strongly and they all knew who the boss was. There were many times where he would come in at half-time and call out one of the senior players and there were few England managers who could do that and Terry had that quality.
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.
Gary NevilleX
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Nevile statement
Gary Neville has released a statement paying tribute to Terry Venables.
The former manager was the first to give Neville a chance in the England squad.
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 first is when we hear people that play for Pep Guardiola now say that he can call the outcome of a game in training a few days before the match arrives, Terry Venables had that very same capability, he’d come through the Barcelona system.
In Euro 96 as a right back, I played as a conventional right back in the first match, the right of a back three in parts of the second match against Scotland and as a right winger when we were in possession through our goalkeeper in the third match against Holland and in the fourth match against Spain in the quarter final as a right wing back.
The ability that we had to change systems during matches and from game to game was incredible, it blew my mind. England certainly needed more like him and it was a real sadness when he left at the end of Euro 96, I felt it never got as good again for England as it was under him.
Gary Neville X
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England statement on Venables
England football have posted on social media following the announcement of Venable's death.
The former manager famously led England to the semi-finals in Euro 96.
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Lineker left 'devasted'
Gary Lineker has been left "devasted" by the news of Terry Venable's death.
Lineker played for the former manager during his playing days at Barcelona and Tottenham.
He believes that Venables was the "best" and "most innovative" coach that he played for.
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.
Gary LinekerX
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Shearer reveals Venables debt
Alan Shearer has paid tribute to Terry Venables.
The retired striker also admitted that he owes "so much" to the former England manager.
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Former manager hails Venables
Former football manager and footballer Peter Reids has hailed Terry Venables on social media.
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Aston Villa 'deeply saddened'
Aston Villa have also posted a tribute to Venables ahead of their match against Tottenham this afternoon.
The club have announced that a minute's applause will take place in his memory.
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Tribute from LMA
The League Managers Association have paid tribute to Venables, who was a member an former president.
It read: "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."
Credit: Alamy
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Family statement
A statement has been issued on behalf of Terry Venables's family.
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 family
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Tottenham pay tribute
Tottenham have posted a message on social media following the death of former player and manager Terry Venables.
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Read about Venables' life
Read SunSports' story about the English football icon's life below.
GOODNIGHT EL TEL England's legendary Euro 96 football manager Terry Venables dies aged 80
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Tributes poor in
Tributes have flooded in on social media for Venables
One fan posted: "RIP Terry Venables, the best manager England ever had."
A second wrote: "Terry Venables RIP, so sad."
Another added: "Rest in peace Terry Venables."
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As a manager?
As a manager Terry Venables achieved great things.
He won trophies while the boss of Crystal Palace, QPR< Barcelona and Tottenham.
He also managed England and Australia on the international stage.
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Terry Venables dead
Terry Venables has passed away, aged 80.
He was best known for being a footballer and football manager.
He played for the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham and QPR as well as twice for England.
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