Fans share heartfelt tributes to former Chelsea and Tottenham player Terry Venables on social media, as supporters remember the ex-England manager who gave fans ‘some of the best memories’

Fans have taken to social media in floods of tributes for former England manager Terry Venables who has passed away at the age of 80.

X, formerly Twitter, has been adorned with support and tributes for the former Barcelona boss who led the Blaugrana to a La Liga victory in 1984-85. 

One fan took to X to write: ‘So sad to hear about the passing of Terry Venables. Was my ‘Manager’ during my childhood as a Spurs fan and Euro96 will always be my favourite England tournament. The 4-1 v The Netherlands was pure El Tel.’ 

‘RIP El Tel – Terry Venables. Loved growing up watching his England teams. Gave millions of fans some great moments’ another joined.

‘RIP Terry Venables. Provided me with some of my best memories as an England and Spurs fan’ one user penned.  

Venables comforts Gareth Southgate after he missed the decisive semi-final penalty in 1996

Venables signed both Paul Gascoigne (L) and Gary Lineker (R) during his time as Spurs boss

Tottenham took to social media to pay tribute to their former player and manager, Venables

Tottenham will remember their former manager with a minute’s applause in Sunday’s match 

Other fans joined the tributes: ‘One of the best – and gave us England fans so many magical memories that summer of Euro 96.

‘Can’t believe the news about El Tel…absolute legend of the game and a brilliant England manager…absolutely loved him growing up! Gone too soon… RIP Terry Venables’ another wrote. 

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Yvette. A statement from the Venables family read: ‘We are totally devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday [Saturday] 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 were were so lucky to have had in our lives.’ The statement continued. 

Venables masterminded England’s memorable run to the semi-finals of Euro ’96 after a successful club career as a player and then as a coach.

Match of the Day host 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.’

Venables won the FA Cup as player at Tottenham, representing the club between 1987 and 1991

Terry Venables won the FA Cup in 1991 after Tottenham beat Nottingham Forest in the final

Aston Villa also posted a tribute on X, formerly known as Twitter. The club said: ‘Everyone at Aston Villa is deeply saddened by the passing of former England manager Terry Venables.

‘Ahead of kick-off against Terry’s former club Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon, a minute’s applause will take place in his memory. The thoughts and condolences of all at the club are with his family and friends at this time.’

Venables, who played over 100 games for the club, returned to White Hart Lane as manager.

After starting his playing career at Chelsea, Venables signed for Tottenham in 1965.

He played 142 games for Tottenham and scored nine goals, winning the FA Cup in 1967 as beat his former club Chelsea in the final. Venables left for Crystal Palace in 1969.

In 1987 Venables returned to Tottenham as the club’s manager and won the FA Cup in 1991, overcoming Nottingham Forest in the final, while Spurs also shared the Charity Shield that year with rivals Arsenal.

While in charge of Tottenham, Venables signed Gary Lineker and Paul Gascoigne. He remained as Tottenham boss until 1991 but is best remembered for being England’s manager for their run to the semi-finals of Euro ’96 on home turf.