Venables was remembered ahead of kick-off in north London (Picture: Getty)
Players and supporters paid tribute to the late Terry Venables ahead of Tottenham’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa after the passing of the former manager.
Venables’ family released a statement on Sunday confirming his death at the age of 80 after a long illness.
With the news announced just hours before Sunday’s early kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs paid tribute to the manager who led them to the FA Cup in 1991, having also made over 100 appearances for them as a player.
With ‘El Tel’s’ picture displayed on the big screen, players from both teams lined up to join fans in applauding one of the country’s greatest managers with his name sung around the stadium.
After success in Spain with Barcelona, Venables returned to London to take over at Spurs in 1987, leading them to an FA Cup final victory over Nottingham Forest four years later – their last success in that competition to date.
Current Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou also paid tribute to the club legend ahead of kick-off and also has fond memories Venables’ brief spell in charge of Australia, taking over the Socceroos a year after leaving England in 1997.
‘If you are asking about a person who embodies everything this football club has always wanted to be, it is Terry,’ Postecoglou told Sky Sports.
Spurs players led a minute of applause (Picture: Getty)
‘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.’
Gary Neville, Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have been among the former players to hail the influence of Venables, describing him as one of the most innovative and tactically aware minds they have played under.
Venables played for and managed Spurs (Picture: Getty)
Current England boss Gareth Southgate, who was given his international debut by Venables in 1995, was also among those to hail his impact on English football.
‘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.
‘Tactically excellent, he had a wonderful manner, capable of handling everyone from the youngest player to the biggest star,’ Southgate said.
‘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 this family.’
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Venables played over 100 times for Spurs before leading them to the FA Cup as their manager.
