Terry Venables, a legend of English football, dies after a short illness

Terry Venables has died following a long illness at the age of 80. The former Chelsea and Tottenham player spent more than half his life involved in professional football and leaves behind a remarkable legacy.

Venables broke through via the English Schoolboys pathway, attracting interest from many of the biggest clubs in England. Aged 15, he chose to sign with Chelsea and made his debut just two years later.

He made his debut under the management of Ted Drake, the legendary Arsenal forward. A year or so later, Drake was replaced by Tommy Docherty who was renowned for his ability to bring young players through to the senior team.

Under Doherty’s management, Chelsea were up and down (or down then up, if we’re being literal), as they rebounded from relegation in 1962 with a promotion the following year. Despite a fractious relationship between Venables and Doherty, they were able to finish fifth in their return to the First Division.

Following an unsanctioned night out towards the end of the 1964/65 season, Doherty suspended a host of his team, including Venables, costing Chelsea a chance at a league title. Venables had had enough, calling the decision, “crass, stupid and self-defeating”. Just a year later, his time at Chelsea was over.

Venables was sent to Tottenham for £80,000 (£1,240,000) in today’s money, making an immediate impact at his new club by getting into a fistfight with Spurs’ legend, Dave Mackay. His spell with Tottenham was not smooth sailing as he disliked the manager and his negative tactics.

Fortunately for Venables, his spell in North London was brief. Just three years after joining Tottenham, he was sold to Queens Park Rangers.

Whilst at QPR, Venables got his first taste of coaching as he was allowed to oversee training sessions by manager Gordon Jago. Jago and Venables worked well together, helping QPR reach the First Division in 1972.

Venables’ final team as a player was Crystal Palace. Whilst there, he was forced to retire due to arthritis just six months into his time at Selhurst Park.

Following the end of his playing career, Venables was given a coaching role at Palace. Initially working alongside Malcolm Allison, Venables took full control in 1976, despite interest from Arsenal.

Like his old manager Tommy Doherty, Venables was focused on bringing in young players to build a squad for the future. This was part stylistic, and part necessity as Palace were in financial strife at the time. He was able to gain promotion with Palace to the First Division in 1979.

Following a tough spell at Palace, with his team sitting bottom of the First Division, Venables left to rejoin QPR, this time as manager. Venables was a revelation for Rangers as they gained promotion in 1983 and only lost the FA Cup to Tottenham via a replay, whilst still technically a Division Two side.

Venables’ success with QPR didn’t go unnoticed, with Catalonian giants, Barcelona hiring him as their manager in 1984. Playing the classically English 4-4-2 formation, Barca were reformed under Venables, winning La Liga in his first year at the club and reaching the European Cup final.

Venables’ success with Barca didn’t last. Despite remaining competitive, he failed to recreate the magic of his first season in charge. Venables returned to Tottenham where he signed both Gary Lineker and Paul Gascoigne. He helped Spurs win an FA Cup in 1991, but they could never sustain any success.

Following a tumultuous falling out with Spurs’ owner Alan Sugar, Venables left Tottenham in 1993. Venables took over the role of England manager in 1994. He oversaw England’s Euro ‘96 campaign that saw them crash out on penalties to Germany in the semi-finals.

Following the heartbreak of England’s loss Venables moved to Australia to manage the Socceroos. His time Down Under was successful, turning the Aussie side into a solid international team. He also had stints back at Palace, with Middlesbrough and Leeds United. His time at Leeds was particularly taxing with serious financial issues kneecapping his team.

Venables remained involved in football in one way or another for most of the rest of his life and pursued business interests with his wife, including a hotel in Spain, until 2019. His death followed a long illness.