A privilege and pleasure to play for...ex-England and Spurs boss dies aged 80

THE football world is mourning the loss of one of its greatest managers after the death of Terry Venables, aged 80.

- Giles Sheldrick

The former England boss affectionately known as El Tel after enjoying club success in Spain passed away on Saturday after a long illness.

His family said in a statement yesterday: "We are totally devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness." Gareth Southgate, the current Three Lions coach, and Gary Lineker, who played for Venables for both club and country, led tributes to the man who guided England to the semifinals of Euro 96, a tournament AU that captured nation's the imagination.

Southgate said: "Any player will have great affinity with the manager that gave them their Hotshot...at Spurs 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.

"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 history."

Venables famously went straight to Southgate to console him after he missed the crucial spot-kick in the Euro 96 semi-final penalty shootout against Germany.

It ended up being the manager's last game in charge before he stood down to fight a series of court cases who played for the charismatic Dagenhamborn boss at Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur, said: "Devastated to hear that Terry Venables has died.