Key events
Condolences from teams Venables played for and managed:
Gary Neville, another to play under Venables at Euro 96, writes: “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.
“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 Lineker, who played under Venables at Barcelona and Tottenham, pays tribute to his former manager. “The best, most innovative coach that I had the privilege and pleasure of playing for,” writes Lineker. “He was vibrant, he was charming, he was witty, he was a friend.”
Alan Shearer, who led the line for England at Euro 96, writes: “RIP Boss. I owe you so much. You were amazing.”
Preamble
We begin today’s coverage with sad news. Terry Venables, who played for and managed Tottenham, has died at the age of 80. He won the FA Cup twice with the club, taking to the field in 1967 against Chelsea and running the show from the touchline against Nottingham Forest in 1991.
Today’s fixture was billed as a thriller between fourth and fifth; now it becomes a poignant affair. Black armbands will be worn and a minute’s applause will precede kick-off to remember a significant figure in the English game – after managing Spurs, Venables went on to take the England job, helming that famous run to the semis at Euro 96. He also won two caps as a player.
I’ll be here to take you through coverage of today – feel free to drop me a line with your thoughts, queries and tributes.