Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou hails Terry Venables as the ‘best coach, manager and tactician’ ahead of his side’s clash with Aston Villa… as Spurs boss becomes the latest to pay respects to the football legend who died aged 80
- Venables took England to the European Championship semi-finals in 1996
- Tottenham host Aston Villa in which they observed a minute’s applause
- As a player, Venables represented Chelsea, Spurs and QPR with distinction
Ange Postecoglou sang the praises of the late Terry Venables ahead of his side’s clash with Aston Villa in North London on Sunday.
Speaking on the former Tottenham player and manager, who died at the age of 80, Postecoglou described him as ‘the best manager’.
‘If you’re asking about a person that embodies everything this football club has always wanted to be it’s Terry. It wasn’t just about the way he managed or coached, the person he was,’ said Postecoglou.
‘He influenced Australia as well, obviously got us to the World Cup.
‘Anyone who I’ve ever come across who has worked with him will say he is by far the best coach, manager, tactician they’ve come across.’
Tottenham and Aston Villa players held a minute’s applause following Venables’ death
Players gathered in the centre circle as fans inside the stadium chanted Venables’ name
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Club legend Gary Mabbutt also spoke on Venables, adding: ‘We had a thoroughly enjoyable time together. We worked well together as a manager and captain.
‘I was lucky enough here to have around ten different managers. I think Terry was probably the best manager I had here.’ Mabbutt added.
Venables had a short stint in Australia, where he managed the Socceroos shortly after his England exit.
Venables took the unusual step of taking the Australia job in November 1996 following Eddie Thomson’s resignation.
He didn’t exactly endear himself to the locals when he first started, however. Venables was dubbed ‘El Telephone’ by the Aussie press due to his decision to remain in England during his early days in charge.
But he soon won his critics over with his respected brand of football, leading the Australians to a World Cup play off match against Iran for a place at the 1998 tournament in France.
The big match ended in misery for the Socceroos, though, with Venables’ young side squandering a two-goal lead in front of 85,000 fans at the MCG to draw the match 2-2.
Tottenham paid tribute to their former manager and player before their home game with Aston Villa.
Venables transformed Australian football during his short tenure in charge
Spurs and Villa players are wearing black armbands during the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after observing a minute’s applause from supporters.
Tottenham fans also sang Venables’ his name during the applause as a picture of him at Spurs was displayed on the big screen inside the stadium.
In a statement on Sunday, Tottenham said: ‘The Club is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player and manager Terry Venables.
‘Our deepest condolences are with Terry’s friends and family at this incredibly difficult time. In tribute, we shall hold a minute’s applause prior to kick-off and our players will wear black armbands during this afternoon’s fixture against Aston Villa.
‘Rest in peace, Terry.’
Tottenham boss Venables holds hands with Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough as they lead out their sides at the 1991 FA Cup final
Venables also won the FA Cup as player at Tottenham, representing the club between 1987 and 1991
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