Terry Venables death: Former Australia coach passes away, led Socceroos against Iran in 1999

Kieran Francis

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Terry Venables death: Former Australia coach passes away, led Socceroos against Iran in 1999 image

Legendary English football manager Terry Venables has died aged 80 after a prolonged illness.

While not mainly remembered for his time with Australia, the man known as 'El Tel' led the Socceroos to the edge of the 1998 World Cup in the infamous playoff against Iran.

It was a coup for Australia to secure Venables as their manager in November 1996, with the Englishman having coached Barcelona to La Liga in 1984-85 and Tottenham to FA Cup glory (yes, a trophy) in 1991.

Venables joined Australia only months after taking England to the semi-finals of Euro 1996, where the nation was unfortunately dumped out on penalties by Germany.

In the 1997 Confederations Cup, Venables steered Australia to the final, where they lost 6-0 to Brazil hat-tricks from Ronaldo and Romario.

It was an achievement nonetheless with Australia defeating Mexico and Uruguay, and securing a group-stage draw against Brazil on their way to the final.

Venables looked to have helped the Socceroos qualify for their first World Cup since 1974 with the team leading 2-0 against Iran in the playoff at the MCG in 1998 after a 1-1 draw in the Tehran-hosted first leg.

But quick-fire strikes in the 75th and 79th minutes saw Australia bow out on the away goals rule, with the nation needing to wait eight more years to finally reach the World Cup once more in 2006.

Venables quit his Socceroos post not long after failing to qualify for the World Cup, and went on to manage Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough and Leeds United in the Premier League.

Former Socceroos star Mark Bosnich paid tribute to Venables, with the goalkeeper featuring under 'El Tel' during his stint Down Under.

"RIP Terry Venables," Bosnich wrote on Twitter.

"What a wonderful manager, learned so much, and an even better man."

Terry Venables major career honours

Player

  • Football League Cup winner (Chelsea) 1964-65
  • FA Cup winner (Tottenham) 1966-67

Manager

  • La Liga winner (Barcelona) 1984-85
  • Copa de la Liga winner (Barcelona) 1986
  • European Cup runner-up (Barcelona) 1985-86
  • FA Cup winner (Tottenham) 1990-91
  • Confederations Cup runner-up (Australia) 1997

Kieran Francis

Kieran Francis Photo

Kieran Francis is a senior editor at The Sporting News based in Melbourne, Australia. He started at Sportal.com.au before being a part of the transition to Sporting News in 2015. Just prior to the 2018 World Cup, he was appointed chief editor of Goal.com in Australia. He has now returned to The Sporting News where his passions lay in football, AFL, poker and cricket - when he is not on holiday.