Terry Venables tributes by Gareth Southgate, Ange Postecoglou, Gary Neville

Terry Venables was a “brilliant man who made people feel special”, said England manager Gareth Southgate as he led tributes to the late Three Lions boss.

There was a minute’s applause before Tottenham’s game with Aston Villa, with the players wearing black armbands.

“He had a wonderful manner, capable of handling everyone from the youngest player to the biggest star,” said Southgate.

Venables was England manager for two years and led them to the semi-finals of Euro 96, with Southgate in the side after giving him his international debut in 1995.

“Any player will have great affinity with the manager that gave them their opportunity, but it was quickly evident playing for Terry Venables that he was an outstanding coach and manager,” said Southgate.

“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 England history.

“I’m very sad to hear of his passing and my thoughts are with Yvette and all of his family.”

Terry Venables gave Gareth Southgate his England debut in 1995. They both played for Crystal Palace and managed Middlesbrough

Venables played for Chelsea, Tottenham, QPR and Crystal Palace and won two England caps.

He managed Palace, QPR, Barcelona, Tottenham, England, Australia, Middlesbrough and Leeds United.

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, who has also managed Australia, told Sky Sports: “If you are asking about a person who embodies everything this football club has always wanted to be, it is Terry. It wasn’t just about the way he managed or coached; it was the person he was.

“He influenced Australia as well. He was the manager for the national team and almost got us to the World Cup, but the biggest testament is that anyone who I have ever come across that has worked with him will say he is by far the best coach, manager and tactician they have come across.”

Venables signed former England captain Gary Lineker for Barcelona and Tottenham.

Lineker said: “Devastated to hear that Terry Venables has died. The best, most innovative coach that I had the privilege and pleasure of playing for.

“He was much more, though, than just a great manager. He was vibrant, he was charming, he was witty, he was a friend. He’ll be hugely missed.”

Terry Venables brought Gary Lineker to Spain, and then back to England

Spanish midfielder Nayim played for Venables at Barcelona and followed the manager to Tottenham.

The 57-year-old told BBC Radio 5 Live: “The best call of my life was Terry Venables when he was Tottenham manager and he gave me a call to join. I was training on my own because Johan Cruyff didn’t let me train with the team; I was about three months training on my own.

“Terry Venables knew about that and he knew how I played. He said ‘I would love you to come to Tottenham’. I told him about my situation, I think he knew anyway, and that was the best call of my life.

“That changed everything in my life, not only in my professional career but personal as well.”

Ex-Tottenham forward Garth Crooks told BBC Sport he was “devastated by the news that Terry Venables has left the football world”.

“The game has lost another ambassador. He was a great communicator, tactician and football manager with a wonderful sense of humour,” said Crooks.

“He not only created teams, he could handle the big names. In fact the bigger the names the better he handled them. He will be remembered for taking England so close to winning the Euros in 1996 but I will remember him for starting the extraordinary dynasty at Barcelona.

“He won the Spanish title and took them to the European Cup final against Steaua Bucharest. He is one of the few managers who have won the FA Cup as a player for Tottenham and as a manager. He has made a massive contribution to the beautiful game and he will be sorely missed.”

Former England defender Gary Neville wrote on social media: “We hear people that play for Pep Guardiola now say that he can call the outcome of a game in training a few days before the match arrives, Terry Venables had that very same capability.

“The ability that we had to change systems during matches and from game to game was incredible, it blew my mind. England certainly needed more like him and it was a real sadness when he left at the end of Euro 96. I felt it never got as good again for England as it was under him.”