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    Who was Terry Venables and what was his net worth?

    TERRY Venables was the much-loved England manager who took the Three Lions to the semi-finals at the ’96 Euros.Here’s what we know about the life of “El Tel” and his glittering career — on and off the football pitch.
    Terry Venables took the Three Lions to the Euro 1996 semi-finals, the summer football was “coming home”Credit: PA
    Who was Terry Venables? 
    Terence “Terry” Venables, a professional footballer, manager, and author, has sadly died at the age of 80. 
    Synonymous with English football, Terry — also known as El Tel — is best known for taking the Three Lions team to the Euro 1996 semi-final against Germany. 
    Born in Dagenham, East London, on January 6, 1943, to parents Fred and Myrtle, Terry was an only child. 
    His father was a petty officer in the Navy, and from Barking, while his mother was Welsh. 
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    In 1956, his parents moved to Essex to open a pub, Terry went to live with his grandparents Ossie and Milly, who encouraged his interest in football.
    After earning a cap for the England Schoolboys team, Terry went on to play professionally for various English clubs, and the English national team, before moving on to football management. 
    Terry married his first wife, Christine McCann, in 1966, while he was playing for Chelsea. 
    The pair, who had met when they were just 16, had two daughters together, Tracey and Nancy, before an amicable divorce in 1984. 
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    He met his second wife, Yvette Bazire, in 1984, around the time he moved to Barcelona as a manager, before the pair tied the knot in 1991.
    What was Terry Venables’ net worth?
    Terry Venables had an estimated net worth of between $1 million and $5 million, or just under £4 million. 
    Terry held a series of high-profile managerial positions in football, including a move to Crystal Palace in 1998, where he earned a £750,000 a year salary. 
    The manager also had a stint at the helm of the Australian national team, for which he was paid £200,000 a year.
    What was Terry Venables’ cause of death?
    The League Managers Association have confirmed that Terry has died, although the cause of death has not yet been confirmed at the time of writing. 
    There has been some speculation that Terry had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.  
    Terry’s family have said: “We are totally devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness.
    “We would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly sad time to allow us to mourn the loss of this lovely man who we were so lucky to have had in our lives.”
    Tributes poured in on Twitter — Gary Lineker, who played under Terry’s management at Spurs, Barcelona, and England, 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.”
    Terry’s former club, Tottenham Hotspur, released a statement on Twitter, announcing plans to mark the former boss’s passing at the start of their match on Sunday, November 26: 
    “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.”
    Who did Terry Venables play for?
    After playing for the England youth team, Terry, a midfielder, started his professional career in 1959. 
    He started off at Chelsea, where he made 237 appearances and scored 31 goals, before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in 1965, where he made 142 appearances. 
    He went on to play for Queens Park Rangers between 1969–1974, and for a short time for Crystal Palace, before his retirement from playing professional football in 1975.
    Terry also gained two caps for England, both in 1964, but missed out on playing for the legendary England team that went on to win the 1966 World Cup — he was on the reserve list but ultimately wasn’t called up. 
    Who did Terry Venables manage?
    After retiring as a football player, Terry made the move to managing teams. 
    Most famously, he took the Three Lions team to the semi-finals of the 1996 European Championship, hosted by England
    The team were eventually knocked out by Germany in the semi-final that took place at Wembley Stadium after Gareth Southgate had his penalty saved. 
    The team included legends like David Seaman, Gareth Southgate, Gary Neville, Paul Gascoigne, Alan Shearer, and Sol Campbell, and was the year England truly believed football was coming home. 
    But El Tel started his managing career at Crystal Palace, in 1976, before moving to QPR in 1980. 
    Terry, who became fluent in Spanish, then moved to Barcelona as manager in 1984, where he stayed until 1987. 
    Then came four years at Spurs, before he took up his post at the English national team. 
    He went on to manage Australia, and then Palace again, Middlesbrough, and Leeds United before retiring from management in 2003. 
    What did Terry Venables win?
    Despite hopes of a victory at the 1996 Euros, the Three Lions were knocked out by Germany in their Wembley semi-final. 
    Previously at Barça, Terry won La Liga in 1985, the Copa de la Liga in 1986 and also reached the 1986 Euro finals. 
    With Tottenham Hotspur, Terry won the FA Cup in 1991 and shared the FA Charity Shield in 1991 with London rivals Arsenal. 
    As a player, Terry won the Football League Cup in 1965, and with Spurs, the FA Cup in 1967.
    He was given the Don Balón Award for best trainer at Barcelona in 1985 and went on to be inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 1997. More

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    Tributes flood in for ‘wonderful’ Terry Venables after legendary Euro 96 football coach dies aged 80

    TRIBUTES have flooded in for “wonderful” Terry Venables after the legendary Euro 96 coach died aged 80.”El Tel” led England to the semi-finals in the 1996 European Championships.
    Terry Venables has died at the age of 80Credit: PA:Press Association
    Venables consoling Gareth Southgate after England were knocked out of Euro 96Credit: PA
    Terry Venables with a young David Beckham who paid a glowing tribute to the late England legendCredit: Instagram/davidbeckham
    Venables’ family paid tribute to him in a statement released this lunchtime.
    It said: “We are totally devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness.
    “We would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly sad time to allow us to mourn the loss of this lovely man who we were so lucky to have had in our lives.”
    Gareth Southgate led tributes to Venables, who famously consoled him after he missed a penalty as England crashed out of Euro 96.
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    Southgate said: “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.
    “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.
    “A brilliant man, who made people feel special, I’m very sad to hear of his passing and my thoughts are with Yvette and all of his family.”
    Former England captain David Beckham paid a touching tribute to Venables, and posted a picture on social media of when he met him when he was an aspiring nine-year-old player.
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    Beckham said: “So sad to hear the news that Terry Venables has passed away. I met Terry in Barcelona and whilst training at Tottenham at the age of 9… He was one of our greatest England managers and loved by players and fans , Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
    Three Lions legends including Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Gary Neville, Paul Gascoigne and Stan Collymore also paid tribute to Venables on social media.
    Match of the Day host 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. Sending love and condolences to Yvette and the family. RIP Terry.”
    Spurs players Paul Gascoigne and Gary Lineker with Terry Venables in 1992Credit: David Davies / Getty Images
    Alan Shearer with then England manager Terry Venables in 1995Credit: REUTERS/Kevin Coombs
    Manager Terry Venables holding a cup of tea at an England training session in 1996Credit: Phil Cole/Getty Images
    Shearer said: “Extremely sad news the great Terry Venables has passed away.
    “RIP Boss. I owe you so much. You were amazing.”
    Neville said: “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.”
    Collymore said: “Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Terry Venables today.
    “Our thoughts are with Terry’s family and friends at this sad time.”
    “He made my dream come true of representing my country which I could never really thank him enough for.
    “Vivacious, funny, a superb coach, multi talented, a man who really lived life to its fullest. Rest in Peace, Terry.”
    Gascoigne said: “Such a sad day, cheers boss.”
    England’s official Twitter account posted a tribute to the Three Lions legend.
    It read: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Terry Venables at the age of 80.
    “Having won two senior caps as a player, Terry went onto manage the Three Lions between 1994 and 1996 – proudly leading us to the semi-finals of Euro 96.
    “Our thoughts and condolences are with Terry’s family, friends and former clubs.”
    Venables’ former team Tottenham Hotspur will wear black armbands during their clash with Aston Villa this afternoon.
    Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Spurs, QPR and Coventry City paid tribute to Venables along with broadcasting stars Piers Morgan, Paddy McGuinness and Chris Kamara.
    Palace said: “We are mourning the loss of influential former midfielder and manager Terry Venables, who has passed away at the age of 80.
    “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Terry’s family and friends at this sad time. Rest in peace, Terry.”
    Tottenham Hotspur 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.”
    Chelsea FC said: “Everyone at Chelsea Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Blue, Terry Venables, aged 80.
    “The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the Club are with his family and friends at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Terry.”
    Queen’s Park Rangers also paid tribute to its former player and manager.
    QPR said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of former QPR player and manager Terry Venables.
    “All our thoughts are with his loved ones at this incredibly sad time. May he rest in peace.”
    Coventry City said: “Everyone at Coventry City are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Terry Venables at the age of 80.
    Figures from the world of sports broadcasting and showbiz also hailed Venables.
    Piers Morgan said: “RIP Terry Venables, 80. Great manager, great character.
    “Sadly suffered from a long illness but when I bumped into him several years ago, we had a lovely chat in the sunshine, and he seemed very happy and content.
    “‘I’ve got no complaints,’ he said. ‘I’ve really enjoyed my life.’”
    Chris Kamara said: “Gutted to hear Terry Venables has passed away.
    “Top player & a fantastic manager – I got to know the person & he was a great bloke.
    “Great memories of being with him in his club Scribes in Kensington back in the late 90s. RIP Terry.”
    Paddy McGuinness said: “RIP Terry Venables. Charisma by the bucket loads and one of England’s most popular managers.”
    And Venables’ former club teammates from Chelsea and Spurs also offered their tributes.
    David Speedie said: “Sad to hear former England manager and ex Chelsea FC and Spurs legend Terry Venables has passed away.
    “It was an honour for me to wear his legendary no 10 shirt at Chelsea.
    “He was ahead of his time as manager and never got the credit I felt he deserved.”
    Spurs star Cliff Jones said: “Sad to hear of the passing of teammate & friend Terry Venables.
    “A man of many talents. Condolences to family & friends.”
    “El Tel” had a distinguished career on the pitch playing for Chelsea, Spurs and QPR in the 1960s and 70s, and winning two Three Lions caps at international level in 1964.
    He started his managerial career with Crystal Palace who won the Second Division championship in 1979.
    Venables also steered QPR to the 1982 FA Cup Final  and won the Second Division in 1983.
    He then took over the helm at Barcelona in 1984 – where he earned the nickname El Tel.
    Under his leadership, Barca went on to win La Liga in 1985 and reached the European Cup final in 1986.
    Venables then returned to the UK in 1987 to take over at White Hart Lane and guided Spurs to victory in the FA Cup in 1991.
    Then Tottenham Hotspur manager Terry Venables, right, with Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough leading the teams out hand in hand before the 1991 FA Cup FinalCredit: David Cannon /Getty Images
    He was a hugely popular choice to take over as England head coach in 1994.
    In the group stage of the 1996 European Championships, England beat Netherlands 4-1, a game he would describe as “perfection – my most thrilling experience in football” after his retirement.
    Having beaten Spain in the next round they were eventually knocked out by Germany on penalties following an agnosing 1-1 draw.
    Alan Shearer, who was part of the Euro ’96 squad, said later: “Terry’s knowledge and tactical know-how were spot-on and he knew how to get the best out of us too.
    “We responded to him, believed in him and played some outstanding football in that tournament.”
    Gareth Southgate, who was also part of the squad, said:  “Terry opened my eyes to things that no one else has.
    “He has fantastic tactical awareness. Every senior player in the group went away having learnt a lot from him, which is an achievement.”
    Terry Frederick Venables was born in Dagenham, east London on January 6 1943.
    He was the only child of Royal Navy petty officer Fred Venables and his Welsh wife Myrtle.
    Venables grew up with his grandparents Ossie and Milly after his parents moved to run a pub in Romford, Essex.
    He credited Ossie with fostering his lifelong love of the beautiful game.
    Venables started out at the age of 15 as an apprentice at Chelsea, with his dad joining the Blues as a part-time scout.
    He only turned professional when he was left out of the Great Britain squad for the 1960 Olympics.
    During his playing and managerial career, Venables was known as a “players’ man”.
    He gave his players freedom off the pitch and usually kept his half-time team talks brief and light to maintain good spirits.
    After managing England, Venables went on to coach Australia, and then Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough and Leeds.
    His last job in football was a brief stint back with the England team in 2007, as assistant to new manager Steve McClaren, before they were both sacked for failing to qualify for Euro 2008.
    Venables had two daughters with his first wife Christine McCann, who he married in 1966.
    He met his second wife Yvette Bazire in his father’s pub in Chingford in 1984 and she went with him to Barcelona. They married in 1991.
    Venables tried his hand at a number of different business ventures besides his football career.
    He opened a West End tailors with his Chelsea teammates George Graham and Ron “Chopper” Harris.
    Together with Yvette he later ran a Kensington dining club and a boutique hotel and restaurant in Alicante, Spain.
    Venables also wrote five novels and occasionally moonlit as a singer – after Chelsea blocked him from performing as a crooner at Butlins when he was 17.
    In 2010 Venables reached no. 23 in the charts with a cover of Elvis Presley’s song “If I Can Dream”, which he recorded in association with The Sun. More

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    Who is Terry Venables’ wife Yvette?

    THE sporting industry is currently in mourning as England legend Terry Venables has passed away – and his wife Yvette will be heartbroken.Venables represented several huge clubs such as Chelsea, Tottenham and Queens Park Rangers.
    Terry Venables met his wife Yvette in a pub in ChingfordCredit: PA:Press Association
    But it has sadly been confirmed that the former Euro 96 England boss has died at age 80.
    And thoughts are with his family at this tragic time.
    Who is Terry Venables’ wife Yvette?
    Terry Venables met wife Yvette in his father’s pub in Chingford during the year 1984.
    She accompanied the footballing icon to Barcelona when he was appointed as their manager.
    And their love story continued to blossom in 1991 as the pair got married.
    Yvette managed Terry’s Kensington dining club, Scribes West for seven years.
    However, the lovebirds decided to sell it in 1997.
    Was Terry Venables married before Yvette?
    Before Yvette, Venables married Christine McCann in 1966 – the year England lifted the World Cup.
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    They reportedly tied the knot in London St Cedd’s Church.
    Christine was a dressmaker and the pair had two daughters before divorcing in 1984. More

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    Terry Venables dead: England’s legendary Euro 96 football coach ‘El Tel’ dies aged 80 after colourful 50-year career

    FOOTBALLING legend Terry Venables has died at the age of 80 after a long illness.Venables’ family paid tribute to the Three Lions manager in a statement this lunchtime.
    Terry Venables has died at the age of 80
    Venables consoling Gareth Southgate at Euro 96Credit: Action Images
    Venables with his family in 1995Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Venables with Alan Sugar during his days managing TottenhamCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Venables with his children and first wifeCredit: Getty
    Terry signed with Chelsea as an apprentice when he was 15, going on to make more than 200 appearances for the London clubCredit: Rex
    “El Tel” had a distinguished career on the pitch playing for Chelsea, Spurs and QPR in the 1960s and 70s, and winning two Three Lions caps at international level in 1964.
    But his greatest success came as a manager, and he famously led England to the semi-finals in the 1996 European Championships.
    Venables’ passing has been confirmed by the League Managers Association, but his cause of death is not yet known.
    His family said: “We are totally devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness.
    Read More on Terry Venables
    “We would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly sad time to allow us to mourn the loss of this lovely man who we were so lucky to have had in our lives.”
    Gareth Southgate led tributes to Venables, who famously consoled him after he missed a penalty as England crashed out of Euro 96.
    Southgate said: “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.
    “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.
    Most read in Football
    “A brilliant man, who made people feel special, I’m very sad to hear of his passing and my thoughts are with Yvette and all of his family.”
    Three Lions legends including Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, David Seaman, Gary Neville, Paul Gascoigne and Stan Collymore also paid tribute to Venables on social media.
    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. Sending love and condolences to Yvette and the family. RIP Terry.”
    Shearer said: “Extremely sad news the great Terry Venables has passed away.
    “RIP Boss. I owe you so much. You were amazing.”
    Neville said: “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.”
    Seaman said: “Dear Terry, you’ll be sadly missed, you told me I was your England Number one and I’ll never ever forget that.”
    Collymore said: “Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Terry Venables today.
    “Our thoughts are with Terry’s family and friends at this sad time.”
    “He made my dream come true of representing my country which I could never really thank him enough for.
    “Vivacious, funny, a superb coach, multi talented, a man who really lived life to its fullest. Rest in Peace, Terry.”
    Gascoigne said: “Such a sad day, cheers boss.”
    England’s official Twitter account posted a tribute to the Three Lions legend.
    It read: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Terry Venables at the age of 80.
    “Having won two senior caps as a player, Terry went onto manage the Three Lions between 1994 and 1996 – proudly leading us to the semi-finals of Euro 96.
    “Our thoughts and condolences are with Terry’s family, friends and former clubs.”
    Venables’ former team Tottenham Hotspur will wear black armbands during their clash with Aston Villa this afternoon.
    Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Spurs, QPR and Coventry City paid tribute to Venables along with broadcasting stars Piers Morgan, Paddy McGuinness and Chris Kamara.
    Venables started his managerial career with Crystal Palace who won the Second Division championship in 1979.
    He also steered QPR to the 1982 FA Cup Final  and won the Second Division in 1983.
    He then took over the helm at Barcelona in 1984 – where he earned the nickname El Tel.
    Under his leadership, Barca went on to win La Liga in 1985 and reached the European Cup final in 1986.
    Venables then returned to the UK in 1987 to take over at White Hart Lane and guided Spurs to victory in the FA Cup in 1991.
    He was a hugely popular choice to take over as England head coach in 1994.
    In the group stage of the 1996 European Championships, England beat Netherlands 4-1, a game he would describe as “perfection – my most thrilling experience in football” after his retirement.
    Having beaten Spain in the next round they were eventually knocked out by Germany on penalties following an agnosing 1-1 draw.
    Alan Shearer, who was part of the Euro ’96 squad, said later: “Terry’s knowledge and tactical know-how were spot-on and he knew how to get the best out of us too.
    “We responded to him, believed in him and played some outstanding football in that tournament.”
    Gareth Southgate, who was also part of the squad, said:  “Terry opened my eyes to things that no one else has.
    “He has fantastic tactical awareness. Every senior player in the group went away having learnt a lot from him, which is an achievement.”
    Terry Frederick Venables was born in Dagenham, east London on January 6 1943.
    He was the only child of Royal Navy petty officer Fred Venables and his Welsh wife Myrtle.
    Venables grew up with his grandparents Ossie and Milly after his parents moved to run a pub in Romford, Essex.
    He credited Ossie with fostering his lifelong love of the beautiful game.
    Venables started out at the age of 15 as an apprentice at Chelsea, with his dad joining the Blues as a part-time scout.
    He only turned professional when he was left out of the Great Britain squad for the 1960 Olympics.
    During his playing and managerial career, Venables was known as a “players’ man”.
    He gave his players freedom off the pitch and usually kept his half-time team talks brief and light to maintain good spirits.
    After managing England, Venables went on to coach Australia, and then Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough and Leeds.
    His last job in football was a brief stint back with the England team in 2007, as assistant to new manager Steve McClaren, before they were both sacked for failing to qualify for Euro 2008.
    Venables had two daughters with his first wife Christine McCann, who he married in 1966.
    He met his second wife Yvette Bazire in his father’s pub in Chingford in 1984 and she went with him to Barcelona. They married in 1991.
    Venables tried his hand at a number of different business ventures besides his football career.
    He opened a West End tailors with his Chelsea teammates George Graham and Ron “Chopper” Harris.
    Together with Yvette he later ran a Kensington dining club and a boutique hotel and restaurant in Alicante, Spain.
    Venables also wrote five novels and occasionally moonlit as a singer – after Chelsea blocked him from performing as a crooner at Butlins when he was 17.
    He even designed a board game called “The Manager”, which was inspired by his own career.
    In 2010 Venables reached no. 23 in the charts with a cover of Elvis Presley’s song “If I Can Dream”, which he recorded in association with The Sun.
    ‘El Tel’ guided England to a semi-final place in the Euro ’96 tournamentCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Terry Venables consoles Gareth Southgate after his penalty miss in the Euro ’96 semi-finalCredit: PA
    Terry, seen here in 2010 was greatly admired by his playersCredit: PA:Press Association More

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    Oliver Spedding dead: Ex-Crystal Palace footballer & boyfriend of adult film star Sophie Anderson dies aged 34

    FORMER Crystal Palace footballer Oliver Spedding, boyfriend of adult film star Sophie Anderson, has died aged 34.Team-mates paid tribute to a player described as “a warrior on the pitch” and “a madman with a massive heart”, while a minute’s silence was held before his old team Croydon FC’s latest game.
    Footballer Oliver Spedding met girlfriend Sophie Anderson in the porn industryCredit: Instagram @amianoliverofficial
    Spedding had previously spoken about his regrets over going into porn after starting at Premier League side Palace.
    He told of starring in X-rated films for just £150 per movie, as well as a stint in prison after leaving the Eagles.
    Croydon FC announced his death in a tribute shared online.
    The non-league club said: “Croydon FC are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player, Oliver Spedding.
    Read More On Crystal Palace
    “Oliver played for the club over a couple of spells and was a much-loved individual who always gave his utmost for the team.
    “Oliver will be hugely missed by everyone at the club and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
    Referring to the club’s nickname, Croydon FC added: “Rest in Peace, Ollie. Once a Tram, always a Tram.”
    Friends and ex-colleagues also paid their respects online.
    Most read in Football
    The club’s manager Liam Giles called Oliver’s death “such heartbreaking news”.
    He added on X, formerly Twitter: “Ollie was a warrior on the pitch and gave 100 per cent every time he represented Croydon FC.
    “We spoke a couple of weeks ago about him getting back into football.
    “I hope you find your peace, mate – sleep tight.”
    Another online tribute said: “RIP Ollie. A madman with a massive heart. Who was always genuine.”
    And a fan posted: “Croydon FC was always a better place when this guy was around. Great player and a really nice guy.”
    A lovely guy I can only say good things aboutFormer team-mate Kieran Rufus
    Another wrote: “Very sad news indeed.
    “Rest easy Ollie – always enjoyed his honesty and passion when playing for the club.”
    Kieran Rufus, who used to play alongside Spedding in central defence for Croydon, posted: “I don’t really know what to say but I’m genuinely so hurt by the news of the passing of Ollie.
    “For a time was my CB partner at Croydon FC and a lovely guy who I can only say good things about.
    “RIP my bro and my heart goes out to his family.”
    Spedding spoke on a podcast last year about his time as a budding young footballer hoping for top-flight success with Palace – before his time in jail saw him fall out of the game.
    He then took up painting and decorating before going into porn, receiving £150 for his first X-rated movie job.
    He recalled: “That was terrifying, being on my first set.
    “People used to say to me, ‘You’re doing it all anyway’, because they knew I used to sleep with girls, I was a player – and they said, ‘You might as well get paid for it’.
    “But it wasn’t until I had the confidence to actually do it – it was a whole different ball game.”
    He did welcome how he met his girlfriend Sophie, a fellow adult entertainer, after getting involved in the porn industry.
    But he added: “When I was at Crystal Palace, if I’d have stayed with them, then I could have been earning a lot more playing football.
    “I used to fight as well, maybe that could have gone somewhere.
    “I was good at both of those things, but being a porn star, I thought that would be just as good – but it’s not as good as people think.”
    Oliver Spedding’s death has been announced by former club Croydon FCCredit: Croydon FC
    Tributes have been paid to the ex-Crystal Palace playerCredit: Facebook /@Oliver Spedding
    He spent several spells at Croydon FC after starting out at PalaceCredit: Twitter /@Croydon_FC
    His death aged 34 was described as ‘such heartbreaking news’Credit: Instagram /@oliverspedding
    Former team-mates and fans have shared pictures of him onlineCredit: Twitter /@Croydon_FC More

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    Liverpool supremo David Moores left whopping £78.3m fortune in his will after dying just weeks following family tragedy

    FORMER Liverpool FC Chairman David Moores left £78.3million in his will – with his fortune passing to family.Moores – nephew of the late John Moores, who founded the Littlewoods football pools in the 1920s then branched out into department stores – bequeathed the huge estate after dying aged 76 last July.
    Former Liverpool FC chairman David Moores left over £78million in his willCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    And paperwork released today showed he wanted his fortune held in trust for relatives, including his step-children David and Lisa.
    Moores, who was from one of Britain’s wealthiest families and went into the Littlewoods business, married twice – first to former Miss England Kathy Anders in 1976.
    But she died, aged 26, a year later in a tragic car crash when Moores’ Jaguar spun into a ditch.
    He suffered serious head injuries but recovered and wed Marjorie Walmsley in 1983.
    Read More in Football
    Marjorie died in February 2022, just months before Mr Moores – and left £14 million to him and her two children, David and Lisa.
    The couple lived in a mansion in Halsall, 15 miles north of Liverpool.
    Paperwork shows he left the home to his step-daughter, Lisa.
    A football source said: “David Moores was an old-fashioned gent, who was a familiar face at Liverpool FC and also around the city.
    Most read in Football
    “He was also a hugely successful businessman and it is no wonder he left such a huge estate and that family would benefit from it.”
    Legendary footie figure Moores – known for Beatles-style “mop-top” and distinctive black moustache – was chairman of the club between 1991 and 2007.
    His family had, for years, held stakes in both Liverpool and Everton and in 1991 David Moores acquired a controlling 51 per cent stake in the Reds.
    In his 16 years at the helm, he steered Liverpool through the formation of the Premier League, and appointed the club’s first foreign manager – Gerard Houliier – in 1998.
    Liverpool landed the League Cup, FA cup and UEFA Cup in 2001, before Moores hired Spanish coach Rafa Benitez in 2004.
    Under Benitez, the club famously won the Champions League in 2005.
    The Merseysiders came back from 3-0 down v AC Milan in Istanbul to win on penalties.
    Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann later told how Moores visited the team’s victorious dressing room to congratulate the players after the game.
    He said: “He never said anything, he had a tear running down his cheek and I pulled him into the showers and asked for a cigarette.
    “We never said a word, we had a smoke and it was the most perfect end to the night, to share that moment of peace and quiet.”
    Despite famous triumphs, Liverpool found themselves overshadowed domestically by clubs including Manchester United, Arsenal and then a Roman Abramovich-backed Chelsea.
    Moores – worried his family’s resources would not be enough to compete with clubs like Chelsea – began looking for a buyer in 2007.
    He eventually sold to US businessmen Thomas Hicks and George Gillett – a move he later admitted regretting. More

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    Dad of ex-Liverpool star Roberto Firmino dies aged 62 after suffering heart attack on family trip to Dubai

    ROBERTO Firmino’s dad has died aged 62 after suffering a heart attack.The ex-Liverpool star’s father José Roberto Cordeiro de Oliveira was on a family trip in Dubai when he fell ill.
    Roberto Firmino (right) with his late fatherCredit: Instagram
    Firmino described his dad as his heroCredit: Instagram
    Firmino’s family is still trying to contact the Brazilian embassy in the UAE to bring his father’s body back to their home city of Maceió.
    One friend told local media: “He was a very good guy. He had a very good soul and was very funny. This was very unexpected.”
    In his autobiography, Al-Ahli star Firmino writes: “Not all heroes wear capes; some are called Dad.
    “My father, José, was my childhood hero, an inspiration and an example.
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    “A generous, serious, honest man dedicated to the family.”
    Firmino’s boyhood club CRB said: “The Clube de Regatas Brasil deeply regrets the death of José Roberto Cordeiro de Oliveira, father of Roberto Firmino, who left us this weekend.
    “He’s always been a big Galo de Campina fan and was very proud of his son being unveiled in football with the whirlpool shirt.
    “Rest in peace, José Roberto.”
    Most read in Football
    The family had shared snaps of their trip in Dubai before Oliveira’s death – including one of him enjoying a trip to an amusement park.
    Firmino left Liverpool last summer after spending eight years at Anfield.
    He joined the Reds from Hoffenheim in 2015 and was part of the squad which one the Champions League in 2019 and the Prem in 2020. More

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    George Chigova dead at 32: Former Zimbabwe goalkeeper collapses and dies after suspected heart attack

    FORMER international goalkeeper George Chigova has passed away aged 32.The shot stopper died after collapsing at his home in South Africa.
    George Chigova played for Zimbabwe at AFCONCredit: Getty
    He suffered a heart attack in July and briefly tried to return to football.
    The played nicknamed “Zikeeper” won 32 caps for Zimbabwe during his career.
    He featured at the Africa Cup of Nations several times.
    Chigova also won the COSAFA Cup with Zimbabwe in 2017 and 2018.
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    He made a name for himself at Dynamos in his homeland, where he was dubbed his nickname by adoring supporters.
    Chigova left and spent much of his club career in the South African Premier Division with SuperSport United and Polokwane City.
    Tributes have flooded in for him, one read: “Terrible news and may his soul rest in peace.”
    Another fan said: “May you rest in peace Zikeeper.”
    Most read in Football
    Others added: “You were one hell of a character. We will pray for you. You will be remembered.”
    More wrote: “Go well gentle giant.” More