Former football player and manager Joe Kinnear has passed away at the age of 77. Kinnear, who had a successful playing career with Tottenham Hotspur, winning the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup, went on to manage clubs such as Wimbledon, Newcastle, Luton, and Nottingham Forest.
Kinnear's family announced his peaceful passing, with his wife revealing that he had been battling dementia since 2015. Tributes poured in from the football community, with Wimbledon describing him as a 'true legend' and Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou praising him as a 'real gentleman.'
During his playing days, Kinnear made 26 appearances for Ireland and enjoyed a successful spell at Tottenham, making over 250 appearances for the club and winning multiple trophies. As a manager, he achieved notable success with Wimbledon, leading the team to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League and reaching the semifinals of the FA Cup and League Cup.
After stints in Asia, Kinnear returned to England to manage Luton, where he guided the club to promotion. He later took charge at Nottingham Forest before a brief tenure at Newcastle, where health issues forced him to step down.
Kinnear's impact on English football was significant, with his contributions as both a player and a manager leaving a lasting legacy. His passing has been met with sadness and remembrance from fans, players, and clubs across the country.
