In a sad announcement made by his family on Sunday evening, former footballer and seasoned manager Joe Kinnear has passed away at the age of 77. Kinnear had been battling vascular dementia since 2015.
Kinnear’s Remarkable Journey:
- Early Career: Born in Dublin, Kinnear made his mark early on when he joined Tottenham as a teenager in 1963. His debut followed in 1966, and he spent the next decade at White Hart Lane.
- Trophies and Triumphs: During his tenure at Tottenham, Kinnear achieved significant milestones, including winning the FA Cup in 1967, the UEFA Cup in 1972, and the League Cup in both 1971 and 1973. His dedication and skill led to over 250 appearances for the club.
- Coaching Adventures: Kinnear’s coaching journey took him across continents. He worked in Asia, including the UAE, Malaysia, India, and Nepal.
- Wimbledon Glory: Returning to England, Kinnear served as Dave Mackay’s assistant at Doncaster before taking the helm at Wimbledon in 1992. Under his leadership, the Dons achieved a remarkable sixth-placed finish in the topflight during the 1993-94 Premier League season. Additionally, they reached the semi-finals of both the FA Cup and the League Cup in 1997.
- Legacy: Joe Kinnear will be fondly remembered by fans and colleagues alike, not only for his playing days but also for his impactful managerial career.
His family’s heartfelt statement reads: “We are sad to announce that Joe passed away peacefully this afternoon, surrounded by his loved ones. His legacy as a player and a manager will endure, and his Wimbledon team’s sixth-place finish in the 1993-94 Premier League remains phenomenal.”
The football world mourns the loss of a true legend.
