Terry Neill, former manager of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Northern Ireland, has died aged 80.
Neill became the youngest Arsenal player to be captain in 1962. He was 20 years old and played there for 11 years. He led the club from 1976 to 1983 and led them to three consecutive FA Cup finals between 1978 and 1980. He won the cup in 1979 when Arsenal defeated Manchester United 3-2 in what became known as the ‘Five Minute Final’. .
After he retired from playing, he returned to Highbury as manager after a two-year stint at Tottenham, replacing the great Bill Nicholson.
Arsenal said in a statement: “It was with great sadness that the club learned of the passing of former manager and captain Terry Neill.
“Terry was associated with the club for over 20 years, first as a player, after joining us in December 1959 as a 17-year-old from Bangor City in his native Northern Ireland.
The midfielder’s combination of tenacity, vision and natural leadership soon forced him into the first team, making his debut against Sheffield Wednesday on 23 December 1960. Terry Neill’s status as both captain and manager made him a major influence on the 20th century Arsenal.
“His fantastic contribution – and indeed his character – will always be appreciated by everyone involved with the club. Our thoughts are with Terry’s family and close friends at this difficult time.”
The Irish FA, the governing body for football in Northern Ireland, tweeted: “The thoughts of everyone at the Irish FA are with the family of Terry Neill who has sadly passed away at the age of 80.”
Neill, who won 59 caps for Northern Ireland and also played for and managed Hull, also took charge of his country between 1971 and 1975.
He leaves behind his wife Sandra, two daughters and four grandchildren.