Former Republic of Ireland international and Wimbledon manager Joe Kinnear dies aged 77

Former Republic of Ireland international Joe Kinnear has died at the age of 77, his family has confirmed.

"We are sad to announce that Joe passed away peacefully this afternoon surrounded by his family," read the statement, released on Sunday, 7 April.

Born in Dublin, Kinnear earned 26 caps for the Irish national team and enjoyed a successful 10 year stint at Tottenham Hotspur, during which he won the UEFA Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups.

The defender also had a notable managerial career, leading Wimbledon’s iconic ‘Crazy Gang’ throughout the ‘90s.

He helped the South London underdogs, characterised by their physical style of play, maintain their status in the English top flight.

Kinnear left his role at the club following a heart attack in 1999. He went on to manage Luton town, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United, where he later returned as a director of football.

The FAI is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former senior international Joe Kinnear who played 26 times for his country in an illustrious career. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Joe’s family and his many friends in football at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/2u2xwT0itG

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) April 7, 2024

During an interview with Hot Press’ Stuart Clark in July 1994, the then-Wimbledon boss professed his desire to become Republic of Ireland manager:

“Put this in the biggest type you’ve got: ‘Joe Kinnear wants the Ireland job!’ I’ve had a taste of it abroad and to manage my own country would be a dream come true,” said Kinnear.

“On the other hand, there’s a train of thought that says you’d have to be fucking daft to try and follow Jack because short of winning the European Championship or World Cup, you’re always going to be living in his shadow…

“There are a lot of risks involved but I’m as brave as they come and if the F.A.I gave me the nod, I’d be very proud and honoured to accept the challenge.”

Very sad to hear that Joe Kinnear has died, the Ireland manager that should have been but wasn't. Just because he called the 70s FAI out... What he achieved at Wimbledon was truly remarkable. Interviewed him a couple of times, lovely man who was so passionate about football

— Stuart Clark (@stuartclark66) April 7, 2024