Ex-England skipper Wilkins dies of cardiac arrest at 61
LONDON: Former England and Manchester United midfielder Ray Wilkins has died in hospital at the age of 61, his former club Chelsea announced yesterday.
Wilkins was being treated at St George’s Hospital in London following cardiac arrest.
His family thanked “Ray’s friends, colleagues and members of the public” for the many messages of goodwill.
“Everybody associated with Chelsea Football Club is devastated to learn of the passing of our former player, captain and assistant coach, Ray Wilkins. Rest in peace, Ray, you will be dreadfully missed,” the club said on Twitter.
Wilkins’ family said: “It is with great sadness we announce that Raymond Colin Wilkins passed away this morning.
“Ray leaves behind his loving wife, Jackie, daughter Jade, son Ross, and his beautiful grandchildren, Oliver, Frankie, Ava, Freddie, Jake and Archie.
“We are asking for privacy at this very difficult time.”
Nicknamed “Butch”, Wilkins played 84 times for England between 1976 and 1986 — captaining the team for 10 games.
His playing career also took him to AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Glasgow Rangers and Queens Park Rangers.
He coached QPR, Fulham and Jordan as well as becoming caretaker manager at Chelsea when Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked in 2009.
Wilkins also worked alongside Guus Hiddink at Stamford Bridge and was assistant when Carlo Ancelotti took over.
Manchester United tweeted: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Manchester United are with the family, friends and colleagues of our former midfielder Ray Wilkins, following his tragic passing.”
Wilkins was a popular figure within the game and his soothing voice and insight made him stand out as a commentator on British TV and radio in recent years.
One of Wilkins’ most famous moments as a player came in 1986 when he became the first England player to be sent off in a World Cup after throwing the ball at a referee during a group game against Morocco.
As a player, he won the FA Cup with Manchester United in 1983 and the Scottish league title with Rangers in 1989.
Tributes were paid to Wilkins on social media by clubs, players and teammates.
“Was only two weeks ago I was with Ray i n Brighton...Feel Empty-Much love to all the Famiy... Life is Cruel..RIP BUD...,” wrote former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson.
Former AC Milan defender Franco Baresi tweeted: “In these moments you never know what to say, but it was an honor to have you as a companion, you were special, a gentleman on the field and out. Thank you Ray Wilkins RIP.”
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel tweeted: “Sad and chocked to hear of the passing of Ray Wilkins. A true football person with a totally underestimated contribution to our sport. One of the best I’ve seen. My thought are with his family. Rest in peace.”
Wilkins is survived by his wife, Jackie, two children and several grandchildren.