R.I.P. BUTCH FOOTBALL’S MR NICE GUY DIES AGED 61
THE world of football was united in grief last night after former England captain Ray Wilkins died in hospital aged 61.
The former Chelsea, Manchester United and AC Milan star collapsed last week after a heart attack.
Wilkins, a married father of two, had since been in an induced coma at St George’s Hospital in south London.
His family revealed the devastating news yesterday. A statement said: “It is with great sadness we announce that Raymond Colin Wilkins passed away this morning.
“We would like to say thank you for the many goodwill messages we have received from Ray’s friends, colleagues and members of the public.
“Ray leaves behind his loving wife, Jackie, daughter Jade, son Ross, and his beautiful grandchildren, Oliver, Frankie, Ava, Freddie, Jake and Archie.”
Wilkins, known as Butch, was one of the most gifted midfielders of his generation.
He won 84 England caps and captained his country 10 times. He began his career at Chelsea, where he was appointed club captain at just 18, before successful spells at Manchester United, AC Milan, Paris StGermain, Rangers, QPR and Crystal Palace.
After his retirement in 1997 he became a manager, taking charge of QPR, Fulham and the Jordan national team. He also worked as a coach at Chelsea and Aston Villa.
He was also a popular TV pundit with talkSPORT and Sky Sports.
Wilkins, who bravely battled health issues including ulcerative colitis, was given the all clear after a double heart bypass operation last July.
Two years ago, he checked into the Priory Hospital in Woking for a five-week rehabilitation programme after being banned from driving for four years for drink-driving.
Last night, tributes poured in from some of the biggest names in football.
Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: “I am very sad to hear the news about Ray and send my deepest sympathies to his family.
“Ray was a great football man, well respected and liked by all who knew him.
“Ray was an impressive football talent and had a fantastic career representing some of the biggest clubs in the world. I know that he will be missed by all.”
Former United and England superstar David Beckham said: “Incredibly sad to wake up to the news that Ray has passed away.
“A man that I’ve always looked up to as a United fan and a player. Plus, he wore our country’s shirt with pride.
“Our thoughts are with your family and friends.”
Ex-Chelsea star Frank Lampard said: “Ray was a great player and an even greater man.
“He was full of kindness and humility, with impeccable manners at all times. He had respect and time for everyone and was a mentor and friend.
“I’m not sure they make them like Ray any more. You will be sorely missed.”
Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker, a former England team-mate, said: “Deeply saddened to hear that Ray Wilkins has passed away. A wonderful footballer and a delightful man. It was a pleasure to have played alongside him with England.
“No teammate was more helpful and supportive.
“I’ll be forever grateful. Thoughts are with his family.”
Former England star Paul Gascoigne said: “Such a great loss. He was such a gentleman. An unbelievable player. I recall playing against him. I didn’t get a touch. He was brilliant.”
‘Ray was a great football man – liked by all who knew him’ - SIR ALEX FERGUSON
‘No teammate was more supportive. I’ll be forever grateful’ - GARY LINEKER
‘I’m not sure they make them like Ray anymore. You will be missed’ - FRANK LAMPARD
‘He was a gentleman and an unbelievable player’ - PAUL GASCOIGNE
‘Everybody is devastated. RIP, Ray – you will be dreadfully missed’ - CHELSEA FC