Football’s gentleman Ray Wilkins dies at 61
FORMER England footballer Ray Wilkins died in hospital yesterday aged 61.
Wilkins, who won 84 caps, had been treated in St George’s Hospital in Tooting, South London, since Friday after suffering a cardiac arrest.
He had been a pundit for talk-SPORT and Sky Sports before being taken ill.
His family said in a statement yesterday: ‘It is with great sadness we announce that Raymond Colin Wilkins passed away this morning. We would like to thank St George’s staff for the amazing work they have done to care for our beloved Ray.
‘We would also 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.’
Among the tributes to Wilkins, who was a former captain of Chelsea, Gary Lineker said on Twitter: ‘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.’
Fellow England footballer Terry Butcher said: ‘He was just an absolute gentleman but a fierce winner. He was such a charismatic character.’ Sir Alex Ferguson said: ‘Ray was a great football man who was well respected and liked by all who knew him. He had a fantastic career representing some of the biggest clubs in the world including Chelsea, Manchester United, AC Milan and PSG.’
Wilkins – known in the game by his childhood nickname ‘Butch’ – played for 11 clubs and was on the coaching staff of several more.
A statement from Chelsea read: ‘ 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.’
Wilkins won the FA Cup with Manchester United in 1983 after a replay, scoring a memorable goal in the first drawn game against Brighton at Wembley. He won the Scottish title with Rangers in 1989.