RIP, Butch
England football hero Ray Wilkins dies at 61
RAY Wilkins was loved by football fans for his huge ability on the pitch and was treasured by colleagues for his generosity and kindness.
The former England captain, nicknamed Butch since childhood, died yesterday aged 61 after a cardiac arrest.
Fellow England legend Alan Shearer said: “He was always a true gentleman. He will be sorely missed by so many.”
Gary Lineker, who played alongside Ray for the national side, called him a “wonderful footballer and a delightful man”. He added: “No team-mate was more helpful and supportive.”
Ray had been in a medically induced coma after collapsing at his home in Cobham, Surrey, last week. His son Ross, 36, told the Mirror yesterday: “Dad has unfortunately passed away.”
Cultured midfielder Ray won 84 England caps, playing at the World Cup in 1982 and 1986.
In a 24-year career as a pro, he represented clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United, Rangers, QPR and Italian giants AC Milan.
He stayed in football as a coach and manager and he became a respected pundit on TV and radio.
Ray battled alcoholism, depression and ill health in recent years.
Born in Hillingdon, Middlesex, in 1956, he came from a footballing family.
His dad George played in the top flight and Ray’s three brothers were also professional players.
He burst on the scene in 1973 as a 17-year-old prodigy at Chelsea and became captain aged 18 – the club’s youngest ever.
Ray made his England debut in 1976. During his decade in the team, he scored three goals and captained 10 times.
Despite being known as a fair and graceful player, he has the dubious record of being the first England footballer to be sent off at a World Cup. He got a red card at the 1986 tournament for lobbing the ball at the ref.
In 1979 – six weeks after marrying Jackie who was the Chelsea manager’s secretary – Ray was sold by the cashstrapped club to Man United for £850,000.
One of his best moments on the pitch was his sublime goal at Wembley in the FA Cup Final in 1983. United won the trophy courtesy of
a replay. Ray, who had a double heart bypass last year and a drinkdrive ban in 2016, tackled his booze problems after a drink-drive conviction in 2013. Realising he needed to climb out of a “deep, dark hole”, he booked himself into the Sporting Chance Clinic, set up by former England player Tony Adams. Ray said the prospect of destroying his marriage to Jackie and inflicting further
hurt on his family convinced him he needed to change his ways.
In a statement, his family said his death had brought them “great sadness”.
They added: “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.”
Ray had been treated by the country’s trauma team at St George’s Hospital, in Tooting, South London, after the cardiac arrest.
Ray won the league with Rangers in 1989 and also represented Crystal Palace, Hibs, Wycombe, Millwall, Leyton Orient and French side Paris Saint Germain.
He retired from playing in his early 40s, and managed QPR, Fulham and the Jordan national team.
But he will be most fondly remembered at Chelsea where he also held the roles of assistant coach and caretaker manager during his three stints at the West London club. Chelsea said he would be “dreadfully missed”, adding: “He was widely regarded by the many people who met him as one of the nicest guys in football, possessing a wonderful turn of phrase and a contagious love for the sport.
“Wilkins was a source of positive energy, a friendly face who knew everyone’s name and was generous to all with his time.
“Without question one of Chelsea’s greatest, most famous and most admired home-grown players, Ray was a muchleading
loved icon and ambassador.” Fellow Chelsea legend Frank Lampard described Ray as: “Full of kindness and humility, with impeccable manners at all times.
“He had respect and time for everyone and to me he was a mentor and a friend.
“I’m not sure they make them like Ray any more.”
Man United said: “Ray Wilkins will always be remembered as a top player and a wonderful man who everyone couldn’t fail to like.”
Ex-England player Ray Parlour said he was “absolutely devastated” by the death. And former England striker Stan Collymore said Wilkins was “wonderfully kind... with a cheeky wit always lurking underneath”.
FORMER England captain Ray Wilkins was one of the nicest people in football – a gent who never let fame turn his head.
Butch passing too soon, at the age of 61, is a tragedy for his family. We hope the condolences from so many of his fans bring them a little comfort at this very difficult time.