We are saddened to hear about the passing of former England international Ray Wilkins.
The news of his death was announced on Wednesday afternoon and we are shocked to lose another of English football’s most recognisable faces, and voices, in the space of a few months.
Chairman Greg Clarke said: “I am deeply saddened to hear this news. Ray Wilkins was a warm and kind-hearted man, who always had time for others. Through his broadcast work later in life he shared his love and knowledge of the game with millions of football fans.
“Before then of course he was a wonderful player who made 84 appearances for England over ten years, captaining the team on ten occasions. His lifelong commitment to the national team also saw him work with our Under-21s as part of his successful coaching career.
“He played for a number of top clubs including Chelsea, where he will always be most closely associated, Manchester United and AC Milan. Such a career underlined his ability as one of the finest midfielders of his generation. Ray will be much missed and my thoughts are with his wife Jackie, family and friends.”
Affectionately known as ‘Butch’ throughout his career, Wilkins represented clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United, AC Milan, Glasgow Rangers and Queens Park Rangers with distinction between 1973 and 1997.
Born in Hillingdon, west London, Wilkins began his career with Chelsea where he would make spend six years and captain the Blues before moving north to Manchester United.
During his spell at Old Trafford, he won the FA Cup in 1983, when he scored in the Final as the Reds were held to a 4-4 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion before winning the replay at Wembley.
His success was reflected on the international stage too, as he collected 84 caps for England after making his debut against Italy in 1976.
He featured in the European Championship of 1980 and the World Cups of 1982 and 1986, scoring three goals with his strike against Belgium at the Euros being particularly memorable and captaining the Three Lions on ten occasions.
After retiring as a player, Wilkins embarked on a coaching career which saw him enjoy spells with QPR, Crystal Palace, Watford, Millwall and Chelsea, where he was part of the staff when the Blues won the FA Cup in 2010.
He also worked with England U21s, as an assistant coach to Peter Taylor between 2004 and 2007.
Ray Wilkins. Rest In Peace.
