Former Wimbledon, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear dies aged 77
Former Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Wimbledon manager Joe Kinnear has passed away at the age of 77.
Kinnear had been suffering with dementia having been diagnosed in 2015.
A statement from his family read: "We are sad to announce that Joe passed away peacefully this afternoon surrounded by his family."
Kinnear is regarded as a Tottenham legend having played for the club between 1965 and 1975.
In that time he made 258 appearances for the club and won numerous trophies.
These included the 1967 FA Cup, the 1972 UEFA Cup and the League Cup, which he won in 1971 and 1973.
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After leaving Spurs he joined Brighton where he spent one season before hanging up his boots and moving into management.
He was also capped 26 times for the Republic Of Ireland.
After moving into management, Kinnear spent seven years as manager of Wimbledon which included a sixth-place Premier League finish in 1993/94.
He later spent more than two years as Luton boss, before spending 11 months in charge of Nottingham Forest.
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His final roles of note came with Newcastle United where he was interim manager in 2008/09, before becoming their director of football in 2013.
Tributes have been pouring in for Kinnear from the world of football.
AFC Wimbledon’s official X account wrote: “Everyone connected with Wimbledon was deeply saddened to hear the news that our former manager, Joe Kinnear, has passed away.
“A true legend of the Club, Joe gave us some amazing memories that we treasure. Our deepest condolences go to his family at this difficult time.”
Luton Town wrote: "We are saddened to learn that our former manager Joe Kinnear has passed away at the age of 77. Our thoughts are with Joe’s friends and family at this time, Rest in Peace."
Newcastle United wrote: "Newcastle United is saddened to learn of the passing of Joe Kinnear at the age of 77. Joe worked at the club as both Manager and Director of Football. The thoughts of everyone at #NUFC are with Joe’s family and friends at this difficult time."
Former Wimbledon striker John Hartson wrote: Sad news hearing that my ex boss joe Kinnear has passed away.. My thoughts are with Joe’s wife Bonnie and the Kinnear family .. RIP Gaffer.”
Joey Barton, who played under him at Newcastle wrote: “RIP Joe Kinnear. “An absolute cracker Joe.
“Only worked with him a short while at NUFC before he had a stroke. Great fella, very knowledgeable about the game, loved the team environment. Loved all the banter. Football has lost another good one.
“Another whose family have struggled to get support from to care for him in times of bad health. Despite the mounting evidence about heading the football. No doubt he’ll get a fantastic send off.
“His press conference at Newcastle will always be a fond memory. He pulled no punches that day. Good luck in Valhalla Joe.”
Former Wolves midfielder Karl Henry wrote: “RIP Joe Kinnear.”
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Lord Alan Sugar, who previously owned Tottenham, wrote: “Sad news Joe Kinnear has passed away R.I.P.”
Comedian and Wimbledon fan Geoff Norcott wrote: “Sad news about Joe Kinnear. Naturally people will remember him helping Wimbledon finish sixth, but he truly rescued the side in 91-92. We were plummeting and he got us playing the Wimbledon way again. RIP.”