London, April 08, 2024, The Europe Today: Former football manager Joe Kinnear, renowned for his tenure at clubs like Wimbledon, Newcastle United, and Luton Town, has passed away at the age of 77, as confirmed by his family. Kinnear had been battling dementia since 2015.
Kinnear’s family announced his peaceful passing, stating, “We are sad to announce that Joe passed away peacefully this afternoon surrounded by his family.”
Joe Kinnear, hailing from Dublin, enjoyed a notable playing career, featuring for Tottenham Hotspur and earning 26 caps for the Republic of Ireland over an 11-year span.
During his tenure at Tottenham, Kinnear made 258 appearances, scoring twice, and lifted major trophies such as the FA Cup, League Cup twice, and the UEFA Cup.
Kinnear ventured into management with India’s national team in 1983 before transitioning to clubs like Doncaster Rovers, Wimbledon, Luton Town, and Nottingham Forest. His notable achievement came at Wimbledon, where he guided the team to a sixth-place Premier League finish in 1993-94, earning him the LMA Manager of the Year award.
However, Kinnear’s managerial career was marked by health challenges, including a heart attack in 1999 during his Wimbledon tenure. He later managed Luton Town and had a brief, controversial stint at Newcastle United as caretaker manager.
His impact on English football, particularly his time with Wimbledon during their ‘Crazy Gang’ era, will be remembered fondly by fans and the football community alike.
Joe Kinnear’s contribution to the sport, both as a player and a manager, leaves a lasting legacy in English football. He will be remembered for his dedication, passion, and unique personality on and off the field.