Former Wimbledon and Newcastle United boss Joe Kinnear has died at the age of 77, his family have confirmed.
Kinnear played as a defender for Tottenham and Brighton and Hove Albion during an 11-year playing career between 1965 and 1976, also winning 26 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
He then moved into coaching and had brief spells in charge of India and Nepal, eventually taking over as Wimbledon manager in 1992.
Read our other football news stories here:
‘Scandalous’ and ‘beyond embarrassing’: Ajax hit for six by Feyenoord
Muller driven by ‘resentment’ ahead of Arsenal vs Bayern clash
Tuchel names Bayern injury doubts for Champions League quarter-final
He spent seven years in charge of the Dons, leading them to a sixth-placed Premier League finish in 1993-94 and overseeing two further top-half finishes before stepping down in March 1999, having suffered a heart attack. The club were relegated the following campaign.
Kinnear then had spells in the Football League with Luton Town and Nottingham Forest before becoming interim Newcastle manager in September 2008.
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 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/goeKQbS935
— AFC Wimbledon (@AFCWimbledon) April 7, 2024
He endured a tumultuous four months in charge at St James’ Park before health problems caused him to be replaced by Alan Shearer, who failed to prevent the Magpies’ relegation to the Championship that season.
Kinnear – who was diagnosed with dementia in 2015 – passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon, according to a statement released by his family.
After news of his death became public, AFC Wimbledon said in a statement: “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.”
