The football world mourns the loss of legendary manager Joe Kinnear, who passed away at the age of 77 following a long battle with vascular dementia. Known for his managerial stints at Wimbledon, Newcastle, and other clubs, Kinnear left an indelible mark on the sport.
Kinnear's journey began in Dublin, where he was born to a father who worked at the Guinness brewery. Moving to Watford at the age of seven, Kinnear's passion for football flourished. After captaining Watford and Hertfordshire Schoolboys, he impressed at junior level and was signed by Tottenham Hotspur in 1963 as a promising right-back. He made his senior debut in 1966 and played 258 games for Tottenham, winning the FA Cup, the League Cup twice, and the UEFA Cup. Additionally, he earned 26 international caps for the Republic of Ireland.
His playing career concluded with a season at Brighton before retiring at the age of 30. Kinnear then transitioned to coaching, taking his badges and beginning his management career at Al Shabab Al Arabi Club in Dubai alongside former Spurs colleague Dave Mackay. He went on to coach the Nepal and India national teams and assisted Mackay at Doncaster Rovers.
However, it was his role at Wimbledon, beginning in 1992, that cemented his managerial legend. Kinnear led the team to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League in the 1993–94 season and was voted Premier League Manager of the Month three times. His tenure saw Wimbledon finish above clubs like Liverpool, Aston Villa, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Kinnear continued to manage until he suffered a heart attack before a league game in March 1999, standing down in June of that year. Wimbledon was subsequently relegated from the Premier League. After spells at Luton and Nottingham Forest, he returned to management with Newcastle in 2008, taking on the role with characteristic defiance.
In a heartfelt statement, Kinnear’s family announced his passing: "We are sad to announce that Joe passed away peacefully this afternoon surrounded by his family." He is survived by his wife Bonnie and their two children. Court records revealed that Kinnear left his entire £840,000 estate to his wife, demonstrating his enduring commitment to his family.
Kinnear’s career was not without controversy. His daughter, Russ Duffman, blamed his death on repeated head injuries sustained throughout his 11-year footballing career, which ultimately led to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), confirmed by an autopsy.
Despite the challenges, Kinnear’s impact on football is undeniable. As his family donates his brain for research, his legacy continues to contribute to the understanding of sports-related brain injuries.
Joe Kinnear will be remembered as a passionate, dedicated, and influential figure in football, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire future generations.
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