WIMBLEDON said they were “deeply saddened” after the news their former manager Joe Kinnear had died at the age of 77 over the weekend.
His family said in a statement: “We are sad to announce that Joe passed away peacefully this afternoon surrounded by his family.”
Kinnear was diagnosed with dementia in 2015, a year after he resigned from his last professional job, as director of football at Newcastle United.
Dublin-born Kinnear made 258 appearances as a defender for Tottenham Hotspur and earned 26 caps for Ireland.
He had spells as manager of India and Nepal and was briefly in charge of Doncaster Rovers before his first full-time manager job when he took over Wimbledon in 1992.
Kinnear guided Wimbledon to finishes of sixth, eighth and ninth in the Premier League as the club consistently punched above their weight and budget. He was named LMA manager of the year in 1994.
Kinnear led the Dons tanrtaslisingy close to a shot at silverware when they reached the semi-finals of both the League Cup and FA Cup in 1997.
Kinnear stepped down as manager after he suffered a heart attack before a league game against Sheffield Wednesday in March 1999.
“Everyone connected with Wimbledon was deeply saddened to hear the news that our former manager, Joe Kinnear, has passed away,” the Dons posted on X.
“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.”
Jason Euell, who played under Kinnear for four seasons, said: “Thank you for giving me my professional debut and playing a part in who I am today and who I was a player. Gone but never forgotten.”
Another former Don, Damien Francis, posted: “So sad to hear that Joe Kinnear has passed away. Thoughts with you Joe and your family.
“Gave me my debut for Wimbledon in the Prem, will always be grateful, so many amazing memories had with you. Rest well, Gaffa.”
Kinnear returned to management with Luton Town in 2001 and led them to promotion from the Third Division (now League Two) in 2002 and ninth the following season before he left in the summer 0f 2003.
Luton posted on X: “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.”
Kinnear’s last job in management was with Newcastle United for eighteen games in 2008-09.
Newcastle posted on X: “Newcastle United is saddened to learn of the passing of Joe Kinnear at the age of 77.
“The thoughts of everyone at NUFC are with Joe’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
