Former Tottenham Hotspur defender and Wimbledon manager Joe Kinnear dies aged 77

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton defender Joe Kinnear had been battling with dementia.

Former Tottenham star Joe Kinnear has died aged 77, following a long battle with dementia.

The Republic of Ireland defender went on to manage Wimbledon, Newcastle United and Luton Town.

In a statement, the family of Kinnear said on Sunday evening (April 7): “We are sad to announce that Joe passed away peacefully this afternoon surrounded by his family. Joe, who was 77, had been suffering from dementia having been diagnosed in 2015. He will be remembered fondly by many – both as a player and a manager.”

Tottenham Hotspur said in a statement: “We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Joe Kinnear, a four-time trophy winner here at Spurs. He was 77.

“Spotted playing for non-league St Albans by Bill Nicholson’s assistant Eddie Baily, the defender arrived as a teenager in 1965 and was just 20 when he took his place in our FA Cup winning team of 1967.

“He went on to win the League Cup twice (1971 and 1973) and the UEFA Cup in 1972 on his way to 258 appearances in all competitions before leaving for Brighton in 1975.”

It added: “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”

Kinnear was diagnosed with early onset vascular dementia in 2015, although it was not known to the public until his wife Bonnie revealed the news in 2021.

Kinnear played as a defender for Tottenham during one of their more successful periods. The four cup wins came during a 10-year career in which he made 258 appearances in all competitions.

He was forced to retire aged 30 after just one season at Brighton but after spells as manager of India and Nepal, returned to England as caretaker boss of Doncaster Rovers.

Kinnear spent seven years in charge of Wimbledon FC during their infamous ‘Crazy Gang’ period in the 1990s, managing the likes of Vinnie Jones, Dennis Wise and John Fashanu.

AFC Wimbledon, formed in 2002 after the decision was made that Wimbledon FC would move to Milton Keynes and bcome MK Dones, said in a statement on Sunday: “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.”

After spells at Luton and Nottingham forest, Kinnear was appointed as manager of Newcastle in 2008, initially as interim manager before taking permanent charge in November of that year. His spell at St. James’ Park was not without drama, eventually cut short when the Republic of Ireland international was rushed to hospital for heart bypass surgery in February 2009. Kinnear returned to Newcastle as director of football in 2013 but lasted just seven months before resigning.