Former Newcastle and Wimbledon manager Joe Kinnear dies

Former Newcastle United and Wimbledon manager Joe Kinnear has died at the age of 77.

His family announced the news in a statement on Sunday evening.

The ex-footballer had been suffering from vascular dementia since 2015.

Tributes poured in from the world of football following his death, with AFC Wimbledon calling Kinnear a "true legend".

Dublin-born Kinnear, who won 26 caps with the Republic of Ireland, joined Tottenham as a teenager in 1963 before making his debut in 1966.

He spent the next decade at White Hart Lane, winning the FA Cup in 1967, the UEFA Cup in 1972 and the League Cup in both 1971 and 1973, making more than 250 appearances for the club before spending his final season at Brighton.

The Irishman began his coaching career in Asia, working in the UAE and Malaysia, and then with India and Nepal.

On his return to England, he became Dave Mackay's assistant at Doncaster and eventually took the top job at Wimbledon in 1992.

There, he led the Dons to a sixth-placed finish in the top flight in the 1993-94 season, and took them to the semi-finals of the FA Cup and the League Cup in 1997.

In March 1999, Kinnear suffered a heart attack before a league game against Sheffield Wednesday and stood down in June of that year.

After Wimbledon, he went on to manage Luton Town, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Tap here

In February 2009, Kinnear was taken to hospital after feeling ill ahead of a Newcastle clash against West Brom.

It was later announced he needed a heart bypass, leading to Alan Shearer taking over at the club until the end of the season.

In a statement, Kinnear's family said: "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."

The statement added: "He will be remembered fondly by many - both as a player and a manager.

"His Wimbledon team finishing sixth in the 1993-94 Premier League was a phenomenal achievement."

Tottenham said they were "deeply saddened" by Kinnear's death.

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou told Sky Sports: "He's one of those players who will be remembered forever at this club, and a distinguished manager as well.

"Everyone I've spoken to about him said he was a real gentleman and he will never be forgotten at this football club."

Former Wimbledon striker Marcus Gayle praised the spirit Kinnear fostered as manager.

He told Sky Sports: "We had to band together, that was the only way to compete against the big boys of the league.

"His character would be needed in today's game. He put a smile on people's faces."

-sky news