Terry Venables’ widow Yvette comforted by family — as thoughts turned to the footie legend’s funeral service

TERRY Venables’ widow Yvette was being comforted by family and friends yesterday — as thoughts turned to his funeral service.

Sources said relatives were likely to hold a quiet family service for the ex-England boss.

Terry Venables’ widow Yvette was comforted by family and friends yesterday

But it might be followed by a public memorial so football stars could pay their respects.

The former England, Tottenham and Barcelona manager, who led the Three Lions on a thrilling run to the Euro 96 semi-finals, died peacefully on Saturday aged 80.

Essex-born Venables has two daughters with first wife Christine and wed Yvette Bazire in 1991 but they had no children.

A source said: “It is all still very raw and the family are devastated.”

Yesterday, David Seaman, England’s Euro 96 keeper, hailed Venables as a “special guy” who was always smiling.

As a coach Venables would begin an era of success for Barcelona, where he earned the nickname ‘El Tel’, winning La Liga and the European Cup, while as manager of Spurs, he would win the FA Cup in 1990.

Speaking about Venables’ time as England coach, current Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate, said: “Terry opened my eyes to things that no one else has. He has fantastic tactical awareness.

“Every senior player in the group went away having learnt a lot from him, which is an achievement.”

In a statement, Terry’s family said: “We are totally devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness.

“We would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly sad time to allow us to mourn the loss of this lovely man who we were so lucky to have had in our lives.”