The deeply saddening news that former Leeds United manager Terry Venables passed away on Sunday. at the age of 80, has seen a flurry of tributes pour in from the club's former players.

Venables' family released a statement through the League Managers Association saying: “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.”

Venables managed the Whites for 42 games during the 2003/04 season, at a time when the club was blighted by financial troubles, with key players sold. Despite the issues off the pitch, former players and fans remember the "genius tactician" fondly, as someone who was the "right manager at the wrong time".

We take a look at some of the tributes from our former players...

James Milner



Given his debut by Venables at the age of 16, James Milner posted shortly after the sad news was announced, "I will always be grateful for the belief he had, to put me into his team.".

Replacing Jason Wilcox for the last six minutes of our 4-3 win over West Ham, Milner would repay Venables by becoming the youngest player to score in the Premier League, with a goal in our 2-1 win over Sunderland.

The midfielder would go on to play 54 games for Leeds United, before winning an array of domestic and European honours with Liverpool and Man City, whilst representing England 61 times.

Paul Robinson



"RIP Terry, thoughts and condolences with family and friends" Paul Robinson also paid tribute to his former manager on Sunday, the goalkeeper having been the only player to have featured in every game during Venables’ tenure.

Upon becoming the manager’s choice as number one goalkeeper, replacing Nigel Martyn, Robinson made his England debut a few months later. 119 appearances for Leeds, the goalkeeper would also go on to play for Tottenham, Blackburn and Burnley.

Jonathan Woodgate



“He was such a great man and will be sadly missed. RIP Gaffa” was how former defender Jonathan Woodgate responded to the news. Venables once said he “would do everything and more” to keep a player he considered one of the crown jewels of his Leeds team.

Woodgate would play 24 times for Venables, before being sold to Newcastle against the manager’s wishes.

The two would link up again when Venables was England’s assistant to Steve McClaren, whilst Woodgate would also play for clubs including Real Madrid and Tottenham.

Dom Matteo



“Thank you for the memories” The arrival of Venables, and the departure of Rio Ferdinand, saw Dom Matteo handed the role of club captain, which he would keep for the following two seasons, until he left for Blackburn.

Injuries would limit Matteo’s playing time during the 2002/03 season, with the defender retiring from international duty in a bid to make himself available, as much as possible, for Leeds during Venables’ spell in charge.

Tributes from more former Leeds United players