Ex England and Chelsea captain, Ray Wilkins, aged 61, has died at St George’s Hospital in London following a cardiac arrest.
The former Manchester United, AC Milan, Rangers and QPR player was taken to hospital in South London after falling in the wake of a cardiac arrest and was put in an induced coma before he gave the ghost.
Wilkins family released a statement of thanks thanking “Ray’s friends, colleagues and members of the public” for the many messages of goodwill.
They said;
“It is with great sadness we announce that Raymond Colin Wilkins passed away this morning.
“We would also like to say thank you for the many goodwill messages we have received from Ray’s friends, colleagues, and members of the public.
“Ray leaves behind his loving wife, Jackie, daughter Jade, son Ross, and his beautiful grandchildren, Oliver, Frankie, Ava, Freddie, Jake and Archie.
“We are asking for privacy at this very difficult time.”
Ray Wilkins won 84 England caps, Wilkins – known as ‘Butch’ – played for 12 football clubs and was on the coaching staff of several clubs too, but was more commonly associated and had one of his best relationship with Chelsea.
Chelsea said they were “devastated to learn of the passing of our former player, captain and assistant coach”.
The club added: “Rest in peace, Ray, you will be dreadfully missed.”
Everybody associated with Chelsea Football Club is devastated to learn of the passing of our former player, captain and assistant coach, Ray Wilkins. Rest in peace, Ray, you will be dreadfully missed. pic.twitter.com/cSDhloOPDZ
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 4, 2018
After football, Ray Wilkins was working as a TV and radio pundit and was regular on Talksport and Skysport shortly before his demise.
As a player, he won the FA Cup with Manchester United in 1983 and the Scottish league title with Rangers in 1989.
Wilkins had spells as manager of QPR, Fulham and the Jordan national team.
He was also Chelsea assistant coach from 2008 until 2010, working alongside Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti.
During his career as a player, Wilkins won the FA Cup with Manchester United in 1983 and the Scottish title with Rangers in 1989.
We’re devastated to hear the news that Ray Wilkins has passed away at the age of 61.
Wilkins made 84 appearances for the #ThreeLions, and was assistant manager of our Under-21s between 2004 and 2007.
We will miss you, Ray. pic.twitter.com/kZJWipsvTq
— England (@England) April 4, 2018
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ray Wilkins. The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with his family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/QkXJQ2GuDf
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 4, 2018
RIP Ray Wilkins ????
— Charlie Adam (@Charlie26Adam) April 4, 2018
The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Manchester United are with the family, friends and colleagues of our former midfielder Ray Wilkins, following his tragic passing. pic.twitter.com/38w2MW86eg
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 4, 2018
Our thoughts are with all of the family and friends connected to a truly great football man in Ray Wilkins, who has passed away at the age of 61. pic.twitter.com/TN9LAjymEk
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) April 4, 2018
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we have learnt that former England midfielder Ray Wilkins has passed away, aged 61.
The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the PFA are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/pr0JBahJgQ
— PFA (@PFA) April 4, 2018
So sorry to hear about Ray Wilkins a great player and a true gentleman RIP
— Chris waddle (@chriswaddle93) April 4, 2018
Sad and chocked to hear of the passing of Ray Wilkins. A true football person with a totally underestimated contribution to our sport. One of the best I’ve seen. My thought are with his family. Rest in peace #RayWilkins @ManUtd
— Peter Schmeichel (@Pschmeichel1) April 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/FulhamFC/status/981521814810710016
Paul Clement, who worked with Wilkins as a coach at Chelsea.
Tragic news. Rest In Peace Ray. pic.twitter.com/uB1yAYmkZv
— Paul Clement (@PaulClement1972) April 4, 2018
Wilkins worked as as Tim Sherwood’s assistant manager at Aston Villa in 2015.
Everybody associated with Aston Villa Football Club is devastated to learn of the passing of our former assistant manager, Ray Wilkins.
Rest in peace, Ray. #AVFC pic.twitter.com/fk2uzGgseR
— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) April 4, 2018
Gary Lineker played alongside Wilkins for England.
Deeply saddened to hear that Ray Wilkins has passed away. A wonderful footballer and a delightful man. It was a pleasure to have played alongside him with England. No teammate was more helpful and supportive. I’ll be forever grateful. Thoughts are with his family. #RIPRay
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) April 4, 2018
Very lucky to have worked with Ray Wilkins. Impeccable manners, wonderfully kind and sincere with a cheeky wit always lurking underneath.
To his family and friends, the sincerest of condolences.
The football family has lost a lovely man. pic.twitter.com/gXE3KEwiWG
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) April 4, 2018
Absolutely devastated to hear Ray Wilkins has passed away. Great Guy, football legend. RIP Ray
— Ray Parlour (@RealRomfordPele) April 4, 2018
