Former Chelsea Assistant Coach Ray Wilkins Dies at 61

By Dipo Olowookere

A former assistant coach of Chelsea Football Club of England, Mr Ray Wilkins, has breathed his last at the age of 61.

The death of Mr Wilkins was made known on Wednesday afternoon. He died after spending some days in the hospital.

Last month, the former Chelsea midfielder fell after suffering a cardiac. He was taken to St George’s hospital, in Tooting, south-west London and had been in critical condition.

“It is with great sadness we announce that Raymond Colin Wilkins passed away this morning.

“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,” family of the deceased announced on Wednesday in England.

During his nearly three decades of active footballing career, Mr Wilkins played the Blues, Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers, Rangers of Scotland, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and five other clubs.

During his active days, the deceased played for England and even captained the Three Lions.

Mr Wilkins played at two World Cup finals and won 84 England caps for himself. He became the fourth player sent off for England when he was dismissed during the 1986 World Cup in Mexico in a game against Morocco.

Reacting to his demise on Wednesday afternoon, Chelsea FC posted on its Twitter page that, “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.”

Also reacting, the Professional Footballers’ Association said, “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.”

Mr Wilkins had spells as manager of QPR, Fulham and the Jordan national team. He was also Chelsea assistant coach from 1998-2000 and then 2008 until 2010, when he worked alongside Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti.