Walton wrote:A proper footballer

A proper footballer and a damn good one too. Always came across well on TV as well and it is clear that no one had a bad word for him.

RIP Ray Wilkins - sad times.

Genuinely gutted to hear this. One of the players I loved watching as a kid and always thought he was extremely knowledgeable when on TV. As many have already said; he just seemed such a nice guy

I think Ray Wilkins was a fine footballer, coach and commentator about football, I also believe he was a genuinely likeable person and regret his passing

RIP "Butch."

Very sad to hear this. A friend just emailed me the news. I think Wilkins was a great footballer. Saw him play at TM in 77 when Billy Ingham scored a wonder goal against them to win us the game. Chelsea went up that year. By all accounts, Ray was a genuinely nice bloke.

Rest in Peace Ray. Great player

Seemed a thoroughly decent man when punditing, sad news to hear.

Awful news,still a young man with lots to offer..RIP.Ray.

Really sad to hear Ray Wilkins has died. A true football person. Thoughts to his family. RIP Ray.

Came across as very knowledgeable and a very decent human being. RIP.

Excellent player and a pundit who knew when to talk and when to keep quiet. Scored a cracker at Wembley in the FA Cup Final against Brighton in 1983 and celebrated it accordingly. Very sad news.

He was always polite and respectful, a throwback to a time when manners meant something.

ŔIP Butch

R.I.P Ray.
Superb player.
61 is far too young.

R.I.P. to a great player and above all a great person..My condolences to his family

Sad news, one of those footballing personalities who has been good in all his capacities, wether it be playing, coaching and the media work.

Sickening news. Was a favourite non Burnley player of mine, and only 10 months older than me.
RIP

Very sad news.

When I saw this thread was near the top I said to myself please no!

RIP Ray

Lancasterclaret wrote:Loved him on Football Italia

But another one of the ones you remember when you were a kid who has sadly passed away.

Just watching the Milan Derby and weirdly listened to a James richardson podcast today which he was mentioned in, keep thinking of hearing him as co commentator in this game.

Sad news. No age.

Only watched him on this coverage recently added to youtube last week talking about us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl-f8_Y_1As" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Will miss listening to him on talk sport. Very knowledgeable and seemed a real gentleman RIP

https://youtu.be/vK7PgbfJov8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

One of the great Cup Final goals

RIP Butch

Very sad news . Chelsea went pear shaped fo r while after his sudden departure. Makes you wonder if he could have been a hidden talent as a top manager. Seems the players respected him down there.

RIP

84 full linterntional caps and a great player and from all accounts a really nice fella.
RIP Butch.

The overwhelming majority of tributes confirm that not only was he a very good footballer, and a good pundit but he was a thoroughly decent man.

Thoughts with his family.

RIP

Just so sad.

RIP.

Nicked this pic off Twitter, he really rubbed shoulders with the best...RIP Butch

Always came across as a very decent bloke. Very sad news and at such a young age too.

A very sad loss to football and the world, a great footballer and a gentleman, no age at all and a real shame.

RIP Butch and thanks for the memories.

R I P Butch

Read the tribute from Nigel Quashie on his football debut. Brings home just how good a bloke Ray Wilkins was.

Herts Clarets wrote:

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Thats brilliant. Fair play.

very moving piece without a doubt.

Very sad he’s passed away. A fine player and true gent.
RIP Ray ‘Butch’ Wilkins

Some remarkable stories coming out about Ray. Not one person has a bad word to say about him and universally liked. I really hope his family can take some comfort from the stories of his kindness and willingness to help others.

I've only just read the news. I'd seen the thread when it started and it really didn't sound good at all. Very sadly, he's passed away.

On the Swiss Ramble Accounts thread I noticed that the accountant chap had included a tweet from Franco Baresi. Franco Baresi, one of the best defenders of all time.

This is what he had to say about Ray Wilkins:

"Right now I don't know what to say but it was an honour to have you as a team-mate. You were special, a gentleman both on the pitch and off it. Thank you, Ray Wilkins. RIP".

Coming from a man like Baresi, that's praise indeed.

For me, Ray Wilkins is a reminder of the "old Chelsea". Part of a young team that were promoted in the mid-seventies. A team including Ian Britton. Chelsea were inevitably "different" but I much preferred that football club than the one it's become.

RIP Ray.

Old enough to remember what a classy footballer he was. Listening to talksport this morning he was an classier man. Very kind, respectful and friendly.

A sad loss.

As they say only the good die young.

The crab was able to retain the ball before it was fashionable.

Nice fellow.
Remembered.

I think that's what I will remember about him, a very nice man who always had time for people, a man of respect. R.I.P. Ray.

Excellent tribute to Ray Wilkins by Nigel Quashie. It tells you verything you need to know about Ray but also about NQ.

I've just seen this on YT. It's powerful and very moving.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ydtvwe5bx7U" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;