Millwall boss Neil Harris has credited Ray Wilkins, who died on Wednesday, with showing him how to set high standards and the need to live up to them.
The former Lions assistant manager, 61, passed away on the 14th anniversary of the Lions’ historic 1-0 FA Cup semi-final victory over Sunderland at his former Old Trafford stomping ground.
The 84-times capped midfielder died at St George’s Hospital, Tooting, after a heart attack last week – and staff issued a statement from the family: “It is with great sadness we announce that Raymond Colin Wilkins passed away this morning. We would like to thank St George’s staff for the amazing work they have done to care for our beloved Ray.”
Harris, who played in the 2004 FA Cup final under Wilkins and manager Dennis Wise, said: “Ray was class – world class. Despite coaching and playing at the very highest level, he was a very humble person.
“But he also had stature – you could feel his presence as soon as he walked in the room.
“I was privileged to be coached by him. There was no ego, but calm, methodical composure.
“He was never late – even if the motorway was shut. ‘Leave earlier, fella,’ he would say.
“I am always clean shaven on matchday because I was always worried he would see me.
“Sometimes, as a coach, if you can practise what you preach, it doesn half help. And, even in his late 40s with us, his eye for a pass was phenomenal. Then he would say ‘Would you like me to show you that with my left foot too?'”
Wilkins was a father figure to both Harris and Livermore – whose common bond is that they lost their own fathers during their playing careers.
Livermore said: “He had a way with words which, coming from someone who had achieved so much, made you feel eight foot tall.
“When I was put at left-back, I had some of my best games on his side of the pitch. Maybe he made you feel better than you were. But rarely did he raise his voice.
“We could not have got to the cup final without him.
“Also, his timing was great – he understood the mood of the group. He could pick us up if we had lost by saying just the right thing or making the right joke.”
Former skipper Paul Robinson added: “We all loved him to bits. When I did my cruciate knee ligament, it was him who called to see how I was getting on. His death has come as a massive shock. He steered Wisey through some of the obstacles that the boss maybe didn’t even know were there. “
Ex-Lions winger Paul Ifill, another 2004 cup finalist, tweeted: “Ray you did so much to shape us young lads. You made us better people on and off the pitch you will be sorely missed.”
And midfielder Alan Dunne added: “Sir Ray Wilkins. A top coach, mentor and legend for the game. RIP fella.”
Ex-Den chairman Theo Paphitis brought Wilkins to Millwall as a player in 1997 and remained a lifelong friend – and revealed Wilkins first told him to sign Wise.
“We needed a Dennis Wise-type character. And Ray said: ‘Why don’t you get Dennis?’
“Then when I asked Dennis to be manager, he wanted Ray as his assistant – someone he could trust, with experience.
“I said ‘But managers always end up getting the sack and this will put me in an impossible situation, because I love Ray as a mate.’
“Ray’s response was: ‘I have had a few clubs and been sacked by a few. One more is not going to make a difference. I promise you, I am a big boy and can take whatever happens. I would love to work with Dennis.’
“And I was very grateful for that.
“It is quite numbing, really. I can’t take it in.”
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