Ex-Hibs and Rangers star Ray Wilkins critically ill after cardiac arrest

Former Hibs and Rangers midfielder Ray Wilkins is 'critically ill' after suffering a cardiac arrest, his wife has told the Daily Mirror.
Ray Wilkins is in a critical condition in a hospital in London. Picture: AP Photo/Tom HeveziRay Wilkins is in a critical condition in a hospital in London. Picture: AP Photo/Tom Hevezi
Ray Wilkins is in a critical condition in a hospital in London. Picture: AP Photo/Tom Hevezi

Jackie Wilkins told the newspaper that the 61-year-old ex-Chelsea, Manchester United and AC Milan player fell in the wake of the cardiac arrest.

“He’s in hospital, he’s had a cardiac arrest and is in intensive care,” the newspaper quoted her as saying.

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“He’s not in a good state at all, I’m afraid. He’s critically ill.

Ray Wilkins in action for Hibs. Picture: SNSRay Wilkins in action for Hibs. Picture: SNS
Ray Wilkins in action for Hibs. Picture: SNS

“The cardiac arrest led to a fall which has meant he’s had to be put in an induced come. It’s very, very bad.”

Wilkins had carried out media duties on Talksport and Sky Sports - he is a regular on both platforms - shortly before.

A winner of 84 England caps, Wilkins - known in the game as ‘Butch’ - played for 12 sides and was on the coaching staff of several more, but is commonly associated with Chelsea.

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He started his career there and spent six years with the Blues, while also having numerous stints as assistant manager. On one occasion, he led the side on a caretaker basis.

Rangers' Ray Wilkins in action. Picture: SNSRangers' Ray Wilkins in action. Picture: SNS
Rangers' Ray Wilkins in action. Picture: SNS

Carlo Ancelotti, under whom Wilkins worked at Stamford Bridge, once described him as having “real blue blood”.

Following the reports Chelsea tweeted: “The thoughts of everybody at Chelsea Football Club are with Ray Wilkins and his family tonight. Keep fighting Ray, you have our love and support.”

During his career as a player, he won the FA Cup with Manchester United in 1983 and the Scottish title with Rangers in 1989.

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Former club Leyton Orient sent Wilkins their best wishes on Twitter, writing: “Everyone associated with LOFC’s thoughts are with former player Ray Wilkins and his family tonight. Keep fighting.”

Ray Wilkins in action for Hibs. Picture: SNSRay Wilkins in action for Hibs. Picture: SNS
Ray Wilkins in action for Hibs. Picture: SNS

Wilkins is a regular on the Alan Brazil breakfast show on Talksport and a message on the show’s Twitter account read: “Ray Wilkins is one of the nicest men you could ever wish to meet and working with him on the show is always a joy. Keep fighting, Butch. From Alan & everyone at @talkSPORT.”