Spurs in History - 23rd October

23rd October, 2004

On the Saturday morning prior to the home game against Bolton Wanderers, the death of former manager, Bill Nicholson, was announced. It was a sombre White Hart Lane that watched a dull game which Spurs lost 1-2. The goal being scored by Robbie Keane.

Fitting tributes were paid to the former manager who had dedicated his life to his beloved Spurs and many floral tributes were left by fans as a sign of their great respect for the former manager.

23rd October, 1991

Spurs 3 FC Porto 1 European Cup Winners’ Cup 2nd Round (1st Leg)

Spurs were back in Europe after a six year absence due to the ban on English clubs. Early progress over Stockerau and Hadjuk Split had set up a potentially more difficult tie against Porto.

However, Spurs set about the first leg in a determined fashion and won with goals from Gordon Durie and Gary Lineker (2). Although Porto scored an important away goal at White Hart Lane, in the away leg, a fortnight later, Spurs defended their two goal lead to earn a scoreless draw.

The perfect way to progress in a European competition.

23rd October, 1987

Following newspaper allegations about his private life, David Pleat resigned as manager, after little more than a year in charge. his only full season as amnager had seen Spurs finish 3rd in the league, lose their first FA Cup Final, to Coventry City, and lose in the semi-finals of the Littlewoods Cup to Arsenal - after three games and Arsenal led on only one occasion - the final moments of the third game. It was a 'nearly' season that saw Clive allen as a lone striker beat Jimmy Greaves goalscoring record for the highest number of goals scored in a season - 49 goals.

23rd October, 1971

Spurs 6 Nottingham Forest 1 (1st Division)

Spurs enjoyed a great day against Forest who were to be relegated at the end of the season. The goals were scored by Alan Mullery, Martin Chivers, Martin (2) 1pen., Jimmy Pearce (2). Spurs had won the previous home game a week earlier by 4-1.

23rd October, 1938

Alan Gilzean was born in Coupar Angus in Scotland - he was to bewcome one of the stars of the successful Spurs' team at the end of the 1960s - early 1970s.