Spurs in History - 31st may

31st May, 1963

NSAFL Invitation XI 1 Spurs 5 (Friendly)

Having won the European Cup Winners’ Cup, Spurs undertook a three match tour to South Africa. This was their first visit to the country and in this first game, Welsh International, Terry Medwin broke his leg during the first half. So severe was the injury that Medwin was unable to play again and in spite of a lengthy battle to regain fitness, he had to retire through injury in the summer of 1964.

Medwin’s injury overshadowed the match in which the goal scorers were Frank Saul, Les Allen (3) and Cliff Jones.

Spurs in History - 30th May

30th May, 1967

FC Zurich 0 Spurs 2 (Friendly)

The F.A.Cup winning team went on a three game tour in Switzerland.

They remained unbeaten in all of the games and won this opening game with two goals scored by Jimmy Robertson. Only Cyril Knowles of the Cup winning team was not available, with young reserve, Tony Want, replacing him for the three games.

The Cup winning team played in this game and the final game with some of the reserves getting an opportunity in the second game.

In the other matches, Spurs beat BSC Young Boys 3-2 and completed a 4-1 victory over FC Servette.

Spurs in History - 29th May

29th May, 1974

Feyenoord 2 Spurs 0 UEFA CUP FINAL (2nd Leg)

Spurs knew that they were facing a very difficult task in this game as they were going into it on level terms from the 1st Leg. The task became even more difficult as fans rioted before, during and after the game.

Feyenoord went ahead in the first half and during half-time when Bill Nicholson should have been trying to focus the team on the task on hand, he was having to appeal to the fans for calm.

In the second half, Feyenoord continued to be in control and scored a second to end Spurs' record of never having lost a major Cup Final.

The behaviour of the rioting fans brought discredit and shame on the Club, the team and those who went to loyally support the players as they tried to win another European trophy.

Bill Nicholson was disappointed and disillusioned and his resignation a few weeks into the new season could be linked to the events in Holland, bringing to an end his long association with Tottenham Hotspur.

Team: Jennings; Evans, Naylor; Pratt (Holder), England, Beal; McGrath, Perryman, Chivers, Peters (Captain), Coates.

Spurs in History - 28th May

28th May, 1952

Saskatchewan F.A. 1 Spurs 18 (eighteen!) (Friendly)

The second game of the North American tour threw up this record score. Conflicting details of the scorers and half-time score exist but Spurs official handbook for 1952-53 states that as Spurs were 14-0 ahead at half-time, the teams exchanged goalkeepers and Ted Ditchburn’s display ensured that Spurs only scored four in the second half.

In other records, Sid McClellan is credited with scoring nine goals, Les Bennett (3), Len Duquemin (2), Dennis Uphill (2) and Chris Adams (2), although these don’t match the statistics and account given in the Handbook.

Spurs in History - 27th May

27th May, 1982

Spurs 1 Queens Park Rangers 0 F.A.CUP FINAL REPLAY at Wembley.

This was Spurs 66th competitive game of the season and Captain Steve Perryman had been an ever present. It was hoped that the replay would be more entertaining than the first game and Spurs started brightly, taking the lead from a Glenn Hoddle penalty after Graham Roberts had been brought down on a strong run from midfield.

Spurs controlled the game without looking like adding to the score but in the second half Q.P.R. came at Spurs who had to defend doggedly with Ray Clemence making a number of good saves.

In the end Spurs were just relieved to hold on and have some reward for their long and exhausting season. They finished fourth in the League, reached the Final of the League Cup losing to Liverpool in extra time and were defeated in the semi-final of the European Cup Winners Cup by Barcelona. They retained the FA Cup and were still undefeated in seven F.A.Cup Finals, the defeat by Liverpool being their first defeat in a domestic Cup Final and their first in a Final at Wembley.

Team: Clemence; Perryman (Capt), Miller, Price, Hughton; Hazard (Brooke), Roberts,Hoddle, Galvin; Archibald, Crooks.

Spurs in History - 26th May

26th May, 1962

Tel Aviv Select XI 1 Spurs 2 (Friendly)

The F.A.Cup winners went on a two game tour to Israel in the close season. With Maurice Norman, Jimmy Greaves and Cliff Jones unavailable, it was an otherwise full strength team that played in these games.

Spurs won this game through goals from Dave Mackay and Eddie Clayton while the final game four days later against Haifa Select XI was won by 5-0 with the goals being scored by Mackay, John White, Frank Saul, Les Allen and Clayton.

Spurs in History - 25th May

25th May, 1994

The outcome into the Football Association’s enquiry into the financial irregularities over alleged payments to players that had come to light because of the Alan Sugar/ Terry Venables court case was not known but the F.A. were putting in place arrangements should Spurs be found guilty and demoted to the 1st Division as punishment.

They announced on this day that Sheffield United who had finished 20th in the Premier League would take their place for the following season.

Spurs in History - 24th May

24th May, 1914

Stuttgart 1 Spurs 1 (Friendly)

During the close season Spurs played a series of games in Germany, Italy and Switzerland. They won seven of the nine games, drawing the others.

Details of the tour are sketchy but it is recorded that in Germany the atmosphere was tense and there was general hostility towards Spurs by their German hosts. With the outbreak of the First World War only two months away, almost anything was allowed when Spurs went on to the pitch. So bad was the situation that the Chairman, Charles Roberts, declared ‘no Spurs team will ever again visit Germany while I am still alive.’

And they didn’t, only returning for a tour in 1950, seven years after his death.

It was reported in the Tottenham Weekly Herald of the time that Spurs had returned from Germany, having signed a six-foot tall German centre forward from Berlin called Fred Strechfuss. (Does South Africa 2003 come to mind?) However, by the time the club Handbook was produced at the end of August, no reference was made of this new signing.

Spurs in History - 23rd May

23rd May, 1984

Spurs 1 RSC Anderlect 1 UEFA CUP FINAL (2nd Leg) (aet) [Won 4-3 on penalties]

The 1st Leg in Belgium had ended 1-1, thanks to a Paul Miller goal and this match developed into a titanic struggle as Anderlect went ahead on the hour. Spurs were without Ray Clemence and Glenn Hoddle injured while Steve Perryman suspended after being booked in the first game.

Their stand-in Captain, Graham Roberts, now became their inspiration and drove them forward in search of the equaliser. It came six minutes from time when from a corner, Ossie Ardiles hit the bar and the ball rebounded to Roberts who blasted it home.

Extra time was tense and then the penalty shoot-out brought forward and unexpected new hero, Tony Parks.

Roberts led by example and scored the first penalty, then Parks deputising for Clemence, saved the first penalty and after Danny Thomas had missed what would have been the winning score he saved the final shot before setting off on a jubilant stampede across the WHL pitch followed by his exultant team mates. The other penalties were scored by Mark Falco, Gary Stevens and Steve Archibald.

Spurs had won the trophy for their departing manager, Keith Burkinshaw and the celebrations went on long into the night.

Team:Parks; Thomas, Roberts(Capt), Miller(Ardiles), Hughton;Hazard, Stevens, Mabbutt(Dick), Galvin; Archibald, Falco

Spurs in History - 22nd May

22nd May, 1982

Spurs 1 Queen’s Park Rangers 1 F.A.CUP FINAL at Wembley (aet).

In their Centenary year, it was now down to this game if Spurs were to have any reward for a long and exhausting season which at one point had looked so promising. Fourth in the League, they had reached the League Cup Final and ECWC semi-finals and now success depended on this one game against 2nd Division Q.P.R., managed by Terry Venables.

It wasn’t a great game, Spurs, without Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa, were lethargic with weariness taking over and the doggedness of QPR making it very difficult. Scoreless after ninety minutes, Spurs went ahead in extra-time with a shot from Glenn Hoddle only for QPR to level and another replay was required.

Team: Clemence; Perryman (Capt), Miller, Price, Hughton: Hazard (Brooke), Roberts, Hoddle, Galvin: Archibald, Crooks.

Spurs in History - 21st May

21st May, 1974

Spurs 2 Feyenoord 2 UEFA CUP FINAL (1st Leg)

Spurs had reached their third European Final, the first English club to achieve this, and were undefeated through the early rounds. In a thrilling game, Spurs led twice but were pulled back by the soon to be crowned Dutch champions.

Spurs started well and it was twenty minutes before Pat Jennings touched the ball, from a back pass. They took the lead in the 39th minute, Mike England scoring with a header from a Ray Evans’ free-kick. However, they held the lead for only four minutes, a free-kick being bent round their defensive wall.

Spurs regained the lead after an hour from another free-kick with England involved but a Dutch defender got the final touch. With nine minutes remaining, Phil Beal went off injured and three minutes later Feyenoord equalised to give them the upper hand going into the second leg.

Team: Jennings; Evans, Naylor; Pratt, England, Beal (Dillon); McGrath, Perryman, Chivers, Peters (Captain), Coates.

Spurs in History - 20th May

20th May, 1967
Spurs 2 Chelsea 1 F.A.CUP FINAL at Wembley.

Spurs won the first all London Cup Final in a comfortable manner. It was only in the last few minutes that Chelsea became the force that everyone had expected them to be. The Spurs defence marshalled the Chelsea forwards and Alan Mullery and Dave Mackay dominated the game although the ‘star’ was Joe Kinnear, at right back, who played as if he was a seasoned professional but had only come into the team because of an injury to Phil Beal earlier in the year.

Jimmy Robertson scored the first after Mullery’s shot had rebounded to him and Frank Saul added the second in the second half. Chelsea scored just before the end but the Cup was returning to White Hart Lane.

Spurs had five F.A. Cup wins from five Cup Final appearances.

Team: Jennings; Kinnear, Knowles; Mullery, England, Mackay (Captain); Robertson, Greaves, Gilzean, Venables, Saul. Sub: Jones.

Spurs in History - 19th May

19th May, 1957

Spurs 4 Celtic 3 in New York (Friendly)

End of season tours were a feature of the 1950’s and Spurs had been to America for a series of exhibition matches five years earlier. On this occasion this was the only game to be played in America with the rest taking place in Canada.

Celtic took an early two goal lead before Bobby Smith scored. Celtic again went two up, only for Smith to pull one back before half-time. In the second half, Smith completed his hat-trick and Micky Dulin scored the winner.

Spurs and Celtic were to meet on three more occasions in Canada, Spurs winning twice with Celtic winning the final game of the tour.

Spurs in History - 18th May

18th May, 1991

Spurs' Last F.A.Cup Success

Spurs 2 Nottingham Forest 1 (aet) F.A.CUP FINAL at Wembley

A difficult season ended in glory but at the expense of injury to the star who had single-handedly brought the team to the Final. Paul Gascoigne had been the talisman throughout the early rounds of the competition and inspired the team in the semi-final.

However, he was so fired up for the Final that he appeared to be almost out of control and in fact lasted only 13 minutes when he was carried off injured. Spurs were a goal down from the free-kick that had been awarded for his reckless challenge and he could have been sent off for an earlier indiscretion.

The rest of the team responded positively to these set backs and gradually pulled themselves back into the game. Gary Lineker had a goal disallowed for off-side and then had a penalty saved after being pulled down.

Into the second half and Paul Stewart stepped forward and proved himself the hero by scoring the equaliser to take the game into extra time.

From a corner, Des Walker deflected the ball into his own goal and Spurs had won their eighth F.A.Cup, a new record.

The future of the club was still in doubt and Gascoigne’s career never really reached the heights that had promised before his serious injury.

Team: Thorstvedt; Edinburgh, Van den Hauwe; Sedgley, Howells, Mabbutt (Captain); Stewart, Gascoigne (Nayim), Samways (Walsh), Lineker, Allen.

Spurs in History - 17th May

17th May, 1972

Spurs 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1

UEFA CUP FINAL (2nd Leg)

Although ahead from the first game, this was a close, hard fought game. Playing their 68th competitive game, Spurs were drained but Alan Mullery increased their lead in the 29th minute when he threw himself full-length to head in a Martin Peters free-kick, injuring himself in the process.

However, he was able to continue and although Wolves equalised before half-time, they were unable to gain the ascendancy to threaten Spurs overall lead.

Alan Mullery went on to lift the trophy to give Spurs their second European trophy, the first British club to achieve that. It was to be his final competitive game for Spurs and while the rest of the weary squad retreated to the dressing rooms, he completed his own personal lap of honour surrounded by the jubilant fans.

Team: Jennings; Kinnear, Knowles: Mullery (Captain), England, Beal; Gilzean, Perryman, Chivers, Peters, Coates

Spurs in History - 16th May

16th May, 1987

Spurs' First Defeat in the FA Cup Final

Coventry City 3 Spurs 2 F.A.CUP FINAL at Wembley (aet).

The unthinkable had happened, Spurs lost an F.A.Cup Final.

A season that had promised so much had ended disappointingly with Spurs having nothing to show for all their exciting play and effort – David Pleat's ‘nearly’ team – beaten semi-finalists in the League Cup and third in the League. Spurs were favourites to win the Cup against unfancied Coventry and it had started so well with Clive Allen scoring his 49th goal of the season after two minutes. Coventry equalised shortly afterwards only for Gary Mabbuttt to restore Spurs’ lead.

In a very open game Coventry drew level to take the game into extra time and eventually won the Cup when a cross hit Gay Mabbutt and looped over Ray Clemence’s head into the goal.

Great disappointment and very hard on the great club player Mabbutt. A very disappointing end to a long season and especially for Glenn Hoddle who was playing his last game for Spurs.

Team: Clemence; Hughton (Claesen), Thomas,M.; Hodge, Gough (Captain), Mabbutt; Allen, C.,Allen, P.,Waddle, Hoddle, Ardiles (Stevens)

Spurs in History - 15th May

15th May, 1963

A European Night to Remember!

Atletico Madrid 1 Spurs 5

EUROPEAN CUP WINNERS’ CUP FINAL in Rotterdam.

Spurs produced their best ever display in a Final to overcome difficult opponents who were the holders of the trophy. Spurs went into the game without their inspiration, Dave Mackay who was injured. Nicholson was reportedly very worried about the Spaniards and built them up but Blachflower reminded the players of their own success and capabilities.

Jimmy Greaves gave Spurs an early lead and John White added a second. Then Atletico came back at Spurs putting them under intense pressure, eventually conceding a penalty but Terry Dyson, playing the game of his life, increased Spurs lead with a long cross that sailed over the keeper’s head. Greaves scored his second and Dyson did likewise to complete a glorious European night for Spurs - the first British club to win a European trophy.

All of Tottenham had moved to Holland for that game and they celebrated long into the night.

Team: Brown; Baker, Henry; Blanchflower(Captain), Norman, Marchi; Jones, White, Smith, Greaves, Dyson.

Review of Season 2006-07

Spurs’ Season Ends on an Upbeat Note!
(from Topspurs.com)

In August’s season preview, I raised the following questions:

Was last season the best it was going to get for Spurs?
Did Spurs overachieve last year?
Can they maintain their progress this time?
Will Carrick be missed?
Will Berbatov score regularly in the Premiership?

The answers have come during the course of the season and while at times early on as Spurs stuttered through some indifferent displays and results, it looked as if the response to the first two, would have to be in the positive now on the final day (with UEFA Cup football achieved for a second successive season) we can answer that Spurs have improved and didn’t overachieve last season.

Spurs have maintained their progress - in mid-season after losing at Sheffield United they threw off the shackles that had restricted them for much of the season and produced a level and style of football not seen at White Hart Lane for some considerable time. They played exciting football during an impressive period that brought Cup and League progress, lifting them to the heights attained last season, fifth, but with a refreshing, more open, attacking style of football.

Michael Carrick was missed and we all knew that would happen. Martin Jol had built the team around him and it took some time for the players to become accustomed to his absence. Zokora, Jenas and Tainio have now taken over the central midfield role and shown more authority as the season has progressed. Numerous injuries prevented a midfield partnership being formed with Tom Huddlestone having to play far more matches than would have been expected at this early stage of his career but he will have benefited the experience.

Dimitar Berbatov has not disappointed. He has grown in stature and reputation throughout the season. The early European games gave an indication of his ability and class and as he became accustomed to the Premiership so his worth increased. Naturally, rumours abound of ‘big’ clubs looking to take him from Spurs. Look at the league table to see why he and Keane and Defoe have been so important to Spurs’ position this year. The goals against column is similar to those of the relegated clubs but Spurs have managed to score thirty goals more than the clubs in the bottom three – that’s down to the combined contributions of the three strikers, reliable, consistent goal scorers. Those goals have lifted Spurs to fifth position and overcome the deficiencies in defence and without them Spurs would have experienced a totally different season. Every team needs goals and would give a king’s ransom to have strikers of the ability of those three. Berbatov can not go – Spurs took the money for Carrick and made Manchester United a better team – Berbatov must stay to make Spurs even better next year.

The season has seen Spurs again unable to keep a clean sheet – only six in the Premiership through the season, only one club with a worse record in the League, Accrington Stanley. The injury to Ledley King obviously was a factor but individually the players come with some considerable reputation – the England goalkeeper, an England prospect, a French international, a South Korean international and others but as a unit they continue to concede goals. Midfield inadequacies haven’t helped but even in recent months when the team has been more settled, defensively the team has been uncertain and prone to lapses. A break through into the top four will only come about if the defensive frailties are resolved.

Highlights of the season:
The UEFA Cup experience – eight successive wins and not just scraping past opponents but doing it in style.

The exciting, winning football which started with the win over Fulham in the FA Cup.

The array of ‘goal of the season’ strikes from Berbatov, Keane, Huddlestone – quite exquisite, and so many of them.

Disappointments:
The poor start to the season and meaningless displays at Anfield, the Emirates Stadium and Reading.

Losing out in the Cups after promising so much, especially having been in a good position in all of the games against Arsenal, Chelsea and Sevilla.

Goal of the Season:
Which of Berbatov’s goals could you select and some of Robbie Keane’s volleys? But I’ll select Paul Robinson’s goal for its novelty value and to set him alongside Pat Jennings, goal scores extraordinaire.

Most Haunting Memory:
The big screen at White Hart Lane, glowering down at us with the score:

Tottenham Hotspur 0
Sevilla 2

After seven minutes of Spurs’ biggest European game in years, we knew the European dream was over and the screen just emphasised the point and mocked all of us who has arrived with such optimism.

Best memory of the season:
Berbatov’s goal against Manchester City (I wrote this on Saturday evening) to secure a European tour for next season.

Jermaine Jenas’ goal against Arsenal – such joy around White Hart Lane!

Spurs have proved themselves this season – Martin Jol turned it around when it was looking dodgy so here’s to next season – full of optimism. Don’t disappoint us by selling Berbatov or some of our other top players – remember Mr Levy, you said it, “Tottenham Hotspur are not a selling club!” Make sure you prove it this summer.

COYS

Spurs in History - 14th May

14th May, 1981

Spurs 3 Manchester City 2 F.A.CUP FINAL REPLAY at Wembley.

If the first match was a disappointment, the Replay made up for it. Many thought that Ricky Villa had missed his chance in that game but Keith Burkinshaw kept faith in him and he was repaid handsomely.

Within seven minutes Villa had given Spurs the lead but this only lasted three minutes as City equalised with a spectacular goal. Both teams were creating chances and City went ahead five minutes into the second half from a penalty.

The match became tense with tackles flying in on both sides. In the 71st minute Spurs equalised with a goal from Crooks.

Seven minutes later, Ricky Villa stepped forward and dribbled around and through the City defence to score the most incredible Cup Final winner of all time – Saturday’s ‘failure’ had become the Hero with a never to be forgotten goal.

Team: Aleksic; Perryman(Capt), Miller, Roberts, Hughton; Ardiles, Hoddle, Villa, Galvin; Archibald, Crooks. Sub:Brooke

Spurs in History - 13th May

13th May, 1967

Spurs 2 Sheffield United 0 (1st Division)

A successful end to a season as Spurs, undefeated from mid-January, climbed to third place in the League and were looking forward to a Cup Final appearance against Chelsea in a week’s time.

With a full strength team playing, the goals to ensure Spurs 24th win of the season were scored by Jimmy Greaves and Frank Saul.

Spurs had won nine of their previous ten games, the only blemish on that record was a scoreless draw at Liverpool. Having lost on Boxing Day, the team suffered only one defeat in twenty League games and were unbeaten in eight Cup games. They won 13 of the League games and drew six.

Spurs in History - 12th May

12th May, 1994

Spurs were still suffering the consequences of the great fallout between Chairman, Alan Sugar, and Chief Executive, Terry Venables.

The previous year Venables had been sacked and the club’s business had been dragged through the media and the courts.

On this day, the F.A. formally charged Spurs with misconduct for alleged irregular payments to a number of players. These had come to light following the court case between Alan Sugar and Terry Venables and were allegedly paid to players between 1985 and 1989.

In an attempt to assist and co-operate with the F.A. Spurs had handed over documents which appeared to show that the payments had been made. This story would continue to dominate the whole club for some considerable time.

Spurs in History - 11th May

11th May, 1993

Arsenal 1 Spurs 3 (Premier League)

The final game of the season and the last occasion when Spurs left Highbury with three points. Arsenal put out a weakened team due to their Cup commitments but that didn’t detract from the pleasure of the Spurs supporters as the team completed the double over their North London rivals to finish eighth, two places above them. Spurs goals were scored by Teddy Sheringham and a young Scottish player, John Hendry who got two.

However, unknown to the mass of Spurs supporters around the world, was the behind closed doors activities in the Board Room that was about to bring to light the great fall-out between Alan Sugar and Terry Venables and drag the club’s good name through the newspapers and the courts for some considerable time.

This would be Venables’ last game with any responsibility for Spurs and what had seemed to be a glimmer of hope for a brighter future was to be extinguished beyond repair.

Spurs in History - 10th May

10th May, 1998

Spurs 1 Southampton 1 Premiership

Job completed, Spurs said farewell to Jurgen Klinsmann for the second time in three seasons. This second period had not brought the same success as previously but he had scored six goals in Spurs final three games of the season which had helped ensure Premiership survival.
Klinsmann signed off from White Hart Lane by scoring Spurs equaliser.

Also leaving Tottenham that day were Gary Mabbutt and David Howells who had served Spurs loyally over many seasons.

On this day in 1995, a former player became immortalised in Spurs folklore with his winning goal in the last minute of extra time for Real Zaragossa in the European Cup Winners’ Cup Final against Arsenal – it was, ‘Nayim from the halfway line.’

Spurs in History - 9th May

9th May, 1981

Spurs 1 Manchester City 1 F.A.CUP FINAL at Wembley (aet).

The 100th F.A.Cup Final produced a disappointing display from Spurs in a game which is best remembered for the long, lonely walk of a disconsolate Ricky Villa as he slowly trudged around Wembley, having been substituted.

Spurs record of being undefeated in Cup Finals was still in place but it was a close run thing and they were eternally grateful to City’s Tommy Hutchinson for deflecting Hoddle’s shot from a free kick past his own goalkeeper with ten minutes left.

Hutchinson had given City the lead after half an hour and Spurs were glad of an opportunity to redeem themselves on another day in the replay.

Team: Aleksic; Perryman(Captain), Miller, Roberts, Hughton; Ardiles, Hoddle, Villa(Brooke), Galvin; Archibald, Crooks.

Spurs in History - 8th May

8th May, 1979

Bolton Wanderers 1 Spurs 3 (1st Division)

An end of season game with nothing at stake for either team. Spurs had not tasted victory for ten games and were sitting in mid-table while Bolton were to finish six places below them.

This game was the debut of a young forward who had been a regular goal-scorer in the youth and reserve teams. Mark Falco scored on his debut and was to play his part in Spurs success of the early eighties and was Spurs top scorer in seasons 1984-85 and 1985-86. While not a classic goal-scorer he was strong and skilful, working hard to succeed where others had failed and is the only successful young goal-scoring forward that Spurs have produced since Len Duquemin in the fifties. In 162 League appearances, Falco scored 68 goals. He scored another 8 goals in Cup competitions and 13 in Europe.

The other goal scorers against Bolton were Ricky Villa and Jimmy Holmes.

Spurs in History - 7th May

7th May, 1977

Manchester City 5 Spurs 0. (1st Division)

The darkest day that I can remember in Spurs history. Spurs have suffered heavier defeats but this one meant that they had lost their place in the1st Division for the first time in 27 years. For so much of that time Spurs had seemed above such difficulties, winning trophies and being comfortably placed in the League.

This season brought about the reality of their position and threatened with the drop throughout the season, the team had rallied in the final few games but it wasn’t enough and this defeat brought about the ultimate penalty of relegation.

Players who had previously experienced success and young developing players had failed to retain the club’s position in the top flight but most remained to fight another day and the Board of Directors retained their faith in manager, Keith Burkinshaw.

It was Burkinshaw's first season as manager having been appointed in the summer following the resignation of Terry Neill who went on to manage Arsenal, his former club.

Burkinshaw had been Neill's assistant while the former Arsenal defender and captain, had been the unexpected and controversial appointment following the resignation of Bill Nicholson in 1974. While people were speculating on a dual managerial team of former Spurs' captain, Danny Blanchflower assisted by Johnny Giles, the Leeds United player. This was the recommendation of Nicholson himself but the Directors decided on Neill who was then manager at Hull City.

Spurs in History - 6th May

6th May, 1961

'The Double' Winners

Spurs 2 Leicester City 0 F.A.CUP FINAL at Wembley.

Spurs became the first club to win ‘The Double’ in the 20th Century. Having won the League, Spurs won the cup in unspectacular style, overcoming a team who had won at White Hart Lane earlier in the season.

The tension of the day prevented Spurs from performing as they had on many occasions during their memorable season and it was not until late in the game that Spurs took control.

Leicester overcame the early loss of their full back, Chalmers, to injury and battled gamely as he ‘hobbled’ on the wing. Bobby Smith scored a ‘magnificent solo goal’ after 69 minutes and Terry Dyson ensured victory seven minutes later with a headed goal from Smith’s cross.

Team: Brown; Baker, Henry; Blanchflower (Captain), Norman, Mackay; Jones, White, Smith, Allen, Dyson.

Spurs in History - 5th May

5th May, 1962

Spurs 3 Burnley 1 F.A.CUP FINAL at Wembley.

My first memory of Tottenham Hotspur FC - Spurs, as a young boy, watching the game on the television in a furniture shop while my parents bought a dining room suite -they still have it. What a way to start, although it was a couple of years before I would become devoted to the club and the fanatic that I have been for the last forty years.

Burnley had finished second in the League, ahead of Spurs who had the perfect start in the Final with Jimmy Greaves scoring, as he predicted, in the opening minutes and securing victory, after Burnley had equalised early in the second half, with further goals from Bobby Smith and a penalty from Danny Blanchflower.

Spurs had retained the F.A.Cup and secured a place in Europe which was to bring further success the following year.

Team: Brown; Baker, Henry; Blanchflower (Captain), Norman, Mackay; Medwin, White, Smith, Greaves, Jones.

Spurs in History - 4th May

4th May, 1963
Spurs 4 Sheffield United 2 (1st Division)

Another Jimmy Greaves goal scoring record.

This season, 1962 - 63, Spurs were looking to Europe for success but Greaves continued his phenomenal goal scoring feats by setting a new record for the number of League goals scored in a season.

The previous record of 36 had been set in 1930-31 by Ted Harper when Spurs were in the Second Division and equalled in 1957-58 by Bobby Smith.

Greaves created a new record of 37 when scoring Spurs third against United.

The other goals came from Frank Saul, Cliff Jones and Terry Dyson. Although three games remained, he failed to add to his total for the season.

The following year he scored 35 League goals and since then only Clive Allen has come near to his record, scoring 33 in 1986-87.

Spurs in History - 3rd May

3rd May, 1972

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 Spurs 2 UEFA CUP FINAL (1st Leg)

An all English Final, disappointed players and supporters alike who had been hoping for further success on foreign fields.

Both teams played cautiously and it was as the hour approached that Martin Chivers broke the deadlock with a majestic headed goal from a long free kick taken by Mike England. Wolves equalised from a quick free-kick, twelve minutes later.

Spurs were now under pressure until Chivers awoke from his ‘famed’ lethargy and collected the ball out wide and headed for goal to crash home a shot from thirty yards - a goal worthy of any final.

Team: Jennings; Kinnear, Knowles; Mullery (Captain), England, Beal; Gilzean, Perryman, Chivers, Peters, Coates (Pratt).

Spurs in History - 2nd May

2nd May, 1998

Wimbledon 2 Spurs 6 Premiership
 Scorers: Klinsmann (4), Ferdinand, Saib

Jurgen Klinsmann

Survival and what a way to do it!  After a long and difficult season Spurs were still fighting to retain their place in the Premiership.   Christian Gross’ appointment had not been successful and there was discontent among the players over his style of management.


The return of Jurgen Klinsmann had not brought about the hoped for revitalisation of the team and he had struggled to make a major impact in his second spell at White Hart Lane.  However, Klinsmann rectified that situation in just one game.  Spurs had taken an early lead through Les Ferdinand after a shot from David Ginola had hit the post.  They were, however, a goal behind as half time approached, until Klinsmann equalised. 

In the second half Klinsmann scored another three goals inside five minutes and then set up the sixth goal for Moussa Saib.  While Klinsmann scored the goals and claimed the headlines, David Ginola was unplayable that day, creating so many problems for the Wimbledon defence that future Tottenham player, Ben Thatcher was sent off.

Team: Walker; Carr, Calderwood, Campbell, Nielsen; Fox (Saib), Anderton, Berti, Ginola; Ferdinand (Armstrong), Klinsmann.

Spurs in History - 1st May

1st May, 1963

Spurs 3 OFK Belgrade 1 European Cup Winners Cup Semi Final (2nd Leg).

Holding a one goal lead from the 1st Leg, Spurs progressed to their first European Final. However, it was a difficult match and Spurs were made to fight all the way. Without Jimmy Greaves who was suspended, having been sent off in the first game, Spurs took the lead through Dave Mackay.

OFK fought back to equalize and put Spurs under considerable pressure. In a tense game, Bill Brown and all of the defenders had to be at their best and it was a relief to everyone when Cliff Jones restored Spurs lead before half-time. Bobby Smith completed the scoring in the second half to make Spurs the first English club to reach a European final - progressing 5-2 on aggregate.

In the Final Spurs would play Atletico Madrid in Rotterdam.