Spurs in History - 14th July

Keith Burkinshaw, Spurs' second most successful manager, with new signings Ossie and Ricky

14th July, 1976

Spurs were looking for a new manager. Less than two years after replacing Bill Nicholson, Terry Neill resigned. It was reported that he had fallen out with the directors during the close season tour to Australia.

After deliberating for three weeks, not long by today’s standards, the appointment of a new manager was announced. Keith Burkinshaw who had worked under Neill at White Hart Lane was appointed as his replacement.

After a difficult opening season in which Spurs were relegated from the old 1st Division, Burkinshaw showed his worth and became a very successful manager at Spurs. He brought the club back to the top flight at the first attempt finishing third in the 2nd Division, in a very close contest.

Then following a summer extravaganza when he signed Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa from World Champions, Argentina, the club took a few seasons to establish themselves in the 1st Division.

Burkinshaw brought success back to White Hart Lane with successive FA Cup wins in 1981 and 1982 and a UEFA Cup success in 1984, Burkinshaw's final game in charge. He had become the club's second most successful manager, after Bill Nicholson.

Concerned about the outside influences and pressures that were coming into football, Burkinshaw resigned, with the comment, 'There used to be a football club over there...'

Neill took up the vacant post at Arsenal, no surprise there then.