‘The end of an era’
Following four defeats in the opening games of the season, Bill Nicholson announced his resignation as manager of Spurs, bringing to an end his association with the club that stretched back to 1936, as player, coach and manager.
Although the Board, players and fans tried to persuade him to stay he was not for turning. The club’s greatest manager was leaving, citing the need for a rest from football. He had found the circumstances of the UEFA Cup Final defeat the previous May difficult to accept and was finding it more difficult to relate to ‘modern’ players. He remained in charge until a replacement was appointed but it was a great shock to everyone connected with the club.
Bill Nicholson’s name was synonymous with Tottenham Hotspur and he had known success as a player being a member of the ‘push and run’ team that won the 1st and 2nd Division Championships in successive seasons and as manager.
He managed the successful ‘Double’ team, F.A.Cup and League Cup winning teams as well as successful teams in Europe. He set the standards for THFC and the club has been striving to achieve them ever since.
Many managers and teams have found him a hard act to follow. It was a sad end to a glorious managerial career and unfortunately the Board chose to ignore his suggestions regarding his successor.
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