Spurs and the FA Cup 6th Round

By the 6th Round of the FA Cup supporters of every club are aware that it is only two games away from the Wembley Final and nowadays it's only one win away from a trip to Wembley with the semi-finals being played there.  The the 6th Round has brought Spurs many memorable moments but also times of great disappointment as the hopes of Cup success have been dashed for another year. 

  

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One memorable occasion was in 1982 when Spurs as Cup holders were drawn to play at Stamford Bridge against 2nd Division Chelsea who had defeated European Champions, Liverpool, in the previous round.  Spurs in an all white strip with yellow socks and as the game progressed everything clicked for them. Chelsea had taken a first half lead but gradually Spurs started to show their superior class with Glenn Hoddle giving a master class of ball control.   It was only a matter of time before Spurs would score and it came when Steve Archibald poked the ball home after the Chelsea goalkeeper failed to hold a Hoddle free-kick.  Spurs immediately stepped up a gear and within ten minutes were 3-1 ahead.  The second goal was a masterpiece.   Hoddle and Micky Hazard cut through the Chelsea midfield with an exchange of passes and, after Hazard's flick had left them wrong-footed, Hoddle crashed a 25-yard drive past the goalkeeper.  Hazard then confirmed Tottenham's superiority with a coolly taken drive and although Chelsea pulled a goal back Spurs coasted home on a wave of possession football.  The performance was even greater as Spurs had to displaying their passing talent on a bare pitch with a very uneven bounce.

In 1901, with fewer teams in the competition, Spurs had already reached the semi-finals but in 1921 they were drawn at home against the FA Cup holders, Aston Villa.  Having had a favourable draw in the earlier rounds, this was the first occasion they had met opponents from the 1st Division.  The clubs had met at the similar stage (4th Round) a year previously when a Tommy Clay own goal had taken Villa through.  This time, Clay and Spurs took revenge and triumphed when right winger, Jimmy Banks, scored midway through the first half, following a run by left winger, Jimmy Dimmock. In his book, Jimmy Seed, the influential Spurs player of the time describes how Banks saved his blushes with the goal.  Seed admitted that on occasions, in big games, he would ‘freeze’ and in this game as Dimmock crossed the ball, that’s what happened.  However, Jimmy Banks sized up the situation and hit both Seed and the ball as best he could.  The ball hit his knee and ended up in the Villa goal.  A freak goal and another piece of good fortune to take Spurs closer to success.

That match was watched by a crowd of 51, 991 spectators at White Hart Lane but it falls well short of the record attendance for the ground which was achieved in 1938.  On 5th March, 1938, Spurs’ record crowd of 75,038 spectators witnessed the team lose by a single goal to Sunderland.  At that time Spurs were in the 2nd Division while Sunderland were from the 1st Division.  However, a controversial refereeing decision denied Spurs an opening goal.  A Colin Lyman shot beat the goalkeeper but Jack Gibbons following up to make sure the ball went in, handled and although the referee gave the goal, a linesman flagged for handball and the goal was disallowed.

In 1961, however, the roles were reversed and the 6th Round draw took Spurs to Roker Park to meet Sunderland who were in the 2nd Division and their young team came closest to ending that season’s all conquering Spurs team’s dream of the ‘Double.’  By the end of that game Spurs were hanging on for a draw.  Cliff Jones had given Spurs the lead after nine minutes with a header from a partially cleared corner.  Bobby Smith hit the post just before half-time, but then the famous ‘Roker Roar’ lifted the home team and they equalised at the start of the second half.  Sunderland pressurised Spurs to the final whistle and tested them to the limit but where weaker teams would have succumbed Danny Blanchflower galvanized Spurs who held out for the replay.  It was a relieved Spurs team who prepared for the replay the following Wednesday and having escaped with a draw, they made no mistakes this time.  Sunderland had had their day and now it was time for Spurs to show their superiority.  Fans had queued for ten hours to get in and they saw Spurs sweep majestically into the semi-final.  Spurs were three ahead by half-time with goals from Les Allen, Bobby Smith and Terry Dyson.  After 65 minutes Dyson scored his second and five minutes later Dave Mackay completed the scoring.  Burnley awaited in the semi-finals.

In 1962, Spurs had to meet Aston Villa.  Spurs had beaten them 2-0 at Villa Park the previous season in the 5th Round and with home advantage recorded the same score this time.  In a typical cup-tie, in slippery conditions due to constant rain, Spurs hit the post twice during the first half, with shots from Terry Medwin and Jimmy Greaves.  However, Villa defended resolutely and the game remained scoreless but sixty seconds in the second half changed all that.  In the 47th minute, Danny Blanchflower scored with a low shot and a minute later, Jones headed home a cross from Greaves.

Second Division, Birmingham City were Spurs 6th Round opponents in 1967.  A visit to the Midlands saw Spurs held to a goal-less draw as the home team battled heroically to ensure Spurs could not play their natural game.  The Spurs defence also had be alert to thwart Birmingham and Pat Jennings had to make a number of important saves.  In the replay, order was restored and Jimmy Greaves threw off the shackles that had been imposed on him in the first game to score twice in the second half.  Terry Venables had scored two early goals and Alan Gilzean made it three before half-time.  Greaves’ brace and a final goal from Frank Saul completed the scoring after the interval and took Spurs to a meeting with Nottingham Forest.

In 1981, the draw was favourable to Spurs, a home game against Exeter City from the Third Division. Spurs couldn’t have been more delighted and were looking towards the semi-finals and beyond. Surely, a team with Perryman, Hoddle, Ardiles, Archibald, Crooks and Georgio Mazzon would have too much class for the lower Division team.  However, it took two goals from the central defenders to take Spurs into the semi-finals.  Exeter made Spurs fight all the way but two moments of Glenn Hoddle magic created the goals for Spurs.  Firstly, a Hoddle cross enabled Graham Roberts to score his first goal for the club and then from his free-kick Paul Miller scored after the goalkeeper had made a mistake.

The two recurring themes from the 1991 Cup triumph are Spurs’ worsening financial situation and Paul Gascoigne.  As the months passed so Spurs’ future outlook grew bleaker by the day but the one bright spot was the FA Cup and Paul Gascoigne’s ability to overcome injury worries and continue to amaze with his outstanding performances.  The 6th Round opponents were Notts County at White Hart Lane and if Spurs were expecting an easy victory over the 2nd Division side, they must have been in a state of shock when County took the lead.  Nayim scored to bring Spurs level and then a winner from the one and only, Paul Gascoigne, took Spurs to a semi-final tie against Arsenal.

Dismissal at the 6th Round is particularly disappointing as supporters watch other teams progress to the ‘big’ games of the semi-final and possibly the Final with all the added expectancy and media coverage that accompanies these games.  Reviewing Spurs’ games at this stage of the competition, it is surprising to find that many have a claim to recognition.  The 6th Round experience in 2005 took them to Newcastle and after conceding an early goal Spurs set about rectifying the situation but a certain referee managed to deny Spurs’ claims for at least two penalties and disallowed a goal which would have provided Spurs with the chance to bring the game back to White Hart Lane.  Undeserved defeat in such circumstances brings such frustration and disappointment.

An unexpected hero emerged from the five goal thriller at Upton Park in 2001 when Sergei Rebrov showed why Spurs had spent their record transfer fee to sign him.  His two goals and one from Gary Doherty gave George Graham’s team a thrilling victory and another chance to play Arsenal in the semi-finals.  Everything was up-beat at Tottenham after that win but behind the scenes all was not well and within seven days Graham was gone with Glenn Hoddle to be his eventual successor.

In 1999, the 6th Round draw took Spurs to Barnsley where they had lost in a 5th Round Replay twelve months earlier.  This time a David Ginola inspirational run and goal was sufficient to overcome the side that had suffered relegation at the end of the previous season.

In 1993 Spurs had to visit Manchester to play City and it was a memorable game, not just because Spurs won, but because of the football that Spurs played, the hat-trick scored by Nayim and the fact that the game had to be stopped due to a pitch invasion by the City fans.  City went into the lead but Spurs were ahead at half-time through goals from Nayim and Sedgeley.  In the second half Spurs took control with Nayim scoring twice.  Spurs had a goal disallowed and direct from the free-kick City went the length of the pitch and scored.  This was the signal for the City supporters to spill onto the pitch.  The game was halted and the players left the pitch for thirteen minutes while the mounted police restored order.

Wimbledon often proved a difficult side for Spurs to beat as they disliked their long ball, high pressured play and often came off second best.  In 1987, however, David Pleat’s side showed their worth in a visit to Plough Lane and with application and commitment went through as the skill of Chris Waddle and Glenn Hoddle provided the goals to ensure the ‘Diamond Lights’ were still shining for the semi-final tie.

Season 1955-56 was disappointing for Spurs in the League but the team showed great endeavour in the Cup and their 6th Round game against West Ham was one to remember.  At White Hart Lane on a very heavy pitch Spurs came from 2-3 down to earn a draw after captain, Danny Blanchflower, moved centre-half, Maurice Norman, forward to assist the attack.  It worked and Spurs were grateful to Tommy Harmer (pen), Len Duquemin and George Robb for the goals. In the replay Harmer and Duquemin both scored as Spurs won 2-1.

Three years earlier Spurs were involved in a three game thriller against Birmingham City at this stage of the competition. They had already played five games to reach the 6th Round and in those days extra replays were arranged to determine who went through rather than curtail the process with penalties as happens today.  The original match was at St Andrews where Spurs earned a 1-1 draw with a goal from Les Bennett.  In the replay at White Hart Lane Bennett again scored and with Len Duquemin ensured a 2-2 draw after extra time.  Spurs won the third game with a goal from Sonny Walters and went on to meet Blackpool in the semi-final.

In 1995 Spurs gave one of the truly memorable performances of the decade in their 6th Round game against Liverpool. Having fought back at Southampton Spurs had a visit to Anfield as their reward but it wasn’t a ground with many happy memories for them and Spurs weren’t given much chance. Liverpool took the lead late in the first half but Teddy Sheringham managed to equalize right on half-time.  In the second half Spurs played much better and it looked set for a replay but with two minutes remaining, Sheringham put Jurgen Klinsmann through to score the winner.  A great result for Spurs as they went on to meet Everton in the semi-final.

Spurs last experience of the 6th Round was two years ago.  Having defeated Bolton Wanderers 4-0 in a replay at White Hart Lane after a 1-1 draw at the Reebox in the previous Round, Spurs again needed a replay to progress.  The first match at Craven Cottage was goalless but in the replay Spurs recovered from conceding an early goal to score three in the second half.  David Bentley came on as a substitute at half-time and within a minute had put Spurs ahead.  Roman Pavlyuchenko scored after an hour and six minutes later Eidur Gudjohnsen added the third.

Progress to the next round, at such a late stage of the competition, is so sweet while failure is so disappointing.  Spurs want to experience more of that sweet taste of success. 

COYS

Spurs Home Record Against Manchester United

Spurs go into their match against Manchester United knowing that they haven't won a game in any competition against United since 2001, a total of 25 matches.  In the Premier League era Spurs have a very poor record against the traditional top 'four' teams of United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.  In recent years they have managed to bring to an end some shocking sequences against the other three but United have proved to be a continuing stumbling block. 

Home League Record against United:

P  74  W  25  D  25  L  24  For  120  Ag  99

Home PL Record:

P  19  W  3  D  5  L  11  For  21  Ag  32  

Looking at the overall home League record suggests there will be only one result, an away win to level the statistics out at 25 each with United, in the process, scoring their 100th League goal at White Hart Lane.


The horrendous record in Premier League games in recent years has done much to improve United's overall record against Spurs, with only three home wins and eleven defeats.
 
The Last Win
May, 2001 PL (h) Won 3 - 1  Korsten (2), Ferdinand
It was the final game of the season, United were already Champions while Spurs under Glenn Hoddle managed to finish the season with a win.  Spurs went ahead after seventeen minutes when Willem Korsten scored with a dipping shot from twenty yards after the ball fell to him from a corner.  United were level after five minutes, Paul Scholes, but two second half goals from Korsten and Les Ferdinand brought Spurs' season to a successful conclusion.  United were under strength as were Spurs due to injuries - but after nine games in charge, Glenn Hoddle's team finished the season in tenth position.
Team: Sullivan; Carr, Doherty, Gardner (Perry), Young; Korsten, Davies, Clemence, Leonhardsen, Etherington (Piercy); Ferdinand 

It was Looking So Good
The following September when United returned to White Hart Lane by half-time it was looking as if Spurs were going to have a memorable result.  By the end it was unforgettable but for all the wrong reasons.
Sept. 2001 PL (h) Lost 3 - 5  Richards, Ferdinand, Ziege
Dean Richards making his Tottenham debut put Spurs ahead after fifteen minutes, heading in from a corner.  It got even better when Ferdinand increased the lead ten minutes later.  On half-time, Ziege headed home following a flowing Spurs movement.  Perfect, or so it seemed.  The one thing Spurs didn't want to do was concede an early second half goal - they did, within the opening minute.  Suddenly, there were doubts and United completed the turnaround by scoring on another four occasions.

Last Season

Jan. 2011 PL (h) Draw 0 - 0
Spurs were disappointed to take only a point from the game against United who were top of the Premier League but such is the progress that Spurs have made in recent seasons, that United were satisified with the point and were content to use up time in any way they could.

Recent Results

Sept. 2009 PL (h) Lost 1 - 3  Defoe
Spurs had had the perfect start to the season under Harry Redknapp, four wins from the first four Premier League matches.  They also had the best start to this game, going ahead inside a minute through Defoe.  From then on United used all their vast European experience to bully Spurs out of the game and moaning constantly in the ear of the referee, even over decisions that went their way.  They drew level after twenty five minutes when Ryan Giggs scored from a free-kick for a foul by Palacios who was booked. He then was in danger of receiving a second card which United did their utmost to cause and was substituted at half-time.  Before the interval, however, United took the lead and although Scholes was sent off, Rooney added a third as he once again terrorised the Tottenham defenders.

Dec. 2008 PL (h) Draw 0 - 0
Heurelho Gomes produced a number of important saves to ensure Spurs took a point from this game.

Feb. 2008 PL (h) Draw 1 - 1 Berbatov
Spurs were foiled once again by United, the team who never know when they're beaten.  Berbatov gave Spurs the lead midway through the first half and Spurs looked like taking the three points, even though there had been a few close calls in the final minutes.  In the fourth minute of added time, United won a corner and Tevez got in front of Dawson to earn them a point and once again deny Spurs.

Memorable Matches (from a Spurs viewpoint)
Jan. 1996  PL Won 4 - 1 Sheringham, Campbell, Armstrong (2)

A great way to start a new year - live on television and convincingly defeating the League leaders and eventual Champions.  It was probably one of the best results during Gerry Francis’ managerial reign. 

Teddy Sheringham scored the first and although United equalised, Sol Campbell scored before half-time and then two goals from Chris Armstrong sealed Spurs victory.  Both teams had injury problems but Spurs overcame them much better although United’s keeper Schmeichel was injured in the warm up and had to be taken off at half-time.

 

May, 1987 1st Div (h) Won 4 - 0  Thomas, M. (2), Allen, C. (p), Allen, P.

David Pleat's team, in their final home game of the season, ahead of the FA Cup Final, had an emphatic win over United.  Spurs finished the season in third while United were eleventh.

Oct. 1965 1st Div. (h) Won 5 - 1  Johnson, Clayton, Gilzean, Greaves, Robertson

This game is remembered for the score line, for the fact that all five Tottenham forwards scored and for an outstanding goal  by Jimmy Greaves.  He picked the ball up inside the United half, ran at the United defence, going past a number of defenders before rounding the keeper to tap the ball into an empty net - a classic Greaves goal!   All five forwards scored that day – the other goals coming from Jimmy Robertson, Alan Gilzean, Eddie Clayton and Neil Johnson making only his third appearance.

Amazingly and unfortunately for Spurs, the return game in December also ended 5-1 to the home team. 

 

With Spurs increasing injury list, including doubts over Gareth Bale's fitness for this game, they will find it difficult to extend their run of twenty four matches since suffering consecutive Premier League defeats - in fact, since the beginning of the season when they lost to United and City.  After last week's disappointing result and performance, omitting the exciting opening twenty five minutes, Spurs really need a good result to strengthen their grip on third place, the title race having moved beyond them.  Any other result is going to bring doubts and be an encouragement to the chasing pack.  How Spurs recover from last weekend, will give an indication of the team's prospects for the rest of the season. 

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They Played for Spurs and Chelsea

Bobby Smith, Les Allen and Jimmy Greaves are just three of the players who have played for both Tottenham and Chelsea during their careers.  Looking back to the club's earliest days in the Football League and Vivian Woodward is a player who performed with distinction for both teams.

Jimmy Greaves

James Greaves started his career at Chelsea and made his scoring debut against Spurs at White Hart Lane in August, 1957.  In 1961 he had a short period in Italy with AC Milan before joining Spurs for £99,999, as Bill Nicholson didn't want him burdened with the label of being the 'first £100,000' player.  He marked his Tottenham debut with a hat-trick against Blackpool at White Hart Lane.  Spurs retained the FA Cup that season with Greaves scoring the first goal against Burnley and the next season he scored twice in the ECWC Final against Atletico Madrid as Spurs became the first British club to win a European trophy.  Greaves was in the 1967 FA Cup winning team and by the time he was transferred to West Ham United in 1970 he was Tottenham's record goalscorer - League: 220 goals, FA Cup: 32, League Cup: 5, Europe: 14.

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The leading goal scorers in the 1960 - 61 'Double' winning team both joined Spurs from Chelsea.

Bobby Smith who joined in 1955 was leading scorer with 33 League and Cup goals during the 1960 - 61 season, including two goals in the FA Cup semi-final win over Burnley and the first goal against Leicester City in the Final.  He also scored a goal in the1962 FA Cup Final against Burnley.  He was a typical 'old-fashioned' English type of centre forward who used to terrorise defenders and goalkeepers in the European competitions.  He joined Brighton in 1964 as the successful team of the early 1960s was rebuilt by Bill Nicholson.

Les Allen, the father of Clive Allen, was his strike partner.  He joined Spurs in 1959 and scored 27 goals in that successful season.  The arrival of Greaves led to him losing his place in the team but he remained with Spurs until 1965 being a very useful reserve to call upon at times of injury or loss of form.  He joined QPR and later became their manager.

Terry Venables joined Spurs in 1966 from Chelsea and was a member of the 1967 FA Cup winning team.  He left in 1969 to join QPR but returned to Tottenham as manager and led them to the 1991 FA Cup success.

Glenn Hoddle developed through the Spurs youth system to become a 'Legend' at the club.  His skill, vision and goals were a delight to behold and he was  a member of the successful team of the 1980s, winning FA Cup medals in 1981 and 1982, scoring the goals in the Final and replay win over QPR.  He left Spurs in 1987 and moved to France.  He played for Chelsea on his return to English football and managed them before returning to White Hart Lane as manager.

Mike Hazard grew up through the Tottenham youth scheme.  He was another member of the team in the early 1980s but suffered through competition with Hoddle, Ardiles and Villa.  A very skilful player with an outstanding passing ability who could score vital goals.  He played in the 1982 FA Cup team and the UEFA Cup winning team of 1984.  In 1985 he joined Chelsea but returned to Spurs towards the end of his career when Ossie Ardiles was manager.

Gus Poyet spent four years with Chelsea and joined Spurs in 2001, spending three years with the club, helping them reach the 2002 Worthington Cup Final.  After retirement he returned to Tottenham as Assistant to Juande Ramos who guided Spurs to Carling Cup success over Chelsea in 2008.

Vivian Woodward played for Spurs in their first season in the Football League helping them to promotion.  He was a true amateur with associations to the club since 1901 and was regarded widely as a 'gentleman' of football.  He became a director of the club in 1908 and played amateur internationals for England and captained the United Kingdom team which won the Olympics in 1908 and 1912.  He also played cricket and was often unavailable until the end of the cricket season.  In Tottenham's first season in the Football League he made 27 appearances, scoring 18 goals.  As Spurs prepared for their first year in the top flight the football world was shocked to hear of his retirement from football but the club was in even greater shock when a few months later he re-appeared with Chelsea for whom he played until the outbreak of the 1st World War.

From a similar era was Percy Humphreys who played for almost two years with Chelsea before joining Spurs in December, 1909, having lost his place to Woodward.  At the close of that season Spurs and Chelsea were battling against relegation and met in the final game of the season at White Hart Lane.  Tottenham won 2 - 1 and survived while Chelsea were relegated.  Tottenham's winning goal being scored by Humphreys who spent two years with the club.

Of more recent players, Graham Roberts spent two years with Chelsea, Clive Allen had a year at Stamford Bridge later in his career as did Neil Sullivan and Mark Falco.

Gordon Durie had five years with Chelsea before joining Spurs in 1991 and spent three years with the club.  Defender Jason Cundy signed from Chelsea in 1992.

Others who played for both clubs were Tommy Harmer, Johnny Brooks, Keith Weller, Colin Lee, Sid Tickeridge and Clive Wilson.

Of the current players, Wiliam Gallas joined Chelsea in 2001 from Marseille.  After five years he moved to Arsenal and joined Tottenham at the start of last season on a free transfer.  Carlo Cudicini moved to White Hart Lane from Chelsea in January, 2009 as goalkeeping cover, having spent nine years at Stamford Bridge.

Why Does the Tottenham Academy Produce So Few Successful Players?

The Tottenham Hotspur Academy spends vast sums of money annually in the search for talented youngsters who will develop into successful players at the club.  Why do they have such a low success rate?

New Training facilities at Bulls' Cross, Enfield

The evidence in the previous blog, 'Where Have All the Tottenham Academy Players Gone?' suggests that in the past twenty years only six players who have passed through the Academy/youth system at the club have developed into a regular member of the Premier League team at White Hart Lane.  While hundreds of youngsters can claim to have played for Spurs, a very small percentage have managed to make a career even in football's lower Leagues after leaving the club.  Why have there been so few success stories over the past two decades at Tottenham while other top clubs have produced players through their youth scheme?  Manchester United built the foundation of their Premier League successes on the young players who developed through the exceptional youth team which produced a list of international stars - David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Gary and Phil Neville.  Even smaller clubs who have slipped out of the Premier League in recent years  have seen their youth system produce players of a very high calibre.   Southampton have brought on Gareth Bale, Thoe Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.  Leeds United had to sell a number of their best youngsters to ensure their survival, including Aaron Lennon and Danny Rose while Nottingham Forest's youth system has seen players like Michael Dawson and Jermaine Jenas be sold on to clubs in the Premier League.

What is Wrong at Tottenham?
The young players in the Tottenham Academy are expected to play their football in the 'Tottenham' way - being able to pass and move, being confident on the ball and prepared to play football from the back.  The youth teams are required to play in a fashion similar to the senior team with the coaches aiming to develop their skills to play football as it should be played.

These players are given top class coaching and play for the Academy teams against other Premier League clubs.  They also have the opportunity to participate in tournaments around Europe so that they can compare and test themselves against the very best young players and teams. The recent success at the Eurofoot tournament and in other competitions in the past shows that the Spurs Academy is producing quality players at their level.  Spurs often include under-age players in their squad for these tournaments so as to broaden the experience of the players and the level of competition they are facing. For the club, the winning of such tournaments is not the chief goal, rather it is the experience that the young players gain from the competition although developing a winning mentality is also important.

Tottenham Hotspur have excellent facilities at Spurs Lodge and are developing a new training complex at Bull's Cross, Enfield for the first team and the Academy.

The club employs qualified and experienced coaches to oversee the development of the young players and have a nationwide scouting network.  The scope of the scouting operation is no longer restricted to these shores as the introduction of young players from oversees in to the Academy is becoming an important aspect of their work.

Everything would appear to be in place for Tottenham to produce high quality young players for the first team but why do these highly regarded 'prospects' who do so well at schoolboy and youth football not make those final steps up to the next level?

The answer, perhaps, lies with some of these considerations:

• Tottenham Hotspur as a club are too impatient for success to wait for the final development of their Academy players.  They require instant success so choose to purchase a player from another club rather than put their trust in one of the youth team. 

This has always been an issue for Spurs.  Even in the successful era of Bill Nicholson, the FA Youth Cup winning team of 1970 produced only one long-term player for the first team - Steve Perryman.  Other members of that team made some appearances for the first before leaving for other clubs, including Graeme Souness, Barry Daines, Phil Holder, Mike Dillon.  Others left without any first team experience but had successful careers - Mike Flanaghan and Ray Clarke.

• While the Academy players are provided with numerous opportunities to play competitive football up to the age of eighteen, their chances of  games after that become more limited as the club no longer has a team in the Premier League Reserve competition.  Young players now play in 'friendly' matches arranged for the Spurs XI or go out on loan to clubs in the lower Leagues.

The use of a Spurs XI, rather than having a reserve team, with young players going out on loan is a recent innovation so it will be interesting to see if it is any more productive that the previous system.

• Over the past two decades, Tottenham has been a club which has changed their manager every few years.  Every new manager brings his own ideas and requirements so their has been no element of stability within the club and this would have an effect even at youth level.  Each new manager has been aware that he is required to bring success to the first team and so that has been the focus of his attention to the detriment of players coming through from the Academy and so  restricting their opportunity for development in to the first team squad.  If the manager is under threat he doesn't have time to wait on young players and can't afford to put his confidence in them as they learn their trade in the first team, as mistakes could cost him his job.

It is widely speculated that Harry Redknapp will become the next England manager when Fabio Capello steps down next summer.  If that is the case then Tottenham's recent history of manager changes will continue.  There has also been the move away from the Director of Football role which the club had implemented for a number of years with David  Pleat,  Frank Arnesen and Daniel Comelli who each brought a different perspective to the position. David Pleat concentrated on bringing young players from other English clubs which saw the likes of Matthew Etherington, Michael Dawson, Simon Davies and Gary Doherty come to the club.  Frank Arnesen had wide contacts across Europe concerning youth football while Comelli brought in players from the Continent like Adel Taarabt.

• During the Premier League years Spurs have been a team which has been struggling to free itself from mid-table mediocrity.  A club which constantly feels it should be doing better but finding it difficult to break out of the constraints it finds itself in.  The senior players, in the many cases, have been under pressure to perform at a higher level than they've been capable of and so have not been in a position to nurture and support a young prospect taking their first tentative steps in the first team.  Ideally, a young player making his debut wants to go into a team that is playing confidently with senior players who are able to support and give them advise during a game.  Unfortunately, Tottenham Hotspur have not had a team like that - they have on occasions been more concerned with trying to avoid relegation or struggling to achieve a place in Europe, constantly playing catch up - nearly there but falling short.  Even with the improvement in recent years, it has never been easy, nothing has been guaranteed and there's been no room for a mistake.  Every match has been vital in the race for a Champions League place and the manager has relied on his experienced players.

The senior team has lacked a dominant leader, an inspirational player who in times of adversity has taken the game by the scruff of the neck and turned it round for Tottenham.  The role that Dave Mackay thrived on and that Steven Gerrard does so well for Liverpool.  Younger players need a player like that to look up to and follow their example. It is a long time since Spurs have had such a player.

• The Premier League teams have so many players in their squads that rarely is their an opportunity for a young player to get in to the team.  A top team can have seven internationals sitting on the bench as substitutes and some may not even have been included in the full match squad.  Both Spurs and Manchester City struggled last season with surplus players - David Bentley, Alan Hutton, Robbie Keane, Wayne Bridges and Emmanuel Adebayor.  This greatly restricts the playing opportunities for all young players. 

seven named substitutes, three to be used but no young players make it on to the bench.  Spurs have off-loaded some of their surplus players in the last transfer window, players who were taking up those positions but were very unlikely to be in the team on a regular basis.  Some younger players may now be given an opportunity late in a game to experience the pace and intensity of Premier League football as part of their development. Too many experienced players seeing out their contracts, leaves young players frustrated and feeling that they will never be given a chance to show their worth.  It was this sense of frustration that led to Spurs losing one of their brightest prospects in the early 70s.  Graeme Souness faced with Alan Mullery, Martin Peters and Steve Perryman ahead of him couldn't wait to be given a chance and created such a nuisance of himself that Bill Nicholson lost patience and sold him to Middlesbrough and the rest is history - Scottish international, captain of Liverpool's successful team of that period and winner of five League titles, three European Cups and four League Cups.

• The increasing number of overseas players in all divisions of English football is restricting the opportunity for young players to develop.  Prior to the arrival of Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa clubs in England had players from the four home countries and  Ireland.  The introduction of players from overseas developed slowly from that point but now it has taken over and  fewer 'home' players are playing in any of the Leagues. 

Young players from overseas are now being courted by the major clubs in England and this tendency will only increase in the years ahead.  The problem for these young players is being able to settle in England without feeling home-sick and clubs have lost promising youngsters for this reason with Paul-Jose M'Poku returning to Standard Liege during the summer after two seasons with Spurs and a promising period on loan with Leyton Orient last season.

• Tottenham tend to look for a particular type of player for their youth Academy.  Players who are highly skilled but many of them are lightly built and their stature and physique may be a hindrance when it comes to that final step up in professional football.

Good players will show through whatever their build - as the old saying goes, 'If you're good enough, you're big enough.'

• The expectations placed on the young players are very high and any player who is rated highly through international representation at their age-level and outstanding performances for the Academy teams will come under the spotlight even more which will fuel the supporters expectations even more.  Of the current group of young players at Spurs, Harry Kane who is only 18 years old has received high level recognition among fans because of his great goal scoring record for the youth teams.  This has brought him into consideration for the first team in the Europa League with his debut coming against Hearts.

Great things were expected of Steve Perryman when he arrived at Spurs in 1967, similarly with Glenn Hoddle and both went on to make it and fulfil their outstanding potential.  Today with the internet, messageboards, twitter and media fans are so much more aware of young players.  Previously, if a young player were doing well in the youth team or reserves, it would only have been those who attended matches and read the programme who would have an inkling of this young players success.  However, fans are now more aware of the young players at the club and how they are progressing.  The arrival of the young players who were signed during the summer may take the spotlight off Harry Kane and allow him to continue his development at an appropriate pace.

• Young players who are taken on by top clubs are footballer with natural ability are the outstanding players in schools' football.  Playing football has always been easy to them and they were confident in their ability, winning trophies with their school and on a personal level.  For some the step up to the Academy and professional football will come a s a shock to them.  For some they will no longer be the best player around and it will become a struggle and they may not be prepared for the application that is required to meet that situation.  These players may discover players who have had to work much harder in their younger days overtaking them through their hard work and endeavour.  Also players who mature early will be taller and stronger than those they are playing against at school level but when others catch up, the difference in level of ability may even itself out. 

As the young players are growing up they have the support of their parents and family who take them to training and attend matches each week.  However, as they get older they have to make decisions for themselves, especially if they are away from home and have a greater freedom.  Will they continue to show the discipline which earned them the opportunity at the football academy?  If they don't then their progress may be compromised. 

• Everything is laid on to help the Academy players in their development and some come to take this for granted and so lose the desire to push on and make the further sacrifices and effort that are needed to reach the highest level.

Even the best players can find things too comfortable and need to guard against complacency.

Hopefully, the current group of players coming through the Academy and the young professionals who are highly regarded will be able to overcome the many obstacles which stand in their way to becoming a top class footballer with Spurs.  With the required application and endeavour and the good fortune that is essential some of them must have an opportunity to have lengthy careers in football.  To the outsider, it looks and seems glamorous but for those young men who are working their way through the system, there will be uncertainty and many disappointments but in the end if they achieve their life long ambition, it will all have been worth it.

Robbie Keane - 100 Goals for Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs Fans Salute Robbie Keane

http://www.topspurs.com/newsnow/thfc-keano190108.htm

(for a record of all Robbie Keane's goals at Spurs use the above link to Topspurs)

Deep into injury time as Spurs hang on against a determined Sunderland and second half substitute, Robbie Keane, steps up to score his 100th goal for Tottenham Hotspur and most importantly secure the win and the three points. The fans rise as one to salute Robbie Keane.

However, go back a few weeks to the last game of 2007 - six goals against Reading and the club’s leading scorer for the calendar year of 2007 doesn’t get on the score sheet, in fact, he misses a penalty at 4 – 4 but sees Jermain Defoe save his blushes as he heads in the rebound. He is then substituted as the team wins 6-4.

That sums up the enigma that is Robbie Keane. Love him or loathe him, as some Spurs fans do, you have to acknowledge that he has an instinct for goals and frequently goals of the spectacular variety.

He has been described as a scorer of great goals rather than a great goal scorer and while there is an element of truth in that he has over the past couple of seasons added greater consistency to his game and the ability to be in the right place to knock in simple, goal-poacher’s type of goal as well.

Robbie Keane joined Tottenham in August, 2002 from Leeds United for £7 million as his former club slipped into financial ruin. Only turned 22 years of age, Keane had also played for Wolves, Coventry and Inter Milan. At the time there was newspaper talk that the signing was controversial due to a difference in view between the manager, Glenn Hoddle, and the Director of Football, David Pleat. Pleat was reported to be in favour of the signing while Hoddle was opposed to it, a view which could be supported as the manager left his new signing on the bench for the next game at Fulham which they lost from a winning two goal position.

Keane made his debut in a 3-2 home win over West Ham United and scored his first goal for the club in an away win at Blackburn three weeks later. He has now scored 100 goals for Spurs in all competitions and his second goal against Fulham on Boxing Day was his 100th Premier League goal, making him the thirteenth player to achieve that milestone.

Keane has developed his game to become creator as well as goal scorer and has developed a great understanding with Dimitar Berbatov as shown on numerous occasions, including by the cross that led to the Bulgarian scoring the first goal against Reading. He also won the penalty which led to Spurs going ahead.

Until recently, Keane had been so reliable and consistent when taking a penalty. His record shows 14 successful strikes from seventeen penalties. He was so calm and showed such composure, able to focus on the task and exclude all distractions from the opposition. He had previously only missed one penalty for Spurs, saved by Spurs now reserve keeper, Ben Alnwick, when he was playing for Sunderland at White Hart Lane.

Keane has shown great commitment to Spurs and has been the leading scorer for a number of seasons and even when omitted from the team, he has battled back into contention and shown a willingness to play from the substitutes’ bench. Able to play a variety of roles he has also combined well with other strike partners, Teddy Sheringham, Fredi Kanoute and Defoe.

For the early part of last season, manager Martin Jol rotated Keane and Defoe with Berbatov but eventually sided with Keane who could provide greater support to midfield as he often came to collect the ball before moving forward in attack. On occasions this was a fault in his play as when Spurs were under pressure Keane came further and further back leaving Berbatov isolated and Spurs brought more pressure on themselves.

Keane has many memorable goals – hat-tricks against Wolves and Everton, his juggling goal against Blackburn Rovers and the super strikes against Fulham in the Cup and in Europe. One other memorable moment was his dribbling and bamboozling of the Chelsea full back, leaving him on the ground, as he tricked his way up the line to eventually set up Aaron Lennon for the winner at White Hart Lane in November, 2006.

Martin Jol showed great faith in Keane, making him vice-captain, and he has accepted the responsibility as he did when appointed captain for the Ireland team. He is now their leading international goal scorer.

Last calendar year, 2007, Robbie Keane scored 31 goals in all competitions, 19 of which were in the Premier League from 32 appearances, keeping him ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo (18 goals from 31 appearances) and other strikers including Benni McCarthy, Carlos Tevez, Yukubu, Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba.

Last year started slowly for Keane who didn’t start a game in January and his first League goals didn’t come until late February when he scored two against Bolton Wanderers but was then sent off before half-time for handling the ball on the line following a corner. In his final seven League games of the season he scored nine goals and after a slow start to this season he scored another ten, bringing his total to nineteen.

To date, Keane is the fifteenth player to have scored one hundred or more goals for Spurs. That elite group is headed by Jimmy Greaves and includes Teddy Sheringham, Martin Chivers, Alan Gilzean, Bobby Smith and Glenn Hoddle, all Spurs ‘Legends’. Given his age and continued good form and avoiding injury, Keane could very quickly move well up that list.

Hopefully, Robbie Keane will continue to head Spurs’ goal scoring lists as the club move forward to claim some long awaited silverware in the coming seasons.

‘There’s Only One Robbie Keane!’

No Jurgen! Not the Man for Tottenham Hotspur

Jurgen Klinsmann as Spurs boss?

Jurgen Klinsmann is one of the names being put forward to replace Martin Jol at White Hart Lane but the club has already been down that road. Ossie Ardiles and Glenn Hoddle, former star players returned to the club as manager but with little success.

White Hart Lane is NOT the place for Jurgen Klinsmann. Spurs have tried that before and with disastrous results. They've brought in former players to manage the club to please the fans and it hasn't worked. Indeed, it all ended in tears.

Alan Sugar brought Ossie Ardiles from West Bromwich Albion in the aftermath of his fall-out with Terry Venables. He knew that he had to find someone whom the fans would accept and Ardiles fitted the bill. Ardiles' first season was a disaster with the club only avoiding relegation with a game to spare.


The following summer was a great time for Spurs as Ardiles signed Jurgen Klinsmann, Ilie Dumitrescu and Gica Popescu and the season started with a flourish of exciting, attacking football. However, as autumn turned to winter, the attacking flair envisaged by Ardiles couldn't outscore the deficiencies of the defence, so club and manager parted company after 18 months. Ardiles as a player was a hero to all Spurs supporters, but as a manager he failed in the Premiership.


Move forward six years and the club’s new owners are looking to impress the supporters and get them on their side. They remove the unpopular George Graham and replace him with every Spurs fans' favourite - Glenn Hoddle. An encouraging start is followed by twelve months of misery before the Board admit their mistake and remove Hoddle - it simply hasn't worked.


Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur wanted Hoddle to succeed as manager but he failed to take the club forward. Similarly to Ardiles, he had little more than 18 months as manager. Both Ardiles and Hoddle were worshipped by the supporters and such was their standing as players that the fans still remember them favourably, overlooking their management shortcomings.


Klinsmann falls into the same category. He was a great favourite as a player, although he was only at White Hart Lane for a short time in comparison to either Ardiles or Hoddle. But he could so easily fall short as a manager. His reputation in management is high following his handling of the German team in the World Cup. However, he has no experience as a manager or coach at club level which demands day on day involvement with the players and officials. Would Klinsmann give the long-term commitment needed for such a position?


Klinsmann seems to enjoy the American lifestyle of California - would he be tempted to return to the grey skies of Tottenham? It would appear to be unlikely and a tremendous gamble to put all your faith in someone untried at this level.
In the World Cup, Klinsmann was working with the best players Germany had available to him. Would he have the patience and temperament to work with lesser players? Would he have the desire to cope with all the demands of the players on a daily basis? His man-management skills would be sorely tested.


Klinsmann achieved a great deal with Germany and was rightly praised for his innovation and the style with which his country played throughout the tournament. However, that was for a short period. Would he be able to continually motivate players through a long season and would his natural enthusiasm extend to a wet November night at Grimsby for a Cup game?


As a player, Klinsmann enjoyed new challenges - he played in different countries and then moved on in search of something new. As coach to the German team he has shown the same ideology, resigning at the end of the tournament and looking for a fresh challenge. As manager or coach of a club side, there has to be that longer-term commitment and it’s uncertain whether Klinsmann would be prepared to make it.


His reputation at White Hart Lane is based on 18 months as a player. As a manager, he mightn't even last that long. In the short-term, it would be a tremendous coup to recruit Jurgen as manager/coach. The move would be surrounded with fantastic media hype but it is uncertain that he would be a long-term solution to the club's managerial problems.


Many international managers complain that they they miss the day-to-day involvement with the players that is part of club management. Klinsmann, on the other hand, seems ideally suited to that international management role as it allows him greater freedom to be involved in other projects. Spurs’ supporters wouldn't want to see Klinsmann come to Tottenham and suffer as both Ardiles and Hoddle did before him. Spurs supporters want to remember him as the player he was and not as a manager who has failed to achieve what he and the fans have been hoping for.

Spurs in History - 8th August

8th August, 1981

Glentoran 3 Spurs 3 (Pre-season Friendly)

Tottenham Hotspur, the F.A.Cup winners brought the trophy to Belfast and received a great welcome. Ossie Ardiles, Glenn Hoddle, Ricky Villa, Steve Perryman, Steve Archibald and Gaham Roberts were all present in what was an entertaining game.

New signing Paul Price played in place of Paul Miller and Mark Falco replaced Garth Crooks.

The local side gave a good account of themselves being one up at half time and Spurs had to work hard for the draw. Hoddle equalised with a penalty, Mark Falco (called Faldo in a local newspaper report) put them ahead only for Glentoran to equalise. Ardiles put Spurs ahead but with three minutes left the home side equalised.

Spurs in History - 25th July

25th July, 1987

AFC Bournemouth 4 Spurs 4 (Pre-season)

Two months after losing the F.A.Cup Final an almost similar team played out a high scoring draw at Bournemouth.

Glenn Hoddle had departed to Monaco and been replaced by Johnny Metgod with the other summer signing Chris Fairclough playing while Nico Claesen started ahead of Clive Allen.

According to the Spurs handbook the goals were scored by Chris Waddle, Steve Hodge and Clive Allen (2) who came on as a substitute.

Spurs in History - 19th July

19th July, 2001

Leyton Orient 0 Spurs 2 (Pre-season)

Managers have different ideas for pre-season preparations.

For a number of years Spurs had travelled to Scandanavia to play a number of early games to build up fitness before embarking on some more strenuous matches.

However, Glenn Hoddle’s preparations required the team to play a series of games against lower league opposition around London and the south-east of England.

This game was won with goals scored by Simon Davies and Sergei Rebrov who was trying to impress his new manager.

Although scoring in this game and another four in subsequent friendlies he failed to make an impression, most of his League appearances were as a substitute and he only managed to score once during the year.

Spurs in History - 19th June

19th June, 1993

Ossie Ardiles appointed Manager of Tottenham Hotspur

With the departure of Terry Venables, Alan Sugar required a manager who would appease the fans who were still very angry and in shock following the revelations and press attention of the previous six weeks.

Having missed out on his original choice, Glenn Hoddle, he turned to another Spurs' favourite, Ossie Ardiles who was managing West Bromwich Albion. Sugar realised that he needed to appoint someone who would be popular with the fans which he hoped would buy him time to restore calm and order to the club.

Keith Burkinshaw had been Ardiles Assistant at WBA but he did not follow him to White Hart Lane. It was former captain and record appearances holder, Steve Perryman who became his second in command.

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 - 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 - 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 - 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.

Klinsmann to Boss Spurs - No!

Jurgen Klinsmann as Spurs boss? Here's why it wouldn't work

It has been suggested that the former Spurs hero should return to White Hart Lane as manager. But the club has already been down that road with Ossie Ardiles and Glenn Hoddle - with little success.

White Hart Lane is NOT the place for Jurgen Klinsmann. Spurs have tried that before and with disastrous results. They've brought in former players to manage the club to please the fans and it hasn't worked. Indeed, it all ended in tears.

Alan Sugar brought Ossie Ardiles from West Bromwich Albion in the aftermath of his fall-out with Terry Venables. He knew that he had to find someone whom the fans would accept and Ardiles fitted the bill. Ardiles' first season was a disaster with the club only avoiding relegation with a game to spare.

The following summer was a great time for Spurs as Ardiles signed Jurgen Klinsmann, Ilie Dumitrescu and Gica Popescu and the season started with a flourish of exciting, attacking football. However, as autumn turned to winter, the attacking flair envisaged by Ardiles couldn't outscore the deficiencies of the defence, so club and manager parted company after 18 months. Ardiles as a player was a hero to all Spurs supporters, but as a manager he failed in the Premiership.

Move forward six years and the club’s new owners are looking to impress the supporters and get them on their side. They remove the unpopular George Graham and replace him with every Spurs fans' favourite - Glenn Hoddle. An encouraging start is followed by 12 months of misery before the board admit their mistake and remove Hoddle - it simply hasn't worked. Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur wanted Hoddle to succeed as manager but he failed to take the club forward. Similarly to Ardiles, he had little more than 18 months as manager.

Both Ardiles and Hoddle were worshipped by the supporters and such was their standing as players that the fans still remember them favourably, overlooking their management shortcomings. Klinsmann falls into the same category. He was a great favourite as a player, although he was only at White Hart Lane for a short time in comparison with the other two. But he could so easily fall short as a manager.

His reputation in management is high following his handling of the German team in the World Cup. However, he has no experience as a manager or coach at club level which demands day on day involvement with the players and officials. Would Klinsmann give the long-term commitment needed for such a position?

Klinsmann seems to enjoy the American lifestyle of California - would he be tempted to return to the grey skies of Tottenham? It would appear to be unlikely and a tremendous gamble to put all your faith in someone untried at this level.

In the World Cup, Klinsmann was working with the best players Germany had available to him. Would he have the patience and temperament to work with lesser players? Would he have the desire to cope with all the demands of the players on a daily basis? His man-management skills would be sorely tested.

Klinsmann achieved a great deal with Germany and was rightly praised for his innovation and the style with which his country played throughout the tournament. However, that was for a short period. Would he be able to continually motivate players through a long season and would his natuaral enthusiasm extend to a wet November night at Grimsby for a Cup game?

As a player, Klinsmann enjoyed new challenges - he played in different countries and then moved on in search of something new. As coach to the German team he has shown the same ideology, resigning at the end of the tournament and looking for a fresh challenge.

As manager or coach of a club side, there has to be that longer-term commitment and I'm uncertain that Klinsmann would be prepared to make it. His reputation at White Hart Lane is based on 18 months as a player. As a manager, he mightn't even last that long.

In the short-term, it would be a tremendous coup to recruit Jurgen as manager/coach. The move would be surrounded with fantastic media hype but I am uncertain that he would be a long-term solution to the club's managerial problems. Many international managers complain that they they miss the day-to-day involvement with the players that is part of club management. Klinsmann, on the other hand, seems ideally suited to that international management role as it allows him greater freedom to be involved in other projects.

I wouldn't want to see him come to Tottenham and suffer as both Ardiles and Hoddle did before him. Spurs supporters want to remember him as the player he was and not as a manager who has failed to achieve what he and the fans have been hoping for.

Spurs in History - 11th April

11th April, 1981

Spurs 2 Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 (aet) F.A.Cup Semi-Final at Hillsborough.

Spurs were on their way to Wembley until the referee intervened and awarded Wolves a last minute penalty for a fair tackle by Glenn Hoddle on Hibbitt who fell to the ground. Wolves equalised and extra time remained goalless.

Spurs had scored through Steve Archibald after four minutes but Wolves equalised a minute later. Just before half-time, Hoddle gave Spurs the lead from a free kick, that could justifiably have been a penalty. Spurs defended resolutely until the referee played his part but then we would have missed the excitement of the replay at Highbury.

Spurs in History - 7th April

7th April, 1982

Spurs 1 Barcelona 1 European Cup Winners’ Cup Semi-Final (1st Leg)

Spurs second semi-final in four days was a brutal affair. With the reputation of a footballing team, Barcelona left White Hart Lane with the chant of ‘animals’ echoing from the terraces. They used every trick possible to stop Spurs playing and unfortunately they achieved what they set out to do, leave London with a draw. Ineffective refereeing encouraged Barcelona in their tactics and it was not until early in the second half that he eventually sent off a Spaniard. Then to make matters worse Ray Clemence let a shot from 40 yards slip through his hands into the net. With five minutes left Graham Roberts scored from a Glenn Hoddle free kick.

A night of European football at WHL that is remembered for the wrong reasons.

Spurs in History - 29th March

29th March, 1986

Spurs 1 Arsenal 0 (1st Division)

Spurs had earned a point in a New Year’s Day scoreless draw at Highbury and in this frenetic, bruising return match, Spurs won thanks to a first half goal from Gary Stevens. Such was the pace of the game that only Hoddle managed to show his skill, inspiring them in a hectic ten minute spell around the goal, midway through the half, that could have brought more goals.

However, in the second half Spurs were less effective and only three outstanding saves by Ray Clemence earned his team the three points.

Despite a strong finish to the season Spurs finished tenth and manager Peter Shreeve was replaced by David Pleat.

Spurs in History - 17th March

17th March, 1956
Manchester City 1 Spurs 0 F.A.Cup Semi-Final at Villa Park.


Spurs were finding it difficult to progress beyond the semi-final, for the third time since the war, Spurs lost a semi-final tie at Villa Park. Tommy Harmer had played an important part in ensuring Spurs' progress to the semi-final but the manager, Jimmy Anderson, decided to drop him from this game feeling his light build would struggle against the stronger City defenders. However, Spurs struggled without Harmer and went behind but with time running out, Captain Danny Blanchflower (pic.) moved centre half Maurice Norman forward as he had successfully done in the previous round.

Although Spurs should have had a penalty, they couldn’t equalize and afterwards the manager was furious at Blanchflower’s changes. As a consequence, Blanchflower, a man of principle, resigned as captain and didn’t hold that position for the next two seasons.

17th March, 2001

Spurs 3 Coventry City 0 Premiership

Spurs' last game on St Patrick's Day was a comfortable 3-0 win against Coventry City who were relegated at the end of the season and it was the first game after George Graham's departure from White Hart Lane. The goals were scored by Les Ferdinand, Steffan Iversen and Sergei Rebrov and supporters were almost treated to a once in a life time experience - it looked as if Steffan Freund (pic.) was about to core his first goal for the club. He broke clear on the right and cut in on goal, his shot across goal beat the goalkeeper and with everyone on their feet, the ball slid past the wrong side ofthe post. So nearly a 'classic' moment.

Freund was totally committed but in over 130 League and Cup appearances for Spurs during his five years at the club from 1999 to 2003, he failed to score a single goal in a competitive match. His only appearance among the goal scorers was in a pre-season friendly against Stevenage Borough.

The team against Coventry was under the control of Graham's Assistant, Stewart Houston but he was replaced on a temporary basis by Director of Football, David Pleat while we awaited the arrival of the manager everyone wanted at White Hart Lane. It was no secret that the position was for Glenn Hoddle, it was only a matter of time until agreement was reached with Southampton so that Hoddle and his assistant John Gorman could take control at Tottenham. It duly happened and their first game in charge was the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal three weeks later.