They Played for Tottenham and West Brom

There have been surprisingly few transfers between Tottenham and West Bromwich Albion with only a small number of players who have turned out for both clubs at some time during their careers.

This is the fifty ninth season that Tottenham and West Brom have been opponents in League competitions with the vast majority of those taking place at the highest level.  However, very few players have represented both clubs and the only direct transfers between the two clubs involved Ruel Fox who moved from Spurs to West Brom in 2000 and Garth Crooks who went to Albion in 1985.

Garth Crooks

Garth Crooks

Crooks was an important member of the successful Tottenham team of the early 1980s.  He joined Spurs in July, 1980 for £650,000 and immediately formed an exciting goal scoring partnership with another summer signing, Steve Archibald.  The Tottenham team which had gained promotion in 1978 was struggling to score goals but the Crooks/Archibald partnership solved that problem as the team went on to win successive FA Cup Finals in 1981 and 1982.  Crooks scored in the replays of 1981 semi-final and Final but his contribution to the success tends to be overlooked due to the spectacular nature of the goals scored by Ricky Villa in both matches.  Crooks lost form and his regular place in the team and although he did appear more often in 1984 - 85, he was transferred to West Brom for £100,000 in August, 1985.  After a short period with Albion he joined Charlton Athletic. 

There's Only One - Ruel Fox.
Ruel Fox was signed by Tottenham from Newcastle United (yet another one), in October, 1995 for a fee of £4.25 million, making him, at that time, Tottenham's second most expensive signing behind Chris Armstrong who had been signed for a fee of £4.5 million the previous summer.  In five years with the club he made 106 League appearances, scoring 13 goals.  In 2000, he went on loan to Albion and joined them in a permanent deal during the summer for £200,000.

Freddie Cox
The first player to play for both clubs was Freddie Cox who was at Tottenham before and after the Second World War.  He signed in 1938, making his debut against Swansea Town in November of that year, scoring in a 1 - 1 draw.  Although the war took out a large portion of his career, he was still a regular member of the team until 1949.  He was a winger but with the emergence of Sonny Walters, Cox was allowed to join Arsenal for £12,000.  In 1953 he went to WBA as player/coach and later assistant manager.  On his retirement he went into management and masterminded Bournemouth's FA Cup success over Tottenham in 1957.

Steve Walford left Spurs for Arsenal in 1977 and towards the end of his career he had a period on loan with WBA.

Gerry Armstrong had a short time with Albion after returning from Spain.  He had left Tottenham and joined Watford in 1980.


Graham Roberts made his name at Tottenham and was a vital member of the 1980s Cup success.  He played in the FA Cup Finals and captained the team in the UEFA Cup triumph over Anderlecht in 1984.  Roberts led by example, scoring the equalising goal and taking the first penalty in the shoot-out.

He joined Rangers in 1986, Chelsea in 1988 and moved on to West Bromwich Albion in November, 1990.

Managers
Two former Tottenham players have been the manager of West Brom - Vic Buckingham in the 1950s.  They won the FA Cup and were second in the 1st Division in his first full season in charge. 

Ossie Ardiles had a season (1992 - 93) at The Hawthorns leading them to promotion, before joining Tottenham following the departure of Terry Venables.

They Played for Tottenham and Newcastle

Three players who have been among the most exciting to grace the white shirt of Tottenham were signed from Newcastle United.  Other players made the move from White Hart Lane to Newcastle while Ossie Ardiles has been manager of both clubs and Keith Burkinshaw was a coach at St James Park before arriving at Spurs.

Chris Waddle, Paul Gascoigne and David Ginola

If asked to name three of the most graceful and exciting players to play for Tottenham and these three would be among the first players mentioned.  All three moved to White Hart Lane and had an immense impact on the club.

Chris Waddle signed for Spurs in July, 1985 for a fee of £590,000.  He made 138 League appearances and scored 33 goals.  He made an immediate impression by scoring twice on his debut on the opening day of the season in a 4 - 0 home win over Watford.  He established himself in the England team during his time with Spurs and in 1986 - 87 he was part of the exciting team that David Pleat managed to 3rd in the League and to the FA Cup Final.  Spurs also reached the semi-finals of the League Cup.  In that team Clive Allen scored 49 goals in all competitions and Waddle was a vital part of the 5-man midfield which supplied their prolific striker.

By the summer of 1989, Terry Venables had taken over as Spurs manager and was building an exciting team with Paul Gascoigne and newly signed Gary Lineker to play with Waddle.  It was looking very exciting for Spurs fans but unbeknown to them Spurs' financial position was precarious and when Olympique Marseilles made an offer of £4.5 million for waddle it was too good an offer for both player and club to turn down.  To the great disappointment of supporters, Waddle went to France where he won the French title in each of his three years there and also reached a European Cup Final.  Spurs fans still lament at the missed opportunity of having the three England internationals, Waddle, Gascoigne and Lineker, playing in the white of Tottenham.

When he returned to England, Tottenham were in financial distress and Waddle joined Sheffield Wednesday.

Chris Waddle at Tottenham: 138 Lge App. 33 goals.  36 Cup App. 9 goals. 

Paul Gascoigne was an immense talent who brought exhuberance and an amazing talent to the football field.  He joined Spurs from Newcastle for a then record fee of £2 million, turning his back on Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United.  Under Terry Venables he blossomed into the best footballer in England and a regular England international.  He helped Spurs finish third in the League in 1989 - 90 and at that summer's World Cup in Italy, the whole world became aware of his precocious talent as England reached the semi-finals.

The following season he lit up English football as crowds flocked to see the World Cup heroes, Lineker and Gascoigne.  Not put off by the publicity he raised his game and in the second half of the season, almost single-handedly took Spurs to the FA Cup Final at Wembley.  That season he scored 19 League and Cup goals.  He scored seven in the League including an amazing hat-trick against Derby County with Peter Shilton in goal and six in both Cup competitions.

Spurs financial standing was in a critical position and there was much doom and gloom surrounding the club as the banks threatened to call in their debts and put Tottenham Hotspur out of existence.  Against this uncertain background the FA Cup started in January but Gascoigne with outstanding performances and goals to match managed to get Spurs past Portsmouth, Oxford United and Notts County, scoring five goals, to reach a semi-final at Wembley against north-London neighbours, Arsenal.

During the Cup run, Gascoigne had been playing with an operation that required surgery.  This was arranged for immediately after the 6th Round tie, in the hope that he would be fit for the semi-final.  Gascoigne recovered in time and took his place in the team at Wembley.  He was pumped up for that match against opponents who were looking to win the League and Cup 'double'.  Within five minutes he had given Spurs the lead with a free-kick from forty yards.  For an hour he was everywhere and involved in everything that was good for Spurs as they went on to win 3 - 1 and the Final against Nottingham Forest.

In the build up to the Final, Gascoigne became part of the financial solution to rescue Spurs.  A transfer was agreed for him to go to Lazio in Italy for £8.5million but in the Final an over excited Gascoigne made a rash tackle and damaged the cruciate ligaments in his knee.  He was carried off the Wembley pitch on a stretcher and went straight to hospital.  A goal down Spurs re-organised, re-grouped and won 2 -1 in extra time.

Gascoigne was out of football for a year but the deal with Lazio was re-negotiated and in July, 1991 he signed for £5.5 million.  He made 92 League appearances for Tottenham and scored 19 goals.  Gascoigne played for a number of different clubs but never again reached the level of performance he showed with Tottenham in those first three seasons.  His life has been blighted with many problems but he is held close to the hearts of every Spurs fan and it is to be hoped that he will find a purpose in his life and avoid the pitfalls that have so hindered him in the past.

Paul Gascoigne at Tottenham: 92 Lge App. 19 goals.  19 Cup App. 14 goals.

David Ginola was signed by Gerry Francis in the summer of 1997 for £2.5 million.  He was a great favourite on Tyneside and soon became a member of that elite group of players for whom spectators would willingly pay the entrance fee to see them perform at White Hart Lane.  He brought excitement and flair to the rather workman-like team that Francis had produced and his thrilling runs down the left wing, along with his cut-ins to strike at goal stay long in the memory of Tottenham fans as he gained hero status at the club.

Ginola arrived with Les Ferdinand, also signed from Newcastle, to provide the crosses for Ferdinand to score the goals but in his time at White Hart Lane he also added a versatility to his game by playing as a second striker or dropping back into midfield.  Within months of his arrival at Spurs, Francis was replaced by Christian Gross and the team struggled through the season to avoid relegation.  Ginola contributed to their survival with both flair and hard-work and while Jurgen Klinsmann received many of the plaudits it was Ginola who did much to preserve their status.  In the crucial success at Wimbledon, Klinsmann scored four goals but it was the play of Ginola which destroyed the dons defence and supplied the German with the goal scoring opportunities.  That day David Ginola was simply unplayable.

After the departure of Gross, the arrival of George Graham led many to believe that Ginola would be the first player sacrificed by the new manager in his efforts to produce an effective, hard-working team.  However, Ginola probably produced some of his best football at Spurs under Graham and his performances and goals took Spurs to Worthington Cup Final success and the FA Cup semi-finals in 1998 - 99. 

The FA Cup 5th Round tie against Leeds United is memorable for the quality of the goals that Spurs scored in the replay at White Hart Lane. A goal from Tim Sherwood had earned Spurs the replay but Darren Anderton and David Ginola scored two goals of outstanding quality to take Spurs into the quarter finals. Another amazing strike from Ginola which went narrowly past is equally remembered for the reaction of George Graham and the Spurs’ bench as they leapt to their feet in celebration, thinking that it was a goal.

The 6th Round draw took Spurs to Barnsley where they had lost in a 5th Round Replay twelve months earlier but on this occasion it produced a scintillating performance and a wonder goal from Ginola.  An inspirational run down the left from Ginola saw him leaving defenders floundering behind him so he cut in on goal to strike the ball past a bemused keeper.  This was sufficient to overcome the side that had suffered relegation at the end of the previous season.

His performances that season saw Ginola win both the PFA and the Football Writers Player of the Year awards.  In July, 2000 he reluctantly signed for Aston Villa for £3 million, neither the player nor supporters wanted him to go.

His time at Tottenham may have been short, three years, but the memories that David Ginola created are long lasting and he still has an affinity with the club and the supporters.

David Ginola at Tottenham: 100 Lge App. 13 Goals.  26 Cup/European App. 9 goals.

Others have also played for both clubs but none can compare to the Ginola, Gascoigne or Waddle:

Les Ferdinand the current striker coach at Tottenham joined in the summer of 1997 for £6 million and in five and a half seasons made 118 appearances, scoring 33 goals.  Injuries affected him badly during his first three seasons at the club when he only managed 12 goals.  He was part of the teams which reached the League cup Finals of 1999 and 2002.  He had his best period at the club in the third and fourth seasons when he scored 25 League and Cup goals but in the 2002 Final against Blackburn Rovers at Cardiff he was thwarted on three occasions by the Rovers goalkeeper, Brad Friedel, as the trophy headed north.  In January, 2003 he was transferred to West Ham United and scored his first goal for his new club against Spurs.

Stephen Carr was transferred to Newcastle in 2004 after thirteen seasons at Tottenham.  He came through the youth system at White Hart Lane and established himself as an important member of the team, attacking from the right and scoring vital goals.  he was a member of the 1999 Worthington Cup winning team and a full international for the Republic of Ireland.  In total he made 226 appearances, scoring 7 goals.  Injury hindered him and he was out for over eighteen months and on his return he had lost some of the impetus he had previously had and as the team struggled he looked for a new challenge in the north east.  He departed saying that he was moving to ' a bigger club' which infuriated Tottenham supporters who had previously idolised him before tiring of his seemimg lack of interest.

The Managers:

Ossie Ardiles managed Newcastle United from 1991 for a year but it was not a successful time for him as the club struggled against relegation from the 2nd Division.  In 1993, after a successful time at west Bromwich he was appointed manager of Tottenham by Alan Sugar.  the chairman was trying to appease irate fans who were displeased at the departure of Terry Venables.  It was difficult for Ardiles to take over in such circumstances and while supporters enjoyed his attacking team which included Jurgen Klinsmann, Teddy Sheringham, Nicky Barmby, Darren Anderton and Ille Dimitrescu, the team lacked consistency and he was sacked in October, 1994.  Although as a manager Ardiles was not a success, he is still remembered for his successful time as a player at Tottenham.

Keith Burkinshaw arrived at Tottenham from Newcastle to work as 1st Team coach under Terry Neill.  On Neill's departure in the summer of 1976, he was appointed manager and although the club suffered relegation at the end of his first season in charge, the directors decided to give him another chance and he built the successful team of the early 1980s which included Ardiles, Ricky Villa, Graham Roberts, Steve Perryman and Glenn Hoddle.  That team won the FA Cup in 1981 and 1982 and the UEFA Cup in 1984.

Other players who have played for both clubs are Garry Brady, Jim Iley, Mark Stimson, Ruel Fox and Kevin Scott.

Tottenham's Joy of Winning the Cup 2 (1981)

Thursday, 14th May, 1981 marks the night Ricky Villa became a Tottenham 'legend'.  He came back from the disappointment of a poor performance and being substituted in the first game the previous Saturday, to score twice, the winner being one of the best goals ever seen at Wembley Stadium.

1981 FA Cup Final (Replay)
Tottenham Hotspur 3 Manchester City 2

Ricky Villa's Wonder Goal Wins Cup for Spurs!

Ricky Villa lifts FA Cup

The 1981 - 82 season had been just another step in Tottenham's endeavours to re-establish themselves as one of the top clubs in the country.  Keith Burkinshaw had slowly brought together a group of players who were capable of playing football in the style associated with Spurs.  After the club's relegation in 1976 - 77 and promotion the following season it had taken time  for the team to blend together together and in the League Tottenham were only to finish the season in 10th position.

However, from early January and the 3rd Round of the FA Cup the players grew in confidence and belief in themselves that they progressed to Wembley for the 100th FA Cup Final.  That small step during the 1980 - 81 season had turned into a massive stride forward for the manager, the players and the club as they went on to enjoy more success in the coming years.

1981 FA Cup Final Replay (from youtube)

Road to Wembley:
3rd Round: v Queen's Park Rangers (a) Draw 0 - 0
Replay: v Queen's Park Rangers (h) Won 3 - 1  Galvin, Hoddle, Crooks
Happy to leave Loftus Road with a draw against 2nd Division QPR, Spurs ensured their progress to the next round with a comfortable win at White Hart Lane.  Ricky Villa missed the home game through an injury sustained in the first game.

4th Round: v Hull City (h) Won 2 - 0  Archibald, Crooks
A visit from another 2nd Division side but the two strikers signed the previous summer scored the goals required to take Spurs into the 5th Round.

5th Round: v Coventry City (h) Won 3 - 1 Hughton, Ardiles, Archibald
Another home tie but against 1st Division opposition who were dismissed and Spurs supporters started to consider the possibility of the Cup returning to White Hart Lane as the year did end in '1'.

6th Round: v Exeter City (h) Won 2 - 0 Robertts, Miller

The draw once again proved favourable for Tottenham with a home game against the last lower League team left in the competition.  However, Exeter proved more difficult than had been expected bur two goals from central defensive partners Paul Miller and Graham Roberts took Spurs to the semi-finals for the first time since 1967.

Semi-Final: v Wolverhampton Wanderers (Hillsborough) Draw 2 - 2 (aet) Archibald, Hoddle
Ricky Villa returned from injury to start his first game since the 3rd Round.  Steve Archibald gave Spurs an early lead only for Wolves to draw level.  Before half-time Spurs went ahead through Glenn Hoddle and retained their lead until going into the final minutes when Wolves were awarded a controversial penalty.  Hoddle was penalised for a tackle which took place outside the penalty area.  Wolves scored from the spot taking the game went into extra time but neither team could settle the tie so requiring a replay.

Replay: v Wolverhampton Wanderers (Highbury) Won 3 - 0 Crooks (2), Villa
Tottenham took over Highbury and Garth Crooks scored twice with the third coming from Ricky Villa - a fierce drive following a run from halfway.

FA Cup Final: v Manchester City (Wembley) Draw 1 - 1 (aet) Hutchinson (og)
In a game that was rather dour, Manchester City's non-stop commitment and effort denied Tottenham and they took the lead through Tommy Hutchinson after half an hour.  It was a disappointing display from Spurs who couldn't get their game going and with twenty minutes remaining Ricky Villa was substituted.  The lasting memory is of the Argentine forlornly and slowly making his way past the Wembley stands to the dressing room - dejected and disappointed with his contribution to the game.  However, eleven minutes from time, good fortune favoured Tottenham.  They were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area and when Hoddle struck it, Hutchinson in trying to defend it only succeeded in deflecting it into his own goal.  Tottenham had been given a second chance.

Replay: v Manchester City (Wembley) Won 3 - 2 Villa (2), Crooks

For the replay, manager, Keith Burkinshaw, made a brave decision to include Ricky Villa as many had expected him to be dropped after his poor display on the Saturday.  However, having been given a reprieve, Villa immediately set about proving the manager correct by scoring the opening goal after eight minutes, a good strike as the ball fell to him in the penalty area.  The lead was short lived as three minutes later City equalised with a well struck shot from the edge of the box.  In a game that was much more open than the first match, City went ahead with a penalty early in the second half.  Tottenham battled on and equalised with a goal from Garth Crooks.  Level with twenty minutes remaining either team could have won but seven minutes later, Tony Galvin made a short pass to Ricky Villa wide on the left just inside City's half.  Villa set off on a run that took him past the City defenders and on into the penalty.  He continued his mazy dribble with team mates waiting for a pass, until finally getting past the last defender he placed the ball beyond the despairing keeper to score the winning goal.

That wonder goal not only won the FA Cup for Spurs for the sixth time but it turned Ricky Villa into an instant Tottenham legend and provided supporters with a moment in their lives that they will never forget, whether having been at Wembley or simply watching on television.  The joy of winning the Cup for Tottenham.
Team: Aleksic; Perryman, Roberts, Miller, Hughton; Ardiles, Hoddle, Villa, Galvin; Archibald, Crooks. Sub: Brooke (unused)

Ricky Villa Cup Hero

Ricky and Ossie Celebrate FA Cup win

Ricky Villa had arrived at Tottenham in the summer of 1978 with fellow Argentine, Oswaldo Ardiles, having helped their country win the World Cup.  Spurs had just won promotion from the 2nd Division after one season out of top flight football.  The news of their arrival caused great excitement not just at Tottenham but in English football in general as grounds were packed to see the two World Cup winners.  However, the reality was that Spurs were finding it difficult back in the 1st Division and the two new players needed time to adjust to English football.  In time Ardiles settled into the team but it was more difficult for Villa who was missing his home country and on occasions struggled with injury.  The manager struggled to find a suitable position for his new player who was not guaranteed a start in every game whereas Ardiles had quickly become an influential member of the team.  However, by the start of the Cup winning season, Villa had become a regular in midfield but injury in the first game of the Cup campaign saw Villa missing until the semi-finals.  What a contribution he made to the drama and excitement of the FA Cup in those four games which led to Tottenham enjoying a period of success not seen since the days of Bill Nicholson.

Spurs' Summer Expectations Shattered Once Again.

Ardiles - World Cup Winner

The early summer expectations of a World Cup that would throw up a host of foreign players who would enhance the Premier League were quickly dashed as the realisation dawned very early in the competition that South Africa 2010 was a rather poor and disappointing vintage to offer to the world.  Tottenham Hotspur have benefitted in the past from World Cup signings - they set high standards when Keith Burkinshaw returned to Argentina to sign World Cup winners, Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa.  In 1984 Alan Sugar pulled a rabbit out of the hat with the unexpected signing of Germany's Jurgen Klinsmann but on other occasions the stars of the World Cup have disappointed when faced with the rigours of English football.  This year there were few who did themselves much good in the shop window of the World Cup.

Every summer Spurs fans hope for an early resolution to all transfer negotiations as the manager, with the Chairman's assistance, endeavours to strengthen the Tottenham team for the following season.  The reasoning being that on the resumption of training all the new players will be in place and the work of preparing for the new season can commence in earnest.  However, sadly, once again, this has proved to be a forlorn and false hope as, to date, no new signings have appeared at White Hart Lane.  The only signing of note has been the acquisition of the young Brazilian midfield player, Sandro, but he remains in his homeland and is not expected to be available until September. 

The rumour mill has once again been in full swing with Spurs centre field for every conceivable target but no-one has signed on the dotted line and held up the lilywhite shirt at White Hart Lane.

For many years as Spurs have chased possible transfer targets, the lack of first, European football, and then Champions League football has always been held up as a reason why players have been reluctant to commit themselves to Spurs.  But now with Champions League football beckoning, players still show a reluctance to come to Tottenham.  In past years all we could do was watch as our star players went off to pastures new to fulfill their dreams of playing for the top clubs in the top competitions - Sol Campbell deserted Tottenham for our closest rivals, Arsenal, Teddy Sheringham, Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov couldn't wait to get to Old Trafford while Robbie Keane had to sign for his boyhood team, Liverpool.  Spurs couldn't offer those players the opportunity to play at the highest level so there was nothing the club could do but release them with their best wishes and accept the transfer fees to swell the coffers while we, the fans, felt betrayed and disconsolate.  However, now things have changed, Spurs have access to the Champions League while Liverpool are consigned to the Europa League, that should make a difference.  But No - Spurs are still struggling to make those important signings while Liverpool have managed to hold on to their stars - Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres and have persuaded Joe Cole to move north to Anfield rather than move to Tottenham.  So as Manchester City and Liverpool have proved, players aren't just interested in the playing opportunities, they're very interested in the money on offer and will go to wherever they get the best salary.  Perhaps, Mr Levy will have to reconsider his financial restrictions where transfer fees and salaries are concerned if Tottenham Hotspur are going to become one of the big players in the Premier League as well as in Europe.  No-one wants Spurs to spend foolishly or offer extravagant salaries but to achieve greatness there will have to be a loosening of the purse strings to attract quality players to the club.

With less than three weeks remaining of this very quiet transfer window, it is to be hoped that any signings will improve the quality of the team and not just be a signing for the sake of it - in the past Spurs have suffered through Mr Levy's desire to shop at 'last-minute.com'.  Late, hasty purchases rarely achieve great success.  Spurs need better than that if they are to maintain the progress achieved by Harry Redknapp in the past two years.

Spurs in History - 24th August

24th August, 1994

Spurs 2 Everton 1

Jurgen Klinsmann's Home Debut

The atmosphere was electric as 24,553 spectators packed into WHL for Jurgen Klinsmann’s home debut. The reduced capacity was due to the ground redevelopment and Spurs could have filled the stadium twice over such was the demand for tickets.

Jurgen, as in his debut didn’t fail to deliver. The crowd had come to see him and within twenty two minutes he had put Spurs ahead with a spectacular volley. Thirteen minutes later he had added a second.

On half time Spurs won a penalty and everyone in the ground was willing Klinsmann to take it. Everyone, except Teddy Sheringham who elected to take it and ballooned it over the bar.

In the second half Everton scored and Spurs had to hang on to the end to achieve the win their play deserved.

Klinsmann showed what he was capable of in his first two games but the difficulty of achieving a balance between defence and attack was to bring about Ossie Ardiles’ departure from White Hart Lane.

Spurs in History - 23rd August

23rd August, 1978

‘Party Poopers!’

Spurs 1 Aston Villa 4

An Argentinean style World Cup ticker tape welcome was prepared for the home debuts of Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa.

The ground was throbbing with excitement and anticipation but the wrong Villa made the headlines.

Aston Villa came to spoil the party and ruined Spurs and the Argentineans’ big night. Spurs goal was scored by Glenn Hoddle from the penalty spot but it was inconsequential.

Spurs had come back down to earth with an almighty crash – they had discovered that life back in the First Division was going to be very difficult.

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 - 19th August

19th August, 1978

Nottingham Forest 1 Spurs 1

Newly promoted Spurs had to play Champions Forest on the opening day.

The game marked the start of a new era, the League debuts of the Argentinean Internationals, Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa. Demand for tickets was immense; Spurs had created an excitement that was unbelievable and the kick off had to be delayed to allow everyone into the ground.

Many people were waiting for them to fail, ‘they wouldn’t be able to adapt to English football’ being a familiar comment. However, while it took time for them to establish themselves, Ricky Villa had the perfect start scoring late in the first half to equalise for Spurs and earn a deserved point.

Spurs in History - 14th August

14th August, 1993

Newcastle United 0 Spurs 1

Ossie Ardiles’ first game in control took him back to the newly promoted club where he had been manager for twelve months before being sacked.

Ardiles had the last laugh as Spurs won with a first half goal scored by Teddy Sheringham.

After the problems of the summer, with the dismissal of Venables, the departure of Neil Ruddock and newspaper stories featuring the club, many fans were disillusioned so Ardiles needed to make a good start to the season. New signings, Colin Calderwood and Jason Dozzell made their debuts and the team responded with a good performance.

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 - 4th August

4th August, 1984

Enfield Town 0 Spurs 7 (Pre-season Friendly)

This game is of note among an increasing number of pre-season friendlies because Spurs fielded two members of the Argentinean World Cup winning team.

Ossie Ardiles was joined by Mario Kempes who was on a two game trial. He had been playing in Spain but failed to score in either game and was not offered a contract.

The goals in this game were scored by Garth Crooks(4), Gary Stevens, Garry Brooke and Mike Hazard.

Spurs in History - 29th July

29th July, 1994

Spurs - A Transfer Coup.

A transfer coup to match the Argentine success of 1978, Chairman, Alan Sugar completed the signing of German World Cup star, Jurgen Klinsmann.

Sugar was determined to lift morale at the club following the unjust F.A. punishment and this signing had the desired effect. It brought Spurs to the forefront of the football and news media and there was fantastic demand for tickets for Spurs games, home and away.

Klinsmann joined Anderton, Sheringham, Barmby and Dumitrescu to form manager, Ossie Ardiles' famous five attacking formation. However, while exciting going forward the team lacked co-ordination in defence and Ardiles' stay was short lived.

It was the arrival of Gerry Francis in November which brought some structure to the team and Klinsmann was able to be seen at his best in what proved to be an exciting team to watch.

Unfortunately, his stay was for only one season. With Spurs unable to offer European football, Klinsmann returned to Germany with Bayern Munich.

Spurs in History - 27th July

27th July, 1994

As Ossie Ardiles attempted to raise the spirit at White Hart Lane following the F.A. punishment, it was announced that Spurs were to sign Rumanian International and World Cup star, Ille Dumitrescu.

He had started his career with Steau Bucharest and had made 44 International appearances for his country. An exciting player, his period at Spurs was not a success, it being difficult to find a role for him within the team formation. He made 16 League appearances and scored four goals in two seasons before being transferred to West Ham United in March, 1996, having had a loan spell with Sevilla.

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.

Spurs in History - 10th July

10th July, 1978

Spurs Scoop the World

Transfer Coup!

Spurs and Keith Burkinshaw shocked the football world by signing two stars of the successful Argentine World Cup team. The signing of Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa brought a great lift and buzz to the club which was looking to re-establish itself in the 1st Division following promotion that summer.

Ossie and Ricky became firm favourites at WHL and although taking time to acclimatise to English football they were important members of the successful team of the early 1980s.

Spurs in History - 6th July

6th July, 1993

On this day Ossie Ardiles who had been appointed manager in the aftermath of the departure of Terry Venables following his acrimonious fall-out with Alan Sugar, announced his management and coaching staff.

Steve Perryman was to be the Assistant Manager and Pat Jennings was returning to the club as the specialist goalkeeping coach.

This meant that the Venables’ coaching duo of Clemence and Livermore was broken up. Ray Clemence left the club while Doug Livermore remained to oversee the scouting.

Spurs in History - 5th July

5th July, 1982

Ossie Ardiles on Loan to Paris St Germain

Following the Falklands War, tensions were running high between Britain and Argentina and it was thought best if Ossie Ardiles did not make an immediate return to Britain.

He had left Spurs the previous April to prepare for the World Cup with Argentina. It was announced that Ardiles would be joining French club, Paris St Germain on loan for one year.

However, he only stayed there for a number of months, returning to Spurs the following December.

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 - 10th June

10th June, 1981

Trabzonspor 0 Spurs 4 (Friendly)

After winning the F.A.Cup Spurs played three games in Bahrain and Kuwait at the end of May, winning all of them.

In mid-June they went to Turkey for two games which they also won convincingly. For this game Steve Archibald was the only member of the Cup winning team not to play. Mark Falco replaced him and scored one of the goals, the others being scored by Ricky Villa, Ossie Ardiles and Garth Crooks.

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