Speculation and Rumour at Tottenham (1)

Mido - Where are You?

It is being suggested that the injury doubt surrounding Mido for tomorrow's game at Birmingham could be a cover up. The temperamental Egyptian is reported to have had a row with manager Martin Jol earlier in the week and has not reported for training since the fallout. This comes at a time when Spurs need to be focussed in order to repair the damage done by the poor series of results since the beginning of January.

For some of those games Mido was absent, playing for his country in the African Cup of Nations. Even then, Mido was involved in controversy as he was suspended by his country and missed the Final as he had a blazing row with the manager at the side of the pitch as he was substituted eleven minutes from the end of the semi-final game with Senegal. He later called the Egyptian management and players, 'amateurs.' This was the second occasion that he had fallen out with his country's management team, having only had the opportunity to play as he had apologised for his previous indiscretions.

Mido has a 'bad-boy' reputation having caused problems for the managers at his previous clubs but Jol seemed to have tamed him and kept him in line as he has been first choice to start throughout the season. When Mido arrived on loan from Roma in January, 2005, he made a scoring start by getting two goals in his debut against Portsmouth. However, he seemed to put on a lot of weight which reduced his effectiveness and he also missed the end of season tour. Atouba and Kanoute who also missed the trip were despatched in the summer but Mido did extra training during the summer and returned to pre-season work in good shape. With the departure of Freddie Kanoute he had his chance to make a good impression. Through the season he has partnered either Defoe or Keane and is the leading scored with 11 League goals.

More light may be shed on the situation tomorrow, depending whether he plays or is a substitute but it is an unfortunate time for this to happen as Spurs were supposed to have started negotiations with Roma about making the the eighteen month loan deal permanent. It was reported that this had progressed and was nearing completion.

Martin Jol has always preferred to play a tall striker/small striker combination so it was Keane and Defoe who were rotated with Mido being the sole tall striker. If the rumours are true, he may have to alter his plans and go with the partnership of Keane and Defoe which many thought would not work as they are too similar in style. It worked well against Charlton at White Hart Lane but may be more difficult away from home against a team which will give no quarter in their fight against relegation.

Mido is a big star in his home country of Egypt with a fantastic following and he seemed to have seen the error of his ways as he always professed that he wanted to make his move to Tottenham permanent. He had been happy and realised that he couldn't always be moving from club to club but again his place is in doubt.

17th March - Spurs in History

Goodbye, George Graham.

Spurs 3 Coventry City 0

Out - George Graham

Rarely can a Spurs victory have been so overshadowed by events off the field.  The previous day, Spurs announced the departure of their manager George Graham.  The manager did not have the support of the fans because of his long association with Arsenal and his style of play also annoyed supporters who had to endure four successive 0-0 score lines in the League in January and February. The 'official' reason given was that Graham had made critical comments to journalists about money being available to sign players.

In - Glenn Hoddle?

However, the team had showed improved form and style in FA Cup, having reached the semi-final after victories over Leyton Orient, Charlton, Stockport and West Ham.  The win over West Ham had been on the previous Sunday and with a semi-final against Arsenal, his departure came as a complete shock.  Many rejoiced at his departure, especially with speculation that Glenn Hoddle would return as manager.  However, with such an important came to come, the timing may not have been the best.

With David Pleat in charge, once again, the players appeared to have no difficulty with the departure and performed well against a Coventry team who were finally to relinquish their Premiership position at the end of the season.  The goals were scored by Steffan Iversen, Les Ferdinand and Sergei Rebrov.

The star of the show was Stephen Carr who rampaged up and down the right wing at will to create opportunities for the fowrwards. This was Carr at his best, before his operation and before his attitude changed so dramatically.

The 35,606 supporters present almost witnessed a 'special' moment.  It would have been a collectors' item - a Steffan Freund goal.  He broke on the right towards the Paxton Road end, cut in on goal and shot across the goalkeeper - it looked a goal all the way but shaved the far post.  So close but so far and he never managed to score a competitive goal for Spurs.

A St. Patrick's Day trip to remember.

Spurs - First MUST Win Game at Birmingham

With Spurs dip in form over the past two months, the match on Saturday evening at St.Andrews has become a MUST win game against relegation threatened Birmingham City. Before Christmas Spurs were averaging two points per game but from the last eight games they have only gained nine points which has allowed the chasing pack to close the gap on 4th place and the Champions League position. While Spurs have held fourth place since December - Arsenal, Bolton, Blackburn and even West Ham have taken advantage of Spurs recent poor results to sustain a determined attack on their position. In fact, if results go as expected on Saturday afternoon, Spurs will be in fifth place, behind Arsenal, as they start the game on Saturday evening. This alone will put additional pressure on the Spurs players.

Birmingham have been struggling against relegation all season but that will not make this an easy game. Spurs record at St. Andrews is not great, they have not won in their three Premiership visits and the last win was twenty years ago in March, 1986 - the last occasion that Birmingham suffered relegation. (a possible good omen for Saturday).

Martin Jol has the responsibility to ensure that the players have overcome the disappointment of conceding the late goal at Stamford Bridge which deprived the team of a point their overall performance deserved against the reigning Champions and champions 'elect'. The problem of late, late goals is starting to haunt and hurt Spurs' season. Late goals conceded against West Ham, Fulham, Sunderland and Chelsea have cost the team six valuable points which would have seen them safely in a Champions league position.

The manager must select players in form as individual mistakes have been costly in recent weeks. Paul Robinson made errors which proved costly earlier in the season but recently Paul Stalteri, Ledley King and Michael Carrick have made mistakes which have led to goals. Stalteri has been at fault on more than one occasion and now may be the time to give Stephen Kelly the opportunity to show whether he is worth a regular place in the starting line-up.

The midfield selection needs to provide for greater creativity and Spurs must be less cautious as this has allowed the opposition to control games and establish their style and pattern on the game. The sideways passing has allowed teams to defend comfortably and if the midfield are to be more threatening they need to be prepared to run at the opposition defenders and put them under pressure. Only Aaron Lennon and occasionally Jermaine Jenas are prepare to do this. This cautious approach and lack of ambition has prevented Spurs from finishing off a team by scoring a second or third goal. Teams have been encouraged to come at Spurs late in the game and have been rewarded for their efforts by scoring late, late goals.

The strike force option will be to decide who plays alongside Mido, if he is fit. Keane and Defoe have shared this role and Keane may be the more pro-active as Defoe has been in lacklustre form in recent weeks. But whoever is selected, the other must be prepared to give his all for the team whenever he comes on. The right attitude and commitment from the players is vital in these crucial final weeks of the season.

'Cometh the hour, cometh the man.' It's now time for the players to step forward and be counted and to produce the form that would give Spurs their best season for many years. Last year we were comsoled that this was a young team but it can't go on being a young team for ever, they must step out and show they are capable of producing results in vital games when the pressure is really on. A young team can't always be a team for tomorrow - it is time to show that they are a team for the present. While the players are young, many of them have considerable experience in the Premiership - Robinson, King, Carrick, Keane, Murphy and Jenas, while Davids, Stalteri, Lee, Mido and Tainio are Internationals with European experience. Many of the players are looking to play in the World Cup in the summer so now is the time to ensure their places by producing performances for Spurs that takes them into Europe next year. This will strengthen the club's position and enable the team to develop further on the road to success.

Birmingham will make the game difficult for Spurs but the visitors must match their commitment to earn the right to play and a win is essential. For a team with aspirations of European or Champions League football next season, the minimum target from the four games in March was nine points. With last weekend's defeat at Chelsea, there is no room for any further slip ups.

This is the first of Spurs 'Cup Finals' - they need to win it and know that there are another eight to come, if this season isn't going to fall by the wayside and become a disappointment after the early season promise.

'Come on You Spurs'
'Audere est Facere' - 'To Dare is to DO.'

16th March - Spurs in History

16th March, 1985
Liverpool 0 Spurs 1

Garth Crooks

Before Spurs recent local difficulty with Chelsea, there was Liverpool at Anfield. As commentators still love to remind us, before this win in 1985, Spurs had failed to win at Anfield since before the sinking of the Titanic.

In the week prior to this game Spurs had lost at home to Manchester United so were not in the best of form for such a game.  Their prospects did not look good and with Spurs record at Anfield the odds were stacked heavily in favour of Liverpool.

However, the team showed much resilience throughout and took the game to Liverpool.  Midway through the second half (70th minute) came the defining moment. Mark Falco charged down a Liverpool clearance, ignored calls for hand ball he played the ball to Micky Hazard whose shot was blocked by the Liverpool goalkeeper, Grobbellaar. The ball ran to Garth Crooks who scored to end one of the longest records in football.

Team: Clemence, Thomas, Hughton, Roberts, Miller, Perryman, Chiedozie (Hazard), Falco, Galvin, Hoddle, Crooks.


For the record:

16th March, 1912
Liverpool 1 Spurs 2

Ironically, Spurs previous victory at Anfield had also been on 16th March.  Spurs goals came from Ernie Numan and Thomas Mason.

Little did they know that it would be 73 years before Spurs would record another win at Anfield.

15th March - Spurs in History

Paul Gascoigne - Superstar.

Lazio confirmed that they had made a world record bid of £8.5 million for Paul Gascoigne and were given first option on the player by Spurs.

It was against this background of major financial problems, the departure of the star player and the possible closing of the club that Gazza almost single handedly took Spurs to Wembley and FA Cup success against Nottingham Forest.

Paul Gascoigne had scored two goals in the 4th Round win over Oxford United. In the next round he scored both goals at Portsmouth in the 2-1 win and in Round 6 he scored once against Notts County. In the weeks leading up to the semi-final, he went into hopspital for surgery on an injury and such was his recovery he played part of the game at Norwich, four days before the Wembley game.

In the semi-final he was on fire from the off and put Spurs on track for an unexpected victory by scoring with a wonder free kick that left David Seamen floundering. Gary Lineker scored twice to ensure victory but it was Gazza who inspired the team.

In the opening minutes in the Final, Gascoigne was again fired up but his over exuberance got the better of him and after one missed timed tackle which could have seen him sent off, he committed another on which lead to him being injured and carried off the pitch on a stretcher. He never played for Spurs again. It was a sad way for a great player to end his career at the club.

The injury threatened the proposed transfer to Lazio which was seen as the only way to save the club. Dark and worrying days for Tottenham.

From the free kick he had conceded, Forest took the lead but in adversity the players came together and with great determination and inspite of Gary Lineker missing a penalty, they managed to equalize through Paul Stewart and in extra time an own goal gave them the trophy for the eighth time.

Paul Gascoigne eventually went to Lazio in 1992 for £4.8 million having recovered from the injury that had threatened his career and put his transfer to Lazio in considerable doubt.

14th March - Spurs in History

Contrasting Days for Spurs

1962 and 1963

One year apart but results with contrasting affects on the club.

1962 Spurs 1 Ipswich Town 3
This result, more than any other stopped Spurs winning the 'Double' for a second season. Ipswich were managed by former Spurs player, Alf Ramsay - later to be Sir Alf after the World Cup winin 1966, and they had won promotion from the Second Division the previous year. Ipswich took the First Division by surprise, Ramsay adopting a formation to best suit his players.

Spurs lost the first game in Ipswich but if they had won this home game by 3-1, they would then have been Champions on goal average, for a second year in succession.

The Ipswich game plan stiffled Spurs whose goal was scored by Jimmy Greaves.

The following August Spurs adapted their game to counter the Ipswich style and won the FA Charity Shield at Ipswich by 5-1.

One year on:

1963 Spurs 6 Slovan Bratislava 0 ECWC 2nd Round (2nd Leg)
Spurs were two goals down from the first game but as had happened the previous season, the crowd at White Hart Lane got behind the team to create an atmosphere to intimidate the visitors. Dave Mackay led the way as Spurs set out to reduce the arrears and in the first minute Mackay and Smith combined to unsettle the visiting goalkeeper.

Three goals in nine minutes, the first from Mackay after 30 minutes ensured a Spurs win. John White, Bobby Smith, Cliff Jones and Jimmy Greaves (2) scored the other goals which took Spurs into the semi-finals.

That was the famous 'Glory! Glory!' European nights at White Hart Lane. Spurs in their all -white European strip, the fans creating an atmosphere to unsettle the visiting team and Spurs inspired by Mackay powering past another European team.

We look forward to further nights like this at White Hart Lane in the not too distant future.

Come On You Spurs!

13th March - Spurs in History

Bad Day For Spurs: 13th March

Having browsed through the book, SPURS: Day-TO-Day Life at White Hart Lane by Graham Betts, on many occasions for this daily up-date and other snippets of Spurs history, I doubt if there are many poorer days.

Prepare yourself for the bad news:
1897 Luton (h) Lost 1-2
1909 WBA (h) 2nd Div. Lost 1-3
1912 WBA (a) 1st Div. Lost 0-2
1915 Bradford Park Avenue (a) 1st Div. Lost 1-5
1920 West Ham (a) 2nd Div. Lost 1-2 [Spurs finished Champions with 70 pts and only lost 4 games all season]
1926 Leicester City (h) 1st Div. Lost 1-3
1948 Blackpool (Villa Park) FA Cup SF Lost 1-3 (aet)
1954 WBA (a) FA Cup 6th R. Lost 0-3
1957 Arsenal (h) 1st Div. Lost 1-3
1982 Liverpool (Wembley) L.Cup Final Lost 1-3 (aet) First defeat at Wembley
2002 Chelsea (a) Prem. Lost 0-4
2005 Newcastle Utd (a) FA Cup 6th R. Lost 0-1 (Rob Styles Day in Newcastle - when he disallowed a Spurs goal and refused them 2 obvious penalties)

Am I depressed after recording all of that?

There was some Good News - Not a lot:
1965 Blackpool (h) 1st Div. Won 4-1 Mullery, Robertson, Greaves, Jones
1971 Chel$ki (h) 1st Div. Won 2-1 Chivers, Peters
1976 Aston Villa (h) 1st Div. Won 5-2 McAllister, Perryman, Duncan, Robinson, opp.og
1999 Aston Villa Prem. Won 1-0 Sherwood

Going on this record Spurs should consider refusing to play on this date ever again.

12th March - Spurs in History

This is the last time Spurs won on this day. Since then 6 League and Cup games have resulted in five defeat and one draw.

The 1960 victory was against Nottingham Forest in the 1st Division at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest 1 Spurs 3

Three of the heroes of next year's Double team were the goalscorers - Dave Mackay, Les Allen and John White.

In this pre-Double season, Spurs were challenging at the top of the League - from late November they had won 10, drawn 3 and lost 3 games. However, following this win at Forest, their form slipped ( W 3 D 2 L 4) and they finished third, only two points behind Champions, Burnley.

11th March - Spurs in History

Teddy Sheringham who scored the equaliser

and set up Klinsmann for the winner

11th March, 1995
Liverpool 1 Spurs 2 FA Cup 6th Round

Having come back from two goals down at Southampton in the previous round, Spurs were rewarded with a trip to Anfield. Liverpool took the lead through Robbie Fowler after 38 minutes but Teddy Sheringham equalised on the stroke of half-time. Spurs had the better of the second half but it looked as if the game was going to need a replay. However, with two minutes left, Sheringham released Klinsmann in the Liverpool area and as the goalkeeper closed him down, Klinsmann flicked the ball over him and into the net.

An amazing, incredible win which had the 7000 Spurs fand celebrating as they returned home.

The Liverpool fans gave Spurs a generous and well-deserved standing ovation at the end.

Would this be Spurs' year to win the FA Cup? A semi-final tie against Everton at Elland Road awaited them.

11th March, 2001

Another exhilerating Cup win occurred on this day in 2001. George Graham's team were coming together in the FA Cup games and there was optimism that this could be Spurs' year, especially as it ended in '1'.

Orient, Charlton and Stockport had been overcome in previous rounds and now West Ham awaited at Upton Park in the 6th Round.

West Ham 2 Spurs 3.

In a game that both teams wanted to win, no quarter was given. Goals from Rebrov(2) and Doherty piut Spurs into a 3-1 lead but West Ham came back again to score and put Spurs under pressure to the final whistle. Rebrov had his moment in the spotlight for Spurs but as they awaited the sem-final game against Arsenal at Old Trafford, there were to be big changes at White Hart Lane.

Sir Alan Sugar had sold his controlling share to ENIC and with many supporters unhappy with manager George Graham because of his Arsenal connections and because of his style of play (4 scoreless League draws in January/February) they took the opportunity to remove him. By the following Saturday, Graham was gone and David Pleat would take temporary charge until Glenn Hoddle could return from Southampton.

The timing of Graham's departure was unfortunate from the Cup run - he had got the team playing well and probably only he could have masterminded a win against the club's North London neighbours and greatest rivals, Arsenal. As it was, Glenn Hoddle came in but the team played poorly and although Doherty game the lead, they were dependent on goalkeeper, Neil Sullivan, to keep the score down to 1-2. So the Cup dream came to an end for another season.

Spurs lose to ANOTHER last minute Goal!!!!!!

Chelsea 2 Spurs 1

The inability to hold on to what you have, again proved costly for Spurs at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea took the lead after a quatrer of an hour when Carrick payed a poor pass across in front of the defence and when it was intercepted it allowed the ball to be squared for Essien to score. Jermain Jenas scored when a free kick from Carick which was headed into his path by Dawson.

Having equalised on the stroke of half-time, Spurs held on during the second half with Robinson making a number of important saves and could even have gone ahead if Jenas had done better when through on goal. However, they looked to have secured what would have been considered a 'bonus' point in their quest for European football next season, only for Gallas to score a late winner in injury time, with a great shot, following a poor clearance from Stalteri.

Spurs, for the sixth time this season have conceded a late, late goal which has proved costly in both League and Cup competitions. Late goals at Grimsby and Leicester saw them depart the Cup competitions at the round of entry and the four League games have cost them a total of 6 points.

• Draw at home to West Ham - 1-1 (2 points lost)
• Defeat at Fulham 0-1 (1point dropped)
• Draw at Sunderland 1-1 (2 points lost)
• Defeat at Chelsea 1-2 (1 point lost)

If they had held on in those games, Spurs would be sitting very comfortably and securely in a Champions League place. There is a lack of concentration in those final moments, an inability to close a game down and play out the last minutes in a non-threatening part of the pitch.

Their poor record against Chelsea continues for another season and the defeat by another of the top sides is caused yet again by a mistake leading to a goal being conceded. Against Arsenal and United, mistakes by Robinson gave them vital goals and now Carrick with a careless pass and Stalteri, not for the first time recently, has made a poor clearance late on in the game and it has resulted in a goal being given away and points being dropped.

The players will have to stand up and show their worth from now to the end of the season, if Spurs are not to squander their best opportunity of European football for a long, long time - and I'm not just referring to a place in the Champions League competition, it will require a mammoth effort to avoid missing out on the UEFA Cup as well.

Ther MUST be a leader on the pitch who will take control and shake people up if they are not producing what is required. A critical few weeks lie ahead for Martin Jol and the players.

10th March - Spurs in History

10th March, 1919

Rivalry with Arsenal Intensifies.

It's rather ironic that today's newspapers are reporting UEFA's decision on the Champions League places for next year -

Spurs may pay price if Arsenal conquer Europe
Matt Scott
Friday March 10, 2006
The Guardian

'Arsenal were told last night that they will go directly into next season's Champions League group stage if they win the European Cup in May, a Uefa move which may have an impact on the ambitions of their north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. A Uefa spokesman confirmed that should Arsenal win the final in Paris they, like Liverpool this season, would be permitted to defend the title, but next season the Gunners would not have to start in the qualifying rounds. Such a move would be at the expense of the team finishing fourth in the Premiership, who would go directly into the Uefa Cup.
Spurs currently occupy fourth place, five points clear of Arsenal with 10 games left. Last season Liverpool entered the qualifying stages in addition to Everton, who had finished fourth. A Uefa spokesman said: "We changed the rules last summer after Liverpool won the Champions League'.

So if Arsenal won the Champions League they would go directly into the competition.  If this were to happen at Spurs' expense it would be a re-run of the decision taken at a meeting of the Football League on 10th March, 1919, when Spurs lost out on a place in the larger 1st Division, to Arsenal who had finished the pre-War season in 5th position in the 2nd Division. In that season, Spurs had finished in a relegation spot but on previous occasions when the League had increased in size, the two teams in the relegation spots, retained their status.

Arsenal had persuaded their 'friends' in high places that they should be one of the promoted sides as they had been in the Football League longer that Spurs. Rivalry was intense with Arsenal having moved from Woolwich and set up in North London, now it increased greatly - and would NOT be forgotten.

And their parrot died too.

The club acquired the parrot in the summer of 1909.  The players were returning by ship from a successful South America tour to Argentina and Uruguay.  Two players, one dressed as Robinson Crusoe and the other as Man Friday, complete with parrot won the ship's fancy dress competition. They were allowed to keep the parrot as part of their prize.

According to legend, the parrot died on the day, 10th March, 1919, that Arsenal took Spurs' place in the 1st Division.

'D' Team for Tottenham-Spur

The 'D' team of current and former Spurs players is a mix of famous White Hart Lane 'Legends' and those who made a few appearances for the club.

Ted Ditchburn

GK: Ted Ditchburn - member of 'Push and Run' team - 575 appearances for Spurs.

RB: Simon Davies - Welsh International midfielder who could play full-back - early 2000s

LB: Michael Dillon - played occasionally in the team of early 1970s

CD: Michael Dawson - impressive member of current team

CD: Gary Doherty - Republic of Ireland International

M: Terry Dyson - winger for 'Double' team

M: Edgar Davids - current player and Dutch International

M: Jimmy Dimmock - member of 1920s - scorer of FA Cup winning goal in 1921.

F: Jermain Defoe - current striker and England International

F: Len Duquemin - centre forward for 'Push and run' team

F: John Duncan - goal scorer for the team of late 1970s - Scottish International

Sub: Gordon Durie - Scottish International - early 1990s

9th March - Spurs in History

Nowadays the Carling Cup games have to be settled instantly - no replays - extra time - penalty kicks - game over.  Prior to this need for a quick result, FA Cup and League Cup games went to second and third replays as necessary. It caused fixture congestion and fatigue but eventually a winner was found.

In this 1953 FA Cup 6th Round tie Birmingham and Spurs went to a second replay.

The first game was 1-1 at St Andrews. Les Bennett scored Spurs goal.

The Replay at White Hart Lane ended 2-2 after extra time - Bennett and Len Duquemin scored.

The 2nd Replay at Molineaux on 9th March, 1953 - resulted in a Spurs win by 1-0 with a goal scored by Sonny Walters.

Unfortunately, Spurs Cup exploits ended in the next game, they lost the semi-final against Blackpool at Villa Park by 1-2.

1996 FA Cup 5th Round Replay.

Spurs 1 Nottingham Forest 1 (aet) (Forest won 3-1 on penalties)

This was the third game in this tie - the first game at Nottingham had to be abandoned after 15 minutes because of snow.  Supporters had a very difficult journey out of Nottingham on their way home after the game.

The game was re-scheduled and finished 2-2 - Chris Armstrong scoring both Spurs goals but Ian Woan scored two special goals for Forest.

The replay at White Hart Lane was again very close and ended 1-1 after extra time.  Teddy Sheringham scored for Spurs but when it came to the penalty shoot out - Spurs could only score once from their five penalties.  Forest scored three and progressed to the next round.

This was Spurs first Cup defeat on penalties.

8th March - Spurs in History

1961
Spurs 5 Sunderland 0 FA Cup 6th Round Replay

After the difficulties in the first game Spurs made sure in the replay at White Hart Lane.  Sunderland, in the 2nd Division, had made Spurs work hard the previous Saturday, but Spurs had little difficulty with the goals being scored by Dave Mackay, Bobby Smith, Les Allen and Terry Dyson (2) as they took another step towards that elusive 'Double'.

Next in the Semi-finals would be a massive game against the League Champions - Burnley, how times have changed.

1986
Spurs 5 WBA 0 1st Division

Gary Mabbutt, Mark Falco(2), Tony Galvin, Chris Waddle scored the goals.  January and February had been lean months for Spurs and they had just lost at home to Everton in the FA Cup, the previous weekend - 6 League games - no goals for and only 1 point - so this scoreline was a relief to the long suffering fans.

However, Peter Shreeve's tenure as manager was under threat.  The pressure of that losing sequence hadn't done him any favours and in spite of closing the season on a winning streak - losing once between this day and the end of season (recording 7 wins, 3 draws and 1 defeat) the team could only manage 10th position and he was sacked, to be replaced by David Pleat, the manager of Luton Town.

'C' Team for Tottenham-Spur

Martin Chivers celebrates with Bill Nicholson

The letter 'C' creates a problem.  Do I include a former captain who will be nameless and defected to our North London neighbours?
Answer: NO!

GK: Ray Clemence - part of the success of the early 1980s

RB: Tommy Clay - 1920s FA Cup winner

LB: Ernest Coquet - member of team in Spurs first season in Football League

CB: Harry Clarke - member of 'Push and Run' side of 1950s

CB: Peter Collins - played in 1971 League Cup winning team

M: Ralph Coates - scored winning goal in 1973 League Cup win

M: Michael Carrick - member of present team

M: John Chiedozie - member of mid-1980s team

F: Nico Claesen - Belgian International in 1980s

F: Martin Chivers - played a major part in success of 1970s

F: Garth Crooks - vital partnership with Archibald in success of 1970s

Sub: Alfie Conn - Bill Nicholson's last signing.

7th March - Spurs in History

This is what we want next year on 7th March:

Success in European competition:

1972 UT Arad (h) UEFA Cup 4th R (1st Leg) Won 2-0 England, Morgan

(Spurs went on to win UEFA Cup - defeating Wolves in the Final)

1973 Vitoria Setubal (h) UEFA Cup 4th R (1st Leg) Won 1-0 Evans

(Spurs reached SF, losing to Liverpool on the away goals rule)

1984 Austria Vienna (h) UEFA Cup 4th R (1st Leg) Won 2-0 Archibald, Brazil

(Spurs Won UEFA Cup for the second time - beating Anderlecht on penalties at WHL.)

FA Cup success too:

1981 Spurs 2 Exeter City 0 6th Round Paul Miller and Graham Roberts scored the goals to take Spurs into the semi-final against Wolves.

1993 Manchester City 2 Spurs 4 6th Round

Spurs came from a goal down to lead 2-1 at half time, Nayim and Steve Sedgeley scoring.  In the second half Spurs took control - Nayim completed his hat-trick, Andy Turner had a goal disallowed and Teddy Sheringham missed a penalty.  The match was stopped for thirteen minutes after City fans invaded the pitch and the mounted police had to be called to clear them.

And the SF draw gave us a game at Wembley against Arsenal.

Happy Days

And some success in the League as well -

1959 Spurs 6 Leicester City 0

In a difficult season Spurs were struggling against relegation and with results going against them, Bill Nicholson dropped Danny Blanchflower.  Things didn't improve so he was restored to the team and this game showed him at his best - leading by example, controlling the game and he managed to score one of the goals.  Welsh International Terry Medwin scored four goals and Dave Dunmore scored the other.

Spurs finished 18th out of 22 in the League, three places above relegation but had some high scoring wins throughout the season:

10-4 win over Everton in Nicholson's first game as manager in October

4-0 win over Chelsea in September, Medwin scored a hat-trick

3-0 win over Luton in April

5-0 win over WBA in the last home game of the season, a week after losing 1-5 at Birmingham, Bobby Smith scored 4 against WBA.

6th March - Spurs in History

1982 FA Cup 6th Round Chelsea 2 Spurs 3

Defending the trophy, Spurs had already beaten Arsenal, Leeds United and Aston Villa at White Hart Lane, each game won 1-0.  Goals from Steve Archibald, Micky Hazard and Glenn Hoddle took Spurs into a semi-final against Leicester at Villa Park.

Spurs were on their way to Wembley again!

On this day in 1985, Spurs lost their first home game in any European competition, 0 - 1 to Real Madrid in UEFA Cup. The only goal of the game was an own goal scored by Steve Perryman. Ray Clemence palmed out a cross which hit Perryman on the knee and cannoned into the net.

A scoreless draw in the 2nd leg saw Spurs go out of the competition in the 4th Round.

1974
FC Cologne 1 Spurs 2 UEFA Cup 4th Round (1st Leg)

A great away win, thanks to goals from youngster, Chris McGrath who was having a great debut season, and captain Martin Peters.  This result put Spurs in a strong position ahead of the 2nd Leg at White Hart Lane.  Spurs took an early lead through McGrath and then defended stoutly. It was early in the second half that Cologne got a deserved equaliser but Spurs continued to defend resolutely and with fifteen minutes left scored on the break through Peters.  This was only Cologne's second defeat at home in European competitions.

Vital Win - but it was HARD Work!

Spurs 3 Blackburn 2 (h.t. 2-1)

Two goals from Robbie Keane in the first half and one from Mido in the second half gave Spurs the vital three points from this very difficult game. In an exciting and tense game, Spurs had to withstand extreme pressure from Blackburn who came back from two goals down to level the scores and right to the last kick were looking for a late equaliser. For their endeavour and play Blackburn should have had something from the game but Spurs were delighted and relieved to take all three points.

Spurs started with Keane partnering Mido and Jenas and Tainio returning in midfield. Lennon and Defoe were on the bench.

As always Spurs started cautiously but were ahead inside ten minutes when Mido won a throw near the corner flag and took it quickly to Keane. Robbie controlled, juggled and flicked the ball around defenders and goalkeeper to score an amazing goal. As the commentator said, 'It's won 'Goal of the month' already.'

Certainly, the close control of the players seems to be much better this season, perhaps something to do with the skills coach who was appointed earlier in the year.

Blackburn overcame the set-back and came into the game putting Spurs under considerable pressure. However, Spurs defended well and dealt with everything comfortably. On the break Keane was given off-side when through on the goalkeeper - a close call. With five minutes to half-time Spurs earned a free-kick at the corner of the penalty area. Mido hit a great shot which the goalkeeper parried but Keane followed up to score.

All Spurs had to do was to keep it tight until half-time and have the comfort of a two goal lead. Two minutes later Blackburn scored.

In the second half, Blackburn pressurised Spurs and threatened to get the equaliser. For much of the time all Spurs could do was hoof the ball clear in desperation and it just kept coming straight back. Lennon replaced Davids to give them a possible outlet. Robinson keptSpurs ahead with a great save but eventually Blackburn scored when King mis-headed a basic clearance outside the area.

However, unexpectedly, Spurs responded immediately when Keane set Lennon free on the right, he cut in and put over a low cross which Mido hit into the roof of the net.

Spurs had responded well and although continuing to be under pressure, they had a couple of opportunities to increase their lead but held on to earn the three vital points to restore the important cushion of being 5 points ahead of Arsenal. Other European challengers also lost ground - Bolton lost, West Ham drew and Spurs win restricted Blackburn's progress. Overall, it was a good weekend for Spurs - although a very tense and stressful game but the right result which is all that matter at this point in the season.

On to Stamford Bridge - wouldn't it be GREAT to win there.

'B' Team for Tottenham-Spur

A Spurs team composed of current and past players whose surnames begin with the letter 'B'.

This team has some distinguished members:

GK: Bill Brown - 'Double' team and Scottish International goalkeeper
RB: Peter Baker - member of the 'Double' team
LB: Vic Buckingham - played in successful teams of late 40s/early 1950s
CD: Phil Beal - member of successful teams of early 1970s
CD: Ron Burgess - Captain of successful 'Push & Run' team of 1950s, Welsh International
M: Danny Blanchflower - Captain and inspiration for the 'Double' team
M: Eddie Baily - member of successful 'Push & Run' team, Assistant to Bill Nicholson
M: Bert Bliss - member of successful team in 1920s - FA Cup winner
F: Les Bennett - member of 'Push & Run' team
F: Sandy Brown - centre forward in 1901 FA Cup winning team - scored in every Round, including 4 in SF.
F: Johnny Brooks - England International, played in late 1950s

Sub: Nick Barmby - early 1990s

5th March - Spurs in History

5th March, 1938

The record attendance at White Hart Lane is 75,038 and was achieved for a FA Cup 6th Round game against Sunderland.

Spurs were in the 2nd Division and Sunderland were the Cup holders. One goal separated the teams and it went to the visitors but before Sunderland scored Spurs had a goal disallowed in controversial circumstances. Colin Lyman fired in a shot which beat the goalkeeper but Jack Gribbons following in to make sure the ball was over the line, handled the ball. The referee gave the goal but the linesman was of the view that he had handled the ball before it crossed the line. The referee had been closer to the incident but he took the linesman's advice and disallowed the goal.

1963 - Not a good day in Europe.

Bill Nicholson was furious after Spurs lost the 1st Leg of the European Cup Winners' Cup tie against Slovan Bratislava. Two goals behind after the away game was going to make the return match at White Hart Lane very difficult. The mangaer accused the team of being sloppy and half-asleep. Would the harsh criticism inspire the team to greater effort in the second leg?

1921 - Spurs are on their way to a second FA Cup win.

Playing Aston Villa in the 4th Round of the FA Cup, Spurs won by a single goal at White Hart Lane. Thew teams had met at the same stage of the competition in the previous season when Spurs has lost. However, they gained revenge this time with a goal scored by Jimmy Banks. The goal was created by two of the star members of the team - Jimmy Dimmock and Jimmy Seed. Spurs' win was more convincing that the single goal suggests.

Spurs next oppentents in their quest for the Cup would be Preston North End in the semi-final.

Rovers at the Lane

The visit of Blackburn is a vital 6-pointer, a must win game for Spurs. It is essential to curtail Blackburn's progress and to re-establsh the 5 point lead over Arsenal. This will not be easy, but Spurs must show the application and desire to win this game from the very start. In recent games their approach has been very cautious, allowing the other team to settle and dictate much of the early play.

Blackburn will be a difficult team to break down as they showed last season in the final game of the season when they came for a draw and succeeded without too many alarms. Their record at White Hart Lane since their return to top-flight football in 1992 is good - most of the games have been close with the exception of the 2003 Spurs debacle when Hoddle's team brought an inauspicious season to a close with a 0-4 defeat.

Spurs' Premiership Record against Blackburn at WHL:

P. 11 W. 5 D. 2 L. 4 Goals For: 12 Ag. 14

Spurs best result was a 3-1 victory in February, 1995.

Currently, Spurs record has slipped slightly with two wins, three draws and two defeats since the start of the year. Blackburn have an excellent home record with recent wins over Manchester United and Arsenal but their away form is poor, with defeats in the last four away games. Hopefully, this record will be maintained and Spurs can record a very necessary victory.

Blackburn will compete with Spurs and make it very difficult for them. King and Dawson will have to keep a very tight rein on Bellamy and Bentley, while Savage will do his best to wind up Edgar Davids.

Martin Jol would appears to have a full squad available for selection, with the only doubt over Aaron Lennon who withdrew from the England U-21 team during the week.

The main areas for thought will be:

• whether Defoe or Keane partners Midi in attack
• what permutation of midfield he selects. With Tainio available again, he has a wide choice - Carrick, Davids, Jenas, Murphy and Lennon if he is passed fit. Whoever plays in midfield will have to be prepared to battle with the Blackburn players and show a willingness to run with the ball at the Rovers defence and take players on in an effort to provide more room for the strikers.
• He may also be considering a change at right back where Paul Stalteri has not been as effective in recent games, with Stephen Kelly waiting for his chance.

The five England players will be buoyant after their game on Wednesday and hopefully Paul Robinson and the defence will be able to keep a clean sheet and provide a sound base for the midfield and strikers to play from.

Spurs are looking for a win tomorrow to restore their confidence and give them a boost ahead of next week's game at Stamford Bridge. It would be good to see a comfortable win but as that is probably unlikely considering the combative nature of the Blackburn team, any win will be acceptable as it will keep Spurs European ambitions and possible Champions League aspirations on course by restoring the gap ahead of the pursuing clubs.

Come on You Spurs!!

The 'A' Team for Tottenham-Spur

The 'A' Team for Spurs - to while away a few moments and excerise the old memory - try to think of a team with players, playing in appropriate positions, whose surnames all begin with the same letter - today 'A':

GK: Milija Alexsic - 1981 FA Cup Cup Winner
RB: Dean Austin - 1992 - 97
LB: Thimothee Atouba - 2004 - 05
CD: Gerry Armstrong - played in central defence occasionally
CD: James Archibald - 1919 - 22
M: Paul Allen - cousin of Clive, member of 1981 FA Cup winning team
M: Ossie Ardiles - FA Cup winner in 1981 and UEFA Cup in 1984
M: Darren Anderton - 1992 - 2004
F: Steve Archibald - FA Cup winner in 1981 & 82, UEFA Cup in 1984
F: Clive Allen - son of Les and holds record for most goals in a season - 1986-87
F: Les Allen - member of the 'Double' team

Sub: Chris Armstrong - 1995 - 2002

Any suggestions for tomorrow's 'B' team will be gratefully accepted.

Another Spurs Free Saturday

When the magazine entitled, 'When Saturday Comes.....', first hit the news stands many years ago, it was obvious to everyone that it referred to football. However, in the subsequent years, that analogy is not so clear as football is played on every day of the week, including Thursday if you qualify for the EUFA Cup.

When I first became interested in football, many years ago, the games were played on Saturday afternoon with a three o'clock kick off and on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening at 7.30pm for mid-week games. There may have been the occasional Monday game if a Cup tie needed extra replays, with second and third replays sometimes being necessary - there were no sudden death penalty shoot-outs in those days. The only other variance from those days would be at Christmas or Easter or if there was fixture congestion at the end of the season caused by postponements due to bad weather or a club being involved in Cup replays.

Nowadays, the day can be changed or the kick-off time be altered, all in the name of television. This makes it very inconvenient for travelling supporters who want to make travel arrangements as soon as possible in order to avail of the best prices for flights. The lunch time start to matches requires an early rise for long-distance fans and does nothing for the atmosphere at games. The last two North London derbies had an early lunch time kick-off and while both games were exciting, the atmosphere was subdued and not what I had been led to expect.

Now this season, Sky have decided that Spurs are a good option for television, they are aware of the wide support for the club and thus the improved viewing figures and so have selected eight successive fixtures for showing. From the Fulham game on 1st February to the match against West Brom at the end of March, all of Spurs games will have been televised. And while they are not showing the next game at Newcastle the following game against Manchester City will be broadcast as will the Easter Monday game against Manchester United. Even the recent game against Wigan was changed for television. With Wigan in the Carling Cup Final and both teams out of the FA Cup, the clubs re-arranged the game for the Saturday of the 5th Round of Cup games. Within minutes of that being announced Sky had it switched to Sunday for televising.

Since the end of October through to Easter Monday, seventeen of Spurs twenty six League and Cup games will have been shown live on television. Each game required a change of date or time and so affected the supporters travel arrangements. It wil probably not end there as Spurs are due to play Arsenal, Bolton and West Ham in the final three games of the season and all three could have a bearing on qualification for the European competitions next season.

Since the beginning of December, Spurs have had three Saturday 3pm kick-offs, at home to Sunderland and Villa and away to Liverpool. Of the remaining fixtures, the games at Newcastle, Everton and Arsenal are scheduled for three o'clock on Saturday, as is the home game with Bolton but things could still change.

At the moment, Spurs are fortunate that they are still playing before a packed White Hart Lane every game but on so many occasions the televised games show up vast areas of deserted seating around the grounds of other clubs - even the successful ones are having difficulty filling their stadia. High admission charges are an obvious cause but the change of times causes problems for travelling supporters who have to juggle commitments of family and work with following their favourite football team. With proposals to increase the number of televised games in the next agreement with the television companies, this problem is only going to increase. It's good for the armchair critic and viewer but a nightmare or those who like to be there week in, week out, home or away. The football authorities in their rush to grab the television cash need to ensure they don't kill the game as a spectacle with grounds becoming more devoid of fans as can be seen in foreign stadia and is happening more and more in Cup games in England, with even the FA Cup competition suffering as well.

The International breaks and television are giving supporters an increasing number of Saturdays free to persue other activities - shopping, gardening and involvement in other sports. Let's hope this doesn't have a lasting affect on their interest in football and take them away permanently from the 'beautiful' game.

4th March - Spurs in History

Sunderland 0 Spurs 4 Premier League

Steffan Iversen Hat-trick

Spurs' season under Gerry Francis was inconsistent and mediocre. Out of the Cup, they hadn't won since a home win over Blackburn at the end of January and were slipping towards the relegation zone.  However, Steffan Iversen had his moment and helped Spurs to an easy win with three goals. The other goal came from Allan Neilsen.

Probably not the highlight of his time at Spurs, that being reserved for his goal in the Semi -Final win over Wimbledon and his assist in the Final of Worthington Cup in 1999, but one of his better moments.

This result helped ease the relegation fears and set the team on a run of five games with only one defeat. The final weeks of the season were poor, taking only 4 points from the last six games but they somehow managed to finish 10th.

Not a great day for Spurs:
1961 - Sunderland 1 Spurs 1 FA Cup 6th Round
Spurs' quest for the 'Double' nearly came to grief in this game at Roker Park as Sunderland tested Spurs to the limit.  Sunderland were in the 2nd Division and the atmosphere at Roker Park was extraordinary.  Cliff Jones gave Spurs the lead after nine minutes with a header from a partially cleared corner.   The rest of the half was tranquil but Smith hit the post just before halftime.

In the second half, however, Sunderland were transformed and forced Spurs to defend.  The 61,236 crowd awoke and roared their team to an equaliser.  Weaker teams would have succumbed but Blanchflower galvanized the team which held out for the replay.

The replay at White Hart Lane, four days later, went according to script with Spurs winning by 5 - 0, Les Allen, Bobby Smith, Terry Dyson (2), Dave Mackay provided the goals.

1987 - Spurs 1 Arsenal 2 LC Semi-final Replay - losing at home to Arsenal in last moments of the game, the only time they were ahead over the three games.  Disappointment for Clive Allen who had scored the three goals Spurs managed in the three semi-final matches.

1992 - Feyenoord 1 Spurs 0 ECWC 3rd Round 1st Leg
A mistake from Paul Allen gave Feyenoord the advantage in this tie.  Former Spur, Johnny Metgod organised the home defence to deny Spurs any scoring opportunities and managed to do the same in the secong leg at White Hart Lane.   Spurs European adventure was over once more.

Today's News from White Hart Lane

It has been announced that Robbie Keane has signed a four year extension to his contract with Tottenham. He was signed on 31st August 2002, transfer deadline day, from Leeds United and was introduced to the White Hart Lane faithful prior to the start of that afternoon's game against Southampton.

His scoring record for Spurs is good:

2002-03 29 League App - 13 goals
1 FA Cup App.
2 League Cup App.

2003-04 34 League App - 14 goals
3 FA Cup App. - 1 goal
4 League Cup App. - 1 goal

2004-05 35 League App. - 11 goals
6 FA Cup App. - 3 goals
4 League Cup App. - 3 goals

2005-06 25 League App. - 8 goals
1 FA Cup App.
1 League Cup App.

Total: 123 League App. 46 goals 11 FA Cup App. 4 goals
11League Cup App. 4 goals

In addition, he is the Republic of Ireland's record goal scorer with goals from International appearances, having scored many important goals for his country in Their World Cup and European Championship campaigns.

For the past two season's he has had to share the striker role for Spurs as the position has been rotated. This year he has had reduced opportunities as Martin Jol initially opted for Jermaine Defoe to partner Mido. However, Robbie waited for his opportunity which came before Christmas and he showed that he hadn't lost his scoring touch. Jol made him captain in the absence of Ledley King and he has now been made captain of his country by new manager Steve Staunton.

Having signed this extended contract, it takes away uncertainty about his future at Tottenham and the possibility of losing his cheaply as his contract draws to a close. Hopefully we will see more of his cartwheel celebrations after he has scored more goals for Spurs.

Teemu Taino has been added to the Spurs squad for the game against Blackburn on Sunday. He returns from injury having missed the last two games following an injury in the first half against Charlton. He had only just returned having been injured against Villa at the ned of January. He is an important member of the aquad and his inclusion will improve Martin Jol's options especially on the left of midfield.

3rd March - Spurs in History

3rd March, 1973

Football League Cup Final at Wembley.
Spurs 1 Norwich

Ralph Coates

As in their previous League Cup Final two years earlier, Spurs were expected to win this game with ease but Norwich made it very difficult by playing very defensively.  In a dull game, the goal was the only memorable moment.

John Pratt started the game ahead of Ralph Coates.  He was injured early on, however, and Ralph Coates replaced him after twenty five minutes.  Coates duly took his moment and scored the goal which won the trophy to maintain Spurs' unbeaten record in Finals and at Wembley.  It also ensured that Spurs played in Europe the following season.

This was possibly Ralph's greatest moment in a Spurs' shirt.  He had signed from Burnley in May, 1971 but had taken time to settle having moved to London, although he had played in the successful UEFA Cup winning team the previous season.

Team: Jennings, Kinnear, Knowles, Pratt (Coates), England, Beal, Gilzean, Perryman, Chivers, Peters(Capt),Pearce.

The following week, the two teams met at White Hart Lane in a League game and Spurs won
3-0, with the goals coming from Martin Chivers (2) (1pen), Jimmy Pearce.

v Blackburn in Premier League at White Hart Lane

  Spurs v Blackburn Rovers in Premier League

The results from the Premier League games at White Hart Lane against Blackburn Rovers:

Gareth Bale

November, 2010  Won 4 - 2  Bale (2), Pavlyuchenko, Crouch

March, 2010  Won 3 - 1  Defoe, Pavlyuchenko (2)

November, 2008  Won 1 - 0  Pavlyuchenko

October, 2007  Lost 1 - 2  Keane (pen)

May, 2007  Draw 1 - 1  Defoe
March, 2006  Won 3 - 2  Keane (2), Mido

May, 2005  Draw 0-0

May, 2004  Won 1-0  Defoe

 May, 2003  Lost 0-4

January, 2002  Won 1-0  Richards

September, 1998  Won 2-1  Ferdinand, Neilsen

September, 1997  Draw 0-0

January, 1997  Won 2-1  Iversen, Sinton

March, 1996  Lost 2-3 Sheringham, Armstrong

February, 1995  Won 3-1 Klinsmann, Anderton, Barmby
February, 1994  Lost 0-2
May, 1993 Lost 1-2  Anderton


Prior to the Premiership game in 1993, the previous League match between the two sides had been in the Second Division in 1977 - 78 when Spurs won 4-0 with goals from Glenn Hoddle, Colin Lee (2) and John Pratt.


The game previous to that clash had been in the 1st Division in 1965-66 when Spurs again won 4-0. The goal scorers were Alan Gilzean (2), Jimmy Greaves (p) and Frank Saul.  This match was Greaves' first match back after being out from the end of October through illness.

2nd March - Spurs in History

Steve Perryman & FA Cup

This day marked the final appearance of captain Steve Perryman for Tottenham Hotspur, thw club he had joined as a boy and served for nineteen years.  He made his 654th League appearance in Spurs colours as the team lost 1-2 at home to Liverpool.  Chris Waddle scored Spurs' goal.

In total he made 1014 full appearances for Spurs and 8 as substitute.  He was a loyal servant to the club turning professional in 1969 and playing regularly for 17 years. He was a member of Nicholson's successful team in 1970s and captained the team to FA Cup success under Keith Burkinshaw in 1980s. He missed the EUFA Cup win in 1984 because of suspension, but received a medal as Ossie Ardiles insisted he have his.

A true and worthy Spurs 'Legend.'

He was transferred to Oxford for £50,000, later returning as Assistant Manager under Ossie Ardiles. This was short lived but he had a successful period managing in Japan.

Five Spurs for England

Jermain Defoe

Spurs' policy of investing in young English players is benefiting both Spurs and England.  During the second half of the friendly International against Uruguay at Anfield, five Spurs players were on the pitch at the same time.

Goalkeeper Paul Robinson and Michael Carrick in central midfield had started the game.  A goal down at half time, Sven-Goran Eriksson brought on Ledley King in defence and Jermaine Jenas to partner Carrick in midfield.  Later Jermaine Defoe was given an opportunity to show what he could do as he tried to secure a place in the World Cup squad.

Michael Carrick was involved in both goals as he set Joe Cole away, with 15 minutes left, to cross for the equaliser from former Spurs youth player, Peter Crouch, and this was followed by a winner from Joe Cole deep into injury time with Carrick playing his part by spreading play wide which released Wright-Phillips to cross.

England came from behind to win 2-1 with FIVE Spurs players on the pitch at the end of the game.

This number equals the record for the number of Spurs players appearing together in an International. The record of 5 was set in April, 1987 when Glenn Hoddle, Clive Allen, Chris Waddle, Gary Mabbutt and Steve Hodge appeared against Turkey.

Robbie Celebrates with a Goal

Robbie Keane led the Republic of Ireland to a comfortable 3-0 win in his first game as captain.

Keane celebrated his appointment as captain in the best possible way by scoring his team's second goal in the friendly international against Sweden who are one of England's opponents in the World Cup Finals in Germany.

Robbie had missed a good scoring opportunity before half-time but made amends two minutes into the second half when he scored from the edge of the box, having latched on to a forward header from Ian Harte. This brings his total of goals for Ireland to 26.

Before the game Keane had stated that he had always wanted to captain his country but hadn't expected it to come so soon. He was looking forward to the dual challenge of captaining his country as well as maintaining his scoring record for his country.

He was disappointed to miss out on the World Cup but saw this as a new start.