Klinsmann to Boss Spurs - No!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spurs in History - 16th April

16th April, 1900

Spurs 3 Sheppey United 0

In their non-League days, Spurs played in the Southern League for twelve seasons. Season 1899 – 1900 was the only time that they finished as Champions. On two occasions they were runners-up and on two further years they finished third. The victory over Sheppey in the penultimate game of the season, ensured they had won the League. The goals were scored by Hyde, Pratt and Kirwan and the team contained six of the players who were to be part of the Cup winning team in the following season.

'I'm A Tottenham Hotspur Reserve - Get me out of Here!'

When Will My Chance Come?

A number of years ago some lower League clubs did away with their reserve sides as a way of reducing their overall expenditure. They simply couldn’t afford the expense of running the team and so they reduced their squads to ensure their survival.

Over the years a reserve side provided a good grounding for young players hoping to break into the first team and they knew that if they progressed and an opportunity came because of an injury to a first team regular, they would get their chance to show what they could do in the team. At other times, if a regular first team player was out due to injury, he would have expected to play a number of reserve games to prove his match fitness before getting a recall to the senior team. Equally if a senior player lost form or fell out of favour with the manager, he could expect to be banished to the reserves to try and regain form or until he had made amends for his wrongs.

However, nowadays, none of those scenarios seem to come into play.

Everyone is aware of the format for the television programme, ‘I’m a Celebrity – Get me out of here’, where some lesser known celebrities endure tasks they would usually find beneath them. Being a reserve at Tottenham Hotspur must feel like being involved in that contrived television situation, not knowing if there will be any chance for promotion to the League side.

Take recent situations at the club and consider them from a reserve player’s point of view.

Injury has badly affected the defence. Last week in Sevilla during the second half, it was reported that both full-backs, Paul Stalteri and Young-Pyo Lee. As the only defender among the substitutes, Phil Ifil was told to warm up. Chris Hughton was seen giving him instructions as he prepared to come into the game. Time passed and Malbranque and Ghaly were put as the two full-backs soldiered on, apparently having recovered from their difficulties – Ifil never appeared.

Before the next game, it was reported that Lee would be out for the rest of the season with injury – obviously playing on for the good of the team didn’t do him any favours. With Rocha available, Chimbonda moved to left back with Stalteri who’s recovered from his problem fit to play and it was a matter of another afternoon sitting on the bench for Phil Ifil.

The real problems occurred for the UEFA Cup quarter-final game against Sevilla. Stalteri had finally succumbed with a hip injury and Rocha was cup-tied again but with Ledley King returning, Chimbonda was available at left back. That left one position to be filled – all the newspaper reports suggested young full back, Ifil, would be in the starting line-up but other informed opinion suggested that the manager was going to play Teemu Tainio out of position to fill the vacant right back spot. When the line-up was announced before kick-off, Tainio was at right back and Ifil one of the substitutes.

Phil Ifil (Pic:above) is twenty years of age and made his debut two seasons ago under Jacques Santini in the opening two games of the season. He made a favourable impression while the club waited for the signing of Pamarot to be completed. Since then he has made two further appearances in the League Cup, his last appearance being against Port Vale in November. From the outside it looks clear that the manager has little confidence in the player – he has been out on loan to gain experience, has played regularly for the reserves this season, but even when there’s a crisis, the manager won’t play him. Perhaps Sunday’s game against Wigan will see him get the opportunity he has been waiting for although Rocha is available again for the left side of the defence.

It looks like the time is coming when Phil Ifil is going to have to follow that well trodden route of Tottenham reserves to lower League clubs. Many have done it before – Dean Marney to Hull City, Rohan Ricketts to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Stephen Kelly to Birmingham and Johnnie Jackson to Colchester United. The ‘Life after the Lane’ section of the club handbook details all those who have gone before.

Similar thoughts must be entering 22 year-old Lee Barnard’s mind. As fifth striker his only appearances have been as substitute in three of the final four games of last season when Mido was injured. He put himself about a bit, which always endears a young player to the supporters. He has been the reserves leading goal scorer for the past two years, finishing last season with 19 goals. However, injury has prevented him from building on that this year. Clive Allen is reported to have worked with him to develop his scoring ability and in his first game back for the reserves last Monday against Aston Villa he scored the team’s second goal. He was described on the Villa web-site report as being 'Quick, full of energy and intent, he’s as good a forward as we’ve faced this season.'

However, on Thursday evening as he sat on the bench with Spurs needing four goals to progress to the next round, he saw, defender, Pascal Chimbonda being moved forward into attack as a fourth striker as the team sought a late flurry of goals. Chimbonda was playing in his fourth position in as many games as Spurs’ injuries and short-comings became more evident. Barnard’s self-confidence must have taken a blow as obviously the manager has little faith in his ability to deliver in such crucial circumstances.

Others have suffered a similar fate – Mark Yeates made his debut in 2004 in David Pleat’s last period in charge. Since then he has been restricted to a few appearances as a substitute and now for the second successive season he has gone out on loan, currently playing for Leicester. Wayne Routledge, Reto Ziegler have gone out on loan while the other reserve players are mostly youngsters. There seems little chance for them as most eventualities seemed to be covered through the squad system. Adel Taarabt, the young French player, has recently been projected into the squad, having only played a handful of reserve games.

Under such circumstances is there a need for a reserve team? It seems to serve little purpose and the number of young players/reserves who have made the transition to the Premiership in the past decade is very limited – Ledley King may well be the last one to successfully take that step. Only occasionally does a squad player make an appearance for the reserves – Danny Murphy being an example when he started the game to prove his fitness ahead of The UEFA clash with Sevilla. However, Ledley King didn’t play any games before returning to first team action in the same game, having been out injured since late December.

The players who move on from Tottenham without first team experience or limited opportunities usually find their level further down the League and can make a worthwhile career for themselves. Evidence of this was seen when Mark Gower (Pic: below) and Kevin Maher played against Spurs in both Cup competitions for Southend United earlier this year. Others who have cut out a League career after leaving White Hart Lane include goalkeeper Alan Marriott with over 300 games at Lincoln City, Ian Hendon, now at Barnet after serving various clubs over the years and midfielder Kevin Watson at Colchester United who captained Spurs’ successful reserve team. They have been provided with a grounding that has been of great benefit to them in their careers and although they were unable to make the breakthrough at Tottenham, they have found success elsewhere.

Looking at the reserve set-up at Tottenham it seems in recent years to have provided very little in the way of development of players who are going to appear in Spurs’ Premiership team. Under such circumstances if it is to be maintained, the structure of the youth academy and reserves need to be examined to ensure it can be more beneficial to Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs in History - 15th April

Villa and Crooks(2) - Spurs' Goal scorers at Highbury against Wolves in FA Cup S/F Replay

15th April, 1981

Spurs 3 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 F.A.Cup Semi-Final Replay at Highbury.

The perfect place for Spurs to win an exciting replay. Determined not to be deprived of their place at Wembley as they had been the previous Saturday, Spurs were fired up for the game from the outset and took an early lead when Garth Crooks headed the opening goal.

Wolves came back strongly but couldn’t get an equaliser. Then just before half-time Crooks scored the second when taking a Glenn Hoddle pass, he finished with ease.

Spurs were celebrating and Ricky Villa sealed the victory with a great goal scored from thirty yards. A great victory and a stylish performance as ‘Spurs were on their way to Wembley’ again to meet Manchester City in the Centenary Final.

Spurs and the FA Cup Semi-Finals

Spurs and the FA Cup

Semi-Finals - 1901 – 2010

It is now over twenty years since Tottenham last enjoyed the celebrations of winning an FA Cup semi-final.  There have been many trials and tribulations in that time but Spurs have fallen short at that vital stage even when firm favourites as in 2010 against Portsmouth.  In their lengthy history Spurs have reached this stage of the competition on eighteen occasions, winning on nine occasions and for most of those successes the result was well deserved with Spurs winning comfortably. However, of the nine unsuccessful attempts to reach the Final, there has often been a sense of injustice as Spurs have been at the wrong end of some dubious decisions.

As a Southern League side Spurs had progressed to the 1901 FA Cup semi-final having disposed of the Cup holders, Bury, and the only other surviving non-League side, Reading, in previous rounds. First Division, West Bromwich Albion at Villa Park were Spurs next opponents while Sheffield United and Aston Villa contested the other semi-final. Although the game was like a home game for Albion, Spurs took thousands of spectators to the Birmingham venue.

The Spurs’ hero was Sandy Brown who scored all four goals as Spurs won comprehensively. Brown had scored in every round of the Cup and now had a total of twelve goals in the competition. Spurs were very much the under-dogs and all of the Spurs’ players deserved credit for this performance. Although the game was scoreless at half-time Spurs had more of the play and from the time that Brown headed the first goal just after the restart from a centre by John Kirwan, there was no doubting the result. He scored twice more in the next twenty minutes – his second from a corner, the third was a shot from thirty yards and the fourth, five minutes from the end, after a passing movement took Spurs the length of the pitch.

Following a replay Spurs discovered they would be meeting Sheffield United in the Final to be played at Crystal Palace.

Twenty years later, just back in the 1st Division, Spurs faced Preston North End at Hillsborough in their second semi-final. The two clubs had previously met in the Cup on two occasions, including the 1st Round tie in 1901 when Spurs went on to win the Cup for the first time. Now, the two clubs were opponents in the top flight and although Preston were in the bottom half of the League to Spurs sixth position, the northern club had been successful in both League games earlier in the season. Spurs had had moments of good fortune in their early progress in the Cup but on this occasion it seemed to desert them. It took two goals from Bert Bliss in the second half to ensure Spurs’ victory – scoring the first with a typical drive and then converting a pass from captain, Arthur Grimsdell. A mix-up in the Spurs’ defence allowed Preston to pull a goal back but Spurs were never under any threat. The game could and should have been wrapped long before Spurs scored their first goal. In the first half they had two goals disallowed – the first after Jimmy Banks scored but the referee gave Spurs a free-kick for a foul on Jimmy Seed and then a second following a scramble in the Preston area was disallowed for some unknown reason. Early in the second half Spurs should have had two penalties – firstly for a foul on Banks and then when a Preston defender handled but neither impressed the referee.

Spurs’ opponents in the Final at Stamford Bridge would be Second Division Wolverhampton Wanderers who had defeated another Second Division side, Cardiff City in a replay.

The following year and Spurs suffered their first semi-final defeat, Preston gaining revenge for the previous year’s defeat in controversial circumstances. Spurs were favourites to win and played in that manner throughout the first half and went a goal up through Jimmy Seed. Preston looked a beaten team at half-time but in the second half were re-vitalised and equalised. Spurs came back into the game and looked to have scored when a shot from Bert Bliss beat the goalkeeper and was on its way into the net. At this point the referee stopped the game to attend to an injured Preston player. He decreed that he had blown the whistle before the ball entered the net and disallowed the goal. To add insult to injury, the player wasn’t even injured. This decision demoralised the Spurs players and Preston went on to score the winning goal. In the Final Preston lost to a disputed penalty, awarded for a foul committed outside the area, but that is of little consolation to Spurs.

It was another twenty six years before Spurs were to grace a semi-final again and it was as a 2nd Division side that they met 1st Division Blackpool at Villa Park. They had defeated 1st Division Bolton and then 2nd Division clubs, West Brom, Leicester and Southampton to reach this stage. For over an hour Spurs were the equal of Blackpool who were the strong favourites with Stanley Matthews and Stan Mortensen in their side. However, it was Spurs who went ahead when Len Duquemin got the final touch in a goalmouth scramble for his eighth Cup goal of the season. Time ticked away and Spurs were within four minutes of their first Wembley final when a pass from Matthews found Mortensen. He set off on a thirty yard run, past four defenders and shot from a very acute angle near the goal line. The shot caught Ted Ditchburn unawares and Spurs were totally deflated. Into extra time and Mortensen scored twice more to ensure Spurs’ Cup dreams ended at Villa Park. That result so demoralised Spurs that they won only two of their final twelve League games and missed out on a possible promotion by finishing in eighth place.

Five seasons later, Spurs had an opportunity to gain revenge on Blackpool when they again met in the semi-final at Villa Park. This time both clubs were in the 1st Division and this was seen as a last opportunity for the ‘Push and Run’ side to achieve Cup success. It had been a long road to the semi-final for Spurs who had played eight games to reach this stage. They had needed replays to beat Tranmere and Preston, then one game saw off Halifax but the 6th Round tie with Birmingham City went to three games. This time Blackpool with Matthews and Mortensen still a force to be reckoned with, took an early lead but early in the second half Spurs levelled through Len Duquemin. Spurs were now in control and the game was heading for extra time when with seconds remaining Alf Ramsey attempted a back pass to Ted Ditchburn. As he did so he slipped and the ball fell short allowing the Blackpool forward to step in and put the ball past Ditchburn. Only time remained to kick off again and Spurs would have to wait a little longer for a final at Wembley.

Blackpool went on to win the Final against Bolton in the famous ‘Matthews’ final.

Villa Park was becoming a bogey ground for Spurs where FA Cup semi-final games were concerned. In 1955-56 they again had the misfortune to lose there at the penultimate stage – this time to Manchester City. It was a refereeing mistake that helped to prevent Spurs achieving that first Wembley final. Spurs were a goal down but in the final minutes were battling for an equaliser. The captain, Danny Blanchflower had moved centre half, Maurice Norman, forward into the attack as he had done successfully in the previous round against West Ham. In the dieing moments winger George Robb was through on goal and about to score when the Manchester City goalkeeper, Bert Trautmann, caught hold of his legs. A goal or a penalty, Spurs should have scored but somehow unbelievably the officials saw nothing and Spurs had once again fallen short. ‘What if’ Spurs had scored – they could have taken the game into extra time and gone on to win but the repercussions of the defeat went further than expected. Manager, Jimmy Anderson was unimpressed with Blanchflower’s decision to make changes to the team during the game and in the ensuing row Blanchflower resigned as captain and did not take on the role for another two seasons.

After such a period of disappointment, Spurs were about to embark on a sequence of seven successive semi-final victories stretching over thirty years. At the fourth attempt, it was the ‘Double’ team of 1960-61 that was to lay the ghost of Villa Park. Drawn to play defending League champions Burnley a tight game was expected as Burnley had recovered from a four goal deficit to earn a draw in the League game at White Hart Lane earlier in the season. The semi-final tie saw Spurs take the lead after half an hour and went further ahead when Bobby Smith scored his second in the second half. This deflated Burnley and Cliff Jones added the third before the end. Spurs were on their now way to Wembley for the very first time where they would find Leicester City trying to prevent them completing an historic ‘Double.’

A year later Spurs overcame Manchester United at Hillsborough at the semi-final stage of the competition as they endeavoured to retain the trophy. Goals from Jimmy Greaves, Terry Medwin and Cliff Jones ensured that Spurs won comfortably and returned to Wembley to meet the team they defeated in the previous year’s semi-final. Greaves and Jones gave Spurs a two goal half-time lead. United scored with seven minutes remaining but Medwin ensured Spurs’ victory, scoring three minutes later.

The 1967 semi-final saw Spurs return to Hillsborough to play Nottingham Forest. Both teams were in the top three of the League and Spurs were on an unbeaten run that stretched back to mid-January. In a very close game Forest started the better and Cyril Knowles cleared off the line early on but then after half an hour Jimmy Greaves scored with a great volley from twenty five yards that went in off the post. Just before half-time Forest almost equalised when a Knowles defensive header hit the post but Spurs held on. In the second half Forest continued to search for the equaliser but when Frank Saul caught a Forest defender in possession he took the ball to the edge of the penalty area to score with a great shot to put Spurs two up after sixty seven minutes. Forest weren’t down and out and scored with ten minutes left but although they searched for the equaliser, Spurs had further opportunities to increase their lead. In the following day’s papers the match was described as ‘pulsating’ and a game in which Spurs ‘earned the right to meet Chelsea in the first all London Final at Wembley on the strength of a highly skilled performance in a classic semi-final that had moments of magic and tragedy.’

Although Spurs enjoyed Cup success at home and in Europe over the next decade and a half, the FA Cup eluded them. It was in 1981 that they next reached an FA Cup semi-final, under the guidance of Keith Burkinshaw. Spurs’ progress to this stage had been steady and they were drawn to play Wolverhampton Wanderers at Hillsborough. Everyone’s memory of this game is the penalty that was awarded to Wolves in the dieing moments for a tackle by Glenn Hoddle. This gave Wolves the chance to equalise and take the game into extra time. The game remained level at 2-2 and a replay was required. The fury of the Spurs’ players and spectators at the penalty decision is understandable as it was wrong on two accounts – the tackle was outside the penalty area and Hoddle won the ball cleanly without touching the ‘diving’ Terry Hibbitt. Spurs had taken the lead through Steve Archibald after four minutes but Wolves equalised a minute later. Just before half-time, Hoddle put Spurs ahead from a free kick, that could justifiably have been a penalty. Spurs defended resolutely until the referee played his part but then we would have missed the excitement of the replay at Highbury.

For some unaccountable reason the FA decided that the replay would take place at Highbury which was of tremendous advantage to Spurs. It was the perfect place for Spurs to win an exciting replay. Determined not to be deprived of their place at Wembley as they had been the previous Saturday, Spurs were fired up for the game from the outset and took an early lead when Garth Crooks headed the opening goal. Wolves came back strongly but couldn’t get an equaliser. Then just before half-time Crooks scored the second when taking a pass from Hoddle, he finished with ease. Spurs were celebrating and Ricky Villa sealed the victory with a great goal scored from thirty yards. A great victory and a stylish performance as ‘Spurs were on their way to Wembley’ again.

The following season as Spurs fought to retain the trophy, the semi-final game took them to Villa Park where they met 2nd Division, Leicester City. It was a difficult game for everyone and Ossie Ardiles played his last game of the season for Spurs as he returned to Argentina to prepare for the World Cup. However, there was the additional problem of the Falklands War and Ardiles was constantly booed by the Leicester fans. Spurs eventually wore Leicester down in the second half when after 56 minutes Ardiles centred for Crooks to score. Leicester lost a player to injury and their ten men battled gamely but in the 76th minute conceded a soft own goal. The defender with many options to clear lifted his back pass over the goalkeeper’s head. This was a very comfortable semi-final victory for Spurs who returned to Wembley for a second successive year to meet Queens Park Rangers.

Spurs next semi-final game was one of the easiest they’ve ever played at this stage of the Cup. Watford went into the game at Villa Park with goalkeeping problems and had to call up an emergency keeper as their regular keepers were injured. A 4-1 victory did not flatter Spurs as David Pleat’s side continued their good form and won through goals from Steve Hodge(2), Clive Allen and Paul Allen. Coventry City were their unexpected opponents in the Final.

In all the years of the FA Cup, Spurs and Arsenal had only previously met in the competition on two occasions. Now, in 1991, they were to meet in the semi-final. Such was the demand the game was arranged for Wembley, the first occasion that a semi-final had taken place there. Spurs were under continuing financial pressure but their biggest problem prior to this game was the fitness of their talisman, Paul Gascoigne. He had undergone a hernia operation immediately after the 6th Round win over Notts County, in the hope that he would be fit for the semi-final. Four days before the game he successfully played for an hour in a League game at Norwich and was fit to play at Wembley. Spurs’ other difficulty was that Arsenal had only lost once in the League and were looking to win the ‘double’. The atmosphere at Wembley was electric and Gascoigne was at his most exuberant best. Spurs were not expected to win this game but Venables had them firing on all cylinders from the start. After five minutes Gascoigne scored from a 35 yard free kick that was hit with such power and accuracy that it left Seaman clutching at thin air. As Venables said afterwards, “Paul was probably the only player who could do anything like that.” Five minutes later Gary Lineker increased Spurs’ lead. Arsenal didn’t know what had hit them but they managed to score before half-time. Gazza played for only sixty minutes but left to an ovation – ‘Spurs Hero of Wembley.’ Shortly after Gascoigne’s departure, his replacement, Nayim set up Lineker to score the third to take Spurs to the Final.

All the players played their part in this memorable victory as Arsenal were humbled by an inspired Gazza who ensured Spurs had a fantastic victory. ‘St. Hotspur Day’- a day never to be forgotten by Spurs’ fans around the world.
"He's not going to have a go from there.... he is you know.... that is Schoolboy's Own stuff!" Barry Davies, commenting on the semi-final as Gascoigne lined up the free-kick and scored from 35 yards.

That was Spurs’ seventh successive FA Cup semi-final victory but since that very memorable and enjoyable day, Spurs have only had that sinking feeling where those games have been concerned. Although they have endured difficult times in the subsequent years Spurs have still managed to reach the semi-final on four occasions. Two years later another visit to Wembley was required when Spurs and Arsenal were again drawn together. Terry Venables’ team were left feeling hard done by in 1993 when a refereeing decision influenced the result. Spurs were denied a penalty when Darren Anderton was brought down in the penalty area in the first half. If Spurs had been awarded a penalty and Arsenal reduced to ten men with over an hour to play the complexion of the game would have changed. However, it wasn’t and then with ten minutes remaining the Arsenal goal was scored from a dubious free-kick although tighter marking by the Spurs’ defence could have eliminated the danger. The ‘might have beens’ could go on for ever but if Spurs had gone on to Wembley and won the Cup, the subsequent dramatic and traumatic end of season events with the fall-out between Alan Sugar and Terry Venables may never have occurred and Spurs mightn’t have gone into a decade of decline.

Defeat in the semi-final usually has some repercussions – in 1947 Spurs missed out on promotion, in 1957 Blnchflower resigned as captain, in 1993 Venables and Sugar fell out while following the 1995 defeat by Everton, Spurs lost Jurgen Klinsmann who along with Teddy Sheringham had been such a vital part of Spurs’ resurgence that season. The season had started with Spurs banned from the competition as punishment for the financial irregularities uncovered in the Sugar/Venables affair. It was only as the 3rd Round approached that the decision was overturned and Spurs were re-instated. Progress to the semi-finals had brought memorable performances at Southampton and Liverpool and now Spurs were faced with Everton at Elland Road as the final step back to Wembley. The media were predicting a Spurs/Manchester United final but unfortunately Everton hadn’t read the script. Spurs were troubled by injuries on the day and Stuart Nethercott had to play as emergency left back. Spurs simply did not perform, little resembling the side that had played so well in earlier rounds and produced such exciting football during the season. Everton started the better and took a two goal lead. Klinsmann scored a penalty for Spurs but two late goals sealed Spurs’ fate and added to their embarrassment.

The result was a shattering blow to the fans and the club but the further ramification was that Klinsmann later announced that he would be leaving at the end of the season. He had brought vitality to the club but with the team not being able to offer him European football the following season he decided to return to Germany. This was an even greater blow to the Club and one that they have been striving to recover from since that fateful day – only in the past two seasons have there been signs of some early shoots of recovery.

In 1999 Spurs under George Graham had already won the Worthington Cup and were looking for a Cup ‘double’ as they took on Newcastle United at Old Trafford. Progress to this stage had been seen a comfortable victory over Watford, replays were needed to see off Wimbledon and Leeds, the latter succumbing to two spectacular goals from Anderton and Ginola at White Hart Lane. Ginola produced another ‘special’ to win at Barnsley and Spurs were looking confident as they came to play Newcastle. However, Spurs weren’t at their best against the Tyneside club but the game turned on the hour when the referee missed a blatant handball by the Newcastle defender, Dabizas, as he struggled to head clear from a free-kick. The game remained scoreless and went into extra time when from a similar situation Campbell was penalised and Newcastle were awarded a penalty. Shearer scored and with Spurs deflated, added a second to end Spurs’ dreams of a second visit to Wembley.

In 2001, Spurs had another opportunity to reach the FA Cup Final but once again Arsenal stood in their way. In the entire history of the FA Cup, the two clubs have only met on two occasions in earlier rounds of the competition but of the four times they have both reached the semi-finals, they have been drawn together on three occasions. The background to the tie was Spurs’ change of manager. A week after Spurs’ thrilling victory over West Ham United at Upton Park in the 6th Round George Graham was sacked. David Pleat took temporary charge while the club waited for Glenn Hoddle whose first game in charge was the semi-final at Old Trafford. It started brightly for Spurs with Gary Doherty who had been the hero of earlier rounds with two important goals, giving Spurs the lead. However, Arsenal came more and more into the game and it was only an outstanding display by Neil Sullivan in the Spurs’ goal that kept the score to 2-1 for Spurs’ north London neighbours. While Hoddle’s return to Tottenham was welcome, the timing was not the most appropriate, before such an important game and especially as the players had come together as a team through the Cup run.

Spurs last reached the semi-final stage in 2010 when they faced Portsmouth.  The south coast club were in dire straits facing both relegation and financial problems.  Spurs had defeated Harry Redknapp's old club in both Premier League matches, the last game only a few weeks previously had been an extremely comfortable victory at White Hart Lane.  In the semi-final Portsmouth worked extremely hard throughout and Spurs simply couldn't respond or lift their game.  The game went into extra time and was looking destined for penalties when Portsmouth's goal came courtesy of a Michael Dawson slip on the much criticised new Wembley turf.  He slipped at a vital moment as he was about to clear the ball in the centre of the penalty area.  The ball fell invitingly for Portsmouth who accepted the gift and went on to secure a two goal victory and Spurs felt annoyed with the performance of their team and officials who ruled out both a goal and penalty claims in extra time.  Spurs showed remarkable powers of recovery from this very disappointing performance to produce a run to gain Champions League football for the first time.

Spurs haven't had a successful semi-final since 1991which is a very long period for a club with a Cup reputation but whether this year will be any different is hard to judge with the quest for Champions League football so often taking precedent over the glory of winning the Cup.

The story of the FA Cup, season after season brings dreams that ultimately go unfulfilled but on those few occasions when it all falls into place they are the greatest moments and create lasting memories that carry you through in hope for the seasons that lie ahead.

For the Record:
Tottenham's FA Cup Semi-Final Win and Loss Account:

1901 West Bromwich Albion (Villa Park) Won 4-0 Brown (4)
1921 Preston North End (Hillsborough) Won 2-1 Bliss (2)
 1922 Preston North End (Hillsborough) Lost 1-2 Seed
1948 Blackpool (Villa Park) Lost 1-3 (aet) Duquemin
1953 Blackpool (Villa Park) Lost 1-2 Duquemin
1956 Manchester City (Villa Park) Lost 0-1 
1961 Burnley (Villa Park) Won 3-0 Smith R (2), Jones
1962 Manchester United (Hillsborough) Won 3-1 Greaves, Medwin, Jones 
1967 Nottingham Forest (Hillsborough) Won 2-1 Greaves, Saul
1981 Wolverhampton Wanderers (Hillsborough) Draw 2-2 (aet) Archibald, Hoddle
Replay Wolverhampton Wanderers (Highbury) Won 3-0 Crooks (2), Villa
1982 Leicester City (Villa Park) Won 2-0 Crooks, Opp. o.g.
1987 Watford (Villa Park) won 4-1 Hodge (2), Allen P, Allen C 
1991 Arsenal (Wembley) Won 3-1 Gascoigne, Lineker (2) 
1993 Arsenal (Wembley) Lost 0-1
1995 Everton (Elland Road) Lost 1-4 Klinsmann (p)
1999 Newcastle United (Old Trafford) Lost 0-2 (aet)
 2001 Arsenal (Old Trafford) Lost 1-2 Doherty
2010 Portsmouth (Wembley) Lost 0 - 2 (aet)

Tottenham Hotspur v Sevilla Aftermath

‘Don’t Talk, Just Play’

(UEFA Cup - not this year Spurs)

Over the past week there have been sound-bites coming from White Hart Lane – very much in line with the thoughts of the ordinary supporter.

Prior to the game in Sevilla, Jermaine Jenas said, ’You get nothing for reaching quarter-finals or semi-finals. You go home, you are out and you have to watch others play in the final and lift the cup. It’s not a nice feeling and it’s not something we want to continue. If you look at the teams we lost to [in the cups], it has been Arsenal and Chelsea, two of the top three or four sides in England. It was devastating to lose those games. But now, it’s up to us to make that step and beat those sides so we are able to break through into finals and so on. We definitely have the talent.’

He repeated these sentiments in interviews on radio this morning.

Martin Jol was quoted in yesterday’s papers from his programme notes for the Sevilla game, ‘Be in no doubt that when we step out tonight we shall do so determined to get the result for you all.’

Unfortunately, neither has been able to get the views across to the team in a meaningful way as once again Spurs fell short at the business end of a Cup competition.

Tottenham is not somewhere you would include in the ‘Top 100 places to visit in London’ but last night on a beautiful early spring evening the supporters of Tottenham and Sevilla mingled outside White Hart Lane in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that was the complete opposite of the scenes and reports of events inside the stadium in Spain a week ago. Inside the stadium, both sets of supporters built up the atmosphere for a game that would determine which club would be looking forward to the semi-final games in the UEFA Cup – there was a lot at stake on the evening.

Unfortunately, the Tottenham players took this congenial atmosphere onto the pitch, enabling Sevilla to do what Robbie Keane did a week earlier and score an early goal. Not the start that Spurs’ fans had been looking for but nothing had really changed because with Spurs’ defensive difficulties, it was unlikely that they would keep a clean sheet and go through with a 1-0 win and the away goals rule. However, then within seven minutes, Fredi Kanoute did for Sevilla what the previous week’s referee prevented Spurs from doing – building on their good start and increasing their lead. Two goals down – White Hart Lane was stunned – Spurs would need four goals to win.

If ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’ and ‘every picture tells a story’ then the photograph on the back page of today’s Daily Express sums up how everyone was feeling – it shows Keane, Jenas and Berbatov waiting to kick off after Sevilla’s second goal, all with a look of total disbelief at what had happened.

The record books will show that Spurs’ earned a draw and lost 3-4 on aggregate and the statisticians will be able to note that Spurs have only lost one home game in all their European matches. Spurs have been given credit for coming back into the game but those facts don’t tell the real story - it was forty one minutes before they made a purposeful and meaningful attack when Didier Zakora burst forward at pace and released Berbatov who shot narrowly wide. Berbatov then hit the post with a shot in the final moments of the half – if only – but in truth Spurs could have been four or five behind by the interval, such was the pace and skill of the Spanish team.

Throughout, the fans kept up a continual chorus of support for the team and they were rewarded with two goals in a minute, half way through the second half. A late rally, an amazing comeback, nobody really expected it and throughout the Sevilla reserve goalkeeper hadn’t a save to make, while in the latter stages it was Paul Robinson who had to pull off one or two saves to prevent Sevilla regaining the lead.

Also in his programme notes, Martin Jol treated us to the views of Ernst Happel, a coach he has admired since his younger days – ‘I understand Happel was a man of few words,……… He had two favourite phrases. ‘Don’t talk, just play’ was what he would instil in his players, whilst his pre-match team-talks consisted of the rather prosaic,’Gentlemen, two points.’

There’s been plenty said over the last week but now the talking is over and we will just play…..’

Unfortunately, that didn’t happen – the concern is not that they failed to get past the team sitting second in the Spanish League and UEFA Cup holders, but the nature of their demise. Within seven minutes the war (qualification for the UEFA Cup semi-finals) was lost, although they later managed to draw the battle (the match). Once again the players had failed to deliver when it mattered most – those big, winner takes all games.

Spurs’ record in the Premiership against the top sides this year, apart from the Chelsea home game, has been appalling – even worse than some recent years when Spurs appeared to be starting to challenge those teams but without actually winning. However, this season they conceded three goals at both Anfield and the Emirates Stadium, lost at Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge by a goal, without ever being a real threat to the home side, lost by four at home to United while Liverpool comfortably handled Spurs at White Hart Lane, with Arsenal to come in a week’s time. In both the Carling Cup and FA Cup, Spurs put themselves in a strong position against Arsenal and Chelsea when holding a two goal lead but ultimately failed.

Jenas is quoted as saying he is tired of losing at the late stages of Cup competitions but here again against Sevilla, he along with numerous others failed to make an impression or any meaningful contribution. In last night’s game he was anonymous as he has been in previous games against the top clubs. Steed Malbranque never recovered from the horror of gifting Sevilla the early goal. Aaron Lennon couldn’t escape the clutches of the defenders appointed to mark him throughout and so ineffectual was he as an attacking threat that in the final moments of the game he was consigned to left back while Pascal Chimbonda moved forward as an extra attacker. Robbie Keane had one of those ‘running round in circles games’ which he frequently reserves for the top teams. For an hour of the biggest game of the season the players could not raise themselves from the lethargy that was so restricting their play - their control, their passing, everything let them down. The winning mentality that Martin Jol talks about so often, simply is not there in this squad of players.

What is the answer to Spurs problems? Well to answer in the honest words of Jamie Carragher when questioned after Liverpool’s two Cup defeats to Arsenal in early January – ‘We need better players.’

Once again much will be written and speculated on as the summer transfer window opens and action will be taken in an effort to rectify the wrongs of this current season. However, the actions of last summer may be saying more than words, about the current owners’ view of Tottenham Hotspur’s place in the football hierarchy. They took the money for Michael Carrick and that transfer has certainly strengthened the northern club while Spurs, although they may have shown improvement in their style of play in recent weeks, have done little to suggest they are closing the gap on the top clubs in the Premiership.

Logan Holmes.

Spurs in History - 14th April

Paul Gascoigne celebrates his wonder goal against Arsenal at Wembley (FA Cup S/F)

14th April, 1991

Spurs 3 Arsenal 1 F.A.Cup Semi-Final at Wembley.

‘St. Hotspur Day’- a day never to be forgotten by Spurs fans around the world.

Arsenal were humbled as Gazza returned from injury to score and inspire Spurs to a fantastic victory. He had only been passed fit having played for an hour in a League game at Norwich the previous Wednesday. Spurs were not expected to win this game, the first semi-final to be played at Wembley, but Venables had them firing on all cylinders from the start against their north London neoghbours who had lost only one League game all season and were looking to win the 'double'.

After five minutes Paul Gascoigne scored from a 35 yard free kick that was hit with such power and accuracy that it left Seaman clutching at thin air. As Venables said afterwards, “Paul was probably the only player who could do anything like that.”

Five minutes later Gary Lineker increased Spurs lead. Arsenal didn’t know what had hit them although they did score before half-time. Gazza played for only an hour but left to an ovation – ’Spurs Hero of Wembley’.

Shortly after his departure, his replacement, Nayim, set up Lineker who scored the third to take Spurs to the Final.

An amazing performance and result - all the players played their part in this memorable victory inspired by the one and only Paul Gascoigne.

Spurs in History - 13th April

13th April, 1970


Spurs 2 Manchester United 1


The penultimate game of the season, although the final game wasn’t until early May. Following the difficult period in mid-season Spurs had reshaped the team, the senior players had re-established themselves, Peters was settling into the team and Perryman was gaining experience and influence in the team. Also and importantly, Gilzean and Chivers were developing a goal scoring partnership that was to blossom in the next few seasons. It was this combination that was to ensure victory over United but despite the stronger finish to the season, Spurs could only finish in 11th position.

Spurs in History - 12th April

Two early goals from Terry Venables set Spurs up in this FA Cup Replay against Birmingham City

12th April, 1967

Spurs 6 Birmingham City 0 F.A.Cup 6th Round Replay

The first game the previous weekend had remained scoreless as 2nd Division Birmingham had battled bravely to deny Spurs. The nearest they had come to scoring was late on when Pat Jennings in catching an awkward dropping centre from under the bar, let it slip from his grasp and had City claiming a goal but the referee disagreed.

The replay saw Spurs in total control. Terry Venables scored twice, after 90 seconds and after 18 minutes. Two minutes later Alan Gilzean scored the third. In th second half, Jimmy Greaves (2) and Frank Saul completed the goal feast.

Nottingham Forest awaited Spurs in the semi-final clash to be played at Hillsborough.

Tottenham Hotspur v Sevilla UEFA Cup Q/F (2nd leg) Preview

Thursday, 12th April, 2007
Tottenham Hotspur v Sevilla
UEFA Cup Q/F 2nd Leg
KO: 7.45pm
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Welcome to European football 2007 – in Seville everyone discovered what European football was all about - the hostility of the police, diving and win at all cost tactics and refereeing that favoured the home side. The previous games this season have been a mere stroll in the park compared to Spurs’ Spanish experience.

Spurs came through relatively unscathed and know exactly what they have to do at White Hart Lane:

Spurs win by 2 or more goals and they qualify for the semi-finals.
Win 1-0 – Spurs qualify on the away goals rule, thanks to Robbie Keane’s precious goal after a minute.
Win 2-1 – the game goes to extra time and possibly penalties.
Any other single goal win by Spurs would see them eliminated on the away goals rule.

In Spain Spurs had the perfect start and for the next twenty minutes they were comfortable and only when the referee interfered with the penalty award did Sevilla come into the game. For the rest of the first half Spurs were stretched but Martin Jol did an excellent job at half-time to get the team regrouped for the second half when they were rarely troubled and could have equalised. So at the end of ninety minutes, a one goal defeat can be regarded as a job well done.

Of course, the work now has to be completed at Tottenham. Sevilla showed that they are quick on the break so Spurs will have to be careful as they look for those important goals that they don’t leave themselves exposed at the back.

Spurs will have to show patience and composure to deal with the Sevilla players’ attempts to win free-kicks every time they are tackled. Here the referee must take a firm control to avoid a repetition of the first game when free kicks were awarded liberally to Sevilla while the Spurs players, especially Keane and Berbatov, received little protection.

The referee on Thursday evening is Konrad Plautz from Austria.

Injuries are playing a part for both sides – Lee and Stalteri have now joined the Spurs’ injury list but it is rumoured on message boards and has been reported in some of the media that Ledley King is ready for a return to action. That would be a great boost for Spurs but he has been out for so long and we have heard on a number of occasions that he was about to make an appearance in the team. We will have to wait and see.

Sevilla again rested players from their weekend drawn League game so it shows the importance this game is to the Spanish club as they strive to retain the UEFA Cup. However, their goalkeeper, Palop, is injured as is Chevantón who started on the bench last week. He is Sevilla’s top scorer in the UEFA Cup this season with four goals. David Cobeño is expected to take Palop's place for the game at White Hart Lane. The Sevilla forward Luis Fabiano is now available having been suspended for the first leg.

For Spurs to qualify they will have to inflict the first defeat by an English side on Sevilla who defeated Middlesbrough and drew at Bolton in last season’s competition.

Spurs’ record in European games at White Hart Lane shows only one defeat, to Real Madrid in the 1985 UEFA Cup Q/F (1st leg) game. On the two previous occasions that Spurs have lost the away leg by 1-2, they have subsequently won the home game to progress to the next round.

1983-84 UEFA Cup (S/F) Hajduk Split (a) L1-2 (h) W1-0 (won on away goals rule)
1984-85 UEFA Cup (2nd R) FC Bruges (a) L1-2 (h) W3-0

On four other occasions, Spurs have returned to White Hart Lane with a one goal deficit and progressed against Dulka Prague (EC Q/F – 1962) and Bayern Munich (UEFA Cup 3rd R – 1984) but lost to Lyon (ECWC - 1967-68) on the away goals rule and to Feyenoord (ECWC -1992) who held on for a scoreless draw at Tottenham in .

The game is balanced on a knife edge with no room for error and Sevilla’s success is such that they never know defeat – pulling the previous tie around in the final moments when they looked to be going out of the competition. A goal in injury time took the game into extra time when they managed to score a decisive winner. However, with Spurs’ home record being so impressive this season they will be confident of further progress. The only note of caution is that when the top clubs have come to White Hart Lane, with the exception of Chelsea in the Premiership, Spurs have been unable to fulfil their promise. I trust they are ready and able for the task in hand this time.

The game is set up for another pulsating ‘Glory! Glory!’ night of European football at White Hart Lane. The atmosphere will be tremendous as we roar Spurs to a semi-final tie against probably Osasuna of Spain as they hold a three goal lead over Bayer Leverkusen following the first game in Germany.

Spurs in History - 11th April

11th April, 1981

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

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

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

Spurs in History - 10th April

10th April, 1976

Spurs 0 Leeds United 0 (1st Division)

I could have selected a European semi-final victory (1974 v Lokomotiv Leipzip (a) UEFA Cup S/F Won 2-1) or a defeat (1973 v Liverpool (a) UEFA Cup S/F Lost 0-1) or Paul Gascoigne's much awaited return from injury in 1991, ahead of the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal at Wembley, but selected instead the game that was played on the day that I was married.

Spurs had won their previous five League games including a 2-0 victory at Highbury the previous weekend. Spurs, with Terry Neill as manager, had had a better season than the previous year when they required a last match home victory over Leeds to avoid relegation but still only finished in 9th position.

A team with Jennings, Young, Perryman, Pratt, Chivers and Duncan should have been doing better.

The day is also noteworthy for my local team, Carrick Rangers, winning the Irish Cup for the only time in their history, emulating Spurs of 1901, by being a non-League team at the time. Friends and relations were not best pleased at missing the Final to attend the wedding.

Surs in History - 9th April

9th April, 1985

The Day when Spurs 'Lost' Jurgen Klinsmann

Spurs 1 Everton 4 F.A.Cup Semi-Final at Elland Road

This could be described as the day that we lost a semi-final and the day that we lost Jurgen Klinsmann.

The media were predicting and Manchester United v Tottenham Final but Everton had other ideas. This result was a shattering blow to the fans and the club. Having progressed to this stage with memorable victories and performances at Southampton and Liverpool the team did not perform on the day. The team was hit by injuries, Stuart Nethercott had a nightmare game at left back, and went two goals behind. Klinsmann scored from a penalty but Everton scored two late goals to further embarrass Spurs.

So Spurs adventure in the Cup from which they had originally been banned was over but the further ramification was that Klinsmann later announced that he would be leaving at the end of the season. He had brought vitality to the club but with the team not being able to offer him European football the following season he decided to return to Germany. This was an even greater blow to the Club and one that they have been striving to recover from since that fateful day.

Spurs in History - 8th April

8th April, 1901

Spurs 4 West Bromwich Albion 0 F.A.Cup Semi-Final at Villa Park

The Spurs hero was Sandy Brown who scored all four goals as Spurs comprehensively defeated their League opponents. Brown had scored in every round of the Cup and now had a total of 12 Cup goals. All of the Spurs players deserve credit for this performance.

The game was scoreless at half-time but from the time that Brown headed the first goal just after the restart from a centre by John Kirwan, there was no doubting the result. The second came from a corner, the third was a shot from thirty yards and the fourth came after a passing movement took Spurs the length of the pitch. Spurs, as a non-League side, had reached the FA Cup Final for the first time where they would meet Sheffield United at Crystal Palace.

Spurs in History - 7th April

7th April, 1982

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

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

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

Spurs in History - 6th April

6th April, 1968

Spurs 6 Southampton 1 (1st Division)

Spurs had four consecutive home games from mid-March to Easter and won all of them. They scored 16 goals, conceding only two. This was the third of the victories, having previously overcome Stoke City (3-0) and Burnley (5-0) which included Jimmy Greaves 300th League goal.

The goals against Southampton were scored by Alan Mullery, Jimmy Greaves (2) (1 pen), Martin Chivers, Cliff Jones and an own goal. The final game in the sequence was a 2-1 victory over Leeds United on Good Friday. They then lost the next two away games, including the return against Leeds in mid-week before returning to winning ways at White Hart Lane.

Spurs in History - 5th April

5th April, 1962

'The End of a Dream'

Spurs 2 Benfica 1 European Cup Semi Final (2nd Leg) (Lost 3-4 on agg.)

Spurs came so close to reaching the Final but they couldn’t pull back the two goal deficit against the reigning European Champions. In the first leg in Lisbon Spurs had two goals ruled out for offside and they were determined to comeback strongly as they had in earlier rounds of the competition.

However, their task became even more difficult when they went a goal behind after 15 minutes. From then on Spurs pounded the Benfica defence, Jimmy Greaves had another goal disallowed for offside but eventually equalised in the 35th minute when Bobby Smith scored. Spurs continued to force the visitors back and in the second minute of the second half, Danny Blanchflower scored from a penalty after a foul on John White.

The supporters roared Spurs on and they threw everything at Benfica, hitting the bar and missing some chances but couldn’t get that extra goal.

Benfica were greatly relieved to hear the final whistle.

Sevilla v Tottenham Hotspur [UEFA Cup Preview]

Thursday, 5th April, 2007
Sevilla v Tottenham Hotspur
UEFA Cup Quarter-final (1st Leg)

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The UEFA Cup starts in earnest on Thursday evening – away to the trophy holders, Sevilla. Earlier games in Turkey and Leverkusen seemed daunting on paper but in reality Spurs performed well and came through and now have 8 successive wins in Europe. Only Real Madrid in 1985 and 86 have retained the UEFA Cup and Spurs as the only team left who have won it twice will be looking to prevent the Spanish side from copying the feat achieved by Real.

Sevilla with Fredi Kanoute will prove difficult opposition and the way they disposed of Middlesbrough in last season’s Final should be a warning to everyone. They reached the knockout stage of this year’s competition by finishing second in Group C.
They then beat FC Steaua Bucuresti 2-0 away and 1-0 at home to reach the last 16. However, they were fortunate to survive the last round requiring a late injury time goal from their goalkeeper Andrés Palop to take the second leg game into extra time as they overcame FC Shakhtar Donetsk after a 2-2 draw at home. Ernesto Chevantón's extra-time goal secured a 5-4 aggregate victory. So on Thursday evening two goalkeepers who have scored goals for their teams in the past few weeks will be opposing each other. Sevilla have won three of their five home UEFA Cup games including a 2-0 over Braga but lost 1-2 to AZ Alkmaar.

Sevilla are a team of talented players. Apart from Kanoute who left Spurs in the summer of 2005 and is their leading goal scorer with 22 goals, they have a Brazilian right back, Daniel Alves and two skilful wingers Jesus Navas and Antonio Puerta. The strength of the Sevilla side is shown by their two wins over Barcelona this season, once in the Super Cup and recently in the league. A win over Real Madrid has also helped them to second place in the Spanish Liga, two points behind Barcelona.

Sevilla forward Luis Fabiano is suspended for the first leg, while team-mates Julien Escudé, José Luis Martí and Aitor Ocio are all within a caution of missing the return match in London. While for Spurs Berbatov and Chimbonda are both one booking away from a suspension.

Spurs record against Spanish sides is not as good as against some of the other continental sides.

P 5 W 1 D 2 L 2 For 6 Ag 4

After the initial impressive 5-1 success in the ECWC Final in 1963 against Atletico Madrid, Spurs have lost out to both Barcelona and Real Madrid. Both ties are memorable, the 1982 ECWC (SF) against Barcelona was a bruising encounter and saw Spurs draw1-1 at WHL but lose by a single goal in the second leg. Against Real Madrid it was a first home defeat in Europe, to a Steve Perryman own goal, that saw Spurs’ demise as the away game ended scoreless in the Q/F tie, with Perryman sent off in the second leg. This would be a good time to avenge those last defeats.

The Spurs team should be on the usual lines, now that Martin Jol seems to have settled on his best team. With no central defensive cover, Chimbonda should partner Dawson with Stalteri coming in at right back. It is rumoured that Ledley King may travel and have a place among the substitutes in case of an emergency. Depending on his level of fitness Tainio may get a place in midfield, while Keane will probably start alongside Berbatov.

Spurs have encountered tough draws in the latter stages of this season’s Cup competitions – Arsenal in the Carling Cup (SF) and Chelsea in the FA Cup (QF) and now Sevilla. They can look back on those previous competitions as missed opportunities – they can’t afford to make the same mistakes for a third time. A thoroughly professional performance is required in this game so that Spurs come back to White Hart Lane in control of the tie. An away goal is important while the defence must concentrate for the whole game, something they have failed to do too often this season, or they could be severely punished in Spain.

For those who are travelling to Spain – have a good trip and I look forward to the second leg at White Hart Lane in a week’s time.

Spurs in History - 4th April

4th April, 1961
Sunderland 1 Spurs 1 F.A.Cup 6th Round.

[Pic: Danny Blanchflower played a captain's role as Spurs held on for a replay]

This was a game that tested the soon to be ‘Double’ winning team 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 Bobby Smith hit the post just before halftime.

However, in the second half 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 Danny Blanchflower galvanized the team which held out for the replay.

Spurs in History - 3rd April

3rd April, 1982
Spurs 2 Leicester City 0 F.A.Cup Semi-Final at Villa Park.

Ossie Ardiles played his last game of the season for Spurs as he returned to Argentina to prepare for the World Cup. However, there was the additional problem of the Falklands War and Ardiles was constantly booed by the Leicester fans. Leicester were in the 2nd Division and Spurs eventually wore them down in the second half. After 56 minutes Ardiles centred for Garth Crooks to score. Leicester lost a player to injury and their ten men battled gamely but in the 76th minute conceded a soft own goal. The defender with many options to clear lifted his back pass over the goalkeeper’s head.

Spurs v Huddersfield Town 1952 - Controversial Goal

The Huddersfield 'Goal' Controversy

The old football adage goes that ‘things even themselves out over the course of the season.’ In many cases this will be true – close calls for off-side, a goal given or disallowed or a penalty awarded for or against. However, Spurs still await retribution for the Mendes 'goal' at Old Trafford a few season's ago.

Perhaps, in the case of Mendes disallowed goal, the wrong will not be righted in a season – it might be more like a lifetime. Having supported Spurs for forty years I can not recall any occasion when something similar occurred either for or against Spurs. However, just three months before I was born Spurs benefited greatly from a referee making a serious mistake.

On Wednesday afternoon, 2nd April, 1952 Spurs were at home to Huddersfield Town who were bottom of the table fighting against relegation while Spurs as defending Champions were in fourth position. The game attracted the lowest attendance of the season, 22,396 and was playing out to an uneventful and dull scoreless draw when Spurs were awarded a corner in the final minute. The referee took up a position nearer the corner flag than the goal and when Eddie Baily took the kick the ball hit the referee and rebounded to him. Baily immediately played the ball a second time, putting in a cross which Len Duquemin headed into the Huddersfield goal. The referee awarded a goal which brought uproar from the Huddersfield players and officials but even after consulting the linesman, the referee stood by his decision.

The referee had made a serious mistake as Baily should not have played the ball twice without another player touching it. Huddersfield should have been awarded a free-kick from the position where Baily played the ball for the second time.

At first, the Huddersfield players refused to re-start the game but there was no mass harassment of the referee and although everyone knew there had been a mistake the result had to stand. In the next programme, Spurs commented on the incident, ‘The referee’s decision is final, and even if we have been the gainers in this instance there have been previous cases in which we have been the sufferers.’

At the end of the season Huddersfield were relegated by three points and while the point they lost that day did not relegate them mathematically, an extra point from that game may have inspired the players to greater efforts in the final six matches of the season. Spurs went on to finish second behind Manchester United and ahead of Arsenal on goal difference so for once Spurs managed to put one over their North London rivals as a result of that game.

Spurs in History - 2nd April

Eddie Baily who later became Bill Nicholson's Assistant, was involved in the controversial goal which defeated Huddersfield Town

2nd April, 1952

Spurs 1 Huddersfield Town 0 (1st Division)

Controversy surrounded the only goal scored by Len Duquemin and added to Huddersfield’s problems as they tried to avoid relegation. With only a minute remaining, the lowest attendance of the season saw an amazing goal to Spurs. From a corner taken by Eddie Baily, the ball hit the referee and rebounded to Baily who immediately centred for Duquemin to head the winning goal.

The goal should have been disallowed because Baily had played the ball twice without another player touching it. Huddersfield appealed but the result had to stand and they were relegated at the end of the season. The point that Huddersfield lost that day did not cause their relegation but if they had gained an unexpected point it might have inspired the players to greater effort in their final games.

Spurs in History - 1st April

1st April, 1967
Spurs 2 Liverpool 1 (1st Division)


Spurs were in an excellent sequence of League and Cup games. Undefeated since mid-January, this win was their fourth successive League victory and they went on to win the next two League games as well.


The season ended with Spurs in third position and as F.A.Cup winners. Both goals were scored by Jimmy Greaves, the second coming direct from a corner with the Liverpool defender on the near post ducking under the ball.