Spurs in History - 19th May

19th May, 1957

Spurs 4 Celtic 3 in New York (Friendly)

End of season tours were a feature of the 1950’s and Spurs had been to America for a series of exhibition matches five years earlier. On this occasion this was the only game to be played in America with the rest taking place in Canada.

Celtic took an early two goal lead before Bobby Smith scored. Celtic again went two up, only for Smith to pull one back before half-time. In the second half, Smith completed his hat-trick and Micky Dulin scored the winner.

Spurs and Celtic were to meet on three more occasions in Canada, Spurs winning twice with Celtic winning the final game of the tour.

Spurs in History - 18th May

18th May, 1991

Spurs' Last F.A.Cup Success

Spurs 2 Nottingham Forest 1 (aet) F.A.CUP FINAL at Wembley

A difficult season ended in glory but at the expense of injury to the star who had single-handedly brought the team to the Final. Paul Gascoigne had been the talisman throughout the early rounds of the competition and inspired the team in the semi-final.

However, he was so fired up for the Final that he appeared to be almost out of control and in fact lasted only 13 minutes when he was carried off injured. Spurs were a goal down from the free-kick that had been awarded for his reckless challenge and he could have been sent off for an earlier indiscretion.

The rest of the team responded positively to these set backs and gradually pulled themselves back into the game. Gary Lineker had a goal disallowed for off-side and then had a penalty saved after being pulled down.

Into the second half and Paul Stewart stepped forward and proved himself the hero by scoring the equaliser to take the game into extra time.

From a corner, Des Walker deflected the ball into his own goal and Spurs had won their eighth F.A.Cup, a new record.

The future of the club was still in doubt and Gascoigne’s career never really reached the heights that had promised before his serious injury.

Team: Thorstvedt; Edinburgh, Van den Hauwe; Sedgley, Howells, Mabbutt (Captain); Stewart, Gascoigne (Nayim), Samways (Walsh), Lineker, Allen.

Spurs in History - 17th May

17th May, 1972

Spurs 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1

UEFA CUP FINAL (2nd Leg)

Although ahead from the first game, this was a close, hard fought game. Playing their 68th competitive game, Spurs were drained but Alan Mullery increased their lead in the 29th minute when he threw himself full-length to head in a Martin Peters free-kick, injuring himself in the process.

However, he was able to continue and although Wolves equalised before half-time, they were unable to gain the ascendancy to threaten Spurs overall lead.

Alan Mullery went on to lift the trophy to give Spurs their second European trophy, the first British club to achieve that. It was to be his final competitive game for Spurs and while the rest of the weary squad retreated to the dressing rooms, he completed his own personal lap of honour surrounded by the jubilant fans.

Team: Jennings; Kinnear, Knowles: Mullery (Captain), England, Beal; Gilzean, Perryman, Chivers, Peters, Coates

Spurs in History - 16th May

16th May, 1987

Spurs' First Defeat in the FA Cup Final

Coventry City 3 Spurs 2 F.A.CUP FINAL at Wembley (aet).

The unthinkable had happened, Spurs lost an F.A.Cup Final.

A season that had promised so much had ended disappointingly with Spurs having nothing to show for all their exciting play and effort – David Pleat's ‘nearly’ team – beaten semi-finalists in the League Cup and third in the League. Spurs were favourites to win the Cup against unfancied Coventry and it had started so well with Clive Allen scoring his 49th goal of the season after two minutes. Coventry equalised shortly afterwards only for Gary Mabbuttt to restore Spurs’ lead.

In a very open game Coventry drew level to take the game into extra time and eventually won the Cup when a cross hit Gay Mabbutt and looped over Ray Clemence’s head into the goal.

Great disappointment and very hard on the great club player Mabbutt. A very disappointing end to a long season and especially for Glenn Hoddle who was playing his last game for Spurs.

Team: Clemence; Hughton (Claesen), Thomas,M.; Hodge, Gough (Captain), Mabbutt; Allen, C.,Allen, P.,Waddle, Hoddle, Ardiles (Stevens)

Spurs in History - 15th May

15th May, 1963

A European Night to Remember!

Atletico Madrid 1 Spurs 5

EUROPEAN CUP WINNERS’ CUP FINAL in Rotterdam.

Spurs produced their best ever display in a Final to overcome difficult opponents who were the holders of the trophy. Spurs went into the game without their inspiration, Dave Mackay who was injured. Nicholson was reportedly very worried about the Spaniards and built them up but Blachflower reminded the players of their own success and capabilities.

Jimmy Greaves gave Spurs an early lead and John White added a second. Then Atletico came back at Spurs putting them under intense pressure, eventually conceding a penalty but Terry Dyson, playing the game of his life, increased Spurs lead with a long cross that sailed over the keeper’s head. Greaves scored his second and Dyson did likewise to complete a glorious European night for Spurs - the first British club to win a European trophy.

All of Tottenham had moved to Holland for that game and they celebrated long into the night.

Team: Brown; Baker, Henry; Blanchflower(Captain), Norman, Marchi; Jones, White, Smith, Greaves, Dyson.

Review of Season 2006-07

Spurs’ Season Ends on an Upbeat Note!
(from Topspurs.com)

In August’s season preview, I raised the following questions:

Was last season the best it was going to get for Spurs?
Did Spurs overachieve last year?
Can they maintain their progress this time?
Will Carrick be missed?
Will Berbatov score regularly in the Premiership?

The answers have come during the course of the season and while at times early on as Spurs stuttered through some indifferent displays and results, it looked as if the response to the first two, would have to be in the positive now on the final day (with UEFA Cup football achieved for a second successive season) we can answer that Spurs have improved and didn’t overachieve last season.

Spurs have maintained their progress - in mid-season after losing at Sheffield United they threw off the shackles that had restricted them for much of the season and produced a level and style of football not seen at White Hart Lane for some considerable time. They played exciting football during an impressive period that brought Cup and League progress, lifting them to the heights attained last season, fifth, but with a refreshing, more open, attacking style of football.

Michael Carrick was missed and we all knew that would happen. Martin Jol had built the team around him and it took some time for the players to become accustomed to his absence. Zokora, Jenas and Tainio have now taken over the central midfield role and shown more authority as the season has progressed. Numerous injuries prevented a midfield partnership being formed with Tom Huddlestone having to play far more matches than would have been expected at this early stage of his career but he will have benefited the experience.

Dimitar Berbatov has not disappointed. He has grown in stature and reputation throughout the season. The early European games gave an indication of his ability and class and as he became accustomed to the Premiership so his worth increased. Naturally, rumours abound of ‘big’ clubs looking to take him from Spurs. Look at the league table to see why he and Keane and Defoe have been so important to Spurs’ position this year. The goals against column is similar to those of the relegated clubs but Spurs have managed to score thirty goals more than the clubs in the bottom three – that’s down to the combined contributions of the three strikers, reliable, consistent goal scorers. Those goals have lifted Spurs to fifth position and overcome the deficiencies in defence and without them Spurs would have experienced a totally different season. Every team needs goals and would give a king’s ransom to have strikers of the ability of those three. Berbatov can not go – Spurs took the money for Carrick and made Manchester United a better team – Berbatov must stay to make Spurs even better next year.

The season has seen Spurs again unable to keep a clean sheet – only six in the Premiership through the season, only one club with a worse record in the League, Accrington Stanley. The injury to Ledley King obviously was a factor but individually the players come with some considerable reputation – the England goalkeeper, an England prospect, a French international, a South Korean international and others but as a unit they continue to concede goals. Midfield inadequacies haven’t helped but even in recent months when the team has been more settled, defensively the team has been uncertain and prone to lapses. A break through into the top four will only come about if the defensive frailties are resolved.

Highlights of the season:
The UEFA Cup experience – eight successive wins and not just scraping past opponents but doing it in style.

The exciting, winning football which started with the win over Fulham in the FA Cup.

The array of ‘goal of the season’ strikes from Berbatov, Keane, Huddlestone – quite exquisite, and so many of them.

Disappointments:
The poor start to the season and meaningless displays at Anfield, the Emirates Stadium and Reading.

Losing out in the Cups after promising so much, especially having been in a good position in all of the games against Arsenal, Chelsea and Sevilla.

Goal of the Season:
Which of Berbatov’s goals could you select and some of Robbie Keane’s volleys? But I’ll select Paul Robinson’s goal for its novelty value and to set him alongside Pat Jennings, goal scores extraordinaire.

Most Haunting Memory:
The big screen at White Hart Lane, glowering down at us with the score:

Tottenham Hotspur 0
Sevilla 2

After seven minutes of Spurs’ biggest European game in years, we knew the European dream was over and the screen just emphasised the point and mocked all of us who has arrived with such optimism.

Best memory of the season:
Berbatov’s goal against Manchester City (I wrote this on Saturday evening) to secure a European tour for next season.

Jermaine Jenas’ goal against Arsenal – such joy around White Hart Lane!

Spurs have proved themselves this season – Martin Jol turned it around when it was looking dodgy so here’s to next season – full of optimism. Don’t disappoint us by selling Berbatov or some of our other top players – remember Mr Levy, you said it, “Tottenham Hotspur are not a selling club!” Make sure you prove it this summer.

COYS

Spurs in History - 14th May

14th May, 1981

Spurs 3 Manchester City 2 F.A.CUP FINAL REPLAY at Wembley.

If the first match was a disappointment, the Replay made up for it. Many thought that Ricky Villa had missed his chance in that game but Keith Burkinshaw kept faith in him and he was repaid handsomely.

Within seven minutes Villa had given Spurs the lead but this only lasted three minutes as City equalised with a spectacular goal. Both teams were creating chances and City went ahead five minutes into the second half from a penalty.

The match became tense with tackles flying in on both sides. In the 71st minute Spurs equalised with a goal from Crooks.

Seven minutes later, Ricky Villa stepped forward and dribbled around and through the City defence to score the most incredible Cup Final winner of all time – Saturday’s ‘failure’ had become the Hero with a never to be forgotten goal.

Team: Aleksic; Perryman(Capt), Miller, Roberts, Hughton; Ardiles, Hoddle, Villa, Galvin; Archibald, Crooks. Sub:Brooke

Spurs in History - 13th May

13th May, 1967

Spurs 2 Sheffield United 0 (1st Division)

A successful end to a season as Spurs, undefeated from mid-January, climbed to third place in the League and were looking forward to a Cup Final appearance against Chelsea in a week’s time.

With a full strength team playing, the goals to ensure Spurs 24th win of the season were scored by Jimmy Greaves and Frank Saul.

Spurs had won nine of their previous ten games, the only blemish on that record was a scoreless draw at Liverpool. Having lost on Boxing Day, the team suffered only one defeat in twenty League games and were unbeaten in eight Cup games. They won 13 of the League games and drew six.

Spurs in History - 12th May

12th May, 1994

Spurs were still suffering the consequences of the great fallout between Chairman, Alan Sugar, and Chief Executive, Terry Venables.

The previous year Venables had been sacked and the club’s business had been dragged through the media and the courts.

On this day, the F.A. formally charged Spurs with misconduct for alleged irregular payments to a number of players. These had come to light following the court case between Alan Sugar and Terry Venables and were allegedly paid to players between 1985 and 1989.

In an attempt to assist and co-operate with the F.A. Spurs had handed over documents which appeared to show that the payments had been made. This story would continue to dominate the whole club for some considerable time.

Spurs in History - 11th May

11th May, 1993

Arsenal 1 Spurs 3 (Premier League)

The final game of the season and the last occasion when Spurs left Highbury with three points. Arsenal put out a weakened team due to their Cup commitments but that didn’t detract from the pleasure of the Spurs supporters as the team completed the double over their North London rivals to finish eighth, two places above them. Spurs goals were scored by Teddy Sheringham and a young Scottish player, John Hendry who got two.

However, unknown to the mass of Spurs supporters around the world, was the behind closed doors activities in the Board Room that was about to bring to light the great fall-out between Alan Sugar and Terry Venables and drag the club’s good name through the newspapers and the courts for some considerable time.

This would be Venables’ last game with any responsibility for Spurs and what had seemed to be a glimmer of hope for a brighter future was to be extinguished beyond repair.

Spurs in History - 10th May

10th May, 1998

Spurs 1 Southampton 1 Premiership

Job completed, Spurs said farewell to Jurgen Klinsmann for the second time in three seasons. This second period had not brought the same success as previously but he had scored six goals in Spurs final three games of the season which had helped ensure Premiership survival.
Klinsmann signed off from White Hart Lane by scoring Spurs equaliser.

Also leaving Tottenham that day were Gary Mabbutt and David Howells who had served Spurs loyally over many seasons.

On this day in 1995, a former player became immortalised in Spurs folklore with his winning goal in the last minute of extra time for Real Zaragossa in the European Cup Winners’ Cup Final against Arsenal – it was, ‘Nayim from the halfway line.’

Spurs in History - 9th May

9th May, 1981

Spurs 1 Manchester City 1 F.A.CUP FINAL at Wembley (aet).

The 100th F.A.Cup Final produced a disappointing display from Spurs in a game which is best remembered for the long, lonely walk of a disconsolate Ricky Villa as he slowly trudged around Wembley, having been substituted.

Spurs record of being undefeated in Cup Finals was still in place but it was a close run thing and they were eternally grateful to City’s Tommy Hutchinson for deflecting Hoddle’s shot from a free kick past his own goalkeeper with ten minutes left.

Hutchinson had given City the lead after half an hour and Spurs were glad of an opportunity to redeem themselves on another day in the replay.

Team: Aleksic; Perryman(Captain), Miller, Roberts, Hughton; Ardiles, Hoddle, Villa(Brooke), Galvin; Archibald, Crooks.

Spurs in History - 8th May

8th May, 1979

Bolton Wanderers 1 Spurs 3 (1st Division)

An end of season game with nothing at stake for either team. Spurs had not tasted victory for ten games and were sitting in mid-table while Bolton were to finish six places below them.

This game was the debut of a young forward who had been a regular goal-scorer in the youth and reserve teams. Mark Falco scored on his debut and was to play his part in Spurs success of the early eighties and was Spurs top scorer in seasons 1984-85 and 1985-86. While not a classic goal-scorer he was strong and skilful, working hard to succeed where others had failed and is the only successful young goal-scoring forward that Spurs have produced since Len Duquemin in the fifties. In 162 League appearances, Falco scored 68 goals. He scored another 8 goals in Cup competitions and 13 in Europe.

The other goal scorers against Bolton were Ricky Villa and Jimmy Holmes.

Spurs in History - 7th May

7th May, 1977

Manchester City 5 Spurs 0. (1st Division)

The darkest day that I can remember in Spurs history. Spurs have suffered heavier defeats but this one meant that they had lost their place in the1st Division for the first time in 27 years. For so much of that time Spurs had seemed above such difficulties, winning trophies and being comfortably placed in the League.

This season brought about the reality of their position and threatened with the drop throughout the season, the team had rallied in the final few games but it wasn’t enough and this defeat brought about the ultimate penalty of relegation.

Players who had previously experienced success and young developing players had failed to retain the club’s position in the top flight but most remained to fight another day and the Board of Directors retained their faith in manager, Keith Burkinshaw.

It was Burkinshaw's first season as manager having been appointed in the summer following the resignation of Terry Neill who went on to manage Arsenal, his former club.

Burkinshaw had been Neill's assistant while the former Arsenal defender and captain, had been the unexpected and controversial appointment following the resignation of Bill Nicholson in 1974. While people were speculating on a dual managerial team of former Spurs' captain, Danny Blanchflower assisted by Johnny Giles, the Leeds United player. This was the recommendation of Nicholson himself but the Directors decided on Neill who was then manager at Hull City.

Spurs in History - 6th May

6th May, 1961

'The Double' Winners

Spurs 2 Leicester City 0 F.A.CUP FINAL at Wembley.

Spurs became the first club to win ‘The Double’ in the 20th Century. Having won the League, Spurs won the cup in unspectacular style, overcoming a team who had won at White Hart Lane earlier in the season.

The tension of the day prevented Spurs from performing as they had on many occasions during their memorable season and it was not until late in the game that Spurs took control.

Leicester overcame the early loss of their full back, Chalmers, to injury and battled gamely as he ‘hobbled’ on the wing. Bobby Smith scored a ‘magnificent solo goal’ after 69 minutes and Terry Dyson ensured victory seven minutes later with a headed goal from Smith’s cross.

Team: Brown; Baker, Henry; Blanchflower (Captain), Norman, Mackay; Jones, White, Smith, Allen, Dyson.

Spurs in History - 5th May

5th May, 1962

Spurs 3 Burnley 1 F.A.CUP FINAL at Wembley.

My first memory of Tottenham Hotspur FC - Spurs, as a young boy, watching the game on the television in a furniture shop while my parents bought a dining room suite -they still have it. What a way to start, although it was a couple of years before I would become devoted to the club and the fanatic that I have been for the last forty years.

Burnley had finished second in the League, ahead of Spurs who had the perfect start in the Final with Jimmy Greaves scoring, as he predicted, in the opening minutes and securing victory, after Burnley had equalised early in the second half, with further goals from Bobby Smith and a penalty from Danny Blanchflower.

Spurs had retained the F.A.Cup and secured a place in Europe which was to bring further success the following year.

Team: Brown; Baker, Henry; Blanchflower (Captain), Norman, Mackay; Medwin, White, Smith, Greaves, Jones.

Spurs in History - 4th May

4th May, 1963
Spurs 4 Sheffield United 2 (1st Division)

Another Jimmy Greaves goal scoring record.

This season, 1962 - 63, Spurs were looking to Europe for success but Greaves continued his phenomenal goal scoring feats by setting a new record for the number of League goals scored in a season.

The previous record of 36 had been set in 1930-31 by Ted Harper when Spurs were in the Second Division and equalled in 1957-58 by Bobby Smith.

Greaves created a new record of 37 when scoring Spurs third against United.

The other goals came from Frank Saul, Cliff Jones and Terry Dyson. Although three games remained, he failed to add to his total for the season.

The following year he scored 35 League goals and since then only Clive Allen has come near to his record, scoring 33 in 1986-87.

Spurs in History - 3rd May

3rd May, 1972

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 Spurs 2 UEFA CUP FINAL (1st Leg)

An all English Final, disappointed players and supporters alike who had been hoping for further success on foreign fields.

Both teams played cautiously and it was as the hour approached that Martin Chivers broke the deadlock with a majestic headed goal from a long free kick taken by Mike England. Wolves equalised from a quick free-kick, twelve minutes later.

Spurs were now under pressure until Chivers awoke from his ‘famed’ lethargy and collected the ball out wide and headed for goal to crash home a shot from thirty yards - a goal worthy of any final.

Team: Jennings; Kinnear, Knowles; Mullery (Captain), England, Beal; Gilzean, Perryman, Chivers, Peters, Coates (Pratt).

Spurs in History - 2nd May

2nd May, 1998

Wimbledon 2 Spurs 6 Premiership
 Scorers: Klinsmann (4), Ferdinand, Saib

Jurgen Klinsmann

Survival and what a way to do it!  After a long and difficult season Spurs were still fighting to retain their place in the Premiership.   Christian Gross’ appointment had not been successful and there was discontent among the players over his style of management.


The return of Jurgen Klinsmann had not brought about the hoped for revitalisation of the team and he had struggled to make a major impact in his second spell at White Hart Lane.  However, Klinsmann rectified that situation in just one game.  Spurs had taken an early lead through Les Ferdinand after a shot from David Ginola had hit the post.  They were, however, a goal behind as half time approached, until Klinsmann equalised. 

In the second half Klinsmann scored another three goals inside five minutes and then set up the sixth goal for Moussa Saib.  While Klinsmann scored the goals and claimed the headlines, David Ginola was unplayable that day, creating so many problems for the Wimbledon defence that future Tottenham player, Ben Thatcher was sent off.

Team: Walker; Carr, Calderwood, Campbell, Nielsen; Fox (Saib), Anderton, Berti, Ginola; Ferdinand (Armstrong), Klinsmann.

Spurs in History - 1st May

1st May, 1963

Spurs 3 OFK Belgrade 1 European Cup Winners Cup Semi Final (2nd Leg).

Holding a one goal lead from the 1st Leg, Spurs progressed to their first European Final. However, it was a difficult match and Spurs were made to fight all the way. Without Jimmy Greaves who was suspended, having been sent off in the first game, Spurs took the lead through Dave Mackay.

OFK fought back to equalize and put Spurs under considerable pressure. In a tense game, Bill Brown and all of the defenders had to be at their best and it was a relief to everyone when Cliff Jones restored Spurs lead before half-time. Bobby Smith completed the scoring in the second half to make Spurs the first English club to reach a European final - progressing 5-2 on aggregate.

In the Final Spurs would play Atletico Madrid in Rotterdam.