Spurs in History - 2nd June

2nd June, 1951

‘Celebration’

As Champions of the First Division for the first time in the Club’s history, a celebration banquet was held at the Savoy Hotel in London.

Over four hundred guests were present to mark this momentous occasion with representatives from all of the ninety two League clubs and other dignitaries. The Chairman bestowed glowing praise on the players who in successive seasons had won the Championship of the Second Division and then the Championship of the Football League.

He also paid tribute to the work of manager Arthur Rowe whose skilful handling of the players had brought such splendid results. He reported that for the second successive year, the Club’s average attendance for home League games was the largest in the country – a tribute to the fans.

Spurs in History - 28th April

28th April, 1951

CHAMPIONS!

Spurs 1 Sheffield Wednesday 0 (1st Division)

Amazingly, when Spurs won the League in 1951 and 1961 Wednesday were the opponents against whom they clinched the victory.

In 1951 the title race had been very close and any slip up would have proved costly. With two games remaining, Spurs went into this game knowing that the outcome was in their own hands and duly won with a goal scored by Len Duquemin.

Following a poor start to the season, it was a remarkable turn round to become Champions for the first time in the club’s history, only a year after winning promotion from the 2nd Division. The ‘push and run’ team managed by Arthur Rowe had put Spurs in the spotlight.

Team: Ditchburn; Ramsey, Willis; Nicholson, Clarke, Burgess (Captain); Walters, Murphy, Duquemiin, Baily, Medley.

Spurs in History - 17th April

17th April, 1961

CHAMPIONS!

Danny Blanchflower receiving 1st Division trophy

Spurs 2 Sheffield Wednesday 1 (1st Division)

A Monday evening game at White Hart Lane against their closest rivals for the title, was the setting for this game. Wednesday had been the first team to beat them earlier in the season but Spurs had marched on and were now nearing the final glory.

In an exciting and tense match, considering all that was at stake, Wednesday went ahead after thirty minutes. With three minutes of the half remaining Spurs equalised through Bobby Smith. One minute later they were ahead when Les Allen scored.

The second half was a tough affair but when the final whistle blew, Spurs were Champions for the second time in their history.

Pandemonium broke out around White Hart Lane as the fans rushed onto the pitch. They chanted, “We want Danny!” and refused to leave until until the Captain led the players out to acknowledge their cheers.

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

Receiving medals after the game v West Brom

Spurs in History - 20th January

The 1951 team after winning the 1st Division title

(Photo - courtsey of www.thfc1961.fsnet.co.uk)

20th January, 1951

Spurs 2 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 (1st Division)

Having won promotion in great style the previous season, the Spurs ‘Push and Run’ team got off to a disappointing start to their first season back in the First Division since 1935.

However, they gradually found their way and by December were top of the division. After going out of the Cup, they lost at Manchester United, but this game against Wolves saw them back in their true style.

66,796 spectators packed White Hart Lane to see goals from Sonny Walters and Sid McClellan give them a much needed and encouraging victory.

The team went on to win the First Division title and become Champions for the first time in the Club’s history.

The players who achieved that feat and gained themselves a place as 'Legends' in the history of the club included greats like Ted Ditchburn, Alf Ramsey, Bill Nicholson, Ronnie Burgess, Sonny Walters, Len Duquemin and Eddie Baily. The manager was the former Spurs' player, Arthur Rowe.

Team: Ditchburn, Ramsay, Willis, Brittan, Clarke, Nicholson, Walters, Murphy, McClellan, Baily, Medley.