Spurs in History - 14th July

Keith Burkinshaw, Spurs' second most successful manager, with new signings Ossie and Ricky

14th July, 1976

Spurs were looking for a new manager. Less than two years after replacing Bill Nicholson, Terry Neill resigned. It was reported that he had fallen out with the directors during the close season tour to Australia.

After deliberating for three weeks, not long by today’s standards, the appointment of a new manager was announced. Keith Burkinshaw who had worked under Neill at White Hart Lane was appointed as his replacement.

After a difficult opening season in which Spurs were relegated from the old 1st Division, Burkinshaw showed his worth and became a very successful manager at Spurs. He brought the club back to the top flight at the first attempt finishing third in the 2nd Division, in a very close contest.

Then following a summer extravaganza when he signed Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa from World Champions, Argentina, the club took a few seasons to establish themselves in the 1st Division.

Burkinshaw brought success back to White Hart Lane with successive FA Cup wins in 1981 and 1982 and a UEFA Cup success in 1984, Burkinshaw's final game in charge. He had become the club's second most successful manager, after Bill Nicholson.

Concerned about the outside influences and pressures that were coming into football, Burkinshaw resigned, with the comment, 'There used to be a football club over there...'

Neill took up the vacant post at Arsenal, no surprise there then.

Spurs in History - 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 - 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.

Spurs in History - 11th January

11th January, 1975

Newcastle United 2 Spurs 5 (1st Divison)

This was a very disappointing season. Poor early results brought about the resignation of Bill Nicholson. He was replaced by Terry Neill who signed some new players but the results continued to be poor and Spurs were involved in a relegation fight throughout the season.

This result was totally unexpected and was inspired by a hat-trick from Alfie Conn, the last player signed by Bill Nicholson. Conn had been signed from Glasgow Rangers for £150,00 during the summer. The other goals came from Cyril Knowles and John Duncan.

At the end of the season, Spurs avoided relegation thanks to a last match victory over Leeds United, but they had much to thank Newcastle for – four points from two wins and 8 goals scored with 2 conceded.