Spurs Legend - Bill Brown

Bill Brown (Goalkeeper) [1959 - 1967]

League App. 222

FA Cup 23

Europe 17

Scottish Int. App. 28

Bill Brown

For over thirty years, three goalkeepers dominated the goalkeeper's postion at Tottenham.  Ted Ditchburn was in possession from the post-war period until the late 1950s.  His successor was Bill Brown from 1959 and he was succeeded by Pat Jennings who held the position until 1976.

All three are worthy of the name 'great' but Bill Brown was present during the club's most successful period.  During those three years from 1960 to 1963, Bill Brown was rarely missing as Spurs won 'The Double' in 1960-61, retained the FA Cup in 1962 and also reached the semi-final of the European Cup and won the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1963.

Bill Brown was signed by Bill Nicholson in 1959 from Dundee as part of his re-building programme.  He had already won four Scottish caps, having had to wait as a reserve for Scotland on 22 occasions before finally making an appearance in June, 1958 in Scotland's last game of the World Cup against France.

Brown had joined Dundee in 1949 and helped them to victory in the Scottish League Cup Final in 1952.

Bill Brown was a very consistent goalkeeper and his calm presence was of great support to his defenders and he was an importsant member of the 'double' winning team.  He also proved his worth in Spurs' European matches.

During his final two years at Tottenham he shared the goalkeeping responsibilities with Pat Jennings and then in season 1966-67 when Bill Nicholson gave Jennings the opportunity to establish himself as the club's first choice goalkeeper, Bill Brown was transferred to Northampton Town for a nominal fee in recognition of his loyal service.

Brown remained at Northampton for the rest of the season and then went to Canada where he played for Toronto Falcons before settling in the country and setting up in business.

Bill Brown passed away in December, 2004 but will always be remembered as an outstanding goalkeeper who played a prominent part in Spurs' history.

Spurs in History - 15th October

15th October, 1963

Arsenal 4 Spurs 4 (1st Division)

Dave Mackay

The match was played on a Tuesday evening because of the previous weekend’s International games. Spurs and Arsenal had both started the season well with Spurs second and Arsenal a point behind in sixth. It was an exciting and ‘storming’ game that entertained for ninety minutes. Spurs were 4-2 ahead at the interval with goals from Jimmy Greaves, Bobby Smith(2) and Dave Mackay.  Greaves had scored after three minutes with Bobby Smith adding a second after twenty minutes.  Ten minutes later Arsenal pulled one back from a penalty. Then followed a frantic final fifteen minutes to half-time as Dave Mackay restored Spurs' two goal advantage, Spurs then had a goal disallowed before Arsenal scored a second but Smith managed to restore Spurs' two goal lead as half-time approached.

However, Arsenal showed never-say-die spirit and battled to the end although they had been assisted by two refereeing decisions in the first half that probably robbed Spurs of the points.  The referee had awarded a harsh penalty when Spurs were two up and then disallowed a goal which would have made the score 4-1 but a minute later Arsenal made it 3-2.  With five minutes remaining Spurs still held the two goal lead acquired by half-time but Arsenal pulled one back and then equalised with only seconds of injury time remaining.

As a newspaper report of the day says, ‘Spurs were robbed!’ Nothing new there!

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

15th October, 1967

Spurs 1 Blackpool 3 (1st Division)

For the previous two seasons Spurs had had two International goalkeepers competing for that position. Pat Jennings, the Northern Ireland International, and Bill Brown, the Scottish International and member of the famous 'Double' team, had shared the appearances for two seasons but as Jennings gained more experience, Bill Nicholson had selected him as his first choice goalkeeper at the start of the 1966-67 season.

The decision was then taken to sell Bill Brown to Northampton Town for a nominal fee.  He was sold two days before the game against Blackpool and then Jennings was injured in training.  This meant a debut for the inexperienced reserve goalkeeper, Roy Brown.

Spurs had started the season well and were undefeated in their previous five home games.  They came into this game following three successive wins while Blackpool were languishing near the foot of the table without an away win to their name.  Spurs went into the game without fullback Phil Beal and centre forward Alan Gilzean as well as Jennings.  Cyril Knowles scored Spurs' goal, the only highlight of the day as Blackpool earned an unexpected victory.

Blackpool's season was an unsuccessful struggle against relegation while following this game Spurs went into something of a slump during October and November.  They recovered to finish the season in third place and win the FA Cup but improved results in this period would have brought greater success.

Unfortunately for Roy Brown this was his only senior appearance for Spurs.  He was later transferred to Reading and also played for Notts County.

Team: Brown,R., Clayton, Knowles, Mullery, England, Mackay, Robertson, Greaves, Saul, Venables, Jones.

Spurs in History - 14th October

14th October, 1967

Coventry City 2 Spurs 3

This was Spurs’ first meeting with Coventry City in the First Division and their first visit to Highfield Road for eighteen seasons following Coventry’s promotion.

The game was entertaining and Spurs won thanks to goals from Jimmy Greaves (2) and Cliff Jones.

It was Spurs third away win of the season and restored some order as they had lost heavily in the previous three away games at Burnley, Highbury and Old Trafford.

Team: Jennings; Kinnear, Knowles, Mullery, England, Beal, Robertson, Greaves, Gilzean, Venables, Jones.

14th October, 2000

Sergei Rebrov

A less successful trip to play Coventry in the Premiership saw Sergei Rebrov score Spurs' only goal in a 1-2 defeat to make it four successive away defeats.   In his first season with Tottenham, this goal brought record signing Rebrov's total to 5 having scored twice the previous weekend in a 3-4 defeat at Leeds United.


Away from White Hart Lane, Spurs under George Graham had gained one point at Middlesbrough in the first away game in August and it was not until February that Spurs were to take all three points on their travels.  On that occasion another Rebrov goal was enough to beat Manchester City.

Spurs in History - 13th October

13th October, 1894

Spurs 3 West Herts 2 F.A.Cup 1st Qualifying Round

This was Spurs’ debut in the F.A. Cup against the team who would become known as Watford.  Spurs first F.A. Cup goal was scored by Peter Hunter. The other two goals came from Donald Goodall. The match played at the club’s old Northumberland Park ground was watched by a crowd of 2,000. Spurs progressed to the fourth Qualifying Round before losing in a replay to Luton Town.

From: 'All Those Cup Finals' by wlhatwhl

Spurs’ first FA Cup tie was played at their Northumberland Park home on 13th October, 1894 against West Herts in the 1st Qualifying Round. West Herts was a former name of Watford and they were experienced Cup performers having played in the competition for the previous eight seasons. Spurs, however, won 3-2, in what ‘The Weekly Herald’ for 19th October, 1894 described as ‘a very hard struggle.’  Spurs scored twice in the first half through centre forward, Peter Hunter and Don Goodall. West Herts levelled after half-time before Goodall scored his second to put Spurs through.

Further in ‘The Weekly Herald’ it was reported that after Hunter scored, ‘Spurs attacked almost continuously from now to half time.’  Reviewing the game at half time, the paper expected that ‘Having had four-fifths of the game with the slope against them it was naturally expected that the ‘Spurs would be the superior lot in the second half.  But how often does the unexpected happen. Whether they had been dosed with some wonderful physic during the interval, I can’t say, but, West Herts now played with the utmost vigour.  A corner was obtained directly after the restart, and Wright directed the ball into the net, cheers from the visitors supporters – of whom, by the bye, there were several – greeting such a successful recommencement.’  In the latter stages of the game, after Spurs had regained the lead, it was reported that, ‘Eccles tried his luck, and it appeared that the ball went under the cross-bar, but the referee ruled otherwise.  The visitors, although trying hard, failed to equalise and so the ‘Spurs won by 3 goals to 2.’

The names of that first FA Cup team will be known by only the most fanatical of Tottenham Hotspur supporters but are worth recording as they were the players who set Spurs off on the road to their wonderful history of success in the competition.

Team: Monk; Jull, Welham: Shepherd, Briggs, Julian; Cubberley, Goodall, Hunter, Eccles, Payne.

Of those players, full-back Jack Jull is the only one who has any connection with the club’s earliest days.  He was one of the founders of the club and was one of the best players at that time, playing for them for fourteen years from 1883 until 1897.  He was made club President in 1895 in recognition of his great service to the club.

Two other players of note are half-back Stanley Briggs and winger Ernie Payne.

Ernie Payne is regarded as the catalyst which brought Spurs into the world of professional football to which Stanley Briggs was so opposed.  In 1893, eleven years after their formation Spurs drew 0-0 in a 1st Round London Senior Cup tie against Old St Marks.  For that game, a new name, ‘Burton’, appeared on the team sheet, to play on the left wing for Spurs.  This was in fact, Ernie Payne who was on Fulham’s books but being unable to get into their team, he had accepted an invitation to play for Spurs.  However, when he arrived at Tottenham he had no kit.  Spurs provided him with shirt, shorts and socks but were unable to find boots to fit him.  They gave him a loan of ten shillings (50p) to buy a pair of boots on the understanding that they would belong to Spurs.  When Fulham heard about this they accused Spurs of ‘poaching’ their player and ‘professionalism’.  Spurs were immediately called before the London Football Association to answer these charges.  The charge of poaching was dismissed but the charge of inducing a player and professionalism was upheld.  The penalty imposed on Spurs was harsh – their ground at Northumberland Park was closed for two weeks, Spurs were suspended for a similar period and Ernie Payne was suspended for a week even though he had repaid the money to Spurs.  An appeal was lodged but it was unsuccessful, the London F.A. being strongly opposed to anything suggesting of professionalism, a view that was holding back the development of football in London.  This matter became known as the ‘Ernie Payne Boots Affair’ and while Payne continued to play for Spurs, he is best remembered for the longer term consequence of the matter in that Spurs within a short period of time decided to turn professional.

Stanley Briggs was one of the best known amateur footballers in London at that time.  He helped to establish Spurs as a top amateur club and captained the side.  However, he was totally opposed to the decision of the club to turn professional in December, 1895 and preferring to retain his amateur status, he did not play as often for the club and went to play for other amateur clubs in London.

In that initial season in the FA Cup, having defeated West Herts, Spurs progressed to the 4th Qualifying Round before losing to Luton Town in a replay.  While Spurs were still amateurs, Luton Town had adopted professionalism four years earlier.

3rd November (2nd Qual. Round) v Wolverton (h) Won 5-3 Goodall, Hunter (2), Payne (2)
24th November (3rd Qual. Round) v Clapton (a) Won 4-0 Eccles (2), Hunter, Goodall
15th December (4th Qual. Round) v Luton Town (h) Draw 2-2 Eccles, Cubberley
19th December (4th Qual. Round Replay) v Luton Town (a) Lost 0-4

Spurs in History - 12th October

12th October, 1957

Spurs 3 Arsenal 1 (1st Divison)

A poor start to the season saw Spurs struggling in the relegation places. Injuries had not helped Spurs who had gained only 8 points from the first twelve games and had conceded 13 goals in their previous three games.

Ted Ditchburn, at almost 36, was recalled in goal for this game and Spurs earned a confidence inspiring win.

Bobby Smith scored the opening goal and Terry Medwin (above) added the second before half-time. A second Medwin goal ensured Spurs victory with Arsenal only managing a late consolation, scoring from the rebound after Ditchburn had saved a penalty.

During the rest of the season Spurs managed to recover sufficiently to climb to third position.

Spurs in History - 11th October

11th October, 1958

Spurs 10 Everton 4

Scorers: Smith(4), Stokes(2), Ryden, Medwin, Harmer, Robb.

Bill Nicholson - his first day and game as manager of Tottenham Hotspur

Bill Nicholson was announced as Spurs new manager before the game and the first match of his managerial career was an amazing introduction to League football.


With only three victories and nine points in the opening eleven games, Spurs season was in danger of becoming a struggle against relegation.  They were only one place off the bottom of the League when Nicholson took charge and his first decision was to restore Tommy Harmer to the team.  He helped to inspire Spurs to an incredible victory. 

Spurs were 6-1 ahead at half-time and the goal scorers were Bobby Smith(4), Alf Stokes(2), Johnny Ryden, Terry Medwin, Tommy Harmer and George Robb.

No-one realised that this was only an introduction to the excitement and success that Nicholson was to bring to the club over the next sixteen years.


Team: Hollowbread; Baker, Hopkins; Blanchflower, Ryden, Iley; Medwin, Harmer, Smith, Stokes, Robb

Spurs in History - 9th October

9th October, 2001
Tranmere Rovers 0 Spurs 4 Littlewoods Cup 3rd Round

After the disappointment of the previous Premiership game where Spurs allowed Manchester United to overturn a three goal half-time lead, the players showed a determination and commitment that has so often been lacking in away Cup games against lower League opposition.

Spurs ensured there was no Cup shock with goals from Teddy Sheringham(p), Darren Anderton, Gus Poyet and Sergei Rebrov.

Other Cup results:

1991 Spurs 5 Swansea 1 Rumbleows Cup 2nd Round 2nd Leg

Stewart, Samways, Lineker, Paul Allen, Opp o.g.

Spurs won 5-1 on aggregate.

1990 Hartlepool 1 Spurs 2 Rumbleows Cup 2nd Round 2nd Leg

Stewart (2) scored for Spurs who were five up after the first game when Paul Gascoigne scored four times, Gary Lineker scored the other goal.

Spurs in History - 8th October

8th October, 1932

Preston North End 2 Spurs 6 (2nd Division)

Following a poor start to the season this game marked the turning point for Spurs. Having gained only 6 points from the first eight games Spurs were near the foot of the table.

Manager Percy Smith made several changes to the team and they proved very successful. Goals from Davie Colquhoun, Taffy O’Callaghan, George Hunt, George Greenfield and Willie Evans(2) gave Spurs victory in this game and set them on their way for the rest of the season.

They went undefeated for twelve games, including eight convincing victories which took them towards the top of the table. Although they couldn’t catch the leaders, Stoke City, they gained promotion by finishing second.

and also on 8th October, 1958

With the manager's position vacant, following the resignation of Jimmy Anderson, Spurs interviewed first-team coach, Bill Nicholson and offered him the manager's position. He had had no thoughts about becoming a manager and would have preferred to remain as a coach but realised that a new manager may appoint someone else to that role. He accepted and it was announced a few days later, prior to the home game against Everton.

Spurs in History - 1st October

1st October, 1966

Fulham 3 Spurs 4 (1st Division)

Spurs had enjoyed a good start to the season suffering only two defeats in the first ten games.

In a remarkable game at Craven Cottage four goals were scored in the first thirteen minutes with Spurs' first coming from Jimmy Robertson. In scoring Spurs' second goal, Jimmy Greaves took his scoring sequence to seven successive League games, his best for five years. The third from Alan Gilzean ended his away famine, not having scored an away goal for eighteen months and before the end Terry Venables scored his first goal since signing for Spurs the previous May.

Spurs in History - 29th September

29th September, 1962

Spurs 9 Nottingham Forest 2

Prior to this game Forest had conceded only 11 goals in ten games and afterwards they had their goalkeeper to thank that the score didn’t reach double figures.

However, after five minutes Forest went ahead following a mistake in the Spurs defence. Spurs equalised within a minute through Greaves, went ahead five minutes later with Greaves’ second and had to wait for only another four minutes for the third from Jones.

After half an hour Spurs scored their fourth through White and then Medwin and Greaves, his hat-trick, made it six before half-time.

Spurs were playing slick, interchanging football and continued in the second half with an Allen penalty and a second goal from Jones.

Midway through the second half Forest forced Brown into a number of excellent saves but then late on Spurs re-asserted themselves and Greaves scored his fourth and the Forest keeper saved them from further humiliation.

Forest did manage a second four minutes from time.

Throughout his career Greaves had a tremendous goal scoring record against Forest, scoring 24 League goals against them, fifteen of them for Spurs.

Spurs in History - 27th September

27th September, 1967

Spurs 4 Hajduk Split 3

European Cup Winners' Cup

Spurs qualified for Europe for the first time in four years by beating Chelsea 2-1 to win the FA Cup at Wembley the previous May.

This gamewould apear to be a seven goal thriller in the European Cup Winners’ Cup, but it wasn’t really. Spurs had won the first game by two goals and were comfortably in control. Jimmy Robertson, Alan Gilzean and Terry Venables scored in the first half but then with ten minutes left Hajduk scored twice in a minute. Three minutes later Robertson added his second and when Cyril Knowles conceded a penalty in the 90th minute Hajduk got their third to make the score line respectable.

Spurs had easily qualified for the next round on a 6-3 aggregate overcoming Hajduk and the failure of some of the floodlights.

In the next round Spurs would have to travel to France to play Olympique Lyonnaise.

Spurs in History - 26th September

26th September, 1998

Spurs 3 Leeds United 3 (Premiership)

This game was surrounded in much speculation that the Leeds manager, George Graham, was about to be appointed as the next Spurs manager. Promised demonstrations by both sets of fans towards George Graham never really materialised, despite the odd jibe.

Leeds took an early lead, only for Ramon Vega to equalise. Leeds then went two ahead after an hour, before Spurs started to make a come back. On 71 minutes Steffen Iversen pulled one back and with three minutes of injury time gone, Sol Campbell headed the equaliser for Spurs.

Spurs showed commendable spirit which must have impressed their new manager, George Graham, who was duly appointed during the week.

Commenting on the prospect of Graham compared to Pleat at Spurs, the Daily Express reporter wrote: ‘Graham already looks and talks the part of the Tottenham manager. Compare his suave sophistication on the White Hart Lane touchline with the eccentric appearance of David Pleat, who looked as if he had been dragged from the river-bank clutching a fishing rod minutes before kick-off.’

Spurs in History - 25th September

25th September, 1995

Queens Park Rangers 2 Spurs 3 Premiership

A poor start to the season had seen Spurs gain only two points from the first four games. Both home games were lost but draws were achieved away from White Hart Lane. However, September brought a turn in form and five straight League and Cup wins. Sheringham was leading the way having scored four in the previous three games and he was on the score sheet again, scoring twice, one penalty.

Things didn’t go according to plan early on in this Monday evening televised game. Spurs were a goal down at half-time and found themselves two behind a minute into the second half. The recovery started a minute later when Spurs were awarded a penalty which Sheringham scored. Spurs then gave a display of attacking class and Jason Dozzell equalised after 72 minutes, with Sheringham scoring the winner two minutes later.

A concern for Spurs was the injury to Darren ‘Sicknote’ Anderton who had just played four matches after returning from a previous injury. Anderton was to miss almost the complete season but managed to return in time for the final few games to prove his fitness and gain selection for Terry Venables' England team in the European Championships.

1968
Spurs 6 Exeter City 3 League Cup 3rd Round
This was only the second time that Spurs had entered this competition. Two years earlier they had lost at West Ham in the 2nd Round so their first win in this competition had been in the previous round - defeating Aston Villa 4-1 at Villa Park. The goals came from a Martin Chivers hat-trick and Cliff Jones.
This first League Cup tie at White Hart Lane was the first time Spurs had played Exeter City who were in the 4th Division and brought Jimmy Greaves a hat-trick and two goals for Jimmy Pearce and one for Terry Venables.
However, it was not all plain sailing for Spurs. Exeter took the lead, Greaves equalised only for Pat Jennings to mis-handle a shot from David Pleat and Exeter went ahead again through Alan Banks. Greaves and Venables scored to give Spurs the lead before half-time. Jimmy Pearce scored twice in the second half, his first goals for Spurs but Exeter scored again before Greaves got his third in the final minute.
Spurs went on to reach the semi-final, only to lose to Arsenal over two legs.
1982
Spurs 4 Nottingham Forest 1 (1st Division)
The goals were scored by Gary Mabbutt and Garth Crooks who both scored twice.

Spurs News

Coming Next to White Hart Lane:

Thursday, 28th September - Slavia Prague UEFA Cup (2nd Round 2nd Leg)

Spurs welcome Slavia Prague to White Hart Lane for the first European game in seven years. Spurs hold a one goal lead from the first leg, thanks to Jenas's goal in Prague.

Spurs will be hoping to build on that and have a comfortable passage into the group stages of the UEFA Cup which will guarantee them a further four games in the competition, two at home and two away games.

If Slavia can lift their game from the 1st Leg and happen to score early, the pressure will mount on Tottenham whose confidence is presently at a low ebb. Spurs would need to score or the game would go into extra time and possibly penalties.

In Spurs very first season in European football saw them visit Prague to play Dulka Prague in the 2nd Round (Q/f) of the European Cup. Spurs had lost the first game by a single goal but won the 2nd Leg by 4-1 with Dave Mackay and Bobby Smith both scoring twice.

A similar result on Thursday would greatly boost Spurs sagging spirits.


Next Premiership game for Spurs is Portsmouth at White Hart Lane.

Portsmouth have started the season well and are undefeated without conceding any goals, ahead of tomorrow night's home game against Bolton. A win would take them above Chelsea at the top of the Premiership table.

With Portsmouth's confidence at the moment, Spurs can expect a difficult game and the visitors will be looking to gain revenge for the double defeat last season and especially the game at White Hart Lane when A late controversial penalty set Spurs up for a 3-1 win in Harry Redknapp's first game on his return as Portsmouth manager.


Carling Cup

With their involvement in the UEFA Cup providing Spurs with a bye to the 3rd Round of the Carling Cup they have already had a more successful domestic Cup campaign than last year.

Beaten in their first games in both Cup competitions was a bitter disappointment - Grimsby in the Carling Cup and Leicester in FA Cup, so this year Spurs will be hoping to progress having been drawn to meet MK Dons at their new Milton Keynes home. This is the first time that Spurs have met the former 'Wimbledon' club since rheir controversial move away from London. Spurs last Cup success saw them beat Wimbledon over two legs in the semi-finals of the Worthington Cup in 1999. Steffen Iversen scoring the important goal in the second leg after a scoreless game at White Hart Lane.

Spurs in History - 24th September

24th September, 1983

Watford 2 Spurs 3 (1st Division)

This game was about Archibald and Hoddle. In the second game of the season against Coventry Steve Archibald had angered manager Keith Burkinshaw by coming off the pitch near the end, claiming he was injured and not wanting to risk further injury. Spurs had already used their subs and finished the game with ten men. Burkinshaw immediately dropped Archibald but he returned as substitute for this game.

Hoddle turned the game for Spurs with a great goal that everyone remembers. Spurs were a goal down when he received the ball moving away from the goal - he cleverly turned the defender, moved round him and coolly chipped the ball over the goalkeeper into the far corner of the net – a goal that is frequently shown on television.

Now enter Steve Archibald as substitute to prove his point and score the second, Chris Hughton scored the third to earn Spurs the points, while Watford managed a late goal to reduce the arrears.

It Can be Done - Success at Anfield

16th March, 1912 and 1985

Victory at Anfield

1912

Spurs won the 1st Division game in 1912 by 2-1 through goals from Ernie Newman and Thomas Mason, two players who don’t rank highly in Spurs history making only 39 appearances between them and this was the only goal scored by Mason. However, events over the next 73 years brought greater significance to their feat that day because in that time no Spurs team won at Anfield.

1985

Amazingly, on the exact same date in 1985 Spurs unexpectedly returned to London having won 1-0, thanks to a goal from Garth Crooks. It was a well deserved victory and at last Spurs supporters didn’t have to listen to tales linking the ‘Titanic’ and their results at Anfield. Clemence, Thomas, Perryman, Miller,Hughton,Chiedozie, Roberts,Hoddle, Galvin, Falco, Crooks.

and also 11th March, 1995

Liverpool 1 Spurs 2 F.A.Cup 6th Round

One of the truly memorable performances of the decade. Having fought back at Southampton Spurs had a visit to Anfield as their reward but it wasn’t a ground with many happy memories for them. Liverpool took the lead late in the first half but Teddy Sheringham managed to equalize right at the end of the half. In the second half Spurs played much better and it looked set for a replay but with two minutes remaining, Sheringham put Jurgen Klinsmann through to score the winner. A great result for Spurs but sadly it was not built upon as Spurs produced one of their worst semi-final performances when losing to Everton.

Hoiwever, sadly these successes were not added to today as Spurs went down by three goals to nil to a Liverpool side that got stronger as the game went on. They scored three goals in the final half hour as Spurs again failed to score. Their record in now two goals in 6 Premiership games and none of the three strikers who played today have managed to score this season.

Ironically, it was leading scorer, Jermaine Jenas ( 2 goals - 1 in League and I in Europe) who missed Spurs best chance of the game, only seconds before Liverpool went ahead. Davids who had just come on as sub, broke clear into the Liverpool penalty his cross was met by Jenas who had run half the length of the pitch to be in position but with the goal wide open, he had to stretch for the ball and sent it agonisingly wide. Liverpool went straight to the other end and took the lead. Liverpool raised their game and Spurs never looked like recovering.

It is a difficult time for Spurs without the creativity offered by Lennon. He will be missed until he recovers from injury but the players will have to raise their game significantly over the next few games, if the season is not going to become one long struggle at the wrong end ofthe table.

Martin Jol is facing his first major crisis in his time as manager of Spurs and iy=t will be a good teat of his managerial ability.

Come on Martin - we have faith in you.

Spurs in History - 23rd September

23rd September, 1989

Norwich City 2 Spurs 2 (1st Division)

At the beginning of the season Terry Venables signed Gary Lineker from Barcelona and with Gascoigne and Waddle Spurs were looking to be a very exciting team. However, Waddle was sold to Marseilles and Lineker took time to settle. He failed to score in the opening six League and Cup games of the season and results were poor.

Lineker turned the corner in this game heading Spurs second goal to earn a point at Carrow Road. He then proceeded to score a hat-trick the following week-end at home to Queens Park Rangers. He proved his worth, finishing the season as top scorer with 26 League and Cup goals, including a second hat-trick in the home game against Norwich.

Spurs in History - 22nd September

22nd September, 1971

Spurs 2 AC Torino 0

Anglo-Italian League Cup Winners’ Cup

The winners of the English and Italian League Cups met over two legs at the start of the season. Spurs had won the first leg in Italy with a goal scored by Martin Chivers. Completing their victory in the second leg, Chivers scored again with Alan Gilzean getting the other.

An attendance of 34,000 saw Spurs win their first trophy of the season and helped them prepare for further encounters in Europe.


22nd September, 1952

Spurs 2 Manchester United 0 1st Division

Spurs were reigning Champions and had made a strange start to the season. Having lost the opening game at Middlesbrough (1-2) they won their next three before losing 2-7 at Newcastle. This was followed by two draws against Burnley, sandwiching a home victory over Bolton. They won their next game at Stoke by 6-1 before facing United.

The goals against United were scored by Les Bennett and Les Medley before a crowd of 70,882 - the highest ever League attendance at White Hart Lane.

By the end of the season United were to be champions with Spurs in 2nd place.

Spurs in History - 21st September

21st September, 1994

Watford 3 Spurs 6 Coca-Cola Cup 1st Round 1st Leg

This match typified the Ossie Ardiles’ philosophy of attack and let the defence take care of itself. Four of the famous attacking five played, only Barmby was missing. Sheringham, Anderton and Dumitrescu all scored and with Klinsmann scoring a hat-trick his star continued in the ascendancy. While the team was creative going forward and Spurs were seemingly able to score at will, the defence was porous and conceded goals frequently. Against lesser opposition this policy worked but in the sterner test of League football Spurs and Ardiles were having difficulties and were heading for a parting of the ways.

Another high scoring game:

21st September, 1991

Wimbledon 3 Spurs 5 1st Division

The scoreline is closer than it really was. Spurs went 5-1 ahead with Gary Lineker scoring four (1 pen) and Vinny Samways getting the other. Two late consolation goals made the score more respectable for Wimbledon.

Spurs in History - 20th September

20th September, 1961

Spurs 8 Gornik Zabrze 1
European Cup Preliminary Round (2nd Leg)

The 'Double' winners first European experience had resulted in a 4-2 defeat in Poland.

Two goals down from the 1st Leg Spurs appeared to have an uphill struggle to progress to the next round. However, with the crowd behind them and the famous ‘Tottenham Roar’ to terrify the opposition, Spurs quickly set about correcting the disappointment of the first game.

Spurs hit the bar in the first minute, scored with a Blanchflower penalty after nine minutes and then Cliff Jones terrorised the Gornik defence with a seventeen minute hat-trick before half-time. Gornik had scored but Spurs were 4-1 ahead on the night, 6-5 on aggregate. Bobby Smith scored at the end of the first half and again in the second half. The scoring was completed with goals from Terry Dyson and John White.

The start of Spurs ‘Glory! Glory!’ nights of European football at White Hart Lane.

A ground ticket to watch this entertainment would have cost you 4/- (4 shillings = 20p).


20th September, 1967

Hajduk Split 0 Spurs 2

European Cup Winners' Cup 1st Round (1st Leg)

Having won the FA Cup by beating Chelsea at Wembley the previous May, Spurs return to European competition for the first time in four years was in the European Cup Winners' Cup competition that the club had won in 1963.

They won this 1st leg by two goals scored by Jimmy Robertson and Jimmy Greaves. The team showed one change from the successful Cup winning team - Phil Beal replaced captain Dave Mackay who was injured. This two goal lead gave them a comfortable lead for the return game at White Hart Lane.