Planet Spurs - 5

A short, enjoyable diversion as we head towards the weekend with our latest collection of great tales in Planet Spurs which includes one of our biggest names giving his views on transfers and money, Gary Mabbutt recalls a game he missed and there is the player who declined to play on religious grounds. We also remember when the park keeper stopped play. Not to mention the police cause Everton problems.

Left - Gary with what looks an interesting beverage.

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We start with some wise words on the transfer system. “If you get the player you want it is not a gamble. These days it is not easy to buy and it is becoming more and more difficult for clubs at the top. Because of the advancement of football, players are overvalued today. Transfer fees have risen out of proportion. Supply and demand has led to this situation. Players are the real assets of a club today, money is an embarrassment.” Well that’s what Bill Nicholson thought in 1969.

Each 'Planet' I've used a team picture. So with Bill Nicholson in mind this one is from 50's when he as well as playing for Spurs took on being the coach of the Cambridge University side.
Right - With Spurs meeting Burnley this weekend this is from 1955 and Sid McCellen (no 11) nudges the Burnley goalie over the line, but the goal was disallowed.

When Gary Mabbutt  didn’t arrive for an evening kick off the club phoned former player John Lacey who lived a few doors away. He went to Gary’s house and found him unconscious. He called another neighbour, a doctor, and he was rushed to hospital. When Gary came round he asked what happened and as his mind cleared the second thing he said was to ask the nurse how did Spurs get on?

Kane V Burnley 2015

Way back in the autumn of 1886 season our reserves side were playing Phoenix 2nd XI in the first round of the London Junior Cup in Victoria Park.

The press reported the game ‘the Phoenix won by 1-0 but the full hour had not been played out as the park gates had to be closed and the Spurs lodged a protest. ‘

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While The Liverpool Courier in April 1924 reported that after Everton’s victory at WHL the police were so upset that they ‘got back on Everton.’  They told their readers ‘As the visitors were about to leave the ground in a Charabanc after the match, the local police noticed that the license displayed was out of date. Instantly a couple of constables advanced and stopped the Charabanc. For a few minutes the driver was diving his hands first into one pocket and then into another. After becoming red in the face, he finally pulled out a license for the current year. The officers then withdrew.’

One last story and one I remember being told many years ago but couldn’t recall any details so I was delighted to uncover this from the Evening Express in March 1910, Spurs would win the game 5-1.

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Another collection of great tales that are simply too good to be forgotten from throughout Tottenham's history shortly. Many thanks for the encouraging feedback.

COYS
Keith Harrison.
t- Keith 16024542
f - https://www.facebook.com/keith.harrison.9659
My profile / archive is @ -  View Full Bio

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