Talking Tottenham - Fit For Footy

With pre-season nearly upon us I thought you might like to get into shape. This is how Tottenham did it in the early seventies.
Bill Watson an Olympic weightlifter joined Spurs after the tour to Russia and was a key member of the teams fitness for a number of years.

He wrote several books on fitness in general and for sport. Here in this top image he puts Martin Chivers through his paces.

He also worked with several other clubs, including Ajax and the England team.

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Don't forget these were devised in the sixties and seventies and for use under supervision. Please don't try these at home.

Left - Chivers again and the weight hanging for his head is to strengthen the neck muscles. Bills nickname for Martin was 'fairy lightfoot.'

below left and center - for the leg muscles.
Right  - The Donkey Calf Raise - used for stomach muscles.

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Right - Martin Chivers and this time the back muscles.

Bill also advised on nutrition and two spoonfuls of honey 30 minutes before the workout. Your diet should contain  milk, cheese, eggs and fruit such as pineapple and bananas.

He worked out special exercises for Pat Jennings to improve agility and worked on a young Phil Beal who needed 'building up.'

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Above left - The Swinging Swat, Center - Power walking, and Right - Not only does this help various muscles it also Bill says builds courage and confidence.

And if your dinning room survives that there was Chair Swinging
for the chest and shoulders you swing the chair around over your head.

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Possibly my own favourite is this exercise where a 'friend' holds two broom handles a foot off the floor and crosses them 'at speed'  It is a boost for your mental agility.

Bill said John White was the best footballer he ever saw.
Jimmy Greaves could dive through an 18 inch hoop five feet from the floor without touching the rim.
While Bill Brown was so good at Yoga he could tie himself in knots.

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Right - Bill doing what he does best.
COYS
Keith Harrison.
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A thank you to the person who dug these out for me.
Bill Is featured in the Spurs and the Olympics series as well as Russia 1959.
He will also appear in the next Ad Break.