Spurs On this day No 11 in an occasional series

At lunch-time on 11 October 1958, Bill Nicholson was called to the Tottenham boardroom. During that meeting he was appointed manager of the club in succession to Jimmy Anderson.

 

That afternoon in the club's first game under Bill Nicholson's management, Tottenham Hotspur beat Everton 10-4 at White Hart Lane. Tottenhams record League Win. Goals that day were scored by Bobby Smith (4), A.F Stokes (2) and one each from J.J Ryden, T.C Medwin, T.C Harmer, and G.W Robb. Despite that impressive scoreline we only finished 18th in League Division 1, however the next six seasons did not see us finish outside of the top 6 including the double of 60/61. It was not until the 1969/70 season that we finished outside the top ten and then only 11th.

 

Apart from the Double we won the FA cup a further 2 times (62 and 67) and became the first team to win a European Trophy (Cup winners Cup) in 1963 beating Real Madrid 5-1 in the final. This was having only narrowly failed at the semi final stage of the European Cup the year before to a Benfica side containing the legendary Eusebio. Bill Nicholson went on to win 2 League cups ('71 and '73) and he led Tottenham Hotspur on to become the first English side to win two European Trophys with the 1972 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

 

The 1950/51 side (containing Bill Nicholson) redefined football with Arthur Rowes Push and Run side. Bill Nicholson ensured that Tottenham Hotspur became (and remain to this day) one the the biggest names in world football.

 

All Hail Bill Nicholson OBE