Bill Nicholson’s FIVE greatest moments as Spurs manager
Did you know?
64 years ago, today marks the day Bill Nicholson was appointed as Tottenham Hotspur manager. Hailed as the club’s greatest-ever manager, Nicholson managed Spurs during their most successful period in the club’s history. The club won 8 trophies under his stewardship, entertaining fans across the country and in Europe.
- Goals galore – Barring the fact Nicholson was a serial winner, he was also an entertainer. His football surprised many when he took the Spurs job, with the Lilywhites suddenly becoming a team littered with goals. This reign was epitomised by the 13-2 win over Crewe Alexandra in the 1959-60 season, which still remains the club’s record win to this day.
- History Makers – Arguably Nicholson’s greatest achievement as a manager was winning the 1963 European Cup Winners Cup, defeating Atletico Madrid 5-1. In doing so they became the first-ever English side to win a European trophy.
- FA Cup heroics – at the end of 1967, Nicholson’s Spurs side defeated London rivals Chelsea to win their third FA Cup in seven years.
- History makers…yet again – In the same year, Spurs wrote their name into the history books, when they were crowned league and FA Cup champions – in which they became the first English side of the 20th century, to complete the double.
- A keen eye for talent – despite leaving the club in 1974, he returned to the club two years later as a consultant, advising manager Keith Burkinshaw. His time as a scout saw him recommend players such as Gary Mabbutt and Graham Roberts, who both went on to become club legends.
Sadly, I am not old enough to remember these times, but I sure do wish I was alive to see Spurs win all those trophies!