My interview with former Spurs youth player Peter McGillicuddy:

“ I had a load of ability but I lacked in confidence. “ (Peter McGillicuddy)

I had the great pleasure of interviewing former Spurs youth player Peter McGillicuddy on Friday afternoon to talk about his time as a youth player at Spurs during the late 1960’s. The Irish Londoner played for Spurs for three years from 1967 to 1970 during a time when the club had one of its most talented ever youth sides. McGillicuddy primarily played out on the left wing and the former Arsenal schoolboy who would later go onto play for both Chelsea and Millwall following his release from Spurs in 1970, would go onto form a successful career in the non league. Where amongst a host of other clubs Peter played for Leatherhead and Enfield Town, and it was at Leatherhead where McGillicuddy had one of his best footballing memories, scoring against Leicester City in the fourth round of the FA cup. I met Peter in a pub in North London to discuss his time at Spurs during the late 1960’s, from his falling out with coach Eddie Baily to his admiration of Graeme Souness and playing with Harry Kane’s grandfather Eric Hogg, McGillicuddy was fascinating to listen to and to interview. 

What are your earliest footballing memories?

Peter: My earliest memory that I remember was kicking the ball up against the wall outside my mum and dads house when this big black car turned up. A fellow called Mr.Clarke (Ray Clarke’s dad) picked me up and took me to Highbury and then I walked up into the changing rooms. I then went out the back and started to train with Arsenal as an 11 year old. That was my earliest memory but another was when I played for the England Catholic schoolboys team for four years from age 11 to 15.

What are your earliest memories of your time at Spurs and how did you come about joining the club?

Peter: Arsenal released me and after that I used to play on Regent’s Park and then one Sunday morning a Tottenham scout came over to me and took me to Tottenham, and I had three nice years there. Spurs were better to me than Arsenal were but I’m a loyal Arsenal fan I’m sorry to say. My earliest memory from my time at Spurs would have been fighting my way into the youth sides, where I played with some good players such as Steve Perryman, Graeme Souness and Jimmy Neighbour. I thought that Jimmy was a superb player and he was a better player than me but then again I didn’t think that Perryman was a better player than me but records show that he was. But if I had gotten the same attention that Perryman got then I probably would have made it as well, but sometimes it’s just a bit of luck in life. They built Perryman up to be something but I thought he was fortunate to get what he got and he proved it in the end when he only got half a cap for England. Yet he was the captain of England schoolboys and I was the captain of England Catholic schoolboys, and I didn’t get a look in. We were both decent players and there wasn’t much between us but he picked up the FA cup and I didn’t.

What was Graeme Souness like?

Peter: He was class, the best player that I’d ever played with and he was nice to me and all. People might think that he’s a bully but he gave me more time than Perryman ever did.

What was your time at the Lilywhites like on the whole?

Peter: Enjoyable, but one person who I never got on with was Eddie Baily. I remember Joe Nixon (former teammate) was a good player and he (Baily) used to slaughter him, and if he ever came to me then I used to go round the other side. On this particular day we played Ipswich after I had just been promoted to the SECL division one, and it was my third or fourth game for them. I scored the winner against Ipswich on that day and after I came off Eddie Baily slaughtered me, so I had a go back at him and I never played again after that, simple as that. He never thought I was that good anyway but I never liked him to be truthful and there’s not many people I can say that about. Oh and Theo Foley who I disliked and all, he stopped me from being a pro as far as I’m concerned. I’m still a bit bitter after all these years but I do have to blame myself a little bit.

Did you have any footballing heroes/inspirations and if so who were they?

Peter: My favourite player of all time was an Arsenal player called George Eastham. George was in the 1966 World Cup winning English squad and he was a marvellous footballer, and how he did what he did do with his little skinny legs is beyond me. Another player who I liked to watch was Cliff Jones, he was an extremely good player who was very fast and brilliant in the air for such a little man, he also had that winning mentality. I remember playing against him at Cheshunt and he tackled me like a tiger even though he was only little. I also used to enjoy watching Jimmy Greaves and after we would play our morning matches on a Saturday we used to go to White Hart Lane and sit around the pitch on stools to watch the first team play. I can remember him scoring a goal against Man United where he must have went past 22 people including himself three times! He was an absolutely marvellous player.

Could you describe to me what type of player you were and what positions you used to played in, in the Spurs youth team?

Peter: Modesty forbids me to tell you how good I was, I was a left footer who had a sweet left foot. I was quick but I wasn’t one of the bravest people in the world, but I did stand up for myself. I was never taught anything at Spurs they just used to play me out wide on the left and that was how I took over that position as a left sided midfield player. However, I preferred to play in central midfield as everybody does. I used to work hard up and down the left wing but I never matured until it was a bit too late for me to turn professional at Spurs I think. However, looking back I think I did a lot more than any of the other boys that were at Tottenham at that time.

Who were your greatest influences at Spurs?

Peter: Graeme Souness was one and another was Jimmy Neighbour, but Steve Perryman was never helpful. He was a nice fellow but I can’t remember him ever saying well done to me or anything like that, we just got on with it. He was a serious type of player. Both Jimmy Neighbour and Barry Daines were quite nice fellows and so was Terry Lee who sadly passed away. Other than that our youth team manager Pat Welton was a nice man who was also encouraging.

During your time in the youth set up at Spurs you would have played regularly with the likes of future first team players such as Barry Daines and Jimmy Neighbour. What was that youth team that we had during the late 1960’s like to play in?

Peter: They were unbeatable, I know I was in the second side when they won the South Eastern Counties League but it was special to be a part of and it was an honour to play with those players. The sad thing is that I never made it and that still bites me a bit now but there’s nothing I can do about it. If I’d have had a bit more inner strength in them days and a bit of help then things could have been different.

Could you talk me through some of your favourite memories of your time at Spurs or ones which particularly standout within your memory?

Peter: Winning the SECL was a fond memory as was being promoted into the division one side with the likes of Souness, Perryman, Daines, Terry Lee, Ray Clarke and Les Charker. Also training with the first team when I was in the reserves and training with the likes of Jimmy Greaves and Alan Gilzean.

What if you could only pick one memory?

Peter: Probably winning the South Eastern counties league but another highlight was playing with Graeme Souness.

What was the coaching like for the Spurs youth players in your days?

Peter: It was very simple to be truthful it was nothing elaborate, they just used to let you get on with it. You used to have a game and then do some short and sharp drills to keep your fitness levels up. There was never anything really technical and that was the case for every club that I was at, I taught myself everything. I played for Spurs and it was an honour to do so and we were looked after as well. Bill Nicholson was a nice fellow and it was a privilege to meet him on a couple of occasions but he was a very quiet man. 

What was the greatest moment of your footballing career?

Peter: There were two things, first the tour of Japan and South Korea as a 22 year old playing for a Great Britain select side in front of massive crowds. However, the highlight was playing in the FA cup fourth round for Leatherhead against Leicester City. We were 2-0 up against Leicester with 20 minutes to go but we lost 3-2 because we’d ran out of steam, but it was a great honour because not many people get to play in the fourth round of the FA cup for a non league team. 

What was it like to brush shoulders with the many great first team players that Spurs had at the time and what were they like to speak to and be around?

Peter: They were all very funny people, you had John Pratt who was a lovely man and then you had players who didn’t have much time for you. I remember playing in a game for the reserves against the first team and Joe Kinnear was marking me and it was impossible to get around him and that’s when it made me realise that these players make it look easy. 

What prompted you to leave Spurs and could you talk me through your career after you left the Lilywhites?

Peter: After Eddie Baily sacked me I ended up going to Chelsea but I never wanted to leave Spurs because they were good to me. After leaving Chelsea I played for the likes of Wycombe, Millwall, Leatherhead and Enfield.

You spent time at Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea at youth team and reserve level. Were there many differences between the three clubs in your opinion?

Peter: Well I think that Spurs did more for me then any of the other two clubs even though Chelsea had promised they were going to to sign me, but there were a lot of differences between the three clubs. I can remember playing for Chelsea and scoring a hat-trick against Spurs with Eddie Baily standing on the sidelines and I was very happy with myself. 

Who was the toughest fullback that you ever came up against?

Peter: It was a bloke who I played football with at Enfield called Phil Fry, he’d give you a punch in the face if the referee wasn’t looking but when I used to play with him he used to look after me. Another one was Ray Evans who used to play at Spurs and he was a good fullback. 

What style of football did the youth team coaches have Spurs playing during your time at the club?

Peter: Honestly Lennon I can’t remember anything except that everybody used to play 4-4-2!

Were there any players at Spurs who you were particularly close to?

Peter: I always thought that I got on well with Jimmy Neighbour, he was a pleasant man who was easy to talk to and he always had a smile on his face. Graeme Souness was also nice to me along with Ray Evans.

After all these years how do you look back on your time at the Lilywhites and do you ever wish you’d have done anything differently?

Peter: I wish I’d have been more professional and worked harder and kept my gob shut, I might have made it then. I needed to have more inner strength but at the end of the day I enjoyed myself at Spurs and I thank them for giving me the opportunity.

Who was the greatest player that you ever had the pleasure of sharing a pitch with? 

Peter: It has to be Graeme Souness.

Finally are there any words you’d like to say about your former teammate Roy Woollcott who sadly passed away recently?

Peter: He was a lovely bloke who I remember working with outside of football and making his first team debut for Spurs against Ipswich.

Spurs under 23’s 1-1 Liverpool: (match report)

Our under 23’s first PL2 game of 2019 was a highly competitive encounter with Neil Critchley’s Liverpool at the Lamex stadium on Monday evening. Ending in a 1-1 draw after a thrilling second half, Wayne Burnett’s development side of which included a certain Vincent Janssen, will have been disappointed that they couldn’t have put Monday’s game to bed when they were 1-0 up. Liverpool were missing a number of their regular under 23 players due to their first teams FA cup tie against Wolves on the same night. Critchley essentially fielded a B team against us with players such as Rafael Camacho and Curtis Jones all missing from the squad. After a fairly even first half of football which saw few clear cut chances at either end, Spurs really upped their tempo for the second half and Burnett’s side blew Liverpool away with the energy that they brought to the game. After pushing Cyprus international Anthony Georgiou further up the pitch the 21 year old ended up terrorising the Liverpool defence and this ultimately created a whole host of chances for the likes of Kazaiah Sterling and Jack Roles. Georgiou’s pace and trickery proved to be too much for Liverpool fullback Neco Williams, and after going on one of his darting runs down the left channel the South Londoner helped to create Kazaiah Sterling’s opener at the beginning of the second half. After Sterling put Spurs ahead we looked destined to add to our advantage and the many driving runs of Georgiou and pin point crosses which he was delivering into the box, were creating some glorious chances for Spurs. We dominated the game for much of the second half and had it not been for the heroics of former Spurs schoolboy Kai McKenzie-Lyle in the Liverpool goal, then the game would have been out of sight by the hour mark. However, Spurs were unable to put away the chances needed in order to make the game safe, and as the half went on Critchley’s side started to get back into the game. Burnett’s youngsters were dealt a bitter blow in the 65th minute after Liam Coyle drew Liverpool level with a superb curling effort from the edge of the penalty area.

Jack Roles tried his utmost to win the game for Spurs during the latter stages but in the end Spurs had to make do with a point against the Merseyside club. Wayne Burnett went for the usual 4-2-3-1 formation on Monday evening, with Alfie Whiteman starting in goal. A back four of Hinds, Tanganga (the skipper), Eyoma and Georgiou lined up in front of him, while George Marsh and Dylan Duncan teaming up in the centre of the park. Tashan Oakley-Boothe and Jack Roles operated out wide, either side of Kazaiah Sterling, and Netherlands international Vincent Janssen who led the line after returning from a long standing foot injury. There was a big crowd at the Lamex stadium on Monday and with the loan window having recently reopened it was interesting to see that there were over 70 scouts in attendance for Monday nights PL2 fixture. The ‘ Reds ‘ got the game underway in Stevenage on a chilly winters evening. After a fairly event start to the game Liverpool started to threaten the Tottenham defence. After George Marsh did well to cut out Liam Millar’s pass to Conor Masterson inside the Spurs penalty area, Juanma Garcia whipped a menacing ball across the face of Alfie Whiteman’s goal, after receiving Bobby Duncan’s pass out on the left wing. Neil Critchley’s Liverpool side were playing with a lot of width and they continued to try and cause problems for Spurs down the flanks. Bobby Duncan whipped a menacing cross across the face of the Spurs goal a couple of minutes later before the ‘ Reds ‘ won a free kick out on the left flank, after Tanganga had fouled Pedro Chirivella. The Spaniards resulting delivery came out to George Johnston at the back post, the Liverpool skipper headed the ball across the face of the Spurs goal but the alert Tariq Hinds managed to get a vital toe on the ball to get it clear. However, the ball ended up coming back out to Johnston who fired the ball over Whiteman’s crossbar on the half volley. Spurs then went on a good attacking move at the other end of the pitch after Dylan Duncan shifted the ball out to Georgiou on the left wing.

The left back darted forward down the flank before surging past Liverpool fullback Neco Williams and continuing towards the byline and picking out Jack Roles in the box from his whipped cross. Roles’ first time effort on the volley was well executed however, it was well blocked by Liverpool defender Corey Whelan. Roles almost managed to play Sterling through on goal with a nice pass through the middle but it was cutout in the nick of time by Whelan who made the challenge. Spurs continued to push forward and after Oakley-Boothe played a clever one two with Hinds down the right flank the former England under 18 international whipped a dangerous low cross right across the face of the Liverpool goal. A terrific corner kick from Anthony Georgiou shortly afterwards somehow managed to deceive every Spurs player inside the danger zone. Liverpool did come close to opening the scoring after going on a good move at the other end. After Johnston gave the ball to Liam Coyle the Liverpool defender found Garcia out on the left flank. The Spanish youngster was then able to pick out Bobby Duncan in the Spurs box with a pin point cross, and the nephew of Steven Gerrard headed the ball a fraction wide of Whiteman’s left hand post. Vincent Janssen was almost played through on goal at the other end of the pitch by Sterling, who after receiving Duncan’s pass attempted to feed Janssen through on goal with a pass through the Liverpool defence. However, Liverpool goalkeeper Kai McKenzie-Lyle was quick to react and he came rushing off his line to get to the ball before the Netherlands international to palm it away from under his feet. TJ Eyoma did well to clear George Johnston’s dangerous cross at the other end as the game started to develop into quite an end to end affair. Centre back Japhet Tanganga was posing a threat from corner kicks and the 19 year old came close to breaking the deadlock after he sent a looping header narrowly over McKenzie-Lyle’s crossbar after meeting Anthony Georgiou’s corner inside the box.

We finished the first half quite strongly and after George Marsh picked out Jack Roles down the left wing, the Cyprus under 21 international passed the ball to Janssen inside the penalty area. But the Dutchman’s resulting effort on goal was blocked behind for a corner kick by Liam Coyle. After making an excellent surging run to over lap Roles down the left wing, Georgiou whipped another of his teasing crosses across the face of the Liverpool goal all the way out to Oakley-Boothe on the opposite flank but the 18 year olds strike across goal was blocked by a Liverpool defender. Spurs continued to create some decent chances and after Oakley-Boothe passed the ball to Roles the midfielder managed to find Janssen inside the Liverpool box with a clever lofted pass. However, the Dutchman’s sliding effort was blocked behind for a corner by Conor Randall who appeared to be tugging at the 24 year olds shirt. The Dutchman had another effort on goal blocked a couple of moments later, this time by Liverpool captain George Johnston. Tariq Hinds made one important late defensive contribution to cut out Chirivella’s attempted through ball to Liam Millar in what happened to be the last piece of action of the half. Wayne Burnett made one substitution at halftime when he brought off Vincent Janssen    for Jamie Reynolds who played at left back while Georgiou switched to left wing. Meanwhile Kazaiah Sterling played up top with Jack Roles playing in the hole. Burnett’s side got the game back underway and the young Lilywhites started the half with a different energy about them. After Jamie Reynolds passed the ball to Roles he flicked the ball out to Georgiou on the left wing. The speedy winger whipped the ball into Sterling inside the danger zone but his first time effort was deflected behind for a corner kick by Liam Coyle. A couple of minutes later Roles managed to work the ball out to Georgiou on the left wing once again. The young Cypriot pumped the ball into the box and his menacing cross was attacked by Sterling whose bullet header was spectacularly saved by McKenzie-Lyle, who managed to palm the ball away. However, the ball ended up falling for Hinds on the right wing and he whipped the ball back into the danger zone. Once again it was attacked by Sterling who made no mistake this time round to power a header past McKenzie-Lyle and into the back of the net, 1-0.

Japhet Tanganga conceded a free kick in a dangerous position out on the left flank shortly after the restart. George Johnston’s delivery was cushioned down to Garcia in the middle of the Spurs box but the Spaniard ended up blazing the ball over Whiteman’s crossbar. Young Anthony Georgiou was causing Liverpool many problems out on the left wing, and after receiving Reynolds pass down the left flank, the winger was able to beat both Neco Williams and Conor Masterson before picking out Roles in the centre of the box from his low cross. The midfielder met Georgiou’s cross on the volley and his side footed effort was well saved by the alert McKenzie-Lyle. The ball came back to Roles who was unable to head home on the follow up, and instead headed the ball narrowly over. Spurs were dominating the game, after George Marsh picked out Georgiou on the left flank the winger whipped another teasing cross across the face of the Liverpool goal. The potent Jack Roles embarked on a weaving run into the Liverpool box after latching onto Anthony Georgiou’s deflected cross on the edge of the penalty area. Roles worked his way into the box with some exquisite skill. The attacking midfielder managed to skip past two Liverpool defenders before dragging the ball across the face of McKenzie-Lyle’s goal. TJ Eyoma did well to block Neco Williams effort at the other end after the Welshman had cut inside from the right flank. Japhet Tanganga then made an important block to thwart Pedro Chirivella’s shot on goal as Liverpool started to threaten once again. George Marsh bravely cleared Neco Williams cross as the ‘ Reds ‘ continue to put pressure on the Spurs defence. And their fight back paid off and in the 65th minute of time Liam Coyle stunned Alfie Whiteman by drawing Liverpool level. After receiving Conor Randall’s pass on the edge of the Tottenham penalty area the Liverpool defender opened up his body before curling an unstoppable effort around the Spurs defence and into the bottom right hand corner of the goal, 1-1.

Wayne Burnett’s side looked to respond and his players were constantly trying to get the ball to the speedy Georgiou out on the left flank. After Reynolds passed the ball down the line to the 21 year old, Georgiou managed to turn Neco Williams sublimely before sprinting forward and having a pop on goal however, his powerful effort was blocked by Conor Masterson. Sadly that was Georgiou’s last involvement of the game and he was brought off in place of Shilow Tracey shortly afterwards. Tracey would play out on the right flank while Oakley-Boothe switched onto the opposite flank. Shilow Tracey nodded Dylan Duncan’s corner kick wide shortly after coming on, before Tashan Oakley-Boothe had an effort kept out at McKenzie-Lyle’s near post after he latched onto Tracey’s cross. Sterling attempted to get to the loose ball and he succeeded in doing so however, McKenzie-Lyle had closed him down well and he was able to deny the Spurs man on the follow up with another smart stop. Japhet Tanganga’s header from Jack Roles‘ corner was also stopped by the Liverpool goalkeeper who was able to hold Tanganga’s powerful header. Burnett made one last attacking chance when he brought on young Troy Parrott for Dylan Duncan in the 89th minute of the game. Both sides really went for the win during the final stages of the game, Tanganga did well to block Conor Randall’s long range effort and Liverpool then came close to netting a late winner through Liam Millar. After the Canadian managed to control Bobby Duncan’s cross inside the Spurs box the Liverpool centre forward tried to beat Whiteman with a clever back heel but Marsh managed to block his effort. The ball then came back to Millar who tried to back heel the ball into the goal again, but this time Whiteman was able to make the save before Roles cleared the ball away from danger. Spurs were able to catch Liverpool on the break as Oakley-Boothe burst forward down the left wing before passing the ball to Parrott who cut the ball back to Sterling inside the danger zone. He then passed the ball to Roles on the edge of the area but his deflected effort on goal flashed narrowly wide of McKenzie-Lyle’s goal.

Jack Roles‘ effort was the last bit of action from what had been an enthralling second half. Spurs dominated the game during the second half and they created so many chances which they should have taken. In the end we were dealt a cruel blow by Liam Coyle however, I thought that it was another really positive and impressive performance from Wayne Burnett’s side who it’s worth noting are only eight points of table toppers Everton in division one. Up next for our under 23’s is a trip to Dagenham in East London, where they will face London rivals West Ham in the league on Sunday lunchtime.

 

Player reviews:

• Alfie Whiteman: The 20 year old wasn’t awfully busy on only his sixth appearance of the season for Wayne Burnett’s development side. The 20 year old goalkeeper only made one save on the night but I thought that the former England youth international impressed with his distribution and with how he dealt with set pieces.
• Tariq Hinds: The 18 year old put in a really well rounded performance at right back for Wayne Burnett’s side. Hinds attacked well but he defended superbly against the talented Bobby Duncan. Hinds made a number of important interceptions and clearances and he read the game well while maintaining good positioning throughout.
• Japhet Tanganga: The skipper operated at RCB against Liverpool and like his defensive partner TJ Eyoma, Tanganga put in a strong performance. The 19 year old lead the defence well and he helped to keep out the likes of Liam Millar and Bobby Duncan. Tanganga made a number of important blocks and interceptions and he came close to finding the back of the net from set pieces on a couple of occasions.
• TJ Eyoma: Fresh from making his first team debut against Tranmere Rovers in the FA cup on Friday, TJ Eyoma put in an excellent shift at LCB against Liverpool. The 18 year old centre half defended solidly for the entirety of the match and he defended with a real assuredness about him. Eyoma made some really important defensive interventions and headed clearances, and the Londoners positioning was impeccable. I was also impressed with how he played out from the back.
• Anthony Georgiou: My motm, see below.
• George Marsh: Like TJ Eyoma, Marsh will have been feeling confident after making his first team debut for Spurs the previous Friday. And the tireless central midfielder put in a real shift for Burnett’s side on Monday, Marsh covered so much ground for Spurs and he did a good job at breaking up play and making sure that he got back to cover for our defenders. The 19 year old made a couple of really brave and important blocks and tackles.
• Dylan Duncan: The slightly more advanced of the two central midfielders, Duncan moved the ball around the park well and he went on some promising attacking forays through the middle of the pitch.
• Tashan Oakley-Boothe: The 18 year old operated out on the right wing for the majority of the game before switching onto the left flank for the final stages of the match. Oakley-Boothe worked exceptionally hard to try and influence the game and his off the ball work and tracking back was very impressive. He also went on some nice forward runs and he linked up well with fullback Tariq Hinds down the right wing. 
• Kazaiah Sterling: The 20 year old played behind Janssen in the hole during the first half where he helped to create some good chances for the Dutchman. However, it was after Janssen was substituted that Sterling really started to flourish when he moved up top. Sterling worked tirelessly to create chances for his teammates and he also made sure that he got into some good goal scoring positions inside the danger zone. The hardworking centre forward took his goals well and he was unlucky not to have added to his account later on in the game.
• Jack Roles: The Cyprus under 21 international played the first half out on the left wing and the second half in the hole, as a number ten. Once again Roles put in an outstanding performance for our development side, with his darting movement, trickery and late runs into the penalty area. The potent 19 year old used the ball so intelligently and the quality of his passing and ability to dictate play was hugely important for Spurs. Roles came desperately close to scoring on a number of occasions from inside the danger zone and once again his skill and agility caused problems for the oppositions defence. One particular mazy run from Roles during the second half which saw him beat two players inside the box before unselfishly cutting the ball back to Kazaiah Sterling was absolutely sublime.
• Vincent Janssen: The 24 year old centre forward played 45 minutes of our under 23’s encounter with Liverpool on Monday night following a long injury lay off. The unsurprisingly rusty Janssen did an ok job for Wayne Burnett’s young side, the Netherlands international held the ball up well and he linked up well with CAM Kazaiah Sterling. Janssen had a couple of half chances but that was about it. It was good to see him back playing in a Spurs shirt again.
• Jamie Reynolds: The 19 year old came on at halftime to replace Janssen where he slotted in at left back. Reynolds put in a good defensive shift during the second half, he linked up well with Georgiou down the flank and he did a sterling job at protecting his side of the pitch.
• Shilow Tracey: The right winger played the last 23 minutes of the game after coming on for Anthony Georgiou. Tracey went on some positive runs down the right flank.
• Troy Parrott: It was only a fleeting cameo for the 16 year old Dubliner who came onto replace Dylan Duncan in the 89th minute. Parrott made one impressive cut back to Sterling in the middle of the Liverpool box after picking the ball up on the left flank late on. Troy kindly took the time to pose for photographs with young fans while he was warming up.

My man of the match: Cyprus international Anthony Georgiou put in an outstanding performance against the ‘ Reds ‘ first at left back during the first half and then as a left winger in the second half. Georgiou looked really sharp against Liverpool and he was our best player on the night and he caused the oppositions defence a whole host of problems. The Londoner started the game at left back and throughout the first half he defended solidly, combining his defensive duties with some really promising attacking forays and driving runs down the flank, Georgiou gave a really good account in the first half. But it was after he switched onto the left wing for the second half that he really started to terrorise the Liverpool defence and their right back Neco Williams who he ran absolutely ragged, to the stage that the Welshman needed Conor Masterson to help him out every time that Georgiou ran at him. The 21 year old always managed to create space for himself out on the left flank and although he always remained defensively disciplined and he would track back well after him to help Reynolds out at left back, he was so, so positive in possession. Georgiou managed more successful take ons than any other player on the night and the quality of his runs and twists and turns was something which Liverpool just couldn’t deal with. Apart from his searing pace and fancy footwork Georgiou’s pacy crosses were just as good and after helping to create Kazaiah Sterling’s opener the Cyprus international whipped many more inviting crosses into the box. Furthermore, Georgiou’s corner kicks were just as good and effective. He was superb during his 70 minutes on the pitch everything from his work rate to his crossing was top class. It was a performance to admire!

Spurs: Whiteman, Hinds, Georgiou (Tracey 70), Marsh, Tanganga(c), Eyoma, Oakley-Boothe, Duncan (Parrott 89), Janssen (Reynolds 46), Sterling, Roles. Substitutes (not used): Austin, Bowden.

Liverpool: McKenzie-Lyle, Williams, Johnston (c), Masterson, Whelan, Coyle (William 84): Duncan (McAuley 68), Randall, Millar, Chirivella, Garcia. Substitutes (not used): Atherton, Glatzel.

Goals: Spurs – Sterling 49; Liverpool – Coyle 65.

Yellow card: Liverpool – Coyle 72.

Referee: Josh Smith.

Venue Lamex Stadium, Stevenage.

Attendance: 1,010.

Spurs under 21/23’s statistics 2018/19:

Goals scored: Jack Roles – 5

Shayon Harrison – 5

Kazaiah Sterling – 5

Paris Maghoma – 4

Jaden Brown – 2

Samuel Shashoua – 1

Marcus Edwards – 1

Dylan Duncan – 1

Phoenix Patterson – 1

Harvey White – 1

Assists: Jack Roles – 5

Paris Maghoma – 2

J’Neil Bennett – 2

Jaden Brown – 2

Kazaiah Sterling – 2

Troy Parrott – 1

Shayon Harrison – 1

Oliver Skipp – 1

Tashan Oakley-Boothe – 1

Dylan Duncan – 1

Jamie Bowden – 1

George Marsh – 1

Tariq Hinds – 1

Clean sheets: Brandon Austin – 2

Alfie Whiteman – 1

Some notes on Spurs loanee Samuel Shashoua’s performance against Hercules:

Talented Spurs youngster Samuel Shashoua made his 16th competitive appearance of the season for his loan club Atlético Baleares, in their 2-0 home win over Hercules in the Spanish Segunda Division B on Sunday. Samuel completed 80 minutes of Sunday’s match at the Son Malferit, as Manix Mandiola’s side continued their excellent home form to move up to third in the league table. It was a dominant performance from the ‘ Balearicos ’ who were the much better team on the day. And Samuel certainly played his part in Atlético’s comprehensive win over fellow play off challengers Hercules. Shashoua made sure that he was always involved in the game and while things might not have always went his way, the Londoner worked hard for his teammates at both ends of the pitch. The 19 year old started the game out on the left wing as Mandiola opted to go for the familiar 4-4-2 formation. Hercules got the match underway in sunny Mallorca, and Samuel’s first involvement in the game came quite early on. After receiving the ball in the middle of the park Shashoua managed to pick out Atlético’s centre forward Nuha with a clever lofted pass however, the move ended up amounting to very little. Atlético and Samuel had started the game well and a couple of minutes after his clever pass to Nuha the Spurs youngster made an important defensive intervention to cut out a promising move for the visitors. Samuel had gone out of his way to track back down the left flank to cut out Candela’s pass to Nieto who had a clean passage down the channel. However, Samuel’s hard work resulted in him getting across the Hercules fullback in time, in order to poke the ball out of play. About five minutes later Nuha passed the ball down the left wing for Shashoua to run onto. After latching onto the strikers pass, Samuel cut inside onto his right foot before whipping a dangerous ball across the face of the Hercules goal, his cross just evaded Canario who had been lurking at the back post. Manix Mandiola’s side were playing some attractive attacking football and their dominance in the opening stages of the match was rewarded in the 13th minute after Nuha put the ‘ Balearicos ‘ ahead. The clinical centre forward netted his sixth goal of the campaign after he managed to prod home Francesc Fullana’s cut back from inside the penalty area.

Samuel’s team doubled their lead less than six minutes later through centre back Alberto Villapalos. After Samuel Shashoua played a short corner to Fullana, the Atlético captain picked out Villapalos in the middle of the danger zone with a peach of a cross, and the towering centre half was then able to power a header into the back of the goal to make it 2-0 to Atlético. Samuel was making some good runs down the left flank and he looked more involved in the game as Atlético started to dominate. After going on a nice little run down the channel Samuel cut inside from the left wing before travelling towards the Hercules penalty area however, he was cynically fouled by Pol Roigé. Samuel continued to be heavily involved in Atlético’s play in the final third. After showing off some his excellent skills Samuel managed to beat Nieto in sublime fashion out on the left wing before whipping another of his teasing crosses into the danger zone, but once again no Atlético player could manage to get a head on the ball. A couple of minutes later Samuel had a glorious chance to make it 3-0. After Fullana made a wonderful lofted pass over the Hercules defence to set Samuel free through the middle, the nimble footed youngster darted forward but he was unable to convert from close range. Shashoua’s side footed effort was closed down well by the Hercules goalkeeper Falcón, who produced a fine save with his feet to deny Samuel his fourth goal of the campaign. It is worth noting that Samuel did look quite off balance when he took his shot. Samuel was involved in one final attacking move before the first half came to an end. After cleverly skipping past Adrián Jiménez down the left wing Samuel sent a cross into the box. His deflected cross eventually fell down to Nuha who laid the ball off to Marcos De la Espada on the edge of the box. And the midfielders curling effort was only denied by a spectacular from the Hercules goalkeeper Falcón. Samuel started the second half in the same position as he had ended the first in. The Londoner went on a good darting run down the left wing early on in the half, and he was only stopped by Hercules defender Samuel on the byline to prevent him from getting one of his menacing crosses away.

A couple of minutes later Shashoua whipped a dangerous cross right across the face of the Hercules goal. Samuel was uninvolved in the game for quite a while after that, at least from an offensive perspective. His next involvement came from some hard work by Canario to win the ball off of Chechu Flores, before passing the ball out to Samuel on the left flank after coming inside from the right wing. Samuel tried his luck from the edge of the six yard box however, his powerful effort was well blocked by Fran Miranda. I did notice that Samuel switched flanks with Canario on several occasions during the second half. As the game slowed down, so did Samuel’s involvement in the final third. The teenager did however, have a another one of his teasing crosses cleared by Miranda, before he was substituted in the 80th minute of the game for Yelko. Although this isn’t one of my longest reports on Samuel, I was very impressed with Samuel Shashoua’s performance on Sunday morning. Once again he was so unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself, but his contribution to the game was as good as always. He was so difficult to get off the ball, and the timing of his jinking runs down the flank and through the middle were top class. Furthermore, his high pressing and off the ball work also didn’t go unnoticed and he went out of his way to track back and help out Rubén González at fullback. Samuel is doing ever so well for himself out in Mallorca, and this loan is providing him with such an invaluable experience of playing first team football on a weekly basis. Up next for Samuel and high flying Atlético Baleares is a trip to face relegation stricken Castellon next Sunday. Sadly I will be reporting on our under 23’s London Derby with West Ham while that game is taking place and I will therefore be unable to watch it.

Samuel Shashoua for Atlético Baleares this season: 

Appearances: 16

Goals: 3

Assists: 2

Spurs under 18’s 1-0 Swansea City: (match report)

Our under 18’s first league game of 2019 was a 1-0 victory over Welsh club Swansea City in the league. The wonder boys of Hotspur Way absolutely dominated the ‘ Swans ‘ at our training centre in Enfield, on Saturday morning, as Matt Wells side maintained their unbeaten record this season. Wells‘ side controlled the game from start to finish, creating a number of good goal scoring chances and constantly putting the Swansea defence under severe pressure. Were it not for the South Wales clubs ultra defensive approach to the game then our lads could easily have put six or seven goals past them. The ‘ Swans ‘ were well organised and compact throughout the match, and even when they were trailing with less than ten minutes to go, they still played in such a negative and defensive way. Matt Wells made a couple of changes from their last match, with development side regular Paris Maghoma starting in the middle of the park while goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi returned to the side after missing the Middlesbrough game just before Christmas. I thought that we played really well as a team, we created so many good chances, we defended well and we did a good at moving the ball around the park. After controlling the opening periods of the game Spurs took the lead inside 24 minutes through potent midfielder Paris Maghoma who was able to poke home Rodel Richards pass from inside the box, after the Spurs forward had robbed Jake Thomas of the ball. Richards then had an excellent chance to double Spurs’ lead before halftime but the 18 year old couldn’t beat Swansea goalkeeper Nathan Shepperd from close range. Swansea rarely threatened an equaliser and it was a very comfortable second half for Spurs who played some lovely football, but they were just unable to break down the rigid Swansea defence. It was a comprehensive victory for our high flying under 18’s who continue to sit at the top of the under 18 southern league. I was very pleased with how well we played as a team against Swansea, and I don’t at all think that the scoreline tells the story of the game.

Matt Wells made a couple of changes from our under 18’s last competitive game. Wells opted to go for the familiar 4-2-3-1 formation with Joshua Oluwayemi returning in goal. A back four of Okedina, Lyons-Foster, Binks and Cirkin sat in front of him while Paris Maghoma and Harvey White partnerd each other in the middle of the park. Speedy winger J’Neil Bennett started the game out on the left wing, while Rayan Clarke started on the opposite flank either side of captain Dilan Markanday who played in the hole. 18 year old forward Rodel Richards led the line for Matt Wells side. Spurs got the match underway on a bitterly cold winters morning in North London, after moving the ball about the park well during the opening minutes of the game, Spurs had centre back Luis Binks to thank after the England under 18 international cut out a dangerous Swansea attack early on in the game. The ‘ Swans ‘ William Richard almost caught the Spurs defence out after he played a pass through to Mason Jones-Thomas inside the Spurs penalty area. However, young Binks went darting across his man inside the box to make a crucial intervention to poke the ball away from the Swansea forward. Dennis Cirkin attempted to play Rodel Richards through on goal at the other end with an ambitious through ball however, it was to no avail. Captain Dilan Markanday won a free kick out on the right wing a couple of minutes later, but Harvey White’s in swinging delivery which Rodel Richards almost met inside the box was gathered by goalkeeper Nathan Shepperd. Spurs continued to try to break down the Swansea defence, Harvey White’s inch perfect long pass managed to pick out J’Neil Bennett down the left side of the Swansea penalty area. The Spurs winger took the ball down well before firing the ball straight at Jacob Jones who put the ball behind for a corner kick. From the resulting corner kick which was whipped in by Paris Maghoma, Spurs had a penalty claim turned down after Rodel Richards thought that he had been pulled by Owen Evans inside the box. J’Neil Bennett made some really good runs down the left flank, and after Luis Binks’ long pass picked the 17 year old out down the left side of the Swansea box, Bennett tried to test the goalkeeper. His first touch was sublime but his resulting effort wasn’t and he ended up poking the ball wide of Nathan Shepperd’s goal.

After quite a scrappy start to the game Matt Wells side started to find their rhythm and in the 24th minute of the game Spurs took a well deserved lead. It was a great time for Spurs to score as Swansea were becoming increasingly difficult to break down. The goal stemmed from the hard work of forward Rodel Richards who after closing down Swansea defender Jake Thomas down the left wing was caught out by the hardworking centre forward. After doing well to close down Thomas, Richards was able to block the Swansea defenders long clearance upfield. The ball fell quite kindly to Richards who worked his way around Thomas who was unable to keep up with him. Richards then cut inside before traveling into the Swansea penalty area where he spotted the run of Maghoma who he found with a well weighted pass. Maghoma times his run to perfection and he was able to slide in between the Swansea defenders to poke the ball past Shepperd and into the back of the net, 1-0. Shortly after the restart the lively J’Neil Bennett had a tame effort from long range saved by Shepperd, Dilan Markanday then created a fantastic chance for Rodel Richards to make it 2-0. After winning the ball in the middle of the park Markanday managed to slip the ball through to Richards down the left side of the Swansea penalty area. Richards was met by Shepperd who came rushing out to close the Spurs man down and in the end it worked, as Richards powerful effort was palmed away by the Swansea goalkeeper at his near post. Paris Maghoma’s resulting corner kick was met by Lyons-Foster at the back post, he cushioned the ball down to Okedina whose effort appeared to be handled by Swansea’s captain Cameron Evans, but no penalty kick was given despite the protests of Okedina. Spurs were dominating the game and they were creating plenty of chances against the struggling ‘ Swans ‘ who were unable to keep up with Matt Wells side. The impressive Luis Binks managed to pick out J’Neil Bennett down the left side of the Swansea penalty area with a superb long pass. Bennett controlled the ball well but his shot on goal was blocked by Ryan Bevan.

Swansea had a brilliant chance to equalise at the other end from Jacob Jones‘ corner kick. The midfielder whipped the ball towards the far post of Oluwayemi’s goal where he picked out the unmarked Jake Thomas. However, the Swansea centre back could only nod the ball narrowly wide of Oluwayemi’s goal. Spurs looked to respond at the other end, Maghoma played a clever one two with J’Neil Bennett down the left flank before whipping a dangerous low cross into the box, but it was cleared in the nick of time by Jake Thomas before Richards could convert. Spurs were really pushing for that second goal and they were getting closer by every passing minute. The tenacious Harvey White played a lovely lofted pass to set Bennett racing through on goal down the left side of the Swansea box however, the wingers scuffed shot was comfortably saved by Nathan Shepperd. Dennis Cirkin did well to cut out Owen Evans cross at the other end before working the ball out to Bennett on the left wing to try and catch Swansea on the break. The speedy Bennett surged past Ryan Bevan before continuing forward and then cutting inside onto his right foot where his eventual effort on goal was blocked by Dan Williams. Paris Maghoma came close to doubling Spurs‘ lead a couple of minutes later after he was picked put by Dilan Markanday inside the middle of the penalty area. Markanday who had received Rayan Clarke’s pass, managed to pick out Maghoma who had made another excellent run through the middle, but the Spurs midfielder ended up glancing an effort just wide of the Swansea goal. The tricky midfielder went on another good run a couple of moments later. After receiving Dilan Markanday’s pass Maghoma went on a surging run down the middle, he skipped past Jake Thomas before continuing forward unopposed however, he ended up taking a heavy touch which allowed Shepperd to come rushing out of his goal to smother the ball inside the box. Spurs were playing some wonderful attacking football but it was their final ball which was preventing them from putting the game to bed.

After latching onto Cirkin’s pass down the left wing, J’Neil Bennett whipped a promising ball into the Swansea box which happened to pick out Rodel Richards. However, the 18 year old couldn’t sort his feet out in time and the ball ended up bouncing into the arms of the grateful Nathan Shepperd. Paris Maghoma then had a dangerous cross cleared out behind at the back post by Owen Evans a couple of moments before the influential midfielder almost ended the half in style. After receiving Harvey White’s pass Markanday was able to beat Owen Evans before attempting to pick out Maghoma inside the middle of the penalty area. Markanday’s deflected pass did manage to come out to the alert Maghoma but he ended up jabbing the ball narrowly over Nathan Shepperd’s crossbar, in what was the final piece of action from the first half. Matt Wells was forced into making a substitution at half time after Brooklyn Lyons-Foster had picked up an injury. Right back Maximus Tainio replaced the injured centre back, as Okedina slotted in alongside Luis Binks in central defence. Swansea restarted the game but it was Spurs who started the half the better of the two teams. After Richards passed the ball to Maghoma he shifted the ball out to Bennett on the left wing and his whipped cross into the penalty area wasn’t dealt with properly by Nathan Shepperd. However, Jake Thomas managed to clear the ball before Markanday could tap home at the back post. Spurs had a goal disallowed a couple of minutes later. Maximus Tainio’s cross into the Swansea penalty area was met by Bennett who classily chested the ball down before firing an effort at goal, but Shepperd was able to make a terrific diving save to deny Bennett. However, the Swansea goalkeeper could do nothing to stop Luis Binks‘ effort on the follow up, but the Spurs defenders goal was ruled out for offside by the linesman on the near side. Swansea then had a decent chance at the other end through Mason Jones-Thomas. After Cirkin had lost the ball to Bevan the Swansea right back passed the ball to Jones-Thomas on the edge of the Tottenham penalty area. However, the skilful second year scholar could only fire the ball over Oluwayemi’s crossbar.

Spurs were moving the ball around the park well, after Bennett passed the ball down to Maghoma on the left flank, the midfielder shimmied before whipping the ball towards Clarke at the back post. Unfortunately for Clarke he was a couple of centre meters away from being able to nod the ball into the back of the net. Swansea were constantly trying to catch us on the break and while the Welsh club were rarely effective, they still posed a significant danger to the Spurs defence. After Ryan Bevan played a pass down the right flank to the so far uninvolved Bradley Gibbings, the Swansea centre forward managed to get past Luis Binks. Gibbings powered forward before squaring the ball for Jones-Thomas inside the box however, the alert Okedina managed to get in front of his man to make a vital clearance. Spurs quickly regained their rhythm and after a lovely passing move Matt Wells side came close to doubling their lead. The passing move started from Rayan Clarke who passed the ball to White who then quickly gave it to Richards who played a pass into Maghoma, who darted into the Swansea penalty area, before forcing a save out of Shepperd from his curling effort. Dilan Markanday had a powerful effort on goal blocked by Jake Thomas shortly afterwards, after he received Cirkin’s pass before showing off some nice footwork and trying his luck. Paris Maghoma blazed an effort over Nathan Shepperd’s goal, after receiving Bennett’s pass on the edge of the penalty area. J’Neil Bennett did manage to cause the Swansea goalkeeper a few problems from a pacy cross which he whipped into the box a couple of minutes later, which had Shepperd frantically palming the ball away at his back post. After being slipped in down the left side of the Swansea penalty area by Maghoma, Dennis Cirkin had an effort blocked behind for a corner kick by Jake Thomas. Maximus Tainio then fired wide Rayan Clarke’s cross on the volley as Spurs continued to up their tempo. At the other end of the pitch Owen Evans picked up Jake Thomas‘ pass down the left flank before whipping the ball into the danger zone. However, the fullbacks cross was well cleared by the commanding Jubril Okedina.

Jacob Jones had an effort on goal blocked well by Luis Binks before Dan Williams managed to find the newly introduced Jayden Reid inside the Spurs box. But yet again Okedina was on hand to clear the ball once more, the slightly uninvolved Rayan Clarke was then brought off in place of Wales under 19 international Elliot Thorpe. After Maghoma passed the ball to Thorpe who was now playing as a number ten the young Welshman shifted the ball out to Markanday on the right wing. Markanday managed to give the ball back to Maghoma inside the box by delivering a peach of a cross for the midfielder to run onto. However, Maghoma’s effort on the half volley flew narrowly over Shepperd’s goal much to the 17 year olds disbelief. Substitute Elliot Thorpe came close to making an instant impact shortly afterwards. A good move from Spurs resulted in Bennett playing the ball down to Cirkin on the left wing and the flying fullback managed to cut the ball back to Thorpe who had made a run to the edge of the penalty area. However, the midfielders first time side footed effort flew narrowly over Nathan Shepperd’s crossbar. The 18 year old met Dilan Markanday’s cross inside the danger zone a couple of moments later and once again he tried his luck with his side foot, this time on the volley. However, Throrpe’s effort was straight at Shepperd who managed to hold the ball. Chay Cooper entered the frame shortly afterwards when he came onto replace Rodel Richards up front. The skilful Dilan Markanday was always looking to run at the Swansea defence. After latching onto Tainio’s throw in on the right flank the winger managed to weave his way around Jacob Jones and into the penalty area where he was closed down by Shepperd, who prevented Markanday from squeezing the ball home from a tight angle as he made a smart save at his near post. Spurs continued to play some superb football, and after Maghoma gave the ball to Cirkin the left back passed to Thorpe who quickly shifted the ball out to Markanday on the right flank, but the wingers cross was blocked by Cameron Evans.

Swansea did threaten Spurs during the latter stages of the game but they never did manage to have a shot on target. Maximus Tainio managed to clear Jayden Reid’s late cross at the back post, but Spurs ended the game as comfortable and much deserved winners. It was a game in which Matt Wells side could have won by five or six goals had they have been a tad more clinical in front of goal, but in the end they got what they set out to achieve and in doing so they stay at the top of the south league. Our under 18’s have a busy month of fixtures ahead and their next game will take them down to the south coast to face Brighton in a league fixture. That game will take place next Saturday morning. Finally I’d just like to mention that the legendary Cliff Jones was in attendance yesterday as he watched his grandson Matt Wells side take on his home town club Swansea City. What a wonderful man and a legend he is!

Player reviews:

• Joshua Oluwayemi: The 17 year old goalkeeper won’t have too many games that are as quiet as the one he played in against Swansea. Oluwayemi didn’t have to make a single save in our 1-0 victory over the ‘ Swans ‘ on Saturday morning. In fact the Tottenham goalkeeper had virtually nothing to deal with. However, I did think that Oluwayemi’s distribution was good, particularly while he was under pressure.
• Jubril Okedina: The second year scholar played the first half at right back where he put in a sterling performance, but after Lyons-Foster was brought off at half time, Okedina slotted in at RCB. And in my opinion the second year scholar was outstanding alongside his defensive partner Luis Binks. Okedina anticipated danger so well and he was commanding in defence, the 18 year old made a number of important interceptions and interventions. The centre half also made a number of vital clearances from inside his own box and he always made sure that he was the first person to a cross. One particular important intervention was the one in which saw him get in front of a square ball to Jones-Thomas inside the Swansea box, to clear the ball away from danger. Okedina looked good on the ball and I thought that he marshalled the defence well. He read the game exceptionally well for such a young man.
• Brooklyn Lyons-Foster: The second year scholar started the game alongside Binks at RCB but he was forced to come off at halftime due to injury. I thought that Lyons-Foster defended well during his time on the pitch and he dealt well with the threat that the Swansea forwards posed. I wish Brooklyn a speedy recovery.
• Luis Binks: My motm, see below.
• Dennis Cirkin: The left back had another fine game for Matt Wells side, and he once again combined his defensive duties with his urge to attack down the flank so well. Cirkin did an excellent job at keeping Swansea’s right winger Tivonge Rushesha in check for the entirety of Saturday’s 1-0 win. The Dublin born defender also linked up really well with J’Neil Bennett down the left hand side.
• Harvey White: Operating as the holding midfielder against the ‘ Swans ‘ the tenacious Harvey White in my eyes, had a very good game. White’s presence in the centre of the park allowed Spurs to play their usual passing game to such effect. White was instrumental in breaking up play and I thought that he played with a real bite about him yesterday. He was tough and resilient, and he helped to keep things ticking much like a certain Oliver Skipp did against Tranmere Rovers the previous night. White’s forward passing was also impressive and he made a number of nice lofted passes to the wide men. It was very a good all round performance from the Maidstone born teenager.
• Paris Maghoma: It was a very Paul Pogba like performance from development side regular Paris Maghoma in the centre of the park, on Saturday. Maghoma ran the show from central midfield and his experience from playing under 23 football really showed. The 17 year old dazzled with his skills and clever ghosting runs through the middle of the pitch. He carried the ball excellently and his surging runs and willingness to take on and beat players helped our forwards out an awful lot. Paris was by far our most creative player and what I really liked was that he provided us with that all important link between defence and attack. He was positive in possession and like White he helped to break up the play in the central areas. Maghoma caused a whole host of problems for the Swansea defence and his Dele Alli like ghosting runs into the box more often then not went undetected. The midfielders match winning goal was well taken and he did well to slide in between the two Swansea centre half’s in order to poke home Rodel Richards pass with a smart finish. On another day he could have bagged a hat-trick had he have had a bit of luck on his side. Maghoma was always alert and I thought that he performed his duties diligently while providing that bit of leadership in the side. I greatly admired his confidence and his urge to test the goalkeeper from range.
• Rayan Clarke: The right winger worked very hard to try and create openings down the right flank however, he found himself frustrated by the solid defending first of Owen Evans, and then by Ryan Bevan after he switched sides with Bennett at the beginning of the second half. Clarke was constantly looking take on and beat players down the flank.
• Dilan Markanday: Captaining our under 18’s for the first time on Saturday morning the skilful forward started the game in the hole. As always Markanday dazzled with his exceptional ball control and urge to take players on and to create chances for his teammates. The 17 year old never lost possession and he came close on a couple of occasions to setting up goals for his teammates, as well as getting on the scoresheet himself. He so desperately came close to doing that during the latter stages of the game after he managed to weave away from his man on the right wing, before entering the penalty area and only being denied by a smart save from the Swansea goalkeeper.
• J’Neil Bennett: The first year scholar played the majority of the game out on the left flank and he made a positive contribution to the game. He went close to scoring on a couple of occasions. Bennett was direct and he was constantly looking to beat his man and score goals. He timed his runs well and he was unlucky that some of his shots didn’t find the back of the net. 
• Rodel Richards: The centre forward put in a real workman like shift up top and I thought that he lead the line well for Matt Wells side during his 84 minutes on the pitch. Richards did a good job at closing down the Swansea defenders and it was from his pressing that he was able to create what turned out to be the winner, after some really good work to set up Paris Maghoma’s goal midway through the first half.
• Maximus Tainio: The Finland under 19 international slotted in at right back after coming onto replace Lyons-Foster at halftime. Tainio defended solidly and he protected his side of the pitch well. Maximus made one excellent and brave sliding challenge to win the ball off of Owen Evans shortly after coming on.
• Elliot Thorpe: The Wales under 19 international came on for the final 14 minutes of the game after he replaced Rayan Clarke. Thorpe played in the hole and I thought that he did really well after he came on. The teenager from Cambridgeshire looked really sharp and he came desperately close to putting the ball into the back of the net on two occasions after getting into good positions. His movement in the final third was impressive and he was always involved in our attacks and play in and around the Swansea penalty area.
• Chay Cooper: The son of former West Ham player Antony Cooper made a late cameo appearance for Spurs on Saturday, after he came onto replace Richards up top. Cooper had some nice touches of the ball and he got himself into some good positions inside the box.

My man of the match: Luis Binks. The elegant England under 18 international was in my eyes our best player against Swansea on Saturday. Operating at LCB Binks alongside with first Lyons-Foster, and then Okedina helped to form a very strong Tottenham backline. While Swansea were by no means the best team that we have faced this season, I thought that young Binks did everything so well in defence. In a most Van Dijk-esque way the 17 year old always managed to get across his man when he needed to, and he defended with a real assuredness and coolness about him. The Gillingham born defender made a number of important defensive interventions throughout the game and it was his reading of situations which impressed me so much. He looked sharp against Swansea and after making a crucial last ditch interception to prevent Mason Jones-Thomas from getting a shot away in a dangerous position inside the Spurs box early on, Binks went onto put in another faultless performance. He always kept his position and he looked very sharp in his defending, and as far as I could see he didn’t put a foot wrong. Apart from his excellent defensive work Binks‘ passing from deep helped Spurs out. I liked his awareness and his urge to give the ball to the wide men. And while his short passing was impressive, his numerous long pings out to J’Neil Bennett on the left flank were just as accurate and effective.

Spurs: Oluwayemi, Okedina, Cirkin, White, Lyons-Foster (Tainio 46), Binks, Clarke (Thorpe 76), Maghoma, Richards (Cooper 84), Markanday (c), Bennett. Substitutes (not used): Kurylowicz, Statham.

Goal: Spurs – Paris Maghoma (24).

Spurs under 18’s statistics 2018/19:

Goals scored: Troy Parrott – 10

Dilan Markanday – 7

Rayan Clarke – 7

J’Neil Bennett – 6

Armando Shashoua – 4

Harvey White – 4

Rodel Richards – 4

Luis Binks – 3

Paris Maghoma – 3

Dennis Cirkin – 2

Jeremie Mukendi – 2

Brooklyn Lyons-Foster – 2

Phoenix Patterson – 2

Maurizio Pochettino – 1

Jubril Okedina – 1

Assists: Harvey White – 10

Armando Shashoua – 9

Jamie Bowden – 5

Phoenix Patterson – 4

Rayan Clarke – 4

Troy Parrott – 4

Dilan Markanday – 3

Rodel Richards – 3

Brooklyn Lyons-Foster – 2

Dennis Cirkin – 2

J’Neil Bennett – 2

Paris Maghoma – 1

Maurizio Pochettino – 1

Malachi Walcott – 1

Luis Binks – 1

Rafferty Pedder – 1

Maxwell Statham – 1

Jeremie Mukendi – 1

Elliot Thorpe – 1

Clean sheets: Joshua Oluwayemi – 5

My piece on one of our under 18’s most consistent performers Dilan Markanday:

In the final of three pieces on some of our youth teams most inform players, at the halfway point of the 2018/19 campaign, I thought I’d write a little piece on 17 year old winger Dilan Kumar Markanday, a player who has been in excellent form for Matt Wells under 18 side so far this season. Markanday is an exciting winger who is adept at playing on either flank, as well as in the hole as a number ten. The second year scholar has been a key player for Matt Wells high flying under 18 side so far his season. The teenager from Barnet in North London attended Haberdashers‘ Aske’s Boys School, and like so many of our under 18 squad Markanday has been at Spurs since a very young age. Dilan scored seven goals for our under 16’s during the 2016/17 campaign before signing scholarship terms with Spurs in the summer of 2017. Markanday made his debut for our under 18 side in their opening day victory over Norwich City at the beginning of the 2017/18 season, Dilan scored his first goal at under 18 level in that 4-0 win. And it was during his first year of scholarship at Spurs that the tricky winger became a mainstay in the under 18 side. The North Londoner was consistent for Scott Parker’s side that season, and he chipped in with nine goals and four assists from 22 appearances for our under 18’s. Markanday also made his debut for our development side in a final day defeat to Manchester City in the PL2. In addition to his domestic success Markanday impressed in a whole host of international tournaments for Spurs that season. The jinking winger impressed greatly at the ALKAAS tournament in Qatar in the January of 2018, and he also impressed at the Borgaro Maggioni Righi tournament in Italy, where he was awarded with the best overseas player of the tournament award. Markanday was also an important member of the under 18 side which reached the final of the Premier League Cup. Personally I thought that Dilan was excellent for the entirety of the 2017/18 season however, I think that he has upped his game this season and his statistics so far this campaign prove that. 

After impressing in pre-season for our development side in the Tournoi Europeen out in France, the youngest of our second year scholars has been a regular starter for Matt Wells under 18 side once again this campaign. Furthermore, Markanday has also appeared in all but one of our under 19’s UEFA youth league matches this season. Dilan has scored seven goals and assisted on three occasions from the 20 games that he has been involved in, in all competitions for our youth sides during 2018/19. Markanday is a direct right winger much like his teammate on the opposite flank Rayan Clarke. However, Dilan is a player who possesses great skill and like players such as Marcus Edwards and Samuel Shashoua before him, he is a naturally talented winger who loves to go on weaving runs down the flank. Markanday is one of the most skilful players who I have ever seen at under 18 level. Although he isn’t particularly quick over a long distance, his balance and ability to weave his way around defenders is one of his greatest attributes. In our under 18’s 7-0 victory over Norwich City earlier on in the season Dilan demonstrated this to perfection. Markanday was simply unplayable in that particular game out on the right flank. I remember comparing the youngsters performance to that of a young George Best, such was the quality of his mazy runs. Markanday created more chances than any other player on the pitch that day and even though I had seen his dazzling skills so many times before, there was something quite special about his performance against Norwich. He was electric down the right flank, constantly looking to beat players and wrong foot defenders as he drifted inside onto his left foot. He absolutely embarrassed the ‘ Canaries ‘ defence who were unable to get the ball off him as he cut them open with his dazzling skill, and exceptional close ball control and balance. Dilan is a very small player in both size and stature however, like Samuel Shashoua he is remarkably strong for his small frame.

The technically gifted Markanday is a highly adaptable player who can play anywhere across the front line, and the 17 year old has also filled in at fullback. As he showed by putting in a sterling performance at left back when we faced Swansea in the Premier League cup back in November. He is a player who likes to drive at defences and it’s from those driving runs that Dilan is at his most dangerous. With his low centre of gravity and many twists and turns Markanday is able to wriggle his way out of difficult situations, much like the slightly older Marcus Edwards is able to do. There is a striking likenesses between the two players playing styles. Like Markanday, Edwards can play anywhere across the frontline, and as dribblers go he is one of the very best from his age group in the country. I have often been reminded of the 20 year old when I have watched Markanday in full flow, as they have very similar running styles and movement. Dilan’s footballing idol is one Lionel Messi and the Spurs youngster likes to dribble in a similar way to the Argentine superstar. Don’t get me wrong Markanday is a very direct winger who is always looking to take players on and  create chances for his teammates. He isn’t exceptionally quick but when he does run at players with speed he is very hard to dislodge on the ball. I don’t like to compare young players with the legendary George Best but from watching Dilan extensively over the last season and a half it is quite clear that the Londoner has that wow factor about him. When you see a second year scholar dancing around the pitch like a young George Best, beating players with such ease and panache then you know that you’re watching a special young talent. The nimble footed Markanday is an extremely difficult player to defend against, his darting movement and weaving runs make him almost impossible to track. For all of his technical ability one of Dilan’s most impressive traits is that rare ability to ride challenges so well. He is a tough player who doesn’t go to ground easily, and he somehow manages to stay balanced despite the most cynical of fouls and crunching challenges against him. A perfect example of this occurred in our under 18’s last game against Middlesbrough just before Christmas.

Markanday had picked the ball up deep inside his own half out on the right wing, he went on one of his darting runs down the flank. As he advanced forward he was fouled by Middlesbrough’s left back who had went sliding in on him without getting any of the ball. The referee waived play on and unlike most players Markanday was able to keep his balance instead of going down for the free kick. He surged forward for 30 odd yards unopposed before cutting inside onto his left foot and finding Rayan Clarke down the left side of the penalty area with a perfectly weighted pass, Clarke would go onto fire the ball into the top right hand corner of the goal. Markanday doesn’t let his size affect him when he comes up against older and more physical players, and whenever he has appeared for our development side he has always looked bright. Our under 21’s final game of the Tournoi Europeen in pre-season, was a fifth/sixth place play off against French side EA Guingamp. Guingamp were older than us and they had some really physical players in their side. The then 16 year old Markanday started the game out on the right wing and for the vast majority of the match he dazzled with his many weaving runs and sharp twists and turns. It was a very tough test for Markanday and the Guingamp players did try to bully him, but it was to no avail. The youngsters sheer skill and low centre of gravity compensated for his size and lack of muscle, he is a very intelligent young footballer who is able to wriggle away from players while under pressure. The 17 year old has an exceptionally high work rate and his defensive contribution to games is always top class. He is a real grafter who tracks back well after himself and he is actually a good tackler and that’s why he has been played at fullback on the odd occasion. Markanday is also good off the ball and he is an aggressive presser who is good at closing defenders down and putting them under pressure. Like Samuel Shashoua he is the perfect Pochettino player in so many ways.

 Interestingly Dilan still hasn’t been called up to represent England at youth level so far in his short career, despite the fact that he is one of the best right wingers at under 18 level in the country. Markanday is also eligible to represent India at international level and I would be surprised if Markanday hasn’t already been approached by the IFA about playing for them. There is so much to write about Dilan’s style of play because he is such a technically gifted attacking player. A good reader of the game, Markanday has a sharp footballing brain and his off the ball movement is something to be admired. He is good at creating space for himself down the flanks and the timing of his runs down the channels is quite impressive. As much of a creative force as Dilan is with his darting runs and attacking forays, and good weight of pass Markanday is also a real goal threat. He is particularly dangerous on the edge of the penalty area where he will often look to test the goalkeeper with a curling low effort towards the far corner of the goal. The winger is also very quick to loose balls inside the danger zone and he is often the first to efforts which have been parried by the goalkeeper. While Markanday is a good finisher who scores a good amount of goals per season he is also one of the most creative players in Matt Wells side. He has so often provided us with that all important spark in matches where we have lacked that all important bit of creativity. Markanday is so like Samuel Shashoua in so many ways and there are a lot of similarities between Dilan and Samuel at the same age. Samuel was absolutely unplayable for our under 18’s in his second year as a scholar and Markanday isn’t far behind that level of performance. Samuel is one of my favourite ever players and although I have drawn comparisons with Marcus Edwards in this article, I think the player who Markanday is most similar to is Samuel Shashoua. They are both such unselfish team players who are craftsmen in their own right. They can pick a pass with precision and they see can gaps in the oppositions defence which few other players notice.

Dilan Markanday is a player who has serious potential and his versatility will stand him in good stead over the coming seasons as he continues his development. It is an absolute joy to see Dilan take players on with such confidence and composure. He is so slick in possession and some of the footwork and movement which I have seen from Markanday this season has been absolutely sensational. Dilan ought to be extremely proud of how well he has been doing for himself this season and what a great asset he has been to Matt Wells richly talented side. I wish Dilan all the very best for the remainder of the season and I look forward to watching him develop over the coming seasons. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Markanday was to be capped at under 18 level by England before the end of the 2018/19 season.

Spurs under 23’s versus Liverpool: (match preview)

Our under 23’s return to action on Monday evening when they face Liverpool in the PL2 at the Lamex stadium in Stevenage. Wayne Burnett’s side sit in ninth place in the division one table, just two places below Monday’s opponents Liverpool. Way back in August Burnett’s side managed to grind out a heroic draw with Neil Critchley’s side at Anfield. It was heroic because Spurs had managed to fight back from being a goal down with ten men for the majority of the game, following the early dismissal of Japhet Tanganga. We also managed to defeat Liverpool 1-0 in this fixture last season at the Lamex stadium. A goal from Jack Roles was enough to beat the ‘ Reds ‘ who had traveled down to Hertfordshire with Adam Lallana and Danny Ings in their squad. Liverpool are unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions, and from those five matches they have beaten the likes of Arsenal and Everton. Critchley’s side has a lot of promising young footballers in it. Speedy forward Bobby Adekanye has impressed for the ‘ Reds ‘ development side so far this season, and the Dutchman terrorised the Tottenham defence in the reverse fixture back in August. Other players to watch out for are winger and England under 18 international Curtis Jones. Canadian centre forward Liam Millar, Portuguese forward Rafael Camacho who has scored three goals from nine PL2 games this season. And last but not least calming Spanish central midfielder Pedro Chirivella (21). Although this isn’t as talented a development side to the one that Liverpool have had over the last couple of seasons, Neil Critchley’s side will still be difficult to beat. Jürgen Klopp’s footballing philosophy is imbedded right across the Liverpool academy, and Critchley’s side like to play with an extremely high tempo. Meanwhile Spurs who are unbeaten in their last three PL2 games will be hoping to put in a similar performance to the one which saw them defeat Manchester City a couple of weeks ago. A mainstay in Burnett’s side this season has been left back Jaden Brown. For those who don’t already know Brown joined Premier League club Huddersfield on a permanent transfer this month. The 19 year old left back had featured on 18 occasions for our development side this season.

I noticed on Twitter that Sky Sports have been reporting that 24 year old centre forward Vincent Janssen could make his return from a foot injury by appearing for our under 23’s against Liverpool on Monday. It would be interesting to see how we would play as a team with the Dutchman in the side. In other news Spurs loanee Connor Ogilvie’s loan at Gillingham has come to an end and the 22 year old left back (if he doesn’t rejoin them on loan!) could possibly come into the side on Monday evening as the loan window has just opened. I shall be reporting on Monday evenings game and I will have my write up published by the following day. I wish all of Wayne Burnett’s lads the very best of luck for the visit of Liverpool on Monday.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Austin, Hinds, Tanganga (c), Eyoma, Reynolds, Marsh, Bowden, Oakley-Boothe, Roles, Georgiou, Janssen.

Subs from: De Bie, Dinzeyi, Duncan, Tracey, Sterling.

Injured/unavailable: Luke Amos, Shayon Harrison.

Doubtful: Jonathan Dinzeyi, Phoenix Patterson.

Previous meeting: 1-1.

My score prediction: Spurs 1-0.

My one to watch: The ‘ Reds ‘ experienced 21 year old Spanish central midfielder Pedro Chirivella. The box to box midfielder stood out during the reverse fixture at Anfield earlier in the season and he dictated play for the large periods of the game.

ICYMI: https://superhotspur.com/2018/12/28/my-piece-on-spurs-versatile-young-midfielder-and-cyprus-under-21-international-jack-roles-a-player-who-has-been-in-red-hot-form-for-the-clubs-development-side-this-season/

Spurs under 18’s versus Swansea City: (match preview)

Matt Wells unbeaten under 18 side will return to league action on Saturday when they take on Swansea City at Hotspur Way, in their first game of 2019. Saturday mornings encounter with the ‘ Swans ‘ will be the third time that Spurs have met the South Wales club at under 18 level this season. The previous two meetings have resulted in comfortable victories for Matt Wells side. Swansea who are co managed by both Anthony Wright and Jon Gray currently languish in 11th place in the under 18 southern division after a poor start to the 2018/19 season. Swansea have picked up only two wins from 16 games in all competitions this season and unlike Wells‘ side they have struggled to find the back of the net, and they have scored fewer goals than anybody else in the league this season. Our high flying under 18’s thrashed the ‘ Swans ‘ 5-1 at their Landore training centre back in August, before then going on to beat them 3-1 in the Premier League cup in November of 2018. That was a much closer game of football but this was mainly down to the fact that Matt Wells didn’t field his usual side which he would start in league games. Some of Swansea’s most talented young players includes midfielder and top scorer this campaign Owen Evans, forward Shaquille Wynter-Coles who scored against us in our 3-1 win over Swansea in November, and midfielder Arnor Borg Gudjohnsen. Gudjohnsen is the half brother of our former player Eidur. Like a lot of the sides who are down at the bottom of the table, Swansea are a well organised and defensive team who are not too dissimilar to Leicester in how they set up to play. However, like Graham Potter’s senior team they can also play some nice attacking football from what I have seen of them this season. This will be Spurs’ first competitive match in two weeks and it is one in which they’ll be hoping to record a fairly comprehensive victory in. And if Matt Wells plays a similar side to the one which defeated Leicester 4-0 in our last league game, then you would have to fancy Spurs to continue their excellent form by recording a win against the Welsh club.

After the Christmas break it will be interesting to see how Spurs lineup for the visit of Swansea on Saturday morning. As always with this richly talented under 18 side it promises to be an exciting match, and hopefully it will be our lads first victory of 2019. After missing out on our last under 18 match to injury captain Armando Shashoua will be hoping to return for Saturday’s league game. As always I shall be reporting on the match and I am really looking forward to the game. I wish all of Matt Wells lads the very best of luck for their first game of 2019. 

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Oluwayemi, Tainio, Lyons-Foster, Binks, Cirkin, A.Shashoua (c), White, Markanday, Maghoma, Bennett, Richards.

Subs from: Kurylowicz, Statham, Okedina, Thorpe, Clarke.

Injured/unavailable: Enoch Asante, Jeremie Mukendi. 

Doubtful: Phoenix Patterson, Malachi Walcott, Troy Parrott (Possible first team involvement against Tranmere).

Previous meeting: Spurs 3-1.

My score prediction: Spurs 5-1.

My one to watch: Swansea winger Mason Jones-Thomas is a talented player who likes to take players on down the flank. The Wales under 19 international is a good dribbler and a hard worker off the ball, and he is also a good crosser of the ball.

ICYMI: https://superhotspur.com/2018/12/27/my-piece-on-spurs-young-midfield-mercurial-talent-paris-maghoma-and-his-excellent-start-to-the-2018-19-season/

My piece on Spurs’ versatile young midfielder and Cyprus under 21 international Jack Roles. A player who has been in red hot form for the clubs development side this season:

North Londoner Jack Roles has been in scintillating form for Spurs’ development side so far this season. The 19 year old midfielder from Enfield in North London has shone for Wayne Burnett’s side playing in a host of different positions so far this campaign. Jack Roles is a player that many Spurs fans will have heard of for his goal scoring exploits for our youth teams over the last couple of seasons. The versatile Cyprus under 21 international (Jack is of Cypriot origin) is a young player who can play virtually anywhere on a football pitch. Roles has played at centre half, central midfield, out on the wing, as a number ten and even as an out and out striker or as a false nine. After a slightly frustrating 2017/18 campaign which resulted in a lack of starts for Roles in the development side. Roles has now forced himself into Wayne Burnett’s team and he has become one of their most consistent performers. The midfielder has rediscovered that excellent goalscoring form which he had shown at under 18 level during the 2016/17 season, and his contribution to our development side so far this season has been on a similar scale. Jack Roles is a player who I have watched extensively since he joined the club full time in the summer of 2015. Roles is a tidy central midfielder/CAM who is a good passer of the ball. However, one of the skilful midfielders greatest attributes is his ability to find the back of the net on a regular basis. Whether that be from central midfield or as a number ten, the teenager has always shown a remarkable knack of getting into good goal scoring positions inside the six yard box and putting those chances away. Roles has been at the club since he was just six years of age but followers of the Tottenham Hotspur youth set up would have only started to hear about Roles during the 2014/15 season after he made two appearances for the under 18’s while still a schoolboy. That same season Jack Roles caught the attention of the media after he was caught on film scoring a glorious solo goal for our under 16 side, a run which started from inside his own box.

The following season Roles who is the younger brother of Enfield United player Daniel, started the first year of his two year scholarship at the club. Despite being out injured during the early stages of the 2015/16 campaign the midfielder still made 15 appearances for our under 18 side that season, scoring three goals and assisting another three. Jack also made the bench for our under 21’s for the first time in a league match against Sunderland at White Hart Lane. However, it was during the following campaign that Jack Roles started to really make a name for himself amongst the followers of Spurs. Roles flourished for our under 18 side that season and he played a big part in us reaching the semifinals of the FA youth cup. Roles played both as a ten and as a central midfielder, but the amount of goals that he was scoring that season for a midfielder was quite staggering. From 15 league appearances that season Roles scored 15 goals more than a certain Jaden Sancho managed for Manchester City in the same competition. Roles also scored a further three goals in the FA youth cup, and one for our under 19’s in the UEFA youth league which he made four appearances in. Jack also got four assists that same season. At times the second year scholar was unplayable during the 2016/17 campaign for our under 18’s. He wouldn’t always standout during matches especially when he was played in the middle of the park. However, Roles movement and ability to ghost into the box and score goals was the thing which was most impressive about his game. He was also hardworking and tenacious in the midfield, but it was the way in which he was always able to drop into little pockets of space in and around the danger zone, which along with his clinical finishing made him deadly in front of goal. So often Roles would make a late run in and behind or across the oppositions defence to tap home from a cross. He was always on the move and always looking to pick the ball up and to use it positively. He always played with a coolness and an urgency about him and although we had some incredible creative players in that side, such as Samuel Shashoua and Keanan Bennetts, Roles was right up there in terms of chances created. But what was so impressive was the many different kinds of goals that Roles was scoring that season. 

The following season the 2017/18 campaign wouldn’t turn out to be as big a success for Roles as it had been the previous season. After coming off the bench to impress for our development side in two pre-season friendlies against both Ebbsfleet and Cambridge United respectively I was looking forward to seeing Roles play regularly for our under 23’s in the PL2. However, the then 18 year old struggled for game time due to the emergence of young Oliver Skipp who was a regular starter in the middle of the park for Wayne Burnett’s side. Roles was also a member of the Spurs under 21 side which won the Tournoi Europeen during pre-season. Funnily enough I happened to watch him play an international friendly for Cyprus under 19’s in Dungannon, Northern Ireland before I got to see him make his PL2 debut for Spurs. Jack eventually made his competitive debut for our development side in a 4-1 defeat away to Everton in the PL2 in the September of 2017. There had actually been some reports from the local media down in Devon that league two club Exeter City had been interested in signing Jack along with his teammate Japhet Tanganga on loan, but nothing ever came of it. Roles only made nine appearances for Wayne Burnett’s side in the PL2 that season. He did however, make a number of appearances for our under 19’s in Europe. Played predominantly as a number ten as well as in his natural position of central midfield, Jack Roles finished the season with four goals and one assist to his name. Those four goals all came from four consecutive matches during the halfway point of the season. A series of excellent performances from Roles in the January of 2018 included a superb match winning performance at Old Trafford, in a memorable 3-1 win over Manchester United in the PL2. The teenagers progress during the 2017/18 was noticed by the Cypriot FA and before the season was up he would be capped at under 21 level for Cyprus. However, it has been during the current campaign that young Jack Roles has really started to flourish at this level and his contribution to the development side so far this season has been outstanding.

After an impressive pre-season Roles quickly made himself a regular starter in Wayne Burnett’s development side, and in Matt Wells under 19 side in Europe where he has played as an overage player. The 19 year old has played in many different positions this season and I for one have really noticed just how adaptable he is to games. He has played with so much confidence about him this season and from that confidence I have started to really appreciate just how skilful a player Jack is. His movement, ability to pick a pass and his clinical finishing in front of goal has resulted in him scoring seven goals and assisting a further seven this season. Roles has been directly involved in 14 goals from the 21 games that he has been involved in for Spurs this campaign. Roles is a fascinating player to watch for a number of reasons. Despite the fact that he is tall and skinny lad he moves around the park so well and to great effect. He has a real footballing brain and that has really showed this season. Jack has been excellent in every game that he has been involved in, often the shining light from particularly disappointing team performances. The midfielders positivity and willingness to receive the ball in the middle of the park and drive forward and initiate passages of play has often lifted the development side. So far this season Jack has played in a variety of positions, if my memory serves me well he has played as a central midfielder, a number ten, a right and left winger, an inside forward and on the rare occasion he has featured up top, as a false nine. Roles has slotted in so comfortably in all of those positions and wherever he plays he always remains a goal threat. I wrote an article on Jack Roles during the 2016/17 season where I compared him with a certain Dele Alli and Frank Lampard. I stand by those comparisons more than ever before. Whether Roles plays as a box to box midfielder he always manages to do a sterling job at breaking up play and protecting the defence. However, he also manages to get involved in the thick of the action at the other end of the pitch. He makes excellent long runs from deep into or on the edge of the penalty area. 

Jack is an artist in many respects for the way in which he is able to constantly create little pockets of space for himself in condensed areas. Everything about the Londoners game is so instinctive much like Dele Alli’s is in so many ways. It’s as if he knows exactly where his teammate is going to cross the ball or where and when his teammate is going to make a pass. I have previously said that Roles has a bit of a Berbatov like panache about his game. And I think that really shows when he connects with a cross or a pass. His first touch is always good and he shows good composure in high pressure situations. Roles reads the game like a veteran and his movement in and around the danger zone and from counter attacks is razor sharp. Again coming back to the Dele Alli/Frank Lampard, or even Harry Kane comparison there is a striking likeness about Roles game to those players. There’s been games where I have paid really close attention to his off the ball movement. The timing of his runs and the swiftness of thought that he shows is quite something. A lot of Jacks goals come from inside the penalty area and many are as a result of the way in which he just ghosts into the box, somehow managing to go undetected before pouncing on a loose ball to clinically convert. As a defender Jack is a difficult player to read when he is playing as a ten or out on the flank. He is a particularly skilful and silky player who is a good dribbler and an excellent mover of the ball. This season Roles has mixed up his game when playing in less natural positions. During our under 23’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, Roles received the ball down the left side of the penalty area. He cut inside his man before somehow managing to tuck the ball past the goalkeeper from a tight angle with a smart finish. On another occasion he was able to follow up on a teammates shot on goal by making a darting run into the penalty area to get to the loose ball, before the goalkeeper did. In that scenario Roles managed to get the ball before calmly sorting his feet out and cleverly scooping the ball beyond the goalkeeper and into the roof of the goal.

The 19 year old is a really good finisher in front of goal and he has shown already this season that he can play up top. Although he is a right footer Roles is good on his left and he can finish with both feet. While he is quite a character on the field where he is often getting involved in arguments with the opposing teams players following a heavy challenge etc, he is such a cool customer in front of goal. He is very good at finishing from one on ones and from chances which come his way inside the six yard box. He is a poacher and an alert one at that, and while he has been known to score some spectacular goals over the years, a lot of those that he does score are typical poachers finishes from inside the six yard box. Roles is a dead ball specialist and he is particularly lethal from free kicks and penalty kicks where he has an impressive conversion rate from. Away from his offensive contribution Roles is an extremely hard worker off the ball regardless of what position he is playing in. He tracks back well after him and he closes down players well, Roles plays with a real bite and hunger about him. And he is a tough tackling midfielder who is good at breaking up play and recycling possession. As he has played in a much more advanced role this season I’ve come to see just how skilful and classy Roles is on the ball. He shows good balance and while he isn’t relatively quick he travels with the ball with a real elegance, and his close ball control is very good. Regardless of whether he is playing up front, or in the hole or even in the centre of the park Roles is a player who impacts the game. He is a very intelligent and versatile young player who is aware of his surroundings and constantly looking to initiate attacking moves. There are very few young players in academy football who are able to fill in at such a variety of positions and are able to impact the game to the same effect that Jack does. There is no denying that Roles is a richly talented young man who has a remarkable ability to score goals from all over the pitch. To have been directly involved in 15 goals for his club and country this season from just 22 games is a seriously impressive statistic for somebody who doesn’t play as an out and out striker.

As the season goes on I am sure that the midfielders goal involvement will only increase. And while I would love to see him appear on the bench for our first team when Son is away on international duty next month, I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see Jack join fellow Spurs man Anthony Georgiou in winning his first full international cap for Cyprus at some point in 2019. I am sure that the Cypriot FA will be keen to tie Jack down to Cyprus before England come calling later down the line. Former Spurs player Eddie Clayton has watched Jack play twice this season and Clayton was left particularly impressed with the Spurs youngsters quality on the field and also how polite he was when he met him after our under 23’s 1-0 win over Leicester City back in October. While I could write a book on Jacks off the ball movement and ability to ghost in at the back post and score goals, I am going to sign off this piece here. I would like to wish Jack all the very best of luck for the remainder of the season and I hope that he is ever so proud of how well he is doing for himself.

My piece on Spurs’ young midfield mercurial talent Paris Maghoma and his excellent start to the 2018/19 season:

For those of you who regularly read my match reports you will all know how highly I rate our 17 year old academy midfielder Paris Maghoma. Paris comes from a real footballing family, and he is the younger brother of our former player and current Birmingham City star Jacques Maghoma, and our former academy played Christian Maghoma who plays for Polish Ekstraklasa side Arka Gdynia. The youngest of the Maghoma brothers has been in sensational form for our development side this season and he seems to have come on leaps and bounds after enjoying a successful pre-season. A skilful and adaptable central midfielder who is comfortable playing in the hole and out on the wing, Maghoma is a silky creative midfielder who loves to take players on, and drive at opposition defences. The Enfield born midfielder who has been at Spurs since a very young age was brought up in Finchley, North London where he attended Finchley Catholic High School. Maghoma has so often played above his age group over the years and during the 2016/17 season the then schoolboy stepped up on five occasions to play for our under 18’s. Directly involved in two goals from those five matches Maghoma was even included in our 19 side which competed in the end of the season Terborg tournament in the Netherlands. The midfielder joined Spurs full time in the summer of 2017 and it was during his first year of scholarship that Maghoma forced himself into the under 18 side. A mainstay in Scott Parker’s side that season, Maghoma put in a series of impressive performances for our under 18’s both in the league and in the domestic cup competitions, making 26 appearances for Parker’s side during the 2017/18 season. Maghoma found the back of the net on three occasions and he set up a further five. As well as helping our under 18’s to reach the final of the Premier League under 18 cup, Maghoma was also a regular for our under 19’s (making six appearances) in the UEFA youth league and he helped them to reach the quarterfinals of that competition. The first year scholar was by far the youngest member of the squad, but still he found himself being trusted to start our big quarterfinal against Porto ahead of older and more experienced players.

While I personally think that Maghoma had a very good 2017/18 campaign I have noticed a significant improvement in his all round game this season. After starring in our under 18’s 6-4 win over Brighton on the opening day of the season less than a week after he made his first team debut in a friendly against Girona, Maghoma was quickly drafted into Wayne Burnett’s development side. That same preseason Maghoma also won the prestigious player of the tournament award, for his performances in the Tournoi Europeen for our development side. The 17 year old made his debut for our under 23’s in a 1-1 draw against Liverpool in the PL2 up in Anfield in August. Since putting in a tenacious performance under testing conditions Maghoma has not only gone onto become a mainstay in Burnett’s side, but he has established himself as one of the under 23’s most important and consistent players. Along with Jack Roles, Maghoma has been our biggest goal threat and the second year scholars versatility has also proved to be useful for Wayne Burnett. Paris has clocked up over 1,630 minutes for Spurs at all levels this season. Further to that he has made 21 appearances for Spurs in all competitions so far this campaign, and from those 21 appearances Maghoma has scored seven goals and he has assisted on four occasions for his teammates. Maghoma has often been the star of the show for our development side, and he has put in several match winning performances already this campaign from both central midfield and in the hole. The North Londoners club form has also earned him a recall to the England international setup. During the last international break Maghoma was called up to the England under 18 side. That was Maghoma’s first England call up since under 16 level, he had also represented them at under 15 level. Despite playing for England at youth level he is also eligible to represent DR Congo and Belgium. Young Paris for those of you who have only seen him in fleeting glimpses is a silky and powerful creative central midfielder, who also regularly plays a number ten and as an inside forward. The skilful Maghoma is most accomplished in the middle of the park and he is a player in the mould of a player such as Paul Pogba or Ross Barkley. He is an expressive midfielder who links defence with attack so well.

Maghoma’s footballing hero is Ronaldinho and the Brazilian icon has clearly influenced the teenagers style of play. Paris is a very skilful midfielder who plays with a lot of flair about him, unlike many midfielders Maghoma is always looking to take on and beat players and drive forward with the ball. He is effective as a box to box midfielder and this season he has also shown that he can play as a midfield destroyer if needs be. He demonstrated this just the other week in our under 18’s FA youth cup third round tie against Millwall at the Den. In that particular game Spurs were unable to play their usual passing game to effect and the game needed somebody who could act as an enforcer in the middle of the park. Maghoma stepped up and he became that dominant midfield force, breaking up play and helping to recycle possession. The 17 year old also showed good leadership skills and he helped to organise the side and keep them motivated during difficult stages in the game. Like academy graduate Josh Onomah, Maghoma takes the game in his stride and he always shows good composure. He also carries the ball well and while he does like to take risks in dangerous positions, he is a player who always remains defensively disciplined and ready to fill in for players who are out of position. Every central midfielder needs to be a good passer of the ball and Maghoma is certainly that, he knows how to pick as pass and generally speaking he is a crisp passer of the ball and he never holds onto it for longer than he needs to. Like Ross Barkley, Maghoma’s awareness is impressive and he reads situations well. Although he is quite tall and slim, he is one of the strongest players in our academy side and he is often able to hold off bigger and more physical opponents. In my eyes he is the complete central midfielder and he is a player who has all the attributes needed to succeed in that role. However, Maghoma plays with an attacking flair which few English central midfielders play with. He is often the player who changes games providing our various youth teams with that all important spark.

What the second year scholar does so well in matches is picking the ball up in the middle of the pitch and driving forward at the oppositions defence. Maghoma’s trademark jinking runs through the middle of the park are always extremely effective. He has that rare ability to create chances from nothing and he attacks with a real intent. I have seen the tricky teenager pick the ball up and go on many slaloming runs through the middle of the park, beating four or five players with his dazzling skill. He is a young man who always gets spectators off of their seats, the way that he just glides past players seems so effortless but it is all done with such skill. As I have said previously he plays in a very Pogba-esque way and as a box to box midfielder he is one of the very best from his age group in the country. One such example of this occurred during our under 18’s opening day win over Brighton in the league. Maghoma was a class above any other player on the pitch that day, and there was a particular moment in the game when he took everybody’s breath away. After picking the ball up some 25 yards out from goal Paris pulled off two exquisite pieces of skill to work his way around two Brighton players, before continuing forwards and firing an unstoppable swerving effort past the helpless Brighton goalkeeper. Paris is an excellent striker of the ball and as he showed quite superbly during our under 19’s 2-2 draw against PSV in the UEFA youth league, that once he connects with the ball sweetly there is no stopping him. One young Englishman who I could compare Paris with is Wolverhampton Wanderers starlet Morgan Gibbs-White. Although he is slightly older than Maghoma the Wolves youngster is similar to Paris in how he operates as a central midfielder. Like the Spurs youngster Gibbs-White is a very confident player who loves to take on and beat players as he goes on promising little attacking forays through the middle of the pitch. Although I personally think that Maghoma is a better player than the Wolves midfielder, you cannot compare them due to the fact that Gibbs-White has played regular first team football over the last year.

My point however, is that both Maghoma and Gibbs-White aren’t your average young English central midfielder. So many young midfielders don’t hold onto the ball and instead they will try to influence the game with their passing. However, Maghoma not only oozes class, he also oozes confidence and he is willing to gamble by looking to create openings in other teams defences. He is brave and committed but he is also a refreshingly well rounded midfielder who can adapt his game to different situations and scenarios. Since the days of Paul Gascoigne England have never really produced the type of midfielder who will travel with the ball from deep. A player who can beat several players with ease before picking a defence splitting pass to set the centre forward through on goal. Maghoma can also do a sterling job as a holding midfielder, a role which he has played in on a number of occasions for our development side this season. Paris is a dead ball specialist and he is often on set piece duties for Wayne Burnett’s side. He is a good crosser of the ball and he also takes some really good dipping free kicks with his side foot. Although I have talked in length about Paris in his natural position I would also like to about Paris the CAM. So often throughout his career Maghoma has played in the hole as a number ten and this season has been no different for the Spurs youngster. Some of Maghoma’s best performances this season have come from him playing in a more advanced role on the pitch. Just a couple of weeks ago he tore apart German club Wolfsburg’s second teams defence to shreds in the premier league international cup. It was one of many examples of Maghoma excelling in that CAM position. Against Wolfsburg II he initiated many chances with some very intelligent play. He tricked his way past players and looked to take on the defenders which meant that Wolfsburg broke up, meaning that Spurs‘ centre forward Kazaiah Sterling was given more space. Maghoma tracked back well after him but he also worked tirelessly to create little pockets of space for himself in and around the danger zone.

Without waxing lyrical about Maghoma, he has put in some very Dele Alli like performances so far this season in the number ten role. A lot of his goals have come from him playing in that position. What reminds of Dele Alli in Maghoma’s game is the way in which he anticipates situations and understands his teammates. Dele Alli and Harry Kane link up very well and they compliment one another throughout matches. Meanwhile Maghoma and young Irish centre forward Troy Parrott have a very similar relationship at youth team level, and the pair have combined really well for our under 19 side this season in Europe. It’s that intelligence and understanding of the game which has impressed me so much this season as a Spurs fan. The 17 year old is unpredictable and he mixes up his play, sometimes opting to go for the spectacular and on other occasions looking to play more simply by playing clever one twos on the edge of the penalty area. Regardless of how good a game Paris has had, one thing which is always consistent is his razor sharp movement. He is just as much a joy to watch off the ball as he is on it, he is so lively on the edge of the box. Furthermore, the timing of Maghoma’s runs in and behind the defence are so well timed and they are very instinctive. Another impressive quality that he shows off the ball is his leadership. Maghoma has shown time and time again that he is a leader of men, and the charismatic midfielder won’t stand for any nonsense on the field. I like a lot of things about Maghoma’s style of play but amongst all the flicks and tricks and the mazy surging runs, what impresses me the most of all is how well rounded a footballer he is for such a young man, and just how adaptable he can be. Paris is a special talent who can do things with a football that many young players could only dream of. We are now at the midway point of the 2018/19 season and for me the teenager has been our development sides best player this campaign, and his statistics will back that up. Paris has been an absolute privilege to watch this season and he is one of the first names that I look for on the team sheet.

There is no doubting that Paris is a special talent after all he is an England under 18 international in an exceptionally talented age group. He is a mercurial talent who also has an excellent work rate. However, he is only 17 and he is an ever developing and ever improving footballer who shows such promise. Paris has been a privilege to watch so far this season and I would love to see him involved with the first team at some point in the season just like Oliver Skipp has been recently. I wish Paris all the very best of luck for the remainder of the 2018/19 season for both Spurs and England. Maghoma will be hoping to be involved in our under 23’s PL2 game against Liverpool on the 7th of January. In the meantime I hope that our young midfield maestro enjoys the rest of the Christmas holiday.

 

My interview with former Tottenham Hotspur youth player Terry Lloyd:

Terry Lloyd was a lightning quick centre forward who was also adept at playing out wide on either flank during his time in Tottenham Hotspur’s youth team during the early 1960’s. Lloyd was a prolific scorer at youth level for Spurs at the time of the famous double winning side, and the promising teenager from East London was touted by many at Spurs to achieve great things in the game. Lloyd could also play as an outside left and he racked up some pretty impressive statistics during his time in the youth team and the A team. Lloyd was in the same age group as future first team players Philip Beal and Frank Saul and during one particular FA youth cup game against QPR, Lloyd scored five goals in a 7-0 win at Loftus road. Although Terry never made the grade at Spurs, after departing the club he joined his boyhood club West Ham where he played predominantly for their A team alongside a certain Harry Redknapp. He would later go onto play for a host of non league sides before quitting the game and eventually going onto forge a successful career out of being a London black cab driver. The season ticket holder at West Ham kindly agreed to doing an interview with me back in October, I met Terry in Biggleswade where he lives. And can I just say what a fantastic man he is and what an absolute privilege it was to interview him about his time at Tottenham Hotspur. Terry is pictured above and he is situated on the far left of the bottom row.

What are your earliest footballing memories?

Terry: My earliest memories of playing football were at school in East Ham when I played for the local schools and then for the borough and East Ham boys. We nearly won the best borough in the whole of England but drew away to Doncaster in the final, and then lost 1-0 at West Ham in front of a crowd of 17,000 at that game in West Ham. My earliest memory at Spurs was basically when I was offered the chance to go to Tottenham and I thought I was going to make it to the top, but nevertheless I didn’t. I didn’t put enough effort into it and now I realise that I didn’t and that you need to go back in the afternoon to training, as in them days you had an option and we all went home. All I can tell you is that I should have done more.

What are your earliest memories of your time at Spurs and how did you come about joining the club?

Terry: Bill Nicholson came to my house and knocked on my door and asked me if I would like to play for Spurs, after the scouts had told him about me. So he came around in his car and knocked on my door and met with my parents before asking them if it was ok to go to Spurs and they said yes. So that’s how it started and I enjoyed it.

What were you first impressions of life at Spurs?

Terry: At first I felt a bit lost because I’d come to Spurs straight from school, I hadn’t had a job. I used to come on the bus to Tottenham and it would take an hour and a half to get there and then back home afterwards. It was strange but exciting in the fact that you didn’t have to be in till 10 in the morning, so there was no madness. You trained for two hours in the day etc, and then you headed home at 12:30 on the bus to East Ham. So that was brilliant and you got paid for it, but when things didn’t go as good as they should have done you realised that you should have stayed on studying and if not I should have been dedicated at the time. You always think your going to be alright and that you’ll do your bit and then be in the first team, but it doesn’t work like that. You suddenly get to a point when if you’re not getting in quick enough then you think hold on there’s somebody else there that’s as good as me. And all of a sudden the club are saying that they don’t want you, and then you realise that you’re lovely today but tomorrow it’ll be I’ll speak to you later, the new boys in. It’s ruthless and don’t get me wrong I should have had my head on more but there we are, I hadn’t quite made it. Maybe I didn’t have the ability and didn’t study and train hard enough and like lots of things you need to do everything you need to do. Because in sport it’s a short period of time and in the beginning it’s not a problem but all of a sudden 2-3 years down the line and your not going to where you want to go. So you think oh dear, and as you start to slide that way down scouts start to think that your not good enough. So it was hard but I’m happy!

What was your time at the Lilywhites like on the whole?

Terry: It was as good as gold. All of the first team players were great even though one or two players might not have got on as well with you as another player. I was happy and privileged to go to Spurs straight from school because I  didn’t have to go to work, instead I went to football.

Did you have any footballing heroes/inspirations and if so who were they?

Terry: The left winger at Spurs at the time was Cliff Jones and he was unbelievable, he was so fast and he could jump taller than anybody else despite being shorter than me, and he was lethal. I got on with both Cliff Jones and Terry Medwin but as a player he was something else. There was also the centre forward Bobby Smith who wouldn’t take no nonsense if defenders tried to mess him around and he was brilliant. However, the whole squad was and you could talk to all of the first team players and ask them questions. Although you may get the odd one who was a bit touchy, the rest of them were as good as gold. 

Could you describe to me what type of player you were and what positions you played in the Spurs youth team?

Terry: On the left wing, on the right wing and as a centre forward because I used to score a lot of goals as I realised my speed and my strength. Something I’ve got to tell you about is when we were doing something for BBC television and we (the youth team) were all training to be live on television. We were shooting and crossing the balls at the main stadium. We trained all morning and I was hitting every shot into the goal, it would come across to me and bang it was a goal. But then it came to five o’clock at night and it went live, they put the ball over to me and I must have been four feet away from the goal and I went and hit it straight over the bar! I didn’t know where to put my face because it was live and I couldn’t change it.

Who were your greatest influences at Spurs?

Terry: The most famous ones were Cliff Jones, Bobby Smith and Danny Blanchflower but the whole lot of them were good players. There wasn’t one of them you could pull out and say no, it was a whole team who all had their own abilities. We also had a Scottish winger called John White who was unbelievable in the respect that he was never physical as such, but he had it all in his head. Every time he moved he found space and when the ball came over he instinctively knew where the gaps were. It was actually his father in law Harry Evans who was the assistant manager who said at the time to me that he would have kept me at the club a bit longer, but that’s football.

During your time in the youth set up at Spurs, you would have played regularly with the likes of future first team players Frank Saul and Roy Low. What was that youth team that we had during the double winning era like to play in?

Terry: It was very good but like myself there were not many that made it through. I thought I wasn’t going to make it and the money wasn’t any good at the time. I ended up working in the office for the port of London in the docks and I worked there for 16 years. In the meantime I did the knowledge and I became a licensed black cab driver and I only retired two years ago after driving a cab for 42-43 years.

Could you talk me through some of your favourite memories of your time at Spurs or ones which particularly standout within your memory?

Terry: I liked the tours that we went on with the junior side because that was the first time I ever travelled abroad. We played in Switzerland one year and then Germany another where we lost a tournament which included Man United and clubs from all different countries. The first time I ever got on a plane was in 1959 and never did I think I’d ever be on an aeroplane as I was from a working background, and playing in a stadium in a different country was just wonderful, it was a great way of life. However, you must do your education first then you can carry on with your football! Because when you look back there are a lot of players who got into things like gambling because they had too much spare time.

Was playing abroad your favourite memory?

Terry: Yes, because playing abroad you thought that you were on another planet because I’d never travelled before.

What was the coaching you received at Spurs like?

Terry: I can’t really say much on that because basically they used to get us to be fit, if you were fast then you were fast and if you were slow then you were slow but the slow players were normally better up top. In training the coaches always wanted you to be in position and to connect with the ball that was being passed to you.

What was the greatest moment of your footballing career?

Terry: That was during my second year at Spurs when they said that they were going to keep me on, and I really thought then that I was going to be there forever. In those days at the end of each season you had to go to see the manager to see whether you were going to be kept on. 

Who was the greatest player that you ever had the pleasure of sharing a pitch with?

Terry: In training I used to train with all the big players but not in the A team. There were people like me who got near it but didn’t get there, but in training they put you in the reserves.

What if you had to pick a player?

Terry: Cliff Jones. He had everything including speed even though he broke both of his legs. He was only about my size but no one could touch him with his speed, and Cliffie could out jump anyone, he used to just  glide up in the air. Even now he still looks fit!

You played at Spurs during that famous double winning season of 1960/61 and you would have got to have known the likes of Bill Nicholson and Danny Blanchflower. What was it like brushing shoulders with that group of players, and what were they like as a team?

Terry: The players were always friends as they got to know you from being there as juniors and they were helpful. Every now and again somebody was a bit touchy after you tackled them as they didn’t want to get injured, but everybody was good. The first team players were never rude or flash generally speaking.

What was Bill Nicholson like as a manager?

Terry: Like a lot of managers he would take to some players more than other players but he was good. He was hard and he wouldn’t take any messing about. You used to have to see Bill Nicholson every year to sign up again or whatever, he was typical Yorkshire and he would do things how he wanted to do them and he was very strict, and I liked that. He was the one who came to my house to ask me if I’d come to Spurs. However, if any of the players needed help then they would go to Danny Blanchflower.

What was the great Danny Blanchflower like?

Terry: He was a really nice fellow but he was never somebody who would hang around. After the matches he would go inside the changing room and have one drink but he would never stay beyond that. How can I put it, he was helpful and he knew everything but he didn’t hang around and play cards or things like that but then again his levels were a lot higher than the rest of us. 

What prompted you to leave Spurs and could you talk me through your career after you left the Lilywhites?

Terry: They didn’t want me anymore so after leaving Spurs I went back to West Ham and after being injured for six months I started playing again and I thought that I would be kept on. However, they ended up saying that they didn’t want me and in the end I went to play in the southern league with Brentwood and I was there for two years but in the end I thought that it was pointless. I’d just got married and we had a young child and it was pointless playing football because I wasn’t going to get enough money and so that’s when I went back into the city to work. After coming out I worked for the port of London and after 14 years working there I wanted to be self employed so I decided to do the knowledge. I ended up driving a cab for 24 years. 

After all these years how do you look back on your time at Spurs and despite being a West Ham fan what does the club still mean to you today?

Terry: Spurs and my local club West Ham are the two teams that I always want to do well. One is where you were born and the other was where you wanted to be successful.