1961 - Tottenham Hotspur
                                                                                                                                                           

 

 

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Player profiles  out of the Wembley Match Day Programme

 

BILL BROWN, Goalkeeper  When Bill Brown isn't stopping goals he's scoring them, as centre forward in Spurs' five-a-side matches!  A native of Arbroath, after a successful goalkeeping career in schoolboy and junior soccer, he joined Dundee as a professional.  In February, 1956, Brown gained his first honour for Scotland " B " against England " B," and two years later won his first cap against France in the World Cup.  Spurs secured his transfer in June, 1959, since when he has proved himself among the most consistent' keepers in Britain.  Height 5 ft. 10 in., weight II st. 10 Ib.

PETER BAKER, Right Back  Has moulded himself upon Alf Ramsey, one of Britain's greatest-ever defenders, whom he succeeded in the Spurs' side. Born at Hampstead, where he played his first soccer in schools sides, Baker later made a reputation with Enfield Town, the Athenian League side, and gained Youth honours.  Spurs signed him as a professional in 1952, and in every way has since proved a notable successor to classical Ramsey. Height 5 ft. 9 in., weight 10 st. II Ib.

RON HENRY, Left Back  After Welsh international Mel Hopkins broke his nose playing against Scotland in November, 1959, Henry came in as deputy. Henry was a left-winger playing for the R.A's Woolwich depot when a tiny gunner named Terry Dyson was posted to the unit. He replaced Henry, who switched to left half, played extremely well, and Dyson, considerably impressed, recommended him to Spurs, his own club.  Tottenham, after watching Henry, signed him as a professional, and then developed him into a left back. Height 5 ft. 10 in., weight II st. 12 Ib.

DANNY BLANCHFLOWER, Right Half (Capt.)  A man of many parts. Captain of Spurs and Northern Ireland, TV personality, newspaper columnist, author, and a footballer of marked intelligence. Since his mother taught him the game in his native Belfast, Danny entered English soccer by way of Barnsley, via Glentoran, and he has given much to our game.  Spurs handed over a cheque for £30,000 when they secured him from Aston Villa in 1954. It has proved to be one of their most astute investments.  Blanchflower, with over 40 caps Ireland's- most honoured soccennan, is a fine successor as Tottenham captain to such outstanding skippers as Arthur Grimsdell, Bill Felton, Arthur Rowe, Ronnie Burgess, and Alf Ramsey. Height 5 ft. 9 in., weight II st.

MAURICE NORMAN, Centre Half  Worked on a farm at Mulbarton, Norfolk, before becoming a professional with Norwich City. At centre half, Norman emerged as a dominating figure and Spurs spent around £20,000 to secure his transfer in 1955. For some time Norman played at right back, was honoured in this position by the England Under-23 XI, but proved himself an even better defender when switched to centre half-back.  Height 6 ft. I in., weight 12 st. II Ib.

DAVID MACKAY, Left Half  One of the greatest personalities and characters in modern football and a dedicated soccerman who has won most honours. Made first appearance at Wembley as a substitute for Scottish Schools against English Schools wearing a pair of secondhand boots costing only 7s 6d! Has since established himself in the Scottish team.  Cost Spurs £30,000 when secured from Hearts in March, 1959, after winning Scottish caps and a league and cup medal. Honoured by the Football League, and chosen by Continental experts as one of the great half-backs of the day.  Goes to bed early and usually puts in an extra afternoon training session at Tottenham.  Born Edinburgh. Height 5 ft. 8 in., weight 10 st. 8 Ib.

CLIFF JONES, Outside Right  Spurs paid Swansea £35,000 for the transfer of Jones in February, 1958, and this remains the record fee for a winger.  Joined Swansea from school in 1954, after winning honours as a boy.  Prefers to play on the left wing but " obliged " his club by switching to the right where this season he has met with even greater success.  With 30 Welsh caps to his credit, Jones now rates as Britain's Number One wingman. Height 5 ft. 7 in., weight 10 st. 7 Ib.

JOHN WHITE, Inside Right  Another Scottish international, and born at Musselburgh White was secured from Falkirk in October 1959  At the time he was serving in the Army and although shining as a basketball player and cross-country runner, felt the need for full-time training and did not hold a regular League place until he was demobbed. Known as " The Ghost " because of his ability to flit into the open spaces. White is now established as one of Britain's leading inside forwards.  Height 5 ft. 8 in., weight 10 st. 7 Ib.

BOBBY SMITH, Centre Forward  England's leader, and one of the most consistent goalscorers in the game, Bobby Smith is a Yorkshireman, from Lingdale whom Chelsea developed from a ground-staff boy into a top-class centre forward by way of their Youth XI.  Spurs paid £20,000 for Smith's transfer in December, 1955, and since then he's scored over 100 goals for the club and this season has established himself in the England side. A keen gardener.  Height 5 ft. 9 in., weight 12 st. II Ib.

LESLIE ALLEN, Inside Left  Yet another product of the Chelsea Youth XI to meet with success at Tottenham. Allen, formerly an apprentice body-builder at his native Dagenham, in Essex, was considered one of the most promising centre forwards in Britain when Chelsea transferred him to " Spurland " in December, 1958.  Tried at inside left, he at once proved most successful and was recently chosen for the England Under-23 XI. Height 5 ft. 9 in., weight II st.

TERRY DYSON, Outside Left   among the smallest and lightest footballers ever to appear at Wembley, Dyson certainly possesses one of the biggest hearts. Son of the famous jockey, he was born at Malton and played for Scarborough where Spurs first noted his ability.  Later made considerable progress while serving in the Army at Woolwich.  When Cliff Jones was injured, Dyson met with so much success as deputy that he retained his place when the Welsh star, fit again resumed on the right wing.  Height 5 ft. 3 in., weight 9 st. 8 Ib.