David Ginola’s arrival at Spurs 24 years ago today.
— A Funny Old Game (@sid_lambert) July 15, 2021
PR in the 90s. Halcyon days. pic.twitter.com/GzpuwixJBp
Despite the likes of Harry Kane departing the club for pastures new at Bayern Munich, Tottenham appear to be in a strong position this season. Under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, it’s a squad that is playing attack-minded, refreshing football that reminds many Spurs faithfuls of some of the excellent players from yesteryear.
Tottenham’s wait for a major trophy continues
While the notable improvements Spurs fans are witnessing this season are encouraging for the future, the club’s wait for a major trophy continues. This comes despite a start to the campaign that led some fans to suggest a title tilt was on the cards. Additionally, some supporters even backed the team for a trophy win with an FA Cup bet, although Spurs’ dismal exit to Sheffield United highlighted that it was a tad premature, especially when looking at the strength of sides like Manchester City, who are 7/5 to win the FA Cup.
While Spurs’ campaign so far showcases the giant strides being made under the club’s likeable Australian manager, the current crop of players have a long way to go if they’re to go down in Tottenham folklore. Some of them certainly aren’t far away, though, particularly if they keep kicking on under Ange Postecoglou.
In the meantime, let’s take a look back at some of Tottenham’s greatest ever players, some of whom will undoubtedly be liking what they’re seeing from the team this season.
David Ginola was a joy to watch
An enigmatic Frenchman who loved to have the ball at his feet and take players on, David Ginola was an undoubted crowd-pleaser. Despite only plying his trade for the club for three seasons, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United winger made quite an impression. Ginola was pivotal in the 1997-98 survival season, with him and Sol Campbell playing a key role in the club avoiding an unthinkable relegation. The following season, Ginola kicked on further, eventually going on to win both of English football’s main player of the year awards. Overall, you’ll struggle to find a Spurs fan who won’t wax lyrical about the slick winger.
Paul Gascoigne is a Spurs hero
📷 Wembley 1991 semi final Gazza celebrates in front of the Spurs fans. #COYSpic.twitter.com/HUDUGSRAHM
— Spurs Nostalgia (@thfcnostalgia) April 14, 2017
In terms of Spurs icons, Paul Gascoigne is right up there with the very best of them. After joining the club in 1988 from his hometown club, Newcastle United, ‘Gazza’ played his part in the club lifting the 1991 FA Cup. While his input could’ve resulted in a red card following a horrible lunge on Gary Charles, the creative spark he provided resulted in Tottenham’s run to the final. His delightful free-kick against fierce rivals Arsenal will probably never be forgotten and his consistently mesmerising displays are something the likes of James Maddison will be desperate to replicate.
Dave Mackay is a 1960s great
A key figure in arguably the greatest ever Spurs side from the 1960s, Dave Mackay’s legacy lives on today. From the famous image of Mackay grabbing a horrified Billy Bremner, to his contribution in Spurs winning the 1962-63 European Cup Winners’ Cup despite not actually playing in the final, Mackay was as tough as they come. The passionate Scotsman also led the team to an FA Cup win and will forever be remembered as one of the club’s most influential leaders.
