Bill Nicholson - Mr Spurs

Bill Nicholson was born in Scarborough on the 26th January,1919. He was one of a family of 9 and moved from his native Yorkshire to join Tottenham Hotspur as a 17 year old in March 1936. A distinguished player in his own right Bill played for Spurs from 1936 until 1954 and was part of the famous 'Push & Run ' team of the 1950's. It should of course be mentioned that Bill lost a large part of his playing career during the outbreak of WW2.

However, it was perhaps as a Manager of Spurs that Bill really gained world-wide recognition as one of the finest football managers of his day. He was appointed Manager in 1958 and on his very first match in charge Spurs recorded a famous 10-4 win over Everton. He went on to manage the famous Spurs 'Double winning Team' in the 1960-61 season and became the first British manager to win a European trophy when winning the European Cup-Winners Cup in 1963. Under Bill's guidance Spurs were to win the FA Cup 3 times - The League Cup twice and the UEFA Cup on a further two occasions. Bill retired as the Spurs Manager in 1976.

Bill continued to work as a consultant until 1991 when he was awarded the title of Club President. Bill continued to attend every match at his beloved Tottenham Hotspur played at White Hart Lane until shortly before his death on the 23rd October, 2004 aged 85 years

Bill was a true man of Tottenham and arguably the finest manager in Football never to be Knighted. The entrance to today's Stadium has been named 'Bill Nicholson Way' in his memory.

GALLERY


DOUBLE WINNING TEAM - SEASON 1960-61