Dave Mackay - The passing of an icon
Dave Mackay passed away yesterday at the age of 80, the day after Tottenham’s defeat in the League Cup Final against Chelsea at Wembley. Some 48 years earlier, Mackay proudly led Tottenham Hostpur to victory over Chelsea at the same venue in the 1967 FA Cup Final.
A natural leader of men, he had the respect of his team mates, opponents and fans alike. To be labeled a legend at three different clubs speaks volumes.
He joined Spurs from Hearts in 1959 after leading the side to a famous Scottish title win and was regarded as the missing piece of the jigsaw which resulted in the historic Double in the 1960-61 season.
He complemented the majestic Danny Blanchflower in midfield and was the natural successor to the captaincy when Danny left in 1964.
The photo that we all know and love of Mackay holding Billy Bremner by his shirt was a source of embarrassment to the great man. It was his first game after the second of his broken legs and the Leeds midfielder attempted what Mackay thought was a deliberate attempt to injure him again. Mackay reacted and it was captured on film forever. Speaking some years later, he said “It makes me look like a bully and I’ve always hated bullies. My whole life I’ve stood up against them.”
Mackay went on to make 318 appearances and scored 51 goals in our colours before going on to join Derby County in the summer of 1968 and he guided them to the League title as manager in 1975.
The term “Legend” is often over used but it is appropriate for a genuine Spurs hero. Dave Mackay will always be part of Tottenham Hotspur.
May he rest in peace.
Paul Gascoigne - The following statement was issued by TTT on Monday 24th November 2014
TTT has noted various press and social media comment today in respect of Paul Gascoigne.
TTT is bound by confidentiality and so never comments on the support we have provided (nor who we have provided it to) without the consent of our beneficiaries, for whom our help is often a deeply private matter.
This evening Paul has publicly acknowledged the longstanding support TTT, the Club and Gary Mabbutt have provided him over very many years.
Paul's appearance in the DC United friendly in 2002 helped boost attendance for that match which raised TTT's initial funding and has directly enabled us to help dozens of former players in the years since.
All at TTT wish Paul success in his journey back to sustained good health.
Andy Porter - The following statement was issued by TTT on Wednesday 22nd October 2014
It was with great sadness and a sense of devastation that the Trustees learned of the sudden death yesterday of our friend and colleague Andy Porter aged just 54.
Andy was a valued and popular colleague on the TTT Board and was an astute and considered contributor over his more than 9 years as a Trustee.
Andy will be sorely missed by each of us both personally and professionally. Our thoughts at this sad time are first and foremost with his family and friends but also with the wider Spurs community who have lost a much loved and respected man.
May he Rest in Peace.
Those Glory Glory Days Fundarising Event
On Tuesday 18th March, The Tottenham Tribute Trust staged a fund raising event at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre in Tottenham.
The wonderful film "Those Glory Glory Days" written by Julie Welch and starring Zoe Nathenson was shown to a packed audience.
The evening was boosted by the attendance of Cliff Jones, Terry Dyson, Peter Baker, Gary Mabbutt, Julie Welch and Zoe Nathenson.
Zoe Nathenson in full flow as Julie Welch listens. They hadn’t met since the film was made in 1983.
Daniel Wynne welcomed everyone on behalf of the Trustees and then handed over to Paul Coyte who guided everyone through a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
The film which was a semi autobiographical look at Julie’s childhood, focused on a group of girls who were obsessed with the great double winning side of 1960-61.
Before the film was shown 2 members of that all conquering team, Cliff Jones and Terry Dyson recalled their memories of that season and once it was shown Julie and Zoe spoke about the making of the film and the impact Tottenham Hotspur had on their lives.
Terry Dyson and Cliff Jones captivate the audience
A raffle including a Spurs Opus and a signed Ledley King shirt which were both kindly donated by Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, helped to boost the proceeds all of which will go to help our former players.
If anyone wishes to help further, a copy of the souvenir brochure and a book on Bill Nicholson by Norman Giller can be purchased for £15. For more information please email Daniel Wynne
All photos courtesy of Matt Sprake Photography www.mattsprake.co.uk
TTT secures Sponsorship
The Trustees of the Tottenham Tribute Trust are delighted to confirm that two sponsors have agreed to make a donation to the Tribute Trust, equal to the costs of staging the forthcoming screening of Those Glory Glory Days on March 18th 2014 at The Bernie Grant Arts Centre, Town Hall Approach Road, Tottenham, London N15 4RX.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank both Chris Smith, MD of H. Smith Food Group plc and Daren Burney, MD of the Burney Group for their generosity and support.
As a reminder, the doors open at 7.30pm and the fun begins at 8pm.
The evening will be hosted by Tottenham’s very own MC Paul Coyte who will interview the film’s writer Julie Welch and the main star Zoe Nathenson.
In addition, there will be further interviews with our guests of honour, surviving players from the Double Winning side, including Cliff Jones and Terry Dyson.
Tickets are priced at £20 for adults and £15 concessions. They can only be purchased online directly from the venue by clicking on the following link at the Bernie Grant Centre. They are going quickly so please book as soon as possible.
We look forward to sharing an enjoyable evening, all in aid of a great cause.
