Thu 23 October 2014, 06:20
Tottenham HotspurToday we mark the 10th anniversary of the passing of our greatest manager, Bill Nicholson.
Born in Scarborough in 1919, Bill joined us as a 17-year-old on trial in 1936.
He earned a professional contract, made his debut in 1938 and after 341 appearances between 1938-54, joined our coaching staff.
Bill took over the manager's reigns in October, 1958 and went about building a team that would create history and in doing so, take the great name of Tottenham Hotspur all around the world.
He led us to the league and FA Cup double in 1961, retained the FA Cup in 1962 and we became the first British team to win a European trophy as we triumphed in the European Cup Winners Cup in 1963.
Another FA Cup followed in 1967 and two League Cups in 1971 and 1973. In-between, we lifted the UEFA Cup and in doing so, became the first team to win two different European trophies.
They were the 'glory, glory years', eight major trophies, three Charity Shields and all done in style, with Bill's emphasis on attacking football.
Bill finally resigned as manager in 1974 and after a brief spell at West Ham, returned as Chief Scout under Keith Burkinshaw in July, 1976. His connection with our scouting department continued until his retirement in July, 1997.
During July, 1991 he was appointed Club President and held that role until he sadly passed away on October 23, 2004.
Look out later today for a special gallery of Bill's life at Spurs and Danny Blanchflower's thoughts on his relationship with Bill, taken from Bill's first Testimonial programme in 1984.
A special souvenir matchday programme has been produced and will include previously unseen photographs of Bill during his time at the Club.
We also have a commemorative pin badge that will be given away free - while stocks last - and fans will have the chance to sign a special Tribute Wall in our Megastore on the corner of Park Lane.
We will also be encouraging all fans to 'Wear White For Bill' - look out for more on this soon!
Finally, there will be a minute's applause as we celebrate Bill's life and times at Spurs, so please be in your seats in plenty of time to ensure you are there to pay tribute. A reminder, we kick-off at 1.30pm.
