Crouchy's pride at memorable night for all

Spurs youth team graduate Peter Crouch was pleased to see our latest generation of youngsters given a chance to play in Ledley King’s Testimonial.

The likeable front man, who came up through the ranks in N17 before enjoying a second spell at the Club between 2009 and 2011, was all-smiles after taking part in Monday’s celebration of Ledley’s career in front of a packed house at White Hart Lane.

Now with Stoke City, Peter played up front for the Ledley Guest XI in the second half – a period which also saw several Development Squad and Academy players given a run-out for opponents Spurs.

Nathan Oduwa, part of our Barclays Under-18 Premier League southern division-winning side this term, even got himself on the scoresheet – with Peter acknowledging the talents of our up-and-coming stars while heaping praise on former defender Ledley after an eventual 6-3 triumph for the Guest XI.

“I was really pleased for Leds. It was a great day and he deserves every minute of it,” Crouchy began. “It wasn’t a bad game either to be honest!

“There were lots of goals – that’s what people like to see – and the second half was a bit more competitive with some of the young lads who had an opportunity to show what they can do.

“It was a great turnout as well so thanks to the fans for coming out and supporting Ledley. It was a pleasure to be involved.”

One of Peter’s team-mates in the second half, Ruel Fox, also made reference to the promising displays of some of our youth teamers – and admitted the fantastic support shown to Ledley on the night perhaps exceeded the expectations of some.

“It was fantastic,” said Ruel. “I think it was a better turn-out than some people thought but that doesn’t surprise me. Ledley is a well-liked guy, he’s always been humble and down-to-earth and I think that shows by the support he’s got.

“The game was good. The young lads ran us about a little bit but never mind – it’s all part of a learning process for them and it was very enjoyable.

“We all wanted to try and entertain the crowd which I think we did. We tried to put some goals in the back of the net and it worked out well.”