Great sadness as Bill Nicholson dies

Tottenham Hotspur (Spurs) Football Club is located in North London. The club is also known as Spurs. Tottenham's home ground is White Hart Lane. The club motto is Audere est Facere (To dare is to do).

It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Bill Nicholson OBE.

Bill passed away peacefully at a Hertfordshire hospital early Saturday morning after a long fight against illness. He was 85.

Tottenham Hotspur Chairman, Daniel Levy commented: “Bill’s death is a tragedy for the whole of football but particularly so for his family and all of us at Spurs. He was loved by everyone at White Hart Lane and there is no doubt that he in turn loved this Club.

“He will never be forgotten.

“Bill Nicholson devoted his whole life to Tottenham Hotspur and to our fans and will never be surpassed as the greatest individual in our history.


“He lifted Spurs from mediocrity to the sublime as we became the first British club to win a European trophy and to so many wonderful achievements such as that special ‘Double’ of 1961.

“Throughout it all, as player and manager, he did things his own way. His teams played with his own brand of attacking flair, entertaining all the way. Indeed he made our famous old Spurs cockerel crow with pride.

“He was a giant of the game and was deservedly held in high esteem and with intense respect throughout football. He was our Club President and a man that we all looked up to and whose presence we sought.

“We at Spurs owe it to Bill and to his memory to maintain his vision and to ensure that his achievements remain our inspiration in the years to come.

“We have been in close contact with Bill’s family throughout his illness and they have asked that we make this announcement on their behalf and that they are given private time to grieve.

“In expressing our sincere condolences to his wife Darkie and daughters Jean and Linda, we assure them that our thoughts are with them at this very sad time.”