The King and I

Three things spring to mind when Michael Dawson thinks of Ledley King.

Our current club captain cannot wait for tonight's Testimonial match for his legendary predecessor at the Lane as Ledley's Guest XI take on the first team. Kick-off is 8pm.

The pair played together between Michael's arrival at the club in January, 2005 and Ledley's retirement in the summer of 2012, taking us into the Champions League along the way.

Michael has followed in Ledley's footsteps - incredibly, Sunday's match against Villa represented his 324th appearance, now one ahead of the King.

"What a man, what a player, an absolute legend at Spurs and that’s with players, supporters, everyone who has worked or played with him at this special football club," said Michael.

"Three things jump out at me when I think about Ledley.

"First, my debut at Liverpool, to have the honour of playing for Tottenham, making my debut and playing alongside Ledley King. That was the start of many games we played together and it was a real honour for me to play alongside such a world-class player.

"The second one was Manchester City and I can see it now, the photographs together in the changing room. The pair of us had played all season and to finish in the Champions League qualifying places was a special moment.

"I also remember the League Cup Final in 2009, a bad day when we lost on penalties to Manchester United at Wembley. In extra time, I remember Ledley stretching my hamstrings off. I remember looking up and saying to him ‘I’ve got cramp in my calves as well as my hamstrings’ and we still joke about it now. I’ll never forget those games alongside Ledley.

"Tonight is going to be a special night and everyone is turning up for one person - Ledley King."