Five minutes with... Teddy Sheringham

Teddy Sheringham, 56, scored the only goal in the first live televised match of the Premier League era for Forest against Liverpool just over 30 years ago, 16 August, 1992. He joined Spurs before the end of that month.

The striker made his Spurs debut against Ipswich Town on 30 August and secured the Premier League’s first Golden Boot with 22 goals in that inaugural season, 1992/93. He went on to score 124 goals in 277 matches for the Club in two spells, 1992-2003. In-between, he played a key role in Manchester United’s treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in 1998/99, scoring in both the FA Cup and Champions League Final.

Starting his career at Millwall, Teddy earned 51 caps for England, 38 during his time at Spurs, scoring 11 goals. He played on until the age of 42 and has since managed Stevenage and ATK in India.

How are you today?

Teddy: “I’m very well, thanks. I’m away with the family at the moment, and loving life.”

Tell us about your time at Forest...

Teddy: “I loved it there. Brian Clough was the manager. He was coming to the end of his days, unfortunately, but still a very good manager. He had very simplistic views on football, and I loved the way we played. We had some great players - Des Walker, Stuart Pearce, Nigel Clough, Ian Woan, a young Roy Keane - a great team and played some great football. I loved my year there.”

What do you remember about the arrival of the Premier League, 30 years ago?

Teddy: “Life goes on in the football world and it was still the top division in the country, so not really too much different for us, just a few more cameras about. People said at the time it was going to be a big thing. Who knew it was going to be this big 30 years later?”

What about Harry Kane reaching 250 goals for the Club?

Teddy: “Everything he does is so professional, and players follow him. You don’t come across those types of players that often. It’s a case of, ‘I’m going to do my job, you follow me, and we’ll be alright’. Harry gets on with his job, he sets the example, and players follow him. That’s brilliant for Spurs. He’ll topple Greavsie’s record (266), without a doubt. I also believe he’ll beat Shearer’s in the Premier League (260). He’s focussed, hopefully he’ll stay clear of injuries - that’s the main thing - and if he does, I’m sure he’ll sail past that as well.”

Have you ever cried at a Spurs match?

Teddy: “No, not in that way. I’d say I was closest when we lost (2-1) to Blackburn in the League Cup Final in 2002. I was very sad about that. It felt like the moment to win that trophy.”

What is your favourite goal for Spurs?

Teddy: “I’ll go for the one up at Anfield in the quarter-final of the FA Cup, when we beat Liverpool 2-1 (March, 1995). Myself and Jurgen both scored, set each other up and we were applauded off by the Liverpool fans, we played that well. That was a special day.”

What is your most treasured football possession?

Teddy: “I didn’t really collect shirts but, when I was at United, I played in two FA Cup Finals, and swapped shirts with two England legends - Alan Shearer and Steven Gerrard.”

Finally, what are you up to for the rest of the day?

Teddy: “Just spending quality time with the family.”

We spoke to Teddy on Monday...