Five minutes with... Clive and Paul Allen

Clive Allen, 60, scored 84 goals in 135 matches for us between 1984-88, including 49 in 1986/87, a Club record. He returned as part of our coaching team in 2004, staying until 2012. Clive’s father, Les, was a member of our double-winning team in 1960/61.

Paul Allen, 59, played 370 times for us between 1985-1993, placing him inside the Club’s all-time top 20 appearance makers. A midfielder, he was part of our FA Cup-winning team in 1991.

How are you today?

Clive: “Very good, very happy, the sun is shining!”

Paul: “I really well, really good, glorious day, in a good place.”

How did it feel to be back pitchside pre-match against West Ham?

Clive: “Incredible, I just wanted to join in! The players were warming up right behind us. That would have been great. I did manage to kick one ball back that rolled our way, delighted with that!”

Paul: “It’s always special. You really appreciate the build-up, the atmosphere. And to link-up with Clive, that was great.”

What about that performance and 3-1 win, by the way?

Clive: “Superb. I thought it was controlled, we looked a really good side against a good side. That was a big, big result for us.”

Paul: “I thought it was a great performance, got off to a good start, our energy, commitment very good and the way we passed the ball on the counter, turning defence into attacks so quickly, that’s a real testament to the team and their levels of fitness. It was really encouraging. It proved again that, on our day, we’re as good as anyone.”

What was it like to play together at Spurs?

Clive: “It was a dream come true. I played against Paul a few times in youth football, I was at QPR, he was at West Ham. We played together with England youth, but as professionals, playing for Spurs together, that was fantastic. We looked out for one another, we had a good rapport on the field, and he made many goals for me, so that was fantastic.”

Paul: “It was special, especially to be part of that team in 1986/87. It was just a shame we didn’t build on that season. It was a team that so much quality - Clive’s goals, Glenn Hoddle, Chris Waddle, Gary Mabbutt and Richard Gough. We had nothing to show for the performances that season. Clive was an incredible goalscorer, he really was.”

You have watched Harry Kane’s journey every step of the way, Clive, and his latest record is for away goals in the Premier League (95), tell us about that achievement...

Clive: “Everyone knows Harry, everyone knows what he can do, they are all trying to stop him. If you go into someone’s back yard, I would say they are even more determined to stop him scoring. He never ceases to amaze me. Every challenge put in front of him, he’s up to it and overcomes it. That’s the biggest compliment I can pay him.”

As a former Spurs midfielder, what have made of Oliver Skipp’s progress, Paul?

Paul: “He’s a real talent. What has impressed me is his commitment, determination, his personality. It’s a pity he’s had his injury, because you could see his confidence building, not just in breaking up play, but how he was starting to run with the ball and attack teams. He’s really starting to develop and I’m encouraged by his progress. I like him as a player and what I’ve seen and heard from him as a person, as well. He shows a lot of humility and respect. I’m a big fan.”

What is your favourite Spurs goal, Clive?

Clive: “The dream goal is the FA Cup Final goal. That’s every schoolboy’s dream, to score in a cup final at Wembley. Mine was two minutes into the final. There were some good goals in there though. There was one against West Ham on Boxing Day, 1986, a backheel when the ball was flashed across the box. In terms of difficulty, that was special. Some fans may remember it! Also, my first goal for Spurs, at Everton, Goodison Park, will always be memorable. It’s a difficult question, there were a few!”

Paul - tell us a Gazza story...

Paul: “There are so many! I always remember Portsmouth away in the FA Cup run in 1991. I travelled with Justin Edinburgh. He was rooming with John Moncur, with Gazza next door. I remember speaking to Justin as I was going into breakfast. He was going back to his room after his breakfast, looking to catch up with some sleep as he’d been kept up all night! I had concerns because Gazza was our key player, such a special talent. Of course, having been up all night, Gazza then scored twice and got Man of the Match! He had that ability. He was a one-off.”

What do Spurs mean to you?

Clive: “The Club is in my blood, I’ve always said that. My mum carried me at Wembley when the team won the double in 1961 (6 May, Clive was born 20 May), I popped out two weeks later when Spurs were double winners. I grew up listening to my dad (Les) telling me how that was the best Spurs team ever. It’s a way of life and in my blood.”

Paul: “It’s always been a special Club to me, especially with our family history, my dad (Ron) was so proud of his brother (Les) being part of that double-winning team, and that was instilled in me from a really young age. I remember playing at White Hart Lane as a 16-year-old apprentice for West Ham in Steve Perryman’s Testimonial. It always had that special feel for me, and the opportunity to go to Spurs... I remember driving into the car park, going through the doors, seeing Bill Nicholson’s bronze bust, I knew it was where I wanted to play. It’s always meant a lot to me, I feel that strong bond, and it’s the same now.”

What are you up to for the rest of the day?

Clive: “I’m hoping to swing a golf club! Walk a couple of miles and take in the fresh air.”

Paul: “I’m at the PFA’s London offices, working today!”