MULLERY, Alan Patrick M.B.E. (1963-72)
Position: Midfield
Height: 5ft 9ins
Weight: 12st 4lbs
Born: Notting Hill, 23 November, 1941
Signed from Fulham March 1964
Transferred to Fulham July 1972
Also played for: Fulham, England
Spurs Record:
Debut: 21 March, 1964 v Manchester United (FL) (h) lost 2-3
Appearances: League 313*, FA Cup 33, League Cup 18, Europe 10 (*Includes 1 abandoned)
Goals: League 25, FA Cup 1, Europe 4
It is a testament to Alan Mullery the man that Alan Mullery the footballer was a success at Spurs for in replacing Danny Blanchflower he had the most difficult, if not impossible, job in the game. To succeed as he did shows he was not only an exceptionally good footballer but a man of tremendous character.
When Blanchflower’s knee gave way in November 1963, Bill Nicholson knew he had to secure a replacement and liked the way Mullery rarely missed a game. But the decision was made for Nicholson, who was also looking to replace Peter Baker, when Mullery made it clear he would not play at full-back. Signed in March 1964, Mullery knew his own mind, something Nicholson liked and something he had in common with the man he was succeeding.
There the similarities ended. Whereas Blanchflower was tall, elegant and stylish, Mullery was stocky, full of non-stop action and hard work. He did not possess the cool, calm assurance of the Irishman but he did have enthusiasm, a desire for hard work and an ability to inspire those around him by his own example.
However it took time for Mullery’s qualities to be recognised by the Spurs faithful but he was determined to win the crowd over. Many managers would have considered “resting” him but Nicholson valued Mullery’s contribution highly and never considered leaving him out.
As football changed with hard work increasingly important, Mullery’s value began to win some recognition but the turning point came with the 1967 FA Cup final. He had an outstanding game, hunting down the ball, harrying the Chelsea midfield and bursting forward at every opportunity. As the game drew to a close and Chelsea pressed for an equaliser Mullery worked ceaselessly to keep them out and win the first club honour of his career.
Now accepted as an inspirational figure and possessing the same determination to succeed, Mullery was Dave Mackay’s natural successor as our captain when the great Scot left.
Mullery skippered us to victory in the 1971 Football League Cup Final but in October that year suffered a serious pelvic injury. Out of action for over six months, he thought he was fit to return but Nicholson had other ideas. Mullery demanded the chance to prove he was right and went to Fulham on loan.
It looked like the end of his Spurs’ career but in April 1972 he was recalled as an injury crisis left us short for the first leg of our UEFA Cup semi-final with AC Milan. Mullery looked as good as ever and in the second leg, scored a 30-yard screamer to secure our place in the final. The second leg of the final proved to be Mullery’s last appearance for us and he went out with a bang, throwing himself full-length to head home the crucial goal that secured the trophy. At the end of the game Mullery collected the trophy and, with fans streaming on to the pitch, embarked on a solo lap of honour to sign off in style.