Phil Beal will never forget the date - 3 December, 1973.
That’s when Bayern Munich, including some of the greats of German football, turned out for the legendary defender’s testimonial at White Hart Lane.
The Bayern Munich team was a who’s who of German football at the time - including defender Beckenbauer, ‘Der Kaiser’, striker Muller, Paul Breitner, Uli Hoeness and goalkeeper Sepp Maier. Just over seven months later, all five would start as West Germany beat Netherlands in the 1974 World Cup Final.
Speaking to Andy Greeves last season, Phil turned back the clock 52 years to reflect on a night that honoured his career at Spurs - 420 appearances, 1963-1975, twice a League Cup winner (1971, 1973) and UEFA Cup winner in 1972. Indeed, Phil played in six finals, considering the UEFA Cup was played over two legs in 1972 (against Wolves) and 1974 (against Feyenoord, we lost 4-2 on aggregate).
Bayern Munich are obviously a special club for you, given that they provided the opposition for your testimonial match back in December 1973. Firstly, how was it decided that they would be the opponents?
Phil: "There was someone on my testimonial committee who used to arrange our team travel. It just so happens, he also used to arrange Bayern Munich’s travel too. He said ‘I can get Bayern Munich over’, so that’s how they came to be our opponents. It was quite an honour that Bayern accepted the invitation."
What memories spring to mind from the match?
Phil: "The disappointing thing on the day of the match was that there were numerous strikes – a petrol strike, an electricity strike and a strike on the Southern Regional Railway. We had to go ahead with the game as Bayern were already in London. So, one of the things we had to do was hire a generator to power the White Hart Lane floodlights! The attendance was about 17,000, which was decent in the circumstances, with it so difficult for supporters to get to the game. The match itself was really good. Bayern brought their strongest squad, which was great for me and the supporters. It was played as if it was a European tie rather than a testimonial. Both teams going for it. I have a photograph of myself, Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller before the match which brings brilliant memories of that occasion."
You mentioned the strength of Bayern’s squad. Can you talk us through some of the players in their side?
Phil: "Their squad was full of internationals… Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller, (Paul) Breitner, (Sepp) Maier and Uli Hoeness to name but a few!"
What was it like playing against Franz Beckenbauer?
Phil: "I wasn’t overawed by any player during my career because it was a regular occurrence to be playing both with and against great players. I played against Pelé when I was in America, I played with and against George Best. But it goes without saying that Beckenbauer was an incredible player. He reminded me a lot of Bobby Moore in that he just made the game look easy. What a player he was. I remember being very impressed with Gerd Müller during the game - someone who got so many goals for Germany and Bayern. He was some player. After my testimonial, I actually got the chance to play against Beckenbauer again when I was playing in the States and he was with New York Cosmos."