Tottenham Hotspur

The date - 23 August, 1986. The opening day of the First Division season, as it was before the arrival of the Premier League, took us to Birmingham to face Aston Villa.

Clive took home the matchball that day after bagging all three goals in a 3-0 win – only the fourth Spur to hit a treble at Villa’s home since we first played over 100 years ago – more on that below – and he didn’t stop scoring.

The spearhead of a 4-5-1 system implemented by manager David Pleat in a 4-2 win at Oxford on 22 November, Clive had reached 48 goals in all competitions when he stepped out for the FA Cup Final against Coventry City at Wembley in May, 1987. He soon made it 49 – but, alas, number 50 didn’t arrive and we ended up losing 3-2.

That was the story of that season – third in the league, runners-up in the FA Cup and agonisingly losing semi-finalists in the League Cup against Arsenal despite taking the lead in both legs and then the replay.

Clive won the Golden Boot and his 49-goal haul hasn’t been topped at Spurs – Jimmy Greaves scored 42 (44 including the Charity Shield) in 1962/63, Martin Chivers also hit 42 in 1971/72, Harry Kane the only other Spur to score 40-plus with his 41 in 2017/18.

As we prepare to hit the Aston Expressway again on Sunday for another crucial Premier League fixture (7pm UK), Clive sat down for our new ‘five questions with…’ feature.

Here’s what he had to say…

The opening game of 1986/87, Villa away – you scored a hat-trick and went on to score 49 goals – what do you remember about that afternoon at Villa Park?

Clive: “I just remember we started so well - first game of the season and we literally flew out the blocks. It was unbelievable. We were in front early. If I remember rightly, Tony Galvin crossed it and I just got the bottom of my boot to it and it sort of hit my studs and flew in the bottom corner. The the start we'd made - we had chances and we were really, really playing well, well on top, I remember that more than anything. Obviously, scoring on the opening day of the season was always a great moment because you want to get off to a good start, but to do that and score so quickly was really good.”

Did you sense something special could be happening that season?

Clive: “Oh, definitely. I felt so good. I'd had the injury the season before and I'd played the last 12 games of the previous season. I'd just overcome all the problems and the worry that I wasn't going to play - lots of things during that year out. I'd really worked hard through the summer. David Pleat took over and I always remember him saying to me, ‘I want you to have a holiday’. I said, ‘no, no, no, I'm going to be training right the way through, I feel good again and I'm going to be on the start line’. Then he mapped it out for me, that we’d be doing a tough pre-season and if I wanted to do anything (more), to do it three weeks before I was back in. I followed his instructions, had a holiday and then I worked really hard for three weeks before coming back to pre-season. I was probably in the best shape of my life, really, coming back. Pre-season was good. I scored a few goals. My uncle saw us play a friendly at Aldershot and later that season, he told me he’d backed us to win the title and for me to be top scorer. He didn’t tell me that until the end of the season! So, we went into the start of the season in good shape, really good shape."

We were back at Villa Park for the FA Cup semi-final later that season – you scored again as we beat Watford 4-1 – was Villa Park always a happy hunting ground for you?

Clive: “It's one of my favourite away grounds. I scored my first league goal there for Queen's Park Rangers against Villa. I came on as sub - aged 17. It wasn’t at the Holte End, unfortunately, but it was still my first goal and I'll never forget that. Then obviously the hat-trick on the opening day of the 86/87 season, a semi-final victory. I went back there with Man City and scored. I loved Villa Park. I loved playing there and had good results there.”

Clive: "Oh really? I didn't know that! That's not bad. Yeah, I'm very happy about that. They were good players, good strikers. I obviously worked with Gareth and was there when he came to the club, so to see him grow and develop - an incredible, incredible talent."

You are such a popular pundit and co-commentator with Rob Daly on SPURSPLAY - putting your pundit's hat on, what do you think about Villa on Sunday?

Clive: “Villa have had a fabulous season, you can't get away from that. I'd say they've probably done what they need to do in the league (they're fifth, and in the final UCL spot, eight points clear of Brighton) and subconsciously that's always a tricky thing, especially with the Europa League semi-finals either side of our game. I just think there's an opportunity for us. Listen, we've come off of a win at Wolves which was so, so important. That should give the players confidence. I think you just see at the moment that there's no guaranteed result in the Premier League, not at this stage of the season. Not at all. For whatever reason, whether it's a top-vs-bottom or whether it's two mid-table teams, you just see the strength of the Premier League. Everybody's playing for places and it's going to go right to the wire - everything - top, bottom, European places, everything's up for grabs. Villa, they're nearly there, but they've got other things on their minds as well. I just think after last week's win at Wolves the whole feeling within the group will be different."

Finally, about you and the club. Your dad was the legendary double-winner Les Allen, you were born when he was at Spurs in the double year, 1961. You've always said you and Spurs, it was meant to be - so, what do Spurs mean to you?

Clive: “It's a way of life. It's been a massive, massive part of my life and obviously football is what we've been all about. The experiences that I've had with the club... I just absolutely love it. I love every minute of it. I'm just really passionate about the club being successful. I loved my time as a player. I thoroughly enjoyed it as a coach and a couple temporary managerial appointments in there as well. Now working with SPURSPLAY and my ambassadorial role. It's just such an important part of my life.”

In an action-packed first half at the Blades’ training ground, Grace Breen handed us the lead with an excellent free-kick but that was quickly cancelled out with a stunning strike from Alexandra Rigg after just 20 minutes. Rigg grabbed her second of the afternoon to give her side the advantage before Rania Oukriss converted from the penalty spot to bring the scores level on the stroke of half time and net her second goal in as many games.

We regained the lead 10 minutes in the second period through Grace Bellwood - her 15th goal of the campaign - but the hosts fought back once again to turn the game into their favour, Mollie Austin finding an equaliser before Abigail Jones struck in the closing stages to earn her side the victory in our final away game of the season.

It was an evenly-match first quarter of the game on a lovely, sunny afternoon in south Yorkshire, with the first moment of note coming just after the 10th minute when Rigg curling effort was routine for Erin Radbourne. However, we took the lead on 16 minutes and it was something that we have come accustomed to see from Breen this season, as she sent a low, powerful drive from a central free-kick, around 25 yards out, into the bottom corner.

But that was short lived as, at the other end, Rigg produced an even better strike to bring the scores level. Receiving the ball from Ruby Shore on the right edge of the box, she sent a first time effort into the far top corner and Rigg quickly had her second of the afternoon to give her side the advantage, capitalising on Radbourne’s pass through the middle before lofting it over our shot stopper and into the back of the net.

Rigg was inches away from sealing her hat-trick by the 37th-minute, but Radbourne was on hand with a strong hand to tip her free-kick over the bar. As we approached the closing stages of the first period, Ruby Mace found Daria Ordean out wide, she raced inside and played a lovely ball into the feet of Oukriss who was brought down inside the box. Oukriss stepped up to take the spot-kick and calmly slotted away to send us in level at the break.

We started on the front foot after the restart, Ruby Gaitely firing narrowly wide from the edge of the box before some excellent pressing from Ruby Mace saw her win possession inside their half, then sliding the ball through for Bellwood to go one-on-one with the hosts’ shot stopper and she showed composure, curling low into the bottom corner. The Blades responded well after falling behind, Isobel Stewart unable to find the target from just outside of the area, but they managed to find the leveller once again in the 70th minute, Rigg turning provider with a low cross from the right and Austin got there first to slot home.

Then, seven minutes remaining of normal time, the home side completed the turnaround for the second time in the contest, Jones seeing her initial cut back blocked by Holly-Mae Elmes but she was able to force the ball home on the rebound. Rigg came close to grabbing her hat-trick in stoppage while, at the other end, Bellwood was unable to direct Eloise Summers-Mee’s cross on target, as the Blades escaped with maximum points in our penultimate game of the season.

Line-ups

Starting XI: Radbourne, Neill (Northwood 80), Elmes, Breen, Hills, Mace, Gaitely, Oukriss, Summers-Mee, Bellwood, Ordean (Deria 64). Substitutes (not used): Mylam, Bird.

The striker, 21, collected both the Men’s Young Player of the Year trophy and Men’s Golden Boot after netting 12 goals in all competitions during his season at the Kassam Stadium.

Unfortunately, Will’s goals couldn’t save the club from relegation to League One, their Championship fate confirmed last weekend when Charlton Athletic defeated Hull City.

The U’s finish their campaign on Saturday with a trip to Millwall.

Will has made 46 appearances in all competitions for them to date.

Fellow Spurs loanee Jamie Donley has also spent the second half of the season on loan with the U’s, scoring once in 14 appearances so far.

Experienced defender Amy joined us in July, 2022 from Orlando Pride, and went on to make 53 appearances in all competitions for us, scoring twice, and also started in the final at Wembley Stadium. The Club sends love and strength to Amy and her family, both in their personal journey over the past two years, and for the future.

Although Luana has been sidelined with injury this term, she played a key role in her two seasons prior, notably in 2023/24 campaign, where the Switzerland international started in the FA Cup final in May, 2024. She departs having made 30 appearances in all competitions, scoring once against Charlton Athletic.

Australia international Charli joined us in January, 2024, and was part of the squad that reached our first-ever Women’s FA Cup final in May of that year. The fullback has since made 35 appearances in total for us, scoring once against Southampton in the Women's League Cup.

Defender Josefine departs after two seasons in north London, having joined us in the winter of 2024. She has made 19 appearances in Lilywhite, her versatility has seen her feature across the backline and in midfield.

Tottenham Hotspur Women's Managing Director, Andy Rogers, said: "Amy, Luana, Charli and Josefine have each provided a fantastic service to Tottenham Hotspur, they have been valued members of our group. We thank them for their contributions to the Club and wish them the best for the future."

As previously announced, Kit Graham will also depart the club this summer at the conclusion of her contract.

From our Under-19s squad, we can confirm the departures of Grace Breen, Beatrice Cunnison, Blue Bartlett-Antwi, Kendra Brown, Cruz Fuller-Fagan, Faye Fields-Davis and Ruby Gaitely this summer.

We thank Grace, Beatrice, Blue, Kendra, Cruz, Faye, Ruby and their families for their hard work and dedication to our Academy and wish them well for the future.

A product of our Academy system, 19-year-old James recently made his first team debut when he stepped off the bench in our 1-1 Premier League draw with Liverpool.

Having initially come through the club’s Global Football Development programme, with his talent first identified during local after-school sessions, the Welwyn Garden City-born defender made good progress in our Academy before going full-time as a scholar in 2022.

Part of our Under-17 Premier League Cup-winning squad in 2022/23, he signed his first professional contract during the following campaign before establishing himself in our Under-21 side in 2025. This season, he has captained us at that level on several occasions while also starring in our Under-19 UEFA Youth League team, scoring four goals in six league stage matches.

A former England Under-16 international, James first appeared on the bench for our first team in a Carabao Cup tie at Newcastle United in October last year and has so far been named in our senior squad on 13 occasions, including his memorable debut at Anfield in March.

Congratulations, James!

After 331 days full of mental and physical resilience, the ups and downs in her rehabilitation and the emotional support of everyone around her, Ella Morris made her comeback from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in our FA Cup clash with Chelsea recently.

But this journey started on 13 May, 2025, when the young full-back received ‘one of the greatest honours’ in football and a moment she has dreamed about as a kid.

Impressing in the back end of the 2024/25 campaign, where she overcame a number of injury setbacks to be named our Junior Supporters’ Player of the Year, her excellent performances were recognised outside of the Club, particularly by Sarina Weigman, as she earned a maiden call-up to the England senior squad.

Arriving at St George’s Park for the first time as a Lioness, that special moment for Ella would quickly turn to devastation as, in her second training session with the national team, Ella suffered her ACL injury which, unsurprisingly, was difficult to digest at the time.

“It was devastating - that's the only word I can use,” she told us, opening up the moment when she suffered her injury in an exclusive interview in the matchday programme at the weekend. “I felt I'd built myself back up to the top level [towads the end of last season] and then received the greatest honour of getting a call up for your country - something that was all I ever dreamed about as a kid. But, then two days in with England, instantly I knew it had gone.

“I had a lot of thoughts, like, ‘why me? I do everything right, why does it have to be me?’ It was super tough, but something that helped me massively that doesn't get talked about much is that actually I went to therapy.

“I'm someone that struggles to talk to people who I'm close to about how I'm feeling if I'm struggling, because I never want to put the burden on them. So, having someone external that I could talk to and release all that to was massively beneficial, and it really helped me get back on track with my emotions, so that really worked for me.”

However, after feeling the disappointment of suffering her second ACL injury in her career, Ella was quickly back in the recovery mindset with the determination to work through her rehabilitation.

And, 10 months after suffering her injury with the Lionesses, she was back on the pitch in Lilywhite when she came on for the final 20 minutes of our FA Cup quarter-final clash at Chelsea earlier this month.

“Obviously I felt really proud and excited when Martin [Ho] originally told me to come on,” she explained. “During the game, my mindset wasn't thinking I haven't played a game in a long time or I'm just coming back so what's going to happen, it was actually just that I'm playing a game of football, which actually felt really nice.

“It was weird for me because it actually felt underwhelming in the end. You've had that goal set in your head for months - or years for some other people - so actually, afterwards, I was a bit like, ‘oh, that's it done now’, for something that's been my focus for so long.”

The road to recovery can be a lonely place, especially for such a long-term injury, working in the gym seeing all her team-mates out on the grass or watching games from the stands at Brisbane Road and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

But, despite not being involved in the action on the pitch, Ella continued to feel the support of her team-mates in her rehab process, particularly from someone who knew exactly what she was going through.

“They were brilliant,” she added. “A special shout out to Kit [Graham] because she had done her ACL for a second time as well and she was coming to the end stage of her rehab just as I had got injured, so to see her hard work and see how much she'd come through was really inspiring at the time.

“When I got injured myself, she was actually one of the first people I called. Since Kit has gone out on loan for the second half of the season, Jess [Naz] and Maite [Oroz] have done their ACLs this season so, I’ve tried to take on that role that Kit was for me to try to help them as well.”

Outside of her rehab at Hotspur Way, Ella also wanted to use her spare time to give something back to the local community with regular visits to the All Dogs Matter shelter with Bethany England and played her part in foundation visits.

“Being around Bethany, especially, is so inspiring, seeing how passionate she is about her work in the community,” she explained. “It's inspired me to see that there's a lot of stuff that I can do to help other people in and around me.

“It's something that I'd like to get involved in more and something that I think, as players, is such an important thing that we can do to inspire our community.”

Kick-off at Villa Park is set for 7pm, with gates opening at 5.30pm.

The hosts have provided the following comprehensive guidance here which is specifically designed for away supporters.

Supporters are also reminded that the best way to receive matchday information - including real-time travel updates and advice – is by following the Spurs Matchday Info channel on WhatsApp. Simply click here or search for ‘Spurs Matchday Info’ in your WhatsApp Updates section. Aston Villa themselves also recommend following @WMPVillaFC on X as they will provide live local transport and travel information on matchday.

Getting to Villa Park

If travelling by train, away fans are advised to travel to Witton, which is the nearest station to the away end. In addition to regular services from Birmingham New Street, Witton station offers park & ride possibilities north of Villa Park on the Walsall line.

For full timetable information, please visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.networkwestmidlands.com and check before you travel.

For travel to and from Birmingham city centre, an express city centre shuttle bus connects to Villa Park on matchdays. The pick-up point in Birmingham city centre is at Dudley Street, close to Birmingham New Street station. The shuttle buses can be used by home and away fans. A return ticket for the shuttle bus is £5 and single tickets will be available for £3. A discounted group return ticket is also available for £15.

Those driving should note that there is a Traffic Exclusion Zone (TEZ) around Villa Park on a matchday from two hours prior to kick-off and for 30-60 minutes after the final whistle, which will affect Witton Lane and Trinity Road.

Enforced residents’ parking zones are also in operation on matchdays. Fans should avoid parking in residential areas as this will incur a fine and should instead use official car parks. Please note that delays when exiting these car parks post-match are likely.

Alternative car parking options are available to book in advance here.

Entering the stadium

Away supporters will be located within the northeast corner of the Doug Ellis Stand. The allocation is split into two areas with upper tier and lower tier tickets available. If seated within the Doug Ellis Upper, which is accessed by 64 steps, please use turnstiles P87-P89. Due to the size of the concourse, please note that alcohol will not be served in the upper tier.

Fans should also note that major construction works are currently taking place around the north stand car park, Club shop and FanZone area.

Bag Policy

Only bags of A4 size or smaller will be permitted into Villa Park and all bags will be examined by a steward. There are no bag storage facilities at the stadium and so supporters are encouraged to leave bags at home where possible.

Accessibility

An access guide for disabled supporters can be found here.

Wheelchair spaces are found in Block Q of the Doug Ellis Stand. Supporters with tickets within the accessible area should access the stadium via Gate 28, which is located next to the visitors’ ticket office and general admission turnstiles.

As these positions are pitchside, please note that there is little cover from inclement weather. Waterproof ponchos can be provided, subject to availability, and supporters are advised to check the weather forecast before travelling and plan accordingly.

Ambulant disabled supporters will be located in the front rows of Block Q of the Doug Ellis Stand and will need to be comfortable managing eight steps to reach the front row from the concourse area. Lifts via the accessible entrance are available if step-free access is required.

There are three accessible toilets in the Doug Ellis Lower. Any supporters without their own RADAR key to access these will be able to request assistance from a steward.

Disabled Supporter Assistants will be present in accessible viewing areas along with Tottenham Hotspur Access Stewards should any support be required.

Visiting supporters' pub

The Club has been advised that the dedicated pub for away supporters is The Tennis Court which is located on Walsall Road and is a 35-minute walk from the ground. Alternatively, fans are advised to utilise the venues within the city centre, as many pubs closer to the ground will not welcome away supporters.

Ticket Office

Anyone needing ticket assistance on matchday should go, with ID, to the Visitors’ Ticket Office on Witton Lane opposite the away coach park. This closes shortly after kick-off.

Refreshments

Concourse catering facilities are available within the stadium. Please note that alcohol will only be served within the Lower Doug Ellis Stand where no transfer is permitted to the Doug Ellis Upper.

Supporters are reminded that Villa Park is a cashless stadium.

Programmes

The official matchday programme is priced at £4 and is for sale at official programme kiosks located on Witton Lane. Please note that due to limited facilities, programmes are often not for sale inside the Away section concourses.

Flags and banners

Flags and banners are permitted in the visitors’ section but must be approved in advance by emailing supporters@avfc.co.uk.

Supporters are also reminded of the Club’s own Flags and Banners Policy which is in effect at away matches.

Reporting anti-social behaviour

If you witness discriminatory or anti-social behaviour at this match, please report it to the police or a steward. You can also text REPORT to 60060 with the details of the incident you have witnessed.

Spurs Respects

We are proud of our superb and loyal support at home and away.

We recognise that most supporters want to watch a football match and not listen to abusive or indecent language from the stands. Discriminatory or violent behaviour, including racist, homophobic, sexist or anti-disability shouting, chanting or actions, is unacceptable.

The Club reserves the right to indefinitely ban supporters found guilty of using discriminatory language or violent behaviour.

Unauthorised use of tickets

Supporters are reminded that the unauthorised reselling or passing on of tickets is strictly prohibited. In line with the Club's Sanctions & Banning Policy, supporters found to have purchased tickets and subsequently sold or passed them on to other supporters, or offered for sale, will be subject to sanctions.

Supporters unable to attend

SPURSPLAY

Joining the Club in the summer of 2019, ahead of our very first season in the Women’s Super League, Kit became an integral part in solidifying our status in England’s top flight throughout the years while also helping us reach our first-ever FA Cup final in 2024.

Showed plenty of determination and spirit to comeback from two anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in her time in Lilywhite, she went on to make 91 appearances in total for us, scoring 11 goals in total.

Now as she prepares to wave an emotional goodbye in the summer, Kit left a message for Spurs fans on her official instagram channel, expressing her thanks to all associated with the Club for their love and support over the years.

Kit's message to supporters

“After seven years at Spurs, it's my time to say goodbye.

“I want to start off by thanking every single person that made my time here as amazing as it was. Players, staff and of course the fans.

“I have incredible memories of playing for the badge and I always tried to show the best version of myself both on and off the pitch.

“Unfortunately, a couple of long-term injuries kept me out for long spells, but I always worked hard to get back out on the pitch doing what I loved, whilst at the same time, trying to be the best possible teammate off the pitch.

“No matter what, I always felt completely supported and motivated to get back playing. Which is something that I am now looking forward to as I step into my next chapter.

“The growth of the club since I joined in 2019 has been incredible and it definitely wouldn't have been possible without you fans. You help us through the dark times and lift us in moments when we need you the most. The impact you have drives us players more than you know. And I know the team will continue to evolve and make you all proud!

“Thank you all for everything. I will always support you and I wish you nothing but continued success.”

Up until that point, the club had lifted two FA Cups in 1901 and 1921 – making history as the only non-league side to do so 125 years ago yesterday – and Rowe had guided us back into Division One after a 15-year absence after storming the Division Two title the season prior.

Rowe, born in Tottenham in 1906, had made 201 appearances in Lilywhite between 1929-39 yet his return to the club as manager in 1948/49 would be one of the most significant premierships in our history.

A highly-regarded coach, heavily influenced by his time in Hungary, he implemented an eye-catching style of play which became known as ‘Push and Run’ and his visionary methods would shape both Spurs and English football history with Bill Nicholson and Alf Ramsey both part of the title-winning squad.

Spurs to his core, Rowe would etch his name into Spurs folklore on this day 75 years ago when his side clinched the league trophy with a 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at White Hart Lane.

Reflecting upon the honour of guiding his boyhood team to English football’s top prize for the very first time – and doing so with a panache and style that was more than just the winning – here’s Rowe in his own words on our maiden football league championship success.

“The winning of a Football League Championship, whatever the class of the competition, is always a matter for celebration and congratulation. But when a club wins championship honours in successive seasons, one really feels entitled to enjoy the occasion to the full. Now that my club, Tottenham Hotspur, have in seasons 1949-50 and 1950-51 won the Championships of Division Two and One of the Football League – and the competition is regarded by many of soccer’s best advised administrators as the premier League in world football - we at Tottenham feel very proud of our team and proud of the players who so brilliantly earned these signal honours.

“In its long and honoured history, Tottenham had never until season 1950-51 won the Division One Championship trophy. Now, with this success achieved, a further page of club history has been written, and how happy a page it is!

“It has been said of our team too, that in gaining this trophy, the honour was not only in the winning but also in the manner and style of our winning, and of our play. We certainly have been well-received and applauded by the spectators at every ground we have visited.

“As manager of the club, I have the privilege and pleasure of being closely connected with as grand a bunch of good players, who are also good fellows, as I have ever known. I sincerely congratulate them and thank them for their good football, good fellowship and honest endeavour. Their efforts have allowed me a pleasure and honour that I never knew as a player, and I humbly share with them the joy of the 1951 Championship, one of our club’s greatest triumphs and one that will live through the years.”