“Tottenham” does not need special presentation. “Dinamo” Tbilisi played “Tottenham” at UEFA Cup 1973/74 and lost.
“Tottenham” formed in 1882 was the first English club in the 20th century which made “golden double” in 1960/61. In 1963 “Tottenham” became the first British club which won Eurocup. “Tottenham” defeated “Atletico” Madrid 5:1. It was epoch of legendary coach Bill Nicholson. In 1972 “Tottenham” won UEFA Cup (also in 1984). In 1973/74 the club faced our “Dinamo” in 1/8 final. The match finished draw on “Lokomotive” stadium on November 28 in Tbilisi. In the first half Coates scored goal but then Kakhi Asatiani scored at the 71st minute. In the second leg “Tottenham” won over “Dinamo” 5:1 on “White Hart Lane”. In final “Tottenham” lost to “Feyenoord”. By the way “Tottenham” lost the second leg 0:2 in Rotterdam. The fans made an uproar in the city and about 200 Dutch fans were injured. Bill Nicolson resigned.
World stars have played for this club. For example, Danny Blanchflower, Jimmy Greaves, Martin Peters, Osvaldo Ardiles, Glenn Hoddle, Pat Jennings, Gary Lineker, Chris Waddle, David Ginola, Jurgen Klinsmann, Teddy Sheringham, Paul Gascoigne and Robbie Keane.
But it is just history. Today’s “Tottenham” is formed by Harry Redknapp who was replaced by Andre Villas-Boas of Portugal in August 2012. The club had 12-match successful series (8 wins and 4 draws) from December 2012 to March 2013. In the previous season “Tottenham” was 1 point behind the fourth-placed “Arsenal”.
The leaders of the club are: Aaron Lennon, Scott Parker, Belgians Jan Vertonghen and Mousa Dembele, Cameroonian Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Welsh Gareth Bale.
The main issue of this summer is if Bale will transfer to “Madrid” Real. According to the latest information, Daniel Levy, president of the club, demands 100 million EUR. There is a chance that we will see “brilliant Welsh” on “Dinamo Arena”.
Clint Dempsey of America and William Gallas of France left the club. But “Tottenham” added 24-year-old Brazilian Paulinho. Also, 28-year-old Spaniard forward Roberto Soldado joined from. According to the British press, the London club paid 30 million GBP for him.
On 3 August “Tottenham” lost to “Monaco” 2:5 in a friendly match. This Saturday the club will play “Espanyol” home. On 17 August “Tottenham” will face “Crystal Palace” in the first round of Premier League.
Solomon Gulisashvili
