Bill Nicholson - as a Spurs player

One of the most treasured items in my Spurs collection is this press photo of legend and former manager Bill Nicholson.

Spurs 1988-89

Having discovered this postcard amongst a collection of memorabilia it brought back some mixed memories. I was never a huge fan of the Venables era although I was prepared to be convinced at the end of his reign, after FA Cup victory was followed by third place in the league.

When he arrived in 1987-88 however, he was following one of the best seasons that those of us born in the latter half of the 1960’s had ever witnessed. 1986/87 saw Spurs play some brilliant football under David Pleat in finishing third in the league while reaching the FA Cup final.

Naturally, it wasn’t all down to El Tel that some of the best players from that season disappeared but after watching the likes of Hoddle, Waddle, Ardiles, Clive Allen, Ray Clemence, Richard Gough etc, the line up at the start of Venables’ first full season wasn’t quite so inspiring – and yes, I know he signed Paul Gascoigne.

From left to right – top row: Fairclough, Waddle, Mimms, Stewart, Guthrie, Stevens, Mitchell Thomas.

Centre: Allan Harris, Statham, Gascoigne, Hughton, Samways, Doug Livermore,

Front: Walsh, Paul Allen, Fenwick, El Tel, Mabbutt, John Polston, Moran