Bill Nicholson’s Last Match as Tottenham Manager Know Your Tottenham History

On this date, 11th September, in 1974, Bill Nicholson took control as Manager of his Tottenham Hotspur team for the last time. Nicholson, the club’s greatest manager had announced his decision to resign following four consecutive League defeats at the start of the season but had agreed to stay on until a new manager was appointed. He refused to change his decision in spite of pleas from the players, supporters and the Board and so the League Cup tie against Middlesbrough at White Hart Lane marked Nicholson’s last match as manager. But this was not the way anyone would have wanted him to leave.

Tottenham Hotspur 0 Middlesbrough 4

Team: Jennings; Evans, Naylor; Pratt, Osgood (Conn), Beal; Neighbour, Perryman, Chivers, McGrath, Coates

Alfie Conn who came on as substitute was Nicholson’s last signing and his appearance against Middlesbrough marked his first game for Tottenham but he didn’t actually start his first League game until the following January.

In Nicholson’s first game as manger in October, 1958, Tottenham conceded four goals but scored ten against Everton in a remarkable victory. For his last game in charge Tottenham also conceded four but this time failed to score and so Nicholson’s illustrious reign as manager ended in a very disappointing manner.

Bill Nicholson

Bill Nicholson joined the club in 1936 and he served them well as player, coach and manager.  It was a sad day that brought down the curtain on the club’s most successful manager. He will forever be remembered as the man who managed the ‘Double’ team, brought success in Europe and many successful Cup winning teams.  Considered by some to be a dour Yorkshireman, he brought success in a style that had Spurs revered around the world.

Nicholson’s Honours while at Tottenham:

As a Player: 1949-50 2nd Division Winners

1950-51 1st Division Winners

As Manager: 1960-61 1st Division Winners & FA Cup Winners – 1st ‘Double’ Winners of 20th Century

1961-62 FA Cup Winners

1962-63 Winners of European Cup Winners’ Cup

1966-67 FA Cup Winners

1970-71 League Cup Winners

1971-72 UEFA Cup winners

1972-73 League Cup Winners

1973-74 Runners-up UEFA Cup

Danny Blanchflower commenting on Nicholson’s departure said,

"‘I think of the trophies he has won for the club. Think of the fine players he has brought to White Hart Lane. Nick managed great teams before Shankly and Revie and has given 38 years of devoted service to Tottenham as player, coach and manager. But he himself was one of the club’s greatest assets of all.’"

#knowyourtottenhamhistory 8th September, 1990