At times like this…

At times like this it is opportune to reflect upon a number of things. Many have spoken about the phantom goal, a few have pointed out we were in the ascendancy before our opponents went one-up yesterday and could have taken the lead and others have focused upon the choices made by the manager in addressing the deficit. We will all go through a range of emotions over the coming day or two and how we arrive at the end is not universally the same but arrive at the same place we will.

At times like this I remember why I’m Spurs and I’m not afraid to say it brings a tear to the eye. I recall a cold day in 1979 when my Late Father took me to White Hart Lane, I recall seeing Ardiles, Villa and Hoddle and that we were beaten on the day. To this day I am truly and eternally thankful to him for this single day, one where I became accepted into this brotherhood with arms open. I also recall the day I took him to his final game and the heartfelt “thank you” despite the fact it was a bore draw with Charlton, as if he knew he was saying goodbye.

At times like this I wish every current Spurs player felt the way I do every single time I go to White Hart Lane, the same way so many others before me feel, the same way countless numbers do around me at every game and the same way those who follow will. This feeling is not restricted to the common fan, mind you, the great and the good feel the same way.

Even now, when I go over to my mother’s house and dig out the old tracksuit tops I wore, it makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck. I like to think i am part of a special family. I am no longer connected with the club on a daily basis, but i’m delighted with every win and sad about every defeat. – Steve Perryman

I fell in love with this club and it still my favourite. I was made very welcome there by everyone and the fans were always marvellous. There is always a place in my heart for ‘Tottingham’ Hotspurs. – Osvaldo Ardiles

The biggest regret of my whole football career was leaving White Hart Lane in 1970…..my interest in football weakened after that. I was heartbroken. – Jimmy Greaves

At times like this one questions what is going through players’ minds. Are they all simply beguiled by the lure of the lucre that is modern-day football or do some of them actually care about their job, the next game, their pride or this club? I would like to think they do but I alas I think the times have changed, gone are the days of the player to whom the club was more than just another employer, just another pay cheque. How many would say this, from today’s crop?

I would run through brick walls for Spurs. – Graham Roberts

At times like this, we should all draw strength from the heritage that is Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, for it is this which bring us all to the same point. The spirit of glory, feeling of family and the belief that together we can achieve something amazing. I hope that some of the players remember this and find that extra we all are hoping to see in the final stages of this campaign just as we would like to see at the end of a hard-fought game balanced on a knife-edge.

At times like this, I remember these words from the great Bill Nick:

I always said that it was an honour to serve Tottenham Hotspur and I feel the same every time I walk back into the stadium.

AND

If you don’t have to drag yourself off the field exhausted after 90 minutes, you can’t claim to have done your best.

At times like this, the spirit of Bill should be all the inspiration we need, shouldn’t it?

Author: Reptile_16

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