Cliff scored 36 goals in London derbies for Spurs.

21.09.2010  (THFC programme)

What are your recollections of the Double season ?

The year we did the Double, we won our first 11 games, which is still a record, scored 119 goals and it was all done with style and flair.

 We were very competitive and at the same time entertaining.  We were a squad of players who had different skills and strengths, we got on well and we took that onto the field and it worked.  In the 1960-61 season, over two million fans flocked to see us in league matches plus another half a million in cup games.  E had a great set of supporters and the attachment between the players and the fans which was very important to the club.

 

 

What was your impression of Bill Nicholson ?

He knew more about the game than any of us, he ran the club from the Bootroom upwards and he gave us values and leadership.  You Have to respect that.

To Bill the fans were the most important people at the club and he made sure we gave value for money.  He was a hard man to please and was very sparing with his praise.  After one match, when I had a particularly good game, he said “Well done Cliff”.  This took me completely by surprise and I said “Hey Bill is that a pat on the back ?  Steady on.”  To which he replied, “Remember son, a pat on the back is only two foot away from  a kick up the backside !” 

 

Who were the key players in our Double Team ?

Our key player was Danny Blanchflower, our captain and a true leader; John White who was the brains of the team and Dave Mackay, who was our heart.  When they played well, the team played well. But … all five forwards got doublek figures in scoring goals.

 

What do you recall of the Glory Days of 1962 and 1963 ?

It was the sheer excitement and atmosphere of the period, particularly European nights.  We played in the white strip and there were more than 60,000 spectators crammed into White Hart Lane, where we proved unbeatable. 

Our evening game against Sunderland in the FA Cup replay was another memorable game.  There were so many fans trying to get in to see the game that the roads leading into the High Road were grid-locked.  I had to leave my car in  White Hart Lane and walk to the ground.

When we beat Atletico Madrid in Rotterdam to win the European Cup-Winners Cup, Danny Blanchflower said to us : “You don't realise what you have achieved tonight, but in time you will.”

 

What are the outstanding memories of your international career and those 59 appearances for Wales ?

Putting on the red shirt of Wales was my biggest honour and one of the greatest memories was playing in the 1958 World Cup.  Wales played Brazil in the quarter finals and we took them all the way but were eventually beaten 1-0.  A certain 17 year old playing his first game for Brazil scored the goal and his name was Pele.

Playing in front of 60,000 at Ninian Park doesn't get any better and one of my greatest memories was scoring my first goal for Wales in 1955 against England.  The likes of Stanley Matthews, Tom Finney, Billy Wright and Nat Lofthouse were in the England team and Wales beat them 2-1 with me scoring the winner.  I was carried off shoulder high by the Welsh supporters.

At that time I was a part-time professional player with Swansea Town and in my final year of a five year apprenticeship as a sheet metal worker in the Prince of Wales Dry Dock.  I clocked on at 07:30 on the following Monday morning and was met by my foreman who said “well done on Saturday Cliff, now there's your tools, you've got proper work to do.”

 

Who was the best opposing player you came up against ?

There were a number of them.  George Cohen (Fulham), Jimmy Armfield (Blackpool), Alex Elder (Burnley) and Don Howe (West Brom).  I had to be at my very best to get any advantage from them.

 

How is your current role as match day host ?

Being a match day host is one of the best jobs I have ever had and I certainly enjoy it, more so when Spurs have won !  It also keeps me in touch with some of my old playing colleagues and long time Spurs fans. 

 

What are your thoughts on the current Spurs team ?

Last season was a great one for Spurs – culminating in going to Manchester City, playing them off the park and getting a great result, which qualified us for the Champions League.  This season promises to be a very exciting one.  Harry Redknapp has done a fantastic job in bringing a belief and confidence into his squad, he understands the traditions and style of Tottenham and hopefully, he will bring back the 'Glory Days'. 

 

What are your hobbies and pastimes nowadays ?

My second love to football is golf.  I have been a member of the West Essex golf Club for many years and busy myself playing for the seniors and playing in Charity games.

Our large family of four children, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren  certainly keeps me active.  I love gardening and valiantly try to keep the weeds at bay.

All these combined with my match day duties at White Hart Lane keep me active and busy in my old age.

 

? ...  .. ()

"."

? ...  .. ()

"."