On the face of it the move to Tottenham looked ideal. But nothing is predictable in soccer. Many players have found it hard to settle into new surroundings. I had always been content at Burnley. There was never a day I was not happy at the club. They treated me well and gave me my big break in football. I will always be thankful to them and hold a deep affection for the club and the people connected with it. Every player must be ambitious. And it was my ambition, and that alone, which made me glad to be leaving Turf Moor.

When we failed to avoid relegation I realised I would damage my chances of achieving my ambitions by staying with the club in the Second Division. A footballer's life is a short one, probably averaging about 15 years. So much can depend on having the right breaks. Being at the right place at the right time. I did not doubt - nor do I now - that Burnley would be a soccer power again but not in the immediate future. And I wanted both club and personal success before it was too late.

I had been to Mexico with the England party for the 1970 World Cup. It was a great experience. I was disappointed to be left out of the final squad of 22 but I nursed hopes - and still do - of playing a part in the next competition in Munich in 1974. I heard that a lot of big clubs were interested in me both United and City at Manchester, Leeds and Arsenal among them. But it was Tottenham who stepped in.

My thoughts were far from a transfer when I was mowing my lawn at home one day and was suddenly told Tottenham had agreed terms with Burnley. A few hours later I had signed for them. It was all very hush-hush. I was taken to a Staffordshire hotel to meet Tottenham manager Bill Nicholson but when we arrived the place was so crowded we moved into the car park. In the back of a car, belonging to Burnley manager Jimmy Adamson, I put my name on the dotted line.

I often feel that my performance for England against Greece just before had clinched the transfer - all FIFTEEN MINUTES of it. I was called on as substitute and was determined to make the most of a brief appearance. I knew I did well. I got a lot of the ball and everything went right for me. Bill Nicholson could well have made his final decision on seeing me that night.

Did that transfer fee of around �190,000 worry me? That was the question I was continually asked after going to Tottenham. I can honestly say it has not. After all, I played no part in putting a valuation on myself. That was between the two managers. And with Alan Ball going to North London neighbours Arsenal for �220,000 my fee no longer looks so enormous.

But here is one reason why Tottenham suited me. With so many expensive players - Martin Peters at �200,000 and Martin Chivers at �120,000 for example - my fee did not have as much impact as it might at another club. If I had gone to a club who had made few big money signings I would have stuck out like a sore thumb. There would have been a lot more pressure on me. Supporters might have expected miracles.

At Tottenham I also knew I would be among some of the country's best players. I had to benefit from it. We had a lot of talent at Burnley but perhaps what we lacked was experience. This was not the case at Tottenham. So many of the players had a background of football at the highest sphere both at domestic, European and international grade. Tottenham were also one of the best clubs in the First Division and as such always challenged for the top honours.

I must admit I was nervous about making my home debut. The way some of the lads spoke about the Tottenham supporters I had visions of them turning up with shotguns. Seriously though I knew that in the past they had sometimes been slow to accept newcomers. Alan Mullery and Martin Chivers were given a rough ride at first. But then Alan had to take over from Dave Mackay, the almost legendary Scot, and Martin from Jimmy Greaves, who was worshipped by the fans. My case was a little different. I was not following in anyone's footsteps. We played at Wolves on the opening day of the season and did well to draw 2-2. I remember wishing that it had been at home so that debut would have been behind me.

But I need not have worried because a few days later in a mid-week match with Newcastle the Tottenham supporters gave me a marvellous welcome. I started off at Tottenham playing as a more orthodox winger instead of operating in midfield. It was difficult to adjust at first. I used to have the run of the park at Burnley. I felt restricted having to stay up field and wide on the flanks. But I did my best. I must admit I was happier when switched back to midfield later on. I have always loved being continually involved in everything. It was also easier to prove effective when supported by men like Martin Peters and young Steve Perryman.

I soon had another new experience and not a happy one. I was put out of action for about six weeks with a hamstring injury. I would hate to have to go through that torment again. It came at a time when I really felt I was building up a good understanding with my new team-mates and clicking into top gear myself. Then in a League Cup match at Torquay I received this injury.

I thought I would soon be back. Throughout my career I had been lucky with injuries. I was called a quick healer. One who was able to shrug off knocks and strains quickly. But not this one. Tottenham were concerned that I did not push myself too hard. They realised that if I had come back too soon when not completely 100 per cent fit I ran the risk of breaking down again and missing even more matches. So it was a gradual process. It was a terrible time. I became very depressed on occasions. Some days the leg seemed fine but then on others it did not feel any better. I kept getting pain when I really went into a full-out sprint or stretched the leg.

But the nightmare finally came to an end. I was back in the side and my misery was a thing of the past. When Alan Mullery had to drop out of the team with a stomach complaint for such a long time I knew the agony he was going through. One aspect of my own play I have tried to develop since going to Tottenham has been putting more emphasis on getting into good positions in front of goal. At Burnley I was never really concerned with scoring goals or looking for the space to get into the role of finisher. But at Tottenham I have found that more and more chances were coming my way.

I suppose it has to do with the quality of the players around me. You do not have to worry whether certain men will be doing their jobs, you know they will. Consequently, I have more scope and freedom to move forward when possible.

I have always been a creator of goals but from now on I want to help with the finished product.

I am positive that Tottenham will be sharing many of the top honours in the next few years. Just look at the talent at the club. In Martin Chivers we have the most effective striker in the business; in midfield the subtle skills of Martin Peters; at the back the dominating figure of Mike England and goalkeeper Pat Jennings must rank second only to Gordon Banks. Yes, the future is a bright one. And I want to be very much a part of that Tottenham success story.

Back to Index page	Forward to next article

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws