Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston VillaSaturday 10 January 2026 | Kick-off 5.45pmGLOBAL PRINCIPAL PARTNER OFFICIAL KIT PARTNER
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4CONTENTSTHFCFront cover: We celebrate remaining the only non-league team to win football’s oldest cup competition10.01.26FA CUP THIRD ROUNDSPURS VS ASTON VILLAFOOTBALL LEAGUE:1950/51, 1960/61FOOTBALL LEAGUE CUP:1971, 1973, 1999, 2008FA CUP:1901, 1921, 1961, 1962, 1967, 1981, 1982, 1991UEFA CUP:1972, 1984UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE WINNERS2025EUROPEAN CUP WINNERS' CUP:1963FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO:1919/20, 1949/50CHARITY SHIELD:1920/21, 1951/52, 1961/62, 1962/63, 1967/68 (joint), 1981/82(joint), 1991/92(joint)
THFCTOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FOOTBALL AND ATHLETIC CO. LTD, REG. OFFICE: LILYWHITE HOUSE, 782 HIGH ROAD, LONDON, N17 0BXNon-Executive Chairman: Peter CharringtonChief Executive Officer: Vinai VenkateshamOperations and Finance Director: Matthew CollecottLead Independent Director: Jonathan TurnerHead Coach: Thomas FrankFirst Team Assistant Coaches: Justin Cochrane, Andreas GeorgsonHead of Performance & First Team Assistant Coach: Chris HaslamFirst Team Individual Development Coach: Cameron CampbellFirst Team Goalkeeper Coach: Fabian OtteSpurs Hotline: 0344 499 5000Textphone Service for Deaf or Hard of Hearing: 020 8365 5194Email: [email protected] PROGRAMMEHead of Publications: Jon RaynerContributors: John Chambers,Rob Daly, John Fennelly, Andy Greeves, Will Holderness, Paul Miles, Billy Shaw, Cameron ScottREACH SPORT: Content Sales Director: Fergus McKennaHead of Commercial Partnerships: David ScrippsCommissioning Editor: Clare FitzsimonsOperations Manager:Nick MoretonCommissioning Editor, Sport & General Interest: Simon MonkDesigner: Tom RogersMarketing & Communications Manager: Claire Brown Photography: Shutterstock, THFC, Alamy, Mirrorpix, Getty ImagesPrinted by: BishopsPublished byFor matchday programme subscriptions, email:[email protected] Coach Thomas Frank wants to harness and build on our long and successful history in the FA CupWe put the spotlight on Unai Emery’s Aston Villa squad ahead of kick-off, with facts, profiles, classic shirts and legendary playersExclusive interview with Ben Davies, who’s aiming to turn back the clock and repeat history against today’s opponentsAs our last captain to lift the FA Cup, Gary Mabbutt recalls what it was like to climb the old Wembley’s famous 39 steps
6THFCThe fourth highest goalscorer in our history, Martin spent eight years wearing the famous Lilywhite shirt, playing a key role in our UEFA Cup win in 1972, as well as lifting two League Cups.His contribution to the Club was huge and he will never be forgotten. On behalf of everyone at Tottenham Hotspur I want to send our condolences and support to his family and loved ones. We go into tonight’s game off the back of fixtures against Sunderland and Bournemouth, in which there were a lot of positives to take in terms of our performances, however, somehow we came away with just one point to show for our efforts.Against Sunderland here last Sunday, I was pleased with a first half performance that was full of creativity and tempo. We deservedly took the lead, had THOMASI want to start by paying tribute to a Club legend who very sadly passed FRANKaway earlier this week – Martin Chivers.
THFC“THIS CLUB HAS A LONG AND SUCCESSFUL HISTORY IN THE FA CUP AND THAT’S SOMETHING WE WANT TO HARNESS AND BUILD ON”chances to add a second, however we were made to rue those missed opportunities as our opponents scored a late equaliser.It was a quick turnaround for a trip to the south coast on Wednesday night and a result that hurt everyone as we conceded an injury-time winner. We started well, scoring early on through Mathys, but let Bournemouth back into the game with two goals before half-time.In the second half I really liked our character and performance – the players gave everything, we were completely on top, scored an equaliser and looked the most likely team to win the game.However, football is about fine margins, and we were hit with a painful sucker punch in the 95th minute.We had to quickly refocus as our attention turned to today’s FA Cup third round tie against Aston Villa. Unai Emery has done an outstanding job at Villa Park and they are having an excellent season. We know they will provide a tough test, although it’s one that we are prepared for and relishing.The FA Cup is a special competition. This Club has a long and successful history in the FA Cup and that’s something we want to harness and build on, creating more moments that will live long in the memory. You deserve that for your incredible support, both at home and away. I know you will be behind us once again today, and it will be a special atmosphere under the lights here at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
8THFCIn 1901, Spurs became the first - and remain the only - non-league club to win football’s oldest cup competition. This week, we launched a campaign to celebrate this historic achievement and educate modern-day fans on the story of football’s first miracle, 125 years on.And, as part of our celebrations, our team for this evening’s FA Cup tie with Aston Villa will wear a special, limited-edition retro kit - produced in collaboration with Nike - that pays homage to the heroes of yesteryear!On 27 April, 1901, Tottenham Hotspur of Southern League Division One overcame all the odds to defeat established top-flight giants Sheffield United 3-1 in an FA Cup Final replay at Burnden Park, Bolton. Goals from John Cameron, Tom Smith and Sandy Brown saw us come from behind that day to become the first non-league team to win football’s oldest and most famous cup competition.It is a feat unlikely to ever be repeated – the daring spirit of that 1901 team in making the ‘impossible’ become a reality is embodied within the club’s ‘To Dare Is To Do’ values that still resonate 125 years on. This week, we launched a campaign to celebrate this historic, groundbreaking achievement and a range of activities will take place between now and the 125th anniversary of the 1901 Final in April.Additional activity taking place around today’s match includes: • Photo opportunities for fans with the 1901 FA Cup trophy itself • Special commemorative edition of the matchday programme on CELEBRATING FOOTBALL’S FIRST MIRACLEsale around the stadium• Free commemorative pin badges for Season Ticket Holders and Premium Members • A special commemorative menu in Premium areas Beyond the weekend, we have plans to produce educational content and take the 1901 trophy on a tour of local schools, engaging younger generations in the significance of the achievement 125 years ago. Modern-day grassroots teams from the Tottenham area will be given the opportunity to have their own day in the limelight by participating in The Spurs Legacy Cup, to be launched later this year.Vinai Venkatesham, CEO, Tottenham Hotspur, said: “Recognising the key contributions of teams and players from previous generations is a key area of focus for us moving forward, working closely with our Fan Advisory Board.“Achievements such as the ground-breaking 1901 FA Cup success laid the foundations for what was to come at Tottenham Hotspur.“We are proud to be bringing
THFCthis incredible, inspirational story to life for our fans of today over the coming months.”Tottenham Hotspur’s Fan Advisory Board has given its backing to the campaign, saying: “This moment in our history captures everything Tottenham Hotspur has stood for since its formation – daring, belief and a deep connection to our community. It’s right that the Club is celebrating the 1901 FA Cup success in a way that honours those foundations and helps today’s fans understand where we’ve come from.”The 125th anniversary campaign will shine a spotlight on the heroes of yesteryear and the Club’s founding figures that laid the foundations for what we have become today.This includes Bobby Buckle, the Tottenham schoolboy that famously founded the club with a group of friends underneath a lamppost in 1882. It was his dream and vision that led Tottenham Hotspur to unprecedented glory just 19 years later. Bobby’s grandson, Michael Mackman, said: \"I’m sure my Grandad would be extremely proud to know that, 125 years on, the great club that he formed would still be celebrating that famous 1901 FA Cup campaign. \"Winning that trophy and overcoming the odds to defeat the best teams in the country at the time was the realisation of the dreams Bobby had for the club over the previous 19 years - he would never have imagined it would be the springboard for the club to reach the heights it would go on to reach. \"Tottenham Hotspur was formed in the community and Bobby would be extremely impressed that the club remains committed to and involved in that same community today.”
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1 1THFCRob Daly, official club commentator, presenter and pundit, offers his expert analysis and discusses some of the key talking points ahead of today’s game.Aston Villa have won 13 of their last 16 Premier League games, in a remarkable turnaround since a tricky start. With European obligations as well as fighting at the top of the league table – how will they approach this FA Cup third round tie? CAN SPURS STOP ROGERS?Morgan Rogers has hit peak form of late and the England international, World Cup bound, scored in Villa’s win in N17 back in October.In fact, he has three goals and two assists in his last four games against Spurs.The 23-year-old looks most threatening in the number 10 position, but can operate on the left when Villa play their narrow attacking midfielders behind the striker – with Unai Emery able to move Youri Tielemans into a central advanced role.Rogers floats between the lines and is extremely dangerous carrying the ball up the pitch – but can also thread a perfectly weighted pass, as he did for Ollie Watkins’ goal in the impressive 2-1 comeback win at Chelsea recently.Seven goals and six assists so far this season is a good return, but the question is whether he plays – and to what extent the visitors rotate, if at all, today.HOW WILL EMERY APPROACH THE GAME?Upon his first day through the door at Villa, Emery said it is his dream to win the club a first major trophy since 1996.Some have had them in the title race talk, but one imagines most Villa fans are looking at consolidating a Champions League spot, having had a taste of the competition, as the more realistic objective.They’re also flying in the Europa League with five wins from six games, sitting third in the league phase table, with Lyon, Betis, Freiburg, Porto, Roma, Lille and Bologna amongst the strongest teams.Emery is Mr Europa League, as a four-time winner (three with Sevilla, one with Villarreal) – and he’ll will surely have success in his sights.But the FA Cup is a viable route to glory too, especially given they’ve already beaten the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal this season.Last year in the third round, Emery went strong for a home test with Premier League opposition, making just three changes for a 2-1 victory over West Ham.Used midweek subs, like Emi Buendia, Donyell Malen and Ian Maatsen, will hope to come in.WHO STARTS IN GOAL?Aston Villa may not have goalkeeper Emi Martinez to call upon today.The Argentina international came off at half-time in their midweek 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace with Emery confirming it could be “a few days or weeks” until he’s available again due to a calf problem.Dutchman Marco Bizot came in and did well, making vital interventions to stop threatening Palace openings – replicating other impressive performances when he’s had to come in for Martinez this season.“He’s a really good guy, very good goalkeeper, he’s accepting, completely, his role and he’s performing progressively better,” explained Emery recently.TEL ON THE LEFT?A number of Spurs’ attacking players have been used out on the left side this season, but Mathys Tel’s showing in the 3-2 loss to Bournemouth gave further encouragement he could make it his own.His goal on five minutes was a product of the type of wide threat he can be, cutting in away from a full-back and getting a shot away.On a disappointing night, his industry and quality on the ball, especially squaring up to full-back Alex Jimenez, who he had the better of, felt like a notable positive.THE DALY BRIEF
1 2THFCWe were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the great Martin Chivers, who died on Wednesday (7 January) at the age of 80.One of the greatest goalscorers in our history, not to mention a much-loved member of the Spurs family, Martin enjoyed an eightyear spell with us between 1968-76 in which he helped us win three major trophies.Born in Southampton on 27 April, 1945, Martin Harcourt Chivers attended Foundry Lane and Taunton Grammar schools. He applied for a trial with Southampton and was placed with their nursery side C.P.C. Sports in May, 1961, signing professional forms during September, 1962.Earning his league debut against Charlton Athletic on 8 September, Martin went on to net 107 goals in 190 senior games for the Saints. £125,000, he scored on his Spurs debut on 17 January at Sheffield Wednesday, a 30-yard volley to give us a 2-1 win. Ten days later, he scored both goals as we drew 2-2 at Manchester United in the FA Cup third round. They were the first of an incredible 174 goals for the club, a tally which still sees him sit fourth in our all-time top scorers list.Suffering a serious knee injury in September, 1968, and missing almost a year of football, he took a while to rekindle his true goalscoring form but, once he did, he was an unstoppable force in our forward line. Having scored both goals in our 1971 League Cup Final triumph over Aston Villa and made his England debut against Malta, his career was reaching its peak and for the next four years Martin was outstanding, far and away the best striker in the country.At his best, he had an incredible turn of speed, awesome strength in the air, fantastic balance and ball OBITUARY – MARTIN CHIVERSHe helped them to promotion as runners-up in season 1965/66, leading the Second Division scoring chart with 30 goals.Joining us in January, 1968, for a then-record transfer fee of A FAMILIAR POSE IN FRONT OF GOAL
1 3THFChistory – he held our European goals record outright until 2013. No-one has scored more for us than Martin’s tally of 23 League Cup goals, while he also added 11 in the FA Cup.After leaving Spurs, he spent two years at Servette, netting 38 goals and gaining a Swiss Cup winners’ medal in 1978, before rounding off his league career with spells at Norwich City and Brighton & Hove Albion. His final senior appearance was for Brighton against Arsenal in a Football League Cup tie on 30 October, 1979. He later had stints as player/manager at Dorchester Town, player/coach at Norwegian club Vard and a playing spell in the Alliance Premier League with Barnet.His association with us continued in his later years, organising charity matches for the ex-Spurs XI and working as a matchday host at White Hart Lane, becoming the club’s first Hospitality Spurs Legend in 1988. He continued to work as a host on matchdays at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium right up to the present day, his warm, welcoming and friendly nature always appreciated by staff and supporters alike.Martin leaves behind his wife Julia, their sons Nick and Luke, and Martin’s daughters Andrea and Melanie, along with his beloved grandchildren.We extend our sincerest condolences to all of Martin’s family, friends and former team-mates at this incredibly sad time.MARTIN WITH BILL NICHOLSON AT BILL'S TESTIMONIAL IN 2001control with surprising subtlety, yet with the ability to score the most spectacular goals. Arguably his finest moment in a Spurs shirt came in the first leg of the 1972 UEFA Cup Final against Wolves, when his two brilliant strikes gave us a 2-1 win and helped us take a giant step towards becoming the first team to win the trophy in its inaugural year.He scored 42 goals in 62 appearances in that 1971/72 season and was back at Wembley the following term for our second League Cup success in 1973, this time against Norwich City, while he also featured in both legs of the 1974 UEFA Cup Final against Feyenoord.Following that international debut in England’s 1-0 win over Malta on 3 February, 1971, in their opening European Championship qualifying match, his first England goal came in the next game, a 3-0 victory over Greece on 21 April. Over the next three years, Martin took his tally to 13 goals in 24 games for England, his final appearance being against Poland at Wembley on 17 October, 1973.His glorious time at Spurs came to an end in the summer of 1976, when he joined Swiss side Servette, having played 367 times for us in all. His tally of 118 league goals (in 278 games) for us is only bettered by six players while his 22 European goals is the fourth-best in our MARTIN WITH THE LEAGUE CUP TROPHY AFTER HIS TWO GOALS GAVE US VICTORY OVER ASTON VILLA IN THE 1971 FINAL
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1 7THFCBIG BEN STRIKES 12proudly declaring in his postmatch interview: “I feel like I’ve got a good relationship with the fans here.”Naturally, his popularity extends to his team-mates as well, both past and present – shout out to Heung-Min Son and Fraser Forster, whose close-knit triumvirate with Ben brought out the jovial side of all three and With 2026 representing 12 years since he arrived at the club, Ben Daviesremains as reliable as ever – and is aiming to turn back the clock and repeat history against Aston Villa in the FA Cup today…Words by Billy Shawnyone who saw the Slavia Prague game when he came on for his belated first appearance of the season will have heard it.Anyone who celebrated his goal here last weekend echoed it.While 2026 marks 12 years since Ben Davies joined us as a 21-year-old from Swansea City, the respect and admiration that every Spurs fan has for our evergreen Welsh international defender is rightly and justly as strong as ever.Much like the other Big Ben in London, he’s an infallible pillar of our society – looked up to, relied upon and trusted by us all, no matter how many years have gone by. The impassioned vocal backing from the stands during his most recent appearances – including an apparent inheritance of his compatriot Brennan Johnson’s song, revised to “Davies again, Ole, Ole!” after his first start and goal in last Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland – have made that abundantly clear.The left-back himself made reference to our supporters chanting his name last weekend, A became especially iconic behind the scenes at Hotspur Way. Woe betide anyone who happened to become the butt of their jokes in the corridors!But let’s not do Ben a disservice by solely pointing to his longevity of tenure, or simply his first-class character. He might be in the midst of one of the longest Spurs careers of any player in the
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1 9THFCmodern era, but his ability, professionalism and dedication on the pitch continues to shine bright. It’s hard to believe last Sunday was his first club start of the season, but the fact that he popped up with a key goal – our first of the New Year – and a handful of other notable involvements at both ends of the pitch only further highlighted his value to us.Yes, he might be the last man standing from Mauricio Pochettino’s cherished team of the late 2010s that routinely challenged in the Premier League and enjoyed a magical run to the Champions League Final, but much like his namesake clock tower across the capital, he’s still standing proud and strong – and we all hope he will be for a fair while to come.“This is my 12th season at the club and it’s been an amazing journey so far,” he chimed. “If you’d said I would’ve been here this long when I first signed for the club, I would never have believed you, but it’s become a special part of my footballing career and also my life as well. I moved here as a young kid from Swansea and now my family is here, my sons, Ralph and Woody, have been born here, so it’s always going to be a special place.”Of course, coming into the team and scoring would be fantastic for any player, but the fact that Ben’s family were here to see last Sunday’s game in person made it even more memorable for the now 32-year-old: “My parents, my wife Emily and one of my sons were here so it was a nice moment,” he revealed. “Obviously you want to play as much as you can, I got the opportunity last week and it was nice to chip in with a goal.“If I’m playing, my dad loves coming to watch but you have to remember, I’ve had a long career so far and to come to every single game is a lot. He’s put in his fair share of journeys, in fairness to him, going around the country, ever since I was a kid really.”Although his latest goal was just a few days ago, Ben’s first one for us was – coincidentally – in this very fixture some nine years ago, almost to the day. In the midst of our final season at White Hart Lane, Ben headed us in front to set us on the way to a 2-0 home victory against Aston Villa – then a Championship side – in the third round of the FA Cup back in January, 2017. He remembers it well – and would love nothing more than to repeat that feat here today.“IF YOU’D SAID I WOULD’VE BEEN HERE THIS LONG WHEN I FIRST SIGNED FOR THE CLUB, I WOULD NEVER HAVE BELIEVED YOU, BUT IT’S BECOME A SPECIAL PART OF MY FOOTBALLING CAREER AND ALSO MY LIFE AS WELL.”
2 0THFCBut as a member of our leadership group and as someone who captains his country, he knows what it takes to overcome adversity in those tough moments.“It’s about togetherness, more than anything,” he said. “I think it’s the same with most things in life, the moment you start to point fingers and just fall apart at the seams a little bit, it becomes tougher. It’s hard to climb that mountain on your own but as a group, I think we have “It was special – to score your first goal is always memorable,” he smiled. “I think it was GK Nkoudou who crossed it, I got a good little header on it and yes… it’s always nice to tick that first one off! It was a good win that day, Villa is always a tough game and at the time it was a big occasion for me.“They’re a strong side now as well. They’ve got a lot of quality and in the Premier League they’re churning out the results, so it’s credit to how well they’ve done. But to play them in the FA Cup today, it’s a chance for us to hopefully get a win and have a bit of momentum going forward.“Any cup competition that’s up for grabs, you go for it. The FA Cup is one I would love to tick off the list – after winning the League Cup (with Swansea City) and the Europa League last year, the FA Cup would be a special one to add.”Always one to offer a salient point of view, Ben is of course fully aware of the rollercoaster nature of the football season, with this campaign already full of ups and downs as we edge beyond the half-way stage.a chance.“We have to stick together as much as we can. We understand fans’ frustrations but that’s represented in the team as well. We’re frustrated, we want to be winning games more often but sometimes in football you have these moments, you have these ups and downs and it’s not for a lack of fight. We’ve got a group that’s trying hard, we just need to fine-tune it a bit and get it right on a matchday.”“THE FA CUP IS ONE I WOULD LOVE TO TICK OFF THE LIST – AFTER WINNING THE LEAGUE CUP AND THE EUROPA LEAGUE LAST YEAR, THE FA CUP WOULD BE A SPECIAL ONE TO ADD.”
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2 4THFCSETTING THE SCENELess than 20 years after a group of schoolboys, led by Bobby Buckle, gathered under a lamppost on Tottenham High Road and first discussed the idea of creating a football team, Spurs were the toast of England as we won the 1901 FA Cup Final.The Club was formed as Hotspur FC in September 1882 and underwent dramatic changes during those first two decades. Renamed Tottenham Hotspur Football Club in 1884, we adopted professionalism in 1895, took our place in the Southern League the following year, first adopted the colours of white shirts and blue shorts and, in 1899, moved to a new stadium that quickly became known as White Hart Lane. All important steps as we started to establish ourselves as a bona fide football club, with the aim of challenging for top honours.The landscape of English football was very different at the turn of the 20th century compared to what we have today. At the start of the 1900-01 campaign we were still a non-league team, competing in a Southern League which included – as the name suggests – teams based solely in the south of the country. Kettering were the northernmost side.The Football League was founded in 1888 and by 1900-01, it was made up of just two divisions comprising 18 teams each and dominated by the north and the midlands. Of the 36 clubs, Woolwich Arsenal was the only one based in the south.As for the FA Cup, that was the first major national football competition created in England and took place for the very first time in 1871. We first competed in the 1894-95 season, with our first FA Cup tie seeing us beat West Herts 3-2 on 13 October 1894 – the date from which our Legacy Numbers begin.The FA Cup was in its 30th year in 1900-01 and our best performance to date had come in 1898-99, when we reached the third round proper which, back then, was effectively the quarter-finals, where we lost 4-1 at Stoke. But we were a team on the up and achieved success when we won the Southern League title in 1899-1900 – our first piece of silverware.That gave us a taste of glory…and more was to follow!Football’s first miracle took place 125 years ago and it was created by Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.In April 1901, we sent shockwaves through English football by winning the famous FA Cup despite still being a non-league team. To this day, it remains the one and only occasion that has happened and, almost certainly, it’s an achievement that will never be repeated.Here’s the story of how Spurs stunned the Football League’s big boys and lifted the first major piece of silverware in our history…FOOTBALL’S FIRST MIRACLEGeorge ClawleyGoalkeeperBorn: 10 April 1875Spurs: 1899-1903Height: 6ft 1insWeight: 12st 7lbs94 appearances (82 Southern League; 12 FA Cup)Brave and well-built shot-stopper who was much busier in the first game than the replay and made some telling saves, although was unlucky with Sheffield United’s controversial equaliser. Like most of the team, he played in all eight FA Cup ties, conceding just eight goals. Brother-in-law of team-mate Sandy Brown.THE MEN WHO MADE IT HAPPEN
THFCUP FOR THE CUPFrom the year of our formation in 1882 up to the 1900-01 season, only two southern clubs had appeared in FA Cup Finals – Old Etonians (1883) and Southampton (1900) – the Saints being one of our Southern League rivals. Both teams had lost and the FA Cup in that time was very much the property of the northern clubs.That didn’t stop the author of our 1900-01 Club Handbook, who went by the name of The Old Crock, from offering this optimistic view of the season ahead:‘The Spurs have yet the chance of being the first professional team from the south to win the Cup, and in the season at hand we may look confidently to them to at least go close.'In conclusion, let me express the hope that when this season’s record is made up it may be even brighter than the last and that we may be able to bring down the High Road next April that magic little ‘pot’, the securing of which necessitates a visit to the big glass house at Sydenham.’That big glass house at Sydenham was, of course, Crystal Palace – venue of the FA Cup Final between 1895 and 1914. That was our desired destination when we kicked off our 1900-01 FA Cup campaign with a first round home game against Preston North End, who had knocked us out at the same stage the previous season.The first round was delayed due to the death of Queen Victoria on 22 January 1901 and ended up taking place on Saturday 9 February. For us, the tie against Preston was significant as it marked the first-ever FA Cup match at White Hart Lane and it ended in a 1-1 draw with Sandy Brown scoring an equaliser for us nine minutes from time. It was the first of an incredible scoring feat from the Scottish forward that season.Brown was our hero in the Deepdale replay four days later, netting a hat-trick in our 4-2 triumph. Also on target was John Cameron – our player/manager/secretary whose arrival from Everton in May 1898 sparked an immediate and successful period for Spurs.Our first-ever FA Cup win at White Hart Lane took place in the second round as Brown scored twice in a 2-1 win which knocked out holders Bury, who had beaten Southampton 4-0 in the 1900 Final. Over 20,000 watched us record one of the finest victories in our history.In round three, we needed a replay to overcome Southern League rivals Reading, drawing Harry ErentzRight BackBorn: 17 September 1874Spurs: 1898-1904Height: 5ft 10insWeight: 12st 2lbs155 appearances (134 Southern League; 21 FA Cup)With Sheffield United making most of the running early in the first game, Erentz was a key figure in repelling their attacks. An imposing defender who made vital clearances to keep the game goalless in the first half, repeating the feat in the replay. Featured in all eight cup ties. A Scot of Danish extraction, nicknamed ‘Tiger’ for the ferocity of his tackling.Sandy TaitLeft BackBorn: 3 December 1871Spurs: 1899-1908Height: 5ft 9insWeight: 11st 10lbs239 appearances/3 goals (204/3 Southern League; 35 FA Cup)Tough-tackling and quick-thinking defender who played in all eight FA Cup matches and whose consistent performances helped us win the trophy. Played a big part in the replay, keeping out Sheffield United at one end and then having a role in John Cameron’s equaliser at the other. From the Ayrshire mining village of Glenbuck that produced several top players and he was one of 13 children.OUR TEAM FOR OUR FIRST-EVER FA CUP TIE AT WHITE HART LANE AGAINST PRESTON, WEARING A BLUE AND WHITE STRIPED AWAY KIT
2 6THFC1-1 at Elm Park with Irish winger John Kirwan on target before a comfortable 3-0 win in N17 thanks to another brace from Brown and one from David Copeland. That booked our place in the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time.Villa Park was the venue for our semi-final and West Bromwich Albion – struggling at the foot of the First Division of the Football League – were our opponents. If any game illustrated just how small the gap in quality was between League clubs and the top sides in the Southern League, it was this one as we demolished the Baggies 4-0.Once again, our ‘great Scot’ Brown was the star of the show, incredibly scoring all four goals in the second half in front of 46,000 fans.Bold, brave, daring to do, daring to dream – Spurs had reached the FA Cup Final and a date with destiny at the big glass house in Sydenham!PALACE APPOINTMENTA world record crowd of 110,820 assembled at the old Crystal Palace ground on 20 April, 1901, to see if we could become the first club from outside the Football League to win the FA Cup.Standing in our way were Sheffield United, the champions of England in 1897-98, who also won the FA Cup in 1898-99. They were formidable opponents and most people’s favourites to win the famous trophy again to continue the north’s domination of the competition.Interest in the game was unprecedented, the presence of a London club in the final just adding to the nationwide interest in the match. Not only was there an enormous crowd, but supporters used whatever vantage point they could find to get a view of the match, with many climbing surrounding trees!Photos of crowd scenes from the game, including the one shown below, had never been seen before until they appeared at an auction a few years ago. They were snapped up by Andy George, and feature in his excellent book ‘Tottenham Cakes and Bolton Pies! The Story of the 1901 FA Cup’. As for the game itself, ‘Nudger’ Needham, United’s England star, won the toss and chose to defend the southern end leaving us to kick off with the sun and wind in our eyes. United had the best of the early exchanges, Needham dominating play with raking passes to his wingers, and Harry Erentz was soon called upon to make an Tom MorrisRight HalfBorn: 9 February 1875Spurs: 1899-1912Height: 5ft 10insWeight: 11st 9lbs342 appearances/24 goals (240/21 Southern League;39/1 FA Cup; 63/2 Football League) Always involved in the action, he was a powerful and determined half-back with boundless energy who did so much to help us to success in this era. Played in all eight FA Cup ties and his willingness to defend and join the attacks was a key feature in our performances. Our most local cup winner, born 100 miles away in Grantham! Worked on the club groundstaff from 1912 until his passing in April 1942.Ted HughesCentre HalfBorn: 1876Spurs: 1899-1907Height: 5ft 8insWeight: 11st 4lbs180 appearances/10 goals (149/8 Southern League; 31/2 FA Cup) Brave, tireless worker who liked to get forward and join the attacks. Got his chance when skipper James McNaught was injured in the first round against Preston, played in the replay and then kept his place all the way to the final, ending with a winners’ medal. One of the most influential players in our rise to League status, he later ran a pub in Enfield Highway before emigrating to Massachusetts, USA.
THFCexceptional clearance as George Hedley bore down on goal. Initially, we looked nervous and unsure, but as the game settled down we began to find our passing rhythm. Kirwan and Copeland jinked their way down the wing, Brown laid Kirwan’s cross off for Cameron only for the linesman to flag for offside. Hedley got in a good shot to call our goalkeeper George Clawley into action for the first time and Erentz twice headed away yards from his line before United took the lead. Twelve minutes had gone when Fred Priest collected from ‘Oakey’ Field and fired past the unsighted Clawley.For the next 20 minutes United controlled the game but our defence did not allow them a clear-cut opening and with just over 30 minutes gone we struck back. A free kick for a foul by Harry Thickett on Kirwan was flighted into the penalty area and Brown rose to guide his header past Bill Foulke. It was a goal that completed the set for Brown, scoring in every single round of the competition that season.The rest of the first half saw a tremendous struggle for control, Bert Lipsham firing just over and Foulke making a brilliant one-handed save from Tom Smith. Clawley was the busier of the two ‘keepers but he only had to deal with long-range efforts whereas our close passing cut through the United defence to create the better openings.Five minutes into the second half, we took the lead. Kirwan set Cameron free and as Brown’s marker moved across to tackle Cameron, our secretary-manager rolled the ball to Brown whose rasping shot beat Foulke all ends up and thundered off the bar into the back of the net.Barely had a minute elapsed before the scores were level again with a goal that today would have VAR all over it! From the kick off Lipsham, looking offside, got away and fired in a shot that Clawley fumbled. As Walter Bennett rushed in to charge the goalkeeper, Clawley managed to push the ball out of play. The linesman signalled a corner, Clawley placed the ball for a goal kick but referee Kingscott marched back to the centre circle. Despite being well behind play he decided the ball had crossed the line from Lipsham’s shot and awarded the goal.The decision took much of the heart out of our players and even United seemed embarrassed. Both teams strove to get the upper hand but play was remarkably even, United perhaps having the majority of it but Spurs creating the better chances. Brown missed one glorious opportunity and Kirwan allowed Thickett to rob him when he should at least have got his shot away. In the last 10 minutes Spurs tired and United sensed the game was there for the taking but Clawley repelled all their attacks and so the final went to a replay.John L JonesLeft HalfBorn: 1866Spurs: 1897-1904Height: 5ft 10insWeight: 12st 8lbs163 appearances/6 goals (132/6 Southern League; 31 FA Cup) One of the greats of the 1901 Spurs side. Not the quickest but more than compensated for this with intelligent passing qualities and skilful positional play. Didn’t play in the first game against Preston but played the remaining seven ties and, although player/manager John Cameron was on the pitch, it was Jones who collected the cup as captain. Our first player to receive international recognition, for Wales in February 1898.Tom Smith Outside RightBorn: 26 November 1876Spurs: 1898-1902Height: 5ft 7insWeight: 11st 2lbs108 appearances/19 goals (88/17 Southern League; 20/2 FA Cup) Scored the crucial goal which put us 2-1 up in the replay and assisted in the equaliser. One of the team’s most influential players whose excellent crossing ability led to many goals for his team-mates. Played in all eight matches and his replay goal was the only one he scored in the FA Cup that season. The family connection with the cup continued in 1946 when one of his sons, ED Smith, refereed the final.A STUNNING COLOUR PHOTO OF SANDY BROWN SCORING AT CRYSTAL PALACE. RESTORATION AND COLOUR BY LEE SAUNDERS
2 8THFCGLORY, GLORY TOTTENHAM HOTSPURPrior to the final, the FA had decided a replay would take place at Goodison Park the following week but Liverpool objected as they had a game at Anfield that day so the match was switched to Bolton Wanderers’ Burnden Park, a decision that was not particularly well received by ourselves or United.The two teams were the same as for the first game but there was a vast difference in the attendance. As Bolton station was being rebuilt, the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway refused to offer cheap fares. A fair contingent made their way from Sheffield but few Spurs supporters were able to make the six-hour journey from London and most of the 20,470 who witnessed the game were locals. Such a shame that one of our greatest achievements in football wasn’t seen by more of our fans.With the wind behind us, we started the match on 27 April in fine form, one attack after another penning United in their own half. Needham halted a promising move by Copeland and Brown, Thickett did the same to repulse Brown and Cameron, while Copeland seemed set to score when Harry Johnson nicked the ball off him. Foulke was called on to save Copeland’s header and then pull off smart saves to deny Brown and Kirwan. We were totally in control but for all our superiority, the first goal would not come. United grew into the game and a flowing move between Priest, Hedley, Field and Lipsham was only halted at the last second by Jack Jones and Johnson then sent a shot just over the bar. Needham now began to exert control, pushing forward and fashioning three excellent chances for his forwards but none of them could capitalise. With five minutes to the break Needham again burst forward. Dribbling past Tom Morris, he fed Lipsham who laid the ball into Priest’s pass and United were ahead. Our heads dropped and it was only thanks to sterling work by Clawley, Erentz and Sandy Tait that United did not go in at the interval more than one goal up.Footballing glory doesn’t come without some drama though and this was no exception. Down, but not out, we began the second half determined to retrieve the deficit and battered away at the Sheffield defence. With 10 minutes gone a great pass out of defence from Tait found Copeland. The inside-forward rounded Thickett, interchanged passes with Brown, then spread the ball out to Smith. He quickly moved the ball on to Cameron who struck it from distance and we were back level.John CameronInside RightBorn: 13 April 1872Spurs: 1898-1904Height: 5ft 10insWeight: 11st 4lbs142 appearances/50 goals (117/43 Southern League; 25/7 FA Cup) Player-manager who followed the Southern League success the previous season by guiding us to FA Cup glory. Led by example, with his intelligent reading of the game and consistently impressive performances proving instrumental. His equalising goal in the Final replay gave us the belief to go on and win the cup. He was the first player/manager to win the trophy, while he was also club secretary and continued as manager until March 1907.Sandy BrownCentre ForwardBorn: 7 April 1879Spurs: 1900-1902Height: 5ft 10insWeight: 11st 6lbs57 appearances/43 goals (46/28 Southern League; 11/15 FA Cup) Scored an impressive 15 FA Cup goals that season, which still stands as a record and will probably never be bettered. Hit a hat-trick against Preston, all four in the semi-final win over West Brom and both goals in the first game in the Final. But it was his goal in the replay, making it 3-1, which finally ending Sheffield’s challenge. Reputedly took the trophy to his home village of Glenbuck and put it on display in the local Co-op!ACTION FROM THE REPLAY AT BURNDEN PARK
THFCFirst RoundWhite Hart Lane, 09.02.01Spurs 1 (Brown)Preston North End 1 (McMahon)Attendance: 15,223First Round ReplayDeepdale, 13.02.01Preston North End 2 (Becton, Pratt)Spurs 4 (Cameron, Brown 3)Attendance: 6,000Second RoundWhite Hart Lane, 23.02.01Spurs 2 (Brown 2)Bury 1 (McLuckie)Attendance: 20,250Third RoundElm Park, 23.03.01Reading 1 (Evans)Spurs 1 (Kirwan)Attendance: 14,417A terrific struggle now ensued with Spurs again taking control. Brown twice broke through but Foulke blocked his first effort and the second went just the wrong side of the post. There was just over a quarter-of-an hour left when Needham made his first mistake of the two matches, only half clearing Cameron’s shot to Smith who coolly slotted home. There was no holding us now as we could see history unfolding before our eyes. Our control was absolute but the decisive third goal did not come until seven minutes from time when Brown headed home from a corner. That was that. Victory was secured but not just any victory. This was a victory for the brave, for the believers, for a group of 11 Tottenham Hotspur footballers who etched their name so deep into footballing folklore that they will never be eroded.And a final word to the author David CopelandInside LeftBorn: 7 April 1875Spurs: 1899-1905Height: 5ft 7insWeight: 11st 5lbs160 appearances/42 goals (140/39 Southern League; 20/3 FA Cup) Endured an injury-hit season in 1900-01 but still managed to appear in all eight cup ties en route to winning the trophy. Scored in the 3-0 replay win over Reading in round three and his foraging style was responsible for many of Sandy Brown’s goals. Subsequently served us as a scout in the Birmingham area.John KirwanOutside LeftBorn: 12 December 1872Spurs: 1899-1905Height: 5ft 7insWeight: 10st 8lbs178 appearances/41 goals (154/39 Southern League; 24/2 FA Cup) Formed a devastating wing partnership with David Copeland and their understanding created so many goals for the team on our way to lifting the cup. Scored in the 1-1 draw with Reading in the third round and played in all eight games where his trickery and skill made him a real handful for defenders. He was first to the match ball at the final whistle in the replay and kept it as a souvenir until his death in January 1959.Third Round ReplayWhite Hart Lane, 28.03.01Spurs 3 (Brown 2, Copeland)Reading 0Attendance: 11,600Semi-FinalVilla Park, 08.04.01Spurs 4 (Brown 4)West Brom 0Attendance: 46,000FinalCrystal Palace, 20.04.01Spurs 2 (Brown 2)Sheffield United 2 (Priest, Bennett)Attendance: 110,820Final ReplayBurnden Park, 27.04.01Spurs 3 (Cameron, Smith, Brown)Sheffield United 1 (Priest)Attendance: 20,470MAKING OF A MIRACLEOUR ROAD TO GLORY…of our Club Handbook for 1901-02, as he poignantly reflected on our history-makers…‘The winning of the Cup last season was an achievement which will stand out for all time in the annals of the Club.’Some 125 years later, that couldn’t be more true.
3 0THFCChildren and families are at the heart of everything we do. We provide exceptional care, organise fun activities and help families do things they may have never thought possible. We help those we support enjoy life as children, rather than as patients – as families, not just as carers.We offer support to the whole family, not just the child who is unwell, including dedicated sibling support.Our help is available wherever it is needed – in the home, in the community or at our hospice building, The Ark.Noah’s Ark are a handhold in the darkest of times and they’re the fun providers in the best of times.- Rose, Grandmother and sole guardian of Ben (who died in 2014) and Sophie who currently benefits from our care.Official charity partner of Tottenham HotspurWe help babies, children and young people with life-limiting or lifethreatening conditions, and their families, make the most of every day. And for those who die young, we do all we can to bring comfort to their last moments.Meet Noah’s Ark Children’s HospiceRegistered Charity No. 1081156noahsarkhospice.org.ukProviding a children’s hospice and palliative care services requires specialist nursing and equipment, which is costly.We need to raise over £6 million this year to run our services.With over 75% of our income coming from fundraising, we rely on the generosity of our community.How you can support us Our community is stronger with you in it. Your support today will help us. Thank you.Please text NOAH to70490 to donate £10Texts will cost the donation amount + one standard network rate messageScan me
3 1THFCBrennan Johnson’s move across the capital to join Crystal Palace was confirmed recently and this is the first opportunity we’ve had to wish him farewell in our matchday programme.The 24-year-old Wales international will forever be etched into our history as the winning goalscorer in last season's UEFA Europa League Final, his closeFAREWELL BRENNANAmong his other highlights in our colours was a goal on his European debut against Qarabag in September, 2024, along with Premier League braces against Ipswich Town and Southampton during the second half of last season.We thank Brennan for his contribution and wish him well for the future.range effort proving to be the only goal of the game as we defeated Manchester United in Bilbao.Signed from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023, Brennan notched up a century of appearances for us against Chelsea back on 1 November and departs having played 107 times for us in all competitions, scoring 27 goals.
3 2THFC
THFCworked his way through the various youth levels to turn professional with Villa in 1920 where he made over 100 league appearances and established himself at their number one.But the Villans opted to release him when he suffered injury and there were doubts about his recovery. Spiers opted for an experimental operation that proved successful and we took him on after a brief trial.It was timely for Spurs as our regular ‘keeper Jock Britton had been injured in a motorcycle accident.Brave, agile and reliably consistent, Cyril was a Spurs first team regular up until 1933 when he left for Wolves. In that time, he represented the Football League against their Scottish counterparts and played in an England international trial match.CUP DOUBLE We knocked Villa out of both cups in season 1968-69 with Martin Chivers scoring a hat-trick in our 4-1 away success. That was in the League Cup second round and we met again in the fifth round of the FA Cup when we won 3-2 against Division Two Villa at White Hart Lane.FANFAREIt was very unfair on Villa, but when we played them in the FA Cup in 1904, they were a goal up when the game was abandoned in the first half due to the crowd encroaching onto the pitch.We were in the Southern League at the time with Villa a top-flight team. But when the game was re-staged five days later, we won by the only goal. Sheffield Wednesday knocked us out after a replay in the subsequent third round.SEMI SEVENVilla Park still holds the record for hosting the most FA Cup semi-finals having staged 57 before the decision was made in 2008 to only play them at Wembley.And we have appeared in seven of them – winning four.Our first was in 1901 when we beat West Brom 4-0 on our way to that historic final triumph while still in the Southern League. We subsequently beat Sheffield United after a replay to lift the trophy.We lost there to Blackpool in 1948 – 3-1 after extra time – and again to Blackpool in 1953 who beat us 2-1. And we went down by the only goal to Manchester City three years later.But it was better in 1961 when we defeated Burnley 3-0 at Villa Park on our way to the Double. We then retained the trophy the following season but this time our semi success against Manchester United was played at Hillsborough.We were back at Villa Park in 1982, beating Leicester City on our way to a successful defence of the trophy that we had won the previous term. And we then beat Watford 4-1 there in 1987 when former Villa man Steve Hodge scored twice for us.NICE ONE CYRILA young Cyril Spiers certainly showed the determination and optimism that would stand him in good stead as he built a career at Villa that would take him to Spurs in 1927.Ideally built to be a goalkeeper in those more robust days of hammering the opposition custodian, he was born in Witton, within a goal kick of Villa Park.He started with Aston Boys and Former press officer John Fennelly returns with his eclectic memories of today’s opponents collected over 50 years of following Spurs.Villa doubled their money when they sold us Danny Blanchflower in 1954 after paying Barnsley £15,000 for his services just three years before. The Northern Ireland captain went on to become one of the most famous and successful players in our history.So, the question is – what would he be worth on today’s transfer market?Danny had just about everything, so often the best player on the pitch but also with the sharpest of minds as he dictated play and directed those around him. Manager Bill Nicholson held him in such high regard that Danny was trusted to change pre-match tactics during a game as the direction of the action unfolded.In addition to the Double and the retention of the FA in 1962, he played a key role when we became the first British club to win a European trophy the following year.Twice Footballer of the Year, 56 international caps…the list goes on and on.DANNY BOYTHAT REMINDS ME…
3 4Based at The Clock House Press in Hoddesdon, Thomas Knight & Co. printed our programmes from the resumption of football after World War II until their liquidation in 1981. Well known for their history and heritage of Hoddesdon publications, their 23rd consecutive print run was Volume 61 in 1968/69. Featuring at Number 41 was an FA Cup Round Five tie with Aston Villa, where Mike England and Jimmy Greaves (2) gave us safe quarterfinal passage. Unfortunately, eventual winners’ Manchester City blocked our progress at Maine Road, however, this was the first season we encountered the same team in both domestic cup competitions, having also beaten Villa in the League Cup when Martin Chivers scored our first ever hat-trick in the competition. Used on various front covers, the image of Greaves watching the ball clear Arsenal’s crossbar adorned the 16-page effort. Dated 8 February 1969, but played on 12 February due to a postponement, there were action shots of our 2-1 victory over Wolves in the last round. Neil Johnson was pictured scoring a stunning equaliser and there was a humorous shot of Alan Mullery and Terry Venables in the Tottenham wall appearing to point to the attacker to shoot at the cowering Jimmy Pearce next to them! An unusual, but welcome, three picture shot showed the stages of Greaves’ winner after England headed it down. ‘The Ties Before’ explained Villa were a good FA Cup omen, having triumphed in the competition in 1921, 1961 and 1962 after beating them – for good measure we also beat them en-route in 1982. Tottenham ‘A’ lost to Bletchley 3-0, where Steve Perryman and Ron Henry couldn’t crack their code. Mention was made of our good’ Away Point’ at Sunderland, where trainer Jack Coxford made a sentimental journey; the first time he’d set foot at Roker Park since he played for Sunderland in 1927. Coxford was the older head in our nursery side Northfleet United, bringing on youngsters like Bill Nicholson and Ron Burgess. His daughter married Don Caulston, our young late 1930s forward before becoming our groundsman at Cheshunt training ground.Continuing our new feature for this season, as John Chambers highlights the contents of programmes whose front covers feature on our famous ‘Programme Walls’ within the stadium…Wallto Wall
3 5Having exhausted our content after hosting Villa in November, we turn attention to an FA Cup encounter nearest to today. Following relegation in 1977, we were determined to return at the first attempt. Battling Bolton Wanderers for top spot, we wobbled near the finishing line, eventually claiming third on goal difference, mainly due to our ninegoal victory over Bristol Rovers. Don McAllister’s terrific diving header versus his old club ensured a crucial win in April, however, the Lancastrians also visited White Hart Lane for an FA Cup third round tie on 7 January 1978; Glenn Hoddle and John Duncan struck in a 2-2 draw, but we lost the replay 2-1. After 15 years of smaller programmes, the size was increased to what we now regard as a standard matchday programme. A few millimetres shy of today’s offering, No. 26 of Volume 70 was our first volume to use colour action shots consistently on the front, although the same image appeared on numerous issues. The photograph of McAllister being outjumped by Crystal Palace’s goalkeeper in the 2-2 draw sat in between a yellow band, reminiscent of our new Admiral kit, and a band of sky-blue used on our post-war handbooks. The 16-page edition, priced at 15p, displayed six monotone action shots from recent meetings with Sheffield United and Blackburn. Tottenham programme aficionados will recognise the snapshot of John Pratt scoring versus Blackburn as the front cover image of his upcoming testimonial versus Arsenal, where legends Jimmy Greaves and Cliff Jones dusted off their old boots. ‘Club Scene’ explained we hadn’t won in the competition since 1973 when Margate were trounced 6-0. Sadly, we fared no better this season but eventually unburdened ourselves when another non-league side, Altrincham, were dispatched the following season by Colin Lee’s hat-trick. McAllister explained he always checks Bolton’s result first, and whenever he returns, he stays with his old teammate Paul Jones. The Club was seeking local accommodation for young players, which was common back then. When Pat Jennings and Cyril Knowles joined in 1964, the teenagers resided with a landlady who cooked them a pre-match fry up – different times! ‘Scrapbook’ detailed the three previous Bolton Cup meetings in 1925, 1935 and 1948. Ralph Coates featured in a striking illustration ‘As seen and drawn by John Gorman’ – our leftback was rivalling 1920s forward Jimmy Seed as Tottenham’s premier cartoonist. The Spurs Shop were selling sweat tops with the classic 1970s phrase motif, “We all agree, Spurs are magic.” They were also flogging dart flights, which leads us nicely into the recent World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace that saw the dart-throwing James Maddison attend. Starkly visible from our new stadium, the iconic venue broadcast the first television broadcast in 1936, however, three years later broadcasting was paused for war. Halted so the Luftwaffe couldn’t trace the radio signal, coverage was stopped after ‘Mickey’s Gala Premiere’ – in true British stoicism, the service resumed with the same Mickey Mouse cartoon in 1946.
3 6THFCaxs.com ticketmaster.co.ukDijon Fey Filiwith support fromTuE 16 & wed 17 JuneTottenham HotspurStadium
3 7THFCWEST HAM UNITEDPREMIER LEAGUETOTTENHAM HOTSPUR STADIUMSATURDAY 17 JANUARYKICK-OFF 3PMTickets for this fixture have sold out. Ticket Exchange is now open.BORUSSIA DORTMUNDUEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUETOTTENHAM HOTSPUR STADIUMTUESDAY 20 JANUARYKICK-OFF 8PMTickets are now on sale to all One Hotspur Season Ticket Holders and Members yet to purchase for this fixture. Each eligible supporter is able to purchase up to four tickets per person.BURNLEYPREMIER LEAGUETURF MOORSATURDAY 24 JANUARY KICK-OFF 3PMAllocation: 2,600, including 14 wheelchair user/personal assistant pairs and 14 ambulant/personal assistant pairs.Pricing: Adults - £30; Over-65 - £27; Under-21 - £25; Under-18 - £20.Wheelchair and Ambulant tickets are priced at the appropriate age band, with a free-of-charge personal assistant ticket.Ticketing Points: 3Season Ticket Holders with 305 or more ticketing points who applied by the deadline have been successful with their application and will be issued a ticket.All Wheelchair Season Ticket Holders with 231 or more ticketing points who applied by the deadline have been successful and will be issued a ticket.All Ambulant Season Ticket Holders with 233 or more ticketing points who applied by the deadline have been successful and will be issued a ticket.EINTRACHT FRANKFURTCHAMPIONS LEAGUEDEUTSCHE BANK PARKWEDNESDAY 28 JANUARYKICK-OFF 8PMAllocation: 2,987, including 12 wheelchair user/personal assistant pairs and 12 ambulant/personal assistant pairs.Pricing: GA Seating - £43.75; GA Standing - £13; Wheelchair tickets - £14.Ambulant tickets are priced at the GA seating price band, with a free-of-charge personal assistant ticket.Ticketing Points: 5Season Ticket Holders with 155 or more ticketing points who applied by the deadline have been successful with their application and will be issued a ticket.All Wheelchair and Ambulant Season Ticket Holders who applied by the deadline have been successful and will be issued a ticket.MANCHESTER CITYPREMIER LEAGUETOTTENHAM HOTSPUR STADIUMSUNDAY 1 FEBRUARYKICK-OFF 4.30PMTickets are now on general sale, with supporters able to purchase up to four tickets per person.NEWCASTLE UNITEDPREMIER LEAGUETOTTENHAM HOTSPUR STADIUMTUESDAY 10 FEBRUARYKICK-OFF 7.30PMTickets are now on general sale, with supporters able to purchase up to four tickets per person.UPCOMING MATCHESON SALE DATESON SALE WINDOW OPPONENT FIXTUREDATEPRICE CATEGORYONEHOTSPUR +ONE HOTSPUR MEMBERSONE HOTSPUR + ACCESS MEMBERSONE HOTSPUR ACCESS MEMBERS5MANCHESTER CITY 01 FEB 26 A 10AM, MONDAY 24 NOVEMBER10AM, TUESDAY 25 NOVEMBER2PM, MONDAY24 NOVEMBER2PM, TUESDAY 25 NOVEMBER NEWCASTLE UNITED 10 FEB 26 A
THFC3 8Ben Davies netted his first Spurs goal for over two years but it wasn’t enough to earn us the win as Sunderland hit a late equaliser last weekend.The Welsh defender was on hand in the first half to give us the lead on what was his first start of the season – his first goal since scoring in the 4-2 defeat at Brighton on 28 December, 2023. However, the Black Cats levelled with 10 minutes remaining through Brian Brobbey, which sparked a frantic finish as both sides went for the win and we almost snatched it deep into stoppage time but Joao Palhinha’s glancing header from Pedro Porro’s cross was just wide as it ended all square in N17. The draw in our opening home match of 2026 took our unbeaten Premier League run against Sunderland to 15 matches and left us 13th in the table.DAVIES 30TOTTENHAM HOTSPURVicario, Pedro Porro, Romero (c), van de Ven, Davies (Spence 88), Gray (Palhinha 72), Bentancur, Kudus (Kolo Muani 19), Odobert (Bergvall 72), Tel (Scarlett 88), Richarlison. Substitutes (not used): Kinsky, Dragusin, Danso, Williams-Barnett.4-2-3-1 1349%5 3 10LINE-UP POSS. SHOTSON TARGET CORNERS FOULS104.01.26 PREMIER LEAGUE
THFCBROBBEY 80SUNDERLANDRoefs, Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Cirkin (Mundle 59), Geertruida, Xhaka (c), Mayenda (Rigg 82), Le Fee, Adingra (Ballard 66), Brobbey. Substitutes (not used): Patterson, Neil, O'Nien, Hjelde, Jones, Tutierov.4-2-3-1 51% 103 65LINE-UP POSS. SHOTSON TARGET CORNERS FOULS1TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR STADIUM REFEREE: STUART ATTWELL
BURNLEYOPPOSITIONBURNLEYOPPOSITIONBURNLEYOPPOSITIONBURNLEYOPPOSITIONTHFC4 0FOUNDED: 1874NICKNAME: VillansSTADIUM: Villa ParkCAPACITY: 42,640LAST SEASON: Premier League - SixthFA Cup - Semi-finalsEFL Cup - Fourth roundCL - Quarter-finalsMOST RECENT TROPHY: 2001 Intertoto CupMOST APPEARANCES (ALL-TIME): Charlie Aitken (660)MOST GOALS (ALL-TIME): Billy Walker (244)aston villaEMI MARTINEZ02.09.92 GKVICTOR LINDELOF17.07.94 DFUNAI EMERYHEAD COACHEmery led the club to a fourth-placed finish in 2023/24 and a Champions League quarter-final the following season. A French league winner with PSG, he has also won the Europa League four times with Villarreal and Sevilla.UNAI EMERYDOB: 03.11.71NATIONALITY: SPANISHPOSITION: HEAD COACH
BURNLEYOPPOSITIONBURNLEYOPPOSITIONASTON VILLAOPPOSITIONBURNLEYOPPOSITIONBURNLEYOPPOSITIONBURNLEYOPPOSITIONTHFC4 1AWAY 25/26MATTY CASH07.08.97 DFPAU TORRES16.01.97 DFTYRONE MINGS13.03.93 DFHOME 25/26Unveiled last summer, this season’s attire features nods to classic strips of the past, most notably with the striking V-neck collar as well as several other design features linked back to the 1970s.KITSclub coloursLUCAS DIGNE20.07.93 DFIAN MAATSEN10.03.02 DF
THFC4 2y Better to your perfect winter getaway in Dubai with Emirates. Stroll hand-in-hand along silky soft beaches, dine at orld-class restaurants and indulge in a shopping spree. Start your holiday on board with exceptional comfort, regionally spired cuisine and up to 6,500 channels of entertainment.
BURNLEYOPPOSITIONBURNLEYOPPOSITIONBURNLEYOPPOSITIONBURNLEYOPPOSITIONBURNLEYOPPOSITIONTHFC4 3Konsa joined from Brentford in 2019, hot on the heels of Villa’s promotion back to the Premier League. A mainstay for the national team, his first major international tournament was Euro 2024, where he starred en route to the final against Spain.EZRI KONSA23.10.97NATIONALITY: ENGLISHPOSITION: DFlast time out03.01.26ASTON VILLA 3-1 NOTTM FORESTPREMIER LEAGUEOllie Watkins scored on his 250th club appearance as Aston Villa bounced back from defeat to punish Nottingham Forest. Watkins’ fourth goal in three games, together with John McGinn’s second-half double, helped earn Villa an 11th straight home win - their best run in 36 years.MORGAN ROGERSJOHN MCGINN26.07.0218.10.94MFMFROSS BARKLEY05.12.93 MFLAMARE BOGARDE05.01.04 DF
BURNLEYOPPOSITIONBURNLEYOPPOSITIONBURNLEYOPPOSITIONBURNLEYOPPOSITIONBURNLEYOPPOSITIONTHFC4 4AMADOU ONANA16.08.01 MFTielemans enjoyed a superb 2024/25 and his form was recognised as he was named Supporters’ Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season, having registered five goals and 10 assists during his 53 appearances.YOURI TIELEMANS07.05.97NATIONALITY: BELGIANPOSITION: MFEMILIANO BUENDIA25.12.96 MFHARVEY ELLIOTT04.04.03 MFBOUBACAR KAMARA23.11.99 MFprevious meeting19.10.25 SPURS 1-2 ASTON VILLAPREMIER LEAGUEWe took an early lead through Rodrigo Bentancur in our October clash with the Villans, but Morgan Rogers hit a superb equaliser before half-time. And with both sides going close in the second period, substitute Emiliano Buendia had the final say, firing into the bottom corner in the 77th minute.
BURNLEYOPPOSITIONBURNLEYOPPOSITIONASTON VILLAOPPOSITIONBURNLEYOPPOSITIONBURNLEYOPPOSITIONTHFC4 5JADON SANCHO25.03.00 FWOLLIE WATKINS30.12.95 FWPETER WITHEFORWARDMalen joined Aston Villa from Borussia Dortmund this time a year ago, having scored 39 goals and notched 20 assists in 132 appearances for the German club. He has more than 40 caps for his country since making his international debut in 2019.DONYELL MALEN19.01.99NATIONALITY: DUTCHPOSTITION: FWDWIGHT YORKEFORWARDTrinidadian striker Dwight Yorke lit up Villa Park with his flair, scoring 98 goals in 287 apperaences in claret and blue. Meanwhile Peter Withe scored arguably the most famous goal in the club’s history, netting the winner in the 1982 European Cup final.LEGENDpast greatsEVANN GUESSAND01.07.01 FW
4 6THFCJohn Chambers looks back at previous FA Cup ties with Aston Villa and picks out Spurs players who have produced heroics and those opponents who have been a thorn in our side!The clubs on view today enjoy a rich FA Cup pedigree, with 15 FA Cup victories between them. Villa were early pioneers of Charles Alcock’s new tournament, securing a hat-trick of wins before we entered the prestigious honours list in 1901. Our second victory was achieved in 1921 after Villa had added another three, taking their total to an impressive record six at the time. Disappointingly for Villa, they have only managed one more victory, in 1957, leading to us overtaking them with six more successes in the 1960s, 1980s and 1991.Today is the 13th occasion we’ve been paired together with us progressing seven times. Our FA Cup omens have fared well when we’ve overcome Villa, with four of our eight triumphs coming after defeating the Villans along the way. Described as the ‘Long Ago’ by editor Leslie Yates in the 1969 FA Cup programme versus Villa, our first two ties arrived in the early 20th Century when a solitary John ‘Bristol’ Jones goal in 1904 gained revenge for the 2-3 defeat the previous year despite Vivian Woodward and David Copeland netting. Jones actually hailed not far from Aston…born in West Bromwich, his nickname arose from his tenure at Bristol Rovers, and to distinguish him from our legendary captain and team-mate John Leonard Jones. Tragically, ‘Bristol’ Jones passed away from typhoid just a few months later.A similar situation arose in the early 1920s when Tommy Clay’s unfortunate own goal saw him go from villain to hero in the space of a year. We dominated the 1920 quarter-final tie at White Hart Lane but couldn’t beat goalkeeper Sam Hardy, leaving Clay’s early miscued clearance, that skidded off his boot past Bill Jacques in our goal, as the decisive moment. Villa won the trophy with a victory over Huddersfield Town at Stamford Bridge. Clay, who the press described as “One of England’s most classical right-backs of all-time,” was distraught, however, sought solace next year when a Jimmy Banks strike reversed the result in the 1921 quarter-final. This time it was our turn for Cup glory with Clay excelling in the final versus Wolves.Having been humbled by Division Two strugglers Crystal Palace in the 1924 FA Cup, our adventure was over for another season, however, Villa progressed to only the second final at the newly-built Wembley Stadium. Despite boasting England’s premier striker, Billy Walker, who scored England’s first ever national stadium goal two weeks earlier, Villa lost to Newcastle United. However, you may not be aware of the tragic events that unfolded before the match when real heroes came to the fore. Cup Final day was marred by a terrible accident when two trains collided, leaving five fans dead and many more injured. But for the heroic efforts of milk van drivers and other passengers, who stretchered the injured to nearby Euston Station, many more people would have lost their lives. Welsh forward Dai Astley dashed our hopes of a third trophy in 1934 with a Round Five strike, as a one-goal margin win was becoming the FA Cup norm HEROES &TOMMY CLAY
47THFCbetween the sides. Despite boasting a brilliant undefeated Villa Park record throughout the 1950s, and winning 2-1 at the iconic venue seven days earlier, the doom mongers frowned when we both came out the velvet bag for another Round Five encounter in 1961. In the Cup, Villa Park had become a bogey ground for us after losing three consecutive semi-finals in 1948, 1953 and 1956. They needn’t have worried as Cliff Jones and a John Neal own goal lifted the curse. Our ‘Double’ side comfortably claimed our third Cup versus Leicester City before retaining the trophy. Villa fell at the quarter-final stage with Jones, and a hero for both sides, Danny Blanchflower, netting in a 2-0 win – captain Danny also converted a penalty in the 3-1 victory over Burnley in the final. Mike England and Jimmy Greaves’ brace ensured a trio of 1960s wins in an exciting five-goal thriller at White Hart Lane in 1969. When Steve Archibald and Garth Crooks arrived in 1980 many critics thought it would spell the end for prolific youth team striker Mark Falco, however, they hadn’t banked on his tenacity to see off competition like he’d done at junior level, winning the centre-forward battle with Kerry Dixon. Citing Greaves as his childhood hero, Falco’s love of the club encouraged him while the new dynamic forward line delivered 1981 FA Cup glory. VILLAINSHaving shocked Villa with two marvellous Wembley strikes in the shared Charity Shield, Falco partnered Crooks versus Arsenal, Leeds United and Villa during our 1982 FA Cup triumph. Arriving at N17 as league champions, and kings of Europe elect, the Round Five fixture was a tense affair. Missing the injured Archibald, Falco’s back post header from Crooks’ left-wing centre proved crucial. Over the next few years, local hero Falco became our number one striker, netting a crucial penalty in the 1984 UEFA Cup Final and top scoring in two consecutive seasons.Living up to their Villans nickname, Villa ended our FA Cup defence in 1992 before it really got started. After gaining a decent goalless draw at Villa Park in Round Three, we were outplayed in N17 by a very talented side when Dwight Yorke bundled home a corner after Erik Thorstvedt was deceived by Paul McGrath’s near post flick. We have both traded wins in more recent times with Heung-Min Son - and Ben Davies’ first Tottenham goal - securing safe passage at N17 to Round Four in 2017. Morgan Rogers and Jacob Ramsey strikes at Villa Park atoned for that defeat despite Mathys Tel netting a stoppage time consolation last season. DANNY BLANCHFLOWERMARK FALCO
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THFCIn each matchday programme, we speak to a former Spurs player to look back at their career and get their thoughts on current events in N17. The series continues this evening as we catch up with Gary Mabbutt.ary Mabbutt was the last Tottenham Hotspur captain to experience the joy of lifting the FA Cup.Following our 2-1 extra-time triumph over Nottingham Forest in the final of 18 May, 1991, ‘Mabbsy’ climbed the famed 39 steps at the original Wembley Stadium and held the trophy aloft to the delight of our supporters amongst the 80,000 crowd that afternoon.“To be the captain of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, going up to lift the FA Cup when we’d won it for a then-record eighth time – in the world’s oldest cup competition… that was an immensely proud moment,” says Mabbutt, who stands second on our all-time appearance list having played 611 matches for us between 1982 and 1998. “The moment when you’re handed the trophy, you hold it aloft and share that moment with your fans... it’s just incredible. I think the smile on my face when you look at photographs or video clips of that moment sums it all up.”Mabbutt, who also won the UEFA Cup during his 16 years as a Spurs player, is one of our longest serving employees with 2026 marking our current Global Club Ambassador’s 44th year of service. To go right back to the start of your long association with Tottenham Hotspur first of all, how did you come to join us from Bristol Rovers back in 1982?It was all down to a certain gentleman called Bill Nicholson!I was at Bristol Rovers for five years when my contract was up. Freedom of contract had only just come into the game at that stage and it was different to today with agents etc. If you wanted to join another club, you’d have to hand write a Gary MabbuttOnce a Spur Always a SpurG
5 0THFCletter to a club or a manager, saying you were available at the end of your contract etc. I wrote to every single First Division club at that point. I only got two replies – interestingly given today’s game, one of those came from Aston Villa. They responded saying they weren’t even in the position to offer me a trial. My other response came from Birmingham City, who were managed by Ron Saunders at the time. Having gone to the ground to meet Ron, I was actually expecting to speak to him over the phone to discuss a contract the following day. But when I answered the phone, Bill Nicholson was on the line. Bill told me that he’d watched me play for the England Youth team and for Bristol Rovers. He said ‘I think you have the potential to be a Spurs player… do you want to come and have a chat?’ So, I went to London the following day, met with Bill, who took me to the stadium and the training ground to meet with Keith Burkinshaw. Bill and Keith impressed upon me the team of super stars I had the possibility to join. They also insisted, with me being 20 years of age at the time, that they’d give me two or three years to really develop into a Spurs player and then hopefully, I’d get the opportunity. As it was, through injuries, I got into the first team for a pre-season friendly just 10 days after joining Spurs, then I played the first league game of the season against Luton and pretty much all the other games that season and I obviously ended up staying at the club for 16 years as a player! Your first trophy success at Spurs came in the shape of the UEFA Cup back in 1984. What are the memories that spring to mind from that campaign for you?What I’ll never forget is the atmosphere at White Hart Lane for the second leg of the final against Anderlecht. There wasn’t much between ourselves and Anderlecht and the game obviously ended up going to penalties. I think it was the supporters who won that trophy. Danny Thomas went up to take a penalty, with the chance to win the UEFA Cup if he scored. His penalty was saved but as he stood on the penalty spot with his head in his hands and then turned to walk back to the halfway line, the fans started singing ‘there’s only one Danny Thomas’. Every single player knew in that moment, if they missed their penalty, the fans still loved them. That moment lifted everyone’s spirits and after that, Tony Parks saved the next penalty for us to win.Your first experience of playing in an FA Cup Final came in 1986/87. A season in which we finished third in the old First Division and also reached the League Cup semi-finals. How disappointing was it to ultimately miss out on silverware that season?It was the ‘almost but not quite season’. We deserved to win at least one competition that season I felt… we were absolutely fantastic. We had a fantastic squad of players and the football we were playing was brilliant – often outplaying teams and scoring goals for fun. It was the season when Clive Allen got 49 goals and if you ask Clive, he’ll probably tell you he could have scored even more given the chances that were being created for him. We faced a good Coventry team in the FA Cup Final. We went 1-0 up early in the final, then they equalised but we went in 2-1 up at half-time after I scored. I can remember looking up at the scoreboard as we headed for the dressing room in my first final at Wembley which read ‘Tottenham 2 Coventry 1’. Little did I know what was about to happen. Keith Houchen equalised for Coventry in the second half with a diving header and then, in extra-time, I attempted to block a cross from Lloyd McGrath. I reckon 99 times out of a hundred, the ball would go behind for a corner, drop to one of my teammates to clear or end up in the hands of Ray Clemence. But on this occasion, it hit the top of my knee and looped over Ray. We reached the FA Cup Final once again in 1991. What do you remember of our road to Wembley that year?It was an incredible run. I’ll always remember gale force winds at Blackpool in the third round. That was a game that could have gone either way, but fortunately Paul Stewart got our winner against his former club. I scored in the 4-2 win over Oxford in the fourth round and then Gazza scored twice when we won 2-1 at Portsmouth in the fifth round. And he scored again when we beat Notts County 2-1 in the quarter-final at White Hart Lane. While it’s not possible for one player to take you to a cup final, Paul Gascoigne came pretty close to doing that. I’ve never seen a player be as