Squadrophenia

PRICEY new players in pristine new kits. Summer tans topped up. Yes, it's time for the annual pre-season squad photo-shoot.

Article by Steve Johnstone

And what a picture! As we ride the latest wave of optimism towards a new season's shore, just imagine a 25-man squad made up of the best Spurs players down the years.

Set out in front of this wonderful gathering are the glittering prizes of the Premier League trophy, FA Cup and Champions League trophy. It was an okay season last time out. The squad did its job.

So here it is, the ultimate Spurs squad for Season 1961-2017.

Back row (left to right): Ledley King, Cyril Knowles, Mike England, Gareth Bale, Martin Chivers, Steve Perryman, Pat Jennings, Osvaldo Ardiles, Hugo Lloris, Paul Gascoigne, Jurgen Klinsmann, Glenn Hoddle, Gary Mabbutt, John White, Chris Waddle.

Front (l to r): Cliff Jones, David Ginola, Jimmy Greaves, Bill Nicholson (manager), Mauricio Pochettino (chief coach), Danny Blanchflower (captain), Keith Burkinshaw (assistant coach), Dave Mackay, Teddy Sheringham, Alan Gilzean, Luka Modric, Rafael van der Vaart, Graham Roberts.

That's just my quick pick from the memory bank of the last 50 or so years.

Choosing an all-time 25-man squad is in a way harder than selecting a fantasy XI, as the wider the net is cast beyond the obvious first team choices (Hoddle, Mackay, Greaves etc.), the more intriguing and possibly controversial the various options become.

You have to get the squad balance right, of course. There's plenty of flair and fancy footwork available, it being Spurs, but we also need our share of leaders, fighters, players who can come off the bench and make a difference, and those who can take over during the gruelling cup runs.

The squad above might seem a bit light on defensive numbers but, hey, we are going all out for goals and glory, the Spurs way. And Dave Mackay will play on with two broken legs, right!

As well as the lilywhite greats assembled above, who else might be in competition for your squad places?

How about goalkeepers Bill Brown, Erik Thorsvedt, Ray Clemence?

Defenders Ron Henry, Peter Baker, Toby Alderweireld, Maurice Norman, Phil Beal, Richard Gough, Chris Hughton, Kyle Walker, Sol Campbell?

Midfielders Martin Peters, Alan Mullery, Ricardo Villa, Tony Galvin, Micky Hazard, Mousa Dembele, Darren Anderton, Terry Dyson, Eric Dier, Ralph Coates, Dele Alli?

Strikers Bobby Smith, Clive Allen, Steve Archibald, Garth Crooks, Gary Lineker, Dimitar Berbatov, Robbie Keane, Jermaine Defoe, Harry Kane?

So many to choose from. It would certainly be great to see your suggestions.

Dream on.

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