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2024-11-02 11:56:01

Tottenham Hotspur F.C.

English football club
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
English football club

Tottenham Hotspur F.C. competes in the Premier League at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Founded in 1882, they have a rich history of domestic and European success, including winning multiple league titles and FA Cups. The club has a fierce rivalry with Arsenal and is owned by ENIC Group.

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Harry Kane Becomes Top Goal Scorer for Spurs

Harry Kane holds the club goal scoring record for Tottenham Hotspur with 280 goals scored, solidifying his place in the club's history.

1881
Tottenham Hotspur FC Founded

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club was founded in 1882.

1882-08-30
First Match Against Radicals

Tottenham Hotspur F.C. played their first match against Radicals and lost by two goals on 30th August 1882.

1882-09-05
Formation of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club was formed on September 5, 1882 by a group of schoolboys led by Bobby Buckle. Originally named Hotspur Football Club, it was later renamed to Tottenham Hotspur Football Club in April 1884.

1882-09-30
First recorded match against Radicals

Tottenham Hotspur played their first recorded match on 30 September 1882 against a local team named the Radicals, which they lost 2-0.

1883-10-06
First Spurs game at Tottenham Marshes

Tottenham played their first reported game at Tottenham Marshes against Brownlow Rovers, winning 9-0. This marked the beginning of the club's presence in the football scene.

1884-04
Renaming to Tottenham Hotspur Football Club

In April 1884, Hotspur Football Club was renamed to Tottenham Hotspur Football Club to avoid confusion with another London club named Hotspur. The team had been referred to as 'Spurs' in press reports since 1883.

1885-10-17
Spurs' First Competitive Match Against St Albans

On October 17, 1885, Tottenham Hotspur played their first ever competitive match against St Albans in the London Association Cup, winning 5-2. This marked the beginning of a successful cup tradition for the club.

1887-11-19
First Meeting with Arsenal

The first meeting between Tottenham and Arsenal took place on November 19th, 1887. The match ended with controversy as Arsenal, then known as Royal Arsenal, were losing 2-1 and the game was abandoned 15 minutes before full time due to their complaints. This event marked the beginning of the historic rivalry between the two clubs.

1888-10-13
First game at Northumberland Park

Tottenham played their first game at Northumberland Park on 13 October 1888, where spectators were charged admission fees for the first time. This marked a significant step in the club's financial development.

1890
Kit Change to Red

In 1890, Tottenham Hotspur underwent a kit change, switching their shirts to red. This change was considered controversial and almost sacrilegious by some fans.

1892
Formation of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club was established in 1892.

1893-10
Payne Boots Affair

In October 1893, Tottenham Hotspur got involved in the Payne Boots Affair where they were accused of professionalism breaching amateur rules after providing a player with boots, resulting in suspension and elimination from the FA Amateur Cup.

1895-12-16
Adoption of Professionalism by Spurs

On 16th December 1895, Tottenham Hotspur adopted professionalism, marking a significant milestone in the club's history. This decision paved the way for future successes and developments within the team.

1895-12-20
Tottenham Hotspur turns professional

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club turned professional on December 20, 1895. This marked a significant step in the club's history as they aimed to compete at a higher level in the footballing world.

1896
First Cup Final for Tottenham Hotspur

In 1896, Tottenham Hotspur reached their first Cup Final, marking a significant achievement in the club's history. Despite losing to Wellingborough in the local Charity cup competition, this event laid the foundation for future successes.

1897
First cup final for Spurs

In 1897, Tottenham Hotspur reached their first cup final but unfortunately lost 2-0 to Wellingborough in a local charity cup.

1898-03-02
Tottenham Hotspur F.C. becomes a limited company

Tottenham Hotspur F.C. transitioned into a limited company, the Tottenham Hotspur Football and Athletic Company Ltd, on March 2, 1898. This move was aimed at raising funds for the club and reducing the personal liability of its members.

1898-03-14
Appointment of Frank Brettell as first manager

On 14 March 1898, Frank Brettell was appointed as the first manager of Spurs, leading to significant player signings and successes in the following years.

1899-09-04
First game at White Hart Lane against Notts County

The first game at White Hart Lane was a friendly against Notts County on 4 September 1899, which Spurs won 4-1.

1901-04-27
Tottenham wins the FA Cup

Tottenham Hotspur won the 1901 FA Cup after defeating Sheffield United in a replay match at Burnden Park. This victory made Spurs the only non-League club to achieve this feat since the formation of the Football League in 1888.

1902
Record 15 Goals in Finals

Tottenham Hotspur set a record by scoring 15 goals overall in the finals, a remarkable achievement that is unlikely to be surpassed.

1905
Purchase of freehold to White Hart Lane land

In 1905, Tottenham raised enough funds to buy the freehold to the White Hart Lane land, securing a permanent home for the club. This marked a significant milestone in the club's history.

1905-06
Tottenham Hotspur vs Grimsby Town

Tottenham Hotspur played against Grimsby Town during the 1905-06 season.

1906
Tottenham's Victory in Baseball Championships

Tottenham emerged victorious in the Baseball Championships in 1906 and 1908, demonstrating their excellence in other sports.

1908
Tottenham's Promotion to First Division

In 1908, Tottenham became a member of the Football League and quickly rose to the first division in their inaugural season, showcasing their rapid progress in English football.

1908-09
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs 3

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR played against team '3' in the 1908-09 season resulting in a draw.

1909
Spurs' First League Match Victory

In 1909, Tottenham Hotspur won their first ever league match 3-0 against Wolves, finishing runners up and gaining promotion to the First Division in their first attempt.

1910
First FA Cup Win Outside Football League

Tottenham was the first team not in the Football League to win the FA Cup in 1910.

1913
Arsenal-Tottenham Rivalry Begins

The rivalry between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur began in 1913 when Arsenal moved to Arsenal Stadium, intensifying in 1919 when Arsenal were promoted to the First Division, a place Tottenham believed should have been theirs.

1915
Tottenham Hotspur Relegation to Second Division

In 1915, Tottenham Hotspur was relegated to the Second Division after finishing 20th in the league. It was later revealed that Arsenal had allegedly bribed the Football Association, leading to Spurs' relegation.

1919
Arsenal replaces Spurs in the first division

In 1919, Arsenal was given Tottenham Hotspur's place in the first division. Interestingly, on the same day, the ship's pet parrot, presented to the club by the captain, died after ten years of surviving happily at the club.

1920
Spurs Winning First League Championship

In 1920, Tottenham Hotspur won their first league championship by storming to the second division title with a record 70 points. This achievement overshadowed the shenanigans surrounding Arsenal's first division status.

1921-04-23
Tottenham wins FA Cup final

In the FA Cup final at Stamford Bridge, Tottenham Hotspur beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 with 20-year-old Jimmy Dimmock scoring the winning goal. This victory marked Spurs' second FA Cup final win.

1922
Tottenham Hotspur FC Second-Place Finish in League Final

In 1922, Tottenham Hotspur FC achieved a second-place finish against Liverpool in the league final.

1925
Grimsdell breaks leg affecting Tottenham's league position

In 1925, Tottenham Hotspur's league position was affected when key player Grimsdell broke his leg. The team, which was in first place for a while, dropped down the table due to this setback.

1927-02
McWilliam leaves Tottenham for Middlesbrough

In February 1927, McWilliam left Tottenham Hotspur to join Middlesbrough after the Tottenham board refused his request for a pay increase. His departure marked a significant change in the club's management.

1928
Tottenham Hotspur's Relegation to Second Division

In 1928, Tottenham Hotspur faced relegation to the Second Division after accumulating 38 points. This was a setback for the club in their league performance.

1929
Ted Harper joins Tottenham and sets goal-scoring record

In February 1929, Ted Harper joined Tottenham Hotspur and became a prolific goalscorer. His 36 league goals scored in the 1930-31 season remained a record until 1963.

1933
Tottenham Hotspur's Promotion to Division One

In 1933, Tottenham Hotspur achieved promotion to Division One as the runners-up of Division Two. This marked a successful comeback for the club in the league.

1934
Building of the East Stand

In 1934, the East Stand of the stadium was completed.

1935
Tottenham struggles in FA Cup quarter-finals

In the 1930s, Tottenham Hotspur failed to advance beyond the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, reaching that stage three years in a row from 1935 to 1938. Despite their lack of success, the club still attracted large crowds to matches.

1938-03-05
Record Home Attendance at White Hart Lane

The record home attendance at White Hart Lane was 75,038 during a cup tie against Sunderland.

1939
League football abandoned due to World War II

In September 1939, league football was abandoned after Neville Chamberlain declared war. Despite this, matches continued to be arranged and played during World War II, leading to a restructuring of competitions.

1940
Spurs win Regional League South 'C' during wartime

In 1940, Tottenham Hotspur won the Regional League South 'C' during the wartime competitions. This victory showcased the team's resilience and adaptability during challenging times.

1949
Arthur Rowe becomes manager of Tottenham Hotspur FC

In 1949, former Spurs player Arthur Rowe was hired as the manager of Tottenham Hotspur FC. He introduced a new 'push and run' style of play which led to new successes for the team, including bringing them out of relegation and back to the First Division.

1950-04
Arthur Rowe's Promotion to First Division

In the 1949-50 season, Arthur Rowe guided Tottenham Hotspur back to the First Division after finishing at the top of the Second Division.

1951
Football League Championship Win

In 1951, Tottenham Hotspur F.C. had one of the greatest seasons in their history as the push and run side claimed the Football League Championship for the first time.

1952
Purchase of Brookfield Lane training ground

Tottenham Hotspur bought an 11-acre training ground at Brookfield Lane in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, which was previously used by Cheshunt F.C. for £35,000 in 1952. The ground had three pitches and a small stadium with a stand for junior team matches.

1954
Danny Blanchflower signed for Tottenham

In 1954, Tottenham signed Danny Blanchflower for a club record fee. Blanchflower went on to become the captain of the team and won the FWA Footballer of the Year award twice during his time at Tottenham.

1955-04
Arthur Rowe's Resignation

Due to a stress-induced illness, Arthur Rowe resigned as manager of Tottenham Hotspur in April 1955.

1956
Redesign of Tottenham Hotspur's Logo

In 1956, Tottenham Hotspur's logo was redesigned with more elements added to it, deviating from the simplistic design approach.

1957
Tottenham Hotspur Club Shield Creation

In 1957, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club created their club shield to commemorate their 75th anniversary. The shield represents the environment of the club, featuring Bruce Castle and the seven trees planted by the seven sisters of Tottenham.

1958-10
Bill Nicholson Becomes Manager

Bill Nicholson took over as manager of Tottenham Hotspur in October 1958, becoming the most successful manager in the club's history.

1960-02-03
Tottenham's Record Cup Victory

Tottenham's record cup victory was a 13–2 win over Crewe Alexandra in the FA Cup.

1961-04-17
Tottenham's Double Victory

Tottenham Hotspur achieved the Double in the 1960-61 season by winning both the league title and the FA Cup under manager Bill Nicholson.

1962
FA Cup Victory

Under the guidance of Bill Nicholson, Tottenham Hotspur emerged victorious in the FA Cup in 1962. This win further solidified the club's dominance in English football.

1963-05-15
Tottenham wins the European Cup Winners' Cup

On May 15, 1963, Tottenham won the European Cup Winners' Cup by defeating Atlético Madrid in the final. This victory marked Tottenham as the first British team to win a European trophy, solidifying their place in football history.

1964
John White Tragically Killed by Lightning

In the summer of 1964, John White, a player for Tottenham Hotspur, was tragically killed by lightning on a golf course.

1967
Tottenham Hotspur wins the FA Cup for the fifth time

In 1967, Tottenham Hotspur secured their fifth FA Cup victory by defeating Chelsea 2-1 in the final.

1969
Steve Perryman Sets Appearance Record for Spurs

Steve Perryman holds the appearance record for Tottenham Hotspur, having played 854 games for the club between 1969 and 1986, making a significant impact on the team.

1971
League Cup Victory

Under Bill Nicholson's leadership, Tottenham Hotspur secured the League Cup in 1971. This triumph added to the club's silverware collection and highlighted their competitiveness in cup competitions.

1972
UEFA Cup Triumph

In 1972, Tottenham Hotspur, under the management of Bill Nicholson, clinched the inaugural UEFA Cup. This victory marked a significant achievement in European football for the club.

1973
League Cup Victory

Tottenham Hotspur, guided by Bill Nicholson, triumphed in the League Cup in 1973. This success further solidified the club's reputation as a force to be reckoned with in English football.

1974-05
Tottenham's First Final Defeat in European Competition

Tottenham Hotspur lost 2-4 to Feyenoord in the two-legged final, marking their first final defeat in a major European competition. The Spurs fans rioted in the Dutch stadium, leaving a lasting reputation on the continent.

1976
Resignation of the manager in 1976

In 1976, the manager resigned due to various factors including the way transfers were conducted and the performance of big name players. This led to a change in leadership at the club.

1977-10-22
Tottenham's Record League Win

Tottenham achieved their record league win with a 9–0 victory against Bristol Rovers in the Second Division.

1978
Ricky Villa and Osvaldo Ardiles transferred to Spurs

In 1978, Ricky Villa and Osvaldo Ardiles, members of the 1978 World Cup winning Argentina squad, were transferred to Spurs. This transfer was significant not only due to the players' quality but also because it marked the end of a 50-year ban on foreign players in English football.

1980
Demolition of Old West Stand

In 1980, the Old West Stand was demolished to make way for a new modern structure.

1981-05-01
FA Cup Victory

Under the managership of Keith Burkinshaw, Tottenham Hotspur FC won the FA Cup in 1981.

1981-05-14
Ricky Villa's FA Cup Final Goal

Ricky Villa, along with his teammate from South America, was eager to play in the FA Cup Final at Wembley. After being substituted in the first game, he scored a crucial goal in the replay match, leading Tottenham to a famous victory.

1982-05-01
FA Cup Victory

Tottenham Hotspur FC, led by Keith Burkinshaw, secured victory in the FA Cup in 1982.

1983
Tottenham Hotspur becomes first football club to float shares on London Stock Exchange

In 1983, Tottenham Hotspur made history by becoming the first football club to float shares on the London Stock Exchange.

1984-06
Peter Shreeves succeeds Burkinshaw as Tottenham manager

In June 1984, Peter Shreeves took over as the manager of Tottenham Hotspur after succeeding Burkinshaw. This marked a transition in the leadership of the football club.

1986
Steve Perryman leaves Tottenham Hotspur

In 1986, Steve Perryman, a Spurs great who had made 655 league appearances for Tottenham, left the club to join Oxford United.

1987
Tottenham Hotspur reaches FA Cup Final

In 1987, under the management of David Pleat, Tottenham Hotspur reached their eighth FA Cup Final, where they faced Coventry City and lost 3-2 after extra time.

1988-06
Terry Venables signs Paul Gascoigne for Tottenham

In June 1988, Terry Venables made a significant signing for Tottenham Hotspur by acquiring midfielder Paul Gascoigne from Newcastle for a national record fee of £2 million. This transfer aimed to strengthen the team's midfield.

1989
Refurbishment of East Stand at White Hart Lane

The East Stand at Tottenham Hotspur FC's White Hart Lane stadium underwent refurbishment in 1989.

1990
Tottenham's Final FA Cup Victory

Tottenham claimed their final FA Cup victory in 1990.

1991-04-14
Tottenham Hotspur beats Arsenal 3-1 in the North London Cup

On April 14, 1991, Tottenham Hotspur defeated Arsenal 3-1 in the unofficial North London Cup, with Gazza scoring a memorable free kick.

1992
Founders of the new FA Premier League

In 1992, Tottenham Hotspur became one of the founding members of the new FA Premier League.

1993
Terry Venables controversially dismissed from Tottenham board by Alan Sugar

In May 1993, Terry Venables was controversially dismissed from the Tottenham board by Alan Sugar, leading to a legal battle. This event marked a turbulent period in the club's management and ownership.

1994-06
Financial Irregularities Investigation

Tottenham Hotspur came under investigation for financial irregularities alleged to have taken place in the 1980s. The club was found guilty of making illegal payments to players, resulting in a fine, points deduction, and FA Cup ban.

1994-08
Debut of the 'Famous Five'

Tottenham Hotspur's first team, including players like Jürgen Klinsmann and Teddy Sheringham, played their debut match in the 1994–95 season against Sheffield Wednesday. The team was dubbed the 'Famous Five' and won the match 4–3.

1994-10
Dismissal of Osvaldo Ardiles

After a series of defeats and a 3–0 loss in the League Cup, Osvaldo Ardiles was dismissed as the manager of Tottenham Hotspur. The team was struggling just above the relegation zone at that time.

1995-07-22
Tottenham's Record Defeat

Tottenham's record defeat was an 8–0 loss to 1. FC Köln in the Intertoto Cup.

1996-09
Opening of Spurs Lodge at Luxborough Lane

In September 1996, Tottenham Hotspur opened the Spurs Lodge training ground on Luxborough Lane, Chigwell in Essex. The training ground and press center were used until 2014.

1997
Record signing of Les Ferdinand

In 1997, Tottenham Hotspur made a record signing by acquiring Les Ferdinand from Newcastle United for £6 million.

1998-12
Return of Jürgen Klinsmann

Jürgen Klinsmann returned to Tottenham Hotspur in December on loan. His performance, including scoring four goals in a crucial win against Wimbledon, helped secure the team's survival in the 1997–98 season.

1999
League Cup Victory

In 1999, Tottenham Hotspur won the League Cup for the third time with a dramatic last-minute goal by Allan Nielsen against Leicester City.

2000
ENIC takeover and managerial changes at Tottenham Hotspur

In 2000, Sir Alan Sugar sold his majority shareholding of Tottenham Hotspur to ENIC, an investment company. ENIC then dismissed George Graham as manager and appointed Glenn Hoddle as the new boss, just before an FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal.

2001-02
Alan Sugar sells shares to ENIC International Ltd

In February 2001, Alan Sugar sold the major part of his shareholding in Tottenham Hotspur F.C. to ENIC International Ltd. This transaction marked a shift in ownership and shareholding within the club.

2003
Dismissal of Glenn Hoddle

After a poor start to the 2003–04 season and public criticism from players, Glenn Hoddle was sacked as the manager of Tottenham Hotspur. David Pleat took over as caretaker manager once again.

2004-06
Jacques Santini appointed as head coach of Tottenham

In June 2004, Jacques Santini was appointed as the head coach of Tottenham Hotspur, with Martin Jol as his assistant and Frank Arnesen as sporting director.

2004-09
Jacques Santini appointed as manager for Spurs

Jacques Santini was hired as the manager but left shortly after.

2004-11
Martin Jol replaces Jacques Santini as manager

Martin Jol took over as the manager after Jacques Santini's departure.

2005-06
Damien Comolli appointed as sporting director of Tottenham

In June 2005, Damien Comolli was appointed as the sporting director of Tottenham Hotspur after Frank Arnesen moved to Chelsea.

2006-07
Tottenham finishes fifth in the Premier League for the second consecutive year

In the 2006-07 season, Tottenham Hotspur finished fifth in the Premier League for the second year in a row.

2007-11
Tottenham Hotspur's 4th Position in Premier League

In November of the 2007 season, Tottenham Hotspur held the 4th position in the Premier League. However, despite losing to West Ham and dropping to 5th place, they secured the highest Premier League finish, guaranteeing a return to the UEFA Cup next season.

2008-10-25
Harry Redknapp appointed as Tottenham manager

On October 25, 2008, Harry Redknapp was appointed as the manager of Tottenham Hotspur, taking over from Juande Ramos.

2009-11-22
Spurs' Biggest Top-Flight Victory

Tottenham achieved their biggest top-flight victory against Wigan Athletic with a 9–1 win, where Jermain Defoe scored five goals.

2010
Tottenham Hotspur's Champions League journey

Tottenham Hotspur makes a remarkable impact in the Champions League by defeating top teams like Inter Milan and AC Milan, with Gareth Bale shining with outstanding performances, although their run ends in the quarter finals against Real Madrid.

2012-01
Tottenham Hotspur F.C. delists shares from the stock market

In January 2012, Tottenham Hotspur F.C. confirmed that the club had delisted its shares from the stock market, transitioning into private ownership. This move altered the club's financial structure and ownership model.

2013-12-16
Gareth Bale scores in final match for Tottenham before moving to Real Madrid

In the final match of the 2012-13 season, Gareth Bale scored for Tottenham Hotspur before his transfer to Real Madrid for a then world record fee.

2014-05-13
Tim Sherwood sacked as Tottenham manager

On May 13, 2014, Tim Sherwood was sacked as the manager of Tottenham Hotspur after leading the team to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League.

2014-05-27
Mauricio Pochettino appointed as Tottenham manager

On May 27, 2014, Mauricio Pochettino was appointed as the manager of Tottenham Hotspur on a five-year contract.

2015
Initiation of New Stadium Construction

Construction of a new stadium adjacent to White Hart Lane was started in 2015, with a seating capacity of 62,062, significantly larger than the old White Hart Lane.

2016-11-02
Highest Recorded Home Attendance at Wembley Stadium

The highest recorded home attendance at Wembley Stadium was 85,512 spectators during the 2016–17 UEFA Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen.

2017-05-14
Last Game at White Hart Lane

Tottenham Hotspur played their final match at White Hart Lane, defeating Manchester United 2-1.

2018-02-10
Record attendance in the Premier League set by Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur holds the record for attendance in the Premier League, with 83,222 attending the North London derby on 10 February 2018.

2019-04-03
Opening of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

The new stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, was completed and opened on April 3, 2019. The first game at the stadium was a Premier League match against Crystal Palace, which Tottenham won 2-0.

2020-03
Football suspended due to COVID-19

All football activities were suspended for three months from March to June 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020-09
Gareth Bale rejoins the Club on loan

Gareth Bale rejoined the club on loan from Real Madrid in September 2020.

2021-04-19
José Mourinho Dismissal

José Mourinho was dismissed as the coach of Tottenham on April 19, 2021, just before the League Cup final. He was replaced by Ryan Mason for the remainder of the season.

2022-04
Ryan Mason becomes Interim Head Coach of Tottenham Hotspur

In April 2022, Ryan Mason takes over as the Interim Head Coach of Tottenham Hotspur, replacing Jose Mourinho. The team reaches the League Cup Final and finishes seventh in the Premier League, securing qualification for European competition. Fans also return to the stadiums in May.

2022-05
Tottenham Hotspur qualifies for Champions League

A strong finish to the 2021/22 season sees Tottenham Hotspur qualify for the Champions League once again in May 2022, securing a prestigious spot in the elite European competition.

2022-07
Nuno Espirito Santo appointed as Head Coach of Tottenham Hotspur

In July 2022, Nuno Espirito Santo is appointed as the Head Coach of Tottenham Hotspur. However, he departs from the position in November of the same year.

End of the Timeline
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
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