Dave Mackay

We were saddened to hear of the death of our former captain Dave Mackay who passed away at the Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, on Monday evening (March 2). He was 80.

Dave was one of the most influential players of his era and was already an established Scotland international when he joined us from Hearts in March, 1959.

Mackay won all three Scottish domestic honours - and was also voted Scotland’s ‘Player of the Year’ - while with Hearts and was renowned for his fierce determination, enthusiasm, power, commitment and bravery.

He was a superb player who possessed all the technique, passing ability and talent to be the complete footballer.

He was the heart-beat of our 1961 ‘Double’ side, was then a key member of the team that retained the FA Cup the following season and, although injury kept him out of our 1963 European Cup Winners’ Cup final triumph, he had played a vital role in getting us there.

He formed a marvellous midfield combination with Danny Blanchflower and, when the Northern Ireland international left us in 1964, Mackay took over as Spurs captain and led us to another FA Cup triumph in 1967. He twice broke the same leg in our cause but, each time, came back stronger than ever.

Dave left us for Derby County in July, 1968, and was named joint ‘Footballer of the Year’ the following season, along with Tony Book.  He would return to Derby as manager and lead them to the League title in 1975.

George Best once described him as: “The hardest man I have ever played against – and certainly the bravest.”

Dave Mackay will certainly always be remembered here as one of our greatest ever players and a man who never failed to inspire those around him.

In short, a Spurs legend.

We extend our condolences to the Mackay family at this sad time.

A full obituary will appear shortly.