Obituary - Ralph Wetton

We were saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Ralph Wetton at the age of 89 on Friday, June 2. A half-back at the Club in the early 1950s, Ralph passed away at North Middlesex Hospital just four days short of his 90th birthday.

Born in Rowland Gill, County Durham, Ralph played for Dartford and Cheshunt before joining us as an amateur aged 21 in May, 1949.

He signed professional terms in August, 1950, as the Club's famous 'push and run' team under Arthur Rowe put together back-to-back titles, the Second Division championship in 1949-50 followed by winning the First Division championship for the first time in 1950-51.

A creative player, Ralph made his debut the following season, a 2-0 win against Aston Villa at White Hart Lane on October 20, 1951.

He went on to play 46 times for us in the league and FA Cup, providing cover for both Bill Nicholson and Ron Burgess, with his final match a north London derby against Arsenal at Highbury on September 4, 1954. He also featured in another 67 games for our reserve and 'A' teams.

Ralph joined Plymouth in June, 1955 and then Aldershot in November, 1956. He later played in non-league football for Eynesbury Rovers and Cheshunt again, where he was player/coach. He also had a spell in charge of Harlow Town.

Ralph's brother Albert was also at Spurs during 1950-51, but did not feature in the first team. He went on to play for Brighton and Crewe.

We extend our condolences to Ralph’s family and friends at this sad time.