Stephen's pride at dad Ray's induction

Ray Clemence has received a glowing tribute from his son, former midfielder Stephen, ahead of the legendary goalkeeper’s induction into our Hall of Fame.

Having won a hatful of honours with Liverpool between 1967 and 1981 – five league titles, the FA Cup, League Cup, three European Cups and two UEFA Cups – Ray transferred to White Hart Lane and continued his impressive career with a further 330 appearances in our colours.

He helped us retain the FA Cup in 1982, a season in which we were also League Cup finalists, and served us with distinction until injury finally brought his playing days to a close in 1987.

Ray’s son Stephen was three years old when the Skegness-born stopper came to North London.

Having himself gone on to play 109 games as part of our midfield between 1997 and 2003, Clemence Junior knows what it means to play for Spurs and, ahead of his father’s addition to our Hall of Fame – his induction takes place this Thursday, November 20, at the Lane – the 36-year-old says he’s delighted at the recognition being afforded to one of football’s all-time great goalkeepers.

“I’ve always been proud of my dad and I’ve understood, especially more as I’ve got older and having played the game myself, that what he achieved in the game is quite incredible,” said Stephen, currently on the coaching staff at Hull City under Steve Bruce.

“To be thought of in such high regard that not only Tottenham but another great football club in Liverpool recognise him shows you what a good goalkeeper he was.

“There are not too many football players around who are held in such high esteem by two wonderful clubs.”

As the son of such a talented goalkeeper, Stephen was naturally a big football fan from a young age and grew up following Spurs.

He quickly became aware of his dad’s footballing pedigree, and is proud to see him join a host of celebrated names in our Hall of Fame.

“I always knew my dad was a very well-known person,” he continued. “When I was a young boy there were always people coming up asking for my dad’s autograph, but that just became part of mine and my sister’s lives and that was normality.

“I think the older you get you realise what he achieved was absolutely unbelievable and having grown up myself supporting Tottenham and seen all the names around the ground and the pictures on the walls of people like Glenn Hoddle, Ossie Ardiles and all these wonderful players... for my dad to be inducted into the Hall of Fame with them is great.

“I know my dad is extremely honoured and he should be – it’s a great achievement and we’re really proud of him as a family.”