When Nayim nailed City

Our former midfielder Nayim was proud to represent our past when he played for our Legends team at our new stadium recently. And the man from Morocco is convinced that the future at Tottenham is now something special.

Nayim’s return from his base in Spain to play against Inter saw him simply blown away by the facilities at our new home and he instantly sensed a real essence of White Hart Lane running throughout those top class-facilities.

“It was an honour just to be there,” he smiled. “The facilities are simply superb. To my mind it is already the best stadium in world football.

“Everything you need has been thought of and provided. Indeed, it’s all very special already and will get even better. And it goes way beyond the top-class internal facilities. The pitch is also exceptional. It invites you to play football.

“And how do you create an atmosphere? Well they have already done it at Spurs.

“You could just sense that the supporters were already at home. In a real Spurs environment. Making that so is a true achievement because it goes way beyond mere bricks and mortar.”

Nayim admits that he can’t wait for Manchester City’s visit in Tuesday’s Champions League clash. And that’s when he expects the vibe throughout stadium to go up another notch following Wednesday’s opening celebrations against Crystal Palace.

“I watch the Premier League all the time from home and, although my full concentration is on my beloved Spurs, I am well aware of what a great side City are,” he added. “So, I can’t wait for Tuesday. The atmosphere will be something special for what is a mouth-watering contest between two unbelievable teams.

“This Spurs side is very, very good. And it will progress and evolve. The whole club now has an amazing future on and off the field. Everything is in place with the training centre, the stadium and a squad of true potential, style and potency. I predict special days ahead.”

Thoughts of City take Nayim’s mind straight back to season 1992-93 when we played the then Maine Road side four times. Three of the games were away, we won the lot - and Nayim scored a hat-trick in one.

We knocked them out of the League Cup first by the only goal, then produced the same scoreline up there in the league and beat City 4-2 back in Manchester in the FA Cup quarter finals when Nayim bagged his trio. He was also on target when we won the league return 3-1 at the Lane.

“Yes, I really recall that season very well,” said Nayim who appeared in all four City games. “I used to love playing against Manchester City and always seemed to do well in those matches.

“They were good open contests with both sides attacking and that really suited my game.

“My hat-trick? Well I couldn’t believe it myself! And I still can’t! It was a dream come true and probably the only one I’ve ever scored - at any level!

“I had a wonderful time with Spurs. The best of times. Great days with great players. And always as one with the fans. We were a team together. You sense that’s the same with the current side.”