New stadium evokes memories of 'biggest challenge' for Toda

Call it footballing fate. A visitor from Japan bumped into his former manager for the first time in 16 years when their paths crossed in Tottenham. The visitor – Kazuyuki Toda. The manager – Glenn Hoddle.

Part of Japan’s run to the knockout stage of 2002 World Cup, ‘Kazu’ joined us on loan from Shimizu S-Pulse in January, 2003. He’d played under Ossie Ardiles and Steve Perryman in Japan and was then under the management of another Spurs legend in Glenn.

A defensive midfielder, 26 at the time, this was Kazu’s dream.

“It was the biggest challenge in my life,” he told us as he looked around our new stadium in April, when he also caught up with Glenn. “I did my best. My ability was not enough, maybe, but I did my best. I played only four first team games for Spurs, but it is still so special for me.

“I was so excited when I knew Spurs were interested in signing me. It was a dream come true. I made as much effort as I could. I have no regrets, I did the best I could. I played with many world-class players – Robbie Keane, Gus Poyet, Jamie Redknapp, Darren Anderton. That was good for me as a footballer. I learned a lot in that time.”

After six unused appearances on the bench, Kazu made his debut as a substitute at home to Manchester City on Good Friday, 2003. Three days later, Easter Monday, his first start and a 3-2 win at West Brom.

Then the game he will always remember. His first start at the Lane was against champions-elect Manchester United and he lined-up against the fabled midfield of Beckham, Keane, Scholes and Giggs. Scholes and Ruud van Nistelrooy scored in the second half as Sir Alex Ferguson’s men moved five points clear that day. They went on to lift the title.

“Yes, I was a little nervous!” reflected Kazu. As he looked across the playing surface at the new stadium, you could almost sense him re-living the day in his mind. “My wife and my mother came to the stadium to watch.

“Manchester United were very strong, organised, many world-class players. I was not able to do well! Roy Keane was tough. I remember in the second half I did a big tackle on David Beckham. After that tackle, Roy Keane was staring at me. I remember that!”

Now 41, Kazu has started his coaching career. “I played for 18 years as a professional. After 30, I got many injuries. That was tough but until the last day as a professional, I gave everything and I always remembered this place.

“White Hart Lane was my dream, and now this. This stadium is beautiful, amazing. I feel at home here. White Hart Lane had a great history and I’m sure this stadium will make its own history.

“I really enjoyed my time at Spurs. My son was born here. My family enjoyed it. Sometimes my wife tells me she wants to come back to London!

“It was my dream, to come and play in the Premier League. When I was a child, there wasn’t a professional league in Japan. My dream was to play here. I actually did that, my dream came true. I wanted to stay longer, but I have no regrets.

“I have the top coaching licence in Japan. Last season I coached a university team. I’m waiting for a good opportunity over there. That’s my first step. One day, I’d love to come back to Europe or England as a coach. My new dream is still alive.”