‘A very special person and player’ – tributes to Maurice Norman

Some of Maurice Norman’s former team-mates have paid tribute to our legendary former defender following his passing on Sunday at the age of 88.

One of the all-time greats, Maurice was a key part of our fabled Double-winning team of 1961, making 411 appearances for us in total between 1955 and 1965 – a golden era under Bill Nicholson that also saw us retain the FA Cup in 1962 and become the first British team to triumph in Europe with our Cup Winners' Cup success in 1963.

Unfortunately, his career was ended prematurely in November, 1965, when he suffered a badly broken leg that forced him to retire from playing at the age of just 31.

Understandably, those who knew him have been full of praise for the magnificent former centre-half following the news of his passing...

Cliff Jones

Team-mate, 1958-1965
Fellow Double winner in 1961

“We called him ‘the gentle giant’ – he was a bit like the great John Charles, who I played with for Wales. Maurice always had a smile on his face, a happy-go-lucky lad, a very special person and player, and so important for our team. He was one terrific centre-half, and when we talk about that team, if you look down the spine, we were so strong with Bill Brown in goal, Maurice and then Bobby Smith up front. Bill Nicholson always said, ‘if you’ve got a strong spine, you’ve got a strong team’. My word, Maurice could play as well… I always believed you could stick him up front! He was a fitness fanatic too. It’s a sad, sad day – we’ve lost one of the greats, and such a lovely family as well.”

Terry Dyson

Team-mate, 1955-1965
Fellow Double winner in 1961

“Maurice was a key player in our team. He defended very, very well, and we needed him. His presence at the back was so important for us. He gave us everything. It’s also worth remembering that Maurice could play – he defended superbly but could pass the ball as well. He was so consistent and as I said, a key player for us. He got on with all the lads as well, a lovely fellow.”

Pat Jennings

Team-mate, 1964-1965

“Maurice was so important for me in my early days at the club. Playing with him and what he did for me and the likes of Cyril Knowles, I’ll never forget that. He really helped me a lot in my career. What a player! He had the height, the strength and you have to remember he was up against big centre-forwards in those days. Teams played with two wingers, crosses came into the box all the time and he dealt with all of that. Just as important, Maurice was a lovely fellow, a gentleman. We always exchanged Christmas cards. He’ll be sadly missed.”