Beckenbauer, Müller and Beal - a star-studded evening at the Lane

Back in 1973, soon to be European champions Bayern Munich came to town to help honour the career of Spurs legend, Phil Beal.

A versatile defender, Phil enjoyed an incredible 12 years in total playing in our famous Lilywhite. Beginning his career with us in 1963 in the glory, glory years under Bill Nicholson, the centre-half went on to make 420 appearances for us and win three major honours - two League Cups (1971 and 1973) plus the UEFA Cup in 1972 - before departing our doors in 1975.

But, before he departed, Phil was honoured by the Club as a testimonial was arranged and the opponents were the German giants FC Bayern, who came to town in December, 1973, for a once of exhibition game laden with stars of European football.

So ahead of our encounter with the Bavarian side this Saturday in the Visit Malta Cup, Andy Greeves reached out to Phil to reminisce about that star-studded night at White Hart Lane and for his thoughts on the challenge that awaits us this weekend.

Bayern Munich are obviously a special club for you, given that they provided the opposition for your testimonial match back in December 1973. Firstly, how was it decided that they would be the opponents?

Phil: "There was someone on my testimonial committee who used to arrange our team travel. It just so happens, he also used to arrange Bayern Munich’s travel too. He said ‘I can get Bayern Munich over’, so that’s how they came to be our opponents. It was quite an honour that Bayern accepted the invitation."

What memories spring to mind from the match?

Phil: "The disappointing thing on the day of the match was that there were numerous strikes – a petrol strike, an electricity strike and a strike on the Southern Regional Railway. We had to go ahead with the game as Bayern were already in London. So, one of the things we had to do was hire a generator to power the White Hart Lane floodlights!

The attendance was about 17,000, which was decent in the circumstances, with it so difficult for supporters to get to the game. The match itself was really good. Bayern brought their strongest squad, which was great for me and the supporters. It was played as if it was a European tie rather than a testimonial. Both teams going for it.

I have a photograph of myself, Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller before the match which brings brilliant memories of that occasion."

You mentioned the strength of Bayern’s squad. Can you talk us through some of the players in their side?

Phil: "Their squad was full of internationals… Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller, (Paul) Breitner, (Sepp) Maier and Uli Hoeness to name but a few!"

And what was it like playing against Franz Beckenbauer?

Phil: "I wasn’t overawed by any player during my career because it was a regular occurrence to be playing both with and against great players. I played against Pelé when I was in America, I played with and against George Best. But it goes without saying that Beckenbauer was an incredible player. He reminded me a lot of Bobby Moore in that he just made the game look easy. What a player he was.

I remember being very impressed with Gerd Müller during the game – someone who got so many goals for Germany and Bayern. He was some player.

After my testimonial, I actually got the chance to play against Beckenbauer again when I was playing in the States and he was with New York Cosmos."

In your testimonial, John Pratt and Alan Gilzean got our goals in a 2-2 draw. What were John and ‘Gilly’ like as team-mates?

Phil: "Pratty was a good player. He was a tireless worker and was a very important player for us. I sometimes think his efforts went a bit unnoticed - but not to his team-mates I hasten to add.

Alan Gilzean was the best player I’ve ever seen in terms of flicking on the ball in the air. His flick-ons were so accurate. He was a great goalscorer as we know. For many years after we’d retired from playing, I used to pick Gilly up from his home in Weston-super-Mare en route to Spurs from my home near Taunton. We’d both work at the ground on matchdays and then I’d drop him home on the way back as Gilly didn’t drive. He was a wonderful character and he is sorely missed."

You can read more from Phil, including his thoughts on this weekends game and the return of Harry Kane and Eric Dier in Saturday's matchday programme.