Stevie P back ‘home’ to pay tribute to Bill on Thursday evening
Wed 23 October 2024, 14:55|
Tottenham Hotspur
Legendary former captain Steve Perryman is back at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for our UEFA Europa League clash against AK Alkmaar on Thursday evening - and will join us pitchside as our special guest at half-time.
Stevie P will pay tribute to his former manager and all-time great, Bill Nicholson, in the week of the 20th anniversary of his passing - that sad day was 20 years ago today, 23 October, 2004. Bill’s daughter, Jean, and extended family, will also be at the stadium to mark the occasion.
Our all-time record appearance maker, Steve was handed his debut aged 17 years, 280 days by Bill against Sunderland on 27 September, 1969, the first of 854 appearances in all competitions in a Lilywhite shirt.
Bill Nicholson | Player, manager, legend, 'Mr Tottenham'
Under Bill, Steve won three trophies in as many years in the early 1970s - the League Cup in 1971, UEFA Cup in 1972 and League Cup again in 1973. Bill left his role as manager in 1974 - soon to return as Chief Scout in 1976 - and Steve went on to add the FA Cup (1981, 1982) and UEFA Cup (1984) to his honours before departing in in 1986.
Twenty years after Bill’s passing, Steve has co-written a new book on ‘Mr Tottenham’ titled 'Sir Bill' - The Complete Bill Nicholson Story’ alongside renowned writer and former journalist, Norman Giller. Steve’s first-hand knowledge of playing for Bill, coupled with Norman's long-term relationship with the great man, helps elevate this book from a normal biography into a warm personal memoir.
Speaking to our Official Matchday Programme, Steve explained why he wanted to co-write the new book. “I really didn’t want Bill to be forgotten, especially by the younger supporters as he played such a vital part in my development as both a player and person,” he said. “He really did help make Tottenham Hotspur the club it is today and I think it's important we continue to remember him and what he stood for.
“I wanted to recognise the 20th anniversary of his passing and the day he became Manager of the ‘Mighty’ Spurs on 11 October 1958. It's worth noting that he also made his debut for us on 22 October 1938. October is a pretty significant month for Bill anniversaries!”
‘Sir Bill’ – The Complete Bill Nicholson Story, written by Steve Perryman and Norman Giller, is out now and available our online Spurs Shop, The Tottenham Experience and Harlow Spurs Shop.
