Alan Gilzean

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Spurf

Spurf

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Jan 27, 2011
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Looking at THFC6061's top goal scorer thread reminded me of what a stunning player Gilzean was. Supreme header of the ball, his skills at placing the ball were second to none. In modern times Berbatov has been compared to him but in Spurs terms he is head and shoulders above that IMO.

The famous partnership with Jimmy Greaves when they were known as the G-Men produced hundreds of goals for Spurs, just look at the stats. on THFC6061's thread. Gilzean apparently thought that Greaves was a 'lucky' player when he first started to play with him but he soon realised that Jimmy's skill of being in the right place at the right time was not luck.

This is what Greaves said about Gilzean in a recent interview; 'He was the greatest player I played with (in terms of what he did for me) I mean I played with some great players when I played for England. There was Johnny Haynes, Bobby Charlton, and Bobby Moore and at club level there was Dave Mackay, John White and Danny Blanchflower and many others, but I formed a partnership with Gillie and it was a great success. We became the G-Men, we read each other's mind and we new exactly what the other was going to do. It was a great partnership and it was an unselfish partnership, we were good for each other.'

A look at the stats will leave you in no doubt that they were good for Spurs!

The older posters will have some memories of Gilzean, post them on here let's try to give the younger fans an idea of this great Spurs player.
 
Long throw by Martin Chivers to the near-post straight onto Alan Gilzean's strangely pyramid-shaped head, who would then flick the ball across the goalmouth for Martin Peters to ghost-in and score.

Worked more times than I've had hot dinners!
 
My Greaves quote is from this book, in case you want to read it.
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Gillie was the common denominator between a number of successful partnerships and success at the club. In those terms he is arguably one of the most underrated player of our recent history.
That Martin Chivers best years happened when AG was at his prime is no coincidence.
Great player and a great servant of the club!
 
My hair's all there, Dona. I have a sneaking suspicion that you've gone a bit Berbatov yourself, though... <whistle>
 
I think my first glimpse og Gilly was playing for a Scotland X1 against Spurs in a John White memorial charity match......and then Bill signed him.
He started playing for us as the "Double" team was breaking up playing up front at center forward .
He had a wonderful touch and that old forehead of his won many a header,usually sending Jim through on goal.
He also performed on the left wing proving if you had the skill you didn't need speed.
As the seasons progressed,we began to build into another very good team.
Pat Jennings,Cyril Knowles,Alan Mullery,Mike England.See what I mean.Great to watch but that league title was always elusive.We could live with the giants but come a cropper against the Blackpools of that time.
We did become an extremely great cup team( that's why I go potty when Spurs turn out reserves instead of going for the Cups!).
Yes Gilly and Greaves,"The G Men!).A flick by Gilly,by head or foot,and Jim was away.
Funny thing.I always had a soft spot for Frank Saul at that time.A better player than he was credited with.
I still like Gilly's reaction after the semi final second leg v Chelsea.Cyril had kicked over the ball to send Chelsea to Wembley and Gilly told them "f... that.I'm not going to that reception!"
 
bigsmithy9 said:
I think my first glimpse og Gilly was playing for a Scotland X1 against Spurs in a John White memorial charity match......and then Bill signed him.
He started playing for us as the "Double" team was breaking up playing up front at center forward .
He had a wonderful touch and that old forehead of his won many a header,usually sending Jim through on goal.
He also performed on the left wing proving if you had the skill you didn't need speed.
As the seasons progressed,we began to build into another very good team.
Pat Jennings,Cyril Knowles,Alan Mullery,Mike England.See what I mean.Great to watch but that league title was always elusive.We could live with the giants but come a cropper against the Blackpools of that time.
We did become an extremely great cup team( that's why I go potty when Spurs turn out reserves instead of going for the Cups!).
Yes Gilly and Greaves,"The G Men!).A flick by Gilly,by head or foot,and Jim was away.
Funny thing.I always had a soft spot for Frank Saul at that time.A better player than he was credited with.
I still like Gilly's reaction after the semi final second leg v Chelsea.Cyril had kicked over the ball to send Chelsea to Wembley and Gilly told them "f... that.I'm not going to that reception!"
Click to expand...

Nice one smithy! <ok>
 
I remember one game when he was named as the substitute (just one in those days). He came on and produced the most outrageous body swerve I've ever seen to beat a defender. Half those in the stand went the wrong way.

Great player
 
Gilzean visits WHL today, great news that is a long time away Alan, Welcome back <ok>
 
Spurf said:
Gilzean visits WHL today, great news that is a long time away Alan, Welcome back <ok>
Click to expand...

You'll be pleased to hear Spurf that Gilly was given the mother of all receptions at the Lane today. He was interviewed on the pitch at half time and it was apparantly his first visit to the club in many years. He spoke with great affection of his time at our club and seemed to feel very embarrassed at the welcome back he received. Top Man.
 
Original Spurcat said:
You'll be pleased to hear Spurf that Gilly was given the mother of all receptions at the Lane today. He was interviewed on the pitch at half time and it was apparantly his first visit to the club in many years. He spoke with great affection of his time at our club and seemed to feel very embarrassed at the welcome back he received. Top Man.
Click to expand...

I am indeed, thanks OS. <ok>
 
THFC6061 said:
Long throw by Martin Chivers to the near-post straight onto Alan Gilzean's strangely pyramid-shaped head, who would then flick the ball across the goalmouth for Martin Peters to ghost-in and score.

Worked more times than I've had hot dinners!
Click to expand...

yep, great days :)
 
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