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Chris Fairclough began his career at Parkhead Academicals before joining
Nottingham Forest as an apprentice in October 1981. It was at his town
club that Chris, real name Courtney, made his reputation. Although
capped several times for England at under 21 level, Nottingham Forest
allowed the central defender's contract to expire and he had his pick of
clubs. Having chosen Spurs, a transfer tribunal settled on a fee of
£387,000 and he moved to White Hart Lane in June 1987. At just under 6
feet in height and weighing around 11 stone, Fairclough proved to be a
solid and reliable player in the middle of the Spurs defence. David
Pleat's signing was ever present throughout the 1987-88 season. Wearing
the number 5 shirt and alongside Gary Mabbutt, Fairclough made his debut
in a 2-1 defeat at Coventry City. Chris scored his first goal for the
club in September, in a 1-0 win at West Ham. In October newspaper
allegations regarding David Pleat's personal life led to his resignation
and in December Terry Venables was installed as manager.
The
Nottingham-born defender hit 3 more goals during the season; in a 2-1
defeat at Southampton, a 2-1 home win against West Ham and a 2-1 home
win over Everton. In a largely forgettable season Spurs were twice
beaten 2-1 by Arsenal and finished in only 13th position in Division 1.
The following season was blighted by injury for Fairclough and he
appeared in only 20 league games. His only goal for Spurs in the league
came in a 3-1 defeat at Norwich. Failing to reclaim his place in Terry
Venables team, Chris joined Leeds United on loan in March 1989. At the
end of the season and after only 70 appearances and 5 goals for Spurs,
Leeds United made the move permanent, paying £500,000 for his services. (Tony Smith)
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