Jimmy NEIGHBOUR

Jimmy Neighbour signed professional forms for Spurs in November 1968, on his 18th birthday. The Chingford born winger initially found his first team opportunities blocked by Jimmy Pearce and Roger Morgan and it was not until the 1970-71 season that Neighbour made his break through into the first team, making his league debut as substitute for Alan Gilzean in Spurs 3-0 home win over Stoke City in October. Jimmy appeared 25 times during the season and scored his first goal for Spurs in their 3-2 win at Carlisle in the 4th round of the FA Cup. The winger capped off a memorable year by taking his place in Spurs 2-0 win over Aston Villa in the League Cup Final at Wembley. Tottenham continued to rotate their wingers the following season and Neighbour appeared 22 times in all competitions.

His European debut came in October's goalless draw in Nantes, in the UEFA Cup 2nd round. Neighbour also appeared, as substitute for Ralph Coates, in a 2-1 win over AC Milan in the semi-final 1st leg at White Hart Lane. It was Jimmy's last appearance in the UEFA Cup that season, a competition Spurs secured by beating Wolves in the final. For the next two seasons Neighbour had to content himself with only limited first team opportunities, playing only 20 odd games, many as substitute. The arrival of Terry Neil in 1974 gave fresh impetus to Neighbour's career at Spurs. During the Londoners struggle to avoid relegation in 1974-75 the winger made 27 appearances, hitting two goals in a 3-0 home win over champions elect Derby and the Spurs goal in a 2-1 home defeat by Middlesbrough.

By 1975-76 Terry Neil had stabilized Spurs fortunes and they finished 9th in Division 1. Neighbour appeared a total of 46 times in league and cup, scoring on 3 occasions. With Keith Burkinshaw's arrival in 1976-77, Jimmy Neighbour was deemed surplus to requirements. Having made 156 appearances and scored 11 times he was sold to Norwich City for £75,000 in September 1976. (Tony Smith)