Graham ROBERTS

A tough tackling midfielder or central defender, Graham Roberts joined Spurs in May 1980 from non-league Weymouth for a fee of £35, 000, a then record for a non-League player. Roberts had been on Southampton's books as a schoolboy, but his home town club had released him. While part-time at Weymouth, Graham worked as a shipyard fitter's mate until Spurs signed him full-time. After three appearances as a substitute manager Keith Burkinshaw gave the youngster his full league debut in December 1980, in a 2-1 defeat at Liverpool. His first goal for the club came in March 1981 at White Hart Lane in a 2-0 win over Exeter in the F.A. Cup 6th round. Roberts appeared in all of Spurs nine F.A. Cup games, with the Londoners needing a Wembley replay to defeat Manchester City 3-2 in the final. Graham lost two front teeth in the first tussle with City, which had finished 2-2, in a collision with team mate Chris Hughton. The following season produced more glory and heartache for Roberts. Spurs were chasing three cups and Robbo's play had been a revelation. He played a total of 56 games and scored 7 times.

In March Roberts gained immense satisfaction from a stunning league hat-trick against his boyhood team Southampton in Spurs 3-2 home victory. Graham helped Spurs reach both domestic finals and it took extra time for Liverpool to see off Spurs 3-1 in the first of those, the League Cup Final. The F.A. Cup Final also went to a replay and Roberts was instrumental in Spurs retaining the trophy. The first game against Q.P.R had finished 1-1, with Tottenham surrendering the lead late on. In the replay, Graham's powerful run into the box after only six minutes earned his side a penalty, which Glenn Hoddle scored for the only goal of the game. Spurs also reached the Cup Winners Cup semi-final, where Roberts scored in the 1st leg 1-1 draw against a cynical Barcelona side. The Spanish side were determined not to lose at any cost, as the final was to be held in their own stadium. One Spurs player Barca refused to tangle with was Graham Roberts, who set about dispensing his own form of justice. Spurs lost the return by a single goal and Roberts would have to wait a little longer to taste European glory. (Tony Smith)

  Graham Roberts had an injury troubled campaign in 1982-83, making just 20 starts in the league, but the season ended on a memorable note for the powerfully built defender when Bobby Robson handed him his England debut in a 0-0 draw with Northern Ireland in Belfast. The following season was to be the pinnacle of Graham's career as Tottenham made up for the disappointment of that Cup Winners Cup Semi-Final defeat to Barcelona in the 81/82 campaign by lifting the UEFA Cup. Roberts enthusiasm was evident in all 12 of Spurs UEFA Cup games, with the England international notching 3 goals on the way to the final. A creditable 1-1 draw at Anderlecht in the 1st leg of the final set Spurs up for the return in London. More personal honour was bestowed on the likeable Roberts when in the absence of the suspended Steve Perryman he was made captain for the 2nd leg. Anderlecht took the game to Spurs and when they still held the lead with only 6 minutes remaining looked like spoiling the home fans dreams.

A hero was needed and Roberts delivered when he forced the ball over the line to send his team mates and fans delirious. With the aggregate score now standing at 2-2 and extra-time failing to produce a winner, Spurs needed penalties to win their 3rd European Trophy. Graham had played a true captain's role, saving the team with his late equaliser and stepping up to knock home the first of his side's penalties. There could be no prouder man as he held the UEFA Cup aloft to the delight of a heaving White Hart Lane. This was to the last piece of silverware Graham Roberts won at Spurs. In all Roberts appeared 357 times for the North Londoners, scoring 46 goals. David Pleat arrived at Spurs in May 1986 and in the December Roberts was sold to Glasgow Rangers for £450, 000. With his whole-hearted approach to the game Graham Roberts commanded total respect and admiration from the adoring Spurs fans. Roberts left them with a memory that has entered the folklore of the club when on New Years Day 1986 his tackle sent Charlie Nicholas, the darling of the Arsenal fans, into the Highbury stands. (Tony Smith)