Spurs induct Steve Perryman and Jimmy Greaves into Hall of Fame
Thursday 21 April 2016 15:20, UK
Tottenham have honoured their record appearance holder and top goalscorer by inducting Steve Perryman and Jimmy Greaves into the club's Hall of Fame.
Former team-mates were in attendance to pay tribute to the pair, though Greaves was absent as he continues his rehabilitation from the stroke he suffered last year.
However, Alan Gilzean, Phil Beal, Pat Jennings and Martin Chivers were among a host of former players who joined his family at the event on Wednesday. Other White Hart Lane greats were also in attendance, including fellow Hall of Fame members Glenn Hoddle, Clive Allen and Ossie Ardiles.
Greaves scored 266 goals in 379 appearances during a nine-year stint at Spurs and helped his team win two FA Cups and the European Cup Winners' Cup in the 1960s.
Former captain Perryman made a club record 854 first-team appearances for Tottenham between 1969 and 1986, winning two League Cups, two UEFA Cups and two FA Cups.
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"It's a very proud day. I'm honoured and privileged to be part of this select group of players who have served the club so well," Perryman told the club's official website.
"It seems such a long time ago that I first walked through those gates when I was 14. I'd been spotted playing for Ealing Schoolboys and been invited for training. I'd never seen the club play before then but was aware of what Tottenham Hotspur and Bill Nicholson stood for.
"I played for England schoolboys as well and had offers from about 30 clubs. Suffice to say, I joined Spurs.
"Why did I join Spurs? The history, the tradition, the people and the warmth of the place, including the great Bill Nicholson. It was almost as if Bill's staff were hand-picked. They all treated you rightly, with respect, of course they could nail you if you stepped out of line, but it was an unbelievable place.
"I'd like to say I enjoyed every single day, of course there were highs and lows, disappointments as well, but I enjoyed everything this club had to offer. I think we were good for each other, I think I gave value for money and did my bit.
"This club has allowed me to meet some of the best people you could wish to meet and I'm not just talking about the players, I'm talking about all the wonderful people who created the environment here for us to have a successful team. I'm very happy and very proud."
And speaking to Sky Sports News HQ from the event at White Hart Lane, Perryman, the Football Writers' Player of the Year in 1982, says don't write off Tottenham's title chances.
"We are stepping up the challenge and coming for Leicester," said the 64-year-old, who credits manager Mauricio Pochettino for the club's showing this season.
"We have a wonderful team here and what a job the manager has done. They are a terrific team with wonderful individuals and what a cocktail that is."
