Monday 25 February 2013

Tottenham Ham-Spurs XI: From the chapel to the church


 
Ahead of tonights North-East London derby between the warring factions of West Ham and Spurs, we consider the relative merits of a team composed of players who have represented both clubs and asks – at the end of the day will they consider themselves primarily Hammers or Hotspurs?

 
Dave Hammer says:
 
Tony Parks
Long spell at Spurs as reserve goalie followed by a variety of spells at various clubs fulfilling stop-gap roles, including 6 appearances for the Hammers during the 1991-2 season. Verdict: Hotspur
 
 
Chris Hughton
Longstanding loyal servant at Spurs – tenacious and determined left back. Hammers got a decent run from him towards the end of a proud career. Both clubs watch his continued managerial successes with interest! Verdict : Hotspur.
 
Neil Ruddock
Great fun to watch – always close to the edge of acceptability! Two spells at Spurs and a decent two year stint at the Boleyn in a career that involved appearances for eight different clubs and a single England cap. Verdict :Score Draw!
 
 
Mitchell Thomas
Luton lad who had a decent five year spell at Tottenham and almost made full England honours but form dipped and move to West ham never quite got into second gear. Returned to Luton and then on to Burnley. Verdict: Hotspur.
 
 
Steve Walford
Brief spell at Spurs before moving to Arsenal where he won a cup winners medal in 1979. Moved to hammers where he had a successful 5 year spell. Presently a coach / scout at Sunderland. Verdict: Hammer.
 
 
Scott Parker
Almost singlehandedly kept Hammers up two seasons ago but forced to leave soon after a relegation despite being footballer of the year! Honest and industrious, albeit injury-prone. He has not quite found his role in a rotating Spurs midfield where he is not necessarily the main man, unlike when he was at the Hammers and his initial club, Charlton. Verdict : Hammer.
 
Michael Carrick
Classy midfielder who came through the Hammers youth system with Joe Cole and Frank Lampard etc. Stayed for a season after 2003 relegation but found physicality of the Championship testing and moved to Spurs for a short spell before Man United where he remains. Seems now to be finally peaking after many years in second gear! Verdict: Hammer.
 
Martin Peters
Part of the 1966 World Cup Boleyn triplets. Known as "the complete midfielder" as he could pass the ball well with either foot, was good in the air and difficult to mark because of his movement. His versatility was such that while he was at West Ham he played in every position in the team, including goalkeeper in his third game. Moved to Tottenham Hotspur in 1970 in Britain's first £200,000 transfer. Verdict: Hammer.
 
Les Ferdinand
Powerful and athletic striker – est periods at QPR and then Newcastle before these two clubs got a turn out of him towards the end of a glittering career. Mostly Spurs who enjoyed a decent spell from ’97-2003. Verdict: Hotspur.
 
Jermain Defoe
Lively little striker with a good nose for goal but who has never quite realised the potential evident when he engineered his move away from the relegated Hammers of 2004. Left on bad terms and may not meet an entirely warm reception tonight but still  Quite likely to pop up for Spurs in dangerous positions and Hammers fans will be hoping he doesn’t have his shooting boots on! Verdict: Hotspur.
 
 
Jimmy Greaves
Absolute legend and a gentleman. Britain’s most prolific striker of all time. Greaves played at Spurs from 1961 to 1970, scoring a club record of 266 goals in 379 matches. Washed that down with a season at the Boleyn where he enjoyed close friendships with some Hammers legends, especially Bobby Moore. Verdict: Hotspur.
Final Score
Spurs 6.5 vs Hammers 4.5

It's unlikely that Spurs will have it so easy tonight!


Come on you Irons!!!

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