The legendary double winning Tottenham Hotspur side of 1961 needs no introduction to the fans of the White Hart Lane outfit. Nor does former captain Danny Blanchflower.

Danny Blanchflower is a Tottenham legend and was arguably their best player at the beginning of the 1960’s. An old ‘right – half’ as it was referred to back then, a right sided midfielder in football terms today. Blanchflower in his prime between 1957 and 1962 was extremely creative and capable of dictating the tempo of any match. His influence over other players and motivational attributes made him held in high regard by the Tottenham Hotspur squad.

The Belfast born player began his career in English football with a move from Glentoran to Barnsley in 1949 for £6,000. Two years later he moved onto Aston Villa for a fee of £15,000. He spent three years at the midlands side before becoming disillusioned with life there. Tottenham paid a large £30,000 fee for the player after Arsenal was also in negotiations for his signature in 1954. Blanchflower spent a decade at Tottenham accumulating in captaining the side to two FA Cup victories, a league title and a European Cup Winners Cup.

Danny Blanchflower made 337 appearances for the club with 15 goals. What is even more so remarkable is that by 1963 when Tottenham Hotspur defeat Atletico Madrid in the Cup Winners Cup final, Blanchflower captained the side at 37 years of age. Blanchflower compensated for his lack of pace and strength with a wily experience and awareness of the game. His passing ability was second to none. He won footballer of the year twice, in 1958 and 1961.

The Tottenham legend retired in 1964 with 56 caps for Northern Ireland and numerous winners’ medals at Spurs. He had stints as manager of Northern Ireland and Chelsea in the late seventies which didn’t turn out the best for him leaving both jobs rather quickly after less than impressive starts. The former midfield maestro turned his hand towards commentary and journalism, working for numerous TV stations as a pundit or commentator. Sadly in his later years Blanchflower developed Alzheimer’s disease and died in 2003. As captain and talisman of one of the best Tottenham Hotspur sides ever. He truly is a legend of the game.

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There’s a new Tottenham book being written as we speak by The Lane Of Dreams author, Norman Giller. To have your memories of  The Double captured in print, email Norman via the address in the Ad above.

Heading for the door?

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is again coming under increasing pressure after his team’s 1-0 loss to Wigan last night.

The Spaniard manager who gained Champions League glory with Liverpool in 2005 is under huge pressure to gain the coveted fourth place Champions League spot after a majorly disappointing season. Last night’s game at the DW stadium against Wigan was an example of Liverpool’s shortcomings the season. A lack of ideas and even the returning Fernando Torres looked a peripheral figure. Rafa Benitez’s ‘promise’ of a Champions League spot for Liverpool is looking less likely by the week.

In all fairness to Wigan, they had one of their good days as opposed to their bad ones, when they are diabolical. They deserved the win. Liverpool’s frustration was evident following Fernando Torres running half the length of the pitch to tackle Emmerson Boyce and receive a caution. Liverpool could be caused further problems with Steven Gerrard maybe facing a ban after looking like giving referee Andrew Marriner the V sign upon being booked. It just demonstrates further how frustrated Liverpool was last night with their performance.

Rafa Benitez pulled no punches in his post game press conference ‘Sometimes you play badly but it is not a question of remembering too many games, it is a question of analysing why we didn’t show the character. The first half was very poor. We didn’t show character or attitude, nothing. There were too many mistakes. We gave the ball away, we didn’t win any first or second ball, and that is difficult to explain. I think it was a question of attitude in the first half.’

Liverpool have now lost nine games in the Premier League this season. That is just not good enough. After last season really looking like Premier League contenders, Liverpool have slipped back into a chasing pack way off the pace. Despite only being a point off fourth spot, Manchester City and Aston Villa have two games in hand and Tottenham Hotspur the one. It is looking an ominous task for Liverpool. There is some hope though. Aston Villa are culpable to burn out and with two fantastic cup runs this season, they could wither as we turn the final bend. Tottenham have some very difficult games in Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. Manchester City are very inconsistent and will drop points. If Liverpool can muster their experience and grind out victories no matter what the style, they could still nick fourth spot.

I would not like to guess who will take fourth spot, but if Liverpool does not, it could be time for Rafa Benitez to get his coat. It appears to me something is lost at Liverpool, the spark, the thrill of the chase, a run in for glory. All disappeared at the turn of the year. Liverpool look void of ideas and confidence. It’s as if they cannot wait to get this season over and start the next one. If they don’t wake up to the fact that they won’t be no Champions League next season unless they apply themselves then this team could very well be broken up. Rafa Benitez must take ultimate responsibility.

Do you think Rafa Benitez should be sacked at the end of the season?

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This weekend’s FA Cup tie between Portsmouth and Birmingham had its fair share of refereeing controversy. Did Liam Ridgewell’s header cross the line? It sure looked like it did and referee Steve Bennett missed it. Maybe not a huge mistake but it has raised the issue of referee’s blunders. Let’s have a look at the top five.

Watford vs. Reading – Stuart Attwell 2008

Young referee Stuart Attwell was the official in this Championship fixture last season which turned from local derby to outright lunacy. The Warwickshire born referee awarded Reading a goal when the ball never even threatened the Watford goal line yet alone cross it. Resulting from a Stephen Hunt corner the ball bounced around the box before Attwell blew confirming a goal had been scored. In fairness to Attwell, his linesman Nigel Bannister saw the ball go past the post by a couple of feet and declared a goal. A bemused Aidy Boothroyd, then Watford manager was sent to the stand for complaining. He was sacked seven weeks later.

Argentina vs. England – Ali Bin Nasser 1986

The Tunisian referee who missed Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal in the 1986 World Cup quarter final was vilified all over the world for such a shocking decision. Steve Hodges slice clearance which looped up in the air towards England keeper Peter Shilton. Maradona, a full eight inches smaller than Shilton out jumped the goalkeeper and punched the goal into the empty net. Referee Ali Bin Nasser claimed to see nothing and gave the goal. England felt cheated out of a World Cup. The Tunisian referee later claimed that recent haemorrhoid treatment affected his sight and was to blame. Four minutes later Maradona scored quite possibly the greatest goal of all time with his famous darting run and finish.

Croatia vs. Australia – Graham Poll 2006

This referee howler pretty much ended the career of Englishmen Graham Poll after he booked the same player three times during a World Cup match in 2006. The Group F match was a tight affair with the Croatian Josip Simunic booked, before receiving a 2nd yellow card with only a few minutes left on the clock. Yet Poll had accidently put the numbers wrong in his notebook and assumed it was Simunic first yellow. He finally sent off the Croatian defender after giving him what was his third yellow card at the final whistle for dissent. Luckily for Graham Poll Australia only needed a draw to make it through to the knock out stages and did with a 2-2. If Australia lost that match it may well have been very different. Poll never refereed another international game and has since retired.

Crystal Palace vs. Bristol City – Rob Shoebridge 2009

Recently departed Crystal Palace manager Neill Warnock is not exactly know being a referee’s best mate, but he had every right to be livid following the most bizarre of refereeing decisions in the game. On loan striker Freddie Sears scores a goal that bounces off the inside stanchion and bounces out from the back of the net. All the players stop, including Bristol City and start walking towards the halfway line to kick off. Referee Rob Shoebridge didn’t know what all the fuss was about and wanted play to continue. After adamant outbursts from the Crystal Palace players, Shoebridge consulted his linesmen and they both decided a goal had not been scored. It was a shocking decision. Bristol City went on to win the game with a last minute goal. Of all the managers for it to happen to, it had to be Warnock.

Leeds United vs. West Brom – Ray Tinkler 1971

Title chasers Leeds United lost 2-1 due to a howler of a refereeing decision by Ray Tinkler. West Brom’s Tony Brown broke free and squared a ball to the most definitely offside looking Tony Astle to tap in. The linesman initially flagged for offside, yet the referee ignored his call and gave the goal. Leeds United subsequently lost the game and the title to Arsenal just a month later. Fans invaded the pitch in defiance and manager Don Revie pleaded with the linesman to get the referee to change his mind. All to no avail.

Click here to see Stuart Attwell’s unbelievable awarding of Reading a goal.Reading vs. Watford. Phantom Goal.

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The former Tottenham Hotspur favourite Micky Hazard has had quite a few ups and downs since retiring from professional football.

The Sunderland born midfielder started training with Tottenham aged just 14 after being spotted playing for his local team; he signed professional papers at 16 and was a member of the Spurs side that won the FA Cup in 1982 and the UEFA cup in 1984. In 1985, Hazard move to Chelsea for a five year stint before moving onto Portsmouth and Swindon. He finalised his career with a move back to first club Tottenham in 1993 before retiring in 1995.

Post retirement Hazard spent most of his time playing in football charity competitions involving celebrities. He also had an eight year spell coaching the youth sides at Tottenham before moving onto Crystal Palace. He is believed to have had a hand in Victor Moses, Sean Scannell, Lee Hills and Nathaniel Clyne breaking into the Crystal Palace first team.

Since leaving his role at Crystal Palace Hazard got the Knowledge and became a London cabbie. He was even interviewed before the Tottenham vs. Chelsea Carling Cup final in 2008 from inside his Cab. He told the Football League website ‘I’m just cabbying at the moment. I work in central London and do a few days a week. I don’t particularly enjoy it, but it’s better than nothing. I still work with some clubs and give kids a bit of coaching but not full time. If the right job came along I’d consider coaching again because it’s something I believe I was very good at.’

Micky Hazard can now been seen turning out for Sevenoaks and District side Football League team Dunton Green. He claims ‘you never lose that buzz to want to play the game of football.’

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'She's football crazy, shes football mad.'

Chelsea and England star Joe Cole’s Mrs Carly Zucker could be described as something of a sweetheart amongst the Stamford Bridge faithful.

The 25 yr old from London is a fitness trainer and part time model. Having married the Chelsea star Joe Cole in the summer the couple are about to have a baby girl due this month. Having told the world through the medium of ‘Hello’ magazine, Carly is adamant the child’s name will be Scarlett and that all going well she hopes the three of them can fly out to South Africa for the World Cup. Ermmm, not sure what Don Fabio has to say about that. You may be hanging round Terminal five for a while.

The ever easy on the eye Carly may be struggling for a home this summer though with husband Joe seemingly unsettled at Stamford Bridge. A move to Tottenham Hotspur has been mooted which will probably suit the lovely Carly just fine. Yet a move to Milan may also be on the cards which may not appeal to Carly. I understand dear, the thought of spending your free time with a baby and Posh at the same time would drive anyone insane.

Young Zucker isn’t just no WAG though, oh no, this one has been on proper telly and everything. Yes that’s right I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here signed up in for the 2008 run of the hit ITV show. Unfortunately young Carly was voted out  rather early. Such a shame.

Expect her to take more of a back seat from her career, much like Joe, over the next few months then reappear on Strictly Come Ice Dancing on Wheels next year.

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Ranieri's boy.

West Ham striker Carlton Cole has had something of a resurgence the past 18 months.

Don Fabio Capello clearly quite likes him and West Ham’s Gianfranco Zola thinks he’s the bee’s knees. But is he any good?

I have to be honest, I actually think he is. Cole is very much a confidence player obviously but if you compare him to the likes of Emile Heskey, he does the same job but actually wear his boots on the right feet. His rise to prominence at West Ham in particular has supposedly caused interest in numerous Premiership sides including Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. Whilst I do claim him to be a decent player, those rumours seem something out of a JK Rowling novel.

The West Ham marksman’s constant rumours are most likely down to West Ham’s dire financial situation. Particularly before Dave and Dave bought the club out. I can’t see him moving frankly. This season Cole has been in good form with 9 Premier League goals in 19 games. For a side struggling near the foot of the table, his goals are proving vitally important. Cole does have the ability to play out of his skin and have centre backs all over the place. One West Ham fan told me that on his day he could have the patented Didier Drogba ‘unplayable’ tag. Then sometimes he can vanish altogether.

Carlton Cole’s England World Cup prospects did take a hit last night though, much talk has been over whether Heskey or Cole should start for England as the battering ram to Rooney’s elegance. Peter Crouch last night threw the gauntlet down to both players with two sublime finishes at Wembley against Egypt.

Former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri described Carlton Cole in 2003 as “I’ve never coached a young player like Carlton. He’s fantastic even though he hasn’t really started his career yet. He has a very long contract, and, in my opinion, a very big future at Chelsea.”

I think that was just before they wheeled him out in the strait jacket. But the West Ham striker is still relatively young at 26 years of age and whilst a move to a bigger club seems unlikely given that he will be parking his rear on the bench. Carlton Cole is a decent player, the rumour’s are ridiculous, but he is worthy of a place in England’s squad.

Do you think West Ham’s Carlton Cole is any good?

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Jeramine keeps his eye on the ball. For once.

Jermaine Jenas aka ‘Mr Marmite’ is seemingly on a downward spiral at Tottenham Hotspur’s under ol’ Harry Redknapp.

The so called ‘box-to-box’ midfielder’s recent woeful displays are pretty much signalling an end to what has not exactly been an illustrious Spur’s career. With rumours that Tottenham will reignite their move for the talented Brazilian Sandro in the summer and also have mooted interest in Manchester United target Miguel Veloso. Jenas position at White Hart Lane is looking ominous.

As a Newcastle United fan myself his current fairy steps form at Spurs is rather enjoyable. The man who claimed life at St James Park was like ‘living in a goldfish bowl’ has never been anything worth shouting about anyway. Yes in his early career there was some promise particularly at Nottingham Forest where he started. Upon his move to Newcastle United he won PFA young player of the year and impressed in his first season. Then his head went.

A lot of my fellow Newcastle fans were dismayed at his move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2005, I was beaming. At Tottenham to be fair to him he did start well again and has had flashes of his undoubted talent peppered far too thinly over his career with the Lilywhites.

How the man is an England international I find beyond belief. Some of the matches I’ve watched Spurs play I have looked at the teams after the game and seen his name in the first eleven then realised I never saw him on the ball once. A la Frank Lampard for England. Games pass him by far too easily. If you want a jog round the park Jermaine go to the park and stop wasting everyone’s time.

The’ Mr Marmite’ tag might be overstaying its welcome, the majority of Spurs fan I’ve spoke to cant stand him now and I think Harry Redknapp is subscribing to that view. Tom Huddlestone, Wilson Palacios, Luka Modric and Niko Kranjcar are some fine players, some of my favourite midfielders in the Premier League. Then there is Jermaine Jenas. Sat on his own on the silly step, with a lollipop, idly watching the world go by. Those ‘persistent’ Inter Milan rumours have been one of the funniest gags in football for years and I applaud whichever journalist conjured that little gem. Expect him to turn up at someone like Birmingham City, West Ham or Fulham next season for some ridiculously overinflated price watching the game pass him by.

Where do you think Jermaine Jenas will end up this summer?

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Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has had a lot of free time on his hands since his move to Stamford Bridge after being dumped by his wife and his mistress.

Carlo Ancelotti was taken in as ‘one of the lads’ in the dressing room upon his summer move to Chelsea after his reported 4 year affair with Romanian PR women Marina Cretu. The whole time he too was married to wife Luisa and kept the alleged affair under wraps. Wife Luisa left Ancelotti 18 months ago after 25 years of marriage claiming his hectic work schedule as the reason.  Marina left the Chelsea boss also last year after she said he lied about his whereabouts.

So the lovely Luisa Ancelotti still lives in Italy, Parma to be exact at the former Ancelotti family home. The former couple have a son and daughter together. The son Davide has recently joined Serie D side Borgomaneror, an equivalent to a League two side. His daughter Katia has a budding TV career and has worked for Chelsea TV.

 Probably the most fascinating thing about Luisa Ancelotti is her Helicopter pilot’s license she casually holds. Whenever Don Carlo needs picking up from Milan any normal person would get picked up in something like, I dunno a car? Not Mr Ancelotti. No no no. His wife used to have wheels up from Parma and fly over to pick the former Milan manager up and him home for a lasagne or five.

The now Chelsea boss has claimed he still harbours a hope of reconciliation with his wife saying in an interview with Novella 2000 “I will always speak with my wife and there will never be any lack of respect or affection. It’s like football – you should never call yourself out of the running.” I just think he just angling for a lift to Tesco for some Olive Oil.

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Yes. This woman is real.

John Terry is not the only one to have caused a stir in the Chelsea dressing room as the Italian model and actress Elizabette Canalis used to spend much of her free time on the arm of Didier Drogba.

The stunning 31yr old had a relationship of the personal kind with Chelsea star Drogba back in 2008 and has been known to have dated Christian Vieri. What is clear is that the ever delightful Canalis likes a big man up front. Now she’s hanging around with some hobo looking guy with a beard. George Clooney I think his name is. George we salute you.

The Italian seductress and part time Chelsea WAG is also a Television personality back in her native Italy and presents the nations equivalent of MTV: Total Request Live. Furthermore she has key roles in such heavyweight luminary films as ‘Deuce Bigalow: European Territory’ and the cleverly titled ‘Virgin Territory.’ Clearly we all know why head hobo George is taking her out for a seafood dinner. The appeal of a career boost for the man was too tempting an offer.

What is obvious is that Elizabette would be worth taking down the local for a pint of bitter. She’s not the sort you would idly let slip through your hands like our old Drogba did. I heard from Dave down the Fruit and Veg stall that the Chelsea marksmen had lost the plot when they shut down his local amateur dramatics workshop. Inconsolable Dave said he was. Canalis promptly left him after she couldn’t deal with his tantrums and constantly feeling sorry for himself.

Elizabette Canalis would set anyone’s pulse racing at Chelsea that’s for sure. She wouldn’t be short of a suitor or two in that dressing room I can tell ya. Yet it seems for now the part time WAG has finally listened to her parent’s advice and stopped going after the flash, mega rich and powerful individuals and is settling down with a Doctor. Awww bless.

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Former Tottenham Captain Robbie Keane’s Mrs is not only a bit of a looker, but she dead good with numbers and things.

The former Miss Ireland contestant has a double first in Economics and Finance, oh and she’s a model. Yet another woman falls down the WAG route despite this one having some genuine talent. The 26 yr old married the Tottenham striker Robbie, now on loan at Celtic in a star studded wedding in Dublin in summer 2008, apart from Tottenham and Ireland team mates present, Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard was in attendance, ironically just before Keane’s protracted move to Liverpool. A word in his ear perhaps?

Whilst having a successful TV career in Ireland and numerous modelling jobs the Tottenham totty told Closer magazine: ‘Just because I’ve always been into fashion and beauty it’s assumed I’m just another dumb WAG, but I’ve got a degree, I’m very independent with my own career and I spend my own money.’

Well what a relief, she must be hard pushed to work and spend her own money. I mean who does that?

Having been with Robbie over 8 years the couple have a 9 month old son named Robert Ronan Keane and Keano looks like he wants to get his boots wet again sooner rather than later.

‘Robbie wants a huge family, but while I love being a mum and adore my baby, I’d like to wait and just enjoy being me again for a while’

Never mind Robbie, have a look at our photo collection of your darling wife. That will do the trick.

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