This Day in History: 2023-04-26

Nr. 445

GREAVES IS TOPS-YET AGAIN (1967)

In 1966-67 Jimmy Gre_aves, orre of English football’s most naturally gifted strikers, was once again the English Football League’s leading goal scorer with 25 strikes in 38 matches. Ironically Greaves’ sparkling form for his club Tottenham Hotspur coincided with his final appearance in an England shirt, in a narrow win over Austria. However, Greaves’ goal-scoring prowess did not propel Spurs to an all-conquering season. With Greaves and fellow striker Alan Gilzean in form Spurs were favourites for a repeat of the 1961 League and Cup double season and although they won the FA Cup in 1967, the team came only third in the League and didn’t make an impression in the European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Jimmy Greaves strike ratio was enviable. He turned out 321 times for Tottenham Hotspur between 1961-1970 and scored 220 goals.