Tributes to Gilzean

ALAN GILZEAN, the striker who helped Tottenham win the first edition of the UEFA Cup in 1972 and became a legend at White Hart Lane, yesterday died at the age of 79. He had recently been diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Gilzean, who began his career with Dundee, left for Spurs in 1964 and in a decade helped the club win the FA Cup, two League Cups and the UEFA Cup.

He made his Scotland debut in 1963 and represented his country on 22 occasions, scoring 12 goals. Spurs tweeted: “Everyone at the club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our legendary former striker Alan Gilzean.”

Gilzean formed a successful strike partnership with Jimmy Greaves during his time at White Hart Lane, until the latter’s move to West Ham in 1970.

A tweet from the official Jimmy Greaves account read: “Heartbreaking news today. The great Alan Gilzean passed away this morning.

“Sympathy to his family. He was a lovely man and obviously one of the all-time Spurs greats.” Gilzean also won the 1961-62 Scottish league title with Dundee and helped them reach the semi-finals of the European Cup in the following season, scoring in a 1-0 home win over AC Milan, although the Italians – the eventual champions – went through to the final 5-2 on aggregate.

Dundee tweeted: “Everyone at Dundee FC are devastated to learn that club legend Alan Gilzean passed away this morning.

“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Alan’s family and friends at this difficult time.” GILZEAN: Died aged 79