THE SIGNS ARE LOOKING GREAT
Spurs legend Cliff: Mourinho is the main man just like Billy Nic.. he can lead us on the road to title glory
DOUBLE-WINNING hero Cliff Jones says Tottenham’s 60-year wait to win the title is about to end — and it’s down to Jose Mourinho.
Jones, 85, a winger in Bill Nicholson’s 196061 all-conquering Spurs side, said: “Mourinho is a winner. We can go all the way.”
Selhurst Park: Tomorrow, 2.15pm
CLIFF JONES has a glint in his eye, a feeling in his bones.
Too many times in the last 60 years Tottenham have flattered to deceive, threatening glory only to falter. But Spurs legend Jones reckons this time is different... and the reason is Jose Mourinho.
Jones (right) is one of only seven surviving members of the fabulous Spurs urs squad that won the Double ble back in 1961. And the Welsh winger reckons ns similar success is s within the reach of his old side thanks to appointment of Mourinho.
Jones, 85, believes that in the Portuguese (right), Spurs have finally found a manager with the single-mindedness of Bill Nicholson, the man who put together that superb Double-winning side.
Brown, Baker, Henry, Blanchflower, Norman, Mackay, Jones, White, Smith, Allen, Dyson. Spurs the fans of a certain vintage can reel off those names. Trouble is, that really is some vintage. Sixty years’ worth.
But now, as Mourinho’s Tottenham side sit top of the Premier League, even neutrals are beginning to see them as genuine contenders. And no wonder. They are unbeaten in the Premier League since the first game of the season, winning seven and drawing three of the subsequent 10 matches.
Jones ( left, scoring in the Double season) said: “I know it’s early in the season but I really feel this year that Spurs can go all the way.
“Mourinho is a winner. He has won something at every club he has been at. I It now looks as though he
is passing that on to the players, to the whole club. They are aware of it now. The key to winning a title is team spirit. We had it in 1961. We were all mates off the field and we took that onto the field.
“Mourinho is forging that same team spirit now. It’s crucial to have that spirit. It’s an us-against-them mentality.”
Nicholson’s trophy-laden 16-year reign saw him win two more FA Cups, two League Cups, the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the UEFA Cup. Jones said: “When Bill walked in the dressing room the place went quiet. He ran the show and Mourinho is like that. You do it his way or you are out.
“I know some people doubted that Mourinho’s style of football would suit Spurs. But the fans seem happy with it. And the club used to be associated with winning – which is what his football brings.”
Jones added: ”I played with the best goalscorer ever in Jimmy Greaves. But Jim didn’t want to know about anything else other than scoring! Harry Kane is now a team player, the captain. He leads by example, and players respond.
“In 1961 we had Bobby Smith and, when Jim came, that was a partnership that worked. ked. Now they have Harry and Heungmin Heungve Son, who I love as a player. A partnership that hat can change games.”
And, of course, the secret ingredient – there will soon be a one in the year. ear. Tottenham have won n things in 1901, 1921,
1951, 1961, 1971,
1981, 1991. Omens?