HAZARD: MY GUY MASON IS RIGHT MAN FOR SPURS
RYAN MASON has been tipped to write his own chapter in Tottenham’s history.
Following Jose Mourinho’s sacking, the former player will lead Spurs out at Wembley for their Carabao Cup showdown with Manchester City today.
The dramatic twist in Mason’s career comes four years after a life-changing injury, which eventually forced him to hang up his boots.
On January 22, 2017 he suffered a fractured skull in an accidental collision with Gary Cahill while playing for Hull against Chelsea. Mason subsequently needed 14 metal plates inserted into his skull, with 28 screws holding them in place.
After his retirement was eventually announced, Mason, now 29, was offered a route into coaching by Spurs.
Club legend Micky Hazard has been watching his progress closely – just as he has for the last two decades.
While Mason was still in primary school, the 1984 UEFA Cup winner would put him through his paces in the North London suburbs.
“It was me who initially brought Ryan to Tottenham,” Hazard said. “I coached him from the age of seven right the way through to him being 18.
“Even when he was in the first team he’d come to my training sessions in pre-season.
“He fought his way through the system – which is tough for homegrown kids – muscled his way into the first team and, of course, played for England.
“I bet he’s having to pinch himself. I sincerely hope he can win the cup and get them into the Champions League playing free-flowing football. I’d love him to give the chairman a big problem come the end of the season. He’s a smashing young man and Spurs through and through.”