'SIR' VIVIAN - A SPURS GREAT
Such was the respect Vivian Woodward inspired, that even the match officials would address him as ‘Sir.’
He was a leader in every way, revered by his team mates and a man of true class in all aspects of his life, particularly his football.
Indeed, he was the game’s pin-up boy in the early 1900s and doing things in the ‘correct’ manner was always so important to him. That included remaining an amateur throughout a footballing career that soared to the highest levels.
By all reports, he was an extremely skilful player, almost elegant in his application, utilising brain rather than brawn in an era when power and muscle were the overwhelming weapons generally applied by his fellows. He also played cricket and tennis to a good standard and, as a youngster, had represented Essex in football and cricket, going on to play for the county side’s second XI.
When we finally reached Division Two in 1908, Woodward scored our first goal in the Football League and was our leading goalscorer with 18 as we won promotion to the First Division at the first attempt.
Vivian’s historic goal came against FA Cup holders Wolverhampton Wanderers at White Hart Lane in our opening game of the 1908-09 season. The game was played on a Tuesday with a 5pm kick-off but still pulled in an estimated 20,000 crowd - with Woodward a doubt right up until the last minute as it was still the cricket season! Maybe the fact that wind and rain swept across North London enabled or even encouraged him to switch his flannels for shorts!
Woodward was not just an England international but had also been appointed to the Spurs ‘Board of Directors'!
The England man would have played more games for Spurs than the 197 (100 goals) he managed in all competitions but was in such great demand to play in exhibition games and on tours that he was often unavailable. He also had work commitments although still managed to twice play for the Football League and won many other representative honours.
Yet he opted to retire from the top level in 1909 - and so missed the opportunity to play for us in the top flight - but was presented with a medal by his Tottenham team mates in recognition of the key role he played as we finished runners-up that season.
Woodward initially spent his days back playing for Chelmsford. But by November that year he was back - but this time with Chelsea. He was also appointed a Director at the Stamford Bridge club
Before Woodward left for France, Spurs played Chelsea in what had become a traditional pre-season cricket match at Fulham Cricket Ground. The start was delayed due to inclement weather but once underway Vivian hammered our bowlers to every corner of the ground, bringing up his century with a glorious six that bounced off the pavilion roof.
He went on to hit 110 not out as Chelsea closed on 173 before our lads were bowled out for 90.
http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/vivian-woodward-feature-080915/
Some excerpts from the remarkable story of Vivian Woodward, arguably one of the greatest footballers England has ever produced.
