RIP Jimmy Greaves

[Teemu]

Very sad, RIP.

As someone who was born a good 20-30 years after he played for us I obviously know the name and know about the goals but not much about the man himself.

I know he also played for Chelsea and West Ham and can’t think of many other players who’ve got legendary status having also played for two of our main rivals. Was that purely based on his footballing contribution or were there any other reasons why we hold him in particularly high esteem? Is he regarded with such affection at those clubs too?

Sorry if the wrong time to ask given the news but would be intrigued to learn more from our more “experienced” fanbase.

 

[shelfsidespur]

Thanks Jimmy !
Very little football on TV when I was a kid but watching him made me a Greaves and Spurs fan despite all my relatives being long term Gooners. First saw him him live in 1961. From then onwards would do paper rounds to fund going to WHL. As a 9/10 year old, would bunk on Tube and or buses and often let in by friendly turnstile guys. Brilliant to watch and totally different to most other players. Seemingly effortless skills beyond that seen anywhere else. Nearest comparison nowadays is Messi but even though I have lily-white tinted vision Jimmy was better.
Sad to see his decline in later years but even on the TV was one-off personality.
So thanks again, old man, I'll always remember you and appreciate the highs I got watching you play. RIP.

 

[chinaman]

Condolences to his family and close ones. RIP Jimmy the Great.
The only way to lift the gloom that has descended on Spursdom is for the team to Rip Chelsea to pieces later in the day.

 

[shelfstandspur]

RIP Jimmy.
Of the generation where I knew him from the TV and my Dad telling me how good he was.
I hope the club puts something together given the short notice. I would love to see a huge flag on the single tier.
You guys going to the game sing his name, we'll be joining in at home.
Jimmy loved the club and we loved him!
COYS

 

[Derryank]

Never seen him play, but heard from my dear father just how good this gentleman was.

Spurs through and through.

One of our own.

Rest In Peace Jimmy.

Tottenham and England Legend

 

[dagraham]

RIP Jimmy.
Of the generation where I knew him from the TV and my Dad telling me how good he was.
I hope the club puts something together given the short notice. I would love to see a huge flag on the single tier.
You guys going to the game sing his name, we'll be joining in at home.
Jimmy loved the club and we loved him!
COYS

My Dad is still a bit irritated that they didn’t incorporate a statue of him ( and a few of our other legends ) somewhere around the stadium.

 

[allatsea]

R.I.P.

i was lucky enough to see most of his goals for Spurs and I have no doubt he was the most natural goal scorer the world has ever seen. He wasn’t the most complete goal scorer but his finishing with his feet has never been bettered. He seemed to be passing the ball into the net rather than shooting. A fabulous talent.

 

[BuryMeInEngland]

When I read the news this morning, this made me very sad. If anyone deserves the label of 'legend' it was Jimbo. Always my boyhood hero.

 

[Push & Run]

Jimmy, when I was a kid you were my inspiration, my saviour and my God. Someone who brought joy to football and even more importantly, after football. I shed a tear now as I did when watching score, but then was a tear of joy, now a tear of sorrow. A true football legend which I have had the privilege to watch and love. Thank you - RIP
COYS

 

[nferno]

RIP champ

 

[TheChosenOne]

Thanks Jimmy !
Very little football on TV when I was a kid but watching him made me a Greaves and Spurs fan despite all my relatives being long term Gooners. First saw him him live in 1961. From then onwards would do paper rounds to fund going to WHL. As a 9/10 year old, would bunk on Tube and or buses and often let in by friendly turnstile guys. Brilliant to watch and totally different to most other players. Seemingly effortless skills beyond that seen anywhere else. Nearest comparison nowadays is Messi but even though I have lily-white tinted vision Jimmy was better.
Sad to see his decline in later years but even on the TV was one-off personality.
So thanks again, old man, I'll always remember you and appreciate the highs I got watching you play. RIP.

Sometimes we would go to WHL without any money to get in but wait until after the second half started at the big gates at the Paxton Rd/Shelfside were opened to let out fans that wanted to leave early - we could stroll in and get 20 maybe 30 minutes of the match for free if we were lucky.

 

[branchie]

Gutted.
What a player.
What a character.
What an icon.

RIP Jimmy.

 

[hellava_tough]

What a legend Jimmy was!

RIP

 

[BuryMeInEngland]

When I look at some of Jimmy's goals this morning, I wonder how today's footballers would manage to do what he did. He played on a pitch that at times resembled a famers field that had just been been plowed, kicking a heavy leather ball that weighed a ton when it got wet. People called him a goal hanger that just hung around picking up passes and scoring from close in, and nothing could be further from the truth. He was fast, light on his feet and could leave defenders confused - oh and they were allowed to take your legs out from under you if they could. He was sublime.

 

[cliff jones]

RIP Jimmy, true Spurs hero and legend.

For second gen fans like me, he’s the reason why I ended up being the Spurs nut I am. My Dad didn’t take me over there till the late 70s so I missed the privilege of seeing him play- that would have been incredible.

 

[Gilzean99]

Grew up watching him play in the late 60s, a class act making the game seem simple.

 

[DenverSpur]

My boyhood hero. Jimmy and Gilly -The GMen.
There never will be a goal scorer like him again. Always put the ball in corner of the goal
Simply THE BEST

 

[longtimespur]

Blessed and honoured to have seen the greatest goal scorer in later English history. My condolences to those close to him. SO effortless coasting through opposition defences and placing the ball in the net where the keeper couldn't reach it.
My favourite attacker from back when we were top dog in the English game..

 

[teedee]

I was privileged to watch Jimmy playing for Spurs. Silky smooth, great acceleration, wonderful control and he could occasionally score! His England stats eclipse all others. RIP Jimmy and thank you.

 

[GutBucket]

Watched only highlights, can't believe how almost every goal hits the upper corner or the net, incredible precision. It's how Ronaldinho shot penalties but he did it from open play, from all angles and with defenders closing in. RIP.