Article: Bill's brilliance sparked my love for Tottenham Glenn Hoddle tells Steve Stammers of how Spurs great Bill Nicholson is an inspiration to him and why he deserves tonight's testimonial

THE public perception of Bill Nicholson is of a gruff, no- nonsense Yorkshireman who settled for nothing less than perfection. That impression was totally accurate.

Witness his first words to the talented 16-year-old midfielder from Harlow, who had just signed apprentice forms for Tottenham Hotspur during the Nicholson era.

Today, signings of highly rated players are often high-profile affairs, complete with announcements on the PA before a home game and the approval of 30,000 supporters.

Times have changed. When Glenn Hoddle signed those forms it was a private matter and all Nicholson said was: "If you think you have done the hard bit, you are wrong.

The hard work starts now."

Praise ...

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