- Feb 1, 2005
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Gary Mabbutt, one of the few players to give the bulk of their careers to one club. Mabbutt famously suffered from type 1 Diabetes and was signed by Keith Burkinshaw when Bobby Robson at Ipswich thought him too risky, Gary went on to make 618 appearances for Spurs and became the first Diabetic to play for England.
Mabbutt captained Spurs to the 1991 FA Cup and was in the team which won the 1984 UEFA Cup. When asked about the highlight of his career he said.........."The highlight was that Cup Final, no question," said Mabbutt. "Any player will tell you that nothing beats that feeling of walking up the stairs as captain to collect the trophy. Nothing." [ar] [/ar]
Mabbutt was more than useful almost anywhere in midfield and defence and once spurned a move to Liverpool at a time when they were winning everything, such was his love for Spurs. He is one of the true legends of White Hart Lane
Gary Mabbutt Factfile:
BORN: Bristol, 23 August 1961
HEIGHT: 5ft 10ins
CLUBS:
Joined Bristol Rovers (where his father Ray had played) in 1978 as an apprentice. Turned professional in 1979. Games:
122 (plus nine as sub). Goals: 9.
Signed for Tottenham in August 1982 for £105,000 and made his debut in Charity Shield v Liverpool. Games: 618 (458 league). Goals: 36 (27 league).
Captained Spurs in 1987 and 1991 FA Cup Finals.
INTERNATIONAL RECORD:
England debut v West Germany in October 1982.
Appearances: 16.
One goal (v Yugoslavia at Wembley in November 1986).
Also played for England B and Under-21s.
HONOURS:
UEFA Cup 1984, FA Cup 1991, Charity Shield 1991, awarded MBE in January 1994.
Please add your memories of this Spurs legend below.