Even though this match was only a friendly, this is one of a select few games “before my time” I’d love to go back and experience (I was less than 6 months old at the time...blatant “I’m still just about in my 30s” bit there).
The reason being, I’m fan of both Glentoran and Spurs. Thanks to my dad, an East Belfast lad and Glens fan since he was a nipper, who caught a couple of Spurs games on a trip to London with his older brother for his 18th birthday. In...April 1961. You can see why he was hooked - particularly since Spurs were captained by East Belfast native, former Glentoran player and Northern Ireland captain Danny Blanchflower.
The long-lasting consequence was myself and my two brothers growing up supporting the Glens and Spurs. The four of us including my dad made the pilgrimage to the new stadium for the Norwich game in January. I’ve also with my dad’s help inducted my five year old son into the dubious pleasure of a lifetime’s fandom - and he really is fanatical already.
Anyway, back in February my dad wrote in article about the game in the Glentoran programme which I’ll post up if I can figure out how to post photos. He’s now turning out articles for the club website to keep the masses entertained in absence of football, and this week managed to chat by phone to Steve Perryman for this one, thought it might be of some interest:
www.glentoran.com
I spoke to my dad earlier today and he’s still absolutely buzzing about the conversation. He says Mr P is a fantastic guy and really entertaining to talk to, as well as being hugely receptive to a normal fan. So huge thumbs up for Steve.