Tottenham Hotspur FC has a long and commendable history. We love to watch and cheer for them, but how much do we know about the Spurs’ roots? In addition to winning the first-ever UEFA Cup competition, Tottenham is the proud holder of two UEFA Cups, one Cup Winners’ Cup, four League Cups, and eight FA Cups. The Tottenham Hotspur Academy has graduated highly competent players like Harry Kane, Troy Parrott, and current Everton winger Andros Townsend. 

Spurs is a team that many football fans like to watch when they take to the field in whatever competition they may be competing in, whether it be the Premier League or one of the continental cups. Indeed, it does not come as a surprise, as football is popular for fans worldwide.

Billions worldwide play the game, and while many can not get enough, they continue to get as much of this passion in various ways. For instance, we have seen many play video games and casino games themed on the sport at Ignition Online Casino, while others read books and watch TV shows and films, while many also listen to the latest podcasts produced, with many of a Tottenham theme.

Let’s walk through the years since this impressive team was formed.

Quick Facts

• Name: Tottenham Hotspur FC
• Country: England
• City: London
• Founded: 1882
• Home Grounds

• 1882 to 1888: Tottenham Marshes
• 1888 to 1899: Northumberland Park
• 1899 to 2017: White Hart Lane
• 2019 to Present: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

• Major Trophies

• Premier League (First Division): 2
• League Cup: 8
• UEFA Cup Winners Cup: 1
• UEFA Cup (Europa League): 2
• FA Cup: 8

• Club Records
• Jimmy Greaves: Top Goal Scorer (266)
• Steve Perryman: Most Games Played (854)

Founding and Early History

As the club's official website notes, Tottenham Hotspur was founded in 1882 by a group of make students from All Hallows Church. The club was initially called Hotspur, but the name was changed to include “Tottenham” to avoid confusion with Hotspur FC, an older club.

Tottenham Hotspur was admitted into the Southern League in 1895 and won its first FA title in 1901 in a finals game against Sheffield United. This victory made the club the only non-member of the Football League to win the FA cup and gained Tottenham a large following. Seven years later, the club joined the Football League and was soon promoted to the First Division. 

Amid the War

Tottenham had a reasonably unimpressive stint during the war, finishing at the bottom of the league during the 1914-15 season right before football was suspended. Upon resumption, they were relegated to the Second Division and only made it back to the First after the 1919–20 season.

The Spurs won their second FA Cup on 23 April 1921 under McWilliam. But apart from this win, they had a very uneventful next five years. They remained in the Second Division for most of the 1930s and 40s, briefly returning during the 1933–34 and 1934–35 seasons.

After WWII, Tottenham picked up a bit thanks to the adoption of their push-and-run style of play. Critics believe it may have won them the League title in 1951. However, Tottenham's opponents soon learned to defend the tactics, and it lost its effectiveness.

Bill Nicholson

Bill Nicholson joined the Spurs in 1958 as the new manager, making the start of an era many consider the club’s height of glory. Nicholson, who is widely considered one of the best premier football coaches of all time, led the Spurs to a League title in 1961; three FA cups in 1961, 62, and 67; 1963, one Cup Winners’ Cup in two League Cups in 1971 and 73; and their first UEFA Cup in 1972. He stayed with the team for 16 years, leaving in 1974.

The impact of Nicholson’s exit on Tottenham was immediately apparent. The team was soon relegated, and they suffered in competitions for a while until Keith Burkinshaw came on as manager, and the club made several star signings. In 1981, they won the FA Cup, followed by their second UEFA Cup in 1983.

Villa and Ardiles

August 23, 1978, is essential for Tottenham and Sport's history. As FourFourTwo notes, this was when the club received World Cup stars Ricky Villa and Ossie Ardiles – the first overseas stars to join the game. English football had banned the signing of foreign players, and it was only dropped in 1978 after over 50 years. In addition to writing history, Villa and Ardiles played for the Spurs for five and ten years, respectively, gaining significant popularity among fans and several wins for the club.

Up and Downs

After the win in 1983, the next several decades were filled with ups and downs for the Spurs. They had several unimpressive league finishes interspersed with three successful attempts for the Cup. They won their final FA Cup in 1990 and two League Cups in 1999 and 2008.

Premier League

In the Premier League, Tottenham was at first considered average. They made a name for themselves in the league in the 2015-16 season, making a move for the title and finishing third. Harry Kane bagged the Golden Boot for scoring 25 goals. In the next league, Tottenham finished second behind Chelsea – their best position in the league as of now. 

Tottenham Hotspur Timeline

Here is a brief outline of the team’s main events over the years:

• 1882: The club is founded.
• 1901: Tottenham win their first FA Cup title.
• 1908: They go professional and join the Football League.
• 1909: Tottenham had its first season in the First Division.
• 1951: They win the National league championship for the first time.
• 1958: Bill Nicholson joins Tottenham as manager.
• 1962: Club wins its First European Cup Winners' Cup title.
• 1971: Tottenham bags its first League Cup title.
• 1972: Club wins its first UEFA Cup title.
• 2013: Club sets a new transfer record by selling Gareth Bale for €100 million to Real Madrid.
• 2019: Tottenham moves to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Wrap Up

As you can see, the ENIC Group-owned Spurs have a long history dating back to `1882. This year marks the team’s 140th anniversary, and so far, Tottenham remains a formidable team with many groundbreaking victories. It is safe to say that it has been well worth the journey.

Sports Team History takes a look at the history and the logo history of each and every professional sports team to have ever existed from the MLB, MLS, NBA, NCAA, NFL, NHL, Premier League, WNBA, XFL, ABA, AAF, or USFL.

Our partner site is Sports Logo History, which is a community of sports logo enthusiasts who enjoys the history of each team’s logo history. In addition, we have added Sports News History to our sports history websites. 24/7 non-stop sports news that's worth knowing. Finally, the premier sports team marketplace for your favorite team or college with thousands of items for you to peruse at Sports Market History.