'One of the finest inside-rights of his generation...Seed played well behind the rest of the forwards like the deep-lying centre forward does today. His accurate passing, especially the long cross-field pass to the left wing, played a big part in Tottenham´s many successes.
But his ability to get the best out of his colleagues and his tactical genius did not blossom fully until he joined Sheffield Wednesday.
When Seed went to the Wednesday it was long odds they would go out of the First Division. He not only helped to save them from relegation but piloted them to two successive championships.
[... And when Seed joined Charlton as manager, he brought off another complete transformation just as starting....]'
[- Charlie Buchan newspaper cutting from 1956]
 |
| JS meets King George V before kick-off |
 |
| Final Action. JS on the left. |
King George V hands the Cup to captain Arthur Grimsdell
1921 FA Cup takings being carried away to the bank for safe keeping.
Re FA Cup:
[JS Newspaper article from Football Favourite January 5th 1924]
'This little trophy has a fascination all of its own. It is unique. Its charm is absolutely irresistible, and beyond comparison with any other trophy in the world.
To the man in the street Cup-ties mean nothing more than excitement and glory. Yet a peep behind the scenes will reveal much anxiety and worry on the part of both clubs and players. So long as a club remains in the Cup, so long do the players feel the strain, which, believe me, takes some standing.
With regard to maintaining this special effort, I have often been asked: "Is special training worthwhile?"
Right from the outset I have always considered special training superfluous. Occasional visits to the neighbouring seaside for hot brine baths may be all right, for these relieve the monotony and daily strain associated with the footballer's training, but to go away for weeks at a time is, in my humble opinion, detrimental to the average player.
Footballers live just like ordinary human beings. We sit down to the ordinary every-day meals; the only difference between a footballer's diet and that of the man in the street, is in the meal immediately before a match.
Therefore, it can easily be assumed that a sudden change of diet (which hotel life means) must necessarily have its effect. Food of a different substance is served up, and this may not altogether suit the footballers' requirements. Change of air and surroundings (with fewer training facilities) are also items worth considering, for they undoubtedly play an important part.
I plead no authority on the subject of special training, but it is from that chapter of life which we call experience that I gather my views. We at White Hart Lane have never undergone a course of special training, yet our record in the Cup (since the War) is unsurpassed by any other club.
Four times in succession have we reached the fourth round, being winners in 1921, and semi-finalists in 1922. The cinder track and gym at White Hart Lane answered all our training requirements.
Of course luck is a big factor in Cup-ties; it always played, and always will play a big part. Perhaps it is the chance, the luck, or whatever you call it, that gives the Cup the glamour which is not to be found in League Championships. A team at the bottom of the League can win the Cup, for there is nothing certain in football as many clubs know to their cost.
From the players point of view success more than the average individual can estimate. Every player within the bounds of Association football covets an English Cup medal. It is strange what fascination cup medals have for players. I'm very proud of mine, I can assure you.
The last ninety minutes make the most desperately keen, anxious and tiring period of all, and I should think everyone taking part is glad when the Cup is won and lost.
No player who has participated in a final, can adequately describe his true feelings when he steps on to the field. I have often tried an explanation, but it is beyond me. A mixed feeling of hope and anxiety, a touch of confidence perhaps, and a feeling of...But it's impossible to describe what it is like. It's almost impossible to describe the game, too.
Every club wants the honour of winning the Cup; every player wants the English Cup winner's medal, and may the honour for the 1923-4 rest with - Well, who knows?'
 |
| Spurs v Sunderland Seed & Elkes up for a header |
 |
| Spurs v Leeds (Cpt: Jimmy Baker) |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
26th March 1921 Sunderland 0 Spurs 1
'Nowadays with substitutes you never see outfield players taking over in goal when the goalkeeper is injured or gets sent off. It always added excitement to a game to see the substitute goalkeeper flapping at crosses or making amazing saves. For this game Spurs regular goalkeepers, Alex Hunter and Bill Jacques, were injured. Their deputy for the whole game was Tommy Clay, an England international full back. He kept a clean sheet and Spurs won with a goal from Jimmy Seed. '
Sunderland 0 Tottenham Hotspur 1 (1st Division)
Scorer: Seed
Team: Clay; Forster, McDonald; Smith, Walters, Grimsdell; Banks, Seed, Cantrell,
Thompson, Dimmock
Now-a-days with a goalkeeper among the substitutes you never see outfield
players taking over in goal when the goalkeeper is injured or gets sent off.
It always added excitement to a game to see the substitute goalkeeper flapping
at crosses or making amazing saves.
In March, 1921, in Tottenham’s first season back in the 1st Division, they had to play three games over the Easter period. On Good Friday, they drew 1 – 1 at Anfield and for the Saturday fixture travelled to the north-east to play Sunderland at Roker Park.
The Spurs first choice goalkeeper was already on the injured list and his deputy, Alex Hunter, had taken over. Hunter, however, was injured in the game against Liverpool and for the next day’s match, right back, Tommy Clay had to go into goal.
Clay was an England international full back but he kept a clean sheet against a Sunderland team which included the England international centre forward, Charlie Buchan who scored at least 35 league goals in each of his four full seasons at Roker Park.
Spurs won with a goal from Jimmy Seed. Buchan was to join Arsenal in 1925.
It was a hectic programme of matches for Spurs. A week earlier they had defeated Preston in the FA Cup semi-final and then on Easter Monday defeated Liverpool in the return fixture at White Hart Lane. For that game Hunter returned in goal and Clay resumed at right back.
The following month went on to lift the FA Cup for the second time in their history.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No comments:
Post a Comment