Remembering Goran

As two of his former teams prepare to meet in the Champions League this evening, it has got us all thinking about Goran Bunjevcevic, the cultured and likeable defender who sadly passed away last year.

The international centre-half spent the best part of 10 years at Crvena zvezda and Spurs and was an immensely popular character at both clubs, where he is still fondly remember today by those who knew him.

Born in Karlovac in February, 1973, Goran spent most of his childhood in the city of Split, and played youth football for the famous Hajduk Split side. Following the outbreak of war in the region, the family moved to Belgrade and Goran’s football career took off in the Serbian capital.

Initially he played for Graficar Belgrade before joining Rad Belgrade in 1994. His talent was obviously clear to see and within three years, he signed for Crvena zvezda. Goran’s reputation as a ball-playing defender whose calm, unflustered nature meant he was utilised mostly as a sweeper, saw him elevated to captain at the Belgrade giants.

In four seasons with the club, he made 125 appearances in the Yugoslav top-flight, scoring 16 goals, helping his side win the championship in 2000 and 2001 and the domestic cup in 1999 and 2000.

Bunjevcevic made his Spurs debut on August 18, 2001, in a goalless draw at home to Aston Villa, but suffered a fractured cheekbone against Chelsea, just five games into his Tottenham career. He featured just three more times that season, but the following term was his best in our colours.

Composed in possession, Goran’s versatility made him a key member of the squad and he was involved in 37 matches during 2002/03. He added two League Cup goals to his name in the 2004/05 campaign – against Oldham Athletic and Bolton Wanderers – making his last first team appearance for us in February, 2005.