Norman The Conqueror!

Norfolk-born and bred, Maurice Norman started his illustrious career with norwich city before going on to become one of our all-time greats.

A League championship and FA Cup ‘Double’ winner in 1961, the defensive rock made 411 appearances for us between 1955 and 1967, adding the 1962 FA Cup and the 1963 European Cup Winners’ Cup to his list of honours. In this fascinating Q&A, Maurice – now aged 85 – talks us through his Spurs career…

How did you first get into football all those years ago? Did Norwich sign you after a scout had watched you play for Norfolk Schools?

Maurice: “I always ‘knew’ I would be a footballer. I know most boys want to be the next Greaves, Pele or Best but I had a feeling deep inside that nothing else would do for me. I played for my school and a local club called Wymondham Minors. I was tall and big for my age and so had an advantage over the other boys. Also, I lived in a small village called Mulbarton with a large village common where I spent hours of my life kicking a football about with my pals. I even played truant from school just to be able to play on the common! Often I played at center-forward and inside left and I was spotted by a Norwich City scout when playing in the final of a cup with Wymondham Minors. I scored two goals that day at inside forward.”

When did you find out about Spurs’ interest?

Maurice: “When I was called into Tom Parker’s (Norwich manager) office. He advised me to take the offer - a transfer fee of £18,000 plus a swap with Johnny Gavin. Tom said he needed transfer money to build floodlights as at the time, Norwich did not have any. It was a complete surprise to me. I was enjoying playing for Norwich and my Dad was always watching me from the terraces.”

Was it a surprise, as you’d only played 35 games for Norwich?