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Off The Shelf

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club

Off The Shelf will bring you even closer to our great Club, telling often untold stories from the current playing squad to the legends who went before them, the staff who keep everything ticking over behind the scenes and, of course, our fans - the heartbeat of Spurs. Each podcast is dedicated to its subject, shining a light on their careers and the stories that define them. How did Ledley King feel when he was told he’d have to retire? How did Jenna Schillaci react when she was told she couldn’t play football as a young girl? How did Oliver Skipp climb through the ranks from Academy to first team? How did Molly Bartrip overcome serious health issues to reach the top of the women’s game? What was the one thing Heurelho Gomes wished for when he left home in Brazil to pursue his dream in Europe? You’ll hear those answers and more across the series… And who better to present our podcast than one of our modern-day greats and fans' favourite, Michael Dawson! 'Daws' joined us in January, 2005 and spent nine years at the Club, making 324 appearances in all competitions for us until departing in the summer of 2014. Michael finally retired after 20 seasons as a professional for Nottingham Forest, Spurs and Hull City in August, 2021, and stepped straight into new roles as our Club Ambassador and as a panellist on Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports. A true leader, Daws radiates enthusiasm - his love for the Club shines through. read less
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Episodes

EPISODE 29 - Matt Wells
28-03-2024
EPISODE 29 - Matt Wells
Joining Milesy and Daws this week is Men's First Team assistant coach - Matt Wells! With Spurs royalty coursing through his veins from his grandfather, a certain double winner, Matt recounts the start to his Spurs journey which saw him signed at eight years old and progress through our Academy to earn a professional contract. Discussing his early years in Spurs Lodge, Chigwell, 'Wellsy' looks back on his memories in our youth system like the story of scrubbing Edgar Davids' boots 🧼 to then having to deal with serious injury setbacks just as he turned professional before embarking on a coaching career. Wellsy takes us through this journey in and out of football - carveries and all - to his invaluable youth coaching experience in a fruitful time for our Academy, and onto his time working as a coach with former Spurs player Scott Parker during his management spells domestically and overseas 🌍 He then discusses the call last season from our interim Head Coach Ryan Mason to join his First Team coaching set up before staying on as Assistant Coach this term and working under Ange Postecoglou and the fascinating working dynamic under our Head Coach. An unmissable episode as we delve into the mind of an important member of our Men's First Team coaching staff! Watch on SPURSPLAY - https://play.tottenhamhotspur.com/home For more on Tottenham Hotspur: Club App - tottenhamhotspur.com/spurs-official-app YouTube - youtube.com/channel/UCEg25rdRZXg32iwai6N6l0w?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter - https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial TikTok - tiktok.com/@spursofficial?lang=en Instagram - instagram.com/spursofficial Facebook - facebook.com/TottenhamHotspur Spurs Shop - shop.tottenhamhotspur.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EPISODE 28 - John Fennelly
20-03-2024
EPISODE 28 - John Fennelly
Joining hosts Milesy and Matt Tarr this week is our former Press Officer and *checks notes* pretty-much-everything-else-off-pitch-related - John 'Fenners' Fennelly 🗞 a particularly special person to Milesy which you'll discover why at the start of this episode 🤝 Born in Dublin, Ireland, John emigrated with his parents to England as a young child and spent his early years a stones throw away from our old training ground of 44 years in Cheshunt. In awe of the glittering lights of White Hart Lane in north London in the late 1960s, 'Fenners' was hooked from the moment he set eyes on the charming Lane and it was sealed for life after witnessing his first game from the iconic Shelf against Burnley 🤍 Our Press Officer from 1984, the first-ever in England's top flight, 'Fenners' reveals the incredible stories from working with the legendary Bill Nicholson - whose contribution to the Club's history will surely never be surpassed - to the different methods in place at that time in football media such as press conferences and player signings - namely Osvaldo 'Ossie' Ardiles and Ricky Villa 🇦🇷✍️ - and keeping Spurs fans all over the world up-to-date with Club news through a monthly newspaper, Spurs News, in a time before the internet 📰 He then discusses working with managers like Martin Jol, talents like the irresistible David Ginola and reflects on his reputation amongst Spurs players and legends he worked with down the years who hold him in such high regard. This is a fascinating insight into Spurs from a whole new perspective from a real character who did so much for the Club! Watch on SPURSPLAY - https://play.tottenhamhotspur.com/home For more on Tottenham Hotspur: Club App - tottenhamhotspur.com/spurs-official-app YouTube - youtube.com/channel/UCEg25rdRZXg32iwai6N6l0w?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter - https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial TikTok - tiktok.com/@spursofficial?lang=en Instagram - instagram.com/spursofficial Facebook - facebook.com/TottenhamHotspur Spurs Shop - shop.tottenhamhotspur.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EPISODE 27 - Alfie Whiteman
13-03-2024
EPISODE 27 - Alfie Whiteman
Joining Milesy and Daws this week is another Academy graduate and member of our Men's First Team squad - goalkeeper Alfie Whiteman! 🧤 A Spurs fan born and bred in Tottenham, Alfie joined our Academy at the age of just 10 before progressing all the way through our ranks before going onto make his senior debut in November, 2020. Discussing his childhood years in N17, 'Alf' reveals his first memories on Spurs including the story of the day he walked out with the team at the mascot away at West Ham as a nine-year-old and his early years in our youth system 👦 Moving into our First Team set up over the last few years, Alfie takes us through the trials and tribulations of being at goalkeeper at the highest level 🏃 working alongside and learning from his idols 🤩 before going onto earn his first debut on the European stage 🌍 He then discusses his unique loans in 2021 and 2022 which took him to the wilderness and forests of Sweden where he lived almost amongst nature with a log cabin in the snow 🌲 to his varying interests outside of football such as his passion for music which has seen him recently take to the decks on local radio 🎧 Watch on SPURSPLAY - https://play.tottenhamhotspur.com/home For more on Tottenham Hotspur: Club App - tottenhamhotspur.com/spurs-official-app YouTube - youtube.com/channel/UCEg25rdRZXg32iwai6N6l0w?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter - https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial TikTok - tiktok.com/@spursofficial?lang=en Instagram - instagram.com/spursofficial Facebook - facebook.com/TottenhamHotspur Spurs Shop - shop.tottenhamhotspur.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EPISODE 26 - Mark Falco
06-03-2024
EPISODE 26 - Mark Falco
Joining Michael Dawson and Paul Miles is a UEFA Cup winner and prolific bagsman, Mark Falco! Growing up watching his Spurs idols Jimmy Greaves and Martin Chivers from the 'The Shelf' in the East Stand at White Hart Lane, Mark joined our Academy as a young teenager to work his way through the system to make his senior debut as an 18-year-old. A lifelong fan who went on to live his dream to play 2️⃣1️⃣4️⃣ times and score 8️⃣7️⃣ times in Lilywhite, uncover the tales of a player who lives and breathes Spurs such as rubbing shoulders with incredible characters in a successful dressing room and lifting the 1981 FA Cup 🥇 the former striker also takes us through overcoming a serious injury, to reaching the pinnacle of European glory with the 1984 UEFA Cup 🏆 and his career beyond his boyhood club, like facing us in an FA Cup semi-final and playing for Rangers in an Old Firm, and much more! Mark is fully COYS, still turning out for Spurs Legends for his love for the beautiful game and our Club, so this is a must listen as we get to know more about someone who embodies the Spurs spirit and made his mark during a glittering period for the Club 🤍 Watch on SPURSPLAY - https://play.tottenhamhotspur.com/home For more on Tottenham Hotspur: Club App - tottenhamhotspur.com/spurs-official-app YouTube - youtube.com/channel/UCEg25rdRZXg32iwai6N6l0w?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter - https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial TikTok - tiktok.com/@spursofficial?lang=en Instagram - instagram.com/spursofficial Facebook - facebook.com/TottenhamHotspur Spurs Shop - shop.tottenhamhotspur.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EPISODE 25 - Aaron Lennon
28-02-2024
EPISODE 25 - Aaron Lennon
Blink and you'll miss him... joining Off The Shelf co-hosts Michael Dawson and Matt Tarr on the podcast this week is the lightning fast Aaron Lennon! Before signing for Spurs in the summer of 2005, Aaron charts his early playing days where he burst onto the scene at boyhood club Leeds United to become the youngest Premier League player at the time in 2003 when he made his debut away to Spurs in his future home of White Hart Lane aged 16 years and 129 days. Becoming teammates with fellow Yorkshireman 'Daws' upon his move to north London, the fleet-footed winger tells the stories of what made his decade with the Club so special like the dressing room characters 😂 that iconic hair and eyebrow tramline combo 🔥 2008 League Cup glory 🏆 and Champions League nights across his 3️⃣6️⃣4️⃣ appearances in Lilywhite 🤍. From his 21 caps for England to his time playing in Turkey and beyond, Aaron leaves no stone unturned in a conversation that goes beyond football when he importantly opens up about his personal mental health problems and how he is using that experience for positive change as a real advocate for mental wellbeing. This is an unmissable episode for every Spurs fan and football enthusiast as we relive the huge career of a diminutive attacking talent. If you're affected by any topics in this episode, please visit https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/. Watch on SPURSPLAY - https://play.tottenhamhotspur.com/home For more on Tottenham Hotspur: Club App - tottenhamhotspur.com/spurs-official-app YouTube - youtube.com/channel/UCEg25rdRZXg32iwai6N6l0w?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter - https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial TikTok - tiktok.com/@spursofficial?lang=en Instagram - instagram.com/spursofficial Facebook - facebook.com/TottenhamHotspur Spurs Shop - shop.tottenhamhotspur.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EPISODE 24 - David Howells
21-02-2024
EPISODE 24 - David Howells
Joining Off The Shelf hosts Daws and Milesy is a gem of a midfielder and even better person, David Howells! Progressing through our Academy up to the first team, one of our own 'Howellsy' went on to make 3️⃣3️⃣5️⃣ appearances for the Club while helping us to glory in the 1991 FA Cup 🏆 From sharing a chateaubriand with our record appearance holder Steve Perryman on his first trip with the men's squad 🥩 to scoring the winner in his senior debut in arctic conditions at Sheffield Wednesday ⚽️ David tells the tales of an incredible 12 years in Lilywhite that was aided by an inspired pep talk from the late, great Terry Venables. Still tearing it up for Spurs Legends like a fine wine (not a chateaubriand), discover the story behind Howellsy's journey at Spurs with some hilarious tales of Paul Gascoigne's training ground antics 😂 being part of a star-studded dressing room 🤩 and the cup run to our latest FA Cup success. Watch on SPURSPLAY - https://play.tottenhamhotspur.com/home For more on Tottenham Hotspur: Club App - tottenhamhotspur.com/spurs-official-app YouTube - youtube.com/channel/UCEg25rdRZXg32iwai6N6l0w?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter - https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial TikTok - tiktok.com/@spursofficial?lang=en Instagram - instagram.com/spursofficial Facebook - facebook.com/TottenhamHotspur Spurs Shop - shop.tottenhamhotspur.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EPISODE 23 - Simon Davies
14-02-2024
EPISODE 23 - Simon Davies
Joining hosts Milesy and Daws on Off The Shelf this week is our Academy Director, Simon Davies! Growing up around Manchester, find out how Sir Alex Ferguson played his part in Simon's early career that led to him captaining Manchester United's Class of '92 youth side. Making 20 senior appearances for the Red Devils, scoring once, the midfielder spent the majority of his playing days in the English football leagues before embarking on a coaching career that has since developed an Academy focus. This is a fascinating episode delving deeper into the mind of an elite operator who has vast experience of the Academy system having spent a number of years working across various levels at Manchester City. Now at the helm of our Academy, hear from Simon as he provides a valuable insight into the Club's methodology and alignment from youth sides up to the first team, working with Ange Postecoglou to embed and instil a culture, harnessing and helping talent reach their potential on the pathway to producing 'our own' first team players and imparts some astute advice to young players and aspiring professionals. Watch on SPURSPLAY - https://play.tottenhamhotspur.com/home For more on Tottenham Hotspur: Club App - tottenhamhotspur.com/spurs-official-app YouTube - youtube.com/channel/UCEg25rdRZXg32iwai6N6l0w?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter - https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial TikTok - tiktok.com/@spursofficial?lang=en Instagram - instagram.com/spursofficial Facebook - facebook.com/TottenhamHotspur Spurs Shop - shop.tottenhamhotspur.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EPISODE 19 - Paul Allen
20-12-2023
EPISODE 19 - Paul Allen
A Spurs legend and a man of a footballing dynasty joins us on the podcast this week 👨‍👦‍👦 Joining Michael Dawson and Paul Miles is our legendary former midfielder, Paul Allen! The youngest ever player to start an FA Cup final, Paul sign for us in 1985 and went onto make almost 4️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ appearances for the Club while also helping us to our latest FA Cup triumph in 1991 🏆. Nephew of our former forward Les Allen, the midfielder is also cousin to our former striker Clive Allen with the Allen dynasty also extending to Dennis Allen (Reading), Martin Allen (West Ham) and now Academy coach Bradley Allen. Discover the story of one of footballs most well known families and Paul's journey to FA Cup glory with Spurs, from making history at Wembley 🏟️... realising his destiny in eventually wearing our Lilywhite shirt 🤍, playing alongside his cousin Clive and being a part of a dressing room of superstars 🤩 with the likes of Ray Clemence, Steve Perryman, Glenn Hoddle, Ossie Ardiles, Chris Waddle, Paul Gascoigne and Gary Lineker. Watch on SPURSPLAY - https://play.tottenhamhotspur.com/home For more on Tottenham Hotspur: Club App - tottenhamhotspur.com/spurs-official-app YouTube - youtube.com/channel/UCEg25rdRZXg32iwai6N6l0w?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter - https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial TikTok - tiktok.com/@spursofficial?lang=en Instagram - instagram.com/spursofficial Facebook - facebook.com/TottenhamHotspur Spurs Shop - shop.tottenhamhotspur.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EPISODE 18 - Ossie Ardiles
13-12-2023
EPISODE 18 - Ossie Ardiles
We have true Spurs and world football royalty on the Off The Shelf podcast this week 👑 Joining Michael Dawson and Paul Miles is our legendary former player and manager, Osvaldo 'Ossie' Ardiles! Ossie joined Spurs after winning the World Cup with Argentina in 1978, a pioneering move alongside compatriot Ricky Villa, going on to make 311 appearances between 1978-88 and achieved ‘Ossie’s Dream’ by winning the FA Cup at Wembley in 1981 and added the UEFA Cup three years later. Uncover the tales that make this man such a magnetic character, like his reptilian nickname associated with his football ability 🐍 his relationship with one of the greatest ever in Diego Maradona 🇦🇷 how he adapted to British culture... Chas & Dave 🎶 helping (or hindering) his good friend Ricky in the dressing room 👀 starring in Escape to Victory alongside acting and footballing stars 🎬 and much, much more. Uncover the dynamic legacy of one of our true greats as we unravel the threads of his career and the indelible mark he left at the Club. Watch on SPURSPLAY - https://play.tottenhamhotspur.com/home For more on Tottenham Hotspur: Club App - tottenhamhotspur.com/spurs-official-app YouTube - youtube.com/channel/UCEg25rdRZXg32iwai6N6l0w?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter - https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial TikTok - tiktok.com/@spursofficial?lang=en Instagram - instagram.com/spursofficial Facebook - facebook.com/TottenhamHotspur Spurs Shop - shop.tottenhamhotspur.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EPISODE 17 - Robert Vilahamn
06-12-2023
EPISODE 17 - Robert Vilahamn
Joining hosts Paul Miles and former Spurs women's player Jenna Schillaci on the Off The Shelf podcast this week is... Robert Vilahamn! Growing up in the quiet seaside village of Skärhamn in Sweden, our Women's First Team Head Coach takes us on his football journey from his early days playing against his brother, onto his playing days with IFK Göteborg and Sweden Under-19 before discovering his true calling was to pursue a coaching career. A qualified teacher, Robert carved out a successful management pathway in his native country in both the men's and women's games before taking his first foray into England as our women's Head Coach in July 2023. This episode goes beyond the pitch, providing a deeper look into the Swede's background, football philosophy, coaching style and the values that drives him. Get to know the person at the helm of Spurs women, and discover the stories behind some of the players, coaches and the manager that are shaping the future of the team! Watch on SPURSPLAY - https://play.tottenhamhotspur.com/home For more on Tottenham Hotspur: Club App - tottenhamhotspur.com/spurs-official-app YouTube - youtube.com/channel/UCEg25rdRZXg32iwai6N6l0w?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter - https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial TikTok - tiktok.com/@spursofficial?lang=en Instagram - instagram.com/spursofficial Facebook - facebook.com/TottenhamHotspur Spurs Shop - shop.tottenhamhotspur.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EPISODE 15 - Pat Jennings
22-11-2023
EPISODE 15 - Pat Jennings
Goalkeeping royalty on the Off The Shelf podcast 👑 Joining Michael Dawson and Matt Tarr this week is legendary Spurs player, Pat Jennings. Pat was a special player and is regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers in history. The Northern Ireland stopper was our custodian for 13 years and amassed 591 appearances in perhaps the club's most successful period in history. During his time at White Hart Lane, the 78-year-old spent a glittering spell that brought four major trophies in the FA Cup in 1967, two League Cups in 1971 and 1973 and the inaugural UEFA Cup in 1971. He was also recognised as Footballer of the Year in 1973 and even scored a goal from inside his own box with a huge punt in our 1967 Charity Shield victory over Manchester United. An assured presence between the sticks, the goalkeeper holds a record 119 caps for Northern Ireland in an international career spanning 22 years. In a senior club career which saw him play more than 1,000 times at the top level across Watford, Spurs, Arsenal and Everton, the 78-year-old has also made an impact off the pitch which has been recognised with an MBE, an OBE and promoted further to a CBE and was honoured with a statue in his hometown of Kildare St, Newry in November 2023. This is Pat's story. Watch on SPURSPLAY - https://play.tottenhamhotspur.com/home For more on Tottenham Hotspur: Club App - tottenhamhotspur.com/spurs-official-app YouTube - youtube.com/channel/UCEg25rdRZXg32iwai6N6l0w?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter - https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial TikTok - tiktok.com/@spursofficial?lang=en Instagram - instagram.com/spursofficial Facebook - facebook.com/TottenhamHotspur Spurs Shop - shop.tottenhamhotspur.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices