Alan Gilzean
The King of White Hart Lane
Alan John Gilzean (22 October 1938 – 8 July 2018) was a Scottish professional footballer, active from 1955 to 1975. A striker, Gilzean played most prominently for Dundee and Tottenham Hotspur, and also appeared in 22 international games for Scotland. He helped Dundee win the Scottish league championship in 1961–62 and Tottenham win the FA Cup in 1967, two League Cups (1971 and 1973) and the 1971–72 UEFA Cup.
Quick Facts
- Full name
- Alan John Gilzean
- Born
- 22 October 1938
- Birthplace
- Perth, Scotland
- Died
- 8 July 2018
- Place of death
- Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, England
- Height
- 6 ft 0 in / 1.83 m
- Position
- Striker
- Total caps
- 533+
Lore & Background
Gilzean began his career with Coupar Angus Juniors, signed provisional forms with Dundee in January 1956, and turned professional in February 1957. He made his competitive debut for Dundee in August 1959, scoring 169 goals in 190 top-flight appearances. At Tottenham, he changed his style from main goalscorer to an intelligent and creative forward, forming partnerships with Jimmy Greaves and later Martin Chivers. He earned the moniker 'The King of White Hart Lane' and was inducted into the Tottenham Hotspur Hall of Fame in 2013.
Reader's Guide
Gilzean was a prolific goalscorer at Dundee, but at Tottenham he adapted his game to become a creative forward while still scoring. He was a natural header of the ball with great technique. Jimmy Greaves called him the finest player he ever played with and a 'blood brother'.
Did You Know?
- Gilzean scored a hat-trick in the 4th round FA Cup match against Burnley in 1966, winning the game 4–3 with a late goal.
- He played for Scotland 22 times, scoring 12 goals between November 1963 and April 1971.
- After retiring, he managed Stevenage Athletic for one season from 1975 to 1976.
- Gilzean stated while playing that he disliked football and had no intention of furthering his career after playing.
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