SOCCER

Greymouth Evening Star, 31 May 1935, Page 10

SOCCER

‘SPURS’ MANAGER RESIGNS LONDON, April 17. Mr. Percy Smith, the Tottenham Hotspur manager, is the latest Soccer official to resign his post this season. His departure from the ’Spurs—now doomed to lose their place in the First Division —follows the resignations, among others, of these managers of League clubs: Mr. C. Jones (iyotts Country), Mr. R. Ray (Leeds United), Mr. M. O’Brien (Queen’s Park Rangers), Mr. Hogan (Fulham) and Mr. David Pratt (Clapton Orient). Mr. Smith’s decision, it is understood, came as the result of a letter addressed to him by the Tottenham directors.

“Until I reached home last night,” said Mr. Smith yesterday. "| had no idea that any such step would be taken. Therefore I knew nothing about the directors’ attitude towards me and never dreamed that such a thing would happen.

"There was no option for me but to resign following such a step by the Tottenham officials. My resignation will reach the directors to-morrow and will take effect from the eml of the season.

"It is difficult for me to compare the attitude of the directors towards me twelve months ago and their attitude now which has led them to take such action. The players have failed and not me. and I cannot be blamed tor the club’s lack of success.” Mr. Smith added: "The attitude of! the directors was as much a surprise! to me as to anybody else in the foot-, ball world. Yesterday I was busy on niy regular routine, compiling the lists

'f retained players and those open I o transfer in readiness for next sea ! son, and I was anticipating travelling a good yiany miles in search of a plav- ' I Succeeding Mr. W. .1. Minter as the ’Spin’s’ manager in 1930, Mr. Smith saw the club gain promotion from the Second Division and go near to carry imt off championship honour,:. De pre

viously managed Bury, the Second Division chib. As a player lie saw service with Preston North End and itlackhuru Hovers. He spent, seven years with North End. and going to Blackburn helped the Hovers to win the League cli.iinpiondtip in 1912 and

McTavhdi asked the local dentist the price of an extraction. "Soren shillings and sixpence,’’ was the reply. "I canna pay ve that much, mon.” • ted the Scot. “I’ll gio ye 2/t hough, just tao loosen it a woo bit : ae that I can pull it out nialself.”