Former Spurs boss Nicholson dies, aged 85

Tottenham's legendary manager Bill Nicholson has died, aged 85, after a long illness.

Tottenham's legendary manager Bill Nicholson has died, aged 85, after a long illness.

Nicholson, who led Spurs to their double-winning triumph in 1961, passed away peacefully at a Hertfordshire hospital early this morning.

Nicholson also guided Spurs to become the first British club to win a European trophy when they landed the Cup Winners' Cup in 1963.

Tottenham chairman, Daniel Levy paid a warm tribute to Nicholson, describing him as a "giant of the game".

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Levy said: "Bill's death is a tragedy for the whole of football but particularly so for his family and all of us at Spurs.

"He was loved by everyone at White Hart Lane and there is no doubt that he in turn loved this club. He will never be forgotten.

"Bill Nicholson devoted his whole life to Tottenham and to our fans and will never be surpassed as the greatest individual in our history.

Spurs will hold a minute's silence before today's home game with Bolton.

As well as winning the league and cup double in 1961, his team successfully defended the FA Cup the following year when they also triumphed in the European Cup-Winners' Cup in 1964.

He followed that with another FA Cup win in 1967, the Football League Cup in both 1971 and 1973 and the UEFA Cup of 1972.