An interview with David Pleat, by Callum McFadden for WFi.
Your new book is filled with remarkable stories—why did you feel that now was the perfect time to release it?
“I’ve always had the idea of writing a book in the back of my mind. Over the years, many people have asked me when I would, and I always said I wouldn’t do it until I’d retired. I used to joke that I was waiting for a few people to sadly pass away before sharing my stories.
“But now, the timing feels right. I’m at a good age, and I’ve been fortunate to have had a wonderful life in football. I’ve played, coached, managed, served as a director of football, and sat on the board at Tottenham.
“I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many people, seeing countless matches, and working with some incredible players. I finally feel ready to share my perspective.”
I’d like to ask specifically about your time managing Luton Town. You achieved remarkable success with the club, leading them to the pinnacle of English football. How proud are you of the legacy you’ve built at Luton?
“Yes, I have a deep affection for Luton. They gave me an opportunity around 1974 to return as a coach after my first managerial role at Nuneaton.
“Initially, I took charge of the reserves, but eventually, I moved up to manage the first team, thanks to Mr. Mortimer, the chairman.
“The first year was challenging, but things improved steadily each season, culminating in our promotion around ’81 or ’82. We survived in the top division, which was Division 1 at the time—what is now the Premier League—and that was an outstanding achievement.
“I had the privilege of working with some wonderful players, many of whom went on to earn international caps. I brought in players like Brian Stein and Ricky Hill, both of whom played for England. Later on, we had Mick Harford, who also represented England, as well as Mal Donaghy, who played for Northern Ireland, and Paddy Grealish for the Republic of Ireland. We had a fantastic camaraderie, and a group of truly talented players.
“What I’m particularly proud of is that many of these players came from the lower leagues, which was crucial. I gave them a platform, and they rose to the occasion.
“Players like Kirk Stephens from Nuneaton, Mal Donaghy from Larne, David Moss from Swindon, and Brian Stein from Edgware Town—these were players that many clubs wouldn’t have considered, as they were looking for ready-made stars. But these lads kept improving, and that’s what made my time at Luton so fulfilling and something I look back on with great pride.”
After such a successful and fulfilling time at Luton, when Tottenham Hotspur came calling, was it an offer that felt impossible to refuse?
“Yes, in a way, it was. Before Tottenham, I had been approached by a number of clubs. For instance, I had conversations with Mr Cowey at Sunderland, Mr Woodsford at Southampton, and Mr Kerr at Ipswich—various directors who asked if I would be interested in joining their clubs. I even had a meeting with Jim Gregory of Queen’s Park Rangers, and I was quite tempted.
“However, I was determined to see through this golden period at Luton, which culminated in nine of my signings playing in the 1989 League Cup final, where they beat Arsenal 3-2.
“We always seemed to have Arsenal’s number—though Everton were a bit of a nemesis for us. Ray Harford took charge for that final, as I had just left, but it was incredibly satisfying to see them achieve that.
“So, when Tottenham came calling, it was indeed a wonderful opportunity—one I couldn’t turn down.”
Your connection with Tottenham goes far beyond your first spell as manager in the ’80s. You’ve returned as caretaker on multiple occasions, had a second stint as manager, scouted for the club, and even sat on the board of directors. Given this long-standing and multifaceted relationship with such a historic club, what does your association with Tottenham mean to you over the decades?
“Yes, absolutely. When I was younger and a schoolboy international, Tottenham was one of many clubs that approached me. However, I chose to stay with my hometown club, Nottingham Forest, as I was still living at home and studying.
“I made my debut for Forest at just 17 years and 33 days old, becoming the club’s youngest debutant at the time, and I even scored on my debut, which I’m quite proud of. But Tottenham always stayed in my mind.
“I remember watching that magnificent Tottenham team of 1961—players like Brown, Baker, and Henry at the back; Blanchflower, Norman, and Mackay in midfield; and Dyson, White, Smith, Les Allen, and Cliff Jones up front.
“It was a truly remarkable side, playing an attractive, cultured brand of football—passing and moving, a style that stemmed from Arthur Rowe and continued under Bill Nicholson, who I later had the privilege of working with at Tottenham.
“I even recall seeing them play at Nottingham Forest, winning 4-0 during their double-winning season. They had a certain magic about them that I always admired, and that feeling never left me.
“When I was asked to return to Tottenham by Alan Sugar in 1998, I was truly honoured. I served as director of football until 2004, during which time I worked closely with Alan, who had an incredible vision for the game.
“He was the first to point out that the money coming in from Sky shouldn’t just go towards players’ wages, and he also pioneered the role of a football director.
“I was the first one in that position, acting as the bridge between the team manager and the board of directors. It was a fascinating role, and today nearly every club has a sporting director or equivalent, which is something I’m very proud to have been part of.
“Then in 2010, I was invited back by scout Bloomfield and Harry Redknapp, and I spent 14 years with the club in various roles, mostly as a scout and occasionally as a consultant.
“I’m proud to have played a role in the acquisition of top players like Vertonghen, Eriksen, Ben Davies, Son, and, more recently, Jack Clarke, who went to Sunderland and then Ipswich.
“Sadly, things didn’t work out as we’d hoped for Dele Alli, but that’s part of the game. I thoroughly enjoyed scouting, meeting many wonderful people, and having incredible experiences along the way.
“During this time, I also had the opportunity to continue my work in television, covering seven World Cups and many Champions League finals. Tottenham gave me the flexibility to pursue both passions and for that, I’m incredibly grateful. All in all, I think I’ve been a very lucky man.”
Given your extensive experience in football—both on the pitch and in management, as well as your work covering the game on television—how do you view the evolution of football into the modern era? With the significant changes over the decades, particularly the influx of foreign players in English football and globally, how do you feel the game has transformed?
“That’s an excellent question. I believe football at the highest level is still a beautiful game—wonderful to watch and, no doubt, incredible to play. However, I do feel that some of its charm has been lost.
“Football has increasingly become more of a brand, with the focus shifting towards finance in a way that it never did before. The bottom line—financial sustainability, the accounts—has become almost as crucial as what happens on the field.
“In terms of player development, players like Alan Hudson, Paul Gascoigne, Tony Currie, and Glenn Hoddle—all of the greats from yesteryear—would thrive in today’s game.
“They’d be fitter due to the more structured, intense training regimes, and they’d benefit from the faster pace of the modern game. With pristine pitches, advanced boots, perfectly prepared balls, and better nutrition, they’d adapt seamlessly.
“While the game has certainly evolved and improved in many ways, and we must move with the times, I do think it has lost some of the magic it once had. But make no mistake, the great players of the past would absolutely still be great players today.”
Finally, David, to return to your book, while you’ve shared your strong connections with clubs like Luton and Tottenham, what other insights and experiences can fans look forward to?
“Thank you, Callum. I have experiences that span from playing in front of 95,000 fans at Wembley at the age of 15 to enduring two heart-wrenching FA Cup semi-final defeats—one against Everton, which was a particularly sad day at Villa Park, where Luton performed brilliantly but were unfortunately beaten in extra time.
“Another was the cup final against Coventry, which was an incredibly intense match. You can imagine the disappointment I felt, along with thousands of Spurs supporters, especially considering the pivotal moment when Mabbutt was fouled in the centre circle. The Coventry centre half should have been sent off, but that didn’t happen. The substitute who came on for him ultimately played a role in the own goal that Mabbutt scored in extra time.
“Yet, there were also significant highs, such as winning the league by seven clear points against Watford. Despite our friendly rivalry, they were great competitors, and we managed to address the hooliganism that plagued rival fans at the time.
“I enjoyed a lovely rivalry with Graham Taylor and had the privilege of meeting remarkable figures like Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsène Wenger—personalities who have shaped football over the years.
“Behind the scenes, I’ve also worked with the FA on disciplinary panels and permit panels, allowing me to meet a diverse range of individuals in the sport.
“There is a wonderful camaraderie among football people, and I feel fortunate to have survived the highs and lows of my career.
“I’ve faced disappointment but also great joy, and I’m grateful to still be here. Many of my peers have passed on, but I cherish the life football has given me. I can honestly say I’ve been a very lucky man.”