Ledley King becomes the first-team assistant to Jose Mourinho
Ledley King becomes the first-team assistant to Jose Mourinho.
On the Spurs Website, it announced, “We are delighted to announce the
appointment of Ledley King as First Team Assistant.”
Ledley has joined Mourinho’s first-team staff. He will work alongside the
coaches, analysts and playing squad both at the Training Centre and also will
be there in all-important League and Cup Competitions. On top of that, he will
also have the role of supporting the academy players.
As all Spurs supporters know, he has given 13 years to the club, first
as a team player, making 323 appearances. He also lifted the League Cup at
Wembley as Captain in 2008. Which was the last time we won a significant Trophy.
Unfortunately, he was forced to retire in 2012 because of continuous knee
problem; nevertheless, he continued to be associated with the club. He has also
been a club Ambassador.
Jose Mourinho said: “I am extremely pleased to be welcoming Ledley into
the first team group as we continue our preparations for the new season. He has
a tremendous affinity with this football club, and the fans appreciate just how
much he has accomplished as a true Spurs man both on and off the pitch. We have
developed a good relationship since I arrived, and we hope to use his
experience and insight to support the work we are doing with the squad.”
King was born in Bow, London in 1980. As a youth footballer, he played
for Senrab F.C. and the Tower Hamlets district representative team. He attended
the Blessed John Roche RC School, which is now closed. Ledley joined Tottenham
as a trainee in July of 1996 and advanced through the youth scheme. While a
trainee, he was recognized as having qualities and makeup similar to the great
Bobby Moore.
In 1999–2001 season he made his debut, which was in May 1999 at Anfield
ending, in a 3–2 defeat. When breaking into the first team, under the then
manager George Graham, he was often used as a midfielder. It was with a
performance in central midfield during our 2–1 win over Liverpool in November
2000 that he established himself as a regular in the team. His first goal for
us came in December 2000 in a 3–3 draw away to Bradford City after just 10
seconds, setting a new Premier League record for a quick-fast goal. This record
stood for over 18 years.
The rest, as they say, is history.
The club gave him a testimonial on the 12th May 2014. In
that match, Ledley made his final appearance on the field for the club. His
guests on that memorial night and playing for his side was David Ginola, Teddy
Sheringham and Dimitar Berbatov who faced a Tottenham Hotspur team (Blues v
Whites). The opposing side - Spurs side - was made up of first and reserve team
players. The game finished 6–3 to the Ledley XI, with King opening the scoring
from the penalty spot, and Louis Saha netting a second-half hat-trick for the
XI.
I remember that game well; it was a joyous evening, fun and good-humoured…
with referee and linesmen getting in on the act. A day indeed to remember.
King’s international career was as follows:
1996–1997 England U16; appearances:
5 and no goals.
1999 England U18 he made 3 appearances
and no goals.
1999–2001 England U21 he made
12 appearances and he scored one goal. 2002–2010 For the full England team he made 21 appearances and scored
2 goals.
Ricardo Formosinho, who joined us as our Tactical Analyst last year,
has now left the club.
Best Regards,
Glenn
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