Tom Morris

Who was Tom Morris?

Tom Morris was a professional footballer who played during the 1890s and 1900s, initially for Gantham Rovers and Gainsborough Trinity before making a name for himself as at half-back for Tottenham Hotspur.

Morris played for Tottenham in the first game played at White Hart Lane on 4 September 1899, a friendly, against Notts County F.C. when 5000 spectators turned up to see Spurs win 4 – 1. In 1901 he was part of the FA Cup winning team which beat Sheffield United F.C. 3 –1 in the replay at Burnden Park after drawing 2 – 2 in the first match at Crystal Palace. This was also the first and only time a non-league team won the FA Cup.

Tom Morris made 523 appearances for Spurs including 63 after the club was elected to the Football League. His playing career lasted 13 years after which he retired but remained a member of the ground staff until his death on 25 April 1942.