Spurs great Bobby Smith dies at 77

Former Tottenham striker Bobby Smith, a member of Spurs’s revered 1961 double-winning side, has died after a short illness, the club confirmed on Sunday. He was 77.

Smith netted 208 goals in 317 appearances for Spurs and also had spells at Chelsea and Brighton.

“It is with great regret that we announce the death of Bobby Smith, our legendary centre-forward from our great double-winning side of 1960-61,” read a statement on Tottenham’s website, tottenhamhotspur.com.

“Bobby died at an Enfield hospital yesterday evening (Saturday) following a short illness. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of Bobby Smith at this very sad time.”

Smith started his career at Chelsea and turned professional in 1950 before joining Spurs five years later. He played a key role in transforming the club’s fortunes, crowned by the 1961 double of league and FA Cup titles.

He scored 33 goals in the club’s famous 1960-61 season and was also part of the teams that won the 1962 FA Cup and 1963 European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Smith also enjoyed a successful, albeit brief, England career, scoring 13 times in 15 games for his country.