Alan Gilzean

Alan John Gilzean (; 22 October 1938 – 8 July 2018) was a Scottish professional footballer, active from 1955 to 1975. A striker, Gilzean played most prominently for Dundee and Tottenham Hotspur, and also appeared in 22 international games for Scotland. He helped Dundee win the Scottish league championship in 1961–62 and Tottenham win the FA Cup in 1967, two League Cups (1971 and 1973) and the 1971–72 UEFA Cup

Playing career

Dundee Gilzean began his career with local side Coupar Angus Juniors, before signing provisional forms with Dundee in January 1956 as a 17-year-old amateur. A notable match he was involved in was the 4th round FA Cup in 1966 match against Burnley when he scored a hat-trick, and won the game 4–3 with a late goal. He was a member of the 1967 FA Cup Final winning team.

After strike-partner Greaves moved to West Ham United in March 1970, Gilzean and Chivers formed a new and equally successful goalscoring partnership.

The 1973–74 season was Gilzean's last as a professional footballer as Spurs lost the UEFA Cup final to Dutch side Feyenoord Rotterdam. Tottenham awarded Gilzean with a testimonial match, played against Red Star Belgrade in November 1974, to recognise his ten years of service as a Tottenham player. He had previously represented his country at Under-23 level and the Scottish League XI.

Gilzean represented Scotland seventeen times during his Spurs career.

Many Tottenham supporters who watched him play in the 60's and 70's have compared 21st-century Tottenham forward Dimitar Berbatov to Gilzean.

Management career Gilzean returned to England after his spell in South Africa, to become manager of Stevenage Athletic who he managed for one season from 1975 to 1976.

Personal life Gilzean stated, whilst playing, that he disliked football and had no intention of furthering his career after playing. He later worked for a transport company in Enfield, only a short distance from White Hart Lane. His son Ian also became a professional football player. Gilzean died on 8 July 2018, having been diagnosed as suffering from a brain tumour a few weeks earlier.

Career statistics International goals Scores and results list Scotland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Gilzean goal.

Honours Dundee Football League Cup: 1970–71, 1972–73 FA Charity Shield: 1967 (shared) UEFA Cup: 1971–72

Individual Inducted to the Scottish Football Hall of Fame: 2009 Inducted to the Dundee FC Hall of Fame: 2009 Inducted to the Tottenham Hotspur Hall of Fame: 2013