John Ryden

Tottenham Hotspur in 1960 with Danny Blanchflower (captain) and both goalkeepers, Bill Brown and John Hollowbread, in the team with Cecil Poynton as trainer and Bill Nicholson as manager. John Ryden is the third player standing. John Johnston Ryden (18 February 1931 – 16 August 2013) was a Scottish professional footballer who played for Duntocher Hibernian, Alloa Athletic, Accrington Stanley, Tottenham Hotspur, Watford, Romford, Tunbridge Wells Rangers and Bexley Utd

Playing career Ryden began his career at non-League club Duntocher Hibernian before signing for Alloa Athletic on 13 May 1950. The strong tackling, uncompromising, centre half made 108 appearances in all competitions and scored 13 goals in three seasons.

In February 1954 he joined Accrington Stanley in a £1,000 transfer deal where he scored once in 80 matches.

Tottenham Hotspur paid £10,000 for his services in November 1955. Ryden spent five seasons at the White Hart Lane club and was made club captain in the 1957–58 season. And Ryden was involved in two memorable matches for the 'Lilywhites'. In the first 4-4 draw against rivals Arsenal on 22 February 1958 at Highbury. Ryden featured again in manager Bill Nicholson's first game in charge on 11 October 1958 at White Hart Lane in a 10-4 victory over Everton Ryden was listed as one of the top 12 Scots to wear the Spurs shirt.