Gary Mabbutt MBE was born on 23rd August 1961 in Bristol. He was most regularly seen in central defence but was a performer of unusual adaptability, able to display his talents anywhere, midfield or defence. Capable in all aspects, his headwork was probably the most noticeable quality, being able to out-jump much taller opponents.
Gary Mabbutt MBE was born on 23rd August 1961 in Bristol. He was most regularly seen in central defence but was a performer of unusual adaptability, able to display his talents anywhere, midfield or defence. Capable in all aspects, his headwork was probably the most noticeable quality, being able to out-jump much taller opponents.
He joined Bristol Rovers as an apprentice in 1977 and turned professional in 1979. He eventually joined Tottenham Hotspur in 1982 for £150,000, where he became captain. With Spurs, he won the UEFA Cup in 1984 and the FA Cup in 1991. He remains famous in Coventry, however, where the unofficial Coventry City fanzine is named 'Gary Mabbutt's Knee', following his own goal that gave the the Sky Blues victory in the 1987 FA Cup Final.
Gary played 618 games for Spurs and scored 36 goals, all the more remarkable considering he was a diabetic. He also won 16 caps for England, and scored one goal for England against Yugoslavia in 1986. He retired at the age of 37.
