One of our greatest ever goalscorers, Robert Alfred “Bobby” Smith was born on this day in 1933.
He joined Spurs in December 1955, for a transfer fee of £16,000
Bobby made his Spurs debut against Luton Town three days later but had to wait until January 21 to net his first goal in our colours, at home to Everton.
Handed the captain’s role for the final game of the season, he celebrated with a hat-trick versus Sheffield United on April 28.
Two years later he became our regular skipper until Danny Blanchflower succeeded him during March 1959.
His 36 goal haul during season 1957-58 saw Bobby head the top flight scoring chart and equalled the club record set by Ted Harper back in the 1930-31 Second Division campaign. That record stood until his great friend, Jimmy Greaves surpassed them both scoring 37 during 1962-63. Bobby and Jimmy each scored 32 goals during 1958-59 to share the title as leading First Division goalscorer.
Bobby became our record aggregate League goalscorer with the second of his three goals in a 3-1 home win over Blackpool on 31st August 1960.
George Hunt had held the record of 125 League goals since March 1937. Bobby’s final tally of 176 League goals in 271 appearances remained the club record until Greaves overtook him during March 1968.
Bobby’s 208 goals for Spurs came against 39 different clubs. He notched 11 hat-tricks during his time with us.
Ten came in First Division matches with the exception being his four goal haul against Crewe Alexandra in an FA Cup fourth round replay.
He was on target in both of our 1961 and 1962 FA Cup triumphs and remained the only player to score in consecutive FA Cup Finals for 40 years.
He was also a member of the historic 1963 European Cup-Winners’ Cup winning side. Throw in a couple of Charity Shield wins.
At time of writing, he remains the club’s second highest goalscorer – although Harry Kane may soon have him in his sights.
A true Spurs Legend.
Bobby sadly passed away in September 2010, aged 77.