Dave Mackay, Former Tottenham Football Captain, Dies at 80

Tottenham Hotspur F.C. lost a legend Monday night.

Former team captain Dave Mackay passed away at the age of 80 in Nottingham. He was one of the best players to ever lace it up for Tottenham and will certainly be missed within the club and the football community at large.

Voted Scotland’s Player of the Year while with Hearts, Mackay left the club for Tottenham in 1959. He was best known on the field for his vision and ability to hit teammates with precise passing. His skill and leadership helped Tottenham retain the FA Cup in 1962 and reach the 1963 European Cup Winners’ Cup final, though he could not play in that game because of injury.

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Mackay became the Spurs’ captain after Danny Blanchflower departed, and he was instrumental in leading Tottenham to yet another FA Cup in 1967.

After joining Derby County in 1968, Mackay took home joint “Footballer of the Year” the next season, but he will be forever remembered among Tottenham supporters as one of their own.

*Information courtesy of the Tottenham Hotspur F.C. official website.