Toronto Spurs: Meet the Members
Football in Canada and Toronto has come a long way, with live games from around the world and increasing popularity. But the Spurs links go back decades, as our second ‘member of the week’ Joe Zefara knows all too well.
Our great, double and European Cup Winners’ Cup winning captain, Danny Blanchflower, possibly our greatest ever player, featured for Toronto City. Fresh off the back of the 1961 double, he featured 12 times that summer in the Eastern Canada Professional Soccer League, even rocking up one day to a five-year-old Zefara’s house for a beer (with some of the other players, not Joe).
Fast forward several decades, and another connection forms – this time with our first ever Canadian player, Paul Stalteri (or at least his uncle). His goal vs West Ham (video here for those who need a pick me up) is “another highlight I will never forget”, but is surely superseded by the fact Stalteri’s uncle was the best man at Joe’s wedding.
Name: Joe Zefara
Age: 66
Where do you come from? Toronto
How long have you been living in Toronto? All my life
How long have you been a member? 8 years
How long have you been a Spurs fan? Since 1969
How did you become a Spurs fan? Saw them play at Varsity Stadium.
What was the first Spurs game you watched? June 1, 1969 vs Rangers.
(Author’s note): This was part of the 1969 Toronto Cup, featuring ourselves, Rangers, and Fiorentina – a reminder that post-season jaunts are not a new invention. In front of over 15,000 at Varsity Stadium (hard to imagine compared to today’s 5,000 capacity), it was a seesawing game in which our half time 2-0 lead was overturned with 3 goals from the Scottish runners-up, before two late Jimmy Greaves goals ensured the great man a hat-trick and victory in Canada. More info can be found here.
What is your favourite Spurs memory? Moura goal versus Ajax
Who is/was your favourite player? Was Harry Kane – no more
How often do you come to Scotland Yard pub? Very rarely
If I could change one thing about football, it would be . . . Blow the offside whistle.
Have you tried converting friends or family to Tottenham? No.
Favourite chant? Spurs go marching in.
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