Tottenham legend who scored club’s only north London derby hat-trick has died

Tottenham Hotspur legend Terry Dyson has died at the age of 91, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy at the North London club after playing a key role in their historic Double-winning campaign in 1961.

The former winger’s passing was confirmed by Tottenham on Thursday, August 20, with the club paying tribute to one of the most important figures from its golden era.

Dyson spent a decade with Spurs, making 209 appearances and scoring 55 goals during an impressive career in North London. He became a hugely respected figure among supporters, particularly for his contributions during the club’s remarkable success in the early 1960s.

He was a vital member of Bill Nicholson’s legendary 1960-61 side that became the first English team of the 20th century to win both the First Division title and FA Cup in the same season.

Dyson also scored in the 1961 FA Cup Final, further cementing his place in Tottenham history. Two years later, he produced another memorable performance by scoring twice as Spurs defeated Atlético Madrid 5-1 in the European Cup Winners’ Cup Final.

However, one of Dyson’s most famous achievements came in the North London derby. He remains the only Tottenham player to score a hat-trick against Arsenal, a record that has stood for decades.

Recalling the memorable occasion in 2020, Dyson admitted that one of his goals had controversially struck his hand before he finished the move.

“One of them hit my hand. It bounced up, hit my hand and I lashed it in and the Arsenal players went mad,” Dyson recalled.

He explained that the Arsenal players immediately protested to the referee, who failed to spot the incident. Dyson insisted it was accidental and said the achievement remained one of the highlights of his career.

“To get a hat-trick was brilliant and nobody has done it since. There was a header, a left foot and a right foot. It was perfect!” he said.

Following his distinguished Tottenham career, Dyson went on to represent Fulham, Colchester United and Guildford before eventually bringing his playing days to a close.

Tottenham expressed their deepest condolences to Dyson’s family and friends, paying tribute to a player whose name remains firmly embedded in the club’s history.