10 Underwhelming Spurs Signings Who Became Cult Heroes

2. Gary Doherty

Gary Doherty, or 'The Ginger Pele' as he has been affectionately christened during his career, was what he was. Never pretending to be anything he wasn't, the 6ft''2 centre-forward/centre-back from Carndonagh in Ireland was as honest as the day was long. It was possibly this sheer honesty which endeared him to the likes of Spurs supporters, accepting him for his limited capabilities rather than ruing his inadequacies. However, one can't blame the Spurs faithful for being a little underwhelmed at the turn of the millennium, when David Pleat shelled out £1 million to bring the Luton Town forward to the club. However, having broken into the team, he managed to slowly turn the tide of disapproval regarding his signature, bagging goals against Newcastle, Arsenal, Sunderland, and a late winner in the FA Cup against Leyton Orient. He was to break his leg at the beginning of the 01/02 season, effectively ruling him for most of the campaign, but on his return he was given a more defensive role. Unable to replicate the same sort of form he had displayed prior to Eifron William's reckless challenge for Torquay United, the fan's favourite was ruthlessly sold to newly-promoted Norwich City at the start of the 03/04 season. 'The Ginger Pele' still received a rousing reception whenever he returned to White Hart Lane, however.