Tottenham announce the death of former captain and title-winning midfielder Tony Marchi aged 89

Tottenham have announced the death of their iconic former midfielder Tony Marchi at the age of 89.

Marchi was part of the club’s famous 1961 double winning side under Bill Nicholson and also won the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup during his successful spell with the club across two stints.

He played 232 times in total for the Lilywhites – starting his career with them as a junior player in 1947 before playing 131 games and also being awarded the captain’s armband during his first stint.

Marchi then left for Italy – where he had family roots – initially set to join Juventus in 1957 before a technical error prevented him from playing for the Old Lady.

Former Tottenham double-winning star Tony Marchi has passed away at the age of 89

Marchi (fourth from left, top row) was recognised by the club as one of their most iconic players and was inducted into their hall of fame alongside Cliff Jones and Bobby Smith 

Instead, he turned out for Torino and Vicenza before Nicholson decided to bring him back to north London – as he enjoyed one of the most memorable moments in the club’s history by winning the 1961 title, the club’s second in their history.

Marchi started in the 5-1 win against Atletico Madrid in the European Cup Winners’ Cup final in 1963 when Tottenham became the first British team to lift a major European trophy.

Marchi, who made his first-team debut for Tottenham as a 17-year-old in 1950, was the only player to feature in both the club’s title-winning seasons in 1950/51 and 1960/61. 

Marchi is the only player to be part of both of Tottenham’s title winning campaigns in 1951 and 1961

He scored seven goals in a total of 260 appearances in all competitions for Spurs and after leaving the club in 1965, and later managed both Cambridge United and Northampton Town.  

In a statement confirming the news of Marchi’s death, Tottenham wrote: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Tony Marchi.

‘We extend our condolences to Tony’s wife Marie, their sons Terry and Peter and their families at this sad time.

‘As a mark of respect, our players will wear black armbands during Sunday’s Premier League home match against West Ham United, with a moment’s applause observed before kick-off.’