Tom Morris (1876-1942)
Grantham-born Tom Morris was brought up by his mother, a licensed beer retailer at 16 London Road (now the Reindeer Inn).
He played for Grantham Rovers for three seasons before signing for Second Division Gainsborough Trinity.
His subsequent signing for Tottenham Hotspur in 1899 caused dismay at several other league clubs who had been keeping a watchful eye on the young defender.
Although Spurs were then in the Southern League, it proved to be a wise move for Tom as within two years he was the proud possesser of an FA Cup Winners Medal after his club beat Sheffield United in the 1901 Final replay.
He just missed out on international honours, appearing for the South of England versus North of England in an international trial at the old Crystal Palace Ground.
He remained a senior player with Spurs until 1912, although he played a mere 63 league games as the club only joined in 1908.
He married licensee’s daughter Ada Powdrill, of Harlaxton Road, by special license in 1902.
After retirement, he joined Spurs’ ground staff and remained there until the Second World War. He died at Tottenham in 1942.
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