Exclusive: Stephen Carr names the ‘most influential’ figures in his early Tottenham career

We spoke to Stephen Carr recently about his time at Tottenham Hotspur and asked him which players and coaches helped him out when he was part of the academy at the club.

Stephen Carr spent more than a decade at Tottenham, becoming something of an icon among the club’s fanbase for his hard-working, passionate displays and commitment to the cause.

The Irishman joined the club as a teenager, before developing through the academy and getting his big break in the first team. He would later go on to make 265 appearances for the Lilywhites (Transfermarkt).

We asked Carr about his time in the academy at Tottenham Hotspur and discovered the influential figures who helped him make the step up to the senior squad.

Who helped Stephen Carr when he was in the Spurs academy?

Stephen Carr spoke exclusively to The Spurs Web, thanks to BoyleSports who offer the latest Premier League odds. He said: “I went [to Spurs] when I was only 15, at the time of Paul Gascoigne and Paul Stewart among others.

“Growing up there, the likes of Ruel Fox and Les Ferdinand were unbelievable. They’d hang out with the young lads and have a laugh with them, they were great to be around.”

It wasn’t just players who helped Carr, either. He discussed the coaching team that backed him as he made his step up from the academy, adding: “I had Ozzie Ardiles as manager as well who, for me, was probably the most influential when I was such a young age.

“He taught you that giving the ball away is not a big deal once you try to play. I still see Ozzie now and again. He always wanted to just go forward and not defend, so that’s why Steve Perryman was there which was obviously brilliant for me as well, because he was a legend.

“Those two at that stage of my career were unbelievable, getting me involved in training with the first team and seeing how high the level was. It taught me a lot coming from Ireland because I wasn’t used to any of that.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Having the backing of the management staff, at such a young age, and being given the freedom to play without fear must be so important and helpful for players in their development. Lucky for us Stephen Carr had the likes of Ardiles to support his progress at the time.

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