The club has today (22nd October, 2014) formally announced the sudden death of its historian Andy Porter, aged just 54:-

I received this news very early this morning, and was devastated. I didn't know Andy's age, but now know he was just 54.

I was asked not to publish the information, and I respected the family's request.

Andy was an unassuming, and probably quite shy man, who loved Spurs through and through and through.

His position as Club Historian was, as the club have described, honorary.

I don't think he even got paid anything for all the research and work he did on behalf of the club he so loved. Andy and a stalwart band of friends (most of whom I am proud to know) have followed the team literally around the world for many years.

I don't know the full details of his arrangement with the club, but he did always have a seat in the press box for home games, and an "arrangement" regarding away games. The press used to rely upon him for information. Football statisticians around the country knew him well, and also leant upon him for information and advice.

Andy would often put me right regarding the spelling or some detail about an Academy player mentioned in Ray Lo's reports.

Andy also knew Ray well, and was a great help to both of us. I like to think, and I am proud, that Andy actually liked Spurs Odyssey. I do know that he made a point of buying a copy of the book I published several years ago, because he used to assiduously acquire literally all written material about the club.

I am writing these comments with tears in my eyes, because, as my son Greg has said, we have this year lost two of the biggest fans that this club of ours, that we love, had. (I refer to former Tottenham Trust co-chairman Darren Alexander, whose presence is still sorely and sadly missed)

It is a strange coincidence that Andy has passed away almost on the tenth anniversary of the passing of Bill Nicholson.

I know that Andy worked to an advanced deadline regarding his material for the Spurs programmes, and I am sure we will be reading his submissions regarding Bill Nicholson, and the various club histories in at least the next three home programmes.

Andy also used to write most of the material for club obituaries for the passing of former Spurs players.

It is perhaps the saddest of all facts, that Andy's own obituary on the official web site cannot meet his ultra high detailed standards.

Andy will be missed by many, but of course, especially his family, to whom I send my very best wishes at this time of grief.

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