Spurs legend will be chief cheerleader at final

Spurs legend Gary Mabbutt will be at the Ryman League's Boux Avenue Women's Cup Final next month hoping to cheer Tottenham Hotspur Ladies on to victory over Charlton Athletic Ladies.

Spurs marched into the final at Ware's Wodson Park on Thursday 16 April with impressive wins over Bury and Enfield and a 3-0 semi-final victory over the cup holders, FA Women's Premier League South rivals Gillingham Ladies.

After seeing them reach the fifth round of the FA Women's Cup this season for the first time in 20 years, Mabbutt is leading the club's 'Show Your Colours' campaign to boost the backing for their ladies who are bidding to win their first silverware since lifting the London County Cup in 2012.

As well as building the atmosphere with flag-bearers, mascots and the support of the 53-year-old FA Cup and UEFA Cup winner, Spurs are automatically entering supporters who pre-register their attendance into a special prize draw.

Top prizes include a Spurs Ladies signed shirt, a poster signed by the men's first team squad and a 'Classic Tour' of White Hart Lane for two. To confirm their entry, all fans have to do is present the confirmation email they'll receive at the turnstiles on the night.

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies are also hoping the final will help them pay a fitting tribute to their former chairman Glenn Weaver who sadly passed away last month with the club, currently fourth in the league, enjoying one of its best seasons in years.

A minute's silence is planned before the 7.30pm kick-off and officials say the proceeds of bucket collections around the ground will be donated to the British Heart Foundation in honour of their late chairman.

Charlton Athletic Ladies booked their berth in the final with a 6-1 win over Carshalton Athletic Ladies in the semi-finals after beating Maidstone United 7-0 away and West Ham 3-1 away.

Mabbutt made nearly 500 appearances for the Lilywhites during a 16 year spell at White Hart Lane from 1992 to 1998, including 11 as captain.

The former England defender won the UEFA Cup in 1984 and skippered Tottenham to FA Cup glory in 1991 while living with diabetes, becoming an icon for many children and young adults with the condition.

One of the most respected figures in football for his work since hanging up his boots, he was awarded an MBE in 1994 and is currently an ambassador for Tottenham Hotspur and the Football Association, an ambassador for the Prince's Trust and patron of Diabetes UK.

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