Bill Nicholson, 85; Coach, President of British Soccer Team

Bill Nicholson, 85, who coached Britain’s fabled Tottenham Spurs in their glory days from 1958 to 1974, died Saturday at a Hertfordshire hospital near London after a long illness.

Nicholson joined the Spurs as a player in 1936, but World War II interrupted his playing career. After serving in the infantry, he returned to the soccer field in 1946 and helped Tottenham win the league title in 1951. That year he also made his only appearance for England’s national team against Portugal.

During his 16 years as coach, Nicholson helped the Spurs become the first club to achieve the league and FA Cup double championship in the 20th century, the first to win the league cup twice, and the first British club to win a European trophy. With a UEFA Cup victory in 1972, Tottenham under his leadership also became the first British team to win two different European competitions.

Nicholson resigned as coach in 1974. He served as team consultant from 1976 to 1991, when he was named club president.