Leadership at Tottenham has taken a new shape under the stewardship of Heung-Min Son, but what does it mean for a club steeped in tradition and looking to rise again? Steve Perryman, one of the club’s most decorated legends, has shared his thoughts on why Son might just be the perfect man for the job.
A legacy of captains
Tottenham Hotspur’s history is steeped in leadership, with a lineage of iconic captains who have embodied the club’s spirit on and off the pitch. From Hugo Lloris, who led the side for the past decade, to the inspirational Ledley King, who served as skipper for seven years, Spurs have often relied on their captains to set the tone.
The summer of 2023, however, brought significant change. Lloris departed after a distinguished tenure, and Kane, Spurs’ talisman and record goalscorer, made his move to Bayern Munich. This seismic shift left a leadership vacuum that required filling, and the responsibility fell to Heung-Min Son, a player revered by fans for his commitment and infectious positivity.
Son is no stranger to leadership, having captained the South Korean national team, where he has consistently led by example. With over 400 appearances for Spurs, 165 goals, and 88 assists, his influence is unquestionable, and under Ange Postecoglou’s vision for a revitalised squad, he stands as one of the few long-serving figures amidst a sea of change.
The club legend’s view
One Spurs legend who has offered his perspective is Steve Perryman, a player who knows all too well the weight of leading Tottenham. Perryman, who captained Spurs during their successful years in the late ’70s and early ’80s, believes Son is the right man for the job.
Speaking to Talksport in a podcast, Perryman gave glowing praise for the new captain, saying: “I think captaincy is a very old-fashioned word now. And I think Son is the ideal club captain. How you live your life etcetera.”
The responsibility of captaincy at Spurs is monumental. The club’s passionate fanbase expects not just results but also heart and leadership, and Son, who has given nearly a decade to the badge, seems tailor-made for this role. Perryman’s endorsement underscores that in a rapidly evolving squad, having a stable and respected figure at the helm is essential.
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Leadership beyond the armband
While Heung-Min Son may be the ‘ideal’ club captain, Perryman also emphasised the need for leadership to extend beyond the individual wearing the armband.
Reflecting on past experiences, he said: “We played Chelsea one year four times. Rudiger bullied the life out of us. I mean bullied us. No one stepped up, stepped forward and said wait, come and do that to me – and that’s all part of the game.”
Perryman’s comments point to a broader issue: effective leadership on the pitch is not just the captain’s job. Every senior player must contribute, standing up in moments of adversity and ensuring the squad is united. Matches like the encounters against Chelsea, where Spurs were physically outmatched, underline the importance of collective responsibility.
As Spurs look to the future, it’s clear that Postecoglou will need to cultivate a culture of accountability among his players. Son may lead by example, but the challenge will be for others – from seasoned internationals to emerging talents – to step up and shoulder the load.
A successful team is not built on one leader alone, and for Spurs to thrive, they will need to foster a spirit of shared leadership that resonates throughout the dressing room.