^Of*€lO o/h/
A 21 year celebration I am informed means in
Great Britain that we have the "key of the door". I
do hope so, because our association for the past
21 years has been one in which we have seen our
company grow and our association with our distributors and dealers develop a
fraternity that we jealously guard.
is my privilege and great pleasure to welcome
you to White Hart Lane, the home of the famous
Tottenham Hotspur. This is our fifth year of the
sponsorship of this Tournament and it coincides
with our anniversary of 21 years trading in the U.K.
which is for us an extremely happy occasion.
I have particular pleasure in welcoming Chelsea Football Club to this year's
Tournament. Chelsea have always been associated with flair, style and good
football. This fact has been underwritten by Mr. Ken Bates, Chairman, acquiring
the services of a certain Mr. Glenn Hoddle who I am reliably informed has
graced the turf of one or two other football clubs!
In extending a warm welcome to Ajax, I do so conscious of the role of honour
of this most famous Dutch Club. Ajax have been Dutch champions on 23
occasions, Cup winners on 12 occasions, European Champions three times,
European Cup winners in 1987, UEFA Cup winners in 1992 and winners of the
World Cup Club's Trophy in 1972.
Amongst their old boys is, of course, the legendary Johan Cruyff. The Ajax
youth training scheme is probably one of the finest in the world. Amongst
recent players to emerge are Frank Rijkaard and Marco Van Basten. Truly, Ajax
are one of the great European Clubs.
After last season and the Channel 4 weekly presentation of the Serie 'A' Italian
football, Lazio is becoming a household name to the British soccer supporter
and when you say 'Lazio' you quite naturally think of Paul Gascoigne. Paul has
stamped his mark as one of the world's most talented footballers and it is for
me significant that it was here at White Hart Lane where Paul's skills and
artistry came to the fore. We welcoming him and his Lazio colleagues to our
Tournament.
Finally, I take this opportunity of thanking everyone at Tottenham Hotspur
Football Club for their help and support for this year's Tournament.
Managing Director,
