Bournemouth star Charlie Daniels emotional as former Tottenham man returns to boyhood home White Hart Lane for one last time
TODAY’S visit to White Hart Lane will be an emotional one for Charlie Daniels — a last chance to play at his boyhood club’s iconic ground.
The Bournemouth defender, 30, was on Tottenham’s books for four years as a youngster but never made a senior appearance.
During his stint with Spurs he had loan spells at Chesterfield, Orient and Gillingham — before signing for Orient permanently in 2009.
Back then, the thought of ever facing Tottenham in the Premier League seemed a distant dream.
But after 117 appearances for the O’s he joined Bournemouth five years ago — moving up the leagues with the Cherries.
And Daniels has always kept an eye out for his old team as they enjoy their last season at White Hart Lane, with work on the new ground already underway.
He said: “It will be a great occasion. I’m sure that White Hart Lane will be buzzing, just like it was against Watford last weekend.
“It’s very special for me going back there — because I didn’t think it would ever happen when I left and found myself at Orient in League One.
“It’s a long, long way from the top flight, so to go there as a Premier League player is very special.
“It will be a sad day when they do end up leaving White Hart Lane, it’s such a historic ground which has seen so many great players over the years.
“But the new stadium looks amazing. It looks really top-notch — I think there will be exciting times ahead.”
Left-back Daniels was born in Harlow in Essex, just up the M11 from Tottenham and he is surrounded by family and friends who are big Spurs fans.
But he will put all personal emotions and family ties aside when he lines up for the final time at the Lane.
Spurs are seven points behind Prem leaders Chelsea and still maintaining some hope that the Blues will slip up at Manchester United tomorrow.
Daniels said: “My friends are definitely fretting over the title and they are giving me plenty of stick!
“But at Bournemouth we have set a target of beating last year’s points total of 42 and we’re still not there yet.
“As a professional, I will go there and try to get a result.”
Bournemouth are in 15th, seven points above the drop zone, after a five-game unbeaten run was ended by a 3-1 loss at home to Chelsea last Saturday.
Daniels added: “We are fighting to get as many points as we can — because we’re not safe yet.
“I can’t see past Chelsea for the title with the form they’re in. They seem up for it and have a big advantage. Of course Tottenham haven’t given up either — but we are going there to win.
“It’s going to be down to us. If we can put on a performance, we will make it tough for them.”
Yet Daniels knows it will be a tall order, with Spurs winning their last six Prem games on the spin.
He added: “This must be the best team they’ve had for a long time.
“I can’t see why they can’t push on and maybe one day win the title.”