Former Spurs youngster Takura Mtandari trialledas a Norwich City XI beat Fakenham 6-0 on 10th July 2009. He had been released by Tottenham in the summer and was referred to Norwich first team coach Ian Crook by his former Spurs teammate Mickey Hazzard.

He joined the Spurs Academy full-time in 2006-07 having made four appearances as a schoolboy in 2005-06. He played 21 times in 2006-07 and stepped up for three reserve games. He had a successful 2007-08 campaign for our Under-18s, playing in 27 out of 28 Academy fixtures, starting 25 and scoring once as the lads finished second in their division. His performances were rewarded with a further nine appearances for the reserves, two starts and he flourished in a new defensive midfield role towards the end of the season.

He has also trialled with Crystal Palace, Lincoln City and Leyton Orient, before joining Winchester City in the autumn of 2009. He made 10 appearances for Winchester before signing for Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven at the end of June 2010. Winchester owner Paul McCarthy said: “Management duo Stuart and Matt Hussey didn’t play Tak because they didn’t think he was good enough. It was frustrating for me. I always let managers have their heads, but it was hard because I knew how good he was. I kept beating the drum and saying we should give the lad a chance. When we won 3-0 at Bemerton he was outstanding, the best player in the league. Sometimes you can be real ly good as a 19/20-year-old at a pro club, but the system can’t accommodate you. We looked after Tak at Winchester and, now he’s got his chance, I think he’ll go a long way. I’d be surprised if he didn’t end up playing Championship or even Premiership football if he comes back to England. He was a great player for us and a great person to have around – all the lads loved him. We’re really happy he’s done so well. We’re lucky to have had him here.”