OVER 30 years since last visiting Tottenham Hotspur, a Hartlepool businessman returned to see his name up in lights.

Paul Gough was among the 2,500 Pools fans in the away end at White Hart Lane to see his side beaten 5-0 in the Rumbelows Cup in September 1990.

This time, at the new stadium built on the same site as the old ground, Mr Gough was hosting his latest business and coaching seminar.

And, throughout the duration, his name and event was on display all around the £1.2bn stadium.

“It was a huge thrill, a real proud moment,” he smiled. “To see my name and the event on display on signs around the place was something to really take in.”

Mr Gough, who runs the established Paul Gough Physio Rooms in Raby Road, has an international marketing and media coaching business and over 40 members attended the two-day spectacular, which included a session with John Barnes, the Liverpool and England football legend.

“We had more than 40 clients, including half a dozen from America – who all came to Hartlepool for the weekend before heading to London.

“They loved the town and for some it was their second visit. We showed them around, visiting the Headland, Seaton Carew for fish and chips and Park Drive. They are big Hartlepool converts now!”

Mr Gough, who has now headed to Cleveland, Ohio, for his latest coaching event, added: “I was at Spurs to see Gazza score four times against us. What a night! We lost 5-0, Gary Lineker had a penalty saved on the night too. The new stadium is a different world to the old one.

“There’s not that many links between Pools and Spurs – the great Cyril Knowles is the most obvious one – and it was great to go back and tour the stadium.

“John Barnes was inspiring and it was a privilege to interview one of my football heroes on stage and discover his elite mindset and hear stories of the great managers he’s played under, such as Bobby Robson, Kenny Dalglish and Graham Taylor.”