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Spurs still focusing in the wrong direction?

June 30th, 2011 Posted in Articles
Jun, 30 2011
19 Comments »

Everyone should have a dream, an achievable one, as when we are kids we are often told to shoot for the stars.

We are also told to know our limits and that you can’t do everything you want in life.

Then there is Daniel Levy, Chairman of an outstanding football team in the white and blue half of North London, a canny businessman  yet it seems he doesn’t know when to throw in the towel and give up on certain things.

Yes, I am talking about the Olympic Stadium fiasco. Still ongoing and getting worse.

Spurs have a huge fan base that cannot be accommodated at White Hart Lane agreed and many people on the season ticket waiting list won’t even get close to securing one whilst they can afford it. I understand that they have to increase capacity and redevelop but why oh why is a supposedly sensible man not listening to the fans anymore?
At least 90% of the fans I have met and talked to don’t want the move to Stratford and Levy knows it. I am not going over the old ground of the way and the why this whole process started and the situation with Haringey council currently as we all know this.

I am talking about the here and now. I thought about writing this post/blog when I knew Spurs were going to appeal against the process of how the decision of occupancy of the Olympic Stadium was made but waited until I found out the verdict on this.

Seeing as the Olympic committee, West Ham and Government all went through the appropriate procedures and a fair decision was made it was no surprise that this appeal was thrown out. The official statement from Spurs unfortunately held no surprises either. Apart from the usual explanation of the outcome of the case this was then tacked on:
“The Club now has the option of renewing its application at an oral hearing at the High Court and we shall give consideration to this in the next few days”
Surely we all knew what was going to happen as soon as this was included?
Yesterday (Wednesday 29th June) that happened and we are pushing ahead with appealing against the appeal essentially. Read it here in all it’s glory. http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/club-statement-olympic-stadium-290711.html

Levy is like a dog with a bone and whilst during transfer windows we are usually in the news most days linked with numerous players that we have no chance of signing or most fans don’t want, we are becoming a laughing stock over this issue.

We are also pouring time, money and resources in the wrong direction at a very crucial period for us. Now’s the time to get transfer business done early as other teams in the PL are already well into activity, notably Manchester Utd, Sunderland and Liverpool. If we don’t start soon we are going to be only left with the over 30′s and frees, wait a minute!  Apparently according to HR though we have to sell before we can buy, so if rumours are true getting rid of Gio, Pav, Wilson and Jamie O (already gone) for a combined £40m should help get this started surely? Or is this because all the rest of the money is in the new stadium/legal fund?

Also on the club statement of the failed appeal bid was this quote:
“As previously reported, the Club continues to hold discussions with both local and national government bodies in order to seek to determine a feasible stadium solution”
Although it seems that the redevelopment of the Lane isn’t being pursued as much as most fans would like. Plus the fact Mr Levy has stated in the past that he wants to relocate the club means these are uncertain times for the future home of Spurs and certainly the Olympic Stadium chasing scenario is set to run and run.

Maybe I will wake up tomorrow and discover this is a very real dream that I have been having but I know instead I will still be in Daniel Levy’s dream of a magical world for Spurs away from N17.

COYS

Rob

 

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Can Spurs youngsters lead the charge in Europe

June 29th, 2011 Posted in Articles, Europa League
Jun, 29 2011
9 Comments »

As last season drew to a close it appeared that Spurs only hope for European football was the Europa League that came with 5th place. Arguments raged as to whether or not this was a good thing and it appeared Harry Redknapp and a number of his players didn’t seem keen on the idea. For me there was no argument, it’s European competition and a chance at a trophy. Trophies equal glory and no matter what the English media might try and tell you, the Europa League does still mean something. Ask Porto fans, or those of Atletico Madrid, Shakhtar or Sevilla.

Whatever your point of view we made it anyway. Along with the Premier League and two domestic cups it seems obvious that Redknapp is going to have to use all of the squad depth available to him. This, based on the evidence of last year is concerning. Squad rotation along with tactics appears to be one of these new fangled ideas that ‘Old school ‘Arry’ can’t get his head round. Nevertheless, it has been hinted at from within the club that the early stages of the Europa League and the League Cup will give opportunities for some of the fringe and upcoming younger players to get a chance. I should imagine that once the group stages of the Europa League are done we will then have a good idea of who needs to go on loan to further develop and who is able to step up to the plate with the first team squad on a more regular basis.

Here’s my look at who we might get to see more of in this coming season:

Goalkeepers: Sadly I can’t see any of the younger keepers on our books as being close to the first team, even for cup action. Mainly because unless we sell Gomes we will have three supposed top keepers at our disposal. Also because I don’t think they are good enough. Ben Alnwick appears destined to have a good career at Championship level. David Button and Oscar Janson still need more time but on the limited amount I’ve seen of them don’t seem stand outs. Jordan Archer from the academy looks like he may have a brighter future but is not ready yet.

Defenders: We are significantly more blessed in this department. Kyle Walker who was arguably the star of Englands Euro Under 21 campaign heads the cast here. He was excellent for QPR at the beginning of last season then continued that form for Villa at first. He made a few mistakes at the tail end of the season but displayed great maturity by holding up his hands to those and saying how determined he was to right his errors. I fully expect him to push Corluka all the way for the starting right back berth though we are much more likely to see his strength, pace and determination put to use in the cups. His positioning and decision making still need to improve but these often come with experience, which he will get I hope. His England cap earned last year is surely not going to be his last. Future star.
Walkers England Under 21 colleague Danny Rose can also expect to feature as our back up for Benoit Assou-Ekotto. He was very impressive there at the end of last season, obviously adding impetus going forward but also a taste for the tough tackling too. Despite still featuring further forward for the young England side Harry Redknapp has stated that Danny’s only hope of making it at the top is at full back, so its safe to say this is where we will see him.
Steven Caulker is a highly rated talent at centre back, impressing many in the Championship for Bristol City last year. It appears highly likely he will be on loan somewhere for most if not all the season. Personally I’d like to keep him at The Lane and give him as many opportunities as possible. Future England centre back if he works hard.
Kyle Naughton was named in the Championship team of the season after an excellent season at Leicester. His ability to play in either full back role should make him a versatile, dynamic addition to the squad but I feel the emergence of Walker and Rose may force him out. Adam Smith looks likely to go out on loan for the season, rightly so.

Midfielders: Spurs always seem to have a number of players coming through in midfield that fans expect to be good enough. This could be the year they get a chance to shine. Dean Parrett looks to head the queue for some game time. He’s already tasted European competition having made his senior debut against Shakhtar Donetsk. Parrett has impressed on his various loan spells and I hope he gets a chance. I believe that the boy wonder John Bostock may be on his way out. He appears to believe his own hype a little too much. Andros Townsend deserves an opportunity after a string of impressive loan spells and his goal scoring, man of the match debut against Charlton in last seasons FA Cup. Our wide players need strong competition and Townsend might just start to provide that. Ryan Mason is a player who is probably another loan spell away from getting close to the first team, but his potential in a Van der Vaart kind of role is intriguing.

Forwards: The cupboards are pretty bare on this front. Harry Kane is the only one of our younger frontmen who seem to me to have enough to contribute but even then it may be a season too soon. I’d like for Jon Obika to prove me wrong on that point but don’t think he’ll ever be good enough for Premier League level.

There always seems to be an air of drama around White Hart Lane and that the fans are constantly enraged by something. Harry Redknapp and Olympic Stadiums being two regular features, but you can always throw in a dash of ‘are we skint?’ or ‘some random dude on the internet said we’re selling Luka, PANIC!!’

Some of the youngsters named above give us a chance to rise above all the nonsense and negativity, to see that there is quite possibly a bright future ahead for Spurs. Europe could witness some of these kids making their breakthrough. If you can’t make the matches personally then tune in to Channel 5 to see the new generation for yourself.

COYS

Stuart Watts
(@Studub on Twitter)

I don’t profess to be an expert on all these youth players, I’ve seen them all live a couple of times minimum but there are plenty out there who will know more. One guy in particular is worth checking out if you are interested in tracking the youth development of our squad. Check out Windy’s Blog and follow @WindyCOYS on Twitter.

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My Perfect Spurs XI

June 28th, 2011 Posted in Articles
Jun, 28 2011
24 Comments »

A short while back a Spurs fan on Twitter started a survey to find the ultimate Spurs XI of all time and this got me wondering what my choices would be.
I will start by giving you a brief insight into my Spurs watching history upon which my selections will be based.  The first game I watched was when I was about 4 (30 years ago now around 1981) and obviously a great time to start with all the winning cup runs starting to occur.  My first game actually at the Lane was when I was about 6 years old.  I have been a regular member of the club for numerous years now and try to get to as many games as my family life, working life and finances will allow.
My Spurs XI will be based on only the players I have seen and although that means I miss out on a lot of great players that is the way it has to be to get an accurate viewpoint.
Right, let’s get started:
Goalkeeper: There are a few in contention here as I always had a soft spot for Tony Parkes and while he was dependable, if not spectacular, he did the job well.  Paul Robinson is another I thought was class and seems to have got better with age but, after all is said and done, I simply have to go with Ray Clemence.  Quality keeper, gave the defence an air of confidence, reliable and a gentleman.
SELECTION: RAY CLEMENCE

Right Back: I am just going to cut to the chase here.  Whilst we have had some good options over the years, Gary Stevens and Terry Fenwich to name but 2, only one man stands out for me.  Some say it’s not his best position but his all round game from the defending to his reading of the game and attacking prowess was just pure class.  Add to that his never say die attitude and the fact that he is a Spurs legend, there is only one man for the job.  That man is Steve Perryman. He will be my captain.
SELECTION : STEVE PERRYMAN

Left Back: This is the one position where I actually couldn’t really come up with many options.  Pat Van Den Hauwe and Justin Edinburgh?  No, not really good enough.  BAE?  He iis getting better with every season at the club but is not quite there yet.  So I thought who has been the most reliable, steady and dependable player over the period?  I decided upon Chris Hughton and I think that’s right.
SELECTION: CHRIS HUGHTON

Centre Backs: Oh how I wish I saw Danny Blanchflower in action live but, alas, I didn’t and if DB was around today an old fashioned centre half like him would probably translate into a centre midfielder now.  So who have I enjoyed watching?   First memory is of a swashbuckling Graham Roberts (who I later based my footballing style on, not with the same results though!).   I just loved his aggression  and all action style.  Two more contenders are Steve Sedgley (not the greatest of players but I enjoyed the way he played the game even though it was not his known position he played at CB for at least a couple of years in an on/off emergency role where he looked better then in centre midfield for me) and Richard Gough.  Gough was a no nonsense defender but I can’t consider him as he just didn’t play for us for long enough.  I came to this decision: CB one in my eyes is Gary Mabbutt.  Some say not the most talented but his whole heartedness , passion for the club and dedication to the cause has got him in.  Second choice is Sir Ledley.  In my eyes he is the most talented English defender in the country and just makes the game seem so effortless and easy.  I am just in awe of his calmness and composure.  It’s such a pity he has dodgy knees now and can’t play as much as we are a better team with him in it.  Easy choice. Of course there would have been another very strong contender in this category if it was purely down to footballing talent.  If he had stayed with us for a further few years he would have been odds on to be chosen in the XI but the way he left and treated the club was so disgusting that I can’t even say his name let alone consider him.
SELECTIONS: GARY MABBUTT AND LEDLEY KING

My midfield will consist of the old school formation of 2 central players, one being more defensive and 2 wingers.

Centre Midfield: I will deal with the defensive position first as I have mentioned him for another position already.  Whilst, like Perryman, some say not his best position I am plumping for Graham Roberts here as I just have to have in my team.  He just doesn’t take any nonsense and is very difficult to get round which is perfect in my eyes for the defensive, non-moving, just in front of the defence, role.  Maybe he and Perryman could swap places at times, both work really.The more advanced, creative, role is a very easy choice for me as well.  He is one all my all time greatest players who was just a magician with the ball and made the game look so simple.  He is the one and only Glenn Hoddle.  Total class, technically brilliant, could be a little lazy and laidback at times but what he brought to the team compensated for this.  His vision and passing ability were second to none for me and, whilst his managerial stint at the club didn’t go well, he is a true legend of Spurs and a must have in any greatest XI team.  I am hoping a certain Luka Modric can carry on in the same vein as Glenn and be our star player for years in the future as he is just pure class and needs to have a team built around him.

SELECTIONS: GRAHAM ROBERTS AND GLENN HODDLE


Wingers: This is a hotly contested position as I have seen so many entertainers over the years.  Along with the stylish players I have also seen some workers and team players as well, so which way do I go?  Should I go for the likes of Tony Galvin and Paul Allen who may not have been the most skilful but were reliable and trusted within the team environment and gave everything to the cause?  Whilst I admired them, and liked watching Galvin in particular, I still didn’t get the same buzz that I did from watching others.  Then we have our very own ‘sicknote’ Mr Anderton.  He had skill, tenacity and gave his all with his dogged style of play but I still didn’t expect the spectacular when he received the ball.  So this leads me to the wizards, the unpredictables, the luxury players.Ginola was stylish in everything he did, graceful on the ball, flowing in action, beautiful to watch.  The French way!  I loved watching him when he was in full motion and even on his off days he was entertaining with his motions and disgust with the world.  Chris Waddle is another.  Slightly jolty and jiggy with his style but tricks galore that could memorise you and make you look foolish.  Always had a smile on his face and always gave his all whether in the game or not.  I always expected something from him when he received the ball.  But my first memory of a wideman was in 1981, when I saw a little Argentine who oozes elegance, style and substance.  Osvaldo Ardiles.  Maybe not the most spectacular but the way he linked up with Hoddle and Villa was awesome to see.
SELECTIONS: OSSIE ARDILES AND CHRIS WADDLE

Forwards: I am going for one deeper lying, late arriving, striker to complement the other out and out striker.The deeper lying option comes down to 3: Nick Barmby, Robbie Keane and Edward (Teddy) Sheringham.  Whilst Barmby and Keane have their plus points and I have seen some brilliant performances from them both, especially Keane, there is only one winner here.  Teddy has to be the most intelligent footballer I have seen play the game.  His vision (sometimes so far ahead of his team mates it was stupid), his knowledge of the game, passing ability and calmness in front of goal make him one of the best all round players I have ever seen.  If only he had pace!
Likewise, the out and out striker for me has 3 options:  Clive Allen, Gary Lineker and Jurgen Klinsman.  Watching Clive Allen in 1987 was just simply awesome, he couldn’t miss.  Playing as a lone striker and with brilliant service from the midfield he truly filled his boots.  Unfortunately the rest of the time with us was taken up with sitting in the injury room.  When Klinsman arrived the buzz around the Lane was amazing.  The attacking team that he was a part of was scintillating to watch and akin to the schoolboy adage of ‘we will score more then you’!  His love of the game was obvious to see and he certainly still had the killer instinct.  He gave me great enjoyment whilst watching him and the team around him.  When Gary Lineker played for us he was like when he played with every other team in his career.  I like to call him Ronseal; does what it says on the tin and does it well.  A goalscorer that every team would love to have.  Always in the right place in and around the 6 yard box to score and made very intelligent runs.
SELECTIONS: TEDDY SHERINGHAM AND GARY LINEKER

So my full team is:
Clemence; Perryman (c), Mabbutt, King, Hughton; Waddle, Roberts, Hoddle, Ardiles; Sheringham, Lineker.

I would love to see them play together!
Will I in 10-15 years look back and change some of the selctions of the above team?  Well, in all honesty, I hope so because that means we have been successful and entertained and new legends have been written into our glorious history.
Finally, before I go, as stated at the very beginning of this post, a man on Twitter ran a poll for all of his Spurs followers for the greatest XI of all time.  Let me inform you of the end result.  The top man was Al-Gil-Zean ( @whitehartxchang on twitter) and the team was:
Jennings; Perryman, Blanchflower (c), King, Hughton; Ginola, MacKay, Hoddle, Waddle; Sheringham, Greaves


COYS
Rob

 

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What to do with a problem like Harry?

June 26th, 2011 Posted in Articles
Jun, 26 2011
9 Comments »

It’s been an interesting day as a Spurs fan. Lets face it, every day has the potential to be interesting at Spurs so we shouldn’t be surprised. Today many fans are all a flutter with Harry Redknapp being quoted as saying we need to sell 4 or 5 before we buy. Now this has caused apoplexy on an intriguing level, with many people joining the ‘Redknapp Out’ brigade. This group are still in a minority but their numbers swelled today.

The level of outrage caused, intrigues me for one reason. That statement has been uttered four or five times since May by either Redknapp, Daniel Levy or the board members who met with the Supporters Trust recently. It’s no secret we have deadwood on our books who are overpaid and we’ve been trying to shed for going on two years in some cases. So even if they hadn’t said it already, from a purely business point of view it seems obvious that this is the case.

So why the uproar? Why has today’s declaration from Sky Sports News favourite soundbite provider made people decide that enough is enough. Maybe it’s as simple as that. Redknapp has always been a rent-a-gob. It’s why the media love him, he’s always ready to crack the funnies with the journo’s and give them a headline piece. Maybe some fans are just tired of it, they are tired of our club being back page news and fodder for any transfer story going. Perhaps the Redknapp effect has worn off on them.

As our season drew to a close, our fans seemed to be drawn into two camps. Firstly the 2pt8game crew who revere the ground walked upon by Harry Redknapp and believe that anyone with the temerity to question him is an ungrateful heretic. The second group, the fickle idiots, who didn’t buy into last season being as good as it gets, mainly because they felt it reasonable to expect to beat West Ham, Blackpool, Wolves and Wigan at least once each. Of course they should immediately go and find another club to support. This divide is becoming increasingly blurred as members of each group find common ground, although there are extremes on both sides. It wouldn’t be football if there weren’t.

No matter what the fans are thinking, and Redknapp himself certainly doesn’t seem bothered, the opinion that matters is that of Daniel Levy and the board. They don’t seem to be making moves to replace Harry. Though its likely been noted that Harry is chirping this particular line. Is he perhaps setting up his defence when we don’t make signings and the fans get a little vocal? ‘it weren’t my fault, honest, my hands was tied by Daniel, triffic innit?’ Or something similar.

Our lack of expenditure could well be down to the boards realisation that we may only have the services of Redknapp for one more year. He is still the favourite to succeed Fabio Capello after Euro 2012 (or England not qualifying) and his media chums will do their level best to keep him in pole position. Or maybe they just plain don’t trust Harry with the cheque book, I should imagine Portsmouth fans would certainly agree with that standpoint. It could be argued that tying his hands financially could lead us down the Pompey OAP route anyway, as he snaps up ‘triffic’ free bargains. Don’t get me wrong if there is a good free player, we should have a look, but for every William Gallas there is a Matthew Upson waiting to trip you up. Actually Upson’s more likely to trip himself up.

It’s always asked, who would replace Harry if he were let go. The one name that should be at the forefront of that list is Carlo Ancelotti. Unquestionably a world class manager with multiple Serie A and Champions League titles to his name as a player and manager as well as having completed a Premier League and FA Cup double in his first season in English football. He’s a man who has always respected the club and fans wherever he has been and someone who players respect and work hard for. He and his wife are said to adore London and the fact he has taken a years sabbatical leads me to hope that he is the man we are lining up for next year.

I firmly believe unless things go really pear shaped we have one more year of Redknapp. Of course this could be a tough year, already Harry has suggested that even 6th could be tough to achieve. Wow. Maybe last season was as good as it’s going to get. Its worth keeping in mind that Harry’s appointment with HMRC could also play a part in how our summer and ultimately our season shapes up. Actually it’s more important than that. This season is a make or break season for many reasons, so this summer could well shape the future direction of our club.

COYS

Stuart Watts

(@studub on Twitter)

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Spurs launch new kit for 2011/12 – take a Luka at this

June 20th, 2011 Posted in Articles
Jun, 20 2011
4 Comments »

So, seemingly weeks after everyone else the club and Puma decided to finally let us have a look at the kits for next year. Of course we can’t buy them yet. No, you’ll have to wait for that. Until September 14th if you want the home or away kit. Coincidentally after the transfer window is shut. Fans of the 3rd kit will be able to get them just in time for our friendly with Atletic Bilbao.

Anyway, none of you came here for words, here are the pictures, home kit first:

Imagine it without the sponsor and what you have is the perfect Spurs kit. Pure. Just a does what it says on the tin shirt that hasn’t fallen prey of an overpaid designers Prada wet dreams.

Next up, the away kit:

Meh. The colours a bit, you know, weird. Design wise, again well done on keeping it simple.

The designers were allowed to play a little with the 3rd shirt:

I did say they were allowed to play a little, that’s all. The yellow stripe does seem like it got lost on its way to the South Africa kit but there is no way the Puma designers could resist.

They should have resisted messing with the keepers shirts. They are shocking, so bad I refuse to put pictures up. They will do Gomes’ confidence no good whatsoever.

The sponsor is of course the real elephant in the room. It’s still Autonomy on the League shirts but they are now punting one of their products, Aurasma. Which sounds like it should be doing something good to your ears. It does look horrid on the shirts but then all sponsors do really. Getting rid of the red dot would pacify me slightly.  We shall also be reprising our ground breaking dual sponsorship deal, Investec again getting the ad space on our cup shirts. Their logo being less offensive means I’ll be having one of the home cup kits this year.

If you’ve been on the official site you will have seen this shot:

Luka in the new kit! Is this a sign? Who knows. Read into it what you will.

The final words on this kit, do concern Modric and they come from the man behind the great Spurs blog, Such Small Portions. On Twitter today @Spurs_SSP ‘as long as they all come with a Modric inside they are great’

COYS

Stuart Watts

(@Studub on Twitter)

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In Levy we trust?

June 18th, 2011 Posted in Articles
Jun, 18 2011
4 Comments »

I end the title with a question mark as we have heard such statements before, not only from a Spurs chairman but many others throughout football as well.

Yes, it was a very strong statement put out by Mr Levy, it said all the key things and hit all the right notes for us fans. Is this the end of it though as stated on the official statement?

Whatever Spurs say about Chelsea being told this in writing and then making it public, it now seems we have been drawn into a Western style situation with lines drawn in the sand waiting for the first person to blink. This does not bode well as we usually lose these kind of situations.

Let’s look at the possible scenarios that could happen:

1.Unfortunately it would now appear, according to the Daily Mail today, that not only does Luka want to go but also go to Chelsea. Will he play like Cesc did last year for Arsenal if he stays, glimpses of magic, but niggling injuries galore and the passion not quite there? This is not going to help us get back to the top table of English football now is it, as we all hoped the team would be built around our little maestro, for the next year anyway at least!

2. Modric goes for the price Levy has in mind, and he does have a price, and we are in tatters. As not only does our best player depart, team morale is low and quite frankly after what the club and chairman have said there is no way back for DL and he should be removed straight away. More disability for the club. This also has implications for other star players like VDV and Bale and the same old theme that Spurs are a soft and selling club once more.

3. The best situation. Modric accepts this decision, gets assurances from the club that big signings are going to be made this summer, without fail, are looking to seriously be in the hunt for honours and CL qualifications and he plays his heart out for the club still. If not he is free to leave for a certain price next summer.

This story has a long way to run though and whatever happens Spurs will rebound, rebuild and move on. I just don’t see a happy ending to it. Let’s hope I am wrong.

COYS

Rob

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Luka Wants Out & Who Can Blame Him?

June 18th, 2011 Posted in Articles
Jun, 18 2011
4 Comments »

‘I don’t want to have an argument with Tottenham,’ said Modric. ‘The supporters have been very good to me and I have enjoyed my time playing for the club, but it is for football that players leave clubs and move. It has happened to Tottenham before. It is normal for a player to dream about playing for a bigger club.’ – Luka Modric supposedly talking to the Daily Bugle

Ouch. That hurts a lot. A bigger club? I won’t get into how you define a bigger club and quite frankly it’s not important, even if we do have a 35,000+ waiting list for season tickets and Chelsea are giving them away to members with 0 loyalty points. What really hurts is it looks like it’s about to happen to us again. If these quotes are true and I assume as the journalist, Matt Lawton, has bothered using quotation marks that they are, then we will at some point this summer lose a player who above all others we had to keep. But instead of being sickened at the possibility of him moving to Chelsea or spending the next few seasons booing when we see him we should really be asking who can blame him?

Let’s face it since getting into the top 4 Joe Lewis, Daniel Levy, Harry Redknapp and at least 50% of the fanbase have shown little or no ambition. Last summer was the time to spend and improve the team. Having Champions League football to offer was the carrot to dangle in front of the players that we needed. The management failed to realise we needed a striker until January by which time it was too late.

We spent the vast majority of last summer chasing Joe Cole, Scott Parker, Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards. I’m a fan of Richards but none of those players are of the calibre we needed, nor in the positions that could’ve really improved us. Come January we spent most of the time discussing David Beckham and making last minute bids for Phil Neville. Yes, there was the final day £35m offers for any striker in Europe that might want to join us but that was a) too late and b) a pointless exercise to appease the fans in my opinion.

We’ve had our manager walking about with a grin on his face because he achieved 5th place, telling us (and therefore the players) that 5th was as good as it was going to get. A large amount of fans agree with him, stating the last season was one of the best on record.

“5th place, quarter final of the Champions League in our first season! It’s been great. I mean what more do you want?”

If you believe the above statement then you can’t have any problem with Modric or any other player wishing to leave. No team has a write to be at the top or even competing towards that end of the table but if you’re blinded so easily by a few great nights in Europe that you can’t see where this team should’ve finished then more fool you.

My fear was some of our better players would see this too. Clearly when Modric signed his contract extension last summer he would’ve been told the club was going places. He’s said as much in the past, stating he feels he can win and achieve everything he wants to with Spurs and we loved him for it. I don’t think he was lying either. It was only last summer Redknapp was telling us there’s no reason why we can’t compete for the title. No doubt he told Luka the same thing. I can imagine it now:

“Right then little man. I think you’re a triffic little player. We want to build this team around you but to do so we need you to sign a new contract”

“Ok Mr Harry. We have had a very good season but do you think we can win something one day?”

“Luka, Luka, Luka. Let me tell you something. I know great players when I see them. I’ve been in this game for over 50 years, man and boy. Triffic. I’ve managed to build teams capable of escaping relegation on more than one occasion and have I shown you the DVD of when I lifted the FA Cup with Portsmouth?”

“Yes Mr Harry. You show us that every other Tuesday when you show up for training, but what I really want to know is if I commit my future to Tottenham Hotspur will we win something? I want to win the league and cups and compete in the Champions League every season. Do you think that’s possible?”

“I’ve got my eye on a 2-3 players Luka. That’s all we need to make that final push. The Chairman’s behind me and I honestly believe once they arrive there’s no reason why this team can’t compete for the title in the next couple of seasons. This time next year Luka, we’ll be millionaires.”

“Ok Mr Harry. That’s all I wanted to hear. I look forward to meeting these new players. Where do I sign?”

Unfortunately Modric would’ve been as upset about last summer and this January as fans like myself were. We showed no ambition at all. Forget what you might’ve heard about us making an offer for this player or that player. It’s completely meaningless unless we sign them. Luis Suarez was ready to come to Spurs, wanted to play in London and we decide he’s no better than Pav! I’m not saying he would’ve been the answer to our poor form in the final couple of months but surely he’s better than Pav?

The van der Vaart signing saved last summer’s window for a lot of us and probably for most of the players, especially players like Modric. It was all very last minute but at least it happened. Steven Pienaar on the other hand wouldn’t have had the same impact on the dressing room in January.

When you look at the cold hard facts, I’d want to leave Spurs for a club that shows ambition too. Before anyone says anything about the size of our football stadium and how we can’t compete with those clubs above us all I can say is stop listening to everything the club drip feeds you. Of course it’s a problem, especially when it comes to attracting players who the clubs above us also want because they can pay larger salaries but last summer we were a football club who had Premier League football, Champions League football, still very reasonable wages and a team obviously going somewhere to offer and yet we still didn’t go out and cement our position. That’s all Modric would’ve wanted. Ambition shown from the top to the bottom, from Lewis and Levy to you and me. When you take into account the signings we’ve made, the comments about finishing 5th and winning nothing being as good as it’ll get and can you really blame him for wanting to leave? I can’t.

It’s been a pleasure Luka, thank you and I wish you personal success. Maybe if we had more like you in charge, in the team and in the stands you really could achieve everything you wanted in N17. Until we do though, you’re not the first and you certainly won’t be the last to move to pastures new. After all it’s been happening for 20 years.

COYS

DrWinston001

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Shot through the heart & Luka’s to blame

June 17th, 2011 Posted in Articles, Transfers
Jun, 17 2011
5 Comments »

My admiration for Luka Modric has never been hidden. The first article I wrote on this site was basically a declaration of my footballing love for him.

From the minute the season ended there has been speculation that Luka may be targeted by Manchester United or Chelsea. Throughout I have maintained that I believe we would remain strong and that Modric was the kind of player who would give us one more year to go for the promised land again. Failure to achieve that again and it would be fair to say he would be given a move and that begrudgingly it would be accepted by the fans. I’d be gutted, but I’d understand eventually.

Tonight I feel like I’ve been kicked in the guts for my belief in him. A Daily Mail exclusive on their website has Luka interviewed on his holiday boat. Quotes in the article are direct and therefore despite it being the Mail and the default in these circumstances is to shout ‘liars’ it would be remarkable in this instance.

It could be argued that some of the quotes are ambiguous and he does say ‘…I won’t ask for a transfer, no. That would be disrespectful…’ however one quote in particular isn’t quite so respectful. ‘It has happened to Tottenham before. It is normal for a player to dream about playing for a bigger club.’ Ouch Luka. That really hurts. I understand the reality of the situation and Chelsea’s recent triumphs place them above us in the pecking order, but we hate them Luka, you didn’t need to say that. Add that to the implication that it’s okay because it’s happened to Spurs before is sure to turn many fans on the little maestro. I can’t hate him right now. Although it does feel like he’s shot me through the heart, probably with a weapon supplied by his new Russian ‘associates’, maybe thats where he got the boat.

It’s mentioned that he has an agreement with Levy that if an offer comes in we will have to consider it. Apparently his next move is ‘I need to talk with the chairman. …….. I hope they can reach an agreement (with another club) that is satisfactory for everyone. I am on holiday, but I need to speak and to see if I can find a solution to this.’

Now none of this means he’s going to leave for sure or as he has said that he’ll ask for a move, but this is hardly a  declaration of undying love and desire to get us back into the big league.

I’d really like to see Levy dig his heels in, chuck some more money his way if needed and keep him. Realistically, as I’ve said before, every player has a price, especially where Daniel is concerned. If he does have to sell him, I truly hope that it isn’t to Chelsea. Unless we get both Sturridge and Drogba. That however is extremely unlikely. City will probably blow them out of the water with a monster bid anyway.

You’ve really hurt me Luka. Stay and I’ll forgive you.

As ever though, despite my love for Modric and my belief he is irreplaceable, no man is bigger than the club.

COYS

Stuart Watts (@Studub on Twitter)

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The new fixtures are out and……

June 17th, 2011 Posted in Articles
Jun, 17 2011
2 Comments »

We have an extremely hard start to the season that’s what!

Everton at home to start, some will say is fine as the toffees are very often slow starters to the season but then couple that with the Champions away followed by the richest club in the world at home it is a tough first month. It doesn’t get any easier either as we enter September with a tricky away game at Wolves (we know how we deal with such games) followed by a visit from a probable rejuvenated Liverpool at home, while a testing trip to Wigan rounds out our first 6 games. How many of the 18 points possible do we think we can get from that start? It could be another situation like we had 2 years ago when a very slow and poor start cost the now Fulham manager his job. This is why, now that the fixtures have been announced, it is even more essential we get all our summer transfer dealings done and dusted before the season starts. It won’t happen as it’s not the Harry way!

In October it starts to get easier straight away with the first North London derby at home! Also this month we have our first game against 1 of the promoted sides in QPR at home.

The Christmas fixtures have us doing some travelling this year with games against Norwich (Boxing Day) and Swansea (New Years Eve) sandwiched either side of games at the Lane against Chelsea  and West Brom.

February starts with an away game at Liverpool, followed by Newcastle at home and the return NLD at the Emirates at the end of the month. The first game in March has Manchesters Utd visting so a tough block of games there also. The return against Chelsea at the Bridge is also later that month.

Our last 6 games of the season consist of Bolton, QPR and Aston Villa away and Norwich, Blackburn and Fulham at home on the last day. MJ coming back to the Lane on the last day of the season is fate!

What position we will be challenging for at that stage who knows.

Obviously this is the EPL fixture list but certain games will have to be moved as we are in the Europa Cup next season and those games are played on Thursday evenings.

The first group game is on the 15th of September so Liverpool at home will be changed to the Sunday. The next game that has to be moved will be the NLD at home, but there is a fair chance TV will be picking both these games up anyway so not a problem. So far so good. Blackburn away involves travelling so hopefully we will be at home in the Europa that Thursday night followed by a fixture change against Fulham away. That’s not so bad as still in London. For the final 2 Europa group games we are home to Bolton and Sunderland afterwards, so all in all we have lucked in with those dates. If we qualify for the knock-out stage, and we should, it will cause a lot of disruption as the fixture dates decimate the February, March and April schedule. Squad rotation will be vital during this period, especially if we are in still in the FA Cup as well.

The EPL fixture list in full is:

Opening Day 20/8 Everton (H)
20/8 Manchester Utd (A)
27/8 Manchester City (H)
10/9 Wolves (A)
17/9 Liverpool (H)
24/9 Wigan Athletic (A)
1/10 Arsenal (H)
15/10 Newcastle Utd (A)
22/10 Blackburn Rovers (A)
29/10 QPR (H)
5/11 Fulham (A)
19/11 Aston Villa (H)
26/11 WBA (A)
3/12 Bolton Wanderes (H)
10/12 Stoke City (A)
17/12 Sunderland (H)
20/12 Chelsea (H)
26/12 Norwich City(A)
31/12 Swansea City (A)
2/1 WBA (H)
14/1 Wolves (H)
21/1 Manchester City (A)
31/1 Wigan Athletic (H)
4/2 Liverpool (A)
11/2 Newcastle Utd (H)
25/2 Arsenal (A)
3/3 Manchester Utd (H)
10/3 Everton (A)
17/3 Stoke City (H)
24/3 Chelsea (A)
31/3 Swansea City (H)
7/4 Sunderland (A)
14/4 Bolton Wanderers(A)
21/4 QPR (A)
28/4 Blackburn Rovers (H)
5/5 Aston Villa (A)
13/5 Fulham (H)

Let us know what you make of our fixture schedule and what games you are going to earmark or are special to you.

Finally a quick thank you to Stuart and Adam for welcoming me on a permanent basis to the THFC1882 team. Cheers guys and I will try and contribute to the good work that is already being done.

COYS

Rob

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My letter to Roman Abramovich

June 15th, 2011 Posted in Articles, Transfers
Jun, 15 2011
10 Comments »

Attn:  lackeys of Roman Abramovich, make sure he reads this, cheers.

Dear Roman,

According to the ultra reliable sources at Sky Sports News (ie: twitter, forums and making stuff up) you have made a bid of £22m for The Croatian Xavi, Mr Luka Modric himself.

There are lots of words I could use in response to this, but my mum reads my blog so I will just leave it at this: hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! This must be some form of Russian humour that I am unaware of.

In England we call that sort of offer, derisory, to be honest that doesn’t come close to describing it though.

So, do yourself a favour, read this : http://www.thfc1882.com/2011/05/30/irreplaceable-3/ and then take a long look at yourself in the mirror and realise the error of your ways.

You and I both know that Levy has a price in mind. But I’d suggest it’s a similar number to the money you’ve punted on Torres and then some.

I hope there is no need for you and I to have further chats Mr Abramovich.

Best Regards (I don’t mean that, but I’ve always been told to be polite in letters)

Stuart Watts (@Studub on Twitter)

COYS

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