The Luka Modric saga seems to have become a twisted battle between the player and the chairman with the little Croatian claiming foul play today. Apparently he was promised a move if a big club came calling. I don't quite know how Chelsea fits into this category, after all we won the same as they did and lasted one day longer than them in the Champions League.
I hate to say it but I think he means a club with more cash to pay his wages. This is the life we live in today with the football mercenary claiming they want to win things but in essence its the big pay day. To us mere mortals who struggle away on 20-25k a year, the difference between getting paid 2 million a year and 4 million a year is irrelevant. As Forest Gump's mother always said, man only needs so much to live on and the rest is for show.
The question now for Levy is what does he do, keep an unhappy player who probably wont perform for us and certainly wont commit again, or sell him on and possibly risk losing several other players in the process.
The real problem as I see it is that we are only just a couple of players away from making a real challenge this season, however the morale in the squad must be affected by all of this and signing Rossi and the like may not cure. Think back to 2008 and a sulking Berbatov which put us back a long way.
I don't envy Levy right now, he needs to make a statement in the transfer market, make that one big signing that will make the others sit up and take notice. Off the pitch it has been a bad twelve months for Spurs, we still have no concrete plans for a new stadium which should have begun work by now, we don't know if we will have a manager beyond the coming season and we have failed to sign the striker we all crave for. Something will give very soon I feel one way or the other and a number of people may have their necks on the line.
Sunday, 10 July 2011
Sunday, 26 June 2011
The quandry of the 4 or 5 to go, the line up for next season and much more
So we are once again in the sell before we buy scenario. Now I know many will see this as a funds raising exeercise, I view this more of a keeping a hold on the wage bill exercise. Ok so we have lost Jamie O'Hara to Wolves, good luck to the lad, and we hear a few rumours such as Jenas and Palacios on their way out. If I could add Bentley, Keane and Hutton to that list then that would satisfy the 4 or 5 out.
I must say my biggest disappointment over the last few seasons has been the failure of harry Redknapp to find a role for Giovanni Dos Santos. I rated him as a Barcelona and Mexico player so why has he not made it at Spurs. I have read tyhe comments about his lifestyle being a problem but I truly believe had he been given the opportunity to play then those habits may dissapear. There is nothing more likely to cheer up an unhappy man than a few pints and the odd admirer, well me anyway.
Giovanni had a good pre season last summer, had a good 15 minutes in our opening game against Manchester City, was left holding the front line with our youth team against Arsenal in the Carling Cup then was shipped out. Obviously there is more to this than just football reasons.
Harry Redkanpp has often mentioned the two or three top class players he needs to bring in. The question id of course where do you fit them in. Apart from a striker who can play on his own up fron, maybe a holding midefielder and a long term partner for Michael Dawson, I am not sure where we need to improve.
We do need competition for places in certain areas, I would like to see Lennon pushed hard for his place, and I beleive Giovanni is equipped to do this. The same can be said for Bale although more as a back up option. I see a midfield trio of Sandro, Huddlestone and Modric as ideal. in order to create more scoring chances we need to be seeing much more of the ball. By winning in the ball in the middle of the pitch getting the ball out quickly to pacy wingers is the way to win games particularly against teams who will swamp the midfield.
Our big problem however is what to do with Van Der Vaart. His best position I believe is at the top of a diamond. However this formation demands a tight central midfield formation with little width, which doesn't suit our purposes. The only other option would be a Modric type of position but I feel Modric is a superior central midfield player. He has been played out wide however he tends to drift and and leaves us open for the counter attack leaves our full backs without cover. So the ideal position for him was as a support striker when we play 4-4-2.
If I was to pick my team from the current squad it would be:
Gomes;
Walker, Dawson, King, Assou Ekotto;
Huddlestone, Modric, Sandro;
Giovanni, Bale;
Pavyluchenko.
I say Giovanni as I beleive he is a better option than Lennon who has been poor at times and will need to improve if he desires to continue to push for the highest honours. If I was to say where we are weakest and need strenthening, well that is no secret, we need to improve on our strike force. The fact that I choose Pav is only as the best of an ordinary bunch.
We also need a long term replacement for Ledley King. I don't think Bassong has the quality we need although he is a good defender we need an excellent defender. I will follow Stephen Caulkers this season with much interest. He didnt have a great game against Arsenal in the Carling Cup, but he did look very good at times on loan at Bristol City last season.
So I am not sure where the two or three will come from but watch in anticipation.
I must say my biggest disappointment over the last few seasons has been the failure of harry Redknapp to find a role for Giovanni Dos Santos. I rated him as a Barcelona and Mexico player so why has he not made it at Spurs. I have read tyhe comments about his lifestyle being a problem but I truly believe had he been given the opportunity to play then those habits may dissapear. There is nothing more likely to cheer up an unhappy man than a few pints and the odd admirer, well me anyway.
Giovanni had a good pre season last summer, had a good 15 minutes in our opening game against Manchester City, was left holding the front line with our youth team against Arsenal in the Carling Cup then was shipped out. Obviously there is more to this than just football reasons.
Harry Redkanpp has often mentioned the two or three top class players he needs to bring in. The question id of course where do you fit them in. Apart from a striker who can play on his own up fron, maybe a holding midefielder and a long term partner for Michael Dawson, I am not sure where we need to improve.
We do need competition for places in certain areas, I would like to see Lennon pushed hard for his place, and I beleive Giovanni is equipped to do this. The same can be said for Bale although more as a back up option. I see a midfield trio of Sandro, Huddlestone and Modric as ideal. in order to create more scoring chances we need to be seeing much more of the ball. By winning in the ball in the middle of the pitch getting the ball out quickly to pacy wingers is the way to win games particularly against teams who will swamp the midfield.
Our big problem however is what to do with Van Der Vaart. His best position I believe is at the top of a diamond. However this formation demands a tight central midfield formation with little width, which doesn't suit our purposes. The only other option would be a Modric type of position but I feel Modric is a superior central midfield player. He has been played out wide however he tends to drift and and leaves us open for the counter attack leaves our full backs without cover. So the ideal position for him was as a support striker when we play 4-4-2.
If I was to pick my team from the current squad it would be:
Gomes;
Walker, Dawson, King, Assou Ekotto;
Huddlestone, Modric, Sandro;
Giovanni, Bale;
Pavyluchenko.
I say Giovanni as I beleive he is a better option than Lennon who has been poor at times and will need to improve if he desires to continue to push for the highest honours. If I was to say where we are weakest and need strenthening, well that is no secret, we need to improve on our strike force. The fact that I choose Pav is only as the best of an ordinary bunch.
We also need a long term replacement for Ledley King. I don't think Bassong has the quality we need although he is a good defender we need an excellent defender. I will follow Stephen Caulkers this season with much interest. He didnt have a great game against Arsenal in the Carling Cup, but he did look very good at times on loan at Bristol City last season.
So I am not sure where the two or three will come from but watch in anticipation.
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
What went wrong?
With only two games left this season and our absence from the Champions League next season confirmed, the inquisition now begins. The season began with high hopes of not only equalling last seasons fourth place but maybe even improving on it.
Our pre season form was good if not exciting and some of our youngsters were looking likely to break through, most notably Kyle Walker. We added Sandro, Gallas and in the eleventh hour Van Der Vaart so things were looking good.
The warning signs were there for all to see in September when we suffered at the hands of Wigan at home, to date our only league loss at home all season. Their tactics were much the same as most sides against us including Manchester City, flood the midfield, don't allow us space and get every player behind the ball.
With one match to play at home this season Spurs have drawn nine games, have only won two games by more than one goal and have failed to score twice. Sadly we have only scored more than two goals on three occasions at home and only once away.
It is clear that a lack of goals is the prime reason we have failed to qualify for the Champions League next season, but I fell that is too simplistic an explanation. The signing of Van Der Vaart has made for a complicated dynamic at Tottenham. When he plays on the right he drifts all over the pitch so we lose our natural width and also leads Spurs vulnerable to attacks down the flank and leaves our right back exposed.
When Van der Vaart plays as a support striker he lacks the pace to enable us to break quickly and often plays too deep. In my opinion as good as Van Der Vaart is, he is a luxury we can afford to be without unless he can slot into the central midfield in the same way Modric does.
I wont talk about our forwards too much but without a quality goal scorer up front there is too much pressure on our midfield to score.
Our defence has been good this season with the exception of one player. Our goal keeping position is one we have never filled comfortably. Gomes has at times been brilliant and other times been a complete joke. His gaffes have cost us points this season and if we are to make changes to our squad this summer his position must be one that will need to be addressed.
Despite our great Champions league run this season, our league form has been patchy mostly due to a lack of goals and having to cope with defensive tactics week in week out. We were knocked out early in the cups which was also a great disappointment. This was a season of great opportunity but we failed to take our chances on many occasions. If our home form had been better and I point to the games against Wigan, Sunderland, West Ham, West Brom and Blackpool where we failed to take all three points. Those 11 points dropped would have secured Champions League again next season and put the three points we should have won at Chelsea, three points lost to Blackpool and the two points lost at Wolves would have put Spurs just one point behind Manchester United.
So where it is usually lucky for Spurs when the year ends in 1, on this occasion not so. 2010/2011 is merely a year of missed opportunity.
Our pre season form was good if not exciting and some of our youngsters were looking likely to break through, most notably Kyle Walker. We added Sandro, Gallas and in the eleventh hour Van Der Vaart so things were looking good.
The warning signs were there for all to see in September when we suffered at the hands of Wigan at home, to date our only league loss at home all season. Their tactics were much the same as most sides against us including Manchester City, flood the midfield, don't allow us space and get every player behind the ball.
With one match to play at home this season Spurs have drawn nine games, have only won two games by more than one goal and have failed to score twice. Sadly we have only scored more than two goals on three occasions at home and only once away.
It is clear that a lack of goals is the prime reason we have failed to qualify for the Champions League next season, but I fell that is too simplistic an explanation. The signing of Van Der Vaart has made for a complicated dynamic at Tottenham. When he plays on the right he drifts all over the pitch so we lose our natural width and also leads Spurs vulnerable to attacks down the flank and leaves our right back exposed.
When Van der Vaart plays as a support striker he lacks the pace to enable us to break quickly and often plays too deep. In my opinion as good as Van Der Vaart is, he is a luxury we can afford to be without unless he can slot into the central midfield in the same way Modric does.
I wont talk about our forwards too much but without a quality goal scorer up front there is too much pressure on our midfield to score.
Our defence has been good this season with the exception of one player. Our goal keeping position is one we have never filled comfortably. Gomes has at times been brilliant and other times been a complete joke. His gaffes have cost us points this season and if we are to make changes to our squad this summer his position must be one that will need to be addressed.
Despite our great Champions league run this season, our league form has been patchy mostly due to a lack of goals and having to cope with defensive tactics week in week out. We were knocked out early in the cups which was also a great disappointment. This was a season of great opportunity but we failed to take our chances on many occasions. If our home form had been better and I point to the games against Wigan, Sunderland, West Ham, West Brom and Blackpool where we failed to take all three points. Those 11 points dropped would have secured Champions League again next season and put the three points we should have won at Chelsea, three points lost to Blackpool and the two points lost at Wolves would have put Spurs just one point behind Manchester United.
So where it is usually lucky for Spurs when the year ends in 1, on this occasion not so. 2010/2011 is merely a year of missed opportunity.
Monday, 2 May 2011
The anti-Tottenham conspiracy?
In the last thirty years there have been things I have had to endure as a Tottenham supporter. Many I have to say inflicted by those eleven men on the pitch in the lillywhite shirt. The League cup final loss to Liverpool in 1982, Cup final loss to Coventry in 1987, the cup semi final losses to Arsenal in 1993 and 2001 and to Portsmouth last year spring to mind amongst others as disappointments. Sol Campbells' defection to Arsenal also rates as a major disappointment.
Off the field we have suffered more than most: Irving Scholar nearly running us into the ground, Alan Sugar's lack of investment and foresight and a conveyor belt of managers coming in and out the door.
We have incurred the wrath of both the Premier League and UEFA. The Premier League for some transfer irregularities that initially gave us a points deduction and suspension form the FA cup and from UEFA initially barring us from Uefa competitions for fielding a youth team in the inaugural season of the inter toto cup.
But nothing here has compared to some ridiculous decisions in the most crucial games for us in recent years. Now I had the assumption there was just a Manchester Untied bias. We all remember the Pedro Mendes goal that never was and the penalty that shouldn't have been to get Manchester United back into the game when they were 2-0 down and this season's ridiculous decision to award a Nani goal after he had attempted to score a try across the Tottenham penalty area.
Then there was last season's game at Anfield when Defoe's goal was ruled out after he had challenged their goalkeeper fairly and Crouchb was not awarded a penalty for the most blatant of fouls.
So roll on Stamford Bridge, a game Spurs absolutely had to win. Sandro scored a stunning goal and half time is fast approaching when Gomes fumbles a shot by Lampard to allow the ball to trickle towards the line, before it is stopped prior to crossing the line, we all think play on however the linesman decides to award the goal.
Sometimes these things happen but late in the game Chelsea go in front when Kalou is clearly offside. Two goals which should not have been awarded may cause Spurs to fail to qualify for the Champions League next season and more importantly robbed Spurs of their first win at Stamford Bridge in 21 years.
The question is whether there is some sort of bias against Spurs. It just so happens we have suffered some bad decisions when playing away at three of the four most successful sides in recent years. But just look at the sort of disrespect Spurs get in the press on a week to week basis. Whether it be our best players about to be sold to so called bigger clubs, or inaccurate reporting of our financial position or our teams performance.
The fact is that while I wouldn't accuse the officials of being corrupt or purposely making decisions biased in one direction, I can't help but think on some sub conscious level there is an anti Tottenham conspiracy in the football world.
Off the field we have suffered more than most: Irving Scholar nearly running us into the ground, Alan Sugar's lack of investment and foresight and a conveyor belt of managers coming in and out the door.
We have incurred the wrath of both the Premier League and UEFA. The Premier League for some transfer irregularities that initially gave us a points deduction and suspension form the FA cup and from UEFA initially barring us from Uefa competitions for fielding a youth team in the inaugural season of the inter toto cup.
But nothing here has compared to some ridiculous decisions in the most crucial games for us in recent years. Now I had the assumption there was just a Manchester Untied bias. We all remember the Pedro Mendes goal that never was and the penalty that shouldn't have been to get Manchester United back into the game when they were 2-0 down and this season's ridiculous decision to award a Nani goal after he had attempted to score a try across the Tottenham penalty area.
Then there was last season's game at Anfield when Defoe's goal was ruled out after he had challenged their goalkeeper fairly and Crouchb was not awarded a penalty for the most blatant of fouls.
So roll on Stamford Bridge, a game Spurs absolutely had to win. Sandro scored a stunning goal and half time is fast approaching when Gomes fumbles a shot by Lampard to allow the ball to trickle towards the line, before it is stopped prior to crossing the line, we all think play on however the linesman decides to award the goal.
Sometimes these things happen but late in the game Chelsea go in front when Kalou is clearly offside. Two goals which should not have been awarded may cause Spurs to fail to qualify for the Champions League next season and more importantly robbed Spurs of their first win at Stamford Bridge in 21 years.
The question is whether there is some sort of bias against Spurs. It just so happens we have suffered some bad decisions when playing away at three of the four most successful sides in recent years. But just look at the sort of disrespect Spurs get in the press on a week to week basis. Whether it be our best players about to be sold to so called bigger clubs, or inaccurate reporting of our financial position or our teams performance.
The fact is that while I wouldn't accuse the officials of being corrupt or purposely making decisions biased in one direction, I can't help but think on some sub conscious level there is an anti Tottenham conspiracy in the football world.
Sunday, 24 April 2011
Has Redknapp taken Spurs as far as he can go?
This was a point made by a caller last night as i drove home from the game against West Brom. Although he was given short shrift by the presenters on 606, although I don't think many journalists out there are objective when it comes to Redknapp as he seems to be their darling. I am sure many Spurs fans are thinking the same thing.
We have all heard that we were bottom when he took over, The fact was we were not exactly a bottom three side at the time. In fact we had finished 5th only a year before. We were left in a state due to the departures of Robbie Keaneand Dimitar Berbatov. The new summer signings of that season were not gelling and there was discontent over Juande Ramos' attempts to change the culture through the club.
Furthermore there was confusion over recruitment due to the triumphate of Chairman, Coach and Sports Director all having cross purposes. So we threw out the baby with the bathwater sacked all the staff and brought back a traditional manger in Redknapp with his own coaching staff.
Redknapp then brought back to the club Keane and Defoe as well as adding Palacios.After such an appalling start to the season we only finished a Gomes fumble away from a Europa League place.
Last season we added Kranjcar, Crouch and Kaboul to the squad and managed to finally achieve Champions League qualification. Besides winning the FA cup this was probably Harry Redknapp's finest achievement in management.
This season has been a landmark for Tottenham. On our first occasion we managed to reached the quarter finals. Although our loss in the Bernabeau was disappointing, it was an occasion we would not have dreamed of in the days of Christian Gross. This past week Gareth Bale was awarded the Players Player of the year, remarkable achievement as only 18 months ago he could not get into the side.
However, our league form this season has been patchy. I cannot remember ever feeling comfortable in any game. We have only won by more than a goal on a handful of occasions and have not had an easy win all season.
We have amassed a total of 13 draws this season and yet have only lost on six occasions which is less than Chelsea, the same as Manchester City and only one more than Arsenal. I look back at our solitary defeat at Home to Wigan and our draws to Sunderland, West Brom, Everton, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and West Ham.
Ultimately these games may have decided our fate for this season. Our inability to see off games where we should be winning is our downfall this season as much as any other season. All Tottenham fans knew where our weakness was at the beginning of the season. We failed to sign a striker of quality in the summer and again failed in January. Redknapp can sight wages but I don't buy that at all. We apparently had £30 million in January to splash out and if you add another £15 million in wages over five years that adds up to £45 million available.
I am sure that with a bit of creativity we could have managed to sign the quality striker that we need to finish teams off.
However if Redknapp has to work with the players now at his disposal, the question is does he use them effectively. Most teams we play will play with eight men behind the ball and rarely over commit. We play a slow tempo and play usually breaks down on the edge of the box. When the opposition pushes up we don't use Defoe's pace to get in behind opposition defences and we don't have a player strong enough to win the ball in the air consistently from long kicks or set pieces.
We need to play a side and formation to create as many chances as possible and to get Defoe on the ball. So many times yesterday Defoe was in a good position it would have only taken a decent chip over the top to play him in, otherwise he will be restricted to shots from the edge of the box.
At times this season we have played some attractive attacking football if not naive at times. Redknapp has been slow to make changes when needed and spends much time with his hands in his pockets whereas his assistants seem to be more vocal.
Overall though it would be hard to doubt his qualities in that his man management amongst his favoured players is second to none. He has got the best out of Bale, Modric, Lennon and Huddlestone. On the other hand he failed to use Bentley, Keane, Taarabt and Dos Santos effectively which has lead to their departures.
It is questionable if another manager could have done better this season and if another manager will be able to deliver the league title to Tottenham in years to come, hindsight is a wonderful thing but had we made the right decisions both on and off the field this season perhaps it would be Spurs and not Chesea and Arsenal chasing Manchester United this season.
We have all heard that we were bottom when he took over, The fact was we were not exactly a bottom three side at the time. In fact we had finished 5th only a year before. We were left in a state due to the departures of Robbie Keaneand Dimitar Berbatov. The new summer signings of that season were not gelling and there was discontent over Juande Ramos' attempts to change the culture through the club.
Furthermore there was confusion over recruitment due to the triumphate of Chairman, Coach and Sports Director all having cross purposes. So we threw out the baby with the bathwater sacked all the staff and brought back a traditional manger in Redknapp with his own coaching staff.
Redknapp then brought back to the club Keane and Defoe as well as adding Palacios.After such an appalling start to the season we only finished a Gomes fumble away from a Europa League place.
Last season we added Kranjcar, Crouch and Kaboul to the squad and managed to finally achieve Champions League qualification. Besides winning the FA cup this was probably Harry Redknapp's finest achievement in management.
This season has been a landmark for Tottenham. On our first occasion we managed to reached the quarter finals. Although our loss in the Bernabeau was disappointing, it was an occasion we would not have dreamed of in the days of Christian Gross. This past week Gareth Bale was awarded the Players Player of the year, remarkable achievement as only 18 months ago he could not get into the side.
However, our league form this season has been patchy. I cannot remember ever feeling comfortable in any game. We have only won by more than a goal on a handful of occasions and have not had an easy win all season.
We have amassed a total of 13 draws this season and yet have only lost on six occasions which is less than Chelsea, the same as Manchester City and only one more than Arsenal. I look back at our solitary defeat at Home to Wigan and our draws to Sunderland, West Brom, Everton, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and West Ham.
Ultimately these games may have decided our fate for this season. Our inability to see off games where we should be winning is our downfall this season as much as any other season. All Tottenham fans knew where our weakness was at the beginning of the season. We failed to sign a striker of quality in the summer and again failed in January. Redknapp can sight wages but I don't buy that at all. We apparently had £30 million in January to splash out and if you add another £15 million in wages over five years that adds up to £45 million available.
I am sure that with a bit of creativity we could have managed to sign the quality striker that we need to finish teams off.
However if Redknapp has to work with the players now at his disposal, the question is does he use them effectively. Most teams we play will play with eight men behind the ball and rarely over commit. We play a slow tempo and play usually breaks down on the edge of the box. When the opposition pushes up we don't use Defoe's pace to get in behind opposition defences and we don't have a player strong enough to win the ball in the air consistently from long kicks or set pieces.
We need to play a side and formation to create as many chances as possible and to get Defoe on the ball. So many times yesterday Defoe was in a good position it would have only taken a decent chip over the top to play him in, otherwise he will be restricted to shots from the edge of the box.
At times this season we have played some attractive attacking football if not naive at times. Redknapp has been slow to make changes when needed and spends much time with his hands in his pockets whereas his assistants seem to be more vocal.
Overall though it would be hard to doubt his qualities in that his man management amongst his favoured players is second to none. He has got the best out of Bale, Modric, Lennon and Huddlestone. On the other hand he failed to use Bentley, Keane, Taarabt and Dos Santos effectively which has lead to their departures.
It is questionable if another manager could have done better this season and if another manager will be able to deliver the league title to Tottenham in years to come, hindsight is a wonderful thing but had we made the right decisions both on and off the field this season perhaps it would be Spurs and not Chesea and Arsenal chasing Manchester United this season.
Saturday, 16 April 2011
Wholesale changes for Spurs not just neccesary but mandatory.
There is the usual amount of speculation regrading transfer activity involving Tottenham for the next transfer window, some changes considered necessary, however taking a look at our squad some changes will be mandatory. After looking over our squad I found we have currently 39 players who may have ambitions to make the first team squad. Not forgetting the 25 man squad rule, several players including Gareth Bale and Giovani Dos Santos will no longer be considered under 21. So without change that leaves us with 32 players.
Let us assume there will be three additions in the summer, there needs to be ten players sold or sent out on loan. First things first here is the list of players who are still under 21 for these purposes:-
Walker, Caulker, Rose, Townsend, Parrett, Bostock, Mason and Obika. This list is not exhaustive as I am not as knowledgeable about our youth players as some.
I have put together a list of players I am almost certain will leave in the summer:-
Alnwick, Hutton, Naughton, Bentley, O'Hara, Dos Santos, Keane. Most of these players will leave fans divided but the facts are that they are surplus to requirements as all players are out on loan at the moment (apart from Hutton) and have made little impact this season. Alan Hutton has probably burnt his bridges with Redknapp this season and whose performances have failed to impress when it matters. Hence why I would say he is almost certain to go.
Those departures would take our squad down to 25 but still room will need to be made for any new additions. These are the players who I think we need to consider moving on for one reason or another.
Ledley King
King has been an excellent club captain, defender and leader, however injuries have limited him to only a handful of appearances this season and I don't expect an improvement on this in the future. We need four reliable central defenders in coming seasons. I am afraid King does not fall into that category.
Jonathan Woodgate
He shares the same injury problems as Ledley King. He is a quality player when fit but has not started a game for a year and a half and must consider his future.
Wilson Palacios
The Honduran came to Spurs when we were were struggling following the Ramos era. He gave us bite in central midfield and helped catapult Spurs up the table. His form since the discovery of his brothers body last year has been below his previous standards and has found it difficult to operate in a midfield blessed of talent and has fallen behind both Huddlestone and Sandro in the pecking order, He will probably be looking for a new start.
Jermaine Jenas
He is Tottenham's Marmite man. he is a player capable of so much but on so many occasions goes missing. In this squad he will only ever be a bit part player and May look for a new challenge.
Jake Livermore
Livermore may be an unfortunate casualty of the 25 man rule. He is no longer in the under 21 category so will either need to go out on loan for more experience or be sold as he will not likely challenge for a first team place at this stage.
Nico Kranjcar
I understand his frustration. There has been limited opportunities for him since the emergence of Bale. His problem is he is not an out and out winger nor can he be considered in the same role as Modric or Van Der Vaart. There are too many in front of him at the moment and will never be first choice. He is a luxury I wouldn't like us to lose but will respect his decision.
Roman Pavlyuchenko
Since he came to the club he has wanted to leave. On his day he can be an excellent finisher, however on most occasions you wouldn't even know he was on the pitch. He still has a communication problem, this has done Roman no favours as he still doesn't speak English well enough if at all. He is the most likely to make way for a new striker.
I would very much doubt that there will be 14 departures this summer but there would be room to do so. Overall we have a strong squad and I expect it to be a little stronger next season but not without some hard choices being made.
I expect Kyle Walker to compete with Corluka for the right back position and maybe Caulker could play a few games next season especially if Woodgate and King leave. As for incoming players, we definitely need a new strikerif not two who will get us 15-20 goals a season. I am not sure if we brought in two strikers where that would leave Van Der Vaart, Defoe and Crouch as surely one would be surplus to requirements.
We could also do with a back up left back as I wouldn't want Bale back there if Assou-Ekotto was injured. Furthermore an experienced central defender such as Gary Cahill, again I think maybe Bassong would then be surplus to requirements.
One other position that needs to be considered is goalkeeping. Gomes has looked shaky on a number of occasions this season and if a better keeper becomes available then we should consider a bid.
It will be a very interesting transfer window.
Let us assume there will be three additions in the summer, there needs to be ten players sold or sent out on loan. First things first here is the list of players who are still under 21 for these purposes:-
Walker, Caulker, Rose, Townsend, Parrett, Bostock, Mason and Obika. This list is not exhaustive as I am not as knowledgeable about our youth players as some.
I have put together a list of players I am almost certain will leave in the summer:-
Alnwick, Hutton, Naughton, Bentley, O'Hara, Dos Santos, Keane. Most of these players will leave fans divided but the facts are that they are surplus to requirements as all players are out on loan at the moment (apart from Hutton) and have made little impact this season. Alan Hutton has probably burnt his bridges with Redknapp this season and whose performances have failed to impress when it matters. Hence why I would say he is almost certain to go.
Those departures would take our squad down to 25 but still room will need to be made for any new additions. These are the players who I think we need to consider moving on for one reason or another.
Ledley King
King has been an excellent club captain, defender and leader, however injuries have limited him to only a handful of appearances this season and I don't expect an improvement on this in the future. We need four reliable central defenders in coming seasons. I am afraid King does not fall into that category.
Jonathan Woodgate
He shares the same injury problems as Ledley King. He is a quality player when fit but has not started a game for a year and a half and must consider his future.
Wilson Palacios
The Honduran came to Spurs when we were were struggling following the Ramos era. He gave us bite in central midfield and helped catapult Spurs up the table. His form since the discovery of his brothers body last year has been below his previous standards and has found it difficult to operate in a midfield blessed of talent and has fallen behind both Huddlestone and Sandro in the pecking order, He will probably be looking for a new start.
Jermaine Jenas
He is Tottenham's Marmite man. he is a player capable of so much but on so many occasions goes missing. In this squad he will only ever be a bit part player and May look for a new challenge.
Jake Livermore
Livermore may be an unfortunate casualty of the 25 man rule. He is no longer in the under 21 category so will either need to go out on loan for more experience or be sold as he will not likely challenge for a first team place at this stage.
Nico Kranjcar
I understand his frustration. There has been limited opportunities for him since the emergence of Bale. His problem is he is not an out and out winger nor can he be considered in the same role as Modric or Van Der Vaart. There are too many in front of him at the moment and will never be first choice. He is a luxury I wouldn't like us to lose but will respect his decision.
Roman Pavlyuchenko
Since he came to the club he has wanted to leave. On his day he can be an excellent finisher, however on most occasions you wouldn't even know he was on the pitch. He still has a communication problem, this has done Roman no favours as he still doesn't speak English well enough if at all. He is the most likely to make way for a new striker.
I would very much doubt that there will be 14 departures this summer but there would be room to do so. Overall we have a strong squad and I expect it to be a little stronger next season but not without some hard choices being made.
I expect Kyle Walker to compete with Corluka for the right back position and maybe Caulker could play a few games next season especially if Woodgate and King leave. As for incoming players, we definitely need a new strikerif not two who will get us 15-20 goals a season. I am not sure if we brought in two strikers where that would leave Van Der Vaart, Defoe and Crouch as surely one would be surplus to requirements.
We could also do with a back up left back as I wouldn't want Bale back there if Assou-Ekotto was injured. Furthermore an experienced central defender such as Gary Cahill, again I think maybe Bassong would then be surplus to requirements.
One other position that needs to be considered is goalkeeping. Gomes has looked shaky on a number of occasions this season and if a better keeper becomes available then we should consider a bid.
It will be a very interesting transfer window.
Monday, 11 April 2011
Time for the boo boys to shut up!
Let's face it, the last twenty years have been pretty barren. Only two League Cup wins to our name and 3 top 5 finishes really is not acceptable and is the worst run in our post war years. So last Tuesday we faced Real Madrid at the Bernabeau. This was the biggest match we have faced since Benefica in 1962. I think back to some of the soul destroying defeats of recent years, the six we conceded against Chelsea and Newcastle and the 3-0 we conceded against 10 man Man City, we have come a long way.
So the game didn't go the way we would have liked, yes Peter Crouch was silly and everything seemed to go wrong for us. But I am sure that we will have learned so much from this game. I always say you lose more from losing than you do from winning. It doesn't mean I am not disappointed but I like to take a philosophical view. Getting to the quarter finals of the toughest competition in the world at the first attempt is a great achievement, something that I am sure Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have not been able to do in the current format.
So at the Lane last Saturday when the team was read out there seemed to be a number of boos when Peter Crouch's name was read out, one being my son who I quickly corrected. I said to him he will score today which he certainly did. Don't get me wrong, I am no Peter Crouch fan but as long as he is wearing a Spurs shirt I will always support him.
Although I didn't notice it, there have been several stories about Corluka having a go at a fan. Personally I don't blame him. I hear every week abuse from our so called supporters and frankly it gets on my nerves. I hear some supporters who say they pay for their tickets and they can say what they like. But I look at this as our players workplace and anyone who wants to abuse the Spurs team, would they like people to come into their workplace and abuse them every time they make a mistake. I think not.
We have eight matches to play this season and I hope all the Spurs fans get behind the team and show their appreciation for what has been the most exciting and intense season in our recent history with the hope that more will follow.
COYS!
So the game didn't go the way we would have liked, yes Peter Crouch was silly and everything seemed to go wrong for us. But I am sure that we will have learned so much from this game. I always say you lose more from losing than you do from winning. It doesn't mean I am not disappointed but I like to take a philosophical view. Getting to the quarter finals of the toughest competition in the world at the first attempt is a great achievement, something that I am sure Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have not been able to do in the current format.
So at the Lane last Saturday when the team was read out there seemed to be a number of boos when Peter Crouch's name was read out, one being my son who I quickly corrected. I said to him he will score today which he certainly did. Don't get me wrong, I am no Peter Crouch fan but as long as he is wearing a Spurs shirt I will always support him.
Although I didn't notice it, there have been several stories about Corluka having a go at a fan. Personally I don't blame him. I hear every week abuse from our so called supporters and frankly it gets on my nerves. I hear some supporters who say they pay for their tickets and they can say what they like. But I look at this as our players workplace and anyone who wants to abuse the Spurs team, would they like people to come into their workplace and abuse them every time they make a mistake. I think not.
We have eight matches to play this season and I hope all the Spurs fans get behind the team and show their appreciation for what has been the most exciting and intense season in our recent history with the hope that more will follow.
COYS!
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
Season 2010/2011 a year of missed opportunities.
From the start let me say I am not angry about last night's performance just a little disappointed. It is a testament to how far we have come when we feel sad about a quarter final performance in the Champions League against Real Madrid.
When I say missed opportunities I mean in the course of the whole season. We missed the boat at the start of the season by failing to sign a quality striker, we know that we cant afford the wages but tell me what is the difference in spending £10 million in wages over two years than wasting £17 million on a player like Bentley only to send him out on loan.
If you include transfer fee and wages over three years i expect a top quality striker may cost us £35 million, but then again what is the difference between us and Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United? Well its obvious.
Look at the stats, even with our problems with injuries all season in defence we are still pretty profligate defensively comparable with the top 4. However in attack we have I believe 19 goals at home in 14 matches. This has included six draws, three of them 0-0 and a poor loss to Wigan.
Away we have failed to beat West Brom, Wolves and Wigan and were beaten by Blackpool. However our away record compared well with the sides ahead of us but we still face trips to Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City.
We have failed to play great football at any time this season with 2-1 being a very common scoreline this season and only the 4-2 to Balckburn standing out as comfortable. We have failed to dominate any team this season and when we have good spells have been unable to score.
Our cup performances have been woeful. Our game against Arsenal was embarrassing as too was the match against Fulham. In both cases given the way the draw panned out should have seen us through to the final in both competitions.
The highlight of the season may have been Bale's performance at the San Siro but the emergence of Sandro for me is much more important. We now have a midfield capable of dominating the best with the right approach.
The miss of the season in my opinion is the failure to land Suraez who looks a quality player.
My hope for next season is that first of all we sort out the impass over a new stadium for gods sake Levy get it sorted. Second is we can get rid of the deadwood in the squad, we have too many players who will not get a look in why keep them unhappy. My third hope is we can get some real quality up front who can lead the line for the next five years and make us the force in the Premier League we all wish we can be.
I hope all Yids will get behind the boys this Saturday, lets not let this season fade away.
COYS!!!!
When I say missed opportunities I mean in the course of the whole season. We missed the boat at the start of the season by failing to sign a quality striker, we know that we cant afford the wages but tell me what is the difference in spending £10 million in wages over two years than wasting £17 million on a player like Bentley only to send him out on loan.
If you include transfer fee and wages over three years i expect a top quality striker may cost us £35 million, but then again what is the difference between us and Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United? Well its obvious.
Look at the stats, even with our problems with injuries all season in defence we are still pretty profligate defensively comparable with the top 4. However in attack we have I believe 19 goals at home in 14 matches. This has included six draws, three of them 0-0 and a poor loss to Wigan.
Away we have failed to beat West Brom, Wolves and Wigan and were beaten by Blackpool. However our away record compared well with the sides ahead of us but we still face trips to Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City.
We have failed to play great football at any time this season with 2-1 being a very common scoreline this season and only the 4-2 to Balckburn standing out as comfortable. We have failed to dominate any team this season and when we have good spells have been unable to score.
Our cup performances have been woeful. Our game against Arsenal was embarrassing as too was the match against Fulham. In both cases given the way the draw panned out should have seen us through to the final in both competitions.
The highlight of the season may have been Bale's performance at the San Siro but the emergence of Sandro for me is much more important. We now have a midfield capable of dominating the best with the right approach.
The miss of the season in my opinion is the failure to land Suraez who looks a quality player.
My hope for next season is that first of all we sort out the impass over a new stadium for gods sake Levy get it sorted. Second is we can get rid of the deadwood in the squad, we have too many players who will not get a look in why keep them unhappy. My third hope is we can get some real quality up front who can lead the line for the next five years and make us the force in the Premier League we all wish we can be.
I hope all Yids will get behind the boys this Saturday, lets not let this season fade away.
COYS!!!!
Sunday, 20 February 2011
Connor Wickham to Spurs?
Various rumours are circling regarding Connor Wickham, the 17 year old striker from Ipswich. The England under 21 international is considered one of the hottest young properties and has courted attention from some of the biggest clubs including Manchester United, Chelsea and Spurs.
There is a suggestion that there is already an agreement between Tottenham and Ipswich in place in that Spurs have an option to sign him. Although other reports say he has not yet made up his mind.
Tottenham will be on the lookout for probably two new strikers this summer. Our frontline has been misfiring all season with only seven league goals between Defoe, Crouch and Pavyluchenko with the latter looking to leave in the summer.
As a youngster Wickham may be a good 4th Striker. I believe if Wickham were to come to Spurs he would benefit from training with an experienced top class centre forward i.e. Drogba, Fabiano, Huntelaar. I am sure this would be an ideal scenario for a young English player.
As with all transfer rumours I treat this one with a pinch of salt.
There is a suggestion that there is already an agreement between Tottenham and Ipswich in place in that Spurs have an option to sign him. Although other reports say he has not yet made up his mind.
Tottenham will be on the lookout for probably two new strikers this summer. Our frontline has been misfiring all season with only seven league goals between Defoe, Crouch and Pavyluchenko with the latter looking to leave in the summer.
As a youngster Wickham may be a good 4th Striker. I believe if Wickham were to come to Spurs he would benefit from training with an experienced top class centre forward i.e. Drogba, Fabiano, Huntelaar. I am sure this would be an ideal scenario for a young English player.
As with all transfer rumours I treat this one with a pinch of salt.
Monday, 14 February 2011
Lets play the numbers game
With only twelve games to go we are now in the business end of the the season. I believe the title is now between Manchester United and Arsenal. Third and fourth is now between Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea. Forget Liverpool any side that condes 8 points in 11 games shouldn't be there in the first place.
Looking at the fixtures chelsea and Spurs both have 4 games against the top 6 and eight against the rest, Manchester City have 3 against the top 6 and 8 against the rest.
Spurs are away to 3 of the top 6, manchester City 2 and Chelsea 1. They all have to play each.
If Spurs don't lose at Manchester City and Chelsea and win their eight agianst the rest then they should finish fourth at worst. The hardest of the home games are Arsenal, Stoke and West Ham, but it looks a good home run but a nightmare final 3 away from home where we play Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool.
It is in Tottenhams hands now, which is obviously good but there is so much work to do. I didn't expect Spurs would do it going into the last half a dozen last season but with wins over Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City managed to seal it.
I have had a good moan about our squad this season which I felt should have been improved in January, however we have enough quality to win the games that matter. It will be nailbiting stuff.
Looking at the fixtures chelsea and Spurs both have 4 games against the top 6 and eight against the rest, Manchester City have 3 against the top 6 and 8 against the rest.
Spurs are away to 3 of the top 6, manchester City 2 and Chelsea 1. They all have to play each.
If Spurs don't lose at Manchester City and Chelsea and win their eight agianst the rest then they should finish fourth at worst. The hardest of the home games are Arsenal, Stoke and West Ham, but it looks a good home run but a nightmare final 3 away from home where we play Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool.
It is in Tottenhams hands now, which is obviously good but there is so much work to do. I didn't expect Spurs would do it going into the last half a dozen last season but with wins over Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City managed to seal it.
I have had a good moan about our squad this season which I felt should have been improved in January, however we have enough quality to win the games that matter. It will be nailbiting stuff.
Is Levy trying to sell us down the river?
As the dust settles on out failed bid to move to the Olympic Stadium site, we are left with more questions than answers. I amongst many Spurs supporters was happy that we are now not moving to Stratford, but I fear the motives of our chairman.
We have been hearing the stories this week that Spurs need a bigger stadium to compete with the best. That is a fact that is undeniable. The problem is moving may improve the balance sheet but at the cost of ripping the soul out of this great club.
Yes the area around Tottenham is run down, deprived and has attrocious traffic, but when you walk to the turnstiles and take your seat you know you are in the same place that graced Blanchflower, Mackay, Greaves, Hoddle etc. There is the sense of being part of a family an atmosphere that is hard to beat.
I for one have an attachment to Tottenham that will never be breached, moving the club wont change my support but I would feel that the club is selling out its heritage in order to achieve balance sheet success.
Quite clearly Levy is putting the club in the shop window, why else would he attempt to move the club closer to the City. Despite his denials I am sure he is hoping for some middle east money to come in.
Obviously there is a need for a new stadium as expansion at White Hart Lane is not possible. To be honest I was never happy with the Northumberland Project as I didn't think it was ambitious enough. I would have liked to see a 65,000 seater stadium to eclipse all club stadiums in London and would probably produce more revenue than Old Trafford.
Tottenham must make the Northumberland project work in a way to satisfy all parties at the most econmically cost effective way. Whatever happens we the fans must be consulted not ignored as levy has done.
We have been hearing the stories this week that Spurs need a bigger stadium to compete with the best. That is a fact that is undeniable. The problem is moving may improve the balance sheet but at the cost of ripping the soul out of this great club.
Yes the area around Tottenham is run down, deprived and has attrocious traffic, but when you walk to the turnstiles and take your seat you know you are in the same place that graced Blanchflower, Mackay, Greaves, Hoddle etc. There is the sense of being part of a family an atmosphere that is hard to beat.
I for one have an attachment to Tottenham that will never be breached, moving the club wont change my support but I would feel that the club is selling out its heritage in order to achieve balance sheet success.
Quite clearly Levy is putting the club in the shop window, why else would he attempt to move the club closer to the City. Despite his denials I am sure he is hoping for some middle east money to come in.
Obviously there is a need for a new stadium as expansion at White Hart Lane is not possible. To be honest I was never happy with the Northumberland Project as I didn't think it was ambitious enough. I would have liked to see a 65,000 seater stadium to eclipse all club stadiums in London and would probably produce more revenue than Old Trafford.
Tottenham must make the Northumberland project work in a way to satisfy all parties at the most econmically cost effective way. Whatever happens we the fans must be consulted not ignored as levy has done.
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Is there a case for our strikers?
I am never one to have a go at any player during a game and very rarely swear. But yesterday after seeing Crouch fluff another chance I had a little outburst. It goes along the lines of "Can't we get a striker who can score a goal" and I paraphrase.
There is barely a Spurs fan who doesn't feel we need a new strikeforce and yet we hear today that Pavlyuchenko wants to leave. This is deja vu. Just last season we heard this and a good cup run and a few goals he was back on board.
Looking at the stats between Crouch, Defoe and Pavlyuchenko they have made 54 appearances and scored 7 goals. Peter Crouch may argue that he has assists to his name but I can't think of too many. The reason we are fufth and not higher up the table is a lack of goals. I cannot believe it is poor service. With Bale, Modric, Lennon and van Der Vaart in our side plus new addition Pienaar supplying I would find it hard to believe there is a lack of opportunity.
Without trying to sound too hard, our front line and too one dimensional. Crouch is unable to hold the ball up or beat his man and invariably is beaten in the air. He has a weak shot if he has to run more than five yards and constantly has his back to goal. Defoe works hard and has pace but is unable again to beat his man and is predicatble with the ball at his feet. Pavlyuchenko is an excellent finisher on his day however he goes missing for long periods of time, often takes the wrong option when he passes and attempts too many long range shots.
Harry Redknapp has talked about players he tried to sign in January. Well that is all well and good but he clearly didn't try hard enough. Frankly I would have been happy with Cole, Sturridge and Davies over Crouch, Pavlyuchenko and Defoe. I know I am being harsh, but I feel Spurs have missed a big opportunity this season. A return of an extra dozen or so goals may have just been enough to be us near to Manchester United this season.
I hope the lessons will be learnt and the necessary changes made for next season.
There is barely a Spurs fan who doesn't feel we need a new strikeforce and yet we hear today that Pavlyuchenko wants to leave. This is deja vu. Just last season we heard this and a good cup run and a few goals he was back on board.
Looking at the stats between Crouch, Defoe and Pavlyuchenko they have made 54 appearances and scored 7 goals. Peter Crouch may argue that he has assists to his name but I can't think of too many. The reason we are fufth and not higher up the table is a lack of goals. I cannot believe it is poor service. With Bale, Modric, Lennon and van Der Vaart in our side plus new addition Pienaar supplying I would find it hard to believe there is a lack of opportunity.
Without trying to sound too hard, our front line and too one dimensional. Crouch is unable to hold the ball up or beat his man and invariably is beaten in the air. He has a weak shot if he has to run more than five yards and constantly has his back to goal. Defoe works hard and has pace but is unable again to beat his man and is predicatble with the ball at his feet. Pavlyuchenko is an excellent finisher on his day however he goes missing for long periods of time, often takes the wrong option when he passes and attempts too many long range shots.
Harry Redknapp has talked about players he tried to sign in January. Well that is all well and good but he clearly didn't try hard enough. Frankly I would have been happy with Cole, Sturridge and Davies over Crouch, Pavlyuchenko and Defoe. I know I am being harsh, but I feel Spurs have missed a big opportunity this season. A return of an extra dozen or so goals may have just been enough to be us near to Manchester United this season.
I hope the lessons will be learnt and the necessary changes made for next season.
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