Where was the goal that cost Tottenham their place in the Champions League?

Ultimately it was just a single goal that would have made all the difference. Having spent the majority of the season in third place, not only did Spurs have to be content with fourth position but also after Chelsea won the Champions League final, a place in next seasons Europa League.

But it was all about that one goal. At home against Norwich, Wolves and Chelsea, lets not forget Adebayor's ruled out goal which should have been given! Then there was the games away at Sunderland, Queens Park Rangers, Manchester City, Stoke and Aston Villa.

Just one goal in any one of these games would have brought Champions League football back to White Hart Lane.

And what of those other moments. One less Fulop blunder or an other Arsenal late winner, perhaps Robben to not miss a penalty, or even lets blame Liverpool in Istanbul 2005, that was the game that caused UEFA to change the rules on the number of teams able to qualify for the Champions League.

So now is the time recriminations. Who cost Spurs their place?

First of all it has to be the referees and officials. Going back to the game away at Stoke in which was the worst refereeing I have seen. That Peter Crouch handled assist, the ruled out (again) Adebayor goal and the very numerous penalty appeals which any one of four should have been given.

Then there was the game against Chelsea at White hart Lane and that goal I have already mentioned that was disallowed. Finally the game away to Manchester City. Had Balotelli been correctly dismissed, then he would not have won the penalty which he ultimately scored. Of course Manchester City would also not be Champions.

The second issue to look at is the performance of Harry Redknapp. Yes at the start of the season we would all have taken fourth. But that is not taking into account the Chelsea decline and the failure of Kenny Dalglish to galvanise the Liverpool team. Redknapp's indecisive management to me was summed up at Aston Villa when he failed to bring on Jermaine Defoe and preferred to bring on Parker instead. When you need the win to ensure Champions League football, why the hell settle for what you have?

Tottenham will now have difficulty in signing the players they have targeted, which may not be such a bad thing if we are able to invest in youth, but knowing our manager's lack of faith in youth.

All I can say is, "a goal, a goal, my kingdom for a goal".