Tottenham Hotspur Pride of London

A shocking thought, spuds and gooners are 'different sides of the same coin'.

2008-08-01T09:54:00.001+01:00

Something struck me today whilst filtering out all the rubish in the media today, and the 'who said what' and who's gong where' tittle tattle (an expression oft underused). It would appear that comments attributed to Mr. Hleb that his 'best friend' Fabregash could join him at Barca are surfacing. And of course the will he / won't he about Allbymyselfwithatubofcarted'or just won't go away, with 'bigger clubs' biding their time in the wings. At the same time Mr Whinger is bigging up the youngsters in his current squad and their 'potential'.
Then we have Keane and Berbs, both of whom are being targetted and courted and bought by 'bigger clubs', and of course our chairman and manager talking up the current squad and the 'potential' that exists. Given what's going on between spurs and United/Scalies and the goons and their own 'bigger clubs' targeting them. Is there an empathy between the two (note not sympathy, but empathy) clubs and the way they are targeted by the media and managers? Is there really much difference between the fans either? We both have our good people and bad people as fans, so arent' we really all in the same boat?
nb. excepting of course the fact that gooners are all cunts. Oh yeah, and we won some silverware last year (but it didn't count to the gooners, because apparently it's not a 'proper cup').

Written by Tricky

Footballers who smoke

2008-07-25T10:40:00.001+01:00

Apparently, Berbatov smokes and there is a bit of rigmarole going on at WHL, because if he stays, he does not want to have to stand outside the stadium like a shop worker to have a smoke, so they are considering constructing an enclosure to accomodate him.

This is a problem with this as recently passed laws that are in force regarding where people can and cannot smoke, but should not affect too many clubs / players as not many players (as far as I know) actually smoke, on a regular basis anyway.

The only other high profile player I can think of who smokes is Robert "Bloody" Pires. Pardon me, but aren't top class football players supposed to be professional athletes? Which other top class players smoke, and should clubs insist they stop?

Written by Imspursme

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Spurs V Arsenal - Round one

2007-01-22T13:04:00.000+01:00

Is it just me ?

Or is anyone else REALLY looking forward to round one on wednesday ?

Spurs V Arsenal - the big game ahead this week

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Gooners, scallies, yids and sheep-sh*ggers

2007-01-05T17:04:00.000+01:00

Well, its that time of year, giant killings, upsets and the old Hanson, 'That's shocking defending' quote.

Muchos footie over the weekend, the perfect post-hangover cure for the new year.
But what lies in store this season, the gooners seem to have had the luck of the draw in-so-much as they must 'really like' playing our friends from the north cause they've got to play them again in the other cup.

On this occaision and if memory serves me correctly (which invariably it doesn't) for the next match also the gooners have one of those peskey trips oop north. With injuries, and too much lemon sucking going on already no doubt Mr Whinger will be at his ephemeral best for the post match interview.

For the yids one of those tricky ones, a team that 'on paper' we should beat quite easily. But the games not played on paper, it's blood, sweat and tears, it's eleven men vs eleven men, it's a game of two halves and every other typical bloody comment for this one. Up set on the cards?

Gentlemen (and those not too busy avoiding work in the arcade section), your thoughts and expectations please.

Oh and to the Cardiff fans, I should say sorry for the blatently stupid reference in the title to all welsh people being sheep shaggers, this is childish and I should probably appologies for such a disdainful reference that only serves to further increase the cultural divide.
I should, but I just can't be arsed. Baaaa!

Written by Tricky

wrong formation, right result!

2006-12-15T12:19:00.000+01:00

wrong formation, right result!

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So – the lilywhites continue their stroll through uefa! We have looked good in every euro game so far and are on course for a decent draw as we finished top of the group.

We looked sharp and at it last night – only complaint was lenny on the left again. Why ghaly didn’t play there, as he does equally well (adequately) on either side and cuts in to the middle a lot. If he had done this on the left, it would have allowed lenny his more natural game play and probably have created more chances (not that we needed them as it turns out). Defoe had another very good game – looks like keano’s injury is working wonders for him

So anyway, we avoid the CL dropouts for the next round, which is nice, but there are no easy games at this stage.
So, more of the same lads, attitude anyway, if not formation and lets carry that attitude and form onto citeh the weekend and get climbing that league. 3RD spot above the dirty A***nal is still up for grabs we just need a good run over the chrimbo period to set us on our way………

PS – just a thought, which is more likely, us to win uefa or goons to win CL??
I know where my money is

WRITTEN BY IMSPURSME

Spurs and Arsenal in player link Shock!!

2006-12-12T15:45:00.000+01:00

In a fantastic revelation today, niether Spurs nor Arsend Vagabonds united have been linked to a single player for the first time in about £29 squillion days in the written press (according to BBC sources).

This has raised more than an eyebrow for both sets of fans in light of the medias constant self-preservation through making things up in order to sell more papers.

According to the papers (and for one day only) It would appear that neither Jermain Defoe or Robbie Keane is set to leave, neither is Terry 'white flag' Henry or Cesc 'half-pint' favour-a-gash off to the sunny spanish plains.

Questions have been raised by both sets of fans:

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Where is the Spurs left midfield heading?
Would it be such a bad thing to actually allow the squad to gel without further addition for either team?
Is Henry actually a saleable commodity now?
Have the Arsenders actually got 50p to rub together, or will another away match to the Spammers be arranged to collect funds?

And the biggest question of all: Who are these IKN's that turn out to be NotITK's? Agents boosting the value of players / contract? media hacks who make stuff up to unsettle teams they currently don't like?

Anyway expect normal service to be resumed tommorrow with the Daily Star reporting Sol Campbell romatically linked to Tony Adams (explaining the Pompey move at least), and Jens 'mad dog' Lehman signed up by the 'circ du football' after announcing his retirment.

written by Tricky

Kick up the 'arris - needed and given?

2006-12-07T13:08:00.000+01:00

Kick up the 'arris - needed and given?

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so, judging by last nights much improved display, from the team and certain individuals, there has been a bit of backside kicking going in it seems.

There have been reports of dressing room bust ups and from that further transfer speculation, which we are bound to get after there has been a bit of a hairdryer session, with the "great" press coverage we get nowadays.

Now we know that different people react better than others and some respond better to praise than criticism - so I for one am glad that our display against boro was much improved and so it appeared, were attitudes.

And so it should be!! to be honest. If professionals in any walk of life, at the level premiership players are at cannot take a bit of stick on the chin, buck up and give a positive response, then the game may as well be given up.

The two things that make us all so interested in 22 men kicking an inflated bit of leather/plastic/superduperpolymer is the pride and the passion that goes into it, and we need to see that our feelings are matched by those who get umpteen grand a week because our pride and passion bloody pays for it!

I have recieved a couple of rollickings at work during my time, not so deservedly so and deservedly so (even if I didnt agree at the time) I didnt run off and get another job somewhere else, I went out and proved them wrong, because they gave me trust and were paying me money - my pride in myself wouldnt let me let myself down, let alone anyone I had any modicum of respect for.

So, I wouldnt worry too much about there being an exodus at january, because if there is, it will sort out the men from the boys, those that will stand up and be counted and those that run away from problems.

Spurs spent many years buying big name players who were coming in with the wrong attitude, maybe because they had fled other clubs in similar scenarios to the one above, but ultimately we never saw anywhere near their best form.

The guys we are left with (if there is an exodus) will be making up the core of the best squad we have had for too many years. If we dont have an exodus, then we can only assume (and hope) those here to stay want it as much as we do - they do after all have passion and pride themselves.

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Poor, but cheated nonetheless

2006-12-04T14:47:00.000+01:00

Poor, but cheated nonetheless

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To lose one goal in dodgy circumstances is football, to lose two is unlucky, but three must involve the dirty arsenal... we were poor, but away from home against 12 men is always going to be difficult!

From the Mirror newspaper - Chimbonda tells it like it is.

4 December 2006
CHIMBONDA IN ROSICKY BLAST
By Martin Lipton
ANGRY Pascal Chimbonda branded Tomas Rosicky a diver after THREE controversial Graham Poll decisions killed Spurs' North London derby hopes.

French defender Chimbonda was adjudged to have played Emmanuel Adebayor onside for Arsenal's Emirates Stadium opener, although television pictures suggested the Togo striker was fractionally offside.

Then Chimbonda's clean tackle on Rosicky, clearly playing the ball against the Czech midfielder's foot, was deemed a spot-kick foul by referee Poll.

Insult was added to Tottenham injury when Robin van Persie's blatant handball was missed by Poll before the Dutch striker was downed in the box for Gilberto's second penalty of the game.

And, pointing the finger at the official and the Arsenal schemer, Chim bonda said: "For their first penalty I touched the ball - everybody could see that. I think that Rosicky dived. So in my opinion, it was no penalty.

"The first goal was not offside. He went forward a little. But I think it was ok.

"But for the third goal Van Persie hit the ball with his hand. It should have been a Tottenham free-kick, not a penalty."

posted by imspursme - click on the header to comment!

Spurs strike partnerships

2006-12-04T13:22:00.000+01:00

i saw this story and thought it might be a good subject for debate

our strike partnerships, There has been a wide range of views on the subject; needless to say that Berbatov has been amazing in Europe and his partnership with Keane has been a revelation.

At the same time though, it has also been suggested that a Berbatov-Defoe combination is preferable to a Berbatov-Keane one, as the latter is a combination of two players that are too similar in style and perform better when partnering an out-and-out goal-scorer. To be honest, I don't think this is conclusive yet.

I have decided to discount yesterday’s game when considering all this. I agree with many that Jol is not to blame for the result and the team performance yesterday. I was advocating the replacing of Defoe for Keane all week and I have to admit that immediately after last game I regretted the fact that my wish had come true.

However having slept on it, I have changed my point of view completely. I actually believe that in the first 10-15 minutes, the tactics were pretty good and Keane was supporting Berbatov rather effectively. In spite of this, as the game progressed and our midfield decided they would rather be inside playing pro evo 6 instead of playing our main rivals on a Saturday winter afternoon, we got increasingly overrun in the middle, and this was not helped by the fact that Poll was awarding every decision against us, I might add. Consequently Keane had to drop deeper and deeper to compensate and although, and even though the plan was for him to help out the midfield and bulk it out, it was in no way to the extent that he had to.

Needless to say that this left Berbatov more and more isolated as our main link between midfield and attack disappeared, and as the game wore on, and the goals let in, Berbatov got more and more frustrated and stopped chasing (which doesn't really say much for his mentality, but that's not for now). That is why I’ve decided to discount yesterday’s game to such a degree. If the midfield (especially Zokora, and Assou-Ekotto in the defense) had performed to the level we have come to expect of them, levels that we know they can reach and should reach on a consistent basis, then maybe Robbie Keane would not have had to play a midfield role as opposed to the second striker role he should have been playing and we would have got a better idea of how they perform together.

Maybe if Defoe had been playing instead of Keane we would have been stronger in attack, but if events were to unfold in the same way, we would have been even more exposed in the centre of the park. One can argue that a good defence is a good attack (offence!) and so by playing Defoe we would have put more pressure on them further up the field, but that is all conjecture due to the above reasons.

So this brings me back to the purpose of this piece:

Who is a better partner for Berbatov?

Keane
To me, it still seems inconclusive; I am still inclined towards Robbie on the basis that yesterday’s game didn't really count for much when considering effective attacking partnerships and combinations. As always, Robbie had a good game, often trying to carry us alone. He is a great team player and very aware, but often but leaves Berbatov too isolated. From what I’ve seen, Berbatov does not really enjoy the target man role, he much prefers having someone to play with and exchange the ball with, rather than just heading it on or receiving it and laying it on for others.

Robbie Keane and Berbatov can play fantastically together, as has been shown in Europe. Could it be that the reason for this is that our midfield is so much more dynamic when compared to European teams’ midfields that he doesn’t have to do so much dirty work, and can instead concentrate on what we want him to do – form that awesomely potent strike partnership. Needless to say, our midfield has been less than awesome this season, and I think that is one of the reasons for our (and particularly Robbie’s) lack of goals this season. Against premiership teams, we look distinctly average, and so this forces Keane further and further back, with a direct effect on his goal opportunities, and limits his ability to create for others, most notably Berbatov.

Defoe
That’s why Defoe seems to play well with Berbatov in the Premiership- because you can depend on him being up front, and I guess where you want him to be. However, I find Defoe far too selfish as a player and not at all aware of what goes on around him. He doesn't pass, and create opportunities for others, and he doesn’t contribute to a team performance as much as I would like. He does however - and this has been said numerous times - then come up with some fantastic individual skill that disguises what can be an average performance. But maybe you need those types of player too to balance a team?

So how do you balance those two types of partnerships? Berbatov probably would play better if Robbie Keane was further up the field, however if our midfield was getting overrun, then perhaps they wouldn’t get the ball at all.
This can be said of Defoe too, but at least with Defoe you know you will get a goal threat too even if the ball doesn’t come up to the attack all too often. These are going to be questions that MJ is going to have to find answers to if we are going to be a successful team.

For what it’s worth, after yesterday I have come up with a final alternative, which was incidentally played during yesterday’s game for the last 10 minutes. Assuming our midfield continues in the same vein of being incredibly inconsistent (we’ll have to see if the return of Jenas does change this), how about the possibility of playing a Defoe-Berbatov partnership with Keane in a more advanced left wing position?

This could potentially solve all our problems, especially in home games, however has a potentially large limitation of leaving us too weak and exposed in the middle, especially when with Lennon on the right too. However, this does give us the bite we require from our attacking two, and also the drive, progression and skill from Keane may be enough to create opportunities for them. If Keane also performs as well as he did against Chelski (although - and this is a big although- he did have Malbranque playing just inside him to cover for him when he made his runs) then he should also be able create much more space for the middle two, and possibly even Lennon.

Then you have Berbatov and Defoe feeding off of more through balls, and you can imagine the potential in that. The only thing about that again, though, is that Keane is a forward, and it may end up damaging his confidence. I must add as well that I see this formation as more of a short term solution rather than a long term one, but it is still another possibility.

As I already mentioned, these are going to have to be resolved by Jol if we are to make a success of this season, and I have real confidence that he will.

post added (but not written) by Munnster
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Top 11 foreign Players to play in the Premiership

2006-11-30T18:34:00.000+01:00

Top 11 foreign Players to play in the Premiership

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Since the formation of the Premiership, Foreign players have used the premier league to showcase their skills and talent. This morning, there was an debate on the radio about the top 11 best foreign players of all time (past and/or present).

What's your top 11??

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This is spot on - read

2006-11-01T15:15:00.000+01:00

It's like a film you have seen ten times. It is becoming boring."

So Arsene Wenger proclaimed after Everton stifled Arsenal's attack at the Emirates. And he's right. But what's becoming boring isn't the way teams play against Arsenal, it's Arsenal's steadfast refusal to learn from their mistakes.

That's what this is about. Learning. Because that's what other teams have done. Bolton have shown the rest of the Premiership how to take points off Arsenal. The rest of the Premiership have learnt, and four of the nine teams the Gunners have played this season have managed it - three of them at the Emirates Stadium.

Let's get one thing straight - this isn't teams turning up and playing for a draw because Arsenal are just too good, whatever Wenger would have us believe. This is teams who have watched Arsenal and realised that they can get something out of the game - quite possibly a win - if they keep things tight and pack the midfield.

It wouldn't work against Chelsea or Manchester United, because they'd take you apart on set-pieces if you gave away the 16 corners Everton did at the Emirates. Arsenal are, to be blunt but entirely fair, incompetent at set-pieces, and it has ruined any hopes they had of mounting even a half-decent challenge for the title.

"I would die like that, playing that type of football, rather than compromise our principles," said Thierry Henry on Monday. An Arsenal fan on the F365 forum agreed with his club's captain, saying on Saturday, "I wouldn't change the way we play for anything."

I'm sorry. I might be missing something here, but if I'm not, then from the fans up to the club captain, Arsenal are in their own little red-and-white world. I could understand them saying they wouldn't want to play like Chelsea - with Jose Mourinho admitting it was 'safety first' even against Sheffield United - but the example of a damned fine middle ground are Arsenal's biggest rivals of the last ten years.

Manchester United might (and it is a 'might') not be quite as good to watch as an Arsenal team playing their best football, but they're very close - and they manage to combine that with what is starting to look more and more like a realistic title challenge.

The truth is that Henry and the Arsenal faithful's protestations are merely an attempt to mask what can only be called failure.

What principles would Henry or Arsenal be compromising by playing like United? What principles would they be compromising by learning to take a decent corner? Or defend one, for that matter.

Because it isn't the football that's offensive. It's the attitude.

For all that Arsenal might complain that they don't want to play like Chelsea, they're sounding more and more like their fellow Londoners every week. Every Arsenal win is accompanied by "back to our best" comments. More irritatingly, every Arsenal loss is accompanied by complaints like Wenger's and Henry's, or like Van Persie's declaration that "people paid money" to watch them play, and so Everton should roll over and allow Arsenal the space to entertain, much like Reading did the week before.

In one week, Arsenal have reminded everyone that they might be the most attractive team to watch in the Premiership, but they are the least attractive to listen to. Indeed, their latest comments grated on the ear so much that I ended up agreeing with Alan Hansen - something I should never be forced to admit.

What really rubs anyone with a half-decent memory up the wrong way, though, is the sheer hypocrisy of the Gunners' complaints.

It's less than six months since Arsenal were playing in the Champions League final - a showpiece they reached by playing exactly how Everton played against them this weekend. I must have missed Robin van Persie complaining about the poor Villarreal fans who had paid money to watch their team try and fail to break down a wall of 11 redcurrant shirts in the Estadio El Madrigal.

The superiority complex revealed in such comments should worry Arsenal fans. Jose Mourinho might come out with an alarming amount of claptrap when he talks about his team in public, but you can be sure he's not afraid to tell them what they're doing wrong on the training ground. Wenger, in contrast, lets his team off the hook publicly by announcing that their stumbles are not their fault - and I imagine it's much the same in private.

For two years now we've been hearing that Arsenal are a team in transition. Wenger insisted at the start of this season that that was no longer the case. For all that Arsenal haven't and can't match the spending power of their rivals, they have arguably the best striker in the world in Thierry Henry, and definitely the best young midfielder in the world in Cesc Fabregas. With the squad they have, they are underachieving. They only scraped into the Champions League this season because of illness in their neighbour's camp, for crying out loud. That, along with the failure to sort out set-pieces, is Wenger's fault.

Not Chelsea's for buying the league. Not Everton's for defending like terriers. Not Bolton's for showing everyone else how it can be done. Wenger's, for failing to coach his team appropriately.

I assume that if the Frenchman was watching a film he'd seen ten times, he'd change the channel. Arsenal fans should hope he has the guts to do so now.

Adam Fraser

Spurs' super midfield combo

2006-10-25T17:25:00.000+01:00

Now a lot has been said about the Spurs midfield - mostly about our lack of a proper leftie good enough (Reto is good, but hasnt exactly sparkled on his last couple of outings - needs a bit more time, or opportunity to get fat so we can flog him to charlton).

So, we are left with the best on the left of the rest - Murphy (when on form) Tainio (when he hasnt done himself a mischief) Davids (when he can pass to someone in the same colour shirt as him) Malbranque (wait and see, when he is fit)
Assou Ekotto - Im sure has the ability to move up the pitch, and dont forget LYP (not a leftie, but quick and used to playing the left).

but who works best on the left? of course it depends on who is in the middle too....

Anyone with half a football brain knows you need the four (depending on formation of course)to be balanced and working together.

Zokora has been getting better every game, but then so has Huddlestone when he's in - Davids often out on the left, but when on form is amongst the best in the defensive midfield role.

Zokora has the ability to be an attacking central player, (but is too good in the anchor role???) and can get up and down and make things happen.

Jenas is an up and down man, who also can make things happen.

Murphy could be decent in the middle, and can make things happen.

Tainio is good centrally, and can make things happen.

Ghaly is experienced central mid, but we havent seen him there (but, no doubt from his performances, he is a decent player, who can make things happen!).

WHO IS GOING TO MAKE IT HAPPEN?????

Lennon is our most exciting player going forwards, but jenas and ghaly can do good jobs out there when required (although I personally think when lennon out, ghaly should go central and jenas on the wing)

Right then, so based on the above, who is our best four?

I'll start with the easy bit - Lennon on the right....

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THE NEW AND IMPROVED PRIDE OF LONDON SITE IS BACK!!

2006-10-20T20:18:00.000+01:00

Thanks to the good work from Munnster senior and Junior the Pride of london site is now back up and running at its new location.

Please click on the above link to register now!

Lee young Pyo's off!!!!

2006-08-29T12:32:00.000+01:00

Morning boys, been a while..... just managed to get the IT boys to unblock this site on my work comp!!!

SEOUL, Aug. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korean football player Lee Young-pyo, currently with England's Tottenham Hotspur, will likely move to Italy's AS Roma, his agent said Tuesday.

"Tottenham and AS Roma have agreed in principle to the transfer of Lee Young-pyo," the agent said. "We are in talks with AS Roma on detailed contract terms. You can consider the deal as almost sealed, as the only remaining procedure is the player's decision."
The transfer, if realized, will make Lee the second South Korean player to join an Italian professional football club following his World Cup teammate Ahn Jung-hwan.

Lee moved from the Dutch team PSV Eindhoven to the Tottenham last year.

Written by Dan Mac

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Defoe: friend or foe

2006-07-19T09:27:00.000+01:00

In pre season it seems Jermain Defoe has come back with a vengeance.

He has scored three goals in three friendly games and has looked sharper in every game - Jol played him after he had only been back for two days after the summer break, as JD was desperate to get out there and play.

Now, we all know the story behind JD's world cup (although I'm sure we will never know what was really going on with Sven and the "Theo fiasco") so it is no wonder he has returned raring to go and determined to make his mark, by playing good football and scoring goals.

But what are his motives?

Now we all hope JD stays and an amicable rotation of strikers can be worked out to get the best out of our strikeforce, but....

..is JD playing to get his first team spot back regularly and put last season behind him with a blinder for us this season. We will be playing many more games, have strengthened the squad even further and have a real opportunity to build on last season and really shake up the top end of the Prem

OR

is JD thinking a move to Man U / L'pool / Newcastle() is best for him and so is playing to ensure the eyes watching him are not straying elsewhere?

There has to be temptation for JD if Man U are interested - the chance to form a partnership with Rooney for starters, (before we get into money, CL football, etc. etc.) - surely a good partnership with Rooney will virtually guarantee he is in Mclarens plans for the euro's!

As usual, my opinion is, if he doesnt want to play for us any more, then let him go as we will never get the best out of him - if he wants to stay, I will be glad and look forward to an exciting and attacking Spurs next season, with JD making Sven look even worse for not taking him, and battling it out with Berbie and Robbie for the top scorers boot

Is he fighting for his place, or is he fighting to get out?

Written by imspursme.

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Full Circle and the start of the 2006 - 2007 season

2006-07-06T12:01:00.000+01:00

It's been a while since some of my more regular forrays int othe POL forum (now that we all know what that is!).

A lot has passed since then, and upon reflection we shouldn't be suprised by any of it.

Loyalty it would appear definately has a price, but commercialism comes at a cost. Only time will tell whether the cost is worth it.

Whatever happens at the weekend this world cup will be remembered for quite a few things, unfortunately very little of it is football related (germany vs italy aside).

Firstly, and most dissappointingly 'gamesmanship' has replaced 'sportmanship'. The art of the dive and role, barracking of referees and generally acting out scenes from platoon is considered by many on the continent to form part of the game. Well if the EPL was to allow it to become prevalent over here then shame on them. which leads me to my next point...

As the FA also seem to have lost the ability to control the ethics that the managers should be instilling, I think the time has come, and indeed passed in some sectors, for technology / video evidence to be used in a more productive manner, both during the game and retrospectively. In my own humble opinion, without the game is destined to become farcical in the medium term and is the greatest threat to turning many a fan off the game.
I also think their should be greater pressure on mangers to instill the ideology of the game in one of a tough, physical game where skill and fitness should always prevail over cheating.

The FA it would also appear, have lost touch with the real world, the money in appointing a new manager the selection process and the eventual result were all dissappointing. regardless of the talent that we see materialise in the next few years I cannot see us winning a major tournament for a good few years (but I'd be more than happy, if a little suprised, if it does happen).

And Sven never did have a plan B, let alone a plan C or D. Somehow my little 'story' pre-world cup of Sven and his little book of excuses now seems all too true. Pleased he's gone, for me juries out on the replacement.

Right, rant over, so something to look forwards to, the start of the EPL is in a few weeks, pre-season freindlies are looming and now is the time for fans to build up their unrealistic expectations for the season across the country.

So, what does everyone expect from their respective teams?

With my logical, england-fan-expecting-dissapointment head on, I still say that a top six finish for spurs would be an acheivement, back to back entry into the uefa would be a good stepping stone for some of the squad to develop their full potential, and to break into more regular CL involvement. Top four would be great, but I still think their is a lot of competition out their capable of providing an upset or two throughout the season.

I can see a reasonable cup run in at least one of the cups this year, but it will come down to luck as to whether or not we get to a final or even win won. Once again it would appear that referee style is taking place over uniformity in applying hte rules.

Finally, any got any ideas how to clone Collina, we could do with him in the EPL that's for sure........

__________________
Back to the gooner abuse and vitriol for me then

Wrtitten by Tricky

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Berbatov Deal Done

2006-05-17T09:30:00.000+01:00

It has been confirmed that Dimitar Berbatov has finally completed the deal that will see him leave Bayer Leverkusen for a new career with Tottenham Hotspur.

The deal has said to have been finalised at around £10.9m, and was signed after the player cam through a successful Medical at WHL, instead of playing for the Bulgaria side that lost 5-1 to Scotland.

This looks to spell the end for Mido's Spurs stay, and there are also very strong Rumours that Defoe will be leaving for Liverpool in the VERY near future. In which case, I'm hopeful, the next transfer activity we report will be that of the capture of Craig Bellamy.

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Letter from THFC submitted to the premier league

2006-05-09T17:02:00.000+01:00

The Club has sent the following open letter to Dave Richards, Chairman of the FA Premier League.

Mr Dave Richards
Chairman
The FA Premier League,
30 Gloucester Place
London
W1U 8PL

9 May 2006

Dear Dave

Re: Protest and request for the match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur FC on 7/5/06 to be replayed

As you are aware, Sunday could have been a momentous day for our Club and our fans. It was the first time since the inception of the UEFA Champions League that we were in a position to qualify for European club football’s most prestigious competition. After such a successful League campaign, the excitement and expectation of our fans was simply enormous. Our match at West Ham was effectively a Cup Final.

However, we believe that our chances of success were significantly reduced by the exceptional circumstances brought about by the sudden illness of the majority of players in our First Team squad in the early hours of Sunday morning. In being given no viable option to postpone the match other than a 2-hour delay to kick-off, our players were denied the possible opportunity of competing in the Champions League, while our fans have been left with a sense of suspicion and injustice at the way subsequent events unfolded.

We contacted the FAPL early on Sunday morning and, after a series of conversations, the FAPL called for the England Team Doctor and the FAPL Company Secretary to attend our Team Hotel to assess the situation. We believed that the FAPL were examining the situation in good faith and were seeking to obtain all relevant information before coming to a decision. Indeed, in those early conversations the FAPL’s Chief Executive had given us every reason to believe the match could be postponed to allow our players some extra time to recover from a lack of sleep, vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration.

At this time, myself, Board members and other key decision makers joined the players at their hotel. Whilst waiting for the opinion of the England Team Doctor, who was yet to arrive at our Team Hotel, I was contacted from a distance by the FAPL and told that we had to play the game that day or suffer the consequences. This, by implication, may have meant a significant loss of points and the denial of participation in any European competition – a situation I could not sanction. This threat was made by the FAPL despite the fact that West Ham United, acting honourably and fairly as would be expected from that club, had consented to the postponement of the match provided that any re-match did not interfere with their FA Cup Final preparations.

The FAPL’s Chief Executive then said he would consider the match being delayed to later on Sunday evening, but unfortunately the Police would not sanction a kick off time beyond 5pm. Our medical staff advised that a delay of at least 3 hours would be necessary to have any impact on the players and therefore it was Martin Jol’s view that, in the absence of a postponement or a much later kick-off, we had no choice whatsoever but to proceed to play at 3pm. What puzzles us is why the FAPL were prepared to sanction a 4 hour delay but not a 24 hour delay. If the integrity of all matches kicking off at the same time was your primary concern, why sanction a delay of any kind?

Our next issue was team selection. Martin Jol and his staff, having originally selected their squad of 17 players for the match, were then left in the invidious position of choosing between starting the match with their original 17 players, 10 of whom were feeling very unwell, or drafting in Reserve Team players, the majority of whom have not played for the First Team this season or are untried and untested at First Team level. In any case, having ended their season, our Reserve Team players were scattered across various parts of London and the South East, would not have been prepared to play in a Premier League (or any other) match at such short notice and would rarely, if ever, have played together.

This was an impossible position for our coaching staff to find themselves in on the morning of what was our most important match for many years. Playing a make-shift, inexperienced and ill-prepared team in such a high profile game could have turned the match into a farce, resulting in an embarrassment for the players, the coaches, the Club, our fans and the Premier League competition as a whole.

To add insult to injury, the FAPL’s announcement that our game would not be postponed was made live on Sky TV from the pitch side at Highbury. In light of the obvious sensitivities and the competition for 4th place between Arsenal and Spurs this was, to say the least, an unfortunate choice.

We simply do not understand why the FAPL failed to appraise itself of all of the facts before turning down our request that the fixture be postponed under rule E 13.4. We were surprised that the FAPL’s Chief Executive did not make the short journey from Highbury to the Team Hotel at Canary Wharf to assess such a serious issue first hand. We also fail to understand why the England Team Doctor, having been sent to the Team Hotel, was not even consulted before an announcement was made (in fact, he did not even arrive at our hotel before the decision was made or even before our players had to leave the Team Hotel to travel to Upton Park for the match). As a result we played the game with players who were unwell but who were desperate not to let their fans and colleagues down. Clearly, our governing body put us in an impossible situation and gave a significant advantage to Arsenal in competing for that 4th position.

With this in mind we contacted those Premier League Chairmen and Chief Executives we were able to locate to establish what fellow members feel is an appropriate way forward given the unorthodox decision made by the FAPL prior to receiving objective information on the situation. We now have confirmation from a majority of Premier League clubs that they would support a replay and in similar circumstances would expect the game to have been postponed. This is a gesture made by fellow clubs which supports the Charter’s aims of running a professional league in a manner in which all of its member Clubs are treated equally and in a professional, fair and objective way. Additionally, from comments made by Sepp Blatter in the media in the past 24 hours, even FIFA would support the idea of a postponement provided the match was played on or before 15 May 2006.

We therefore formally request that you order that the game be replayed.

It is regrettable that we have been put in this position, but we feel let down by the FAPL’s abdication of its responsibility to consider the request for a postponement fairly and after due consideration of all relevant factors. Where such significant commercial and competitive interests are jeopardised it is only reasonable that our governing body ensures we play on a level playing field and supports us by making decisions based on the facts of the situation which has to include all relevant information. We feel sure that the FAPL, along with most reasonable minded people, would not have wanted such a controversial outcome to the final day of the Premier League season. Furthermore, the FAPL was inconsistent in its approach in being prepared to consider the kick-off to be delayed but not allowing the match to be played on a different day.

Finally, whilst our primary concern here is for our own Club, the situation we find ourselves in highlights what could have been an even bigger issue for a Club facing relegation from the FAPL. Similarly, it is hard to believe that, faced with an identical issue on the morning of a Champions League Final, a club would not seek a postponement (with the opposing team consenting) and that, given the importance of such an occasion, such a request would not be granted by UEFA in the interests of fairness and good sporting practice. In our view, and regardless of the outcome of our case, the FAPL’s decision making process and lines of communication in such a situation need thorough and urgent review in order to ensure that no other club is similarly disadvantaged in the future.

Yours sincerely

DANIEL LEVY
Chairman of Tottenham Hotspur

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UEFA: Spurs take CL spot if they finish 4th

2006-04-27T13:04:00.000+01:00

UEFA have just ruled that if Tottenham Hotspur finish in the final champions league qualifiying spot, they will go into the cup and not Arsenal - even if they win it.

After the debacle with Everton and Liverpool last season, UEFA have now made a U turn regarding qualification

From this lunchtimes press conference

Sepp Blagger
"we made changes to the rules to accomodate the holders this season and were looking to allow the winners to defend their title again"

he said at a press conference this lunchtime
"however, following complaints about this from several european league associations, we have decided that the original ruling applies and no concessions will be made.

he later added that, whether Arsenal finish fourth or fifth in the premiership and whether they win the final in Paris or not that
"No one really wants to watch them play anyway, except gooners of course"
and that
"an English team full of french tarts should not be allowed"

Written by Imspursme

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Ding, ding, seconds out for round two

2006-04-24T14:23:00.000+01:00

Found this for some to enjoy, Whinger must seam to be on the ropes now.

Taken from The Times. I particularly like the suggest distance from Which Whinger should realistically attack Jol.

Ron Lewis, boxing writer for The Times, runs the rule over the newest entry to “Warring Premiership Managers”

FOR A MAN CAPABLE OF BORING anyone rigid with the nitty-gritty of tactics, Arsène Wenger forgot a cardinal rule of the noble art on Saturday — defend yourself at all times. It is all very well for Wenger to stand in Martin Jol’s face when there are plenty of people around to break up the confrontation. This is regular pre-bout hype, similar to when Mike Tyson went after Lennox Lewis at a New York press conference and resorted to biting his leg. Wenger is more than capable of going below the belt, too — all those red cards didn’t write themselves.

Jol bears more than a passing resemblance to John Prescott, the Deputy Prime Minister, who has proved handy with his fists. Like Prescott, the best way to attack Jol would be from distance — preferably about 20ft, behind a police cordon, armed with a placard complete with a protest about overdevelopment or the environment. But Wenger’s myopic tendencies may force him into another close-up confrontation and, against the beefy Jol, he would be unlikely to come out the winner.

Written by Tricky

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Terrace banter to be outlawed?

2006-02-22T12:05:00.000+01:00

So, the PC brigade are now on the warpath against football fans.
No, not hardcore hooligans, but the voices of the terraces.

How amazing and entertaining matches will be when the fans taunt each other with what is acceptable

we have sored and you have not
w-ee have scored and you have not
we have scored
we have scored
we have scored and you have not

or when theres a goal kick

oooooooohhhhhh youre not a good kickaaaahhhhhh!

next, you wont be allowed to wear your home kit to away matches, in case you offend home supporters

but that wont affect us, because as normal people, we wont be able to afford to go to games, tickets will cost too much for the average fan to attend

So, hang on a minute - in a few years, when we spend all of our spare cash just to watch the game on sky (which will cost more than going to see the game live 10 years ago) we will be viewing a game watched live only by the rich and famous, who are not allowed to chant nasty wasties at each other in case someone gets a bit upset??????

Now most of us dont condone racist chants (rightly so) and now homophobic chanting is under the spotlight. most of us dont condone this either, well, if its taken too far anyway (some of us still have a sense of humour) - but rarely are chants so terrible? ok, the recent chants at Sol heard at the Lane recently were out of order, but they didnt go on forever and most fans didnt join in.
If you ask me its about time the FA did something about Pompey fans - is not EVERYONE sick of hearing that one fucking shite song?

what could be next in line? ever heard or lipread a player on TV swearing? (its what my missus enjoys most about watching matches) our best player has been sent off because he got a knock and said a naughty word??
FUCKING HELL!!!!!

Written by Imspursme

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the trouble with all this PC lark is it has good intentions, but once it starts, it doesnt know when to stop

so we can all look forward to spending every spare penny we have to attend a live match, but as long as we behave, only chant positive things about our own team ( as discouraging chants are outlawed) dont stand up, sit up straight, face the front, put our hand up if we want to use the lavatory, bring a note if we have to leave early because of traffic / losing badly etc. etc. etc.

Spurs v Wigan preview

2006-02-17T14:40:00.000+01:00

Tottenham entertain Wigan in The Premiership on Sunday, hoping to consolidate their grip on fourth place.

Spurs have won only one of their last five league games, and were held to a 1-1 draw by bottom club Sunderland last weekend.

However, their record at White Hart Lane remains impressive and they will start as favourites against a Latics side whose strong early season form is threatening to unravel.

Martin Jol must decide whether to recall Mido to the starting line up at the expense of either Robbie Keane or Jermain Defoe, who were given a rare chance together at The Stadium of Light.

Recent acquisition Danny Murphy is also pressing for a place in the XI after making his debut as a second half substitute last week.

Wigan, who have recorded just one victory in their last seven Premiership games, welcome back Henri Camara to the squad after his no-show against Liverpool.

The Senegal striker failed to return from African Cup of Nations duty in time for last Saturday's clash, but manager Paul Jewell is expected to include Camara in his plans with Jason Roberts suspended and David Connolly (hamstring) also sidelined.

Neil Mellor is available after sitting out the Liverpool game, while Pascal Chimbonda returns after a one-match ban.

On-loan Tottenham winger Reto Ziegler will not feature though, as agreed under the terms of his transfer.

Taken from Skysports news

So this one's going to the wire then

2006-02-15T10:33:00.000+01:00

Back in August the premiership bubbled with team full of optimism and opportunity. For many of them 'this was the year' to 'consolidate in the premiership' / 'focus on Europe' / 'work their way up the table' / 'finish in the top six / four' / 'buy a new batch of the "best players in the world" in order to retain the title', etc.

Tottenham for their part were optimistic about the prospects of a season, their second under Martin Jol (and first full campaign), with a squad that was bursting at the seams (with one notable exception, Mido of course had shed a couple of stone over the summer in a bid to get fit) and everyone was buzzing. Could this be the season for that elusive 'top six finish’?

Fast forward six months and a few eyebrows are being raised, the term 'Champions League contenders' is being assigned to us in an array of recent media reports. We are currently forth and have a slender lead over the old adversary.

But we are only two-thirds of the way through and it's not just the arse with whom that coveted forth position is to be contested.
Bolton, the steely men gathered from the premiership rejects bin seem destined to fight their cause not only in Europe but on home soil as well.

Not to be discounted as European contenders are two of the promoted team from the championship. In West Ham and Wigan you have two teams who have shown that mere survival at times isn't good enough.

I for one think that their place in the premiership makes it a better place, Wigan have an excellent young manager who can only profit from the experience, who has shown shrewdness in transfer (along with some balls) and some sound tactical awareness.

West Ham for their part have shown that the premiership is not a dull place to be, we have long since forgotten the beginning of the season's media campaign to make the premiership more interesting.

So to the real issue in hand, as it stands 'Who will finish forth?'. Whilst the top three is not completely assured, it is a hard task for any of the chasing pack to overtake such stalwarts of the premiership.

Arse for all of their many, many, sins (diving and referee badgering being just tow of them), have been in the top two for the last few seasons. But this season is their 'anus orriblus' as they say in certain part of North London (and the surrounding continents). The lack of strength (literally at times) combined with one of spurs own traits in having key players injured throughout the season to date has left them with an away record that only Sunderland would be proud of at this point in time, and it is only 'fortress library' performances that have kept them in the running.

Bolton have the perennial 'two games in hand' (a quote that the gooners have since lived to regret), but with European cup competitions and one of the smallest squad, not without their own 'gems' in players like the emerging Vas Te, for their part the task will be long and not without its own twists and turns.
Sam, for his part is keen to keep the troops rallied as he has his own point to prove. If there is anyone else as keen as Big Sam on being the next England manager then they have yet to show their hand at this point in time.

And to Spurs, missed opportunities to extend the gap, but a team full of talent (as much as any other) but this season without the 'hanger-ons', and some genuinely talented youngsters who still have more to give.
Will it be a case of missed opportunity come the end of the season? or maybe, just maybe we will be allocating the odd holiday day for mid week away matches in Europe?

So much has been said about the fall from grace of the arse and the relative rise of spurs. So the old enemy are genuinely a force to be reckoned with and it works the other way round from their side as well.

As a neutral I would relish the opportunity to follow this one down to the wire.
So many teams pushing for Europe, many of whom have to play each other as the season draws to a close. Could Tottenham claim a champions league spot for next season at Highbury (a thought that sends a chill down the spine of every arse fan out there)? Will Bolton steal through for forth pushing us into fifth and the arse sixth, or lower?

As a spurs fan, my nails are already bitten as far as they can and my 'grey hair count' is increasing as the weeks pass. So can they do it? well my prediction is as follows:

4th - Spurs (I am biased but I have belief)
5th - Bolton
6th - Arsenal
7th - West Ham
8th - Blackburn
9th - Wigan

Whatever happens, I can guarantee that although the title is all but won, when it comes to the passion and pride in being involved in what has frequently been dubbed the 'best league in the world' - There's life in the old girl yet!

Written by Tricky

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The New Shirt & Badge revealed

2006-01-18T11:42:00.000+01:00

Apparently this is the new spurs shirt and badge for next season. Is it more appealling than the current shirt?

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Should we be worried?

2006-01-16T15:18:00.000+01:00

I'm getting worried..... We haven't bought anyone, I can't work out why, unless people just don't want to play for us. Ok, the window has only been open 2 weeks, but that 2 weeks is half the time gone. Also we knew what we needed before the window opened, well, the supporters did, so I can only assume Jol knows as well!

We needed cover for left back, left winger and a someone to replace Rasiak. Now the left back and left winger could, at worst, wait until the end of the season, I would love to have them in now, but as Lee's back and most of the midfield is back fit, then we at least have cover. But, we play Villa soon, sometimes, they can turn up as a good side, (bit like Boro, you don't know which team will turn up). If they turn up with a good side, and we still have Rasiak up front, we could be throwing points away. In my opinion it is of the upmost urgency we get someone with real talent in to cover for Mido while he is gone. Keane and Defoe - doesn't work. Defoe has no vision, just a great, although underworked currently, eye for goal. Keane has vision, but loses it in and around the box, and this too becomes an eye for goal. Once a forward has the ball in and around the box, alone or surrounded by all 11 men, they will try to shoot, which is why they can't play together, and nevert will, unless they change their game, which will do more harm than good.

If a striker doesn't come in this window it will cost us a champions league place. Pre-Abromovich Chelsea used to qualify for the UEFA cup regularly, to which Graeme Rix would regularly mentioned that their exploits in Europe useally ran at a loss, which would be why they normally conveniently lost in the first round every year to some shit side. So as there isn't much money in the UEFA cup, and there is alot of money in the Champions league, spending £15m on a striker than can keep us in fourth could actually mean he was free in the long run.

It's angering me just typing this, so I'm gonna have to stop. We need someone else, not soon but NOW, doesn't matter how much he costs!

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An indifferent January so far for Spurs?

2006-01-12T11:20:00.000+01:00

Having driven in to work on Monday morning with a face like thunder, after the shambles of the match that was the defeat to leicester i am now beginning to see the light. I find myself asking the same question over and over again. Is it better for Spurs to be out of the cup's in order for them to concentrate on the league?

You are probably asking yourself the same thing i did, "but spurs are traditionally a cup team", and you'd be right, but looking at our last two games in cup competitions you wouldn't think it. However, even tho we have the biggest squad in the premiership, i dont think we have the ability to keep up our form in the league if we are distracted by the cup. We may have some of the most gifted players in the Country but many are all still young and IMO do not have the mental ability to cope with both.

My thoughts then drifted on and i began thinking that our finally we have a manager with the potential to make spurs great again. Martin Jol, with some help from Daniel Levy's cheque book, has managed to change a stuttering spurs side into one of the more consistent teams in the league home and away with only the three teams above us losing more games. And all this is done to a couple of things. Firstly the team spirit and will to win that has been instilled since the beginning of his tenure. I remember the Charlton game where i thought here we go again, but no the boys didn't give up, they fought and fought for the win and their efforts payed off. The second is the backbone of quality players we have down the middle of the park. With players like Robinson, King, Davids and co at the centre of what we do you can only look to maybe Chelsea, Manure and the mickeys to find a middle that can compare.

Over the week i have been reading that we're buying this player or one of our players is going to such and such a club and to be honest it is all getting boring. Every year we are linked with just about every available player across the continent and beyond but who do we really want to come in and out? The potential transfer of three of our own, namely Pamarot, Davis & Mendes to Portsmouth is expected to take place and i for one would not bat an eyelid if they were to walk out the door. I would be happier still if a couple of others followed them out. Now on to the players i would welcome with open arms. Kuyt is one of them but i dont think he will come till the summer, i personally would be prepared to wait as he is probably the best striker in holland. I hear Wayne Bridge being mooted everday in the press and again would like to see him in a spurs shirt. However there is the usual dross being talked about, Corradi & Vieri just to name two, are players with a reputation for being whingers and who wouldn't like playing second fiddle to our current crop of players.

Having thought it all through i have come to the conclusion that it's not all bad, although we're out the cup, we have lost only 3 games since the start of the season, have a quality manager in Jol, a chairman willing to back his man and a playing staff littered with quality. One or two more players and it will be great times for spurs. The futures bright, the futures lilywhite!!

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All's well that ends well!

2006-01-10T14:20:00.001+01:00

What a great start to the Premiership campaign for all involved with Tottenham Hotspur FC. It's now over half way through the season, we've played everyone at least once and we're still looking down at our bitter rivals with a smile on our face. 6 points clear, yes they have a game in hand, yes they are still without there second best player, but then we've all had/got injuries, I think the expression, 'shit happens' fits perfectly. After 10 years of relentless injuries at White Hart Lane there will be no simpathy found here.

But

We are now out of both cups, losing to league 2 side Grimsby, and championship strugglers Leicester city. We have also lost to Bolton and West Brom on our travels. I can accept the defeat to Bolton for 2 reasons, firstly we outplayed them for the full 90 minutes, and had a perfectly good goal disallowed for offside, however frutrating that game was, the team performed and it had to go down as 'one of those days'. The other reason being that Bolton at the Reebok is one of the games you look at at the beginning of the season, and understand it could go either way. The West Brom game was a complete shambles though as were the 2 cup sides, this has exposed weakness' in our squad.

We know now that we need a new striker to cover for Mido, we know that we need a left winger, and we know that we need cover at full back position. But what worries me is that we've known this for a while, so why did we sell Edman? Why did we send Ziegler on loan? More importantly I want the name and address of the scout that 'discovered' Raziak, I also feel he should be out of a job. If, I, or anyone else, performed that badly at work we would be on our way out the door!

I'm not expecting a new defender to come in this window, but with Lee back soon, Kelly should be sufficient cover for now. I do expect to see more of Pamarot, something I would have liked anyway, as it's been clear (before his injury) he was always a better defender than Gardner. If we do get a defender in I doubt it will be anyone of quality, it's more likely to be someone young and ready to play deputy. I also don't expect to see any midfielders sign for us, although I expect some to leave. Sean Davis and Pedro Mendes look set to be leaving but I don't expect the invisible midfielders like Jonnie Jackson and Goran Bunjevcevic to be going anywhere soon. That will be happy to run their contracts down at the current rate of pay I'd expect.

Now we come to the strikers, there's the obvious link in Dirk Kuyt, the interesting link to Southampton wizzkid Theo Walcott and the usual links to various Serie A and La Ligue strikers. However the links with Udinese striker Vincenzo Iaquinta look like the mos plausible option now. The 26 year old was linked to Barcelona in the summer, only to see his dream move fail becuase of a niggling toe injury and a row over the contract. Jol has been very wary of talking about speculation as not to arouse to much interest in players with other clubs, however, Mendes may have dropped the hint his boss was trying to keep quiet. When asked about his move away from the club and the reasons behind it, he said "I don't know what happened, maybe they need the money to buy Iaquinta", now does he know something we don't or has he just been reading the paper as well?!

There have been a lot of contrasting reports banded about, concerning the future of Ahmed Mido, his agent, Mino Raiola , began stirring yesterday, stating that, "There was the possibility to bring Mido back to Roma at the beginning of the championship, but the club said no".

"Rosella Sensi was categorical: the player does not appeal to them. I am not of agreement with Rosella. For me, Mido is as strong as Ibrahimovic and Adriano. For me, with Mido the club and Del Neri were wrong.

"At that time, Roma wasn't a club. Now things have changed, Spalletti is a great coach who would get the best from Mido, I defy him to find another forward like Mido who is available."He would happily return if they called him."

There was then the comment from Roma's sporting director Daniele Prade.
"Mido is doing good things in England and we are happy for him.

"Tottenham want to buy him, but it's a problem we will face in June. In a short time, we will talk with his agent to understand his intentions."

This was then followed up by a very contradictory comment from Mido himself.

"I feel my experience at Spurs is successful and I am really happy with it, because since a young age I've always wanted to play in the English Premier League. I feel this is the best and most important experience for me.

"I am pleased to be playing with friends like Robbie Keane and Edgar Davids who are stars for the club and their countries. My relationship with the manager is good," he told the Egyptian media.

Spurs are hoping to wrap up a permanent deal for the player and a 4million euros fee has already been agreed and Mido has confirmed that Roma attempted to take him back to Serie A: "AS Roma wanted me to come back. We still haven’t decided on anything. AS Roma wanted me to come back to help them in the Serie A but I refused because as I said before I want to stay at Tottenham."

And I think you'll all agree that at 4m euro's (£2.75m) this will be a bargain, and a necessity.

So how will we look once Jan is over?

We will have another striker on board (hopefully) as back up for Mido while he is away. We will have sold Davis, Mendes Pamarot and/or Gardner.
We will have played Liverpool away, Aston Villa at home and Fulham away. I think we'll lose away at Liverpool, as they're probably the best team in the premiership at the moment. The Villa game will be tough, they are starting to play with a lot more belief now, and look a better side than they've looked for years, but would be looking for a win, anything else could cost us 4th place! Home or away I expect to beat Fulham, they will be outclassed, they have no fight either, so there really should be nothing to worry about when it comes to this game. Arsenal's game in hand is also away at Liverpool, which I expect the to lose, so as long as we mirror their other results in Jan, I fully expect us to remain 6 points clear.

We are out of both cups, but we're doing well in the league. A slip in January and the chance for our North London rivals will leave us back scrapping it out with the likes of Wigan and Bolton, and would mean that after all the hard work put in at the beginning of the season would have been wasted. With no silverware left to play for already, Martin Jol & co, need to work hard to ensure this doesn't happen.

If we finish in 4th, the cup defeats will be forgotten and the season will remain a success, if we scrape a European place and turn back into the inconsistent side we have become used to following the whole season will have been a failure.

here's to finishing 4th, because All's well that ends well!

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Poker faced Jol shrugs off transfer talk

2006-01-09T20:03:00.000+01:00

After hearing all about Spurs' lack of interest in the transfer market, I really had to question the validity or honesty of Jol's comments. He has clearly been stating that there will be no action in the transfer window, except possibly a few departures. However, it is transfers going the other way which interest the fans, and are clearly required to finish a squad to compete for the Champions League.

It seems that after all this, Jol's tightlipped approach may not have worked as well, or for as long as he had originally wished. There have been many reports linking Spurs to a new striker. Dirk Kuyt was the obvious choice for the media, as it has been since we failed to secure his signiature in the summer. Christian Vieri has been touted as a possible loan signing until the summer, which would sit well with Spurs fans who would still like to see Dirk Kuyt sign for us this summer.

We have also been linked with Udinese striker Vincenzo Iaquinta. The 26 year old was linked to Barcelona in the summer, only to see his dream move fail becuase of a niggling toe injury and a row over the contract. I've never seen him play, but if Barcelona wanted him, and got as far as discussing the contract with him, he must be good.

But I see more stability in the link with Valencia striker Bernardine Corradi. The players agent spoke out about Corradi's future, stating that Tottenham were first in line to snap up the Itallian striker, with Corradi himself flattered at being touted as a Premier league standard player.

But Jol still insists nothing will happen!

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A tough game awaits at City

2006-01-04T10:53:00.000+01:00

Today, we travel North to face the Massive team in Manchester that is City during what can only be described as a patchy run of form. City having played well against Wigan, Chelsea and Middlesbro' have only won once in their last five outings, after having a start not to different to our own.

Frankly, the City are all about the back-in-form Andy Cole, Darius Vasell, Trevor Sinclair, Sibierski, Barton and Musampa. There is little doubt that they possess the kind of firepower up front that was good enough to peg Chelsea in to their own half and restrict them to that 0-1 win. Moreover putting 3 past Wigan at the JJB is a clear message that they are not riding on that downward roller-coaster.

However, spurs were in fine form against Newcastle, with Keane looking to be back to his best and Mido seemingly in fine form as well. However, will 4 games in 10 days meen that Jol rotates his squad and bring in Defoe?

Spurs may be without Tanio and Davids tonight, although both have travelled with the squad, and will still be missing King through injury. As a result Pedro Mendes has been added to the squad as a replacement.

I predict a hard fought 0-1 victory for us tonight to keep our 100% record at the City of Manchester stadium.

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Africa V Premiership: who will lose?

2006-01-03T10:16:00.000+01:00

So with the fast approaching Africa Nations Cup approaching, many Premiership teams will be concerned over the loss of key players.

At Spurs, Martin (Jol) has managed to negotiate with the Egyptian FA to reduce the loss of Mido to a minimum, ensuring we can "keep" him for two extra fixtures.

This doesnt rule out the possibility of injury or loss of form while playing in the competition, or his absence during other fixtures.

Spurs are not alone in this worry.

Bolton will see key players missing - which could mean the difference between Spurs and/or Arsenal getting CL football next season! (Funny how things work sometimes, isnt it?) even the "mighty" Chelsea don't escape without losing some key players.

So, the questions are;

whose performances will be most affected?

who will miss their missing the most?

Who will benefit the most?

how much will this change the league table, especially the top six?

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We have King, now he has his fortress!!

2006-01-02T11:16:00.001+01:00

Alot has been said about Spurs at White Hart Lane over the years. We were always seen as one of the teams that 3 away points could be earned against, time and time again people reffered to Tottenham as a soft touch, home and away, it didn't matter, we had no bite. On our day we would win, whether we were home or away, and when we were 'off' we would lose, home or away.

Now we have Martin Jol to thank for changing this. He has solidified the back four, by introducing the ever improving Stalteri and the already brillian, but still improving anyway, Michael Dawson. King and Dawson compliment each other perfectly, Dawson playing very much like John Terry, would put his face in front of a bus if it meant we didn't concede, and never loses a header. King, on the other hand, plays more like Ferdinand, he has great skill as well, all the defensive and leadership qualities required of him at this level.

The midfield are also there to be thanked. Michael Carrick has been excellent, he had so many critics at the start of the year, but I suspect, along with Crouch's (of which I was one), they are now hiding! Not much gets past him, he wins the ball without any fuss, no rash tackles, and no charging in. He doesn't hit people hard or leave them with any war wounds to remind them of the game, he simply nips in and out with perfect timing and always with 5 yards of space. This is then followed up with the perfect pass, and all this, is in the same midfield as Edgar Davids, no introduction or explanation needed!!

This mixed in with 3 good strikers in Keane, Mido and Defoe, means we are now very tough to beat, especially at home! White Hart Lane is now the fortress it should be, we can now look forward to home games more than worry about them, because this (calendar) year we have lost just 2 games, both of these to the champions, Chelsea. Our home record since Jan 1st makes for happy reading, P23 W16 D5 L2.

Long may this continue, and long may the King reign at the fortress!

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We have King, now he has his fortress!!

2006-01-02T11:16:00.000+01:00

What do points make.......?

2005-12-22T17:07:00.000+01:00

A lot has been said of Spurs' position in the league this season, and the comments have ranged from the outright ridiculous claim they we will finish second (slightly rose tinted Spurs fan), to the utter rubbish that we will finish in the bottom half (slightly rose tinted Arsenal fan), but in between there has been a huge debate raging about what the future holds for Spurs.

This is now an extremely difficult thing to judge, everything that has happened to Spurs has happened so quickly, it still doesn't really feel real. Are Spurs actually the 4th best team in the premiership? Probably not, although I'm quite sure we are 5th, otherwise known as 'the best of the rest'. There are a few distinct divisions within the premiership. There is the Premiership containing, Chelsea. Followed by championship clubs Liverpool, Man U and Arsenal, then you have League 1 with, Spurs, Boro', Bolton and Newcastle. I won't bother with the rest, I'm sure you understand by now! Although we've been finishing bottom of 1 for too many years, even dipping down into the lower regions on a couple of occasions, it could now be said that we are sitting in 'Championship' mediocrity.

I genuinly believe that Arsenal's position is a false one, but after such a strong start from Spurs, Bolton and Man City, we are all in the position to keep Arsenal in this 'false' position. I can see Arsenal's problems this season, getting worse before they get better, rumours of an injury to the necassary Henry, and of players departing can only continue to tip the club into 'crisis'. Now I believe Arsenal are in a relative crisis rather than an all out crisis, and feel they will begin to get stronger again towards the end of the season, but I also think it will be too late.

So this leaves us, and only us in control of our position. How did we get here in the first place though. It's down to one thing, and it's something that hasn't been associated with Spurs over the years - We are now extremely tough to beat!! We have a fortress in White Hart Lane, that has lead to only 1 team leaving with 3 points since Crystal Palace did it this time last year, that team being Chelsea, the champions, in a league of their own. This is an amazing statistic, which rivals any team at the top of their domestic league anywhere in the world. We have also improved our away form this term, also due to the same mental strength and resilliance, we have gone behind so many times now, at home and away, yet only 2 teams have beat us, Chelsea and Bolton. This is something that wouldn't have happened in previous seasons. We also have the quality in personel, starting at the very top with the chairman.

Daniel Levy has promised like Tony Blair, but delivered like Shane Warne. It has been a pleasure to be a Spurs fan for the first time in my 22 years, and this is thanks to him and him alone. Without DL, we would still be buying has beens under managers who have no right to have the job (Graeme Soouness). He had promised to deliver world class young English players, he has delivered. He also promised to mix that with geniune talent and vast experiance, yet again he has delivered, he also promised us a great manager, and at the 2nd time of asking he delivered. 1 more promise was delivered, twice in fact, to employ an intelectual talent scout, with a vast network of connections as our sporting director. First of all, he dived straight in and in my opinion employed the best there is in Frank Arnesen, I will speak no more of this. He then had to replace him, and not only did he manage to find someone equally as talented in this field, who also has a great knowledge of the European transfer market, and best of all we indirectly stole him from Arsenal, and just to make it even better, Arsen Whinger publicly expressed how upset he was at losing him. We owe the chairman a lot, he is not only brilliant at his job, he has an almost genius business brain, and a charming personality, which combine exceptionally well to sell the club top players such as Paul Robinson , who was signed when we had no manager or sporting director at the club.

It's ultimately, though, down to the coaching and playing staff to produce. And so far so good. Paul Robinson, has been excellent in goal, cementing his place as Englands number 1, and endearing himself to the fans so much he decided a 7 year contract was in order. King and Dawson are a great pairing, they complement each other exceptionally well, and will only grow in the future, as long as stupid rumours about King leaving stop rearing their ugly head. In the full back department I think time will tell, Lee gets forward well, and although get's beaten he is always back in time to ayt least make the challenge. He loses position easliy though, and although he was reponsible for the cross that lead to Keanes scuffed opener at Boro', it wasn't a great ball, and should have been gathered by Schwarzer. Stalteri is getting better, his defending is improving and he gets up and down the line very well, although he's not quite as good going forward as Lee. We than have a much envied midfield, containing Carrick Davids and Jenas on a rugular basis, then rotated players of quality, in Tainio, Lenon, Routledge and Reid. I thought Reid was non-existant at Boro' and really feel he lacks the quality required. Tainio has achieved over and above expectations since his free transfer from Auxerre, showing a great range of short passing, and vision, along with a real fighting spirit. Jenas....... well I don't really know what to say, he's scored 3 hit the post twice and yet still doesn't seemed to have played to his potential, at the moment, his ideal scenario would be just to bring him on for freekicks, because, to put it frankly, his fucking good at them. Davids needs nothing said about him, has been exactly what we hoped for and more, with some great work off the field inspiring the other lads, and bringing them round to his way of thinking. Carrick has had one bad game this season, and that was the Boro' game, he didn't really show up, but in every other game this season, he owned the middle 3rd of the pitch while he was there, he is not only going to be good in years to come, he is a quality player already.

Then the strikers, I'm very worried about this area of the field. Keane scores very scrappy goals, and Defoe now scores very rarely, and this isn't a new thing, the last 3 months of last season earned him the grand total of 3 goals, and so far only 4 this season, messing up 2 one-on-one's on Sunday. Mido at the moment seems a very consistant performer, apart from tailing off in the last 20-30 mins of each game. I won't comment on Raziak because I'm not sure what to comment on, the 3 previous games he played he didn't even apear to be on the pitch, but when he game on against Boro' on Sunday, he looked ok.

I think we can keep 4th place, it won't be easy and we will need a very merry christmas to get us there, we will also have to keep the spirit, and be shrewd in Jan. I'm confident, and I feel the players and management team are as well, keep up the fighting spirit, and we will keep earning points........... What do points make?

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January Sales Start Early - All football clubs take note!!

2005-12-22T12:15:00.000+01:00

Breaking news just in:

Arsenal FC have announced a pre-sales showcase for some of thier quality merchandise.

Currently on offer for clubs around europe is:

One slightly hunched 'cheese eating surrender monkey' of a striker. Used to carrying team and still has an eye for goal. Yours for only £22 million, but come s with the pre-cursor that you anticipate visiting europe more than four times a season.

England left back, slightly damaged. Used to be the genuine article, but recently has been sighted at various stadiums around europe trying to find a team with colleagues he can understand in the dressing room.

One french clown, listed as a defender but would actually make a usefull garden ornament. Be careful not to allow it to move as it is likely to take you out - in fact could make a valuable burgular deterrrent, just stick it on the front lawn. Indemnity insurance will be required if bought.

A spanish eastender. Likes diving rolling around and whinging, seeks similar for european fun, has a particular penchant for Spanish clubs. A little bit gullible and dim, so should not be relied upon for coherent conversation, and should not be allowed near the press.

An old dutch master, slightly faded. In it's heyday was the height of creativity, but recent times have seen it patched up on a couple of occaisions. As such needs protecting carefully. Warning, this product does not travel well!

Another french clown, similar profile to the spanish eastender but can usually be found in the proximity of anyone wearing black waving his hands in the air. Would consider a new career as a roadie for soft rock / euro rock touring bands.

One passionless, face like he's chewing a wasp french man. Keen on youth development and come's with his own white flag and blinkers. All reasonable offers considered.

One english central defender, comes with own medical records, all reasonable offers considered. Warning this product is likely to stab you in the back if turned.

And finally for the supporters:

Continue your undying love for Arsend FC with a pair of replica 'managment blinkers', you too can learn how not to see incidents both on and off the pitch. They can also double up as a time / cost saving device for women when shopping. This product will come in particularly handy when renewing your season ticket.
Warning: this product is likely to cause issue if removed at various stages of the season, see linked product 'Chelski FC replica top'.

--------------------------------------

Merry christmas fellow yids,

Tricky

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What do points make.....?

2005-12-21T20:50:00.000+01:00

I'm dreaming of a few points for christmas

2005-12-20T12:06:00.000+01:00

And so a period of frantic activity beckons. Families getting together on boxing day at a time of good will and seasons greetings. And what better excuse for not being there than the statutory boxing day game, full of festive spirit and beer to boot.

In London alone three games that in seasons past may have been meaningless take place;

Fulham away to Chealsea sees one of the shortest distances travelled in the premiership. With the seemingly unstoppable Chealski on the march, many fans will be wishing Fulham well (with perhaps a bit of luck) in order to keep the competition alive.

Arsenal travel to Charlton, with the addicks keen to atone for this weekends capitulation, and Arsenal keen to break their minor blip and their poor away form. This again provides more interest than previous years where three points might have been expected, they will have a battle on their hands.

And so to Tottenham, home to Birmingham used to mean a battle for mid table positioning only, but with Tottenham keen to keep up with the top eight teams and pushing for a European place a win is essential. Add to that Birmingham's push for 'bouncebackability' after this weekends poor showing, expect a bit more fight and a changed team with some players keen to show that they are worth a place in the starting eleven.

The fixture of the day for the neutral sees Liverpool, after their 20,000 mile round trip to be beaten by a South American outfit, return to Scally land and they aren't the only one's.
The return of the prodigal son 'unwanted' by Benitez (in favour of some now 'out of favours' and a beanpole) and a rejuvinated Barcodes team will hopefully ensure a game to match the 4-3 thrillers of the past.

Elsewhere Man USA 'entertain' west brom, bolton travel to the warmer climate of sunderland, both would appear to be important for games for those chasing Champions league spots.

As a longtime supporter for spurs, I know better than to look past the next game. What I do know is that with four more games within the space of two weeks the table can look remarkabley different. If we can get a mini run of four from four, we'll still be in with a chance of maintaining our position.
But there are enough 'interesting' fixtures in the period for us to drop a few points and still be up there (including Arse vs Manure and Bolton vs Liverpool on 2nd Jan and Manure vs Bolton and the scally's derby on new years eve).

Here's hoping for a lilywhite christmas and a happy new years hangover to enjoy.

Season's greetings and a lashing of good fortune to all fellow Spurs.

Tricky

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Middlesbrough away on Sunday

2005-12-16T10:17:00.000+01:00

Boro face the unenviable task of putting the brakes on a resurgent tottenham, who visit the Riverside looking for their fourth successive victory in the premiership. Spurs, of late, have looked like a side that are hungry to win and it shows with the last two games being won after going behind to Sunderland and Portsmouth repectively. Boro, who on their day are quite capable of beating most in the premiership, is probably the most difficult fixture to predict the scoreline. If they decide to turn up then it will be a difficult encounter for Spurs, if not then it should be another win for the Spurs.

Please note, if you see any random inconsequential postings, that's just the gooners. They're like pets to us.
Not one's you'd give too much time for, but you throw them a biscuit every now and then.
If you just ignore them they get bored and leave of their own volition anyway.

Daveyboy

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Was it or wasn't it?

2005-12-15T12:48:00.000+01:00

Defoe has vented his frustration at being left on the bench by manager, Martin Jol, but has remained calm, and after being given his chance against Portsmouth on Monday night, he showed just how professionally he has reacted. On stating that he wasn’t going to let it get to him, and that he would put his head down and earn his place back, he managed score within 15 mins of coming on as a second half sub. He may well nowbe able to claim his place back alongside Mido in place of Robbie Keane.

As it seems Mido has made his mind up to jet off for the African Nations cup with Egypt, we wmay well be looking to hit the transfer market again to find a replacement while he is gone. Publicly Jol has stated that we will not need to do this as we have cover in Polish international striker, Gregorz Raziak. Although Raziak put in, by all accounts, an excellent performance for the Reserves against Chelsea, scoring both of a goals in a 2-0 win, he just seems to lack the quality to shine in the premiership. I, along with many other Spurs fans, would like to see another attempt made to sign Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt. We tried to sign him late on in the last window, however, Feyernoord claimed it was too late for them to find a replacement, and no deal ever materialised. But now with Edgar Davids informing Kuyt of the passion and tradition at Tottenham Hotspur, the promising striker has admitted he’s “eager to join us”.

It seems that as well as bringing in another striker, we could finally be offloading 2 midfielders, in the shape of Davis and Mendes. Davis has been strongly linked to every mid-table team in the premiership (expt Arsenal, could resist), but it looks like his old club are going to win the race, after particularly strong links with Everton and ‘boro. Mendes on the other hand, will be leaving the premiership, to play either alongside Keane at Celtic or a bid from his old club, could see him head back home to Porto.

Was it or wasn’t it?
Debate has been raging since the game at WHL against Portsmouth on Monday night that could land 2 of Portsmouth’s stars in trouble. Andy Reid replaced Wayne Routledge on the 84th minute just in time to take a dangerous free kick, which he struck against an arm in the wall. At the time I thought we were extremely lucky to get that penalty, and only thought we were given it because we missed out on the 2 slightly more obvious penalty shouts in the first half. But having seen it, I firmly believe it was intentional, you can see the player lean to wards the ball with his arm away from his body (not behind his back like he claims, he also moves his arm downwards towards it. I still feel we were lucky to get it, even though I am now convinced this was indeed a penalty , they’re very rarely given, and I don’t doubt for a minute that it would have ended 1-1 without it.

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The Continued Demise of the Arsenal

2005-12-15T11:41:00.000+01:00

I am sure that by the end of Sunday afternoon / evening most football suporters will have the satisfaction of seeing the continued demise of the Arse.

The Mighty Spurs should have by then gained another point (if not 3 ) from middlesborough, consolidating us in the top 4 or 5.

But all eyes would have turned to Highbury where the interest would be not to see the clash (of what the arse thought would would have been) the two best teams in the ELP, but the clash between the champions and a team in free fall.

As stated in previous threads and posts by my fellow Spurs supporters and some unblinkered gooners, the arse are not the same without a fighter in the midfield.

Vieira went, Baptista thought better of it and decided not to join the party and Davids quite rightly went to the club where he will achieve the most. Gilberto has not been the same since his back injury. This leaves a young and inexperienced Fabrigas to carry the challenge to Makaleli, Lambard, Gallas and co.

We are also saying that the Arse's defence now has a soft underbelly. Campbell as we all know is a just slightly more agile that an aging Bruno, and therefore does not command the defence as he use to. Cole is out till the new year, Senderos will want to have a peek on the Chelski's team sheet to see if a certain Mr Drogba is playing, before committing himself. Lehman...the less said the better. Toure will more than likely carry the defence.

The only area that there may be some redemption is the ARSE's attack. Henry should be effective if he is not too busy dreaming of his move to Barcalona.

But to surmise, Chelski should stretch their lead at the top of the table by three points against a team desperately trying to play catch up.

(I really hope this thread doesnt come back to haunt me!!)

Written by Bulletspur

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Spurs January Transfers Identified

2005-12-14T10:06:00.000+01:00

Author: Arron Ludlam
January promises to be an interesting period down at the Lane, if only for the fact that perhaps for the first time in several open periods it looks likely that more will be leaving rather than joining the club this time around. At least that is the hope as the current form and league position of the side are testament to the development policy beginning to take root and now is the time for a period of consolidation, filling in one or two minor gaps, trimming the branches that haven’t quite bloomed and maintaining harmony throughout the squad without compromising the side with unnecessary rotation.

So where specifically should the activity focus? Starting from the back I see no issues in the goalkeeping positions, Paul Robinson remains an excellent acquisition at £1.5 million and looks set to dominate the England No.1. shirt for some time to come. In Radek Cerny and those behind him we have good cover here too.

Along the back four Jol seems to have settled for a first choice of Pyo, Stalteri, King and Dawson. The selection consistency along the back line is beginning to pay dividends and the four are beginning to look like a unit that will only improve with time as the players mature particularly in the central positions. Full back cover is amply provided by Stephen Kelly and Noe Pamarot, both very capable yet I suspect the challenge here may be keeping the two at the club, in particular the young ambitious Kelly who is clearly capable of playing in the premiership. Perhaps the club would be well advised to do a deal to put Kelly out on loan some where he can be recalled quickly should the need arise. A likelier candidate for movement out of the club is Goran Bunjevcevic, a loyal utility player of average quality who surely must recognise the club has moved significantly from where it was when he was originally signed by Glenn Hoddle and at 24 years old now really needs to be playing first team football somewhere. In the central defensive positions Anthony Gardner is now back to fitness and we still have youngsters Davenport and Huddlestone on the books currently out on loan. My personal sense is that there is great hope for Huddlestone yet I also sense that Davenport hasn’t quite proved to be the player we thought he might be, don’t be surprised to see him seal a permanent move out come January.

So onto Midfield, the area perhaps most congested with current squad members yet I still feel we are short of a decent left sided player to balance the excellent options we have on the right. For me Andy Reid has failed to look like the answer at this level, in fact I personally preferred the promising Ziegler and look forward to welcoming him back from the Bundesliga next season, hopefully having benefited from a season of playing first team football in one of Europe’s top leagues. Tainio is performing very well in this position currently and is worth persisting with though I feel this may be the one area of midfield that Jol looks to bring in a more natural wide player. The central midfield positions are well covered with great options in Davids, Carrick & Jenas. This leaves one from Brown, Mendes and Davis as being required as a fourth choice option should two of the first choice three be injured, my money would be on this being Brown. Despite interest from many Championship clubs, Brown remains the only one of the three who seems happy to bide his time on the sidelines with Davis and Mendes, apparently Fulham and Celtic bound respectively. On the right hand side the options of Lennon and Routledge mean their will be no new acquisitions on this side of the midfield, Lennon has outperformed expectations and now with Routledge returning to fitness it will be interesting to see who wins the battle to be first choice in Jol’s mind. Clearly Lennon has the advantage in supporter’s eyes as his spirited performances with flashes of skill have warmed the supporters to the shy Yorkshire lad.

The forward positions are interesting ones, not least as they tend in any club to be the ones filled by the most egotistical and hence emotionally unstable players in the premiership. Being a forward in good form is a confidence thing, perhaps more so than any other position, the slightest sniff of a transfer rumour is enough to have the manager’s door beaten down by a rush of angry front men. So it is in those positions that Jol needs to act with most care because we do need to make a signing in the forward positions and at the same time we need to retain a fair proportion of those still on the books. I honestly believe we are just one target man style prolific goal scorer away from having a squad that can be as good as anyone in the premiership, bar Roman’s fantasy football experiment side round the corner. So with one forward coming in, who will it be? In my view we should break the bank to get Dirk Kuyt from Feyenoord a proven goal scorer both for club and now country. The signs are good despite a summer attempt having failed, the striker having been recently quoted as saying “During the last training camp with Holland I had long talks with Edgar,' 'He said that Spurs are a fantastic club. If Edgar says it, I believe it. He has made me very curious and eager to join them” “They really tried hard to get the transfer done [in the summer]. But it was all at the last minute and Feyenoord had no chance to sign a replacement. I'll just wait and see what happens now.' If Kuyt does come in January, he won’t be cheap; previous talk of a £12 million price tag may be a little high but little change from £10 million should be expected. Signing such a player for that kind of money may not sit well with the current policy at the club but if we are to now move onto the next level. Current policy having delivered to date now needs to be refocused with less emphasis for now on wholesale change and youthful acquisition (though this will always be important) and more on buying proven world class talent.

So with Kuyt in who will go the other way, well…….this is a view that won’t be shared by all but sadly I feel Robbie Keane’s time at the club is coming to an end despite a recent improvement in form. I don’t say that lightly, I have a huge soft spot for the Irishman and will forever remember that hat-trick against Everton a couple of years ago that lit up the day and almost single-handedly sealed a 3-2 win for us at the Lane. It’s well proven that you cannot play both Keane and Defoe in the same side and for me only one player wins when looking at the two in terms of who is the best goal scorer and all round player. Sadly the club, like many of Keane’s other clubs (e.g. Leeds, though I bet they wish they had him now!), has now outgrown him. But what about cover for Defoe I hear you say? Well in my opinion Keane will not be happy with a bit part, but equally we should not always assume that we have to play with one big and one small forward, a pairing of Kuyt and Mido in Defoe’s absence would provide plenty of goals surely? Mido has impressed me with some aspects of his play, I like the big target man style he offers though I still feel he doesn’t win enough headers, he has proven he can score goals too at this level but my biggest concern is his general level of fitness. Is it just me or does he fade from every game around the 60 minute mark? Despite this I would still make Mido a permanent signing in January, ignoring his impending time away from the club at the African nations tournament which again needs careful handling by the club (see also: one Frederic Kanoute). I believe Mido offers a great option from the bench and will provide great cover to either Defoe or Kuyt who I would expect to become the first choice pairing. During the last window we secured the signing of Grzegorz Rasiak from Derby County at the eleventh hour, if it was down to me I would make this one of the shortest periods of tenancy in the clubs history as the limited performances to date against Liverpool and Villa did enough to demonstrate that Rasiak seems to be well short of the ability to compete at this level, that said perhaps I am being a little harsh as there seems to be a stack of clubs lining up to take him on board albeit they are all championship clubs!

Editors Transfer Choices:

Out: Noe Pamarot, Pedro Mendes, Robbie Keane, Goran Bunjevcevic, Callum Davenport, Sean Davis, Andy Reid, Grzegorz Rasiak

In: Dirk Kuyt

Who would your choices be? Let me know in the forum.

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Bovvered, we have a game in hand.

2005-12-12T14:10:00.000+01:00

As we all now know, Spurs are sitting in 4th place, currently, 4 points behind the teams in ahead (Chelsea ecluded from this), and are playing tonight against a very poor Portsmouth team. I won't focus too much on Harry's return, because I'm sure you're as bored of this game being about him as I am, so I'll concerntrate more on Spurs' general upturn in fortune along with the excelently timed downturn in Arsenal's. The reason this is so well timed is because, in past season's even if Arsenal had started this badly we still wouldn't be high enough in the league to rub it in. We'd still be bored with stories of the last 12 years, and how they manage to qualify for Europe every year and we don't. I'm going to let you into a little secret here. The reason Spurs never win anything, is because we don't want to qualify for Europe, hense the appointments of such shit managers, we've been waiting and waiting for yo lot to finally win a trophy, in any form of Euro competition, to catch up with us, but, frankly, we're bored shitless of waiting for you to start doing well in the compettion, and that includes this year. You have had the easiest group in champs league history, and although it looked liked you ran away with it, you scraped through in the individual games. You just beat possibly the worst team to ever have qualified (FC Thun), and needed an injured Henry back early to score two spectacular goals against Sparta Prague (who were the next best team in your group). My mate kept banging on about Ajax, they're a great team, blah blah blah, and this was said by a lot of Arsenal fans, but let's be honest, they're not even a good team anymore, if any team had an ounce of talent they wouldn't be sat 9th in the Dutch League! So, although congratulations are in oreder for qualifying, I would hold out much hope in the next round.

But more importantly back to my favourite Arsenal quote this year. With Spurs spending all but 2 weeks (I think, from memory) below Arsenal this year, they have chenged their usual response, famously "yeah, well, your shit". They had to really, it Just doesn't wash anymore, fair enough, back in the day (up until last year) we were pretty shit. But now we are sitting a point ahead of you and 4 poiunts behind 2nd placed Liverpool and 3rd placed Man Utd.
Spurs fans have so far had a great season of banter with the Piky's, and as a result they have come up (They must have had a meeting at some point) with an extremely witty responce to us pointing out our relative league positions, "yeah but, no but, yeah but, no but, right, but, we've got like this, game in hand thingy innit, and when we play against Brazil yeah, and we beat them, we will got 5 points and be the winners of the world soccer league thingy innit"

Lucky you had a game in hand, beause that helped you to, erm, oh, worsten your goal difference. All in all it was very thoughtfull of you to let Newcastle win, because I know you all feel at least a bit sorry for souness. Now, the thing to some up wenger, on a day when Scott parker was nearly killed again (you could have done with him) by a flying elbow from the dirtiest player in the premiership, Jens 'I'll run 70 yards to join in a fight, then fall over when someone touches me' Leham, he complains that Alan Shearer is too rough, mate, my little sister would be too rough for this Arsenal team. Because, not only has Wenger bought over a very beautiful style of European football, he has also bought all the tarts and the cheats as well. Lehman, I'm sure you all no his clecer trick at corners which has got JD booked two seasons in a row, which is, pretending someone trod on his foot. you also have Reyes and Pires falling over every time someone looks at them.

As we all know a game in hand means nothing, except THE CHANCE to earn 3 points, so it also means you need to win it, for it to be of any relavence. So what now then, for the rest of today at leat you will need to think of something else to say, no more "we've got a game in hand", you need a new phrase already.

But come tomorrow you will have your, now famous, game in hand back, but unfortunately you will need more than that to go above us... or maybe the 5 points against Brazil will be enough!
Game in hand, does my face look bovvered!

Dan Mac

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Van Persie or Defoe?

2005-12-09T15:10:00.000+01:00

Both clubs have young strikers whom they seem to be very excited about, both players have a lot to prove this season, 2005/06 could be 'make or break' for either. No point asking who you think is the best, as I expect it will fall along club loyalty lines, but in terms of OPTA stats who's going to end the season with better results? Remember that's going to include goals, assists, minutes on pitch, cards, completed pass rate, tackles, fouls recieved, fouls dished out etc etc.

For me - unsurprisingly - RvP will walk it and (getting slightly carried away now) have a shot at the Golden Boot this summer. Assuming Defoe is still at WHL beyond January, there's the risk that he will fall back into being a squad player, in which case: who should get his England place?

Written by Mohan

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World Cup Seedings

2005-12-06T13:35:00.000+01:00

England have been named as one of the seeds for next summer's World Cup finals in Germany.

World Cup organisers announced in Leipzig today that Sven-Goran Eriksson's side will be one of the eight top teams who will be kept apart for the group stage of the tournament.

The rest of the teams will be drawn on a geographical basis so that, for example, two African sides are not in the same group.

Just thought I'd ask (for gambling purposes, mainly) who outside of the other 7 do we want to avoid? Who are the 'dark horses' this time out? Who do we not want to have to deal with in the group stages, and who would you wish for?

Written by Mohan

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The Plot Thickens - Portsmouth - Rangers - Sheffield Utd - Real Madrid

2005-11-30T14:15:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 29th November, 2:34am, Fratton Park, Portsmouth.

In the executive office down at Fratton park, faxes are flying out to all and sundry ' Can we speak to your manager?' .
Milan, stood in font of the fax machine with the FA club directory in hand, feeds the sheet in one more time.

He feeds it in, 'someone, surely someone will want to come to fratton park' he thinks to himself, 'We're right next door to a brand new KFC, a Macy D's and the biggest B&Q on the south coast'. 'weather's not bad either' he reflects as he looks out the window 'half the country at a standstill with snow, and it's bearly even cold here, tropical almost'.

Next to the fax machine sits the plans for the stadium redevelopment, an artists impression shows thousands of pompey fans, all kitted up from Gunwharf Quay in last years Burberry and Fred Perry, all picked up for less than a tenner. It looks like some mass exodus from Paulsgrove has decended upon fratton.

Milan glances at the picture, looks at the artist's impression, he then sits down, and pours him self another drink before dropping his head into his hands....

Meanwhile, somewhere in Scotland just outside Glasgow, Alex Mcleish is sat in his armchair, a whiskey glass in his right hand, with nothing but the memory of a 'glass half full' as the vapours gradually erode confusing them selves in the atmosphere with the air of a house' not oft lived in' from recent days.

He's dwelling on his recent form, working out what he should have done to lose the game in europe. If only he didn't have that bloody 'vote of confidence'.

For a while he's been harbouring thoughts of moving to the English Premiership 'after all Alex did it and he's made a mint' he ruminates, 'I've got to get out of scotland, I love this place but it's just becoming too repetitive'. 'How many old firm matches do you need in a season, how I long to play Man Utd, Newcastle and other warmer places'.

He lets out a sigh and just allows the glass to fall as he drifts of into a dream sequence..........

In Sheffield, there's panic in the office. 'We've had the fax, we've had the fax' shouts out the secratary. Kevin McCabe sits in his armchair, leavs back and thinks to himself.

He turns to his secratary and says, ' What shall we do? We need to give a clear indidcation as to what our response will be, what do you think?'
The secratary shrugs her shoulders and leaves Kevin to his thoughts.

'Why isn't it easy for me to say no. Damn him, he's not a bad manager, but he desn't half make my life difficult, a fine here, controversy there. I wonder how much I could get for him, spurs got a bucket load out of chealsea for that Arnold chappie, or whatever his name is'.

He springs into action, buzzer his secratary to come back through. 'take this down' he says as he stands up to assume a position of clear thought and authority, 'We at Sheffield United feel we need to send a clear signal to Portsmouth Football Club, as such we have the following statement, 'We are considering how to respond to the approach from Portsmouth FC, until then we will make no further staements, blah, blah, blah, Kevin McCabe '.

'There that should do it', he thinks to himself as he pours another strong black coffee.......

Meanwhile in a office block somewhere in central birmingham, Graham Taylor puts down his paper and sits by the phone, willing it to ring, waiting for that call. 'I can do a job for someone, I really can', he mutters under his breath......

Further south somewhere near Kensington, Ansene Wenger puts down his early edition of 'le monde'. 'So Real Madrid', he thinks to himself, 'maybe life's not so bad after all'.
He takes a long look at himself in his mirror in the hallway, suddenly there's a glint in his eye.......

Written by Tricky

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Best & worst in football: hooligans

2005-11-29T13:42:00.000+01:00

Within hours of the passing of the late, great George Best, I saw the first mocked up “joke” about his death.
Did I laugh or think it was funny?
No.
Do I know anyone (personally) who would find this funny?
Probably.
Am I surprised by any of this?
Not really.
If I (or the ones who found it funny) had seen similar stuff 10 years ago, would we have been appalled?
Yes, and probably yes.

I am appalled now, I would have been appalled then, but why is it that sick jokes have become so commonplace and accepted by most instead of shunned by most?

Internet?
Media?
Current trends in “humour”?

On this site, there is a thread where some have gone to make positive comments. Good; memories are to be cherished, not desecrated.

On another site (An Arsenal site – and I’m not singling gooners out, its just what I have seen, I’m sure others have seen this elsewhere on other “football sites”) they have mocked up pictures of the man, and a thread full of sick jokes and derogatory comments.
I was genuinely shocked and appalled.

Whatever team he played for, he was a great football player who brought joy to many, fans and players alike.

Why have “we” become so callous and accepting of such behaviour?

Its not right, its not funny and has no place in the modern game, or in society, like racism or violence.

These people are the modern football hooligans.

It’s a fact of life that in the near future another famous person will pass away, and be mocked before they are cold. LET THEM REST IN PEACE.

If you have no respect for others, you deserve no respect from others, so the next time someone passes, think of the positive influences of their life, and celebrate them, or keep your sick thoughts to yourself and leave others to grieve or celebrate their heroes life.

Written by imspursme.

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Sunderland, 'one song' Portsmouth, and 'we're great in europe' Middlesbrough

2005-11-28T17:15:00.000+01:00

So, winter approaches, the thought of a packed christmas and new year of quality football beckons as much as a few chilled pints and a stuffed bird.

You can't win the prem and you can't get relegated by christams, but you have to be in the leading pack to stand a chance of being their near the end and you've got to get away from the bottom to stay up.

Spurs for their next three have Sunderland, Portsmouth and Middlesbrough.

We here like to engage all parties in open banter, but so far only the gooners seem to respond (mostly to abuse which is strange) apart from one brave evertonian.

So Questions for you all;

Sunderland

Was Mick right in slating the teams performance at the weekend?
Is he still the right man for the job?
Who would you like to see coming in (or leaving for that matter) in the january sales?
What expectations do you have for this season?
Are their three teams worse than you in the EPL?
How hard is it to stay up once you get promoted?
West Brom have shown you can be bottom at christmas but still stay up, do you think you can too?

Portsmouth

Who manager? Harry Redknapp - can this be true?
What about the Director of Football (a certain Mr Pleat has been mentioned)?
What are you're expectations for the season?
Southampton staying down and reading joining you in the EPL? is this a dream season for you (one more away game in the south next season)?
Again who to stay, who to go in Jan?
Lauren Robert - Will he stay or has he shot himself in the foot?
Who's going to come in for Taylor in Jan?

Middlesbrough

Going well in europe, but what keeps happening in the UK?
Who is you best eleven?
Thoughts on Steve McLaren?
Where end up this season in league?
You appear to be able to win/lose to any given team in the EPL? Why the lack of consistencey?
Again, who to go, who to bring in to improve the team?

Looking forwards to some relatively good banter from all parties.

Please note, if you see any random inconsequential postings, that's just the gooners. They're like pets to us.
Not one's you'd give too much time for, but you throw them a biscuit every now and then.
If you just ignore them they get bored and leave of their own volition anyway.

Written by Tricky

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The future, for spurs, as I see it

2005-11-25T13:40:00.000+01:00

I like to think that I am consistent if nothing else in my assessment of the state of the modern game.

We all know that the beautiful game has changed enormously from the first 'million pound player' to today where £1mill gets you a mediorce squad player or some 'potential talent'.

so below are some things I can see happening in the future and the effect it will have on the game.

The russian's fucked us all
By introducing a two tier system to buying players and forcing players wages up to levels that only they can justify, without significant investment (a la craft family - which I can see happening in the next few months as liverpool have a very saleable brand as current CL champions) other clubs will be left to be part of 'the chasing pack'.

In effect they have bought the premiership and have the capacity to evolve each year, the concept of player loyalty has been completely thrown out of the window. Cash has always been the key for every transfer, but now it is player power and wages that will prove the long term 'millstone' if it all goes tits up.

Of course the media and players agents seem to be able to exponentially increase salaries without thinking of the implication at club level - why? because a good player will always be in demand and will get whatever deal his agent can get him.

Victim of timing?
For the record, I've said a lot of this before so feel free to ignore this.
A lot of Arsenal's decison making (stadium build and original site redevelopment) was pre-russian and at a time when the housing market was still going upwards. Forecasts for unit sales on the redevelopment and forecasts in revenue were based upon a consistent period of 'top two finish' in prem and fa cup successes and in turn consistant revenue from CL and TV rights.

Should any of these become under pressure the obvious way to minimise risk is to not buy proven players and to sell your most tangible assets, this is a risky strategy as fans pay to see stars not starlets.
It will be the first year they don't qualify for CL that will make or break their capaity to spend.

Fortunately no other clubs have taken the move to spend so much on a new stadium so won't be so adversely effected by fans demands for success. I for one would be opposed to moving from the lane purely on a risk factor for the next few years.

TV and the EU
TV rights has a major impact upon revenue and sponsorship deals, if teh eu and the competitions bureaucrats stick their filthy little noses in. I can only seen one outcome. The EU for a long time has been looking at ways of reducing the media coverage of the EPL and La Liga, as they are now starting to dominate the sponsorship and revenue deals (which of course is against EU priciples). The itatlians (most of whom are financially fucked) are already starting to cry foul and roll around on the floor having been tapped on the ankles.

Of course the flip side is that if it doesn't happen, the possibility for domination of pay per view for both sky and emerging subscription digital channels will force the cost per game up as they seek to recoup the cost of their rights deals. This again is bad for clubs as if fans stay away, ticket sales go down.

The Loyalty factor
Fans suport the club, they provide the funds to pay the wages for the players and buy the merchandise from the club to fund the infrastructure within the club.

The question is, if the economic climate changes what impact will that have on attendances. This is a big unknown and can be down to so many external factors that it's not worth going in too great a detail on.

The net result is, IF we encounter a change of economic conditions, leisure expenditure is the first to be curtailed followed by retail expenditure.

Attendances will fall unless they have a fan base that sufficiently provides competition for tickets to keep prices high.

Again the media seem to love the idea that the EPL isn't what its all cracked up to be, and wouldn't they jsut love to engineer an 'I told you so story'.

Again this will count against Arsenal and Man utd in particular as they will have 60K capacity and mixture of die hards and not that bothereds.

So in summary, the megarich Russians and the Yanks have an eye on the EPL as a means of 'a rich man's plaything'. Unfortuantly as easily discarded as they are bought.

Tottenham Today

As I sit here typing this up I can see many positives;
Financially we are sound, but also have a low risk pofile and liquidity value.
Training and development structure, very little has been mentioned on this in the past. The club has spent more money on getting the right back room staff and training facilities than before, and in time this can only serve to improve the contribution it makes to providing players for the club.
The manager, Martin Jol is a no nonsense maanger, who appreciates the concept of 'Tottenham style' and appears to be knowledgable not only of our past, but also the direction we are looking to take.
DL, the money man and deal maker, seems to have his head switched on and understands the future risks to the game.
The team, as good as I have seen it, there are class players, and yet we are continuing to seek competition and improvement within the team. We are consitently setting benchmarks for minimum standards of performance, and using these as a platform to grow.

Will we finish top Four this season, head says no heart says yes. Still top six. It will take very little from the competing pack for the top six to either consolidate or fall behind - and maybe down to something as trivial as luck!

Next season - top four, as we improve and gel as a team playing consistantly together, quite possibly.

In the future, a high profile fall from grace either Man U, Arse or even the barcodes (if they carry on spending lots on only a few players)

I'll always be a spur, proud of the club that I support.

Fuck the media, what do they know anyway!

COYS - let's support them 'til May

Written by Tricky.

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Support for spurs is crucial

2005-11-24T11:59:00.000+01:00

Football fans are fickle, and over the years we have been accused of this ourselves, albeit usually by people like Mark Lawrenson (I'm really starting to hate him).
But I think it can be said now that we aren't overly demanding or hard to please, or whining pansies about our club. We have only ever expected to maintain the standards that the club have set for themselves, and not accept fading away into oblivion like such teams as Nottingham Forest etc...
If we hadn't been of the collective thought that we support a great club who have been a major contributor to the glorious history of football, then we may not have ended up with management who know not to bother unless they're going to do it properly. Because we just wont stand for it.

As`the season has progressed and players are slowly starting to bed in, it is becoming clear that this team's belief and confidence is stemming from various sources, but none more so than the terraces.
You constantly hear the team, whether it be Martin Jol, Ledley King, Paul Robinson or most recently Paul Stalteri, praising the passion and excitement of the fans, and their desire to win is purely based on making sure we go home happy. They curse themselves if they dont as they know we will love them for it.
How many of our teams since 1991 have even looked close to actually matching the standard that is to be expected, by everyone who's ever had anything to do with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club? Not many, if any.
This is why we should be optimistic, as the current side with a few small alterations are actually capable of rising to the challenge. Martin Jol knows what is required (as if he's been Tottenham all his life) and the team is learning.

I salute Daniel Levy (or whoever it was) that said two years ago "right I've had enough of this" and began the task of taking us back to where we belong and deserve to be.
If things had gone on much longer the way they were, then maybe our patience would have deteriorated to the degree where we would never have made it back.
Under our current circumstances we can truly take heart in knowing that our cycle in football is coming round again (as it does for every club), and the reason for this is US.

Keep up the good work people, and know that we are the greatest football club in the world.

Glory Glory boys.......Glory Glory!

Written by Spursgod.

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Wigan, are they that good?

2005-11-24T10:06:00.000+01:00

Tottenham Hotspur will go into Saturdays clash at the JJB with no illusions that they are pitted against Premier League cannon fodder. Tottenham boss Martin Jol reckons, "It's a very tough game we have to play on Saturday".

Wigan manager Paul Jewell has complained about a lack of respect for his team from some well known football pundits, but few Premier League bosses are now likely to make the same mistake. Wigan earned great credit from Arsene Wenger and Thierry Henry after their performance last Saturday, and league rivals now view them as serious competition home or away.

Aaron Lennon speaks from experience when he warns of the threat posed by Wigan Athletic when we travel to the JJB Stadium on Saturday. The speedy wide man was a member of the Leeds United team that travelled to the venue in February of this year and came away on the wrong end of a 3-0 scoreline. Wigan, of course, went on to secure promotion and have flown in the face of the popular theory that suggests promoted teams generally struggle on entry to the top flight.

Wigan have suffered just two defeats at their home ground so far this term - on the opening day against champions Chelsea and last weekend to Arsenal. In both games they gave more than a good account of themselves and could be considered unlucky not to have taken any reward from the fixtures. There players are underated, people go there without really having heard of them and are surprised by the intensity and skill of their play. People forget that they have two potent strikers of there own.

I for one am pleased that teams from the championship have found it easier to compete in the top flight, it can only be good for the english game. I was one of the sceptics at the start of the season who had West Ham, Wigan and Sunderland to go straight back down again but am pleasantly surprised by Wigan and of course West Ham, it may also ensure some of the dross in the premiership gets relegated.

In team news, Wigan will have Josip Skoko back after the Australian international missed the Arsenal game after flying back late from international duty. David Connoly could be set to start although Steve McMillan is doubtfull.

Spurs look set to bring Lennon back into the side after being named on the bench for West Ham, and although both Routledge and Gardner played for the reserves against Palace last night both will not be ready in time for Saturday.

Pride of London teams predition: After a scrappy and determined performance Spurs will take all three points.

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Arsenal the most hated club in the Premiership?

2005-11-23T09:59:00.000+01:00

We know as yiddo's we hate the arse and all they stand for.

So do man utd.

So do liverpool.

so do chelsea.

so do every other london club.

so do every other premiership club.

not sure about every english club / european club, but wouldnt surprise me.

We've bantered here and on the nyssie, weve all dissed each other - having a bit of fun, but some cant take it and take it personally, which they reflect in their posts, and we just do it more to wind them up.
They're asking for it really.

Not every Arsenal fan is an arsehole, they are everyday people,good and bad in everyone - but collectively, they are ignorant.
arsene never put the arse into arsenal, although always thought that a bit strange, the name thing - could you imagine our guv being called tottentin jol?

do they ask for the abuse they get. yes - because they act like their club is superior to everyone elses- mostly (possibly) due to the large number of glory hunters among them.

Any arsenal boys readfing this are going to rant and say what a typical yid i am, but i dont care, this is the banter section.

If youre not a complete bunch of cunts - prove it.
If you can convince spurs boys you are real football fans, you may be half way there.

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Half full or half empty

2005-11-22T12:50:00.000+01:00

Which school of thought do you live in.Is your glass half full or half empty?
The reason I ask this question is quite simple really(not unlike myself in that regard!) there is a school of thought,a rule of thumb so to speak that you can be on either side of the fence(metaphor central I know but stay with it) You can be an optamist (so when you've drunk half your pint your glass is half full) or you can in fact be a pessamist(and your pint glass is half empty)
Sorry to spell this metaphor out but we do get goons from south london on here reading these threads from time to time.
I was left scratching my head sunday not sure (for the first time ever) which one I was.Sadly I was nt at the game sunday,prior engagement/new born baby etc...so found myself rudely stuck to five live and in the end being totally miserable and pissed off at the teams self-destruction in the final moments of what sounded like a typical scrappy london derby.I have always been a half full type of man,but my despair at the final whistle prompted my northern wife(man u fan and season ticket holder b 4 we got together from Chester) to ask me why I get so pissed off with following Spurs coz I should've been used to losing by now!
This made me wonder are we on the rise or destined for our usual finish in 10th place.I have come to the conclusion that:
1) We are in a nice positon
2) We have still only lost twice in pl
3) We have played some tough matches against top teams
4) We have played loadsa derbys
5) We have a decent manager at last
6) We have a talented squad
7) We will get there,if not this season,soon,very soon
8) My glass is still half full and I can afford to buy a new one that is full when I finish this one

So in a nutshell boys,keep the faith,keep vocally behind our team,and dont forget all goons are stupid.

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West Ham Utd, are they still the development team for the premiership?

2005-11-20T12:43:00.000+01:00

Recent history has provided the premiership with a number of high profile players, some of whom have become more synonomous with off the pitch antics as opposed to on the pitch.

But surely West Ham can be the only 'filter club', most recently on the cusp of Premiership /Championship to have such high profile players to have come through their books, to still be filling the back pages.

Rio Ferdinand, became the most grossly overpayed defender in the premiership and yet lacks the concentration to be able to attend a scheduled drug test.

Frank Lampard, who was frankley shit in his first season, has become one of the few regular players for Chealsea, one of the clubs highest scorers, one of the premierships highest scoring midfielders and a regularly capped england player.

Jermain Defoe, an awsome talent, still playing understudy to Michael Owen, but regularly on the fringes of the england squad. Has a strike to match the power of Shearer, the skills and trickery of an early Le tissier and the potential to become the highest scoring english man in the premiership.

Michael Carrick, for some the 'find' of the summer tour to america. Even Alan Hansen (a long time critic of the 'Tottenham style') was leading the charge for him to play in the holding role for England in next years World Cup. He has been likened to a young Hoddle. A defensive midfielder capable of dropping a ball on a five pence peice from 40 yards.

So for this weekend, West Ham come to the lane, able to say that they have been able to produce some of the finest english talent in the game today.

The question is, 'Is the current crop of players following the mould of recent history?'. Can they retain their status in the premiership and finally some of their new talent?

I for one hope so, as on the evidence so far this season there are at least 3 other teams worse than them, and the premiership is better off with them in it. Between them and Bolton I know who I'd rather pay to watch.

West Ham's lofty position can be attributed to playing with flair, they may concede a couple of goals but they'll try their damnedest to score four.

Certainly with Teddy leading the line, we will be aware of the dangers he presents. But the team that is likely to be missing the presence of their inspirational leader Reo-coker, a regular U21 england player and the lynchpin for a lot of their creative play through the middle of the park.

from my perspective it is our defensive capability that holds the key to this match. We're always likely to score, but it is in King, Dawson and Robinson that the game can be won.

As for the return of Roy Caroll, he has looked significantly better since departing Man Utd. But I for one will still be hoping that Pedro Mendes gets on the pitch for some part of the game.

This is an inviitation for all Hamers to let us know what they belive is realistic for the season and who will be the players to make a difference to their current squad.

Written by Tricky.

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West Ham Utd, are they still the development team for the premiership?

2005-11-18T11:19:00.000+01:00

West Ham Predictions

2005-11-18T10:30:00.000+01:00

Right, lets have it correct and get some proper predictions down...
Ever the wary-bastard that i am.... i'm going for...

2-1 (x2 Defoe)

and Benayoun to snag theirs..

we better win as well being that two of my pal's are playin for the Claret and Blues.... well, one of em should be.
I spy some classy possession and creation (a la the first half against arsenal) lookin at Carrick to really open them up....with us making the ball work for us...and JD regaining some Home Ground confidence with any luck, he needs it.

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Cruch Time!

2005-11-17T14:53:00.000+01:00

Right - looking at our next couple of fixtures I can only see positives.

WestHam h - 3 pts
Wigan - a - boltonesque type fixture but this time with 3 pts
Sunderland h - er 3 pts
Ptmouth h - 3 pts
Boro a - 1pt
Bham h 3pts
WBA a 3pts
Newc - h - 3pts
Man City a 1pt

If we actually got those amount of pts (23) then we're really on it.

I can see it happening - we have depth,character,spirit and commitment plus the jan transfer window ( when have we EVER been quiet in ANY transfer window?)

Normally we stutter against the top 5 (lose basically) thus far we have shared the pts with UTD,Liverpool,Arsenal and beaten charlton - Defeats to chelsea and bolton were to be expected I guess - the reeboks an albatross for us and chelsea well we dont need to talk about them. What im saying is our season is normally screwed by the bigger teams turning us over - this year its not happening. Thats not a fluke - its because were building in every aspect all the time.

Cant wait to play West Ham - can see us thrashing someone soon and hopefully its West Ham. Theyre a team that will let us play so Its goals a plenty at WHL Sunday.

Not once have I critiscised Arsenal in this post - Why should I ? - we dont care what you lot ared oing anymore - All we care about is Spurs and the future.

Not you and the past - sorry to dissapoint.

Laters

Ed.

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Celtic Target Kelly

2005-11-17T14:11:00.000+01:00

Found on the UNOFFICIAL PREMIERSHIP FORUM

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan, has today revealed that 2nd choice Spurs full back Stephen Kelly is his no1 choice transfer target in January. Celtic has been informed that Kelly is keen on a move and would cost the Parkhead club in the region of £600,000. The transfer wouldnt be that much to get going as the player has been loaned out twice already and is not happy at being dropped for Canadian International Paul Stalteri.

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Spurs update

2005-11-13T16:36:00.000+01:00

First of all we'll start with some the performances put in by our England internationals over the weekend.

I was lucky enough to be at the under-21 game on Friday night, to watch Dawson captain the side. He played well, making 1 mistake in the 90 mins (the first I've seen him make for as long as I can remember), his central defensive partner at Spurs, Ledley King, played, once again, out of position in the holding role (which I feel should have been given to Carrick, and although King played well, he struggled to handle the brilliance and work rate of the young Argentinian, Riquelme, who was involved in everythihng Argentina did. Yet again Robbo asserted himself well between the stick, with a few wonderful saves in the first 20 mins, and a couple more throughout the course of the game. Starting to feel like I wish heskey was back, I never thought I would say that, but to me, he was head and shoulders above (obviously not literally) Peter Crouch, he could actually win headers, anyone else see him get outjumped by Owen?

But the real success story from a Spurs point of view, was the contralled performance of Tom Huddlestone. He was amazing for the under 21's, as Peter Taylor's side failed to take advantage of a record home attendance. Everything he does is with ease, he looks like he's being lazy, but after 90 mins you realise he covered every blkade of grass on the pitch, and was readily available to receive the ball at all times. He is looking extremely promising, and I for one can't wait to see him spreading b50 yards passes around WHL in the future.

According to Edgar Davids, there are a lot of similarities between the current Spurs squad, and that of the very successful Ajax squad of the early 90's. He suggested that as long as the players at the club realise they have the talent and begin to work with it anfd improve, we have all the makings of a very successful side, as we know though, only time will tell.

Also, it seems Spurs have jumped to the head of the queue, ahead of the likes of AC Milan and Juventus, to sign 16 year-old Paragyuan wiz-kid Rivaldo. He has been training with Spurs for a week, and was due to be jetting home again, but Spurs have requested that he remain here for 1 more week, and he was more than happy to do so.

It hasn't just been a good weekend for English Spurs players, it's been a good weekend for sport in general, We beat the Argies, drew with the French, beat the Australians (at cricket and Rugby, but lost in Football WTF) and are steadily beating the Pakistani's at Cricket.

COYS, and Come on England.

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Five in England squad

2005-11-07T09:46:00.000+01:00

Five of our players have been named in the England squad for the international friendly against Argentina in Geneva on Saturday.

Paul Robinson, Ledley King, Jermaine Jenas and Jermain Defoe retain their places in Sven Goran Eriksson's group, while there is also a recall for Michael Carrick who was forced out of the World Cup double header last month through injury.

The call-ups mean eight of our players will be on England duty next week, with Michael Dawson, Tom Huddlestone and Aaron Lennon part of the Under 21 squad for the crucial European Championship play-off against France - the first leg at White Hart Lane on Friday, kick-off 7.30pm.

Its time all these so called pundits took note of Spurs current squad. With five in the squad, it mote than any other team and with 3 in the U21 if looks good for the future, bearing in mind that the 5 in the squad all have years to play.

Best story I read from the sunday papers. Lineker bet with Hansen/Lawerson(carn't remeber which one) £100 that spurs will finish in the top 4. Legend

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What's going on at the Lane?

2005-11-03T15:02:00.000+01:00

Firstly it looks as though the predicted clear out has been confirmed, with Rangers and Man City set to battle it out for the signature of Michael Brown, and Stuart Pearces side have also confirmed interest in Keane.
Also making way will be Andy Reid. There have been a host opf interested clubs back in the champiuonship, although it seems Reid feels he has what it takes to play in the Premiership. But it looks like he has finally run out of chances to improve his fitness, and his form, and Martin Jol will be looking to move him on in Jan. This brings us to a replacement, it looks like Robben has fallen out with Mourinho for the final time, and with Martin Jol confirming he made a bid in August, could Spurs be set to step up the chase for the talented left winger. I can't helpp feeling that the row with Mourinho, the Dutch connection, and the progressive nature of the current Spurs set up, could well help in landing our man.

It also looks as though Routledge will be back in the squad within a month, which could well see a great battle of the wingers for the position on the right side of midfield. Routledge started his Spurs career of very brightly, with great pre-season performances in the Peace cup and against Porto at WHL and a few good premiership performances, before breaking his foot. Since then Aaron 'one for the future' Lennon has had his chance to impress on the right hand side - and impress is exactly what he has done. Apart from an indifferent performance at Old Trafford Lennon has been outstanding on the wing, even breaking into the under-21 squad at just 18, anmd being touted as a posiible squad member for the World Cup. Although I personally think the world cup will come too soon for the promising winger, it goes to show how far he has come, since beating Rooney's record as youngest premiership goalscorer, against SPURS, for Leeds. It looks as though Routledge and Lennon will be in for a tough winter, as they battle it for their place in the team.

Also, Sol Campbell has said that the taunts he receives from spurs fans still hurt him.....

All together now - "Does my face look bovvered"!!!!

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Long live the King!

2005-11-02T12:03:00.000+01:00

Tottenham captain Ledley King would be happy to pledge his long-term future to the club, with things "going in the right direction".
King, 24, is contracted to Spurs until 2008 - a deal which he agreed only last summer.

However, after a string of impressive displays for both club and country - including as a holding midfielder for England in the crucial World Cup qualifier against Poland at the start of October - the Spurs skipper looks set for a lucrative new offer.

His advisors are currently in negotiations over improved terms, reported to be in the region of £50,000-a-week which would bring King in line with Spurs' other top earners, such as Edgar Davids.

King said: "It's between my agent and the club. I am just letting them get on with it and concentrating on my football. I've always said that if we are going in the right direction, I haven't got a problem."

King added in the London Evening Standard: "The lads have given us an indication of what we are capable of. We have a young squad and we have to keep going.

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Done Deal

2005-10-31T17:49:00.000+01:00

Spurs' record £20m pound agreement with shirt manufacturer Puma has been completed. The current £15m deal runs out this season, leaving the door open for Puma to take over.

Tottenham Hotspur FC are hot property at the moment, and this will see the club cashing in on a number of lucrative deals, including the deal with Puma, and the proposed change of Sponsor, from Thompson to T-Mobile. This will also please Spurs fans as the Red sponsor across the front of the Spurs shirt has always seemed in slight contradiction to the clubs brand.

The new shirt, available next season, is already in the design porcess with the first 'draft' shown to board members, by the Puma representitives during Puma's sales pitch. It is rumoured the board were "extremely happy" with the original designs, and have suggested the alterations which are currently taking place.

I, for one, am extremely happy to lose Kappa as kit manufacturers. Although I've always liked the kits they've produced, they are still Kappa. I feel Puma will add more credibility and/or class to club, as nike have done with Arsenal and Man Utd

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And the news we've all been waiting for!!

2005-10-30T17:27:00.000+01:00

Tottenham boss Martin Jol could be set to end Andy Reid's White Hart Lane career - just 10 months after his arrival from Nottingham Forest.

On his arrival from Forest he, and Spurs, promised great things. His technical ability was touted as being the best there is in the game. Unfortunatley, it's not even the best there is a Spurs.

The Republic of Ireland international has reportedly been told to lose weight and improve his attitude if he wants to be part of the Dutchman's plans.

Reid has made just two Premiership appearances since being criticised for his display in the shock Carling Cup exit to Grimsby, and the Sunday Mirror claim that Jol is ready to offload the player in January.

Unfortunately the fact that he seems to care little about his future with the club, by way of not bothering to lose weight and put it in in the gym, a la Mido, means that when he leaves he will not be missed.

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Keane on Kop

2005-10-30T17:18:00.000+01:00

Newspaper reports today claim that Tottenham striker Robbie Keane would "love" to play for Liverpool, the team he supported as a boy.

First team opportunities have become limited at Spurs under boss Martin Jol and both parties have admitted that a parting may be on the agenda. Reds legend Alan Kennedy is quoted as been told by Keane that he would be up for a move to Anfield and those comments have now worked their way into the tabloids.

Robbie Fowler revealed in his book that Gary McAllister had been used by former boss Gerard Houllier to try and tap Keane up for a switch to Liverpool during the Irishman's time at Elland Road.

I'll be sad to see him go - he will no doubt be a big asset to them, just a shame it he doesn't fit into our system. Unfotunately it's going to happen sooner or later, no matter how much we want him as our super sub.

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Spurs to upgrade!!

2005-10-30T14:01:00.000+01:00

Spurs are close to agreeing a record breaking deal with shirt manufacturer Puma.

Martin Jol's side are reportedly closing in on a four-year deal worth close to £20million with the current four-year deal with current shirt suppliers Kappa running out at the end of the season. A new Spurs shirt is being designed and should be unveiled later in the season.

Spurs are also looking for a new sponsor to replace holiday firm Thomson. T-Mobile have been mooted but they currently sponsor West Brom.

I happen to work for the company that could take over as sponsor, so free stuff should be winging it's way over in the coming season! Also would be pleased to get the more stylish brand of Puma on board rather than the Chav/Gypsie Krappa logo that I have been fully embarrassed seeing on the chest of our shirts!

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Forlan to make Prem return!?

2005-10-30T13:35:00.000+01:00

Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan has emerged as a shock target for Arsenal.

The Uruguayan, who has recently been linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona, has shone following his switch to Spanish Primera Liga outfit Villarreal after a frustrating spell at Old Trafford.

Such has been Forlan's form in Spain, he claims Arsenal have dispatched scouts to monitor him and open talks with The Yellow Submarines.

The 26-year-old is happy to remain where he is, but has hinted he would like to play in England again, despite his failed spell with The Red Devils.

"I have heard there is interest in me and that Arsenal have been to watch me," Forlan told the News of the World.

"I don't know what has been said, but there has been some contact. We will have to wait and see what happens.

"I like The Premiership and it would be nice to think I could play in England again."

I for one think it would be great for Arsenal to by him. He was great in the premiership as we all saw at ManUSA, hopefully he can keep up his great goals to games ratio he had there with you boys. Lose Henry replace with Forlan - job well done if this goes through!

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Eh Bobby!! What's French for 'dropped'?!

2005-10-29T10:05:00.000+01:00

Arsene Wneger has today revealed that Robert Pires will be dropped from the starting XI set to face the mighty Spurs today, following a run of poor performances, and the comedy penalty. But I think Spurs fans will welcome the frenchman's axe with alot more enthusiasm than Arsenal fans. Although they are angry at the penalty miss against Man City, and recent poor performances, surely they know as well as we do he ALWAYS scores against us, he always performs against us, but most of all, in this type of game, it's his experiance that will be missed. Pires' axeing has left the door open for a rare start for Flamini. The youngster will come in at center midfield, pushing Fabregas out to the left.
This is exactly the news I would have liked to have heard this morning, I couldn't be feeling any more optimistic, unless Almunia fancies his chances!! But for me, this midfield is too light weight, and inexperianced. Spurs' midfield also looks a bit light weight, but fortunately Spurs supporters know that appearances can be deceiving.
I am fully expecting to see Tainio replacing Edgar Davids out on the left with Jenas and Carrick in the middle and Lennon on the right. Of those 3, only Lennon is actually as light weight as he looks, but that's what makes him one of the quickest players in the premiership, with or without the ball. We have 2 technically brilliant footballers in jenas and Carrick, potentially one of the best wingers in the country, and in Tainio, not only do we have a dogged battler, who will put his face in front of your boot if he had to, but he posess' one of the best through balls in the game. He doesn't start regularly for Spurs, which most supporters would tell you is a shame, but when he has, he has this nack of playing a ball at the perfect time for Jermaine to run onto. I think the midfield battle will be won by Spurs today, having seen Arsenals midfield I can't see it any other way.
Much depends on the performance of the back four and front two. Will Clichy be able to handle Lennon? Can Toure and Campbell handel Mido and Defoe. I have full confidence in our back four now, there are no leaks in the defence, with Stalteri finally starting to adapt to the game we have a fully back 5 that can maintain concentration for 90 mins! Apart from Robbo's mistake at OT, he has been excellent in the Spurs (and England) goal.

Arsenal have gone more defencive today, with the 2 holding midfielders in the middle in Flamini and Gilberto, and have tohe two pacey wingers. I can see exactly why. Why attack down the middle when you have one of the best central defending pairings in the prem, so he is attacking down the wings. For the first time since he took over at Arsenal, Wenger is adapting his team and tactics to suit a particular game, and unfortunately, if he keeps up with this comprimise, this can only be good for Arsenal. For too long have they played one way and one way only, they are now showing respect for other teams in the premiership, as they now know, their tactic, which when used to full affect is stunning, of passing through the middle of a team, will not always work the way it used to.

Looking forward today, been so confident all week, and now the Arsenal team is even weaker than expected, I should be feeling ever more confident, but just writing this article has made me nervous. Not sure how much longer I can take the wate roll on 1 o'clock!!!!

Likely line up's

Spurs

Robbo
Stalteri King Dawson Pyo
Lennon Jenas Carrick Tainio
Defoe Mido

Arsenal

Lehman haha!! (sorry)
Lauren Toure Campbell Clichy
Ljumberg Flamini Gilberto Fabregas
Reyes V/Pirsie

BIG-MATCH FACTS

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR square up to Arsenal for the 150th time in a competitive contest, with Spurs chasing a 50th victory over their north London rivals. It's the 137th match-up in the League, and just under 12 months since the two were involved in the Premiership's highest scoring match last season in this corresponding fixture. Arsenal won 4-5, but the balance of power may be shifting. Spurs' best ever Premier League finish was seventh in 1995, when ironically Arsenal endured their lowest placing of 12th - the only Premiership season the bragging rights have belonged to the White Hart Lane faithful in terms of finishing positions. But this season Martin Jol's side go into the Saturday lunchtime clash superior by three points and five places.

Tottenham have won half of their 10 Premiership matches, and are defending a six-match unbeaten run. Their only loss has been 0-2, at home to defending champions and runaway leaders Chelsea. They've subsequently met London opposition twice, beating Fulham (h) and Charlton (a) and are therefore aiming to make it a hat trick of London Premiership derby victories. Tottenham's strike rate in such derbies is unimpressive with just three victories in 15 capital clashes, and four in 28.

Spurs were 'doubled' by Arsenal last season, and have drawn four and lost seven of the last 11 Premiership clashes against them, since securing a 2-1 victory at the Lane on 7 November 1999 when Steffen Iversen and Tim Sherwood got their goals.

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger may be worried that the side rely too heavily on Thierry Henry, but since the return of the French scoring ace the Gunners have won all three games and not conceded a goal. That includes a 0-3 success at Sunderland in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night when the under studies showed their seniors how to win a domestic match away from home, and Robin van Persie demonstrated to Robert Pires and Henry how to convert a penalty.

The Gunners have made their worst start to a Premiership season since 1998/99, and are yet to record a top flight victory on the road. But maximum points here would lift them above their local rivals with a game in hand. They've lost one, won one and drawn one in Premiership London derbies this season, but their record in such matches remains impressive having taken points from 36 of the last 37 capital clashes.

The Gunners are unbeaten in 12 League and Cup clashes with Spurs. They 'doubled' Spurs last season with a 1-0 win at Highbury in April after that unforgettable nine goal thriller at the Lane in November. Noureddine Naybet gave Tottenham the lead in Martin Jol's first league game in permanent charge, but then Arsenal took advantage of some woeful defending. Henry equalised in first half stoppage time before Spurs fell apart. Lauren and Vieira slotted home, Defoe pegged one back, Ljungberg made it 4-2, Ledley King 4-3, before substitutes Pires and Kanoute traded goals to end a remarkable encounter.

COYS!!!

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Arsenal's one man band will be quiet tomorrow!!!

2005-10-28T16:03:00.000+01:00

It has now been confirmed that Arsenal favourite Thierry Henry will not be available for selection tomorrow.First thing I felt was the obvious joy, of not having to face one of (if not the) best striker(s) in the world!

I, as do all Spurs fans, players coaches etc etc, want to see a Spurs victory tomorrow. It'll put us 6 points ahead, all be it having played an extra game, and finally show we have what it takes to compete with the so called 'big boys', especially on the back of a win at high flying Charlton and a draw away at Old Trafford. A win here would surely, finally, force Arsenal fans to have a look outside the Library, and take notice of what's going on at N17.
Then, it hit me. As I thought about all things that had been said to me in the aftermath of these games in the past by Arse fans, I started to think about how nice it's going to feel to give just as good back, but the replies I will recieve will no doubt point to injuries, no Henry, no Cole and no Hleb. But injuries are something Spurs' are familiar with, and have been made no allowances to use this as an excuse for our underachievment over the last 10 years, so unfortunately no simpathy will be afforded to scum fans, when the soon to be standard victory over Arsenal at WHL is complete!

No Henry = No goals
No Henry = No points
No Henry = Spurs 2-0 Arsenal

COYS!!!

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Are Arsenal a one man team? Tomorrow will tell!!

2005-10-28T14:00:00.000+01:00

It has now been confirmed that Arsenal favourite Thierry Henry will not be available for selection tomorrow.
First thing I felt was the obvious joy, of not having to face one of (if not the) best striker(s) in the world! I, as do all Spurs fans, players coaches etc etc, want to see a Spurs victory tomorrow. It'll put us 6 points ahead, all be it having played an extra game, and finally show we have what it takes to compete with the so called 'big boys', especially on the back of a win at high flying Charlton and a draw away at Old Trafford. A win here would surely, finally, force Arsenal fans to have a look outside the Library, and take notice of what's going on at N17.
Then, it hit me. As I thought about all things that had been said to me in the aftermath of these games in the past by Arse fans, I started to think about how nice it's going to feel to give just as good back, but the replies I will recieve will no doubt point to injuries, no Henry, no Cole and no Hleb. But injuries are something Spurs' are familiar with, and have been made no allowances to use this as an excuse for our underachievment over the last 10 years, so unfortunately no simpathy will be afforded to scum fans, when the soon to be standard victory over Arsenal at WHL is complete!
No Henry = No goalsNo Henry = No pointsNo Henry = Spurs 2-0 Arsenal
COYS!!!

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Questions a Gooner can never answer...

2005-10-27T17:30:00.000+01:00

It is fast becoming apparrent that Gooners are becoming increasingly blinkered in their approach to football analysis.

They bring up the historical facts when it suits them to do so, and yet say that we're living in the past if we do the same.
They refuse to acknowledge that here and now on 27th October they are not in the best of shape (in house argueing, splinter groups, lack of ability to draw a replacement for Vieire, Henry's off in the summer, Sol's on his last legs) and that things will only get worse.

So when you are next having a conversation with a Gooner some questions you might like to ask:

How much did your stadium cost? (follow up with have you heard of Leicester / Southampton / Wrexham* delete as applicable)

Why is it the Thierry Henry is contemplating publicly that he would consider leaving to fulfill his ambitions?

Who could you buy in January to replace Vieira? What capacity to find / buy such a ready made replacement have you got? (follow with - admit it you miss someone of his calibre don't you?)

You paid £17mil for Reyes, how much do you think he is worth in todays market?

If Henry gets injured again this season, where are your goals going to come from? (don't accept any of the reserve team as an answer, Reid was outstanding for our reserves - but has as yet to cut it at the sharp end)

How many English players have you in your current squad? What will you do when UEFA introduces a mnimum number of national players included in each team?

How much will you get for Pires when he goes?

Who can replace Sol (and I don't mean in the 'constantly injured and on his last legs' way)?

Cygan - Why?

Van Pirsie - did he have the same solicitor as OJ?

Wenger - is he not a justifyable reason for banning all forms of genetic engineering (check out the pictures section for the answer)?

357million - 100million - 140million = how much debt?

When you drop £10 mil in revenue because you don't make Champions League, how much mor ewill you drop in your ability to attract a single replacement for your current squad?

And if all else fails?

Paul Robinson - gutted or what?

Yours Sincerely, and anticipating those with blinkers / fingers in ears / head in the sand not to understand the bigger picture. We're going to win this weekend, and guess what even if we don't we'll still finish higher than you.

Tricky

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Jol and Lee see a lillywhite future in football!!

2005-10-26T13:13:00.000+01:00

Martin Jol has declared Spurs are "getting better and better" as he prepares them for Saturday's north-London derby with Arsenal.

Tottenham currently sit third in the Premiership table after coming away from Manchester United with a well-earned 1-1 draw last weekend.

The Gunners, though, are only three points behind, and with a game in hand over their fierce rivals.

However, the manner in which Jol's men rallied to come from a goal down to earn a share of the spoils at Old Trafford showed the current Spurs side, still unbeaten away in the league, now have a mental toughness to go with their undoubted talent - a characteristic which had been missing from many of their sides in recent seasons.

There is a growing belief among both supporters and players alike this campaign could end in European qualification, with the consistent performances of Spurs captain Ledley King complementing the gritty determination of midfielders Jermaine Jenas and Edgar Davids, while the lively Jermain Defoe is always a threat in attack.

Jol said: "I think we're getting better and better. If you get confidence out of games like at Manchester United, you can improve further.

"Winning games and not conceding goals must become second nature and that's what we're working on."

Jol added on the club's official website: "I feel we can still improve further.

"I don't think we've played to our potential, but you can't expect that yet.

"We have a lot of new faces and we are gelling together and when we do that in the near future it will suit me because I want to play attractive football and get the results as well."

Jol's enthusiasm is infectious and he has developed a real feeling of togetherness within the Spurs camp, as Lee Young-Pyo revealed.

"The team is developing well and we seem to be improving every match, I think we will be even stronger in the second half of the season. I believe we will get better and better."

Tottenham's new full back Lee Young-Pyo believes Spurs will only get stronger in the second half of the season.

Lee Young Pyo took on Korean team mate Park Ji Sung as Spurs travelled to Old Trafford to face Manchester United at the weekend, in a game that saw Spurs come away with a point.

Lee told the official website "I met Ji-Sung, we said 'hello' beforehand and of course it was very friendly but then we both concentrated on the match,"

Lee Young Pyo went on to commented on how important it was to him to see two Korean's play in such a big Premiership match.

"It was very special because in European football there are not many Koreans. For many people back home it means a lot that we are playing football in the Premiership. It was a great experience to play against Ji-Sung and I thoroughly enjoyed the day.

"The most important thing was that we won a point and played so well at Manchester United.

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Judas back at the lane?

2005-10-25T16:15:00.000+01:00

Arsenal centre-half Sol Campbell will miss Tuesday's Carling Cup match with Sunderland but may be available for a return against Spurs at the weekend.

Campbell has been out since pulling his hamstring for England against Austria and there was a hope he would be back for the Champions League match last week.

Now the hope is that he will be back for the most eagerly-awaited London derby for some time.

Bring it Sol, You started as a hero, you left as a Wanker and you return as an UNDERDOG!!

COYS!!!

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Old Trafford Reaction

2005-10-25T09:20:00.000+01:00

I don't think Manchester United created too many chances and I thought we deserved a point – Martin Jol.

Spurs managed to rescue a point away from home after going behind to an early goal for the second time in little over a month.

Martin Jol: "We didn't fulfil our potential in the first half, two or three players didn't play too well. But it was 100% better in the second half - we put things straight, there was no space on the flanks, we did things better and could have nicked it in the end.

Skipper Ledley King revealed how Jol’s half-time team talk spurred the players to believe they were worthy of taking something back to White Hart Lane despite giving away the lead inside the opening ten minutes.

King said: "We realise a point is a good result, but we were not going to settle for that until the game was over. We were disappointed with the way we started and played in the first half. You don't want to come to a place like this and give away a goal start, but that is what we did.

"We had to show our spirit - which has been good all season - stick together and make sure we didn't concede again while trying to get back into the game. We felt there was nothing to be scared of and that we could hurt them with the players we have got. So we tried to take the game to them a little bit more.

"We are happy we kept their chances to a minimum and we broke on them a few times - with the players we had on the pitch, we were never cautious. We didn't take the ball into corner flags or anything like that and when it was on to go for it, we did.

Jermaine Jenas, in his seventh start for Spurs, stunned United keeper Edwin Van der Sar with a sweetly struck free-kick that levelled the score.

King added: "I have seen him try a few times! I think he has definitely got the ability, but it is all about doing it on the day and producing it which he has done now."

And Jenas explained the goal was no fluke either. He said: " It was a great feeling for me - I fancied the free-kick straight away because me and Michael Carrick - with Clive (Allen) had been working on it all Thursday.

"Jermain initially wanted it, but we spoke and he knew I'd hit a few good ones in training. The lads put their faith in me and luckily enough I repaid them. When it left my foot I heard Michael behind me - he just said 'yup'.

"My goal aside - which is a delight on a personal level - the whole team were exceptional in terms of the grit and determination. The lads at the back, Daws and Ledley, were brilliant and praise has to be given to everyone.
__________________

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King happy as Spurs Spirit earns yet more points

2005-10-24T18:20:00.000+01:00

King was overjoyed at the Spirit shown by all at Spurs this weekend, and points to the Charlton game as evidence to suggest this may not be a one off, but part of a new mentality employed at WHL by boss Martin Jol, and no doubt embedded into the players with a little help from Edgar 'Pitbul' Davids!

"You don't want to go to a place like Old Trafford and give away a goal start, but that is what we did," said King.

"We had to show our spirit - which has been good all season - stick together and make sure we didn't concede again while trying to get back into the game.

"We were disappointed with the way we started and played in the first half and knew we couldn't start like that again. We also felt there was nothing to be scared of and that we could hurt them with the players we have got. So we tried to take the game to them a little bit more."

This is the difference - we, in the past, NEVER came
back from being a goal down - it just didn't happen, it became a damage limitation excersize on more than one occasion, even at a goal, or 3, up, we could never garuntee anything!

Now, we are winning the games we should and showing a much tougher resolve against tougher opposition. It's this resolve and belief that I think WILL lead us in after 90 mins on Sat as winners!

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New and Improved forum for Pride of London

2005-10-24T14:22:00.000+01:00

If you want to discuss anything Spurs, write your own posts, or just read posts that have been submitted, come to http://www.djmixset.com/prideoflondon/forum/index.php?

Spurs V Arsenal

2005-10-24T11:59:00.000+01:00

A few weeks ago, we had an article pointing to our next 3 games, these were, at the time, Everton, Man Utd and Arsenal, and most people wsere in agreement if we could get 7 points from these games we'd be very happy. Now, after a quality 2nd half display at White Hart Lane against Everton and a solid 2nd half against Man Utd at Old Trafford we have shown that we are capable of sustained quality and are now showing the consistancy that could earn us 3 points against Arsenal for the first time in 6 years, and the 7 points we, as fans, aimed for before the games kicked off!

It's all looking very good for this at the moment, at a time when Arsenal are at the lowest point since the Wenger era began, they still show signs of arrogance, and I think we all no where this is leading. Yes, the penalty that had everyone, including the two people involved in stitches. When asked in an interview afterwards what happend, Henry couldn't answer, not because he didn't know, but because he couldn't stop laughing! Can you imagine the scene had that penalty miss, spurred Man City on and pulled one back to earn a point, not sure Henry would've seen the funny side then. I, for one, hope they keep this arrogance up for there short trip to White Hart Lane, we are a stronger team than Man City, and any mistakes, complacency, arrogance, sloppiness, whatever it was down to, WILL be punished. Let's hope the Arse think it's another 3 points in the bag, because the attitude and ability they've shown in the Premiership this time round, will only hand us our 7th undefeated game in a row!

COYS!

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Calling all gooners, its not just us that think you've got problems, Just ask Thierry

2005-10-21T13:42:00.000+01:00

Henry anger at Arsenal inactivity

Henry delight at Gunners record
Henry's career statistics
Thierry Henry has given a heavy hint that he is unhappy with Arsenal's progress in the transfer market.
The Gunners' record goalscorer, 28, has less than two years left on his Highbury contract and is refusing to discuss a new deal with the club.

Now he has claimed the club have never adequately replaced Patrick Vieira.

"The most important thing was to make people forget Patrick Vieira left and try to go on a good run and catch Chelsea. We've not done that," he said.

Arsenal have won three out of three Champions League games this season.

But in the Premiership Arsene Wenger's side have suffered three defeats and are languishing in eighth place, 14 points behind Chelsea, albeit with one game in hand.

"In the past I've been asked why we could do it in the Premiership but not in Europe. Now they're asking the other way round," Henry said.

I hope that Arsene will understand that it's very important for me

Henry on the controversial Martinique game

"Without looking for excuses, we've been missing and are still missing key players."

The Frenchman, who this week overhauled Ian Wright's record goals tally, added: "Some clubs have international players sitting on the bench and in the stands, but we don't have that and it's frustrating."

Henry has been linked with Barcelona and his latest comments will increase fears he is dissatisfied at Arsenal.

The striker has also been at the centre of a dispute between Wenger and the French Football Federation over a charity game.

That match between France and Costa Rica will raise money for air-crash victims and it will be played on Martinique, a Caribbean island where Henry's mother was born.

Wenger will let Henry go, but he is unhappy at the player travelling so far during the Premiership season.

Wenger attacks French Federation

But Henry said: "It would be an immense pleasure to play in Martinique. I can't see myself missing this match. I hope that Arsene will understand that it's very important for me."

Think isn't just the mindless rambling of a Spurs fan talking bollocks, this is your talisman and your manager!

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Spurs staying in North London

2005-10-20T18:59:00.000+01:00

White Hart Lane is going to be expanding all tiers in the ground to take it to a 60,000 seater stadium.

It was widely reported that Tottenham Hotspur FC would be taking over the olympic stadium in East London once it had fullfilled it's purpose at the olyimpics. This was quickly rubbished by the Olympic comittee who said that the stadium would continue to be used for the developement of Athletics in this country.

Reports leaked from the club also coinside with exclusive pictures obtained by the Pride of London team, which are available to view in the galleries section of this forum. It seems ever more likely that the much talked about expansion of White Hart Lane may well become a reality, which will please many Spurs fans who didn't want to up sticks and move away from our North London base.

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As we see off Everton, we must look forward

2005-10-20T18:17:00.000+01:00

Ok, so we completed the mandatory beating of Everton, a team that has never felt success at White Hart Lane since the inseption of the Premier League about 13 years ago!
Did this show us any signs of progression? In one word..... NO. Why, because apart from last year, Everton have been a poor side for as long as I can remember now, beating them was essential, as it would have been in any other season - to prove we have progressed we have a very tough 4 game running coming up - before an (should be) easy game against Portsmouth.

We have a run that consists of 2of the best, the most stubborn, and a very attaking team.
Manchester United away beckons on Saturday... Up until now we have managed to show imprvement this season, by clawing our way back from a 2-0 half time defisit, away, against a high flying Charlton, something I'm sure you'll agree, wouldn't have happened in previous seasons. We had a chance to prove it against Chelsea, until that tie was made uneven early on, by a strong decision to send off Mido on the half hour! So this is really our first chance to see what Jol has built, I personally still don't think we are at Man Utd's level yet, but anything can happen - but for a shit decision from all officials concerend last year, we would have had a hard fought 3 points, and a strange looking penalty decision - (John O'Shea falling over cause someone looked at him) - we would have had a point the year before... I think we will go looking to keep a clean sheet, and nick a win, Man Utd on the other hand, will be looking to carry on where they have left off from the Sunderland game - playing like Brazil, and no I don't mean because they have an abundance of talent, I mean they go out purely trying to score more goals than the oposition, as a 3-2 win over Fulham and a 3-1 win over Sunderland show, they are lacking at the back. With Mido playing so well, and any poacher of Keane and Defoe playing - problems will be caused, Rio's under par, and from his comments earlier this week, clearly concerened!

My prediction
1-0 (Man U) Be a great game though!

Then we have Arsenal at WHL.

I can see a win here, I think this will be a goodgame, both playing attacking football. But I think Jol is clever enough to know exactly what Arsenal are going to do - try and pass it through us. Unfortunately for Arsenal we have David's, Carrick and King, waiting for the to try that, we have one weaknes (if it is even that weak), which would be teams attacking down the wing (part of the reason I think we will lose to Man U), but Arsenal don't/can't do this, they have no arial threat, they have Henry, and in my opinion, he is the only one that can hurt us..... But king contained him when we played France, and he'll do it again

My prediction
2-1 Spurs

Then we have Bolton away and West ham at home. Anything around 5-6 points out of these games is what I'm expecting, anything over this will show a vast improvement in our side... I also think we still have to surprise factor.... against Everton, although they were poor, our passing and movement were excellent, back to the Spurs of old, playing the way that Spurs fans like the game to be played... I can't wait for the next 4 weeks to be over, just so I know the results.

COYS!!

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Toffee's gone, just leaves Man U and Arsenal

2005-10-20T14:51:00.000+01:00

Ok, so we completed the mandatory beating of Everton, a team that has never felt success at White Hart Lane since the inseption of the Premier League about 13 years ago!
Did this show us any signs of progression? In one word..... NO. Why, because apart from last year, Everton have been a poor side for as long as I can remember now, beating them was essential, as it would have been in any other season - to prove we have progressed we have a very tough 4 game running coming up - before an (should be) easy game against Portsmouth.

We have a run that consists of 2of the best, the most stubborn, and a very attaking team.
Manchester United away beckons on Saturday... Up until now we have managed to show imprvement this season, by clawing our way back from a 2-0 half time defisit, away, against a high flying Charlton, something I'm sure you'll agree, wouldn't have happened in previous seasons. We had a chance to prove it against Chelsea, until that tie was made uneven early on, by a strong decision to send off Mido on the half hour! So this is really our first chance to see what Jol has built, I personally still don't think we are at Man Utd's level yet, but anything can happen - but for a shit decision from all officials concerend last year, we would have had a hard fought 3 points, and a strange looking penalty decision - (John O'Shea falling over cause someone looked at him) - we would have had a point the year before... I think we will go looking to keep a clean sheet, and nick a win, Man Utd on the other hand, will be looking to carry on where they have left off from the Sunderland game - playing like Brazil, and no I don't mean because they have an abundance of talent, I mean they go out purely trying to score more goals than the oposition, as a 3-2 win over Fulham and a 3-1 win over Sunderland show, they are lacking at the back. With Mido playing so well, and any poacher of Keane and Defoe playing - problems will be caused, Rio's under par, and from his comments earlier this week, clearly concerened!

My prediction
1-0 (Man U) Be a great game though!

Then we have Arsenal at WHL.

I can see a win here, I think this will be a goodgame, both playing attacking football. But I think Jol is clever enough to know exactly what Arsenal are going to do - try and pass it through us. Unfortunately for Arsenal we have David's, Carrick and King, waiting for the to try that, we have one weaknes (if it is even that weak), which would be teams attacking down the wing (part of the reason I think we will lose to Man U), but Arsenal don't/can't do this, they have no arial threat, they have Henry, and in my opinion, he is the only one that can hurt us..... But king contained him when we played France, and he'll do it again

My prediction
2-1 Spurs

Then we have Bolton away and West ham at home. Anything around 5-6 points out of these games is what I'm expecting, anything over this will show a vast improvement in our side... I also think we still have to surprise factor.... against Everton, although they were poor, our passing and movement were excellent, back to the Spurs of old, playing the way that Spurs fans like the game to be played... I can't wait for the next 4 weeks to be over, just so I know the results.

COYS!!

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Rio: Maybe it's Spurs' time!

2005-10-20T12:15:00.000+01:00

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Spurs are finally showing consistent form under Martin Jol after years of under-performance.

Dutchman Jol has Tottenham flying high in second spot following a blistering start to their league campaign - but the Londoners face a stiff test this weekend when they travel to Old Trafford to face United.

Ferdinand said: "Spurs have had a good batch of players for a number of years now but they haven't been consistent. This season they seem to have continuity, the players seem to be responding to the manager and they have some consistency there which has been lacking in the past.

"They are not spending 'Chelsea amounts' of money but they are spending good amounts on players and bringing in a lot of home-grown talent too.

"They have been threatening to become one of the big clubs and now they look as if they have the potential to do so - maybe this is their time now.

"We've got to keep tabs on Jermain Defoe, he's always a dangerous player to play against. I know from the England squad that he's one of those players who thrives on scoring and lives for goals."

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Arsenal and Man U - 1 Man Teams?

2005-10-19T17:19:00.000+01:00

After last nights results in the Champions league, the question needs to be asked. Are both United, and Arsenal, reliant on one player?
With last weekends defeat against the Baggies, the Arse looked pretty inept up front, and haven't looked the part since the injury to Henry. Last night against an ordinary Sparta Prague, Henry returns, and scores twice to secure victory. In doing so he passed Ian Wright's record.
Injuries aside, without Henry are, as Martin Jol has stated, Arsenal just another team?
The summer transfer market must also be a worrying time. with speculation mounting, of Henry's departure to Barca.
Has Wenger's, by his own admission, "Bit of Bad business" in selling Viera, spelled the end of his reign? Probably!

As for Utd, without Rooney, they too looked pretty ineffective, last night.
Ronaldo, produced nothing, after capitulating to the Lille strong arm tactics. Scholes, once again prooves he has no longer got the temprament to make a tackle without getting himself booked.
Ferdinand, continuing with his current form, and no longer a favourite of the Stretford end.
Giggs, injured for the forseeable future.
All this leads me to believe, that Rooney seems to be the only player capable of keeping Utd's slim hopes of Premier, and Champions league success alive.
That is if he can stay on the pitch for the 90 minutes required.

All in All for both teams, has the wheel turned full circle? And is it now time to step aside?

What do you think?

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Man Utd, Arsenal, Are they one player teams?

2005-10-19T14:27:00.000+01:00

Premiership fans, there's only one place to be!

2005-10-18T14:45:00.000+01:00

Pride of London, was a site set up originally for Spurs fans, although areas of the site have now branched into what is known as the 'battle forum', there for people who support any club, whether it be Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea or even from the other end of the table, Everton, West Brom, Fulham, Wigan, Charlton, Tottenham, Blackburn, Man City, Middlesbroughs, Portsmouth, Bolton, Sunderland, West Ham Newcastle or Birmingham, get together and talk about your chances, or just take the piss out of everyone else (you will be very popular, if 'everyone else' means Arsenal).

All banter welcome, or general football chat. Also looking for representitves from each premiership side to fill us in on any ongoings at your respective club, so we can keep the site fully updated with genuine fans opinions.

Enjoy!

Dan Mac

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Premiership fans, there's only one polace for banter with fans of other clubs

2005-10-17T20:43:00.000+01:00

Arsenal no longer a threat, says Jol

2005-10-17T18:15:00.000+01:00

The Tottenham cockerel was crowing loudly last night as north London's underachievers began to talk of overthrowing a decade of domination by Arsenal. Spurs' weekend defeat of Everton, combined with Arsenal's shock defeat at West Bromwich, means Tottenham willgo into Saturday week's derby match ahead of their local rivals.

Raising the stakes ahead of that contest Martin Jol, the Spurs coach, wrote off Arsenal's championship chances and declared that "without Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry they are just another team". Jol, whose rejuvenated club lie second in the Premiership, five points and six places above Arsenal, then looked forward to an era when Tottenham will again be north London's premier team.

"Arsenal have been better than us but in football history I don't think that's been the case," Jol said. "Spurs were better than them and maybe one day we will be again. If we get a Thierry Henry or a Patrick Vieira then we will do the same as Arsenal, we have the same set-up with young players and we can grow and grow.

"It is about finding big players. When Henry gets to 35 and cannot play any more, and Arsenal are looking for a replacement, maybe Tottenham will find him first. We have found [Aaron] Lennon. He will be a big player in the future."

Though Jol said that he thought Arsenal would make the top three, when asked if Spurs could catch Chelsea he pointedly ignored them as he replied: "I'd like to but it would be impossible. Let's leave closing the gap to Manchester United because it will be difficult enough for them."

And Arsenal? "Arsenal is different nowadays," he said. "They have just lost again. If the big players are not there - and Vieira has gone and Henry is out - then maybe Arsenal are the same as other teams."

Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, said last night that Henry was doubtful for the Tottenham game while Alexander Hleb, Ashley Cole and the latest injury victim, Freddie Ljungberg, will all be missing. Sol Campbell, however, should be back to face his old club. Even without some major stars, Arsenal can field a balanced team with plenty of internationals but the bench is threadbare.

Arsenal are 14 points behind Chelsea, which Wenger preferred not to address. "At the moment I don't look at the gap," he said. "Let's try to win the next game and slowly get our players back, it does not look like we can [win the Premiership] but there is a long way to go."

Wenger said that it was "very worrying" to have already lost three Premiership games, blaming the latest defeat on "a lack of experience and maturity". To find that, he said, "I will have to look in the treatment room". He added: "We gave goals away like a youth team and lost a game we should not have lost."

Arsenal have now taken one point from four away matches in the Premiership, a weakness Wenger hinted at when he said of Saturday's match: "If we had played at home today we might have got away with it." The north London derby is at White Hart Lane.

Back on the Tottenham High Road Jermaine Jenas, who scored against Everton, caught the mood when he said: "It would be great for us to be the dominant north London team. Everyone's talking about the derby. It'll be a great day."

However, Phil Neville, in the beaten Everton side, had a word of caution. "They're all thinking it's exciting times and that may well be. But to break into that top three is going to be very difficult. You've got to progress on to that world-stage level. I don't see Spurs presenting more of a challenge than Arsenal this season. Arsenal are suffering a lot of injuries at the moment."

Arsenal's crisis has come at a bad time for the club as it prepares to move to the new 60,000-seat Ashburton Grove stadium next August. Flats in the to-be-redeveloped Highbury go on sale the weekend of the Tottenham game. That move heralds the ending of an era off the pitch. Wenger will hope his team's recent decline does not signal a similar defining change on it.

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Where are the Evertonians.

2005-10-17T14:35:00.001+01:00

Everton fans were on here on Friday with a lot to say about Spursas pretenders, being a small club and talkingup Everton's chances of success on Saturday - I admire the fact you were still voiceful about your club, considering the fall you have witnessed, however, all of you who said, no matter the outcome, you'd be back on Monday to continue the 'big club' debate, Where are you now? Please don't prove to be as fickle as the Chelsea fans who ere booing a side who have won every game this season - just because tey were down at half time... or the Man USA fans who vowed never to buy a ticket if they were taken over, only to be selling oiut for most games - or the Arsenal supporters - of which some are close frienmds of mine - who will no longer discuss football with me, although they were more than happy to do so on prev seasons! You can't be this fickle, you certainly made a strong case last week for your suppoert, however you have been noticed by your silence following the weekends result - hope to hear from you all soon! Ps, Mancs, you will be in for the samje treatment as the Evertonians come Sat, time to make up for the robbing of last season, and 2 weeks until the Arse, take it exactly there!

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Calling all Evertonians, Mancs, and Arses

2005-10-13T15:26:00.000+01:00

Next three matchs for Spurs are:

Everton (H), Man Utd (A) and of course Arsenal (H)

This is an invitation for a bit of Banter:

Toffee's - are you underperforming compared to your ability? will you bounce back with players returning from injury? And was Beattie really worth £6 mill

Man U fan's - What do you really think of the US influence? How do you rate your chances without Keane, Heinze and many others? Would it be peotic justice to win this time round? And how come Caroll looks better at West Ham?

Arsenal - I'll let you start, but Viera - Good or bad bit of business? Henry stay or go? What's the minimum you need to be able to say that 05/06 was a sucessful season?

Fellow Spurs - How many points from the next three games, what else matters?

Anyone else wanting to join in, solicit opinions etc. go for it.

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Mido eyes Spurs stay

2005-10-13T12:56:00.000+01:00

Mido eyes Spurs stay

Egyptian striker Ahmed 'Mido' Hossam has claimed that Tottenham are ready to sign him on a permanent basis from Roma.

The African forward moved to White Hart Lane on loan from Roma in January, with the two clubs agreeing a two-season deal.

Mido says Spurs have secured an option to purchase him at the end of the season and claims coach Martin Jol has indicated he will push through a deal in the summer.

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"Tottenham want to sign me permanently," Mido is reported as saying on Egyptianplayers.com. "Martin Jol is willing to make an offer to Roma.

"I can sign permanently for Spurs as I have a clause on my loan contract which gives Tottenham the right to sign me on a permanent basis for a fee worth €4.5 million."

Mido has started the season in fine form, although he is currently sidelined with a minor hamstring complaint, and has played a major part in helping Spurs up to third in the Premiership table.

http://www.djmixset.com/prideoflondon/forum/showthread.php?t=47

Football is about the fans!

2005-10-07T11:31:00.000+01:00

Whoever said that football attendances were falling in the Premiership needs to get themselves down the White Hart Lane, to witness the spectacle of great football, except that they can't. Why? Because the next 2 games against Everton and Arsenal have both sold out already.

Spurs fans will tell you it's because we play exciting football, and the recent win over Charlton certainly had many on the edge of their seats. Such gripping end-to-end stuff is what football is all about, and while other teams may look to defend a 1-0 lead, Spurs finally look like they have the courage to fight back, and regain some pride after a shocking upset in the Carling Cup.

So what makes a game exciting? Is it a pacey winger twisting and tricking his way through solid defences. Is it seeing the scoreline racking up goals, with strikers playing for International places, and club honours? Or is it well timed tackles?

In my opinion its about having hope. About holding on to the dream that you can still win a cup, or finish in a European place, or avoid relegation.

It seems to me that with all the political maneuvering in football, the actual game is becoming clouded. Why come out and annouce a team has already won, when it's the responsibility of the other teams to ensure that they don't. If we wanted to know the winner after 2 months of football, we would have a 2 month long league!

So managers need to get their teams playing football. They need to go out for the win, and get confidence flowing. Look where Arsenal and Man Utd are in the table. Yes it's early and I fully expect them to climb higher, but they are 2 clubs who came out and announced that they can't beat Chelsea. Charlton and Spurs haven't made such statements and confidence is flying, and both teams are doing well.

So if you want to fill a stadium with fans, give them some hope, something to scream and cheer about. Give them thrills, spills, tears and moments of joy. Football is about playing to win, showing off skills and entertaining the crowd, and whilst some tired and worn out pundits claim Chelsea have the title sewn up, and even if they do, its the other premiership clubs responsibility to make sure they don't.

I for one will be cheering every moment of football my team plays, be it win, lose or draw. The season isn't over until it's over.

BIG J

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Spurs Midfielders to leave - however they can

2005-10-04T10:44:00.000+01:00

Paul Jewell is preparing a January raid on Spurs to land summer transfer target Michael Brown, but faces a fight for his signature.

Spurs head coach Martin Jol has revealed he is prepared to off load midfielders as he has too many at the club and although he would like them to move on loan, it is thought a permanent move could be on the cards. Brown is no longer a first-team regular following a number of high-profile arrivals during the close season at White Hart Lane and although there would be plenty chasing his signature, including his former club Sheffield United, Wigan's start to the campaign means they would be favourites.

Jol said: "In midfield we have too many players.

"If they don't play they can always ask if they can go on loan and come back as better players. If it is difficult at our club maybe it is better to go on loan."

Jewell wanted to land Brown in the summer but he decided to stay and fight his way into the Spurs side, although that has not happened and he is up against an array of talent for a place in the side.

Brown being one of the older players at Spurs, doesn't really fit the clubs youth policy, while Davis is still young enough to learn new skills, and if he remains injury free, could play a role at the club. However both players look likely to leave the club via loan, or through permanent sale, as Spurs look to free up some space in their midfield heavy squad.

Jol has also stated that he is willing to listen to any loan deals his spare midfielders wish to make. It is thought that the likely men to leave on loan would be Brown, Davis and possibly Mendes, with a good spell at a loan club hopefully leading to their sale in January.

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Duo to miss Charlton clash

2005-09-30T10:13:00.000+01:00

Tottenham are set to be without central defender Michael Dawson and midfielder Michael Carrick for Saturday's trip to Charlton.

Dawson has missed the last three matches with a hamstring problem, while Carrick injured his ankle during the Carling Cup defeat to Grimsby. Both are making progress but are unlikely to be rushed back.

Noe Pamarot (knee) and winger Wayne Routledge (foot) are still sidelined.

Spurs (from): Robinson, Stalteri, Naybet, King, Young-pyo, Lennon, Reid, Jenas, Mendes, Davids, Defoe, Keane, Mido, Rasiak, Kelly, Cerny, Brown, Huddlestone, Bunjevcevic.

I didn't expect them to be fit anyway for Saturday, but at least we have decent cover inthese positions.

From the squad named, I'd keep the same team as Monday, but as I have said many times before.I'd drop Stalteri for Kelly,
The only other possable risk I would take is drop Jenas (You'd like that edgar) and replace him with Ried(only option) and bring Davids into the middle. With Charlto playing 5 in midfield, playing Edgar will balance it up (he's twice as good as any charlton midfielder).

What team would you all pick?

Discuss at new site,
http://www.djmixset.com/prideoflondon/forum/

Tottenham Hotspur - Le Championnat raid planned EXCLUSIVE

2005-09-29T10:10:00.000+01:00

New sporting director Damien Comolli is planning a cross-channel raid during his inaugural transfer window and his top priority is to recruit a new left-sided midfielder, writes Andrew Sleight.

clubcall understands that, after extensive discussions with the club's coaching staff, Comolli has been informed that there is a genuine need to add another outside-left to the squad following the loan departure of Reto Ziegler to Hamburg.

At present, Tottenham only have one player who is naturally-suited to that role - Andy Reid - although the Republic of Ireland international has experienced an indifferent start to the new season.

The general consensus amongst the backroom staff is that the squad needs extra competition on that flank and that one issue that needs to be dealt with is that the team must improve the quality of service from wide areas.

As a former Arsenal scout, Comolli - Frank Arnesen's replacement - realises that he needs to make an immediate impact in terms of unearthing quality players at viable prices.

During his time at Highbury, the 33-year-old spotted the likes of Gael Clichy and Kolo Toure and clubcall expects Comolli to stick to what he knows best - players from the French domestic scene.

One name that has already been linked with a possible move is Senegalese teenager Ousmane Sarr. Sarr, 18, worked with Comolli at St Etienne and has shown glimpses of outstanding potential.

Looks like the pieman could be on his way. I dont think he has the qaulity to last a premiship season. Every game he's started he has looked out of his depth.
Didn't take long for us to start being linked with french players. Dont get me wrong,if they are good enough we should sign them, but I dont want a reserve squard full of them, like the scum. Lets hope Levy puts his foot down if it does happen,afterall, he seems to want to buy the future England squad.

Does anyone know anything about this player we have been linked with.

Discuss at new site, http://www.djmixset.com/prideoflondon/forum/showthread.php?t=27

Hitman.

King's Future lies at the Lane

2005-09-28T10:41:00.000+01:00

Ledley King is to be handed a new five-year contract at White Hart Lane to keep him out of reach of rivals Chelsea and Arsenal

The England international signed a new deal before Euro 2004 but his displays since then have convinved Martin Jol that a fresh contract is needed with wages of £50,000 a week to put him on a par with the club's top earners.

Both Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger are thought to be admirers of King's and Jol wants to tie the centre-half down to a deal that would end any chance of him moving elsewhere.

I'm glad to see that we are giving long contracts to players like King.
It shows we mean business and that Levy has a long term plan as well for Spurs. With Robbo already signing a 7 year deal, it would also be nice to sign a few more of our younger, established stars on simular deals.

Lennon is also singing the praises of fellow midfielder Edgar David's. Aaron Lennon believes that his game has already improved after just a few weeks of training with the experienced International. If we can keep our squad for a long time, many of our youngsters could develop into top stars, as im sure is the plan of Jol and Levy.

So who is the next most important contract to extend?

Carrick, Defoe, Mido??????

Who would you sign on a 5-7 year deal?????????

You can discuss this story at:
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or click the title at the top of this post

New and improved blogging, for all Spurs fans, latest stories and discussions!

2005-09-23T16:13:00.000+01:00

If you want to discuss anything Spurs, write your own posts, or just read posts that have been submitted, come to http://www.djmixset.com/prideoflondon/forum/index.php?

Spurs struggle as "wounded Tigers" bite back

2005-09-19T09:32:00.000+01:00

Theres always something about a late kick-off game - the tension, the fact that you know the days results, and the intrepidation that this game could kick-start what at first glance appears to be an excellent season filled with promise.

Some-where along the line it all goes to pot, and at Villa our first half looked lethargic verging on 10 men who thought they were just out for a stroll, verging on utter utter "@#!$"...

JJ, and as much as it displeases me to say Carrick, were below par, with Jenas mainly at fault with a sloppy pass for the first goal, and he showed a frustrating ability to not want to make runs, and stand about 2 feet from carrick (WHY?) at all times.

Reidy looked fat and lazy, with Lee doing so much work probing and attacking down the left, its no wonder he struggled to contain Villa fast paced count-attacks.

Doesn't help when the two wing-backs as they almost were, can't even put in a killer cross, and the only guy to meet it doesn't even face the goal he's attacking. Rasiak really didn't look like doing anything - at all. His one little flick to Defoe which resulted in Keano's (who came on for Reids) excellently taken finish. The soft-foot shuffle Sky sports called it...

If it wasn't for Robinson, who trully was man of the match, we would have been battered. He pulled off so many excellent stops and saves he has certainly cemented Englands number 1 spot, imo.

This performance was not good enough, against a side with no real threats in their team (though Baros looked lively) - and it showed because our second half performance showed, we can play passing football against scrappy sides and do it well, we just need to do it for 90 minutes, and take our chances when they come. Taino take note, missing a sitter from 5 yards doesn't improve my mood.

Better against Grimsby and Fulham please.

Please comment here: http://www.djmixset.com/prideoflondon/forum/showthread.php?t=8

http://www.djmixset.com/prideoflondon/forum/showthread.php?p=227#post227

2005-09-17T10:15:00.000+01:00

http://www.djmixset.com/prideoflondon/forum/showthread.php?p=227#post227

New site for pride of london!

2005-09-16T14:48:00.000+01:00

http://www.djmixset.com/prideoflondon/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=1

Mido Looking to pledge future to WHL

2005-09-15T12:04:00.000+01:00

Mido, our young Egyptian star, revealed how, if given the chance he "would love" to sign on as a permanent player for spurs "for 6 or seven years".

Given his recent temperament Mido is currently battling against his 3 match ban - issued after a dubious red card for "an elbow" during Tottenhams recent clash with Chelsea.

With a lot of rumours circulating around WHL over the summer about prospective strikers coming in and going out, would Mido look to be a future player for Spurs?

In my opinion, i would like him to sign, i think he can only improve, and could be an a asset to the future. The one thing he needs to work on is his temper, he needs to have the passion and desire he has shown in games, yet curb reckless challenges. Whilst I disagree with his sending off, i do accept that i was a challenge he didn't need to make, and from the distance he went up for the ball from, he was never going to win it.

Would Mido be your choice with Defoe when he returns? Should Rasiak still play? Are Barnard and El Hamidou pushing for a place?

As always your opinions and thoughts are welcomed...

Pride of London Forums in BETA testing

2005-09-14T17:00:00.000+01:00

Hi guys - as whispered their is a new Pride of London site being constructed as we speak.

we're posting a link to the FORUMS which we have launched in their BETA stages.Guests can leave posts, but registered users can do so much more!!

http://www.djmixset.com/prideoflondon/forum/

Go to the forums and click register in top left corner.

Its easy, just enter email and create a username and password, and your done.

This is a temporary webpage and many changes will follow. We urge you to be patient as we try to improve this site for the good of spurs fans everywhere...

Please sign up, membership is free - we'd love to see you there.

Pride of London team :)

ALSO commenting is now available on this post. Please use it for FORUM related problems you may be having, or questions.

Pride of London? Is London the Pride of England?

2005-09-14T11:22:00.000+01:00

6! That's how many of the 20 teams currently in the top flight play in London. 3! That's how many London teams pundits, bookies and fans feel will finish in the top 6, (well, maybe not Boro' or Bolton fans)!. So it seems for now at least, after years of the North dominating top flight domestic and European football through teams such as, Liverpool, Leeds and Manchester Utd, it seems like London is finally lifting the south into the upper tears of European and World football. 2/4 English rerisentitive's in this year's Champions league reside in London.
But this brings me to the question, who IS the 'Pride of London'. We have, Fulham, West Ham, Charlton, Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea currently in Top flight football. Chelsea are currently Champions of England and favourite's for the European cup, just edging out Barcelona. We have Arsenal, who play beautiful football at times, but seem to rely heavily on Henry, 6 weeks without him, could prove Spurs fans wrong we were about how important he is to Arsenal's success. Then you have West Ham, Charlton and Fulham, the latter 2 being makeweights in the prem really. Charlton seem to start well every year, then when Europe is looking possible they lose the last 6 games of the season. Fulham, well, they've never really settlerd, apart from 1 decent year in the premiership, during Coleman's first year in charge, all they've done is spend the season surviving relegation. West Ham, back where they belong, I do really view these as a premiership team, they were arguably the best team ever relegated, with over half of that team currently playing in the premiership today. They also have a proven youth academy, producing players like, Lampard, Cole, Ferdinand, Carrick, Defoe.....

Chelsea. Well, although they have achieved so much under Mourinho, in quite a short time, they have been blessed with a bottomless pit of money. They also seem unsettled as a team, they haven't really put too many really attractive displays of football together, and although I do respect their 'do what it takes, as long as we win' attitude, it doesn't endeer me to them. They also have no history as big team, winning their first league title for 50 years last year.
For me they are not a team London can be proud of.

Arsenal. They play arguably the most attractive football in Europe, but refuse to change this no matter what it cost's them. Sometime's they probably should play like Chelsea, they seem to lack the will to win, as long as they lose pretty. They never achieve in Europe due to this, Liverpool's pure determination all the way through the competition was what got them success last time around.

Spurs. Well, Spurs have been famed for their style of play for as long as the team have been around. We have been mocked for trying to win the Spurs way, even though we didn't have players good enough to do this. But now we finally have. Spurs have been the most active team in the transfer market over the last 2 years, and look like finally becoming a force again. Spurs have a great history as a football club. The first (and only) Non-League team to win the FA Cup, the first team (post 1900) to do the league and FA Cup double.Spurs are also one of the only teams never to be (legitimately) relegated from the top flight.

So who is the Pride of London?