Jenas begins the top four talk
By: Gary |
Add Comments
A season punctured by underachievement draws to a close tomorrow as Liverpool visit White Hart Lane, and already talk has started of breaking into the top four of the Premier League next season.
Midfielder Jermaine Jenas has got the ball rolling with comments in the press, this Spurs team have what it takes to make the giant leap forward.
I really hoped we would learn from our comments made in the media last season, and go about our business a little more quietly next term, but it seems already that by August there will again be a sense of expectation looming over the Lane.
Ambition should never be thwarted, for it is this very ingreident which will help bring success but just maybe we should learn a few lessons from being left red-faced this term, as we sit some 34 points shy of the North London neighbours Arsenal, we were supposed to finish above.
I do not blame Jenas for his comments of aiming for the top four next season, in fact his refreshing attitude should be praised. I suspect it is the journalist who was more interested in fuelling our fight for Champions League football, than Jenas himself. He got his story, fair play to the guy.
After all we are an ideal club for journos to feast into for waves of optimism - I just hope they are not false this time.
The prospect of gatecrashing the ‘Big Four’ is still a pipeline dream at this moment in time. In our way stand four sides who all made it through to the last eight of teh European Cup. We are some way off of that standard it has to be said. The summer of transfer activity will determine what realistic hopes we have of making the dream come true when we kick-off in August. Serious work has to be done to bridge the gap.
Confidence is brimming around the club after a season stamped with silverware and if we beat Champions League quarter-finalists Liverpool tomorrow, it will only get higher.
This factor coupled with the belief Juande Ramos has instilled into the squad, plus a few quality signings, maybe people will be right to talk about us in the same breath as the Premiership big guns, but I think it is time for an air of caution.
Everyone related with the club dreams of us making the leap into the top four but lets not go blowing our trumpet too early.
COYS
Category: PlayersSpurs Notes:
By: Richard | 7 Comments
*** Jonathan Woodgate has singlehandedly made our defense of corners go from poor to stout. Is it just me that sees this? I swear that 90% of corners taken against us since Woodgates arrival end up on his head.
*** I love the Gennaro Gattuso rumors that are swirling. I don’t see it happening because of salary issues but from my own personal point of view it sounds great. With Flamini signing a four year deal to play at the San Siro I think it’s safe to say that Rino could be on his way out of Milan, no suprise there. Our need of a defensive Midfielder makes him an obvious choice, but our need of fire, determination and true toughness makes Gattuso even more attractive. After all, if there’s one thing Spurs do lack it’s fire.
*** All the Berbatov out and Eto’o in rumors are getting stale. With Berba rejecting a 90,000 pound a week offer from Spurs in order to move to a team in the CL, Spurs will be looking to add another forward to the squad…. But is Eto’o the answer? I suppose it will really just depend upon his play should he make the move, but one thing is clear to me, should we bring in players with the experience of a Samuel Eto’o or a Rino Gattuso we would be bringing in proven winners at the highest level, something Spurs may well have been lacking over the past handful of seasons.
*** Why… WHY WHY WHY WHY are we ever linked to Anton Ferdinand? I think this makes it twice in the last two years that there have been at least some grumblings to the effect of Rio’s brother coming to the Lane. I can do without seeing that happen.
*** Gilberto looked very good Saturday. In fact he’s looked a little better each time he’s played… Of course his debut v. PSV started the bar very, very low for the Brazilian International.
*** I was hoping Spurs could secure the services of Lassana Diarra in January, though it was no surprise that Arsenal would prefer to deal with just about any other team on the planet before sending a player to Spurs. Now it appears we could once again make an effort to bring the Midfielder to the Lane. I’m sure Pompy would stand to make a profit on their January purchase since Arsenal sold the Frenchman at a cut rate. He could still stand to be a bargain for Juande Ramos as he’s both talented and young.
COYS!
08/09 Kits Revealed
By: Richard | 10 Comments
There you have it Spurs fans, the 08/09 kits are here. The home kit has a similar cut to the 125th 07/08 shirt with the exception of a smaller Mansion logo and blue trim. The away will be light blue this year, with a cut similar to last years road shirt. And finally the third kit for 08/09 will be black!… I’m going for the third for myself. What do you think Spurs fans? COYS!
Time to worry?
By: Gary | 5 Comments
Should we be worried under the stewardship of Juande Ramos?
If we listen to Younes Kaboul, then yes, we should. A case of the Frenchmen’s sour grapes at a lack of first team chances? Maybe. But I am still concerned.
Something is wrong in the Spurs camp at present and if we listen to Kaboul, its effects could be devastating. For weeks now, ‘our season over’ has been the excuse for a string of poor displays. I fear the problems may be worse. We have won just two league games since the Carling Cup triumph. Alarm bells ringing.
There is plenty to be positive about of course with the recent signing of Luka Modric and instant addition of silveware, very true, but I am afraid a lot of what Younes says makes perfect sense and explains a lot.
We can brush aside his comments in the press with ease,
but it may not make them go away.
Ramos has a master tactical streak, for that there can be little doubt, but his communication skills leave a lot to be desired in my honest opinion.
Where is his bond with the players? I have yet to see it.
Where is his bond with the fans? I have yet to see it.
Kaboul has probably said too much and come this time next season the Spaniard may be hailed our very own ’special one’, but with Ramos keeping his cards close to his chest and positioning himself as an unknown quantity, it makes him hard to judge.
If you judge him on signings and trophies, he gets a big tick in the box.
If you mark him on results against the ‘big’ four, the same applies but as of yet so many other crucial factors to success appear grey areas.
Maybe I am still struggling to accept Juande Ramos is not Martin Jol. But not knowing quite what is happening inside the very Spurs camp, makes me anxious. And makes me worried.
Why would Kaboul lie?
He won’t be here next season, that is confirmed now. I hope he is wrong but respect his opinions even if expressed in the worng manner.
They are too strong to be ignored! We may have a problem and will have to wait months for the answers.
Younes Kaboul…. Stop Talking
By: Richard | 4 Comments
Is there even a shred of truth to what Younes Kaboul has said about his manager Juande Ramos over the past few days or does the entire thing just stink of ‘player upset over not being good enough to get first team football’?
Kaboul hasn’t appeared for the first team since Spurs were thrashed 4-1 away v. Birmingham. Let’s just say that again: Pissed player has not seen first team football since we lost 4-1 to a team we should realistically have a chance of beating on the road. With Kaboul and Dawson as the center back pair Spurs conceded goals left and right and looked unorganized during set pieces. Enter Jonathan Woodgate and exit Younes Kaboul and we suddenly allow less goals… and that’s without even mentioning how we have improved when defending set pieces, once our real Achilles heal.
Kaboul’s comments are just moronic and only serve to highlight his own ignorance. “I played the entire first half of the season but since the change of manager, I have not played.”…. Really? Does it even dawn upon him that it may well have been HIS play that made us a poor defending team? Here are a few more gems:
“Tactically it has changed a bit, perhaps,” said Kaboul. “But then, in terms of personality, Martin was a character. For us, he was a father-figure, whereas Ramos, it is just tactics and nothing else. In training, we do a lot of 11 v 0 and stuff on the blackboard to work on our progress with the ball. Ramos has brought us that, but nothing else. What has saved us this season is the Carling Cup. People say we won the Carling Cup because Ramos arrived at the club, but that has nothing to do with him. We would have won it with Martin Jol.” -Apparently Younes longs for some sort of father-son relationship. I can’t speak for what sort of programs are available in London but here in the States there are many big brother organizations for children that are fatherless. Perhaps Younes would be a prime candidate?
“I have had no explanation from him. He doesn’t talk, with anyone. Communication doesn’t exist with him. He isn’t playing me? That is his choice - I respect it, I am a professional.” -I was unaware that the term “professional” could be used to describe an unhappy employee who airs all his dirty laundry via the press. Great job here by Younes… Just hand in a transfer and do us all a favor. Spurs paid 8 million pounds for a defender that can’t defend, yet it’s the defender that is pissed?? Grow up please.
“Ramos has not really given me a chance. When a player doesn’t have the confidence of his coach, he can’t do much on the pitch. But when a coach has confidence in you, you take the handbrake off and you race away.” -Please… race far, far away.
I think it’s safe to say that we have a grade A flop of a signing on our hands. I think it’s also safe to say that Younes Kaboul will be playing elsewhere in 08/09. COYS!
Ramos reels in Luka Modric
By: Richard | 8 Comments
Nothing like swooping in and grabbing the player you want right off the bat. If you missed it, Tottenham Hotspur have signed Dinamo Zagrab and Croatian Attacking Midfielder Luka Modric for a fee reported to be around 15.8 million on a five year deal, though many sources report the fee will climb a bit over the 20 million pound mark once a few clauses pay out.
So there you have it. We’ve begun to address the need for a few quality midfielders with Modric. He has the ability to play both on the left as he does with Dinamo Zagreb or in the middle as he does with Croatia. Odds are he will be playing in the middle for Spurs, where we need help desperately.
Modric pointed out Juande Ramos as the main factor for coming to Spurs. “I am very lucky and proud to be here in London at Tottenham. I am also happy that the coach Juande Ramos wanted me, it is the most important thing that the coach wants you as a player. I want to show that I have the quality for Tottenham and the English Premier League and help the club achieve big results.”
Spurs beat out Newcastle United for the signature of the 22 year old as well as a few other, as yet, unnamed teams (Chelsea?). ” It is right that many clubs in England were interested in taking me, but my favourite from the first meeting was Tottenham because I am a big fan of coach Ramos.”
There you have it. Spurs have yet again splashed the cash in hopes of breaking into the Champions League. Is Modric the answer? Well, he may be part of the answer as Spurs midfield is definitely the area of need. Now for a new tackling midfielder and left wing! COYS!
P.S. I’m not going to touch our fourth lackluster 1-1 draw in a row… Though I was upset with the play of Jenas in particular… Funny that news of Modric’s signing came the same day as yet another disappointing outing by Jenas…. hmmmmm
Spurs Notes:
By: Richard | 2 Comments
-Jamie O’Hara is definitely no left back. I read quite a few ‘player rater’ blogs that scored his performance from Saturday’s draw at the JJB as rather decent. I thought he looked well out of place and every time Wigan tried to make a run down their right side it seemed to be there for the taking. It didn’t help that Zokora was also playing on the right at the heart of the defense. Emil Heskey’s goal took full advantage of their combined play on that side.
-The pitch at the JJB was just unacceptable Saturday. I have parks around the block from me that have a better quality playing surface. Still, Wigan have created a bit of a stronghold there making it surprisingly difficult for visiting teams to walk away with many points. I just wonder how much of that is created by their sub par pitch?
-Gus Poyet had made mention after the Middlesbrough draw a couple weeks ago that Spurs needed to take advantage of their chances and develop a bit of killer instinct when they are already up a goal. Well, they failed to add to the scoreline again Saturday. What ever happened to the team that couldn’t stop scoring but had a tough time stopping other teams? Remember the horrid defense on set pieces? Well, Juande, with some help from the arrival of Jonathan Woodgate and Alan Hutton, has remedied that ill. So why now are we struggling to put the ball in the back of the net with any regularity?
-Aaron Lennon looked great Saturday. It’s been awhile since he’s looked that confident and impressive overall. It seemed ridiculous that rumors of his departure had started circulating, after all, how many players are there (that Spurs could realistically acquire) that could be a drastic improvement?
-Spurs don’t have a single player (active/Gareth Bale) that can put a free kick on goal. The opportunities are wasted as soon as they’re given.
-Samuel Eto’o has been linked to Spurs… which means he’ll sign an extension to stay at the Nou Camp for four more years in a week or two.
COYS!
How will Spurs Squad Look in 08/09?
By: Richard | 5 Comments
How will Spurs Squad Look in 08/09? No, I don’t mean the kits, though we’ll stand to know how those look long before my real question is answered. What I’m wondering is who will still be part of this team come next September once the window shuts and all the endless speculation comes to an end? The recent Berbatov rumors are no surprise but more of an ever present issue with the player and his bloodsucking vampire agent Emil Dantchev constantly pushing for a move. Add to that the recent news that Ledley King, of all players, could possibly move on and Spurs fans must be wondering what players will even be recognizable in a few months. The following possition by possition breakdown will not include players on loan but players who have been actively featuring under Juande Ramos, so let’s take a look:
Goalkeepers:
P.Robinson; R. Cerney
Cerney’s contract is up and I’m sure Spurs would have extended him by now if they wanted to keep him. His goal-kicks are just horrid anyway but he did provide some stability when Robinson’s confidence was floundering. Paul Robinson needs to move on at this point. He may well provide some other top flight club with a solid presence in goal but his time with Spurs is really at an end.
Returning Players: 0/2
Center Half:
L. King; J. Woodgate; M. Dawson; R. Rocha; Y. Kaboul
Everything hinges on Mr. King. If he’s healthy I think he’ll be back. Should that be the case I think we’ll see Micheal Dawson move on as Spurs will undoubtedly make a move for a third central defender to work in with King and Woodgate. If King moves on there will be a more pressing need to acquire a top flight defender to work with Woodgate, this could well increase the probability that Michael Dawson will stay. In other words if Dawson is part of the three man rotation at the heart of the defense I can see him remaining with the club, if not he’ll be playing elsewhere. Kaboul is still young, so unless Ramos sees nothing in him he should be with Spurs. Last, has Rocha played this year? Or at the least under Juande? What a horrible signing. He’s gone.
Returning Players: 3/5
Full Backs:
G. Bale; A. Hutton; P. Chimbonda; C. Gunter; Gilberto; Y.P. Lee; B. Assou-Ekotto
Bale and Hutton are going no where and are our two finest young players. Once our weakness, full back looks to be a strength for years to come. Hard to figure out Chimbonda, but I’d say he’s done with us as he’s grown very inconsistent. Gunter and Gilberto, both being Ramos signings, will be with the team for the near future no doubt. Lee seems to be headed for PSV this summer as he’s featured less and less under Ramos. Benoit Assou-Ekotto should be done with Spurs… My happiness over this stems from never having to try to spell his name again… And the fact that he’s NEVER healthy. Adios!
Returning Players: 4/7
Midfielders:
A. Lennon; J. Jenas; D. Zokora; S. Malbranque; T. Huddlestone; J. O’Hara; K.P. Boateng; T. Tianio; A. Taarabt
I can’t even pretend to know what’s going to happen here but I think it’s safe to say that when it comes to the players that have featured most under Ramos in the midfield: Lennon, Jenas, Malbranque, Zokora and Huddlestone that at least a few will see fewer minutes or perhaps be on a different club altogether as new talent comes in. Lennon, though there have been rumors to the contrary, should stick. He’s too young with too much potential. Zokora has proved valuable, but more so as a defender during our mid-year injury crisis. Huddlestone may never develop into the player they envision due to his lack of quickness when defending. Malbranque should remain and is a constant worker. Hard to see Jenas’ future but he would make an excellent backup to the type of attaking midfielder Spurs will be looking to acquire this summer. O’ Hara has done all that’s asked of him under Ramos and it’s a plus that he’s left footed. Tainio has been a nice piece, should there be room for him on the squad is up in the air. Taarabt is still one for the future at only 18. Boateng seems to be a failed signing. New signings will definitely displace the spots of many players when it’s all said and done.
Returning Players: 6/9
Forwards:
R. Keane; D. Berbatov; D. Bent
Keane is a Tottenham Hotspur for life (I hope). Bent has been showing signs and it’s doubtful that Spurs could recoup much of what they paid for him, so he should remain. Berbatov seems set to force a move to a Champions League squad. If Spurs can get their valuation of the Bulgarian in return it would give Ramos a massive amount of transfer funds to work with. I just see it as an inevitable move and at this point I just hope he lands in Spain or Italy so that I can still cheer for him.
Returning Players: 2/3
So there you have it. These are all just my opinions of course, that being said I’m open to hearing from other Spurs fans. Do you see something I don’t? One thing is clear, moves will happen.
COYS!
Pattern of Disappointing Play Continues
By: Richard | 4 Comments
The season has been over for some time for the boys of N17. A UEFA Cup spot was secured back in February and there’s really no where to go, up or down in league, so why bother? That’s the attitude we’ve been seeing from just about every member of Tottenham Hotspur over the past couple months. A fleeting moment of desire here and there (4-4 draw v. Chelsea, 4-0 win v. West Ham) but those results have been laced with lackluster effort after lackluster effort (4-1 loss to Birmingham, 4-1 loss to Newcastle).
Saturday’s game at the Lane against Middlesbrough was somewhere in between. I like to look at it like this: was a 1-1 draw at the Lane a good result for Brough? Yes, I’d say it was. They came to the Lane, not the easiest place to play, went down a goal and walked out with a point. How about Spurs? Should we have taken all three points against a team below us on the table when we’re at home? Yes. Saturday’s draw showed yet again that this team is in cruise control. Here are a few issues I had:
- Was our goal a nice piece of work out of Berbatov, flicking the ball over his head and to the other side of the box where Lennon was waiting? Or simply a bit of luck as the pass fortuitously found Lennon who wasn’t even able to complete his intended pass to Keane. The ball found it’s way into the net but not in the most stylish of fashions. To me the goal was created just as much out of luck as it was skill.
- Opportunity would come here and there for Spurs who would be unable to capitalize on their chances for the rest of the game. Berbatov, upon failing to further Spurs lead more then once, would be all smiles. He doesn’t seem to care all that much at this point when he fails to take advantage of his chances, unlike earlier in the season. It got me to thinking: How many times has Berbatov spoiled wonderful chances this year, hitting the cross bar or post or perhaps just sending the ball over the goal all together, when Spurs have been in control with a lead, only to see that lead disappear? The team ends up with a draw, like Saturday, or a loss. He’ll be off somewhere this summer and, if the cash is right, it might not be a bad thing. He’s class, but his shots aren’t always as clinical as they should be.
- Still, it was the combined effort of Berbatov and Keane that allowed Spurs to attack Middlesbrough as the midfield looked terribly disappointing.
* Lennon caused some problems but still couldn’t complete a cross. Was subbed for Bent in an effort to claim 3 points.
* Malbranque was non existent all game (was there a shoot out going on?) then was subbed for Huddlestone who allowed Downing about 5-7 yards worth of space to shoot for the equalizer.
* Jenas got just enough of his head on that shot for it to carry into the goal and away from Cerny, and to be honest it was the only touch he had all game that was even marginally memorable.
* Zokora had a nice run that amounted to nothing but he did his part…. still trying to remember what that is exactly.
There was little life in the squad and, from my point of view, even less disappointment on the faces of the players after getting a result that should be considered less then positive. There’s no pressure on the players aside from playing for a spot on next years squad, so one would think that the overall play would improve. That just hasn’t been the case. The result was what the team deserved. Spurs controlled the first half, got a goal and then failed to add to their lead. Middlesbrough came out in the second half, and got the equalizer so to be honest the score was an accurate representation of the flow of play. That being said I suppose I’m just hoping for the flow of play to start going Spurs way a bit more often during this last month. COYS!
Tags: Team News, Blogroll, Players, Game Review, Berbatov, Keane, Jenas, Lennon, Tottenham Hotspur, Tag IndexThierry Henry may go Where?????
By: Richard | 3 Comments
The past few days have seen the name of Arsenal legend, Spurs killer and current Barcelona forward Thierry Henry thrown around in the gossip column. It appears that Barcelona, after just one year, could be looking to move the Frenchmen this summer with a host of English clubs reportedly chomping at the bit to acquire him. Many of the usual names have been linked, Man City, West Spam, Newcastle and (wait for it….. wait for it……) Tottenham Hotspur.
I’m sure this isn’t breaking news to most as the rumor was circulating pretty well as of yesterday but I still have to see it in print, take my time and read every single syllable just to begin to understand. Thierry Henry rumored to return to North London. All right, that one I can understand. Thierry Henry rumored to go to Spurs this summer. See, I don’t get that one. It just doesn’t make sense. Sure I can see the logic, should we loose Berbatov and rake in a major transfer fee there’s no question that someone will have to take the Bulgarians spot. But THE man who has stabbed countless Spurs fans right in the heart over and over again?
The image of Henry running around and scoring goals at White Hart Lane isn’t at all strange, but seeing him wearing all while while he’s doing it would certainly be. Think about how difficult it was for Spurs fans to embrace George Graham a few years back. He helped Spurs win the League Cup in 1999 but that wasn’t enough to forget the years that he managed and played for the Scum.
Players seem to carry a bit of a different image then managers of course. If Henry were to score 30 goals in a Lilywhite shirt and win a cup or two next year the pain MAY go away, but even that is doubtful. No, the ultimate opportunity for a former Arse player like Henry to earn a bit of respect from Spurs fans could only come during the North London Derby itself. Wear the shirt and beat the Gooners, then MAYBE.
It’s so difficult to even consider this a possibility that I had to write about it. Spurs are very rarely, if ever, not linked to a player. That being said this tabloid trash has little to no real value but if a rumor such as this could get such a strong negative reaction from many Spurs fans just imagine the shock were it to happen.
Rumors such as this one and the Ronaldinho rumor are just the tip of the iceberg… Hang on Spurs fans. This is going to be a tumultuous summer! COYS!
- On a side note I just want to be the first to congratulate Arsenal, Arsene Wenger and the rest of his boys on winning zero cups this year. I couldn’t be happier!
Home 
