One hell of a week…

By: Gary | July 20th, 2008

Spurs Offside look back at an action-packed week in N17 with the rumour mill gathering pace as we edge closer to the new campaign…

Spurs steal tips Jordan

The week began with a stroke of excellent news for Tottenham after the tribunal was held to conclude the deal seeing John Bostock join White Hart Lane from across the capital.

Juande Ramos escaped proceedings being told to pay just £700,000 for the Eagles’ 16-year-old gem.

After Spurs had previously offered Palace more in the original deal - the South London Chairman Simon Jordan was left seething. And rightly so.

He has seen one of his club’s brightest ever talents stolen right from under his nose at a pittance. You have to laugh. After all it makes a change for Spurs to get the right side of a bargain these days.

But Jordan’s fury could not be any more justified. Who are we to be the enforcer of such sporting robbery? I am afraid it is just one of the many signs of the demise to the game of football.

On this occasion we have profited but who is to say years down the line we may not turn victim to a similar instance. And if Bostock does become merely the next Wayne Routledge, the club should probably take a long hard look at themselves. We owe it to our fellow Football League clubs and the best young English players, to act honourably.

I hope this is not just another example of the game’s biggest clubs exerted their powers, simply because they can. I hope Tottenham are better than that.

Poyet laughs at United

After the first piece of excellent news last week, a second shortly followed.

Amidst rising speculation the Spurs No 2 Gus Poyet could be moving to Old Trafford to become Sir Alex Ferguson’s new right-hand man - the Uruguayan proved the gossip was just that. Pure rumour.

With the future of several of the club’s most prized personnel still hanging finely in the balance, Poyet gave the club such a welcomed boost.

While the press would have us think the club was close to collapse, ‘Gus’ stepped in to explain it as myth.

He said the thought of leaving either the team’s manager or players could not be further from his mind. Simply brilliant. What a lift this news provided us with.

A departing quartet?

Next up came a quite simply outrageous transfer bid from Premiership rivals Sunderland.

The Black Cats boss Roy Keane was reported to have launched a £23 million offer for the services of Younes Kaboul, Teemu Tainio, Pascal Chimbonda and Steed Marlbranque.

With it well documented Ramos was looking to trim the squad for further summer strengthening this somewhat crazy transfer pitch gradually became quite appealing.

Ramos’ resolve to tighten his ranks was tested to the ultimate. Could he have the nerve to enforce the shake-up he had promised?

The more we thought about the deal the more it seemed good money. It is crazy but just maybe it was going to happen. Until Kaboul hit the press room.

The Frenchmen stoked the fire claiming he wouldn’t move to Weirside even if there was an earthquake. His skills talking to the media still need brushing up. It is not the first time this year he has caused a stir in the newspapers.

Meanwhile, ‘Chimbo’ was quick to meet with ‘Keano’ and is understood to be close to agreeing terms with the club. Since the arrival of Alan Hutton, I suspect there will not be many fans sad to see the back of him despite spells of solidity at the club.

While seeing the back Tainio and Marlbranque would be a little more disappointing, I think it is probably within their best interests to seek new challenges after some of the names enrolled this summer.

This week should bring a conclusion. The departure of all four would not be a surprise. Although I doubt they will all rock up at the Stadium of Light.

Levy blasts United and Liverpool

With the speculation still rife surrounding the futures of Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane, Daniel Levy attempted to appease fans with a statement of intent published on the club’s official website slamming the chasing parties.

While it is honourable to see such fight to retain our most valuable assets, it remains to be seen whether this will have influence on the players’ destination come August.

While the reports linking Keane away from the club have angered me greatly, I believe our chances of retaining the Bulgarian are slim. And if possible even slimmer after this week’s events

A good effort Levy it must be said but actions are needed not words.

If they are still here when the transfer window slams shut he can bask in the plaudits. But until then, maybe we should put it down to a top piece of PR.

Wing duo still on the cards

David Bentley and Diego Capel may still grace the Spurs colours next season, it emerged this week.

While Aston Villa pulled the plug on a further move for the Blackman man, Capel admitted his head could be turned by a bid from former boss Ramos.

While both players are valued at £17 million, the sale of others now seems somewhat essential for these deals to materialise. But we should not give up hope yet.

Just seven days ago the chance of signing either of these talents seemed next to none. But perhaps we should take heart from the new found glimmer.

This week has given us the green light to chase our men.

Berbatov fined?

The Bulgarian was docked £40,000 of wages according to the Sunday newspapers, for continuing his sulks at our pre-season regime in Spain.

You can toss a coin as to whether you believe the stories but I sense things may be turning particularly nasty regarding Berbatov’s future and inevitable exit.

This claim is strengthened with further reports Sir Alex Ferguson is plotting a legal case after Levy’s comments towards the Red Devils on Friday.

I have a sneaky feeling this deal is destined not to run smoothly.

If next week provides us with half as much drama, we could be in for an absolute cracker.

Check back on the Spurs Offside for the latest reaction from events in the Tottenham camp.