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Friday 31 December 2010

Tottenham's greatest moment of 2010

So with 2011 arriving almost as quick as the unrest at Man City did, let's take a look at what was your best moment in a very successful calender year for Spurs.

Was it when Couchy scored in Eastlands to bring us Champions League football?

Was it when Danny Rose score 'that' goal to give us our first League win against Arsenal for to long?

Or could it have been when Bale scored as we beat Chelsea or maybe the moment when we toppled the European Champions at the lane 3-1 last month?

Comment your greatest moment in 2010 as we reminisce a fantastic year for the club under Harry.

Regards.

Thursday 30 December 2010

Ronaldinho open to move

Want away Brazil legend Ronaldinho has hinted that he may stay in Europe amid reports he'd packed his bags ready to move back to his native homeland.

"It seems clear his time with the Rossoneri is at an end and a meeting is planned for today [Wednesday]," Assis, Ronaldinho's agent, told Sky Sport Italia. "I will speak to Galliani and we'll decide what to do.

"There are many Brazilian clubs interested in Ronaldinho, but I won't rule out a European move."

Lucrative would be an understantement if 'Arry were to consider a move for the former world player of the year. We're hardly short in attacking midfield, although I'd rather have him in our armoury than not. The player would bring a wealth of experience that would help the younger players at the club and would provide good depth that could prove pivotal in bringing us Champions League football once again.

Regards.

Wednesday 29 December 2010

Dzeko set to sign

BBC Sport have today announced that money bags City have moved for Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko.

Wolfsburg general manager Dieter Hoeness has declined to comment, while club spokesman Gerd Voss told BBC Sport: "We will not speculate on this.

"The silly season has begun with the January window about to open. We had it in the summer with Dzeko and we have it now again but we will not comment."

The Bosnian forward has a buy-out clause of around thirty million squid and with City's pockets seemingly bottomless, a bit of change is always lying about.

It would be unclear on the motives for Dzeko to want to move to City; I'm guessing the boy loves the Europa League and wants to be part of the unrest in a team that has ruined the Premier League. I'm certain money would not be something he'd dare to even consider.

Still though, another good win yesterday and there's no reason why we can't finish above City this season.

Regards.

Sunday 26 December 2010

The special one at Tottenham


Oh where would we be without Rafael Van der Vaart. I love the guy. For a long time we as fans had been hoping a club of Tottenham's stature could bring in a genuine world class footballer. No "hot prospects" or "he'll be good in ten years time" jobs, a player that's currently enjoying his peak and would really push Tottenham to another level. We have that player.

It's becoming easier by the week to see this guy write his name into the record books at Spurs, one way or another, and let's hope he's found a permanent home at the Lane. The guy breezed home with the MOTM award today and despite our defence holding their nerve for a composed finish, there was never any doubt our Dutch magician would bring it home.

After Defoe saw red just half hour into the game, it was easy to see it being 'one of those days' where we'd walk away from Villa Park talking about what 'should've' and 'could've' happened. But the whole team pulled themselves together and today's game really highlighted our improvement over the last few years; and how poor Martin Atkinson is as a referee, and im not isolating Defoe's incident. Rafa further showing that depsite a month out he can still do a job upfront alone, you'd never guess that was out of position for him.

Three points leave us just a point behind Chelsea and 5 behind City, who've played a game more.

Rafa, we love you.

Regards.

Saturday 25 December 2010

Crouchy talks Christmas, karaoke and x factor

Crouchy talks crimbo last year.

Question 1: A few weeks ago you told us you were backing Jedward in the X factor- were you gutted when they were voted out?
Question 2: As footballer, do you still get to enjoy traditional Christmas dinner?
Question 3: What would you like to find in your Christmas stocking?
Question 4: Liverpool fans used to sing about your feet sticking out the bed- do you still have that problem?
Question 5: Which player did you try to copy when you were a kid?
Question 6: Has the inconsistency of the Spurs team in recent weeks been frustrating?
Question 7: Does it help your push for a top four spot that you're not involved in Europe this season?
Question 8: Do you have a karaoke song of choice?

Merry Christmas and enjoy!




"He is a good player who has done a great job"

'Arry has ruled out a move for Blackburn's giant of a centre half Christopher Samba. For the first time in ages we could probably play a whole team of centre backs and this is not an area we're struggling in. With only two spots to fill and with Ledley, Daws, Kaboul, Gallas, Khumalo, Bassong and with Woodgate returning to fitness, adding Samba to that list would give competition a new meaning.

"He is a good player who has done a great job," Redknapp said. "He has been a fantastic signing for Blackburn from Germany. But I am okay, I am strong at centre half. So he is not a player I would be looking to do anything with."

With the January sales just around the corner, our main aim should be looking to shift a few bench warmers from the wage bill and possibly look to bring in another forward. Although, the task of bringing in a striker that can settle and knock in enough goals to bring us fourth spot once again is a gruelling challenge but a bold move that we should look into doing.

3 points tomorrow will do me for Christmas.

Regards.

Friday 24 December 2010

Robbie's new club.

The demise of once-hero Robbie Keane has been a sad site that we've had to endure as the season's have passed us by. The striker who was our joint top scorer in the 2007/2008 season alongside the sulky Bulgarian now finds his game time extremely limited having fallen down the pecking order at White Hart Lane. Alex McLeish feels he has a new home for Robbie at Birmingham after dropping a hint that he would be in the market for the ROI forward.

He said in the Daily Mail: "I'm going to be working with the board to bring enhancement to the forward area. That's a priority.

"We want to enhance our assault on the second half of the season. I have a fast and athletic forward in Cameron Jerome and I have a tall forward with Nikola Zigic.

"I'm now looking for someone with a bit of guile and craft and I've identified that type of player."

A part of me would be sad to see our old hero go once again and for the last time. Although, the boys not getting a look and we need real competition for places if we are to propel into the Champions League once again.

Regards.

Wednesday 22 December 2010

Gio's big disappointment

Signed from Barca under Ramos, Giovani has never really lived up to the expectation and the hype that flew over from Spain with him just over two years ago. Hindered by injury, Gio gave a new definition to the word 'frustrating' and it has become quite clear that the Mexican does not feature in Harry's plans this season with competition for places pushing an all time high at Tottenham.


After a successful World Cup in which Gio proved to be a star and showed that he still has 'it', his future with us seemed to be back on a more steady path than the rocky road he has currently endured in his time with us. After loan moves to Ipswich and Galatasary, it is now being reported that Zaragoza are the next club in line to take Gio on for the rest of the season.


There is no questioning the forward's ability, but it has become clear that there is no room in the inn at Tottenham and maybe the best thing would be to just sell the young Mexican. If it were down to me I'd try him upfront as the boy has shown he can score goals; although, this option doesn't look likely.


It pains me to say it, but maybe we should sell the boy. His career isn't progressing in North London and there's no point having him being paid to watch our games instead of taking part every week.


Regards.

Tuesday 21 December 2010

Luka IS staying at Spurs

One of our many golden boys of the season have once again inevitably been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane in January, this time it being our midfield dynamo Luka Modric. Reports flew around today that Chelsea were looking to make a move for our Croatian; although Carlo would be wasting a phone call were he to make an enquiry.

Arguably one of our players of the season, Luka Modric signed a six year deal on the 30th May of this year and stated "Tottenham Hotspur gave me my chance in the Premier League and I want to go on to achieve great success here with them. Yes, there have been enquiries from other big clubs, but I have no interest in going anywhere. Last season's Top 4 finish was an indication of where we are as a Club and I feel I can continue to improve and go on to achieve everything I want to at Spurs"

Of course I don't know the boy but my perception of Luka is that he would be considered one of the more genuine type of over-paid footballers that grace the Premier League today. We're hardly struggling in the league and sit in a solid position just 4 points behind 4th place Chelsea. If only the script was played out as it should've against Wigan and West Ham then we could've been sitting a lot more comfortably. But still, no arguments with our current position and our current form.

Luka's enjoying some of the best football of his time at Spurs and I genuinely cannot see why he would look to leave a strong squad of players that has been built and nurtured by Harry, and a team that pose a very good chance at reaching the top four once again this season.

Levy's about as likely to listen to offers for Luka as he is for Bale, he'll have none of it. The player doesn't want to leave. Luka will stay.

Regards.

Monday 20 December 2010

Andy Carroll

The name is never to far from the tip of the tongue when 'Arry's transfer targets are speculated between us everyday. A big forward that has knocked up 10 goals this season for the Geordies and one player that new boss Pardew is holding onto with both hands. The 6' 3'' striker is not only very lean for his size but also has a very good shot on him, something that Crouchy has never really acquired.

Pardew told the Newcastle Chronicle: "It (the transfer speculation) does get boring but it is not going to stop - it will never stop.
"It won't stop because he's a talent and that's what happens at big clubs.
"We have to have a big-club mentality and hold on to our best player."

I'd prefer the forward over Peter Crouch and think he would prove a superb compliment to Rafa. Although, £20 million? No chance. The guys good but not £20m good. Still though, if we brought him in for a player-plus-cash deal involving one of Keane or Crouch then I think we'd have done well.

Thoughts?

Regards.

Sunday 19 December 2010

"He will be 31 next birthday and they will want £15million"

'Arry has conceded that a move for Scotty Parker is not a likely one. Parker has been a shining light in another dark and dismal season at West Ham and letting Scott go would surely see the East London club fall into the second tier of English football, where they belong.

"I like Parker, but he belongs to West Ham. He will be 31 next birthday and they will want £15million.
"Daniel (Levy, chairman) wouldn't buy players of that age, on big wages with no sell-on." said Redknapp with a touch of disappointment at not being able to acquire a long admired target.

A good player, but at 31, the boy's certainly knocking on a bit. 'Arry further spoke on Jamie's future at Spurs, which has seen him spend the season nursing a back injury.

"O'Hara needs to play. He would be better off playing somewhere than not playing," he added. "He would do a good job for someone in the Prem."

I like O'Hara, but would he do a good job at Tottenham? Included in the team sheet every week would be a success for Jamie considering Luka, Palacios, Tommy, Sandro and Niko are all sitting comfortably above him in the pecking order.

His future at Spurs is looking more unstable than West Ham's position in the Premier League, although Redknapp further admitted that Jamie could move to East London to gain the playing time he needs.

Should we look to keep hold of him? Or look into the possibility of a Swap deal and funds for Parker?

Regards

Saturday 18 December 2010

Good result at Blackpool

So even in the year of 2010 and despite the hundreds of millions of pounds in football, snow has once more brought with it a disruption to the Premier League weekend. With Bloomfield Road hardly the Nou Camp, it brought no surprise that our game at Blackpool was called off, although this didn't bring such a disappointment.

With Spurs' fixture list reported as playing 5 games between the 26th December and the 9th of January, an extra week off will do the boys good. This also means that van der Vaart will have an extra weeks rest ensuring that he can be brought to Villa Park on boxing day in much better shape than he would've been at Blackpool, assuming he played.

But still a boring weekend that even saw West Ham pick up a point away from home. I guess miracles can happen.

Regards.

Friday 17 December 2010

A good draw?

AC Milan. Well, it could've been better. Milan sit comfortably top of Serie A and are so far enjoying a successful season, reminiscing the form that has brought so much success in the past.
By chance, I have a few AC fans who see this draw as a negative one for them and feel that the pace of our side will see us progress through the knockout stage.

The extent to which I agree with this is questionable but at White Hart Lane we'll give any side a good running, especially with the second leg being played in North London.

"This is an exciting game to look forward to" Said Harry
"AC Milan have a fantastic record in the competition, they are top of the league in Italy and are full of quality players.
"It's a great challenge for us.
"I said before the draw that I wouldn't mind playing AC Milan.
"You want to take on the best teams in the world and that's what the fans want to see as well.
"Now we've got the chance to bring AC Milan to White Hart Lane for a great game."

Certainly it'll be a great game. Will we win? It'll go right to the wire and there's no reason why our European adventure cannot continue beyond the last 16.

Do you think this is a good draw?

Regards

Wednesday 15 December 2010

Our Last 16 opponents

D-day's almost upon us and our Champions League fate will be discovered in Switzerland on Friday. Having won our group after some memorable nights home and away, we'll want this European rollercoaster to never end. Spurs can be drawn against one of Lyon, Valencia, Copenhagen, Roma, Marseille or AC Milan.

Of course in the last 16 an 'easy game' just doesn't exist and after a tough group on paper we'll go into this draw fearing no one. At White Hart Lane we've been scoring enough goals and have made every side look very average. I'm not sure we'd want another trip to the San Siro, although Bale may have other opinions. On paper, Copenhagen would be the draw we'd snap your hands off for; although, like us, this is also their first time into the last 16 and have a phenomenal support at home.

I wouldn't fancy an awkward side like Lyon or Marseille but anyone drawn will be given a run for their money and if the belief continues, our side can beat anyone.

So, if given the choice, who would you take as opponents?

Regards

Sunday 12 December 2010

2 points dropped

Or is it? The Chelsea that graced the Lane today looked a far superior side than the one in recent weeks and to be fair we were stuck on the back foot although defended well as a unit. Modric once more worked tireless in midfield and looked a strong aside Palacios. After Pav put us one up with a very well taken goal it looked as though we may strive to another victory over Chelsea at White Hart Lane although a Chelsea goal was coming.

Gomes played a hero and villain role for us today and salvaged a point after conceding a penalty in injury time. Dawson looked as though he'd been playing all season and was fantastic at the back. Ekotto looked very good as well complimenting Bale throughout the match. Considering Chelsea came out of hibernation and played very well today a point is a good result that leaves us only five points off top, although this will be atleast six after United play Arsenal in Manchester on Monday.

"They pressed us in the second half, their mindset was to come on to us and we took a backwards step," Redknapp told Sky Sports.

"I told them we had to keep being positive but credit to Chelsea, they're champions and they don't give up.

"Gomes has done great for us and it was a great save.

"It was a good, open game. They attacked us and we attacked them. It was an open game.
"It says that we're as good a side as almost anybody. We'll only get stronger."

Regards.

Saturday 11 December 2010

Score predictions for Chelsea

With Chelsea defeating tough opposition including Blackpool and West Brom earlier in the season and sitting comfortably above the rest, Ancelotti would've laughed all the way back to the Stamford Bridge if you'd told him that Chelsea's form from the 14th November to now read only 2 points from a possible twelve from Everton, Newcastle, Birmingham and Sunderland.

Chelsea haven't beaten us at White Hart Lane for 4 seasons now and old words of '3 point lane' have vanished quicker than Chelsea's title challenge this season. The pessimist in me and the fact that Chelsea haven't won in the league for over a month now is telling me that we're in for a backlash from Carlo's men and I don't expect them to perform as poorly as they have been; although I'd love to see us do one over them again.

We've been in solid form ourselves and haven't lost in the league since Bolton back at the start of November. The form book would point to us registering an easy three points and if Harry is serious about a title challenge then 3 points is a minimum. But this is Chelsea. As much as I hate to believe it I think we could easily lose 2-0 here; but it's not the easiest game to predict.

Please no complacency from our boys tomorrow. Score predictions please.

Regards.

Thursday 9 December 2010

Harry out?

Fabio Capello has today pointed us further towards the inevitable that Redknapp could possibly takeover from the Italian in 2012.

"In this moment Allardyce and Redknapp are doing very well because they have different players, they have good style and get results with them.
"It is important for a coach to understand which type of players they manage and find the best style."

Although being a couple of years away yet, it really would be Tottenham's loss to lose a manager of Redknapp's calibre and appointing an appropriate replacement wouldn't be a job done in 5 minutes. Hopefully Mourinho will suddenly be keen to take us over by then, you never know?

Who would you have manage our team in 2012 should Redknapp leave and take the England job?

Regards.

Monday 6 December 2010

One player Tottenham desperately need in january

Not to long ago, I published a report stating my disapproval of 'Arry trying to bring in the former Chelsea flop. However, Scott Parker has been, dare I say, a shining light in West Ham's dark and dismal season.

The soon-to-be Championship side have in their armoury a player that I now believe would be a very good signing for Tottenham Hotspur. The player has almost everything we need. He is a player that would compliment Modric exceedingly well in light of Tommy's nasty injury. A typical box-to-box midfielder that is just as good going forward as he is defending. A player that produces more hunger and fight than a pitbull and his desire to win the ball is second to none.

The player is also West Ham's leading scorer and, minus the phenomenal scoring record of Rafa, goals from midfield have been few and far between for us this season. I do believe he is a better player than Palacios, although Wilson has looked better since coming back into the side.

I'm not suggesting he'd be a first team regular every week but he'd be a very good squad player to hold. He is a player that Tottenham need.

Regards.

Harry rubbishes Ade rumours and admits Bale sale out of his hands

'Arry has stated that reports linking us with old Arse forward Adebayor are very wide of the mark and also insisted that Spurs are not looking to sell Gareth Bale:

"Absolute nonsense," Redknapp told TalkSport.
"I've never made any enquiries for Adebayor whatsoever. I keep seeing in the papers that we're after him. I've never ever asked about him or enquired about him."

"We don't want to sell Gareth Bale," he continued.
"At the end of the day it won't be my decision, it'll be above my head but it would take an absolute fortune one day to buy him.
"For me, at this particular time, he's got to be the Footballer of the Year in this country. I can't think of anyone who's done as well as him.
"He's not a player that we would really want to sell. You've got to hang onto your best players. If Tottenham want to be a club that's always looking to get in Champions League football you can't sell those players."

Although a striker does seem to be a growing need in Spurs' attacking department, finding and signing one that would bring a real difference to Spurs doesn't seem likely in January.

Any 30 goal a season strikers mooting about?

Regards.

Sunday 5 December 2010

Striker hunt.

The first half yesterday illustrated the confidence of our side who played some very good football and made Birmingham look the away side. Our fans played their part too. Birmingham had hit a good run of form at home overcoming Chelsea and Villa not to long ago and so we knew our boys would have to earn their money's worth (if that's possible) to grab us three points.

The game also showed the danger of squandering chances. I'm not Crouchy's biggest fan but I thought he played well yesterday although threw away two or three opportunities that could've ended the game at half time. Jermain, although just returning, also failed to reminisce his clinical ability in front of goal from last season missing two good opportunities.

Just as we did to Liverpool, Birmingham punished us. The game should've been finished at half time. With Robbie expected to leave in January and with our strikers not scoring enough goals, we need to bring in a forward that will really invite a strong level of competitiveness up front. Someone that is more deadly in the box than a hitman and someone that can knock in a penalty?

Well we can all dream can't we.

Regards.

Thursday 2 December 2010

Wilson's "problem"

I'm sure I wasn't the only one that noticed Wilson giving the ball to Liverpool just as much as he did Tottenham on Sunday. You'd be easily mistaken to think he was wearing the wrong shirt with even short passes seeming to find a red shirt more often than a white one.

It seems Palacios' confidence has disappeared quicker than Liverpool's title challenge last year but I guess this is a phase every footballer is accustom to at some point in their career.

"On Sunday, Wilson had a little spell where he kept giving the ball away," said Redknapp in the Daily Star.
"He lost the ball a lot and his confidence went. But in the second half he showed some character. The problem is confidence."

In sympathy, Wilson incurred a tragedy in the shape of his brother being killed and this is evidently not something that you clear your mind of after a night's sleep.
I just wish the boy could pass the ball better is all.

Regards.

Wednesday 1 December 2010

"Can we win the title? I don't see why not"

All this title talk saw me go a little red-faced. For many years we've always been a club that never really exceeded expectation until breaking the top 4 monopoly last season, and now, Alan Hutton is the latest Spurs employee to big up our chances.

"We always hear about Manchester United and how they're not playing well, but still win. Well, we're the same. Can we win the title? I don't see why not." The Scot said.

I'm sure if given the opportunity of another fourth placed finish Harry wouldn't think twice but to take it and I'm sure the number of disappointed Spurs fans if we did finish fourth could be counted on one hand.

Although, there is no reason why we shouldn't be aiming high. We're a side that have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat and with a bit of luck we could easily be pushing the 'big' teams of the Premier League. Even with City buying their way up the league, I still thoroughly believe we are more than capable of finishing above them and believe our squad is a stronger and closer one.

Will we finish top? I don't think so, but there's no problem aiming that high.

What do you make of our chances of winning the league this year?

Regards.