The Official 2010/11 Tottenham Hotspur FC Thread

[rubecube]

http://www.oknation.net/blog/home/blog_data/265/41265/images/403spurlogo.jpg

I think there's enough of us that we can have our own thread.

4-0 win over Bournemouth yesterday.

Bentley took a bit of a knock and has some ankle ligament damage.

http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/bentley-update-120710.html

Spurs to be first team with separate sponsors for league and and Cup games.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=807132&sec=england&cc=5901&cc=5901

Robbie Keane not going to be loaned this year. Hopefully Harry sells him.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=807562&sec=transfers&cc=5901&cc=5901

[d_phaneuf]

finally a team thread for a big four club:p

really hoping that Keane is sold, I don't think he wants to be the 4th striker on the team

the game next saturday against San Jose is on ESPN

and I think Levy is waiting to make sure they qualify for the CL group stages before paying for a cup competition sponsor as it probly doubles what he would get

some interesting stuff this summer, Harry has supposedly signed a 2 year extension according to talksport but the club hasn't announced it (ends at the same time Capello's does for England)

Gio Dos Santos does have a future at the club, in an interview Harry said If he could pass a nightclub as good as he could pass a ball he'd be alright haha. He also said his parents visited last year and apologized for his previous behavior and said it wouldn't continue.

he also said in the same interview (this was about a week ago on talksport) that they plan to bring in 1 or 2 players and sell 1 or 2.

[d_phaneuf]

In terms of the CL playoff

August 17/18, 24/25

they are in the seeded group of the final qualifying round for non-champions (qualifying has all ready started for some teams) so all they have to do is win their 2 game home/away playoff

the big thing about being seeded is they avoid the other seeded teams

they will play one of

Fenerbahçe (Turkey)
Dynamo Kyiv (Ukraine)
Braga (Portugal)
Celtic (Pants league)
Unirea Urziceni (Romania)
PAOK (Greece)
Young Boys (Switzerland)
Gent (Belgium)
Sampdoria (Italy)
Auxerre (France)

They can't play Sevilla, Zenit, Ajax or Werder Bremen as those 4, along with Spurs, would be the top 5 seeds in the coefficient

[d_phaneuf]

Harrys contract officially extended to 2013

BBC has the story

and now the club site as well http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/club-announcement-130710.html

[d_phaneuf]

Nevertheless, reports have continued to link Suarez with a move away from the Netherlands, with both Sir Alex Ferguson and Harry Redknapp believed to be mulling moves for the goal-getter.
And the player himself has admitted that a transfer to either team would appeal, saying: "I am not going to make any secret of my admiration for the Premier League.
"Manchester United are a great side and, along with Real Madrid, are the most prestigious club in the world.
"You know if you join Manchester United and are there for any length of time you will win things.
"Tottenham hold appeal as well though, they are a team with great ambition and have done well to reach the Champions League.
"If there are multiple offers I will take time to decide, but at the moment they are the two clubs that stand out for me."

kind of risky I think, there has been a bunch of players come out of that league after scoring 30 goals in a season and done nothing in a league that actually plays defense

[rubecube]

Yeah, I'm not sold on Suarez. Apparently Forlan has softened his stance and would consider leaving Madrid if the it "makes sense for his family."

[rubecube]

And just because I feel it needs to be posted again...

9r0clOtSRlo

[Bobblehead]

The Spurs are apparently developing a relationship with the SF 49ers in some sort of cross marketing initiative.

The exhibition is yet another event tied to the 49ers' Oct. 31 game at London's Wembley Stadium. The 49ers hope to develop a relationship with Tottenham Hotspur - they're know in England as the Spurs - to the point where the 49ers will hold a promotional event with them in London in October.

http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2010/07/golden-boots-st.html#ixzz0tmocaxcq

[d_phaneuf]

http://www.dearmrlevy.com/storage/kits2011.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1279225032 088

Love the white one

[rubecube]

I like all three. Will probably shell out for a white one.

[d_phaneuf]

Luis Fabiano has opened the door for Tottenham Hotspur to make a bid to Sevilla for the Brazilian striker's services when talking to ESPN.

The 29-year-old told the TV channel: "I must admit it's only in the last few weeks I have understood just how big Spurs' ambition is." Previously he had ruled out a move, saying that Tottenham weren't bigger than Sevilla.

Tottenham will take part in the last stage of the UEFA Champions League qualifying this season after finishing fourth in the EPL last term for the first time.

Sevilla had previously stated the forward was not for sale, issuing a hands off warning to the likes of Milan and Manchester United. Tottenham have been tracking the Brazilian for a number of seasons and were not helped by his performances in the World Cup attracting bigger attention.

Reports suggest that Fabiano is warming to the idea of joining the London-based club with the guarantee of European football and the chance to test himself in the EPL.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp believes the forward would be a "brilliant addition".

Would be the absolute perfect signing, doubt it happens because of his wages but it would be amazing if they can get it done

[d_phaneuf]

And here is the more likely striker signing

Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has opened the gateway to trade with the Premier League as he admits Klaas-Jan Huntelaar could head there.

On Saturday Goal.com UK exclusively revealed that Tottenham and Aston Villa had made progress in their plans to sign the Dutch hitman, and Milan have now publicly confirmed that the player is wanted in England.

The Rossoneri are looking to sign Germany international Lukas Podolski, but he cannot arrive unless Huntelaar is shipped out.

"Podolski will arrive only on one condition - Huntelaar will be sold in the Premier League and this will open up new economic scenarios for us," Galliani told Sky Sport Italia.

Milan's spending has been low-key and it is likely to remain that way. The club Italian club would sell the Dutch international forward for £12.5 million, the same amount they reportedly paid Real Madrid last year.

That money would then be used to fund a move for Podolski. Koeln are asking for £10m, but Galliani is confident that an £8.4m offer will suffice.

[d_phaneuf]

0-0 draw with San Jose

Keane should have had at least 4 goals but he can't hit the net, Bale was the best player I thought

[rubecube]

Cole to Liverpool kind of sucks. I think we're still fine in the middle, but it would be nice to see Harry make some kind of splash during the transfer period.

[rubecube]

Well at least he's found another Croatian to add to the team.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=809299&sec=transfers&cc=5901

C'mon, Harry. GK is not a need at this juncture. Find us a world-class striker, or it's likely one and done in the CL this year.

[d_phaneuf]

ya Cole would have been nice, but with Kranjcar, Modric and Bale all with the ability to play on the left. And Modric and Kranjcar can play in the hole behind a striker as well its not the biggest loss and supposedly Bellamy will be signed in the next few days for between 3-5m and can play both those roles as well

He still has 3 weeks to bring in a striker

[rubecube]

ya Cole would have been nice, but with Kranjcar, Modric and Bale all with the ability to play on the left. And Modric and Kranjcar can play in the hole behind a striker as well its not the biggest loss

He still has 3 weeks to bring in a striker

Yep. I also think 95k a week is freaking ridiculous for Cole. If the rumours about Bellamy are true, I'd much rather have him and a striker over Cole. I'm still hoping for either Forlan or Fabiano but I'm prepared to be disappointed with Suarez.

[d_phaneuf]

ya one of the guys at the BBC said Cole turned down 80k a week from Arsenal on a 2 year deal, 70k a week + a signing bonus from Spurs to take 90k from Liverpool

so he basically took the money over the Champions League

I would be thrilled with Fabiano, very happy with Huntelaar and not so much with Suarez or Forlan

With Forlan I just see a player who has all ready failed in the Premier League before and he wasn't at all up for the physical play, maybe he has changed but I think its a big risk

[rubecube]

I like Forlan because of his big-game mentality. You may be right with the physicality aspect but the guy seems to step it up for the big games, and he's absolutely brilliant on set pieces.

[Coys1882]

I'm really glad we didn't blow our pay structure out of the water for Cole. I still don't think he would have been the right fit for our team. He's said that he wants to play in the middle of the midfield - where does he fit unless Modric was pushed outside to the left again, and based upon how we finished the season with Luka and THudd in the middle I don't think that would have been a good idea. The other option would have been to go to a 4-5-1 and have Cole behind the lone striker but who would have that striker been? Crouch? Pav? Then what do we do with Defoe and Keane?

How it's looking:
Gomes
Corluka King Dawson BAE
Lennon Hudd Modric Bale
Defoe (New #9??)

[Coys1882]

Fabiano - wants to stay in Seville
Hunterlaar - not big on him, too slow (I'd rather keep Pav)
Dzeko - wants AC Millan or Man Sh1tty
Forlan - wants to stay in Madrid

My grandad is a Norwich season ticket holder and has seen a lot of that Connor Wickham who plays for rival Ipswich and he says he looks good. We've been linked with him and will have him go back on season long loan if the sale goes through.

I wonder who else we'll be connected with??

[rubecube]

I'm really glad we didn't blow our pay structure out of the water for Cole. I still don't think he would have been the right fit for our team. He's said that he wants to play in the middle of the midfield - where does he fit unless Modric was pushed outside to the left again, and based upon how we finished the season with Luka and THudd in the middle I don't think that would have been a good idea. The other option would have been to go to a 4-5-1 and have Cole behind the lone striker but who would have that striker been? Crouch? Pav? Then what do we do with Defoe and Keane?

How it's looking:
Gomes
Corluka King Dawson BAE
Lennon Hudd Modric Bale
Defoe (New #9??)

We'll also have Krannjcar coming back to play down the left side as well. I wouldn't mind having another skilled midfielder to play in case Modric goes down, but I'm more concerned about having an elite striker.

[Locke]

My utmost respect to your club! Well done! Hopefully Liverpool follows suit soon!

Tottenham the first to ban the vuvuzela


Tottenham have become the first Premier League club to ban vuvuzelas from their own ground ahead of the new season.

The noisy trumpets caused much controversy at the World Cup in South Africa and a number of Football League sides have already barred the instruments from their stadia, while rugby officials also took the step of banning them from next year's World Cup in New Zealand.

''Following discussions with the Police and representatives from the local licensing authorities, the club will not be permitting vuvuzelas or similar instruments into White Hart Lane on match days,''http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=809387&sec=england&cc=5901

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc255/mesistophocles/Slow-Clap.gif

[d_phaneuf]

Fabiano - wants to stay in Seville
Hunterlaar - not big on him, too slow (I'd rather keep Pav)
Dzeko - wants AC Millan or Man Sh1tty
Forlan - wants to stay in Madrid

My grandad is a Norwich season ticket holder and has seen a lot of that Connor Wickham who plays for rival Ipswich and he says he looks good. We've been linked with him and will have him go back on season long loan if the sale goes through.

I wonder who else we'll be connected with??

Really want Wickham, not for this year at his age, but for the future

he has some serious potential to be a world class striker

[d_phaneuf]

live stream of the game with New York tonight, and Lisbon on Sunday is here (and the other games in the New York Redbull challenge as well)

http://www.veetle.com/redbull (its a sponsored stream so I think its allowable to post)

[GirlySports]

live stream of the game with New York tonight, and Lisbon on Sunday is here (and the other games in the New York Redbull challenge as well)

http://www.veetle.com/redbull (its a sponsored stream so I think its allowable to post)

It's been a really fun match for a friendly!

[d_phaneuf]

ya it was a good game, Spurs played with 3 at the back (and only 1 an actual CB) most of the time so there were tons of chances

Jermaine Jenas is just useless though even against MLS competition, and the announcer going on about how Spurs fans are extremely happy to have 'world class' striker Robbie Keane back was wrong on both counts

Wish Ryan Mason would have gotten more of a look in these past few games hopefully he gets at least a half on Sunday, same with Taarabt

[rubecube]

Looks like Woodgate's season is probably done...again.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=810372&sec=england&cc=5901&cc=5901

West Ham rejects Spurs bid for Parker.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=810550&sec=transfers&cc=5901

[d_phaneuf]

West Ham rejects Spurs bid for Parker.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=810550&sec=transfers&cc=5901

thank god, he doesn't improve the team in anyway

I think he might be one of the only midfielders in England that Jenas is better than

[d_phaneuf]

on Friday Spurs will draw one of these teams for the CL playoff

Dynamo Kiev

Braga

Sampdoria

Auxerre

Young Boys


the Sampdoria manager has all ready said the only team he wants to avoid is Spurs (the other seeded teams are Zenit, Ajax, Werder Bremen, Sevilla) which has me thinking we will get them

They should beat any of these teams and will be favored but in terms of who I hope they get

Young Boys (would be fantastic)

Braga/Auxerra/Sampdoria

Kiev

[d_phaneuf]

John Bostock vs Hull yesterday, a day after they sent him out on loan

fOqKKr4-3Bw]

[rubecube]

Apparently this is worth £800 for a romp:

http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00137/crouch_516_137800a.jpg

Way to go, Crouchie. :bag:

http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/showbiz/902034/Peter-Crouch-beds-800-teen-hooker.html

[d_phaneuf]

Harry was at the Norway/France game today, media saying it was to get another look at Remy

Also the media are also saying Stephen Ireland doesn't want to go to Villa, he wants to go to Spurs

I like Ireland, I don't know where he fits in Spurs with Modric and Kranjcar being the same type of players but I think he is a good player

[rubecube]

Yeah, I'm not totally sold on Remy but I guess it's a start.

[GirlySports]

just saw the ad..

First match of the EPL season

Spurs host ManCity at 5:30am Mountain on TSN2 and RDS

[Coys1882]

just saw the ad..

First match of the EPL season

Spurs host ManCity at 5:30am Mountain on TSN2 and RDSI still can't figure out how TSN has the rights to this game?

[d_phaneuf]

early games on saturday and Monday games are on TSN2 this season

at 10 am eastern there is a game on Snet and on Setanta, and the late game on saturday as well as the 11am eastern game sunday are both on setanta as well

so most weeks there will be 7 games live

[GirlySports]

I still can't figure out how TSN has the rights to this game?

TSN is making a big run at soccer

http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/story/?id=322044

http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/story/?id=330232

[GirlySports]

Everything but a goal for Spurs.

Defoe and Crouch cannot finish.

[d_phaneuf]

I heard a rumor Joe Hart was English, that can't possibly be true can it? surely he would have been starting at the WC

and if that doesn't show Levy/Harry that we need a top striker I don't know what will, the back 4 was superb and Gomes barely had to make a save. They dominated the midfield, no team will be able to stop Lennon/Bale for an entire game. Just sign someone to finish

I know that its pretty much been said that they will buy if they get in the CL proper, but I am tired of waiting

Gio looked good though in limited time and I think he could have a big role with the club this season as an impact sub/play when some of the regulars rest cause of cup games

[ipuckedyourmom]

Spurs dominated the first half, could have easily had 4-5 goals.

All in all, still a very entertaining match especially for one that ended up in a nil-nil draw.

[d_phaneuf]

Oh Crouchy, turning in to a Tiger situation here (not that he is married but a bunch of girls are coming out now)

http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/909159/England-ace-Peter-Crouch-is-a-sex-pest.html

http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00139/crouch3_139797a.jpg

[Coys1882]

Just in case you guys don't know - Tottenham's CL qual is on TSN2 on tuesday.

[NBC]

Crouch is a dirtbag, straight out of the John Terry school of philandering. And he smokes.

Nice one Crouchy.

[GirlySports]

Crouch is a dirtbag, straight out of the John Terry school of philandering. And he smokes.

Nice one Crouchy.

At least he's dirty while not married.
And not banging his roommates' wife.

[NBC]

Crouch is engaged - little difference there. And it was Terry's mate's ex-wife. Don't see much in it to be honest. Abbey Clancy is amazingly good looking and can do way better than that loser.

Very few of these pro-fooballers seem to be decent people. Jamie Redknapp notwithstanding.

[d_phaneuf]

Abbey was caught cheating on him before though, I think it was right after the 06 World cup and the sun or the mail had pictures of her with cocaine and another man

not saying it justifies Crouchy's actions just that she isn't exactly innocent herself

no one compares to Cashley and JT, those two are on another level of fail human beings and I will be happy when JT gets replaced (which based on form the last year he all ready should have been) and Gibbs is good enough to replace Cashley. Will make watching England much more enjoyable

[GirlySports]

:no:

[Locke]

Just throwing this in for rubecube:

Defoe first felt the injury while on England duty at the World Cup, but aggravated it in the 3-2 defeat to the Swiss side and now has fears over his recuperation time.

"I felt a little tweak in my groin during the World Cup," Defoe told the Sun. "I have been strengthening it and just came off as a precaution. As I was sprinting in the second half I could really feel it.
Same article:
Meanwhile, there are fresh reports that Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp is closing on a deal to bring William Gallas to the club.http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=815544&sec=england&cc=5901

[d_phaneuf]

I think of Chelsea more than Arsenal with Gallas so I wouldn't mind it, especially since Woodgate is closer to retirement than ever playing a game again

he also has experience in Europe and has pace, which is lacked at CB when King doesn't play

so I don't mind the signing at all, I think it helps a lot for depth and experience at a key position

Edit: gonna add, its not like he was every really an "Arsenal" player either. Guys like Viera and Henry were "Arsenal" players, Gallas is clearly a football mercenary and just a player who played for Arsenal.

[d_phaneuf]

Also Sandro should arrive this weekend or early next week, very excited about him

just led Internacional to the Copa Libertadores title, has been captain of the Brazil u20 team and is tipped to play a role for Brazil pretty soon with them going to a much younger team now

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/08/19/article-1304448-0AD76FF7000005DC-566_306x423.jpg

[Addick]

I think of Chelsea more than Arsenal with Gallas so I wouldn't mind it, especially since Woodgate is closer to retirement than ever playing a game again

he also has experience in Europe and has pace, which is lacked at CB when King doesn't play

so I don't mind the signing at all, I think it helps a lot for depth and experience at a key position

Since you seem like a nice guy, I'll be nice and tell you to stay as far away from Gallas as possible. While you might need his skill, you most definitely do not need his attitude. The fact that he's a former Arsenal player should not deter you, the fact that he's a former captain of Arsenal should.

[d_phaneuf]

ya his attitude seems to be a problem, but his problems have only ever shown after a few years at a club

either way, its not like I am begging them to sign him just think it would make the squad stronger and I wouldn't be up in arms like last year when Harry was saying he thought for a second about bringing Judas back

[Coys1882]

ya his attitude seems to be a problem, but his problems have only ever shown after a few years at a club

either way, its not like I am begging them to sign him just think it would make the squad stronger and I wouldn't be up in arms like last year when Harry was saying he thought for a second about bringing Judas backyes he might have an attitude but Harry is the c**t whisperer.

[Finny61]

Gallas is all attitude, I don't miss him. I love how his personal website says "click here for my results" not that it means anything but sure fits in with that whole persona.

[Coys1882]

OMFG - Bale's second goal today is an absolute peach. He could score 20 there this season!

[d_phaneuf]

Bale is Gazza + Ginola

just amazing

[Locke]

Young Boys 2-0 Tottenham... Perhaps Spurs could play some Younger Boys next time?

Spurs giving Young Boys a right pounding following half-time breather

Young Boys couldn't keep it up - Pavlyuchenko scores a blinder: 3-2

Well, as the man said, Young Boys rarely keep clean sheets
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=815607&sec=global&root=global&cc=5901

[d_phaneuf]

Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano has welcomed interest from Tottenham.

Fabiano is excited by the prospect of moving to White Hart Lane.

Fabiano, 29, who has one year left on his contract at Sevilla, told the Daily Express: “Tottenham are the sort of club I want to be at.

“I feel that I could fire them to the finish above Arsenal I know the club and fans so desperately want.

“My next contract will be my last one, or at least my last big one, and I have to take that into account. My goal record in La Liga speaks for itself.

“I believe myself to be one of the top strikers in the world and you just need to look at the deals players like David Villa, Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba are on.

“I truly believe in the next two seasons Spurs can win the Premier League or European Cup. I’d love to be a part of it – I just need to know that they value me as one of the world’s top strikers.”



sounds like he wants a bit of a raise

[rubecube]

sounds like he wants a bit of a raise

Win on Wednesday, sell off either Keane, Pav, or both and there should be enough money to give him what he wants. Harry has to take a shot at him, as that type of player is the only thing really missing from this squad outside of a little more depth at the back.

[d_phaneuf]

I don't think there is a problem buying him, getting in to the group stages of the CL is something like 32m pounds in itself

and they have money all read on top of that, they were one of only 2 or 3 clubs to show a profit last year with no debt

the problem is the wage structure, no one makes more than 65k a week. That is the limit that Levy has set and I think the only player that even gets that high is Modric

[Coys1882]

I don't think there is a problem buying him, getting in to the group stages of the CL is something like 32m pounds in itself

and they have money all read on top of that, they were one of only 2 or 3 clubs to show a profit last year with no debt

the problem is the wage structure, no one makes more than 65k a week. That is the limit that Levy has set and I think the only player that even gets that high is ModricThat and the fact if Sevilla do make it through tomorrow - he's cup tied. That would seriously suck.

[d_phaneuf]

dream draw for tomoro

Barca, Panithinaikos/Shakhtar/Valencia, Spurs, Bursaspor

Hoping for Barca just because it would be amazing to see them travel to London to play at WHL, the 3 from Pot 2 (although if its Barca it obviously couldn't be Valencia) are the weakest of the 3 I think especially Valencia after losing Villa/Silva this summer and not replacing them, and whom they get from pot 4 shouldn't really matter that much

worst draw would have to include Madrid and either Bayern or Inter

[Coys1882]

dream draw for tomoro

Barca, Panithinaikos/Shakhtar/Valencia, Spurs, Bursaspor

Hoping for Barca just because it would be amazing to see them travel to London to play at WHL, the 3 from Pot 2 (although if its Barca it obviously couldn't be Valencia) are the weakest of the 3 I think especially Valencia after losing Villa/Silva this summer and not replacing them, and whom they get from pot 4 shouldn't really matter that much

worst draw would have to include Madrid and either Bayern or InterWe came within a whisker from being in pot 2 if Sampdoria had held on to beat Werder - oh well, on and up from here- fingers crossed not for an easy pool - but a good one competition wise.

[d_phaneuf]

September 14 - Werder Bremen v Spurs
September 29 - Spurs v FC Twente
October 20 - Inter Milan v Spurs
November 2 - Spurs v Inter Milan
November 24 - Spurs v Werder Bremen
December 7 - FC Twente v Spurs

[Coys1882]

September 14 - Werder Bremen v Spurs
September 29 - Spurs v FC Twente
October 20 - Inter Milan v Spurs
November 2 - Spurs v Inter Milan
November 24 - Spurs v Werder Bremen
December 7 - FC Twente v SpursA win against Inter in October would be a FANTASTIC birthday prezzie!!

A tougher group but I believe at home we can give anyone a game. On the road......

[d_phaneuf]

ya that first game is big, if they get at least a point I think they would be very likely to go through

[rubecube]

Fabiano deal unlikely.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=818132&sec=transfers&cc=5901&cc=5901

This quote from Harry sort of bothers me:

"We had a couple of targets at the start, and we got one of them, but we have a good squad and we will crack on. If we don't find somebody that we feel will make a difference, we will go with what we've got."

They're going to very hard-pressed to repeat a top-4 finish or progress past the group stage in the CL if they can't find some more help up front and depth at the back.

[d_phaneuf]

I don't trust anything Harry says to the press, he said Crouch/Defoe were too expensive a few days before signing them

nice article on Huddlestone hope he gets a chance for England in the Euro qualifying , http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1306469/JAMIE-REDKNAPP-Tom-Huddlestone-grown-English-Alonso.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0xoJKwbOC

[GirlySports]

oh my, that's a coupon buster! Spurs down 0-1 to WIGAN!

[Locke]

Perhaps Wigan's boys are too old for Spurs...

[d_phaneuf]

Crouch with a possibly broken rib according to 'arry

[Coys1882]

oh my, that's a coupon buster! Spurs down 0-1 to WIGAN!11 behind the ball - hit on the counter. Works everytime against Tottenham. We can't break down the teams when they play like that. :whaa:

[d_phaneuf]

only Dawson picked for England, the reaction of some of the journo's is funny towards the Spurs snubs Lennon and Huddlestone


johncrossmirror
England boss Capello's snub for #Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone beggars belief. Capello was at WHL last Weds - is he blind? Astonishing

honigstein
why is Lennon not in England squad? did I miss something?
8 minutes ago via web

adding a few more

laura_mail
Find Huddlestone's emission from England squad v strange. Maybe it's like Swann & ICC CotY list & FC just forgot him. Wouldn't surprise me.
6 minutes ago via Twitter

Huddlestone/Lennon more glaring omissions on early-season form. Not had clarification if any fitness issues there
19 minutes ago via Twitter

[chris_yk]

Weird that Lennon wasn't picked.. SWP better not start on the right but hey I wouldn't put it past Fabio..

[Coys1882]

Weird that Lennon wasn't picked.. SWP better not start on the right but hey I wouldn't put it past Fabio..Great win for you guys today Chris! Grats!!

[chris_yk]

Great win for you guys today Chris! Grats!!

Haha thanks! The second half was a beauty to watch, tons of passion from the lads.. nice to do you guys a favour too!

[d_phaneuf]

language nsfw but its hilarious

xJBsI7RAuvk

[d_phaneuf]

welcome to Rafael and just as important Sylvie to White Hart Lane

http://www2.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Valkyrie+Madrid+Premiere+02yeniwBrusl.jpg

[Locke]

I gotta say, huge props to Spurs for pulling this off. VDV is a great player and they stole him for peanuts from Real Madrid. Solid signing.

[d_phaneuf]

ya his wages are cheap as well, supposedly a 4 year deal at only 45k a week

I thought for sure he would get the max for Levy which is 65k and only Modric is on (possibly Gallas as well)

[Montana Moe]

I don't like his shoes with that suit...

[d_phaneuf]

good news for Dawson, nothing torn or broken and he is expected back in 6-8 weeks

the Gallas signing looks massive now

[Coys1882]

First Dawson - now Defoe. 6-8 weeks for both. :(

[d_phaneuf]

3 spurs go on England duty, 0 come back healthy

I do think this kind of forces Harry's hand to go 4-5-1 or 4-4-1-1 with Rafa in the hole behind a striker

[Locke]

First Dawson - now Defoe. 6-8 weeks for both. :(

Defoe gone for 3 months.

Jermain Defoe (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/7975/Jermain-Defoe) is set to miss the next three months of the season - and likely Tottenham Hotspur's entire Champions League group stage - as he recovers from an operation on his ankle.

He will also miss England's next Euro 2012 qualifier, at home to Montenegro in October, and leave Harry Redknapp without his frontline striker, opening up opportunities for the lesser-spotted likes of Roman Pavlyuchenko (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/38213/Roman-Pavlyuchenko) and Robbie Keane (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/7832/Robbie-Keane). That duo can now expect to face the likes of FC Twente, Inter Milan and Werder Bremen in Champions League Group A.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=821691&sec=england&cc=5901

[Coys1882]

Dodged a bullet with Modric - there were reports he'd broken his leg again! Looks like he's travelling with the team to Germany though.

[d_phaneuf]

ya thats huge, he may not be able to play but if he is travelling he shouldn't be too far out

[rubecube]

What the hell is this about?

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=822987&sec=uefachampionsleague&cc=5901

[Winsor_Pilates]

Spurs make history as the first English club to surrender a 2-0 lead on the road in the Champions league. History in the making!

[d_phaneuf]

What the hell is this about?

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=822987&sec=uefachampionsleague&cc=5901

I think it was just a misunderstanding between Sandro and Wilson

His season in Brazil didn't end until late August so they wanted to give him a break so he doesn't wear down late in the season, I am guessing he doesn't play until October

so he wasn't on the 25 man list for the group stages

[Coys1882]

Spurs make history as the first English club to surrender a 2-0 lead on the road in the Champions league. History in the making!quit leaving a film in our thread with your Gooner taint. :D

[d_phaneuf]

Harry is saying Sandro will get his first start next tuesday in the carling cup against the scum

[d_phaneuf]

3-1 Spurs, Never in doubt:whistle:

but in reality, Pav has to be the player I flip flop on the most from minute to minute

He can be useless for games, but he has a knack for clutch goals that is unbelievable

[rubecube]

Sigh.

[d_phaneuf]

every team with a CL game this week lost today, but only one of them lost to West Ham FML

[rubecube]

every team with a CL game this week lost today, but only one of them lost to West Ham FML

But who says we need a striker?

[d_phaneuf]

who needs a striker with this guy on the team

http://community.footballpools.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/rafael-van-der-vaart-200.jpg

[Da Bosman]

Not the best result today for Spurs. 1-1 to Everton at White Hart Lane, you've got to beat those teams. How does 'arry leave Robbie Keane as an unused sub when he's chasing for goal in the last twenty minutes? We're talking the ninth highest scorer in Premier League history.

[d_phaneuf]

just gonna ignore that

I was very impressed with Sandro today in the 2nd half, he looks like he is going to be a regular by midseason

he is as good defensively as Palacios was last year and he has better pace and technical abilities with the ball, I think he is going to be an excellent player

[rubecube]

Yep, thought Sandro was excellent today. Just as solid defensively has Palacios, without the penchant for dumb fouls. What has happened to Aaron Lennon? He has not looked the same since coming back from injury last year.

[Da Bosman]

I didn't think Lennon was too bad today, but he has clearly lost a bit of that blistering pace he had at this point last year. You're right rubecube, that injury seems to have taken something out of his game. He made one great diagonal run into the box today and almost scored.

[d_phaneuf]

both Rafa and Huddlestone took part in training today and should be good to go tomoro vs Inter at WHL

thought VdV might be out for awhile after going off at OT

great news, I think they can get the win tomoro

[d_phaneuf]

DVD of tonights match all ready out

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/full/187068900.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1288747427&Signature=zu6wilYjih2Ay5XixyFY8rDvrKM%3D

[Coys1882]

DVD of tonights match all ready out

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/full/187068900.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1288747427&Signature=zu6wilYjih2Ay5XixyFY8rDvrKM%3DI can't imagine what it must have been like at the Lane tonight. At the 90th min where the crowd was singing 'o when the spurs' I had goosebumps all over my arms from watching on television - how crazy must have that atmosphere have been there?

[ipuckedyourmom]

Surprised no one has posted about it already so I guess I'll be the first to state it.

Bale is amazing!!

[d_phaneuf]

Wales winger Gareth Bale has told the BBC that he wants to see out his contract at Tottenham.
The 21-year-old provided two assists in Spurs' 3-1 win over Inter Milan on Tuesday having scored a hat-trick against the Italians in October.
"Yeah, as I said I want to keep playing at Tottenham and keep enjoying my football," said the left-sided player.
"I'm just enjoying playing and enjoy playing at Tottenham at the moment. We've got a lot to look forward to."
Bale's current contract runs out in the summer of 2014 having signed for Spurs from Southampton in 2007 for an initial fee of £5m.

The Cardiff-born player has been linked with the likes of Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid following his brilliant performances in Premier League and in Europe.
However, Bale was keen to play down the hype surrounding him.

"I'm not sure what all the fuss is about, it's a bit surreal," he added "Every footballer knows it comes with the game if you're doing well. It's kind of nice.
"Being viewed as a 'hot property' does not make me feel any different than I have been feeling."
Bale said he could not pinpoint as to why he was in the best form of his short career.
"I wouldn't say there's one reason. The team are playing well and it's easier to play in a team playing well. The boys around me and the manager gives us all confidence and that helps the team express themselves," he added.

Meanwhile, former Tottenham midfielder and FA Cup winner Ricky Villa has told the BBC that Bale should be spoken of in the same breath as Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo.
"He played brilliantly and you can compare him to Messi and Ronaldo - a player of that quality," said the 58-year-old 1978 Argentina World Cup winner.
"He has to carry on like that. He has to keep going that way and he should be close to those two players."

He is basically the anti-Ronaldo

never dives, extremely humble, I love it

I also liked that Harry said when he gave him 3 days off in the middle of last week he told him to "go abroad" for a vacation, and he went up to Cardiff to stay with his mom

[d_phaneuf]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/9156748.stm

video to go with the story as well

[d_phaneuf]

and for good measure

TOTTENHAM WILL NEVER SELL BALE SAYS REDKNAPP


Bale applauds fans after Tottenhams 3-1 victory over Inter Milan

Thursday November 4,2010
By Frank Wiechula
Have your say(0)
Harry Redknapp last night insisted Gareth Bale is not for sale at any price.
Bale, 21, is hot property following another stunning display against Inter Milan in Tottenham’s 3-1 Champions League victory.
Spurs could treble the £10million they paid for Bale three years ago, but Redknapp said about potential suitors: “They wouldn’t buy him for that, that’s for sure.

“If he had a value and we wanted to sell him his value would be way, way in excess of that sort of figure. He really is an amazing young player. I don’t think you could put a figure on it. We wouldn’t even entertain a bid.

“The chairman has said he’s not for sale and that’s good enough. We’re not looking to sell our best players.”

Tottenham is big enough for us and every player
Luka Modric insisted he had no desire to leave Tottenham
Team-mate Luka Modric claimed Bale had no reason to think about leaving Spurs.
“Every time you play well people are looking at you,” he said. “But it’s important not to think about other clubs because Tottenham is big enough for us and every player.
“I can achieve everything with Spurs. All players are thinking the same. We all have long-term contracts. It’s good for the club as it gives you stability.”

[rubecube]

Something needs to be done about this back 4.

[d_phaneuf]

Something needs to be done about this back 4.

I blame Harry completely for that

in the league and without van der vaart they have to go 4-4-2, the back 4 shouldn't have mattered

Kaboul had played so well the last few games and then that happened

[rubecube]

Yeah, but they're just not very good when King isn't playing, and the fullbacks aren't very good in general.

[vennegoor of hesselink]

http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/uploads/assets/637x335/2010-11/players/rafael_van_der_vaart/rafa_pom_oct637_big.jpg

[d_phaneuf]

hate that, last time a Spurs player won player of the month I think it was Defoe and he didn't score his next 3 games

Yeah, but they're just not very good when King isn't playing, and the fullbacks aren't very good in general.

I like BAE, I think he is improving a ton

They need to bring someone else in at LB though to give him a rest at some point though, when he gets tired he takes stupid fouls

[rubecube]

hate that, last time a Spurs player won player of the month I think it was Defoe and he didn't score his next 3 games



I like BAE, I think he is improving a ton

They need to bring someone else in at LB though to give him a rest at some point though, when he gets tired he takes stupid fouls

Yeah, he's been improving, but I'm actually more concerned with RB. Corluka is okay, but not great. Hutton is miles ahead of where he was last year but he's not CL quality. The biggest concern for me though is depth at CB. There's a big drop off after Dawson and King.

[d_phaneuf]

Woodgate is supposedly ready to come back in January, the surgery was a complete success and he has been working out at the facility with Defoe and Dawson

Defoe said in an interview that he looks great

If that happens, than just rotate King/Woodgate for games beside Dawson

[rubecube]

Apparently Kranjcar wants out if he doesn't receive more playing time.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=839982&sec=transfers&cc=5901

While I understand why he hasn't played ahead of VDV and Lennon, I can't understand how Jenas has played more minutes than him and Bentley.

[Achmat]

Woodgate is supposedly ready to come back in January, the surgery was a complete success and he has been working out at the facility with Defoe and Dawson

Defoe said in an interview that he looks great

If that happens, than just rotate King/Woodgate for games beside Dawson

That won't happen.

[Achmat]

I blame Harry completely for that

in the league and without van der vaart they have to go 4-4-2, the back 4 shouldn't have mattered

Kaboul had played so well the last few games and then that happened

It's pretty apparent 442 is outdated.
They just need to adapt to play without VDV which really shouldn't be too hard.

[d_phaneuf]

Apparently Kranjcar wants out if he doesn't receive more playing time.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=839982&sec=transfers&cc=5901

While I understand why he hasn't played ahead of VDV and Lennon, I can't understand how Jenas has played more minutes than him and Bentley.

Niko's threats seemed to have the opposite effect

Bentley starts today instead of him in place of the still injured Lennon

VdV is back though

[d_phaneuf]

Huddlestone out for 3 months...

English players are cursed this year at Spurs

[d_phaneuf]

Defoe says he will be back though, which helps

really want to see him and Rafa work together up front, think it will work better (although different style) than Rafa and Crouch

[d_phaneuf]

http://img.skysports.com/10/11/218x298/Arsene-Wenger-Arsenal-Premier-League_2531918.jpg

[rubecube]

I'm still in shock. One of the best matches I've ever seen.

[vennegoor of hesselink]

p_HitwU_ZFY

[rubecube]

FUUUUUUUUUUUU....

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=847227&sec=england&cc=5901

It'd be nice to go two weeks without a major injury.

[d_phaneuf]

not official yet so we can hope for good news, would love to have him get 2 weeks off and be back for the Chelsea game, and then even after that give him another 2 weeks off and he can miss blackpool away

Sat. 4 10:00 AM ET Birmingham v Tottenham Hotspur St Andrews Stadium English Premier League
Tue. 7 2:45 PM ET Twente Enschede v Tottenham Hotspur Arke Stadion UEFA Champions League
Sun. 12 11:00 AM ET Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea White Hart Lane English Premier League
Sat. 18 10:00 AM ET Blackpool v Tottenham Hotspur Bloomfield Road English Premier League
Sun. 26 12:30 PM ET Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur Villa Park English Premier League
Tue. 28 10:00 AM ET Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United White Hart Lane English Premier League
Sat. 1 10:00 AM ET Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham White Hart Lane English Premier League

so say he misses 4 weeks, outside of Chelsea at home (and with the way they are playing maybe not even them) it's certainly one of the easier runs of the season

[d_phaneuf]

good news though on the defensive front, Dawson is training and should be back soon, would feel very comfortable rotating Dawson/King/Gallas with Kaboul the 4th man and playing some at RB

and Harry said Woodgate is finally healthy and going through his "pre-season" training at this point, and should be back in January, if he can stay healthy it would be massive

now just get a striker and a new DM in the transfer window, get rid of some un-needed players (looking at you Robbie Keane) and make a push in January in the league and have a deep team for the CL KO stages in February, hopefully with a kind draw as well

[Coys1882]

I'm thinking Keane, Bentley, O'Hara, and possibly Niko leave in Jan.

Have you heard the rumor of Keane going to the Whitecaps?

[rubecube]

I'm thinking Keane, Bentley, O'Hara, and possibly Niko leave in Jan.

Have you heard the rumor of Keane going to the Whitecaps?

Hadn't heard that, but it would surprise me. I think he's still a serviceable player in any number of places in Europe.

[d_phaneuf]

probly at where is skill level is now

although I think he probably finally ends up at Villa, or maybe Fulham, or if Celtic actually has any money he goes there

of those 4 you listed I hope Niko stays, he is a good player he just happens to be playing at a position where the club is stacked at with Bale, Modric, and Van der Vaart all ahead of him. Hopefully he can get some games in the next month if Van der Vaart is out

Bentley is probably gone, Gio as well, same with O'Hara

[d_phaneuf]

good news

Tottenham optimistic Rafael van der Vaart could return from injury earlier than expected but Younes Kaboul ruled out for two weeks
Dutchman's hamstring tear not as serious as initially thought

...

Rafael van der Vaart could return to action earlier than expected despite tearing a hamstring during Tottenham’s victory over Liverpool, Goal.com UK can reveal.

The Dutch playmaker had a scan on Tuesday on his hamstring, an injury which would typically rule a player out for three to four weeks.
But Spurs are hopeful that the injury is less serious than initially feared. They have not set a date on van der Vaart’s return and will continue to monitor his progress.

Although he will almost certainly miss Saturday’s Premier League trip to Birmingham and next Tuesday’s Champions League tie against FC Twente, the club are not discounting the possibility he could return for the mouth-watering derby clash against Chelsea on Sunday week.

...
Meanwhile, Younes Kaboul, who also limped off in the first half of the Liverpool win last Sunday, has been ruled out for a fortnight with a hip injury.

...

The French defender joins Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate on the sidelines but manager Harry Redknapp will be heartened that Michael Dawson is edging closer to a first-team return after three months out with a knee injury.

Dawson was due to take part in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Charlton on Tuesday but it was postponed because of the big freeze.

Nevertheless, the England international could be named in the squad for Saturday’s game alongside the only two fit centre-backs, Gallas and Sebastien Bassong.

[d_phaneuf]

Inter's Wesley Sneijder Confident Of Making Ballon D'Or Podium

Inter playmaker Wesley Sneijder is confident that he'll make it to the final three of the FIFA Ballon D'Or election.
By Stefan Coerts
Dec 6, 2010 9:26:00 AM

Inter playmaker Wesley Sneijder has taken the time to react to rumours that have suggested he will miss out on a podium spot in the FIFA Ballon D'Or election.

According to a report in La Gazzetta dello Sport, Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta will scoop up the trophy on January 10, with team-mates Xavi and Lionel Messi occupying the remaining two podium spots.

"I've heard that I'll miss out on a podium spot, but this seems kind of strange to me. How would that be possible bearing in mind that I've won Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League," said Sneijder to De Telegraaf.

"Additionally, I finished runner-up at the 2010 World Cup, was joint top scorer in South Africa and I can still win the Club World Cup.

"It looks like it's all about the World Cup if the report is true. That would mean that someone like Gareth Bale will never win the Ballon D'Or though.

"I'm still hopeful of winning the trophy, but I expect to win at least a podium spot following my performances this term."

thought it was cool he mentioned Bale specifically, shows how much he rates him

[d_phaneuf]

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has dealt Spurs fans a blow by declaring the club will not be splashing the cash during the January transfer window, despite the club battling on two fronts for major honours.

However, there was good news as Levy warned off Gareth Bale’s potential suitors by insisting the Welsh winger is not for sale – at any price.

The north London club enter the New Year in fine form, sitting just seven points off the pace at the top of the table and through to the knockout phase of the Champions League having qualified as group winners ahead of holders Inter.

But the north London club are dealing with long-term injuries to Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate, along with an extended absence for Tom Huddlestone, and fans had been hoping to see the squad bolstered.

Levy refuted the claim that Spurs are a selling club, but offered little hope of new faces arriving in January.

“The January transfer window is again upon us," Levy said at the club's AGM. "We currently have the largest squad in the Premier League.

“We shall look to rationalise… Overall, we do not anticipate a busy transfer window.”

However, good news came in the form a forthright defence of the club’s selling policy and a no-nonsense reply to suggestion that Bale could be leaving in the summer.

The Wales international has been linked with a number of Europe’s football elite following his stunning displays in domestic and European competition but Levy rubbished claims Bale’s departure was inevitable.

Levy said: “I’ve never deemed us to be a selling club, if you look at the big transfers which have taken place since I’ve been chairman.

“Both Berbatov and Michael Carrick had two years left on their contract, both players wanted to go and that was the reason they were sold.

“But in the case of Gareth he’s got a long contract and I can assure you he will not be sold.”

Boss Harry Redknapp has transformed the club from relegation fodder into genuine contenders for Europe’s top prize.

But there was, however, no denial that if England came knocking for boss Redknapp, the club could stop their manager from walking away.

“Harry is on a long-term contract. If and when they contact us we will have to deal with it accordingly,” said the chairman.

Inevitably, the situation surrounding the development of the current site in Tottenham or the Olympic stadium in Stratford, but the board remained tight-lipped about which plan they favoured.

Levy denied he and the club have ignored the sentiments of the fans, dismissing the claim that the vast majority are dead set against a move to east London.

And he reiterated just how crucial selling the naming rights to any potential new stadium is to the whole process, be it at White Hart Lane or in Stratford.

He said: “I'm a fan, I have lots of friends who are fans and I have lots of interaction with fans everyday.

“I do talk to people and have feedback so without any surveys I can tell you I have a pretty good feel as to what the mood is.

“But as far as funding a project of this size it will be a substantial naming rights transaction.

That’s what’s happened in America and for any of the new stadia recently built in this country.”

..

[rubecube]

That's disappointing. The team really needs to bolster the back 4.

[d_phaneuf]

Striker is way more important I think

I have no problems with the King, Gallas, Dawson, Kaboul foursome and Bassong playing sparely

but with an elite striker the amount of chances the midfield creates would lead to a lot more goals, just against Chelsea they should have had 2 or 3 goals in the first half

[Coys1882]

Striker is way more important I think

I have no problems with the King, Gallas, Dawson, Kaboul foursome and Bassong playing sparely

but with an elite striker the amount of chances the midfield creates would lead to a lot more goals, just against Chelsea they should have had 2 or 3 goals in the first halfNot only that but a real target man would retain possession so much better that it would take pressure off the back four and midfield.

[d_phaneuf]

One of the big rumors right now is Carroll

which I can't decided whether I hate or love, in theory he should be exactly the right player. Good in the area, can hold the ball up, and a good goal scoring rate on his own.

But something to me just seems like it wouldn't work out at all

might not be that expensive though if it's a swap deal with someone like Bentley

also loving that we are 2 weeks or maybe a little more from no more Robbie Keane ever

[vennegoor of hesselink]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/01/01/2285817/harry-redknapp-david-beckham-wants-to-come-to-tottenham


Do not want!

[d_phaneuf]

I do, he would come in knowing he is a backup to Lennon and Bentley is likely gone at least on loan this month

he could teach Lennon how to cross, he is known for his hard work in training and that can only help by rubbing off on others, and most importantly he will sell a ton of jerseys which gives the club more money to buy new players/help fund the stadium

[d_phaneuf]

and I had to watch it on stream because it's not on tv today until later but today was an impressive win for the fact that they played terrible

its a sign of a good team that they can get the result when not playing their best, 8 in a row unbeaten now

just need City/Arsenal/Chelsea to start dropping some points, all but given up on Man U who probably win the league by 10 points this year considering where they are now and having gotten nothing from Rooney so far

[rubecube]

Man this team frustrates the hell out of me. Just couldn't get anything going against a 10-man United.

BUY A DAMN STRIKER!

[d_phaneuf]

that and tell Palacios to never, ever, ever, shoot

[united]

Good game by Tottenham. You were clearly the better side today, but both teams earned the point, that's for sure.

Vidic and Modric were immense today. Both proved once again why they are top players in their respective positions.

[rubecube]

that and tell Palacios to never, ever, ever, shoot

I also don't know why Crouch was left out there all day. He was clearly ineffective.

[d_phaneuf]

Good game by Tottenham. You were clearly the better side today, but both teams earned the point, that's for sure.

Vidic and Modric were immense today. Both proved once again why they are top players in their respective positions.

ya they were both head and shoulders above the rest


and I assumed Defoe was coming on at HT, maybe try and get Vidic and Rio tired in the first jumping with Crouch and bring on Defoe's pace for the 2nd

certainly didn't expect it to wait until the 75th minute

[d_phaneuf]

there is a week left in january, and after the past few performances I don't care who they bring in, but we NEED a striker

[Coys1882]

there is a week left in january, and after the past few performances I don't care who they bring in, but we NEED a strikerI'm not holding my breath.. We'll end up with another Rasiak purchase!! Remember that?

[d_phaneuf]

better than Rebrov haha

[Barnet Flame]

Roffle

[rubecube]

Wonderful.

[Coys1882]

Wonderful.
It gets better:
Kaboul out six weeks
Huddlestone had a setback - could be two more months.
We haven't signed a striker but link to every single one of them.

[d_phaneuf]

Dawson suspended as well.

Tomoro might decide the season. We need someone. And being optimistic with the way Harry pulled out the vdv deal I think it happens

Loss today may be a blessing in disguise

[NBC]

And now this.

Spurs players are running on empty - Harry Redknapp

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/9381696.stm

Poor Spurs.

[Locke]

What're you doing 'Arry? Hes giving Newcastle hell for selling Carroll to Liverpool and hes giving them crap about the 'Transfer Request' fiasco.

'You made him hand that in so you could 'reluctantly' sell him.'

Of course they did. Its Mike Ashley, you were expecting something classy? You just werent supposed to call him out on it.

[rubecube]

Nice of Harry and Levy to do dick all today. I guess one and done in the CL is good enough for them.

[rubecube]

Even more good news. Ledley is likely done for the year. We get to see how rusty Woodgate is this week.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/874190/tottenham-skipper-ledley-king-set-for-groin-operation?cc=5901

[Locke]

Even more good news. Ledley is likely done for the year. We get to see how rusty Woodgate is this week.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/874190/tottenham-skipper-ledley-king-set-for-groin-operation?cc=5901

A defender might have been nice in the window eh? I heard big ol' Sol Campbell was available while the Toon were selling everything in sight...

[rubecube]

A defender might have been nice in the window eh? I heard big ol' Sol Campbell was available while the Toon were selling everything in sight...

Anything would've been nice. I guess we got Pienaar but that's hardly consolation for whiffing on our primary needs at the back and up front.

[Locke]

Anything would've been nice. I guess we got Pienaar but that's hardly consolation for whiffing on our primary needs at the back and up front.

And a last ditch effort for Charlie Adam. You effectively made a deep midfield deeper but a thin defence just got thinner and you're hoping and praying that the guys up front can get it done.

You guys shouldnt have been such pansies and just bought Torres.

[d_phaneuf]

supposedly the Adams bid went through but one or two Blackpool shareholders weren't around to Ok it

either way, not happy but not despondent

Woody could start tomoro and IF, and I almost made that IF front 20 cause its a big one, he stays fit it will just be like bringing in a top class CB

and with the prices that guys were going for, happy Levy didn't go crazy and ruin the chance for a more sensible buy in the summer

[d_phaneuf]

Modric had his appendix taken out today, it just doesn't F%$^$&# end does it

Luka Modric is due to appendicitis and surgery will not be competing for a meeting with the Czech Republic, writes web-site of the Croatian Football Federation.

According to recent information provided by the Croatian Medical Services team, Luka Modric has successfully Laparoscopic Surgery removed his inflamed appendix (appendicitis), about 21 hours over Tuesday night. According to forecasts of Croatian physicians, if there is an additional complication, Luke is back in training for ten days.

Unfortunately, now it is quite likely that there will not be competing for a friendly encounter with Czech Republic, which will be played next week in Pula.

guessing best case scenario he is back for the CL game in 2 weeks

[rubecube]

Modric had his appendix taken out today, it just doesn't F%$^$&# end does it

guessing best case scenario he is back for the CL game in 2 weeks

FFS, I can't even be mad at our table position right now. Absolute gong-show on the injury front. Is VDV fully fit yet? Apparently we've lost 231 games to injury this year and the season is barely halfway over.

[cheevers]

Anything would've been nice. I guess we got Pienaar but that's hardly consolation for whiffing on our primary needs at the back and up front.
I read that Tottenham made record bids for both Aguero and Rossi but had no luck.

[d_phaneuf]

Pienaar concussion in training yesterday haha

all you can do is laugh now

oh and Hutton not even on the bench today, 2 keepers are, so he is injured as well I can only assume

[Coys1882]

Well the window is closed and it is what it is.
Here's some positives I'm taking from this:

- We didn't get weaker
- We picked up a decent, versatile, high energy midfielder in Pienaar,
- When everyone else blew their money, during a period when players are notoriously overpriced, we still have ours in the bank ready to retool for the summer window.
- We didn't buy stop gaps we'd only be stuck trying to offload come the summer (Neville and Parker) because regulars are back from injury.

I love Tottenham, I love our squad, coaches and board; but I'm not convinced they believe we were going to finish in 4th let alone sneak the Premiership. I don't believe we made half the bids the papers and ITK say we did. I think the board and Harry hung tight with what we had and threw a few offers out there to make it look like we were busy.

I'm a worrier by nature:
I worry that Brum will nip the CC and subsequent Europe spot and some other team doing the same in the FA. If that scenario doesn't pan out I'm worried that Liverpool has re-tooled enough to challenge us and Sunderland, for UEFA spots.

So much worry - seems I was born to support Tottenham doesn't it?

[Locke]

Pienaar concussion in training yesterday haha

all you can do is laugh now

oh and Hutton not even on the bench today, 2 keepers are, so he is injured as well I can only assume

Funny you should say that.....

King, meanwhile, suffered the embarrassment of having to cancel his trip to Germany for hernia surgery after failing to find his passport.



"It's a long story," Redknapp said. "Ledley should have had an operation today but he couldn't make it. He couldn't find his passport so he couldn't fly out to get it done.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/875265/spurs-captain-ledley-king-shelves-surgery-after-losing-passport?cc=5901

He couldnt find his passport. I dont know what to say.

[d_phaneuf]

no VdV, Bale, or Modric tomorrow

and Harry doesn't know if any of them will be ready for Tuesday in Milan either...

[rubecube]

Sounds like no Bale on Tuesday, but VDV should be good to go.

[d_phaneuf]

Sounds like no Bale on Tuesday, but VDV should be good to go.

saw Harry say that

and then I saw this

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/feb/13/gareth-bale-tottenham-milan?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed:+guardiansport+(Sport+news,+comm ent+and+results+|+guardian.co.uk) and ESPN has it as well

Asked if Bale - who scored a hat-trick on his last visit to the San Siro in the 4-3 defeat to Inter Milan - would definitely be sidelined, Redknapp told The Guardian: "No, I'll be honest with you, not for sure. I don't know but the specialist thinks Gareth should be okay.

"If he feels right tomorrow I'd like to think he'd be out there giving it a go. He caused so many problems for Inter, didn't he? Everyone who saw that game always asks about Gareth Bale now.''

and a bunch of writers on twitter have been saying they think he plays, say its typical Harry mind games

either way, it sounds like Modric is a no go for sure which is bad, think he is easily the most important player

but if Bale and VdV can play than I like the chances of getting a goal, any 1 goal loss where we score (2-1, 3-2) is a victory in my eyes, a draw would be great, and a win would be amazing

I have no doubts that in the return leg with what should be a fully fit squad they will run Milan off the pitch, so it's just not important to lose something like 2-0 or 3-0

[rubecube]

Bale officially out. Hope Krancjar can keep up his solid play.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/880302/harry-redknapp-rules-gareth-bale-out-of-milan-showdown?cc=5901

[d_phaneuf]

bigger though at the bottom

However, Tottenham are boosted by the news that Croatia midfielder Luka Modric does travel after undergoing appendix surgery two weeks ago. Peter Crouch (back) and Rafael van der Vaart (calf) also make the trip to Milan.

if Modric plays I think Spurs dominate the midfield, Pirlo is out for Milan

Dawson and Gallas need to have massive games as well stopping Ibra

[Coys1882]

Bale officially out. Hope Krancjar can keep up his solid play.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/880302/harry-redknapp-rules-gareth-bale-out-of-milan-showdown?cc=5901

I don't see Krunchie getting a start now. It's got to be Pienaar and Lennon to keep the wings pacy.

If VDV was out - Krunchie playing in the hole in front of Sandro/Palacios might and Crouch alone up front might have worked. But since VDV is back in - Niko is on the bench I'm guessing.

[d_phaneuf]

didn't realize Jenas was suspended

hope Sandro gets a start, he was I thought the best player in the 2nd half on the weekend

think if he gets a run in the team he might force his way to be a starter, he looks like he could be a perfect partner for Modric in central midfield for the future

and ya, I think Pienaar starts over Kranjcar, I thought both played well the last 2 games, and both probably play a part in the game

but I think Harry will want to attack the wings with pace, Milan's fullbacks are their weakness

[d_phaneuf]

the guardian has an article saying the lineup based on training is going to be

gomes
corluka dawson gallas bae
lennon sandro palacios kranjcar
vdv
crouch

Modric should make the bench

and Harry said they are going there with the intent to score

[rubecube]

That didn't take long.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/881487/woodgate-picks-up-another-injury?cc=5901

Tottenham have confirmed that Jonathan Woodgate (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/7831/Jonathan-Woodgate) picked up a strain to his left adductor muscle during Tuesday's Champions League victory over AC Milan.

[rubecube]

And it looks like Corluka suffered ligament damage and is done for the year. I'm still baffled as to why that Flamini didn't get a straight red. Do we qualify for emergency loan status yet?

[Coys1882]

And it looks like Corluka suffered ligament damage and is done for the year. I'm still baffled as to why that Flamini didn't get a straight red. Do we qualify for emergency loan status yet?
Looks like Corluka is only out for a month now - the English Sun is as bad as the Calgary one. :D

[d_phaneuf]

haha ya was just going to say, I saw that Sun story, it had not quotes from anyone which is usually a sign that its bunk

the official site has this
Vedran Corluka will remain immobilised in a protective boot for the next four days after a scan determined that he had sprained part of his ankle joint capsule following a challenge from Mathieu Flamini during Tuesday’s Champions League Round of 16 first leg victory over AC Milan.

Following a clinical examination by a foot and ankle specialist this afternoon, it has been recommended that Vedran make a gradual return to training starting next week.

Should the Croatia international feel no ill effects of the injury during his gradual return to training then he should be back in full training in a few weeks.

so I doubt they call Walker back

Hutton has a groin injury from a Scotland game a few weeks ago, but should be back soon

I don't know whats wrong with Kaboul or how long he is out

worst case they can put Gallas or Bassong at RB for a game

only 2 games in the next 3 weeks before the Milan return leg, @ Blackpool and @ Wolves

good time for the team to get healthy

[d_phaneuf]

I would swap any of our strikers for DJ Campbell

would throw in money too

[d_phaneuf]

Harry Redknapp "I've never seen a team miss so many open goals in my life"

[rubecube]

Absolutely disgraceful.

[rubecube]

And the hits keep coming. Gallas out.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/894781/spurs-harry-redknapp-rocked-as-william-gallas-pulls-up-injured?cc=5901

[Coys1882]

Official site says his injury isn't as bad as reported.

[rubecube]

God damn it.

[d_phaneuf]

God damn it.

THAT

Mourinho lost at home today for the first time in 9 years, so ya... not expecting great things tuesday

[rubecube]

THAT

Mourinho lost at home today for the first time in 9 years, so ya... not expecting great things tuesday

Yeah, it'd be great if we could even get a goal at Madrid and not concede more than two. I did kind of foresee this at the beginning of the year. Really didn't think we could finish much higher than 5th without an elite striker. The injuries certainly haven't helped either.

[d_phaneuf]

Yeah, it'd be great if we could even get a goal at Madrid and not concede more than two. I did kind of foresee this at the beginning of the year. Really didn't think we could finish much higher than 5th without an elite striker. The injuries certainly haven't helped either.

ya if Mourinho is actually telling the truth about the players who won't be able to start, and if Bale is good to go

I do think they can manage a 2-1 type game

[d_phaneuf]

Bale is playing

[d_phaneuf]

“The Premier League is the best competition in the world and it’s not easy to win a league with great teams like Man United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal as rivals.

“But we have a bright future and why not try to win #something next year like the Premier League or the FA Cup, something like that?

“No one is thinking of leaving.We are happy here. Tottenham are a big club, that’s it.”
e

From Modric

nice to hear that from him, and with Bale all ready signing a new deal it looks like no one important is leaving

having the best players on the team be croatian and welsh with absolutely no ego's is a nice bonus than having someone English/Spanish/Italian etc. who has been coddled his entire life in to believing he is gods gift to football

[d_phaneuf]

Luka Modric's agent insists he will only be leaving Tottenham if the club chooses to accept a substantial bid. Modric has caught the eye this season during Spurs' successful Champions League campaign.


GettyImages
Luka Modric: Transfer speculation
Modric has been linked with Italian giants Inter Milan and Juventus in recent weeks. But the 25-year-old, who joined on a six-year contract from Dinamo Zagreb in 2008, signed a new long-term deal just last May.

Mordic's agent, Nikki Vuksan, reiterated that he has no intention of leaving White Hart Lane this summer and said Modric would only go if Spurs take the shock decision to cash in on one of their prized assets.

"They are just rumours," Vuksan told calciomercato.it. "I have read comments from different people on this subject, but the reality is that Luka has a long and important contract with Tottenham.

"Last summer he extended it until 2016 and he's very happy in London. If a bid should arrive it would be up to the club to evaluate it. Tottenham want Modric to talk with club officials and, to my knowledge, this has not yet happened, so at the moment I can rule out any surprises

"It's difficult to say whether he will be there for life but he is enjoying his time there now. He enjoys playing with his team-mates there and the club is going in the right direction.''