Looking for The Beef
It’s time to stop. I’m exhausted.
I’m trying to tell myself this isn’t goodbye but I have a horrible feeling that it is. I can’t keep writing any more.
I started a job, full-time, not long back; the beginning of April it was. It’s been amazing. I’m being paid to do what I love and it was The Bagel that got me the job. This, here, you. I’ve found something fantastic through writing here every day; first on my own, then to a few and now to a full community of voices that makes me swell with pride every time I come here.
But it’s not just been about our numbers. It’s been the quality, the unique quality that makes our forum what it is. I couldn’t consciously tell you how it happened, but to have a place where anyone, of any team, can come and talk football in a well-mannered and intelligent way and be accepted for what they say is for me the most fantastic place to be a part of.
I’ve cut down my writing as much as I dare, even to one a week of late, but it’s not good enough. The news comes and goes too fast. Football moves too fast. I shudder to think of the stories I’ve missed and it breaks my heart reading the back pages knowing I can’t be here to write it all down, to give it our spin and send it off for us to debate.
The trouble is, I’m a rubbish blogger. Go anywhere else and they write shorter posts on individual matters but I can’t really seem to do that. I want to talk about everything and once I start writing, I rarely stop until I have. A good post would take between 1.5 - 2 hours for me and match reports at least double that. Being The Bagel takes a very long time.
It was ok when I first started working full-time. My lunch breaks plus 20 mins here or there was enough, even if it did leave me frazzled by the end of the day, but the problem is that I got promoted very high and very fast, and I love what I do now.
My full-time job is just that. I don’t have any lunch breaks any more and working late is the norm. The thing is, that I want to. I love doing it. I’ve fallen on my feet and I’m having an excellent time. The only part of me that wails and screams and shouts from within is the part that calls me back here and the thought of your voices asking for more. I love writing the Bagel and it really hurts not to and knowing that I must.
I never started writing to make money or to get noticed or do something good for a career. I’ve been here because I loved it. I always wanted to sit down with the news or my feelings about a match, my experience as a football fan and let it all flow out through my fingers suddenly as clear for me to understand as for others to read. My memories of beating Chelsea in the league or losing Michael Carrick and all the other highs and lows have been so sharp and so complete because I’ve had the chance to bring it all to these pages and I feel honoured that those thoughts are recorded forever.
I know that I can’t put in enough to keep this all going but the last thing I want to do is let something we’ve all been a part of crumble when it flourishes like it never has before. This isn’t so much saying goodbye as writing an advert, making a plea. It’s up to you know what happens here now. This is Beef Bagel and there has always been room for The Beef. I’m looking for someone to take over, someone to run the show instead of me; someone to take this blog on any way they see fit so long as they keep our community’s values at its core.
I’ll still be here but only from time to time, and you can bet that many of those times will be match reports, but I need someone else to hand this over to. It’s up to you how it’s done.
I don’t know if it’s something anyone wants to do at all. I really don’t know, but if you think it could be you, if you think you’re up for the task, then send me an e-mail to thebagel@beefbagel.com or write in the comments below.
What I can say is that the Bageliga will be going ahead. Register at the Premier League FF website and use this code 432927-90227. Remember: 1) No top four players, 2) No ex-scum (except Bentley who has since been baptised in Tottenham Marshes and 3) you must have three Spurs players in your squad.
I hope this isn’t goodbye. I hope I can pass on the mantle, but I do know that I will always be here, as The Bagel, and as Tottenham fan and as a man you might well bump into the next time you go down to the Lane.
The Bagel.
August 13th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
absolutely gutted if this is indeed it.
fantastic writer deserving of a fantastic job, Bagel.
August 13th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
This is a wind-up right?
If not, perhaps Oi Oi could take over since he knows so much (or at least thinks he does).
I’ve never posted before by the way, but have been an avid reader for a long time and have always enjoyed the great posts, and great debate that has gone with them.
I now feel so compelled to post, to beg that you reconsider, Bagel.
The Beef Bagel is a breath of fresh air in which you, the writer fully understand what football has become, but you have also embraced it and add your own unique brand of humour to your writing. I don’t know if anyone can take over this mantle.
As a STH, I fully understand the emotions you exude in your match reports (I am also shelf-side so maybe the perspective of the game is similar for us!).
Whatever you decide though, thanks for the great reading and for making shit days at work go much quicker.
Maybe I’ll start up one of those downing st petitions against you stopping…
August 14th, 2008 at 12:25 am
As a Spurs fan in America, this site has become a must-read for me.
1) Thanks for the hard work, it’s been well appreciated.
2) Any recommendations for other blogs?
August 14th, 2008 at 2:11 am
Oh Bagel, please say it isn’t true. I started to get that knot in my stomach just about line 3 of your post, sensing something foreboding was ahead. Suspecting no, fearing the worst.
I’m absolutely gutted mate, we have not actually met in person as yet, but have conversed through one means or another over the last 3 years now, let’s face it, Mini Yid would never have got the kind gift of a 125 anniversary flag from Oog if it were not for your blog. I’ve enjoyed reading all your posts, revelled in having the opportunity to comment from time to time, even waffle on as no doubt I am now.
Oh Bagel, I would love to be the one that takes the flaming torch from your sturdy hand & carry this great, wonderous creation of yours in to the future. But much as I would genuinely love to take over, I know that I can’t hold a candle next to your gift. Yes, I can write the odd bit of a match report, interspersed with a bit of wit, perhaps a sprinkle of inuendo, but just an edited high light in comparison to yours. I would be honoured to be able to input something now & again which, hopefully the others within our community will find informative &/or amusing, but I’m not in the running to inherit the title deeds. I only hope that whoever takes on the great task, sees it through with the great gusto, flourish & just a morsel of your talent.
I honestly feel more cut up about this than I did about Keano going & even my beloved eldest son Dimi’s iminent departure, soon to be estranged son & cut out of my will.
I go to bed now, hoping against all odds that this is just a hoax, but knowing deep down in my heart that I’m only kidding myself.
Contratultions on your job, I always have believed that it is a very lucky man indeed that genuinely enjoys his job.
Glory Glory, get that petition made up asap, I’ll feel priveliged to put my name to it.
THREE CHEERS FOR THE BAGEL! ALL HAIL THE BAGEL!
August 14th, 2008 at 2:26 am
absolutely gutted
August 14th, 2008 at 7:16 am
Every problem has a solution, Bagel. The trick is finding the right one
I totally get your reasoning, but… There must be some way forward.
My daughter’s nappy is currently inducing the same feeling as your post. Nausea. Must dash…
August 14th, 2008 at 7:22 am
In fact, you should look on having a blog as a similar experience to having a child:
You will have to give it attention when you really have other things to do
They give you a feeling of joy and purpose that you never previously had.
And you really shouldn’t walk away from them. I’ll call social services Bagel…
Well, anything is worth a try.
In similar ‘miscarriage of justice’ news today: Fat Frank is now the highest paid player in the league.
It’s all wrong!
August 14th, 2008 at 8:14 am
I have always considered this to
be the best Spurs related blog around
and I am sure many feel the same.
You have provided me with many a
match day expierience even thou I
have never attended match or been
anywhere near the the lane.
Reading one of your match reports
is the closes thing I have to the real
thing.
Thanks for sharing your gift with us
Bagel and Hope you reconsider but I
do understand your situation.
August 14th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Im lost for words. This blog has become so much a part of my life that I went from checking it everyday to subscribing to the feed so I have fresh Bagels as soon as they are ready.
You will be sorely missed mate but as they say, all good things come to an end. Very happy you’ve found something to do you love. I wish I could say the same. Instead I spend my days at work scouring the internet for Spurs blogs. Something that is about to occur all the more often I feel.
All the best Bagel. Would have a beer with you anytime.
…Gutted.
August 14th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Perhaps assistance is all you require Bagel?
Not only one person as you mentioned But two or three
posters to do Current news ,Previews and match reports..
August 14th, 2008 at 9:46 am
I dont think anyone can write as good as you Bagel. Yid of the Norf was spot on when he said that this news is more of a downer than Keane leaving.
Please reconsider bagel. This is the best Blog on the net and without you it just wont be the same.
August 14th, 2008 at 11:36 am
first keane! and now this! things are changing i dont like it
August 14th, 2008 at 11:46 am
congratulations on the career break Bagel - richly deserved!
how about this as a solution for us all - hungry for our Bagel Bites..
record all your thoughts and observations on your dictaphone during the day - for the good LB to type up onto the site after she’s done dusting down your doughnuts (so to speak) when the bakery closes?
All you’d then have to do is come up with a film quote to put the cherry on top!
any good?
August 14th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Gutted. First Robbie, then Dimi, now you.
Your posts have made me laugh and rant over the past few months since I because a beefbagel devotee. I will always remember your Carling Cup Final Match Report - one word: goosebumps.
The thing to consider is not just whether any will match up to the Bagel but whether anyone will actually WANT to. Those are some big boots to fill, aren’t they?
Whatever you decide, good luck with everything and thanks.
Rosie x
August 14th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
I don’t have anything constructive to contribute.
August 14th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Say it ain’t so Bagel!
Really good to hear that you’re getting on so well at work though, and we can’t begrudge you that. You’ve given me well over a year’s worth of daily amusement, thought provocation, bile-venting and amusement (yes, I said it twice deliberately :)).
I guess you could turn this into a Forum - that way, anyone can post on whatever they want (including yourself). Not sure if managing a Forum is any less work than posting a Blog mind…
Anyway, thanks for the memories Bagel, and good luck.
August 14th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Nooooo!!!
I’ve never posted here before but I’ve been an avid reader for the last couple of years (since the win against Chelsea at the Lane in 06 - a pitch perfect match report that day) and this is the ONLY blog worth reading. You are the only one that captures the match day atmosphere as I experience it, albeit I’m at the other end of the Shelf.
More than anything it’s losing the match reports that will leave a huge, desolate vacuum in my week. When I miss a game they are the next best thing to being there - far superior to watching highlights commentated by muppets on the telly.
If this really is the end then I just want to say Thank You so much for all the entertainment over the last couple of years (and this includes the posts from your regulars - esp Oog who always has an intelligent, balanced view) and congratulations on settling with a good woman and finding a job you love. You deserve it.
August 14th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Bagel,
I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts over the past year or so, and I’m not even a Spurs supporter! (Torquay, but I’m seeing the shrink) Good luck with your new(ish) job and I hope to see you find the time to post when you can. I’ll continue to check every day, in any case.
August 14th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
I’m welling up with tears too and I don’t even support Tottenham……
xx
August 14th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
on a lighter note, here’s Steed Maclaren doing his best Martin Jol impression!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8oN58cyp2c
August 14th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Wooha, that media Training sure has paid off, Steve.
August 14th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Twat.
Just playing… do what you gotta do man. As much as we all love this thing, I can’t imagine it remaining a priority with everything else.
Too much time to do it the right way - and hat’s off to you for saying so.
No one wants half a Bagel…
August 14th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
I said you would break a few hearts Bagel.
Oh well, see you tonight!
August 14th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Perhpas we can create a Bagel collective with a different writer each week (including of course The Bagel, OI OI and even Ilai).
August 14th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Thank you all for your kind words. It’s really touching to read.
I’ve got some thinking to do over the weekend and perhaps there is a way of running this as some sort of collective or at least giving it a try.
I’m off to a festival with Oog and Adie, so if you see three guys at Green Man crowding around a solar powered radio at 3pm on Saturday, it’s probably us.
I’ll be back on Tuesday or late Monday night.
The Bagel.
August 14th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
never really posted but i’ve been a reader for the past few years. sad to see you go. as an american who’s never been to the lane, i echo dude’s sentiments - you were the closest thing i had. thanks for everything and you will be missed.
August 14th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
thanks for everything ,if i want to read match reports i can buy a paper but this blog was something more ;highs and lows and as tottenham fans we know all about high ’s and lows!
good luck but not farewell…
August 15th, 2008 at 2:22 am
very sad.understand the lack of time now you are fully employed but think of the gap you will be leaving and maybe try and find a way not to stop altogether? gotta give something to look forward to. think about it.
good luck, anyway.
August 15th, 2008 at 2:37 am
No one man is bigger than the club; but one Bagel almost is. I sincerely do not think anyone can replace the Bagel and the Tottenham experience will be somewhat blander without the spice of this blog.
I think some sort of forum would probably work to an extent, allowing everyone to chip in - I don’t know how it would function and whether it would take even more time to upkeep and moderate than this blog, but as long as ‘the Bagel experience’ does not die out completely, all hope for a level-headed, though provoking and entertaining view of the dramatic soap opera that is Tottenham Hotspur Football Club is not lost.
This is truly the end of an era, though.
August 15th, 2008 at 2:41 am
P.S. I would love to play some part in the future of Beef Bagel but am afraid that I will fall too far short of the outstanding benchmark set here. I would, however, be willing to try my hand, if I was accepted.
August 15th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Gutted Bagel, I’d only really started reading this blog a few months ago but loved it almost instantly.
You’ve got a great turn of phrase that is rare to see and entertaining to read so will be much missed even tho, as a few above have already said for themselves, I’m not even a spurs fan! I’ve read a fair few Liverpool blogs and, quite frankly, they dont hold a candle to the quality of the writing i find here.
Will be much missed, if you ever want an ‘outsiders’ view of the spurs this year I’d be happy to give it a go…
August 15th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
RedRum,
If Bagel let me, a confirmed 6puds slagger and Mighty Arsenal fan, write a piece on here (under my WHS pseudonym), then I expect he’d be only too happy to let your spread your drivel about Hootheball’s history and how they are just a cup team etc etc.
August 15th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Beef Bagel readers could do a lot worse than giving fledgling blogger Spurs’em on a try - blogging in the wicked deflection lion’s den.
http://www.wickeddeflection.com/2008/08/tottenham-easily-into-top-4.html
August 15th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Bolloxs.
August 15th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Bagel….
All farewells should be sudden but you can’t stand in the way of the future. But……….there is enough talent on here to evolve The Bagel into a bright new day.
The posters know the rules. They know what the community likes.
All I will say is give it a bash Bagelers you learn as you go along. I should know:-)
Bagel, loved the ‘rubbish blogger’ line. I know that feeling only to well.
Hail Hail
August 15th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Bagel, I’m a fair humor writer and so would be more than willing to contribute- but I can never see games in person, and hardly ever televised. My worry about a collective is that the site would become like vital spurs, that is to say, like shit.
Regardless of your plans for the site, thank for very much for all you’ve done for this community. We will miss you.
August 15th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
for information click…
. ……
August 15th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
You know when you’ve been away for a few weeks and havn’t been on the internet, you come home and go on just to update yourself. This isn’t what I wanted to see!
Bagel - great to hear that your career is going places, don’t let a blog get in the way of that, even though this is a special blog. Surely you don’t need to pack it in for good though? I’m sure once the season kicks off you’ll find your typing fingers itching away to do a report. What’s the Latin for ‘quality not quantity’?
August 15th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Bagel,
I’m welling up mate reading all the comments! I’ll be gutted if you stop bagelling - but I don’t think you will.
Cut back, ’spread’ the burden and get some help if you must, but this is a part of you now - and a part of all our lives.
If this is the end (and again, I don’t think it is), know that I now consider Spurs my second team because of “my mates blog” and will be stuck for pub (and business) banter with random Spurs fans for ever more.
Dave
August 15th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Bagel, take it all in, we are all calling to you.
Give yourself a break for a bit and let others take the strain. Youve got a quite a bit going on a the mo so dont call it a day.
As a promise I’ll let Burt Knacked bundle you at the “End of the Road”, in a manly way mind.
August 16th, 2008 at 9:01 am
Are we still aloud to discuss stuff?
Apparently Berbatov has handed in a transfer request… Why was that needed.
In more positive news, before they nuke Poland those kind Russians have lowered the price of Arse shaving, so one in, one out.
First day of the Season: COYS!!!!!!!!!!
August 16th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Haven’t posted here for a while but still an avid reader who agrees with the majority here: let’s not lose the community we have here and please don’t let’s go the way of Vital Spurs!!!
I like the idea of a (select?) group of contributors. I’d be happy to post on news/transfer rumours, for instance, as long as my writing is up to scratch!. Match reports would be a little more difficult for me as I only get to a few during a season (mainly due to being out of the country for extended periods).
Anyone else out there willing to share the burden…?
August 16th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
I’d be happy to do the odd piece on gossip & a match day report now & again as away matches north of the Watford Gap are within my distance & the odd trip to The Lane… But I’d be only too willing to contribute
August 16th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Blimey, I was close to sticking a tenner on a Spurs win aswell. Ah well I’m off to piss money away at Walthamstow dogs tonight anyway.
August 16th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
R.I.P Beef Bagel……………and 4th spot this year again.
August 17th, 2008 at 1:23 am
Well, it is really sad to hear that decision of yours bagel. It is through your blog that I decided to order a blueberry bagel with cream cheese and a cup of piping hot coffee, then to realise what I have missed for the past 30 years.
Jokes aside, I am really sad that this wonderful blog will end so abruptly. I can never find another tots page full of realistic insights. Since I am a tots fan from Singapore and could only glue myself in front of the TV on any of Tot’s match, those match reports makes me feel that I have been there, there together with all the Yids, united on one common frontier.
Realistically speaking, this blog page has a very sustantial fan base. It will be good to have other bloggers to relay the torch of the bagel. It will be good if Mr Bagel can still continue to write, once a week or once a month does not matter, but other contributors can fill in the gaps in between.
Enough said, I will respect any decision that comes from you, since I am a software project manager and I spends 18 hoursa day in front of the computer screen. I truely understand how it feels when sleep itself is considered a luxury.
August 17th, 2008 at 11:11 am
I’m happy to cover match reports: Yesterday we stuffed new promoted WBA while our so called rivals got mullered at Boro.
More next week !
August 17th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Sad news from beefy. Not read another Spurs site to match this one. Now do I gotta rely on the Daily Mail for my Spurs news, pah! The concept is awful beyond description. But you know a man gotta do what a man gotta do. You know your business better than me so good luck with whatever you decide.
Regarding yesterday: even playing at 50% Berbatov is still better than any striker we have or will realistically buy before the end of the window.
August 17th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Your on Oi Oi. Didn’t Boro do you last year up there aswell?
August 17th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
‘Tis true. I believe ‘Boro actually beat a full Gooner squad lat year. But kudos on beating WBA. That must’ve been REALLY tough. And 1-0! Wow! That means Arsenal are better than Fulham, I suppose.
I will admit that ‘Boro deserved to win that match. They outplayed us. I’m not sweating it too bad, as it’s just the first game of the season. But we’ll see… I don’t want this to be a repeat of last season. I am a bit concerned about our striker situation, though. I just hope Ramos, et al are have a plan but are keeping it quiet.
August 17th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Shame this may be the last. Good luck with the job - presumably its not in acting ??!!
August 17th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
yo bagel. i’ve been reading your posts for the past year and a half or so, and i get tired of constantly lookg at ur site for the latest posts….. especially of late.
now i know why. i think you’ve done a gr8 job with the posts. sincerely hope you’re kidding, but quite sure that you’re not. as someone else said a bit earlier in the comments, u’re truly blessed to love what you do. wish i was so lucky.
all the best in your job. and i’d take over if i wasn’t halfway around the world in malaysia!
ranchit
August 17th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Bagel,
Good luck with all your endeavors. We will miss you if you cannot continue to post.
I always loved the real fans’ insight, as well as the humorous tone. This blog has become a weekly habit of mine, and it will leave a hole in my Spurs-loving life. This sucks.
What is going on? Thursday, I find out no more bagel, and Friday we here in New York lose the greatest sports talk radio show in history (Mike and the Mad Dog) which had been running at the top of the ratings for 19 years straight. What the hell is next?
August 18th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Berbatov probably leaving Mitch, that’s what.
*sob*
August 18th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Bagel,
Your presence will be sorely missed, but I wish you all the best. Hope the torch is passed on and that you can find time to contribute every so often.
Thanks for all that you have done!! Best of luck!
August 18th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
‘boro: gone back and watched the match a few times. Shit performance really (and it should have been worse). Chemistry was lacking across the pitch. Bent isn’t creative enough to play up front by himself — he doesn’t seem to move into the right spaces (o, how I miss ol ‘Keeno). Daws is not top flight and I fear he never will be. (o, how I miss ol Ledders).
Berba: sell him already. We simply cannot afford another beginning of the season distraction, a la Martin Jol.
August 18th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Bagel,
I’m another ex-pat who hasn’t posted a comment in a while, but never lost the addiction to reading the real, unique quality that everyone above knows is what this place has been about.
Several times, I commented on the rare gift in your writing, whatever you write about. Yeah, the Berba of the Blogosphere!! And the fact that the Bagel is a Yiddo made it as good as it could possibly get.
So many non-Yids….and Oi, oi and his pals….coming here and now bigging it up for you only proves this was no ordinary footy blog.
The guy in Singapore sums it up for me. For all of us overseas, without a feck’s chance of getting near the Lane, whether we saw the game or not, reading your report has been an unmissable follow-up. Last year, after Ar5ena1 and then the Final in particular, I could hardly wait to read your experience. Emotion, humour, depth, real human drama, sex, all written with such originality and class that you were just bound to move on up. No surprise.
The thing is, whatever partial or full solution is tried out, whoever comes in, with the best will in the world it won’t work, because naturally it won’t be the same.
Only one Bagel, we all got sucked into the hole in the middle and have ended up clogged full of gallons of cream cheese in a dark place somewhere.
It’s a shame you waited till the start of the season (Oh fuckin no, here we go again,”We’re gonna finish 4th, 3rd!!” & shit. Why can’t so many mindlesss Yiddos just learn & shut it? But that’s also why all the other sites are such crap).
Your gonna miss it too, if you really end it. But you’ll get over it. Especially if you love where it got you that much more (AND you get paid for it? And there’s a future? Wow!!!!!!! Mazel tov, my man!
Yeah, Bagel, the Berba of the Blogosphere……….COYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 19th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Funny , I just came to see if there was
a match report and I just realised that
there might not be one.
Feels like I gave up my season ticket
August 19th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
BAGEL, BAGEL, BAGEL…………..
Good luck to you my shelfside friend, I have been dropping in on this blog for a while but only posted a few comments.
If you can manage it please reserve your match reports for the Big Ones - L’Arse, Chelski, The East End YoYo’s and maybe those special Cup matches, especially any long awaited European Semi Final Nights.
This year I have promised Little Diaz more time at the weekends as my job is 7-7, Monday till Friday and the ironic “Are you my Daddy t-shirt” is not so ironic in my house. So it will probably only be 5 or 6 home games this year.
And because of this I am sort of depending on this blog and 1 other to keep me in contact with the Lane, the atmosphere it can generate and a realistic view of what is going on.
Plus if there are any other people willing to try the match reports then in my opinion let them have a go, I am sure people on here will appreciate the effort and any discussions it leads to. (And I need them!!)
Whatever you decide congrats on the job, and if you’re ever in the Bricklayers or the Bell and Hare i’ll be happy to shout you a liquid bagel.
COYS.
August 20th, 2008 at 9:16 am
here’s an idea - anyone at the game on Saturday, start chanting ‘bring back bagel’. Guaran-damn-tee that if he hears his name chanted by Spurs fans at the lane, not only will you make his day / month / year / life, there’s no way he’ll quit.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Does anyone here visit glory-glory? Hasn’t been working for the last few days on my PC and am wondering if anyone else has got the same problem?
August 20th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Bagel
I would like to echo all the positive comments and praise for your excellent blog. It’s been fun! Good luck to you!
I will keep checking on a regular basis to see what happens in your absence. Hopefully the Beef Bagel will live on for a few more years yet!
COYS and YIDS and all that!
August 20th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
If no one else is going to the Villa game in a few weeks and fancies doing a report then I suppose I could give it a crack.
August 20th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Wilson
Good on ya! Just tell it like you see it. You never know, we might discover a new Bagel?
Maybe this is the way forward for the next few months? We owe it to the YIDS abroad and to Bagel to keep this thing going. Hopefully, more will also offer up material.
YIDS
August 21st, 2008 at 12:34 am
It’s midnight on Wednesday/Thursday and I’ve been reading all your incredible words with my eyes wide open and my mind racing.
I was tired when I came in. A trip down to Wembley, courtesy of Greedo, to watch England play the Czech Republic has been enough to sap my soul; the great void of passion that is the national team and national stadium draining my life and the long journey back to the Bakery left me ready for bed.
But now my thoughts are sharp, made all the keener for every comment I’ve read.
LB lies next door losing her fight to stay awake before I can be next to her, but she’ll be long asleep before I get there now.
We’re going to have a go at doing this together. Not LB, that is, but us lot. There’s enough of us to make this work and I’ll send out some e-mails and arrange Beef Bagel access for those that have expressed an interest to start writing, but remember this isn’t a closed shop. Anyone can start at any time and it’s no shame if you decide it’s not your bag either.
I’ll still be writing the match reports - not all but as many as I can. That was how Beef Bagel started. It seems that’s always been the heart of it and you’re right Wilson, I am itching to write up the next game. I keep find myself composing lines in my head for scenes that have not yet happened.
So, that’ll be the next post and then as of next week we’ll get the new writers started.
As for keeping it away from Vital Spurs, well, that’s up to us. I think they have a different agenda over there and, as much as I like to see plenty of traffic, I’ve never done this for the money and so it’s never become a chore.
We’re all here because something about this game resonates with us and however it makes us feel, whether we want to laugh at it, cry at it, deride it, celebrate it or just plain obsess about it, what we do want to do most of all is talk about it and that’s exactly what’s going to continue.
We may not have bought a Russian or sold a Bulgarian but we may well have saved a bagel.
The Bagel.
August 21st, 2008 at 10:46 am
Cue *hallelujah* music.
Good to have you back, Bagel. And well done to all contributers for hauling the Bagel back from the brink of an early retirement. Pats on the back all round
August 21st, 2008 at 11:26 am
Great news! My disposition is so much sunnier now. Well, sunnier than the shit that I can see outside my Chancery Lane office window.
I still haven’t picked up my season ticket from the ticket office. what do people think I should do… find an excuse to leave work early tomorrow or risk the queue at the ticket office on Saturday? I can’t get to the lane until 2pm and I think that might be leaving it a little to chance…
I am getting extremely fed up with the whole Berbatov saga now. Levy needs to tell Fergie to put up or shut up. If it were down to me, I would accept an offer of £24m just to get the moaning twat off the payroll. I do fear that we’ll be panic buying again a la Rasiak and our strikeforce will be severely lacking until January.
The feeling amongst my Spurs supporting mates is nervousness - I dread to think what it would be had we not have impressed so much in pre-season… or maybe the expectation would not be so high and we’d not be distraught at losing to Boro?
August 21st, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I just wish that we employed who ever is signing players for Sunderland.
No tears about the lack of Arseshaving though. Still, we do reallygenuinelyabsolutelyneed a striker, or two. And a defender. Oh, and still in need of that defensive midfielder.
Is it just me, or did that ‘Boro game leave anyone else feeling a tad nervous…?
Good decision Bagel. Well, actually, I think it’s a fucking great decision. x
August 21st, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Who’s this guy? :
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article1586890.ece
August 21st, 2008 at 3:33 pm
I look foward to the ‘new bagel’……
August 21st, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Oi Oi, He’s the player who is going to ensure you end another season with no silverware. (again.)
August 21st, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Glory Glory and Toby, I agree completely. I’m very nervous. I didn’t like what I saw at ‘boro one bit. Sunderland scares me.
August 21st, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Our collective fear that if it can go wrong it will go wrong has been generated by decades of ups and downs that comes with supporting the rollercoaster that is THFC.
Hopefully, as most of our team are new (ish) to the club they won’t be filled with the same dread after one defeat and will skip out on Saturday and put on a stylish and convincing performance, free from the dread and the paranoia that is our birthright.
And if we lose? Well, the players will be shitting it like the rest of us.
COME ON YOU SPURS!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 21st, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Great news bagel! I thank you for renewing my season ticket to the lane and beyond!
there will be a couple of ex-yidos looking to impress against us saturday which makes me extra nervous.
August 21st, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Bagel
I’m embarrased to say that I’m not an active member on here, but like many others here I have avidly read you’re blog for a long time and want to pass on my congractulations and commiserations alike.
There is evidently quite a dedicated community who enjoy you’re website as much as I do, and I agree it would be such a shame to see this project end now.
I like the idea of everybody contributing, and would be happy to write a summary of transfer gossip or something like that. Perhaps a piece investigating the myserious whereabouts of Ricardo Rocha and Paul Stalteri….
The Crumpet
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:48 am
Just read on BBC Sport that we’ve won 7/7 home PL games versus Sunderland… that, plus the fact that Lawro is backing us makes me want to cack my pants…
…That said, I think Sunderland will struggle on the road this…they have half our old team after all!
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:00 am
Good to have you back Bagel. The world feels a better place.
Having failed to change Levy’s mind the press are now trying to persuade Spurs fans that £20m is a fair price for Berbatov.
Hope nobody falls for this nonsense and WHL is a cauldron of noise in support of the team on Saturday.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:16 am
thank god for excellent decision, bagel - half a bagel is always better than none.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:20 am
Yay! Bagel returns - fabulous! Now all we need is the icing on the cake - will it come in the form of a win on Saturday?
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:05 pm
“He’s the player who is going to ensure you end another season with no silverware. (again.)”
Again >???
When did he ever do that for 6puds ?
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Bagel, sincere thanks for reconsidering. I’m facing a serious operation soon and right now I can’t take too many more negatives around me.
But I loved the suggestion of a “Bring Back Bagel” chant, even if I wouldn’t have been able to hear it. Guys, how about a change to “Nice One, Bagel!” , à la the old Cyril Knowles chant?
It’s always been the way. Nothing beats a bagel, never did & never will!
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Oh good grief. The second most tedious saga of the summer continues…Arseshaving has, after careful consideration, had his price tag dropped.
It appears the door has been left ajar for Spurs. I was beginning to panic about a striker - but is he not a bit more of an attacking midfielder sort? Or have I got that wrong?
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Good luck with the op Stewie.
August 23rd, 2008 at 7:24 am
Best wishes to you stewie.hope your op is a success and you have a speedy recovery soon.
August 23rd, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Fuck this.
August 23rd, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Ground Hog Day.
August 23rd, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Bagel and others:
I sincerely hope that was less painful to watch live, as it was to listen to…
Dear god.
All the best, Stewie - Lets have you back around these parts soon. Hopefully with a better set of results to comment on.
August 23rd, 2008 at 6:31 pm
hahahahahahahaa… beaten by the mackems… what a good football team you lads got. ack well fellas there is still next season.
August 23rd, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Pretty obvious we are missing some goal scorers.
August 23rd, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Dreadful. I’m afraid.
And on this evidence we could be in real stick.
12 Months back we had 5 strikers. Now we have none.
It’s not just about service. If things aren’t reaching you / working out.. MOVE.
Surely Bent has watched world-class strikers on the television.
Sad days when our back 5 are the best part of the pitch.
They turned the Kasier Chiers up real loud at the final whistle today chums.
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:57 pm
GUTTED WITH THAT RESULT.
My favourite line from IN BRUGES: Ray ( Colin feckin Farell) sums up Purgatory as: “It’s when you’re not awful, not really bad, but you’re not really good either – a bit like Tottenham…”
That could also be a reveiw of the first two gams of the prem this year.
Anybody at the match that can offer any possitives?
What about a swap deal with Barca! Berbs for Eto and a bag of tracksuits. ; (
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Best wishes, Stewie.
What a frustrating match!!!! It seemed like between Bale and Bentley alone there must have been 15 beautiful crosses that had no one on the end of them. Why could we not have signed Cisse? You know we are in trouble when JJ was pretty much our second striker when we had our most threatening spells.
We need a target man desperately!! I like Bent, but I think he is better with the ball at his feet than to be the lone target man in an almost exclusively aerial attack.
I think Modric had a pretty good game, but he was swallowed up at times by the physical presence of the Black Cats’ defense. Bentley was nearly invisible except for free kicks and the many, many corners we won. Personally, I think Bale is tremendous at free kicks and corners and if this is all Bentley has to offer, Ramos should have used that money on a striker. I am sure he will be better in time, but he reminded me a bit of Beckham - very nice touch on crosses, but lacks speed and dribbling ability of a great playmaker. I think he should play on the right and not in center forward.
It is certainly obvious that we have some serious holes on this team. They show a lot of talent and some good passing (especially crosses), but they are in desperate need of some muscle and some threats in the box.
PAINFUL GAME!!! And we have Stamford Bridge to look forward to. Juande had better act quickly, and I do not think Arshavin is the answer.
August 24th, 2008 at 12:03 am
Well at least le scum lost!!
Ashavings is not the answer and jenas is not a captain and bentley shouldnt play on the left and modric is not a holding mid fielder and…
next up chelscum and that doesnt look good. Im going to take a 2 week media black out because i cant handle all the negativety.
August 24th, 2008 at 12:19 am
I agree with Dude, Arshavin might be even worse than Bent in the Prem if he Comes.
August 24th, 2008 at 12:51 am
Arshavin plus one methinks. Need a ball winner in the centre of the park. Busy week in the market and a good performance against chelski and we will all be positive again. Marathon not a sprint and all that. COYS!
August 24th, 2008 at 7:56 am
Now I don’t usually mind having to get up reeeealy early. Duty calls, Scarlett theYid’s usually hungry and it gives me a chance to read the papers. Obviously they are all full of ‘Berba to Utd’ stories. Again, fine. I’m used to that now.
What really made my heart sink this morning, in the News of the Screws:
“Ramos has identified Emile Heskey as a £10m replacement but Wigan boss Steve Bruce wants any deal done quickly.”
Heskey??????!?!?!?!?
If you’d have told me this time last year that our strike force would consist of Hesley and Bent - I really may have slit my wrists…
August 24th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Sorry for spamming - but my rage needs a vent.
According to numerous reports, Berbatov didn’t play yesterday because he “Didn’t feel like it, he wasn’t in the right frame of mind.”
Aaaaaarrrggghhh!
*Combusts*
August 24th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Kudos for the media blackout, i refused t read any after match report after I watched the sunderland-tots match on cable. It is a real agony to watch.
When i look at the line-ups for the matchups, I could see that most of them are playing off-positions. Seriously, only zokora looks comfortable in his position.
Bent looks like a lost child, wondering when he will be able to make a dash towards the goal, perhaps never.
Sorry that my mind is still in rumbles after the match, still pretty much incoherant. Anyways, I think we gonna be a mid-table forgettables this year. sigh. Anyone has any objections letting the arshavin deal slde and concentrate on paluvychenko?
August 24th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Funny that. Oi Oi, where are ya? I bet you couldn’t wait to lay into us (no more than we are ourselves, mind), and then the goons go and get beat themselves. Poor you, eh?
August 25th, 2008 at 12:29 am
I’m not one for match reports (and I certainly wont be starting after yesterday’s embarrassment). However, I feel the need to vent my spleen. I apologise for the following lengthy diatribe. If you want to avoid doom & gloom mongering then don’t read on.
I hate to say it, but Spurs are a joke at the moment.
The inevitable loss to Chelsea will see us in the bottom 3 until the home game against Villa, which to be quite honest could be a struggle.
Where exactly is the improvement under Ramos? We have won 10 PL Just wames under his leadership at a win rate of much less than Martin Jol. Ok, we won the cup - The Carling Cup - the least prestigious competition available to us. Still a good achievement and I’d rather win that than win nothing of course, but let’s be realistic it is not where we all want to be. If you put that aside, our league form has been largely pitiful and we didn’t beat any of the top 6 teams last season. Not good enough.
Off the pitch, Levy needs to either find a spine or make a bloody decision about the moaning Bulgarian who is ‘not in the right frame of mind’. Does anyone buy this bullshit? Call me a cynic, but I would not be surprised if either Berbatov or his agent have been talking to Fergie who has been advising Berbatov how to get his move.
I really don’t think this game that Levy is playing will pay off in the end - it’s too late to hold out for more cash now that it is clear we need to strengthen the squad immediately. Time is ticking and unless ENIC shareholders are happy having a c.£27m asset who doesn’t want to play on the books then we need to get this over and done with.
I still think the whole thing is utter bullshit. At the first hint of Man U/Liverpool interest in our 50-goal-a-a-season partnership we should have made a very public statement that we are not a selling club - similar to the obvious crap that Levy said after selling Carrick. For those who don’t know/remember what the official line from Levy was, here is an excerpt:
“There is a world of difference between a player who has a short period left on his contract and could look to leave on a free transfer, and a player with a long contract. If, as we do, you have players on long contracts and the finances of the club are strong, you have no need to sell. I am happy for anyone to judge this club by who we sell and who we don’t. Our ability to attract and retain top-class players is key to our ambition to compete at the highest level - regularly in Europe and with our sights set on Champions League qualification.”
So where exactly does the sale of Keane & the inevitable sale of Berbatov fit in with our Champion’s League ambitions?
It seems that the reality is that Spurs are simply a club that try to groom Champion’s League quality players at a tidy profit to please the shareholders.
And don’t even get me started about the season ticket price increase… I’ll save that for another time.
Rant over. Just.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:41 am
Surely Levy can just stop being a total knob and sell Berba and start spending real cash.
Buy Fred (or someone else) and Milito, go for a CB like David Luiz, Felipe, Mensah etc. Then try to get Palombo from Sampdoria.
Line up like this at Chelsea having spent a further £50m and recouped another £25m:
Fred
Giovani Bentley
Modric Jenas
Palombo
Bale Woodgate King Gunter
Gomes
(or even Zokora - who has been decent at RB).
Try to grab a cheeky point. Sorted.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:49 am
Erm sorry about the formation not coming out right… menna be like this:
———————Fred———————
Giovani——————————Bentley
————Modric———Jenas————
——————Palombo——————-
Bale—-Woodgate——-King——-Gunter
——————-Gomes——————–
Maybe Zokora instead of Gunter.
To be honest, having Fred or Milito fed crosses from Giovani and Bentley, whilst being threaded through by attacking Modric and Jenas (who both have the engines to track back) would bag them plenty of goals whilst both of our wingers could also cut inside and shoot - as both are talented finishers whilst Jenas and Modric can make probing runs and create play, bagging themselves the odd goal as well.
Palombo is an excellent, leading character to have in midfield and he could keep the structure there whilst winning the ball to supply our midfield. Lorik Cana is a similarly moulded DM from Marseille if we could get him.
David Luiz is a young but talented defender who could play second fiddle to King on occasion but would also be able, imo, to step up when needed.
We need to get our signing skates on.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Dm? How about Gennaro Gattuso! He kicks people in the head and gets away with it. Great player. The Berb saga is affecting the players (young squad) but i dont think its an excuse. Whats everyone think of the Forlan rumour? rather have Stephen Hawlkins up front.
August 25th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
i really like vincent kompany on defensive mid, but he’s been snapped up for cheap by ManC.
Anyways, the whole transfer window, we have been linked with the whole list of strikers, but none came in through the gates of the lane.
And last season, although we conceded tonnes of goals, but its still very entertaining watching them attack. This season, we are concede tonnes of goals but the attacking flair is gone.
August 26th, 2008 at 2:31 am
Didn’t Gattuso decide he was staying?
August 28th, 2008 at 11:49 am
For those who dont get to every game the following links stream live football at the weekends and during the week
The first is a link to various streams and in some cases a software download is required however some are Flash streams which if you are worried might be the better option and of course Flash is mac friendly.
The second link is all Flash. Of course the commentary is always in the language of the country streaming it.
All completely free, suffers a bit full screen which is the pay off. Excellent if you cant find a boozer with Aljazeera which I do have round the corner but they always show WetSpam.
Thans for the amazing read for the past couple of years.
http://livefooty.doctor-serv.com/
http://www.justin.tv
November 19th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
I saw the new stadium plans and artists impressions last night. Very Impressive. It is almost identical to Emirates, however has less glass extenally and is clad in an aluminium finish. Inside its almost identical. Some changes to the roof line where Emirates dips in the corneres our one dips in the middle.
We should of had our own new design as this will only attract critisism from them down the road as a copycat stadium. Which to be honest it is.