Manager of the Month
Who is it? Me, and I’ve appointed the Bagel as my new assistant! We’re a so solid crew, we know just what to do, and we never stop work to drink tea.
No, seriously, it has to be Harry and cry God for Harry, England and St George! No, that’s Henry V – we’ll keep him, England can’t have him even if he’s better than Capello. Now I chose this heading before today’s result but I still think it’s the only serious choice. I think in November, or since his arrival, it’s 7 wins in all competitions, 1 draw and 2 defeats. Yes, I’m disappointed by today’s result, but wasn’t confident about 3 points since Everton are a bit of an awkward squad and their away form almost matches Chelsea’s. So, it’s back to hard work – top 10 is still achievable but I’m not putting money on it – and again, midfield, where were you – not scoring as usual!
Of course, you are all waiting for me to reveal the best goal you’ve seen (rules are it has to be by a Spurs player which counts out Pele and Maradona). Who could it be – Gazza, Villa, Lineker, Clive Allen, Les Allen, John Duncan, Chris Armstrong (a winner against Arsenal), Martin Chivers, Garth Crooks, Steve Archibald, Stefan Iversen, Waddle, Ginola, Berbatov, Keane, Chris Jones, Gilzean, Hoddle – so many to choose from? What about Ardiles – the winner in an FA Cup replay at Manchester United in the 70s? It could be Alfie Conn (another genius, for those who had the privilege to see him play), saving Spurs from relegation with a hat-trick and a few others (‘Bye, Bye, Chelsea, Chelsea Goodbye’ – relegated instead - to the Bay City Rollers song) in the 70s. I think it has to be Pedro Mendes, against United away to win the match a couple of years ago – we’ll get that reinstated one day and the extra 2 points that would have taken us into the Champions League or UEFA Cup – one of the two.
No, you knew all along, it was Jimmy Greaves (I saw his debut at WHL) in 1969 against Leicester City! There’s some stuff on Google about it, anyone who was there would probably say the same and it featured on the covers of programmes the season after showing defenders on their knees looking back and Greaves about to pass it into the net having taken it past Peter Shilton (no mug).
People think it wasn’t on film or tape. It’s true there were no TV cameras there that day, but there was a small film camera on the camera gantry and it may be on film somewhere – if it is, it needs to be found, however grainy! I guess Spurs club historians may know who was on the gantry that day or who could have been there apart from TV. I trust they filmed that bit? He collected the ball on the right wing from a high goal kick out of the hands – Pat Jennings – and waltzed his way past several defenders and Shilton. There was a standing ovation and the noise did not subside for about 5 minutes which is quite something? A bit like comic book stuff, but really the stuff of genius – maybe Jim will recount it one day.
The Platzel.
December 1st, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Im gutted we did’nt put one over on Everton yesterday, could’nt bring myself to watch the highlights neither. Hope the watford game cheers me up a bit!
COYS
December 2nd, 2008 at 3:07 pm
I thought you’d come out with Nayim’s goal as the best you’ve seen.
From the half-way line and beating the scum in one fell swoop.
Unless it ahd to be by someone actually in a Spurs shirt?…
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:12 am
Come on Burnley! 2 scum teams knocked out - nice one. Might change allegiance…
December 3rd, 2008 at 3:59 pm
It was a very frustrating result against Everton, but overall all Tottenham fans have to be happy with the impact of Redknapp.
Excellent site you have here by the way, would you be able to drop me an email when you get the chance?
Thanks
Thomas
December 4th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Good win helped by our away fans singing constantly throughout the game, now that cheered me up….Brilliant!
COYS
December 4th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Is is too much to ask for a cushy draw in the semis? Although would UTD field a weakened team in January / February if we draw them next? Does the Champions league get going again by semi final time?
I’ll settle for Derby in the Semis and then humiliate the Mancs (or is it Yanks) at Wembley.
On the game last night Zokora was poor. My heart sank when the team sheet had him paired with Jenas. The 2 don’t deem to work well together. Maybe Hudd was getting a rest but for all Zokora’s industry he really had a poor game. Back 4 looked OK although Dawson seems to be still struggling a little. Pav is looking like a quality player. He has his own languid style but he seems to me as a player who “sees” the game. As the pundits might say, “he has a picture in his head”. Who needs pace when you can anticipate the play. Good old Bent. Whenever he gets the ball in the box on the angle I he nearly always gets a shot on target. A slight fluff last night but who cares.
The draw is at 12 noon on saturday. Sky Sports News i think.
Are we about to be distracted from the more important relegation scrap?
December 4th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Our squad is seriously lacking decent cover in CM - Agree about Zokora, he is just not a footballer. Dare I say it, but why not give KPB a chance? ‘Arry wont stand for any shit, so give him a chance instead of Zok. what’s the worst that can happen?
He’s much maligned too, but our midfield is so much improved when Jenas plays. JJ, Hudd & Modric should all start when fit, with Pav or Bent the lone striker (I don’t think our squad is equipped to play 4-4-2).
Bentley is a big concern for me - £17m?? You’ve got to be kidding. Lucky for us that Azza is in form.
The other concern is Bale’s form, but I wont dwell on it because he’s 19 and is really still learning his trade.
Will be great when GdS is fit again - I would love to see a midfield of dos Santos, Jenas, Hudd & Lennon with Modric playing in the hole.
As far as the league goes, (which ‘Arry quite rightly is prioritising) I think there are definitely 3 worse teams than us, so I don’t think we’ll be going down. Blackburn, West Brom and Sunderland all look poor, and Newcastle will always be in the mix for going down. We will do just enough to stay up and if we can win the CC I don’t care where we finish in the league as long as it’s 17th & above.
December 4th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
GG
I reckon there are more than 3 teams in the league that are worse than us but all of those bastard teams keep on picking up points. We need some daylight between us and them otherwise it will be a scary new year.
I’m not looking forward to Monday nights game. For those pikeys it’s their cup final and they always up their game. We need ‘Arry to be at his sweet talking best to get our boys up and fighting for that one. Hudd has to come in for Zok. If Modric is fit play him behind Pav. I’d be tempted to bring in Bentley as he must be raring to go and leave out O’Hara bit with Jamie in the side we get to play Lennon on the right and he is on fire at the moment. So, start with O’Hara with a view to Bentley coming on if needed.
Where should we strengthen in the January sales?
December 5th, 2008 at 6:01 am
Hornchurch, I think we need a physical enforcer in midfield. I’m tired of getting bullied by the likes of Wigan and Portsmouth. I also think a left winger is in order still. Another striker really would not hurt my feelings, especially since Pav is cup tied. I have to think we’ll get a new one, if we ever have an injury we’ll be forced to play Pekhart or someone else who may or may not come good.
December 5th, 2008 at 10:19 am
LWY I totally agree with you on the midfield situation but I have to add that a hunt for a goalkeeper would’nt go amiss. If gomes gets lamped again and he’s out for a while im not sure about Sanchez or Alnwich when it comes to big games..(sorry guys!).
December 5th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
So, it looks like we need a new player in nearly every position?
A few weeks back Levy was quite clear that there wasn’t going to be loads of money for shopping in January. I’m sure he was playing down any transfer speculation to avoid us getting shafted but I can’t see us doing too much business.
LWY, I hear you about a defensive mid but only if it was a top draw player. Diarra by all acounts would fit the bill. No point signing an average player as we have a few of those already. If the right player came up at centre back then we should get in there as soon as possible. How long can Ledley continue? Upson might be available as West Ham might be forced to sell. We certainly do need another striker as Fraser will be off at the end of the season and that leaves us with only 2. I’m not sure about left wing? Bentley, Lennon, Dos Santos (when fit again) can all do a job. Although, could Arshavin still be on the cards? Doubt it. Howabout Krancjar from Pompey. Does he play wide left?
We still have KPB, Taarabt, Ghaly, Bostock, who might get a look at some point.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Spare a thought for messers Tainio, Chimbonda and Steeeeeve up on Wearside - doesn’t get much more unsettled for players these days than these 3 spurs rejects..
I’m pretty shocked to see Keane resign - although he’s got a Keegan ‘RUN AWAY!’ about him - off to seclude himself and take the mutt for a good walk..
just makes me thankful that we’ve got ‘Arry for now - building something along the lines of stability at our club. Even if he may not stay for that long, it’s clear even now that he’ll leave a legacy and pass on as much experience to young ‘uns like Sherwood, Sir Les (poss Teddy) etc as he can..
on the subject of a DM - it’s a red herring! Every player has a defensive responsibility beginning with the front men to close down space and prevent an attack build up when we don’t have the ball. Since Makelele, it seems we all talk about an out-n-out defensive midfielder, but this surely would do Make a dis-service as well. Zokora is not a bad player. He has proved he can do a job across the defence and has strong close control and isn’t afraid to snap into a tackle. He’s not a long-range passer like Hudd but he has quick acceleration (like vs Arse) and is a skillful intelligent player. Don’t forget, we are in 4 competitions and have a small squad. Zokora must be a key man along the way for us. Also - he’s been a major, valued part of ‘Les Elephants’ for years now which aint nothing to be sniffed at.
now, where is that Bagel at these days? any updates anyone? I looked at that Harry Hotspur - not much cop
December 5th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Fair points Sputnik bit what we lack is a midfileder who has a real sense of what is going in front of him. Huddlestone is a great passer and plays football as it should be played. Jenas is a great athlete and gets from Box to box and chips in with vital goals. Zokora is all industry but with no real end product. He had a great run with the ball against Watford but when he got to the box he didn’t know what to do with it.
We need a midfielder who knows when to go on a run or when to hold, a player who always wants the ball even when the team is struggling and hates giving up possession. we also need a player who is a bastard to play against because they have a presence on the pitch.
All of our midfielders have some of these qualities but none of them are outstanding. If you look at the top 4 of recent years, Viera, Lampard, Gerrard and Scholes cunts the lot of ‘em but top quality midfielders.
These types of players don’t come along all the time. Maybe we have one in the squad already?