Petrov Loan Deal

Just a thought; why doesn't Harry ask Hughes if we can bring in their left winger, Martin Petrov, on a loan deal till January?

It'll save us in transfer fees, provide much needed cover for the injured Modfather and could be a good deal. I personally would prefer Kranjcar and The Shelf has boldly come out with another prediction that it's a done deal.

I'll wait till I hear the announcement from Spurs on that one. We've still got a fair bit to go yet until the window closes.

Isn't it great having Redknapp pulling the transfer strings instead of that twat, Comolli?

Read More

Who's Harry about to buy?

Our great win against the Brum was truly marred by The Modfather's leg fracturing and Ledley suffering a groin injury.

I suppose the one bit of good news is that Woody came through his first training session on Friday. I'm not sure how long he'll still be out for though, but seeing as we don't play for two weeks, he could be fit in time for our biggest test yet, Manchester United at home, although I don't think he'll be match-fit.

I hope we'll get to hear how long Luka will be out for and of course, we send him our regards.

As regards Ledder's, it all depends on what he's done to his groin. If he's torn it, then we could be looking at 4-6 weeks. A tweak can take him out for up to 3 weeks, as can a pulled groin. Either way, I can't see him being back for Man U game.

I was at the Lane on Saturday and saw that Charlie clearly isn't a centre-half. He's a very good full-back, but that's the extent of his game. He just didn't look at all comfortable, especially when being pressured.

So then, what do we do? I'm sure Harry will be looking to bring someone in. Maybe Sgt. Wilson's mate, Ozzie Chavez, can be brought in on a short-term deal?

As regards our goal keeping position, I think Harry's not too pleased with either Carlo or Gomes and may look to bring in James. I don't think James is the answer, but Harry knows him and so make take the plunge.

In relation to signing a left winger to replace Modric, I've got a feeling Keano will be filling that spot until Luka returns, with Crouch and Defoe playing up front. After all, Robbie slotted into that position fairly okay in Luka's absence.

Whist at The Lane on Saturday, I had a great conversion with a guy named Tony. He obviously knew his football and said that "Harry won't be in for that Dutch Real player (Van der Vaart) as Harry prefers to play two central holding midfielders with the other two midfielders being very attack minded.

I agreed with Tony. Azza is a right winger and The Modfather plays on the left but is given the freedom to do as he wishes. Even though I would love to see the likes of Van der Vaart at White Hart Lane, but what would happen when Luka returned to action? We would either have an unhappy Croatian or Dutchman.

If Harry is looking to bring in James, I would ask that Portsmouth take Cudicini as part of the deal. I would then try my damn hardest to sign another midfield enforcer. Unfortunately, both Sandro and Sissoko are unavailable.

I do believe that we need a short-term solution at centre-half, although that's way easier said then done.

Whatever happens, I think there will be some movement before the window closes.

Niko Kranjčar anyone?

Read More

4 Games, 12 Points

Leaving White Hart Lane now, so I'll write what I can on my BlackBerry.

Crouch got the goal after heading in an Assou-Ekotto free-kick which the full-back swung in from the left.

Birmingham, who I can only call frustrating, got a goal back within minutes. It looked like Bowyer scored, but I'm not too sure.

Azza got the winner in the final minute, coming in from the left and hitting the ball hard and low into the bottom corner, then came and celebrated over near where we were sitting.

Quality!

Read More

Tottenham Hotspur vs Birmingham City

We've linked up with a massive Birmingham blog, Joys & Sorrows. One of their readers off their forum, Nat, wrote a great article in relation to today's game.

In recent times

At the moment, Spurs are enjoying their most productive period since the days of Terry Venables, Lineker and Gazza. They’ve certainly had had good players and good Managers since then, but in one way or another have always managed to self-destruct, be it Ardiles’ insistence on gung-ho football getting turned over every week, George Graham’s marbles going quicker than his hair, Goddle’s carelessness, Jol’s helplessness or Juande Ramos simply being rubbish.

However, it looks as if at the moment they have finally cracked it. The best English manager in the game in Harry Redknapp guiding a squad of talented players to bigger and better things. For those of you who can read (assuming your not a stray Villa fan I have doubt you’ll have trouble to be fair) you’ll have noticed I use the word ’squad’. That is because rather than have a decent first XI and little in reserve, Spurs have ensured their endurance throughout the season by having nearly as much quality on the bench as they do on the pitch. Where other teams in similar positions have tripped up by having no-one to call upon when the chips are down (i.e. the scum from the north of Brum) Spurs have made sure the same doesn’t happen to them.

Whether or not Tottenham make it to the Holy Grail of the Champion’s League this season, you can be sure that they will give it their best go possible, and the usual predictable obstacles that stop them (Daniel Levy’s itchy trigger finger, meddling Directors of Football, bewildering tactics, under-performing players and dodgy Lasagnas) will be non-existent this time. Spurs have sorted themselves out, and mean business.

The Manager

Harry Redknapp; Football’s Del-Boy Trotter if their ever was one (with the possible omission of Barry Fry). But behind the blunt, in-eloquent exterior lies a razor sharp brain with a bullish determination to match. Redknapp has worked since the early 80’s when he was at Bournemouth to get into this position, and he will see this as his one shot of glory at a truly big club. He won’t give that up without a fight.

Tactically astute, and blessed with an eye for talent. You’d think he’d have enough tools to work with as it is. However his most prized asset is his ability to man-manage. He can connect with every player who comes under his nose on a one-to-one basis, and he can gel a melting pot of personalities into a cohesive unit. You’ll never find a side led by ‘Arry being de-motivated. You’ll always see his players willing to fight for each other and for him to the last, and this is priceless if any sustainable progression is to be attained.

It is arguable that he should’ve had a big job before now. It has been hinted that he has been denied a job of Tottenham’s magnitude because of an unfounded shady reputation. However with no evidence of misdemeanours being found so far, he is now having his Indian Summer. There is no doubt that he has earnt it, and I am sure that he will take Spurs to the relative success he took Bournemouth, West Ham and Pompey to.

Key man

Euro 2008 was the catalyst for Luka Modric to be shot into stardom. A tournament where he was Croatia’s outstanding player signalled a transfer to White Hart Lane in the aftermath of Croatia’s exit. However fever pitch excitement was subdued as Tottenham became desperately cut adrift at the bottom by October, with Modric suitably struggling to adapt. However after Juande Ramos’ departure and the arrival of Redknapp, Modric started to show more and more glimpses of the quality Tottenham bought him for, and this season his development has continued.

A jinking player, his creativity and flair is a perfect compliment with the all-action dynamism of his fellow central midfielder (and one time Blues reject) Wilson Palacios. His genius and range of passing has the potential to rip any defence apart within the bat of an eyelid, but he also has the ability to finish in spectacular fashion. Perhaps one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe at this moment in time, and probably crucial to any hopes Spurs have of truly becoming a major force.

Possible line-up

Gomes

Hutton–Corluka–King–Bassong

Lennon–Palacios–Huddlestone–Modric

Keane–Defoe

Tactical comments

Spurs will look to draw Modric and Keane into deeper roaming positions to try and create spaces in our backline which the pace of Lennon and Defoe most definitely can exploit.

Blues’ best hope is to play 4-5-1 with Lee Carsley as an anchorman, because he is the most effective of our central-midfielders at breaking up opposition attacks, which we will have to face a fair few times on Saturday. Playing five in the middle could also make things congested for Spurs on what is a thin pitch at the Lane, so they made find it hard to find space.

Our best hope going forward is for Keith Fahey to be played as one of those three central midfielders so that he can constantly run at the well-bred but rather cumbersome Huddlestone in the hop of getting around him or winning free-kicks in valuable areas.

Last time out

Tottenham Hotspur 2-3 Birmingham City; 02/12/2007

Following the departure of Steve Bruce, this was Alex McLeish’s first game in charge of the boys in Royal Blue, and what a game to start with!

For his first game, Big ‘Eck strung five across the middle with Jerome playing the role of lone frontman. Blues started the match in a confident manner, as if they were almost relieved that the weeks of uncertainty after Bruce’s leaving in the midst of Carson Yeung’s first takeover attempt. However it was Spurs who had the early chances with Berbatov and Bale both hitting posts, the former getting his chance after a horrendous error by Brazilian/German/Rubbish on-loan defender Rafa Schmitz.

Blues took the lead through the much maligned Gary McSheffrey scoring a penalty on ‘24, but Tottenham continued to press, mainly along the left hand side where the hapless Schmitz was being ripped to bits, but Blues saw out half-time without conceding. However inside the first eight minutes of the second-half Spurs had scored 2 to take the lead, with both goals scored by Robbie Keane (a penalty and a chance created by a Schmitz mistake).

In response Blues took the game to Spurs, and were rewarded soon enough with a brilliant Cameron Jerome solo effort just after the hour mark. The withdrawal of the woeful Schmitz and de Ridder for Parnaby and Forssell made Blues simultaneously more solid and potent, and their cause was no doubt helped by Keane being sent-off in the 68th minute for a foul on Muamba.

From then on in, it was all Blues. Forssell shaved the bar with a header and in the second minute of added time the third substitute Olivier Kapo had a half volley tipped around the post by Paul Robinson. But from the resultant corner the ball eventually came out to Seb Larsson who from thirty yards smashed the ball past Robinson’s despairing dive, winning the game for us.

Quite probably one of the most enterprising performances I’ve seen from Blues away from home in the Premiership.

Spurs: Robinson, Chimbonda, Dawson, Kaboul (Huddlestone), Bale (Lee Young-Pyo), Lennon, Zokora, Malbranque, Keane, Berbatov, Bent (Defoe)

Blues: Taylor, Kelly, Djourou, Ridgewell, Schmitz (Parnaby), de Ridder (Forssell), Larsson, Muamba, Nafti, McSheffrey (Kapo), Jerome

Prediction

While Blues have made a Steady-Eddie start to the campaign, Tottenham have stormed to the top of the league with a 100% record. I just think their quality will be too much for us, and the only thing I can really see us getting from White Hart Lane is a thorough footballing lesson. Let’s just hope it doesn’t deflate us too much for our next league game against that lot!

Tottenham 4-0 Blues

As part of the link-up, we recommend that you exchange banter on both THBN & Joys & Sorrows.

COYS!!!

Read More

Spurs vs. Birmingham - Your Predictions

"4 Games, 12 Points" will be the headlines ringing around the Lane come 5pm tomorrow. I don't know what the odds are, but I am sure they're stacked in our favour.

I can see Birmingham trying to get in our faces during the first 15 minutes. You can also expect Alex McLeish to pack his midfield with Bowyer, O'Shea, Larsson, Ferguson and Carsley with McFadden playing up front on his own, but dropping back when needed, which may be the majority of the time tomorrow.

Carsley will have to be at the top of his game. He'll sit in front of the back four and will have Modric to contend with.

Birmingham's new Ecuadorian striker, Benitez, may come on. He's scored plenty of goals in Ecuador and Mexico and shouldn't be taken for granted, although he's looked either terribly unfit or is still adjusting to the pace of our league (the best in the world).

I think Harry will start with Defoe and Keano up front again. As long as they're doing the business, why change them?

My prediction Spurs 3-0 Birmingham

Read More

The Prince & The Pauper

According to the Mirror, Harry is about to sell Kevin Prince Boateng to Pompey and will also ship out Jamie O'Hara on loan to to them until January.

The the £4 million fee quoted for Boateng seems a bit high as he's hardly kicked a ball for us. If memory serves me right, we bought the lad for £4.5 million. This signing was just one of the many magic moments in Comolli's wonderful career at White Hart Lane.

Now, I can't quite get my head around Harry letting O'Hara leave, even if it is on loan until January? We need a squad and a strong one at that. Watching Liverpool this season proves just how important a decent squad can prove to be.

Harry summed Jamie up by saying that he is a down to earth lad and a proper professional. Well Harry, isn't it this calibre of player we should be hanging on to, even if they complain about not playing regularly?

If he does go, I can see us missing him, unless of course, Harry pulls the rabbit out of the hat in signing Kevin Anin or another midfielder.

Read More

Three Anin

What do we know about Kevin Anin? We know that he plays for Le Havre, a French team that got relegated last season. He's 23 and has a large build. Sounds a bit like a lineup doesn't it?

If anyone can shed any light as to his position as a midfielder, please do so. A few guys in the office have said that they think he's a defensive midfielder, although they're not entirely sure. Harry must have been impressed with his trial at the club because it looks as though he's trying to get a deal done.

Why would we be interested in another midfielder, unless Jenas was about to pack his bags? In my opinion, we should be holding onto our squad.

If Three Anin (you know it'll catch on if he signs) does join us, let's hope he cuts the mustard. I can't see him being the final piece of the puzzle either.

Read More

Could we be going Dutch?

Harry's come out and said that Pavlyuchenko isn't going to leave us. Thing is, I just can't believe that Pav is happy to be a bench warmer. Let's face the facts; Harry has gone with Defoe and Keane in every league game. He won't be dropping the team captain and unless Defoe's form drops drastically, I can't see him being replaced anytime soon either.

We all realise that it's a squad game, but by Harry's own submission, his players do not. They all want to play, all the time and fundamentally, it's the Premier League that counts.

Harry's said that Pav won't be going anywhere, but then ended with "I don't see him going anywhere" and that is why I can see him moving on. As I said in yesterday's article, let's just hope that he leaves on a loan deal.

The story regarding Ruud Van Nistelrooy won't go and die quietly in a corner either. Maybe Harry is looking to loan Pav and bring Van Nistelrooy in on loan himself? Either way, Harry knows that having three strikers isn't enough for a long hard season. Four doesn't fit into two, but four are needed.

If Pav does go and Van Nistelrooy doesn't come in on loan, what other options do we have? We've apparently got a a striker in for a trail, but let's face it, how many times do trial's often work out? Jon Obika is out on loan Yeovil at the moment and Harry doesn't fancy playing Dos Santos up front if he can help it.

Another story that keeps rearing its ugly head is that Harry isn't pleased with Gomez or Cudicini and sees David James as the ideal replacement.

Either way, I can see Harry adding to the squad before the window is closed next Tuesday. I'm not too sure on the futures of Bentley and Jenas though. If I was Harry, I'd keep them both, because as I've said, we're right at the beginning of a long season.

Read More

Defender set to leave

So it looks as though Pascal Chimbonda is about to sign for Blackburn. I think he'll do a decent job for them and Big Sam will get the best out of him. We'll also get a nice £2.5 - £3 million for him, so it's not all bad.

However, a few Lilywhites in the office did tell me about a small conspiracy theory regarding Chimbo. Apparently, we sold Pascal to Sunderland for about £6 million (or thereabouts) during the Keane regime. It became a quite clear that Chimbo had fallen out with someone or a few people at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland still owed us about £2 million of the transfer fee, but they also wanted him off their hands, so Niall called up Harry and asked if he was interested. At the time, we were bottom of the league and Harry was looking for cover in defence. So he took back the Frenchman and Sunderland didn't have to pay us the balance of £2 million.

If we can sell him on to Blackburn for £3 million, we would have made a profit of £500,000. That's not a bad deal for us, seeing as he's dropped well into the Spurs Reserve abyss.

If there's any truth in the Chimbo Conspiracy, let me know, if it's absolute tosh, stay well away!

I'm also looking forward to the match tonight. Harry's said that he'll be playing the likes of Bentley, Pavlova, Hutton and Crouchie. Should be an interesting match. Let's just hope the confidence of the first team has rubbed off on the rest of the squad.

COYS!!!

Read More

What do we do with Pavlova?

I feel for Pav, I really do. This is the year in which he's supposed to be banging in the goals so that he can get the worldwide recognition he feels he deserves, but he's also wanting to impress Hiddink. I'm pretty sure Hiddink, who never liked Pav wearing Lilywhite, wants all his players playing regularly.

Result? I can see us waving goodbye to Roman Pavlyuchenko, although not forever.

If we play our cards right, we could loan him out for a season. He'll get the playing time he deserves and we'll have a happy Russian, still on our books and hopefully banging them in for another side.

Remember that it's World Cup year. If he does well on loan, his price will soar. If he does well in the World Cup, he'll be worth a pretty dime or two. At moment, I really can see a side coming in for him and paying us back the £13.8 million we paid for him. If we can ship him out on loan, he may well become a £12-16 million player and who knows, Harry may want him back in the side.

Either way, I think it's sianara Pavlova.

Read More

West Ham & Millwall fans are special

After watching yesterdays scenes from the West Ham vs. Millwall Carling Cup tie last night, I couldn't but think that it was a set from the production of Green Street 2.

What are these fans thinking of? I know a few may come on here and say that the perpetrators aren't real fans, and to be honest, they're right. Real fans sit in the Bernabeu. West Ham and Millwall fans like to rip out seats, throw bricks and stab someone.

In a previous article, a West Ham fan commented that Tottenham aren't their biggest rivals, but Millwall are. So was this all planned? Why is it that some of these fans see it as a pastime to cause such havoc?

Some of my closest friends support West Ham and they were disgusted by what went on yesterday. From what I'm told, West Ham didn't do enough to curb the expected violence. Not enough police or stewards were present. If this was the case, then the book should be thrown at the club.

I don't know how some of you feel, but whenever I visit Upton Park, I feel a bit uneasy with the whole place. I was there on Sunday and to be fair, the atmosphere was good. We got a few dodgy looks, but that's nothing new.

I just hope situations like this one are sorted out for the good of the game and as soon as possible as FIFA & UEFA take anything that happens in England as a right for dismissal, forgetting the racial and physical abuse suffered every week in Spain and Italy.

I hope these fans take a long hard look in the mirror at themselves. The only problem is that by this action, they won't be looking at how stupid they've been, but will be checking to see if the latest fake Burberry cap fits snuggly.

Article by Simon Cove

Read More

Judas moves in search of more silver

I've just been told that Judas Campbell has moved to Notts County. Wow, what lengths will this man go to in an attempt for more cash?

Just been on Sky Sports and seen Wenger asking if it's "purely a football move or if it is a long-term move".

Why oh why do these football manager never say what's really on their minds. Surely he's gone for the money, after all, Notts County are League Two's equivalent of City.

Also read that Harry would have snapped Judas up if, well, he had never done a Judas on us.

Harry, I'm going to have to disagree with you on this occasion, Judas isn't top 6 material. I'm sure Villa or Everton would have gone in for him if he was.

As you can see, I really can't stand the guy.

Read More

No thanks to a swap, but we'll take Carrick

It was well documented on a fair few Man U forums at the end of last season that Michael Carrick had fallen out with Sir Alex.



In the last week or so, I had my suspicion that Sir Alex has had his eye on The Modfather. Thankfully, Luka came out and kicked that rumour into touch.



I would love to have Carrick back. Even though the Hudd has been playing well in the middle of the park with Sgt. Wilson, I could see Carrick finalising the first 11. He would be a fantastic signing.



Can't see it happening, but there's always that small chance of Harry pulling off a coup like this one, although it looks like he's got his eye on Joe Cole. Can't see that one happening either.



I'd take Carrick over Cole. Okay, they're different players, but Carrick, in my opinion, is needed to push us forward.



Anyway, that's enough of my dreaming for the time being. I'm interested to see if Harry will pick a weakened side to face Doncaster tomorrow. Should be an interesting match as the Donny's like to get in your face. Could be a tricky tie.

Read More

No Hammers in the office

As I walked into the office today, to my surprise, the two dedicated Hammers were absent. Such a shame. I do wonder though; are they absent because of the abuse they'll surely get from some of the die-hard Yids that work here, or because they're out to shoot Cole for that wonder pass that led to Defoe's opener?

Either way, it's another 3 points in the bag and I'm a happy Lilywhite, although I'm not shouting from the rooftops that we'll finish the season off in one of the Champions League spots. No, I'll leave that little number to the professionals such as Venables and the like.

What I did like from yesterday's game, was that even though it was a scrappy affair, we managed to pull through. As Harry says, we're beginning to look tough. Huddlestone has started putting his boot in and the midfield pairing is evolving into something even creationists couldn't attribute to god.

Talking of midfielders, I can't see how Jenas will get back in the side. Aston Villa are definitely interested, but knowing how Levy goes about his business, I can't see Jermaine leaving on the cheap. I've not heard any figures banded about at the moment, but with the transfer market the way it is at the minute, I could see him going for £10-12 million.

If he is to leave, we'll need to replace him. The Toulouse midfielder, Sissoko looks, from what I've seen of him, Premier League quality. Signing him is another matter though. I do think that Harry will take the plunge into the market again, either by next Tuesday, or in January.

All in all, we've got 9 points from 3 games. I predicted that we would have 8 from 4, so that explains the extent of my knowledge. I won't say that we're top four savvy, but you can't refute the fact that we do look quality.

I can see a comfortable home win coming against the Brummies at the weekend. Oh, there I go, getting over-confident again. The simple fact is that we support a team that can beat Liverpool, humiliate Hull and make West Ham fans not come to the office, yet fail to beat a promoted side at home.

Seriously though, I can see us scoring at least three at home to Birmingham.

Next up, Doncaster. Let's hope some of the other players get a run out.

Read More

West Ham vs. Spurs - Your Predictions

I'm a bit troubled by this fixture. Even though we played and beat a top team in Liverpool, playing West Ham away may be our trickiest fixture to date.

If we can get a win, it will not just increase the confidence in the side, but I'll be able to go into the office and laugh at all the Hammers.

To be honest, I can see this being a closed shop game. My prediction: 0-0.

Read More

Will the Golden Boot be a Lilywhite?

If this season’s Premier League title race is competitive, the Golden Boot is wide open. Fernando Torres is rightly favourite, largely due to the fact he is guaranteed a starting place when fit. The other contenders need to cement a regular role in their respective teams before being seriously considered.

Tottenham Hotspur’s strikers are no different. It is no exaggeration to suggest that Spurs have the best pool of attacking talent in the league and it remains to be seen whether any of our four front men will play enough games to finish the season as top scorer.

Nicolas Anelka topped the charts with 19 goals last term, meaning for the fourth time in five years the top scorer did not play for the champions. This is encouraging enough for Jermain Defoe et al, but the 19-goal mark, the third lowest total by a topscorer in the 17-year history of the Premier League, is a realistic target.

Defoe is the likeliest member of our front four to win the Golden Boot. Harry Redknapp has already tipped him to reach 20 goals this term, suggesting a central role for the in-form England man, and as our most natural finisher he is mainly in the team to score goals. Defoe is currently eighth in the Golden Boot betting.

Peter Crouch will perhaps play the most games out of the four, but he is known more for his link-up play and assists – his partnership with Defoe might prove the most productive forward combination this season.

It is hard to see a major role for Roman Pavlyuchenko. The Russian found Cup goals easier to come by last season and the chances of him getting a good run in the league team will depend on injuries to others or him hitting a purple patch.

The manager clearly likes having Robbie Keane in the team, proven by his decision to pair him with Defoe in the season opener against Liverpool, despite the inherent problems of having two ‘little men’ up front.

Keane will sometimes play a deeper or wider role, reducing his chances of hitting the net regularly. However, he is 10th on the all-time Premier League scoring list for a reason and might be hard to leave out if he gets on a roll. Nonetheless, Defoe is the Spurs man to follow in the goalscoring markets.

Read More

We looked quality

I managed to watch last nights game on a not so legal satellite channel and to be honest, I couldn't of predicted that we would have scored five goals, but hey, I'm not complaining.



I read some comments about Harry saying that Defoe was virtually unplayable. He's spot on with that comment. Jermain was amazing, although I wouldn't give him the man-of-the-match award. For me, Hutton was the rightful winner. He was immense.

Hull had a a fair few tall players in their side last night and Hutton dealt with them all. Charlie and Bassong did alright, but at times looked shaky. Assou-Ekotto looks quality. You can argue that he was playing against lesser opposition, but he looked like a player that's on top of his game.

My mates and I were a bit shocked that Harry had chosen to play Keane and Defoe from the start, but to Harry's credit, he got it spot on. Now, I've been an advocate for Harry starting with Pavlova and Defoe, but Keane did a great job by dropping deep and bringing the rest of the team into play.

Out of all the goals scored last night, all of us couldn't have been happier for Sgt. Wilson when he scored his goal. It's obvious that Harry has been working with the central midfield pairing. When one goes forward, the other stays back. Their interchange of play has proved successful so far.

We're looking forward to the West Ham match. Believe it or not, I think West Ham away will be our hardest match yet.

Read More

Spurs defender signs new contract

Benoît Assou Ekotto has signed a new 4 year deal. I personally think that it's fantastic news.

He's repaid Harry with his performances and has made the left-back position his own. A few mates of mine just won't give Benoît the time of day and wanted to see Gareth Bale given more of a chance or a new left back signed.

If Bale was given a chance, I wouldn't mind seeing him in a more attacking role on the left wing, but The Modfather has claimed that position, so I'm not to sure where that leaves Bale?

Read More

Rafa storms out of Liverpool

I was just about to leave the office when a few colleagues of mine (that are Liverpool fans) said that they've heard that Rafa Benitez stormed out of the Melwood this morning and that Sammy Lee took over in training.

Apparantely, bookies, Paddy Power, have stopped all bets on Rafa being the first manager to get the sack this season.

Sounds interesting. If anyone has any other news to add, please do tell. In my opinion, it sounds like tosh.

Read More

Hull vs. Spurs - Your Predictions

I've got a feeling that the confidence in the side will be booming and it'll show in tonight's game. I can see us getting a 0-3 win up at the KC.

Defoe to score two, with Modric getting the third.

It would be great if Harry started with Defoe and Pavlyuchenko, although I think Crouch may start as Harry has been on about us holding up the ball in away matches.

Give us your predictions, plus the goal scorers.

Read More

Mental Toughness

In our game against Liverpool, we showed a mental toughness with Sgt. Wilson and Huddlestone bossing the middle of the park.

When Harry first joined, I remember him talking about our "mental toughness" and how important it was to winning matches.

Harry brought Joe Jordan and that proved to be a masterstroke. A lot of the praise headed up Redknapp Drive at the time, but I'm pretty sure that Jordan must have had a piece to play in the way our fortunes turned around.

I remember watching Joe Jordan in action when he was playing for Milan in the early eighties. They were playing Lazio away in the league and were 2-1 down. He came on for the second half. Milan won the game 2-4. After that game, everyone sat up and took notice of Joe and not because he had his teeth missing. If I've ever seen a player take his team by the scruff of the neck, it was in this game.

I remember the Milan captain, Maldera, asking Jordan to calm down after he screamed his team mates to get on with taking a free-kick. Joe was so annoyed with the pace of the Italian game and it made him mad when his team mates took their time. In the Lazio game, Milan midfielder, Ruben Buriani took his time trying to place the ball the way he wanted it, so Jordan rushed up to him, pulled him away from the ball by the scruff of his neck and took it himself. The fiery Scotsman still burns inside the hearts of the Rossoneri.

If we are to win tonight against Hull, we need to be mentally strong. If we can muster up even an ounce of Joe Jordan's spirit, we'll be okay, not only in this match, but for the remaining fixtures.

Harry is still on the look out for some more players, but they've got to be mentally strong. He spoke well of Pompey's Niko Kranjčar. It's been well reported that Portsmouth need to sell a couple more players, so maybe Harry will take the plunge on Niko, after all, he loves Croatians.

If it was up to me, I'd go all out for Sissoko. He's strong both physically and mentally, but unfortunately costs more than Jordan's two front teeth.

Read More

The Brown's hit the fan

I watched the Celtic vs. Arsenal game last night because I wanted to see what was so special about the Celtic player we are apparently so interested in.

So I watched and I watched. I was sure that his name was on the team sheet, but he was nowhere to be seen.

"Oh, there he is!", I found myself saying out loud in the 19th minute. You see, it took that long to realise that Scott Brown was actually on the pitch. He appeared every now and then, passing sideways and backwards. If Harry was at the match, surely someone would have told Brown to perform on a higher par?

A few Celtic fans have been on here recently and they likened him to Jermaine Jenas for his extraordinary skill of disappearing during matches. I was under the impression that he was a Sgt. Wilson type player, yet I've been informed that he's a box to box player. The Celtic fans also couldn't believe that we would be prepared to pay the reported £8-10 million for him. I can see why.

I know that we shouldn't judge players on one appearance, but come on, he was useless. If there's anyone out there that believes he would be a good signing, please come on here and explain why, because so far, even his supporters have said that he's not good enough, and going on yesterday's charade, I can see why.

Harry, we really could do without another hot and cold player.

Other news that that won't go away is that Aston Villa are interested in signing David Bentley and Jermaine Jenas. Villa need to replace Barry, but I can't see why they would be interested in Bentley?

Read More

Pavlova & The Modfather

I've recently had a chat with a client of ours about Roman Pavlyuchenko. Our client is Russian and also supports Spartak Moscow and Manchester United (don't they all?!). I told him that I support Spurs and immediately, his face lite up. Before I could say a word, he said "Roman Pavlyuchenko!".

So I asked for some info on our player. We spoke for ages about Roman, Modric, Manchester United, Hiddink, England and finally, Tottenham.

Our client (we'll call him Mr. X), said that the decent newspapers in Moscow are filled with direct quotes from players and their agents all the time. You'll never get "a source close to the player", or "a club insider said" type comments. Mr. X told me that he read that Pav has said that he's unhappy at the moment because he feels he's in great shape and form and wants to be given the chance to play.

"I completely agree with him. He would have been better off at a club like Arsenal where they play good football". I smiled and explained that we also try to play "good football".

"Yes, but Roman isn't in the team. You have such a good player, you know the one..." I asked if he was talking about Luka Modric.

"Yes. He is fantastic!" Again, his face sparked up. "He plays football as it should be played." I agreed with him and we spoke about the Liverpool game, which he had watched with my boss (who happens to be a Cypriot Liverpool fan).

"Roman needs players like him (Modric) to play around him. You know, you haven't even seen 10% of what Roman can do. He needs passes to be played to his feet, not high passes like a lot of the English teams do."

I again found myself agreeing, but the way Mr. X was going on about Pavlyuchenko, I had thought that he can't be talking about the same player? So I told him so.

He didn't agree with me one bit.

"Last season, he was without his family. he was in a new country, he had no friends and was lonely." Fair enough. I also added that he must have been pretty exhusted, but that didn't seem to bother Mr. X.

"He needs Modric to feed him the ball, then you will see what a player Roman is. He needs to be playing regularly and you will see that he will score goals for your team."

We said our good-byes and I'll be seeing Mr. X again in November when he comes over for his next visit. I hope that by the time he returns, Harry has started to use him. I completely agree that Pavlova (nicknamed that by the Spartak Moscow supporters, not because he likes the cake, but because he moves like the famous Russian ballerina; another golden wonder provided by Mr. X), especially last season, showed us glimpses that he is quality. Unfortunately, Harry only saw glimpses of that talent to.

Someone on here the other day called Modric, The Modfather. I quite like the ring of that. I also believe that he is our finest player and one that we need to hold onto.

Would Pavlova play better with The Modfather on the pitch? Of course he would. Any professional footballer playing alongside Luka would benefit greatly. Whether Harry sees this is another matter altogether.

Read More

Negredo's in England

Álvaro Negredo has arrived in England for talks with Hull. If he signs for them by tonight, he might be eligible to play for them in our game against them. And if he signs for them, I'll eat my hat.

Real Madrid have apparently accepted a bid of around £12 million for him.

The tanned Phil Brown was a guest on Sky Sports on Sunday morning. He wore a pink sweater that was wrapped around his neck and sounded pretty confident of signing "the wild animal".

And you all know how it goes; you can see it now, "Negredo scores on his debut!"

PS. Phil, you've got to work on that tan mate, it's fading.

Read More

A tribute to Luka

For those of you that watched the game against Liverpool on Sunday, you would have seen Luka Modric grace the White Hart Lane pitch.

It's been a while since I've had the courage to say that about any Spurs player. His first touch, vision, passing ability and versatility make his team mates and fans tick.

I've got a feeling that we'll be hearing a lot about our little Croatian this season. He's a joy to watch and a truly magnificent player.

Now I'm sure there are Spurs fans out there that have never seen Modric live. I just hope they don't come on here with their West Ham tactics, trying to belittle our master player. Although anyone is welcome to make comments on here, you've got to either be blind, or a fool to not recognize his brilliance. Didn't Wenger say that he wasn't strong enough for the Premier League?

Well, that's my two-cents worth for the day.

Read More

Redknapp: "I'm going to have a problem"

Harry's just been on BBC's Fivelive telling John Motson that he knows he's going to have a big problem with his strikers.

"I'm going to have a problem with my four front players. All of them are terrific lads and have such great talent.

"They all want to play and it's going to be near on impossible keeping them all happy", said Harry in response to how he's going to keep Keano, Defoe, Pavlova and Crouchie happy.

If you were Harry, what would you do? I know a lot of you would want him to sell Keane, but selling a player isn't always that easy.

I think he's going to have a problem and he knows it.

"The problem is that they all want to play in the league", was Harry's response when told that it's a squad game nowadays.

Let's look on the bright side, isn't it a nice problem to have? I know that Rafa Benitez would welcome such a problem after taking a look at his bench in yesterdays game.

Read More

Team against Hull

I'm still buzzing off yesterday's win, but we've got to look forward to our next match and as a lot of fans made clear today, the win against Liverpool won't mean a thing if we can get it together against Hull on Wednesday.

So then, who do you think Harry will pick? I've got a feeling that he'll opt for Crouch over Keane. We need a player like Crouch that can hold the ball up, especially away from home.

I can't see King starting either, so Harry may swap King for Chimbonda, or could move Charlie into the centre and play Naughton as our right-back.

Looking forward to this game.

Read More

Why this Monday morning is so special

Why is today, a Monday, so special? Well, it's not just the fact that we won our opening day fixture, but because we beat Liverpool.

Now, I've got nothing personally against Liverpool, or should I say, I didn't until Friday. You see, on Friday, a heated discussion broke out with one Liverpool fan in particular within the office. Another Liverpool fan was also present and is actually from Liverpool.

Below are some bits of how the conversation went;

Original Scouse: "We play your Tottenham on Sunday".

London-Based Liverpool Fan: "Yeah, you lot are going to get stuffed". He said this with a smirk on greasy face.

Jaymes: "Well, I wouldn't be so sure of that, you see....."

London-Based Liverpool Fan: "You what? Were you about to say that your team have even the slightest chance in hell of getting a result against us? You must be dreaming mate. You lot are rubbish. You are always thinking that you're such a big club, yet you've won nothing and will never win anything."

Jaymes: "Well, actually, I was going to say that it's going to be a good game and I have a feeling that it'll be a score-draw".

London-Based Liverpool Fan: "Score-draw, against you lot, you've got to be f*cking joking mate. Don't you realise that you support a two-bit side?"

Now, it was at this moment that I wanted to ask him if he was a West Ham fan, posing as a Liverpool fan, but thought it best not to for when dealing with non-intellectuals, it's best to keep your cool and let them get whatever it is that's wrong with them, off their chest.

Original Scouse: "I think it'll be a close game, but we'll just be too strong for you and win it either 1-0 or 2-1".

Jaymes: "Fair enough, but can I ask why you think you'll be too strong for us?"

London-Based Liverpool Fan: (Butting in like a complete tool) "Because we're better than you, end of! How many leagues have you won? How many European Cups have you won? We all know the answer to that and so don't try and say anything."

Jaymes: "I only ask because you've lost your midfield player, Alonso and if I'm not mistaken, you've replaced him with a player that won't be fit for 4 to 6 weeks and he doesn't have any Premier League experience."

London-Based Liverpool Fan: "We've sold Alonso?" (looking over at the other, much more respectable Liverpool fan)

Jaymes: "Yes. He signed for Real Madrid. Just as a matter of me being curious, how on earth did you miss the fact that you sold Alonso?"

London-Based Liverpool Fan: "It doesn't matter that we've sold Alonso, we're still much stronger and better than you lot".

Jaymes: "Fair enough. I will add though, that without Alonso, I can see you struggling this year..."

London-Based Liverpool Fan: "You're off your f*cking head if you think we won't be in the top 2 by the end of season?"

Jaymes: "Unless you can strengthen your squad, I can't see you mounting a proper challenge. Anyway, I've got to get on now. We'll discuss this again on Monday."

Spurs 2-1 Liverpool

Shots on Target: Spurs 7 Liverpool 3
Shots off Target: Spurs 7 Liverpool 4
Possession: Spurs 47.3% Liverpool 52.7%

Sounds like a pretty even game based on the possession front, but in reality, we deserved to win the game.

After the game ended, all I could think of was how good all the Spurs fans that had watched the game felt. The excitement, joy and adrenaline at the time was fantastic! I also had the added bonus of going to work and finalising the conversation with the London-based Liverpool fan. What joy!

Today's Morning Conversation

Jaymes: (Patting the London-based Liverpool fan on the back) "So then, you were saying?" (Of course, I had the biggest grin plastered on my face).

London-Based Liverpool Fan: "You lot were lucky. We should have had another penalty and that would have tied the game. We completely outplayed you. You lot were completely hopeless and won't finish anywhere near the top 4, let alone the top 10!"

Jaymes: "I'm sorry, were you actually watching the same game as everyone else? If so, then it's obvious that you need your eyes checked".

London-Based Liverpool Fan: "Eyes checked? It's you and your stupid fans that need to go to Specsavers. We'll get it right and finish the season much higher than you!"

Jaymes: "I'll go to Specsavers, only if you promise that you'll seek professional psychiatric help?"

With that, I left. This type of fan exists in all walks of life. I've never met a Liverpool fan that didn't understand this beautiful game. I suppose there's a first time for everything. Mind you, he was a London-based Liverpool fan.

I'm not saying that we'll finish above Liverpool, but I'm not saying that it would be an impossible feat either. I'm a realist. The chances of us breaking into the top 4 are near on impossible, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't attempt to crack it.

As I've said before in previous articles, I think we have a squad and management team that's capable of getting into a 5th or 6th spot.

Liverpool will be fine to. They've got a great manager and team, although they should be looking to add to their squad if possible. Based on their current squad, I don't think they'll be strong enough to win the Premier League, although they definitely will be there, or thereabouts.

The joy of beating them is still buzzing through me. What a Monday! Let's hope this continues against Hull.

It's a shame; there aren't any Hull fans in the office. Plenty of West Ham fans though. When do we play them?

Read More

Redknapp: "I like Brown"

So then, Harry likes Celtic's combative midfielder, Scott Brown.

Has anyone seen this guy in action? I've been told that he's a Sgt. Wilson type player; the type that wears his heart on his sleeve and takes no prisoners.

I thought Tom Huddlestone had a great game and with a few more games under his belt, could build a great understanding with Wilson Palacios.

If Jenas is to be sold to Villa and by the looks of things, they need him, then bringing in a midfielder in the Palacios mold wouldn't be a bad bit of business.

Brown's definitely on Harry's radar. Could be one to watch?

On another note, wasn't it a shock to see both Keano and Defoe starting the match yesterday?

Read More

Why Everton need to sell Lescott

For those of you that watched the Everton vs. Arsenal match this evening, you would have seen an Everton side that looked a complete shambles. The same squad finished last season in 5th. So what went wrong today?

Let's go back twelve months and take a look at the goings on at the side I support, Tottenham Hotspur.

A certain Mr. Berbatov had made it clear that it was his dream to play for Manchester United, even though he was under contract. Sir Alex Ferguson openly declared how interested he was in signing the Spurs forward.

Daniel Levy, the Spurs chairman, dug his heels in and refused to do business with Manchester United unless they paid a premium for Dimitar Berbatov. The result? The entire squad was in turmoil. Reports at the time were doing the rounds that Jonathan Woodgate wanted to teach Mr. Berbatov a lesson or two and on one occasions, let his feelings known to the Bulgarian international during a half-time team talk.

Tottenham's then manager, Juande Ramos, had to send Berbatov home as the tensions within the Spurs camp had come to breaking point.

Lescott and Berbatov are clearly different characters. But I suspect that the results of their actions had and are having the same results.

Everton looked a shell of themselves today and for the good of the club and fans, it would be best for Moyes to sell Lescott to Manchester City. If Moyes continues to play hardball, I can see a ruined season for the Evertonians and to be honest, they don't deserve that.

Read More

Watch our Bassong shine

We watched Bassong have a fairly comfortable game in last weeks friendly. He looked pretty calm on the ball and didn't really set the world alight, but he played in such a way that meant he didn't need to do anything special.

Harry did his usual mingling when we played Newcastle last season and Seb got a glowing reference from Harry's former player Iain Dowie.

Seb's expected to start in Sunday's game against Liverpool alongside King. I've got a really good feeling about this young lad and hopefully he'll form a strong partnership with King.

Read More

Left Wingers Ltd

It looks as though Stoke are the "unnamed Premier League club" that have tabled an offer for Newcastle's Damien Duff.

That's the best bit of news I've heard all week! As far as I'm concerned, Stoke are welcome to him. He's lost his pace, heart and let's face it, we don't want another injury-prone player at the Lane.

Nadir Belhadj has also hinted that he'll be interested in moving to us. Pompey's attacking full-back/winger would like to work with Harry again.

Belhadj is an interesting player. He must be the only full-back I've ever seen that simply doesn't know how to defend. If he could do a job for us as left winger, then I think he'd be a good signing, although I couldn't see him getting into the team to often.

Harry does like to have large squads and it's this reason that I'm quite confident that we'll see another signing before the window closes.

Read More

Are Spurs better than Arsenal?

Well, let's face it, they've been far better than us for a pretty long time, but something tells me we're getting better.

If we compare our players, like for like with the Arsenal players, I'll think you'll find that there's not much in it.

Players & positions taken from TottenhamHotspur.com & Arsenal.com

Spurs Defence: Gomes, Assou-Ekotto, Bale, Corluka, Hutton, Chimbonda, Naughton, King, Bassong, Dawson and Woodgate.

Arsenal Defence: Almunia, Vermaelen, Sagna, Senderos, Song, Djourou, Traore, Gallas, Silvestre, Clichy, Gibbs.

If I had to pick a back four (plus keeper) out of all the above players, I'd pick; Gomes, Clichy, Sagna, Woodgate & King.

Spurs Midfield: Jenas, Huddlestone, O'Hara, Lennon, Boateng, Modric, Bentley, Palacios and Bostock.

Arsenal Midfield: Diaby, Rosicky, Denilson, Wilshire, Eboue, Fabregas, Nasri, Ramsey and Arshavin.

If I had to pick two wingers and two midfielders, I'd pick Lennon on the right and Arshavin on the left. For my central midfield positions, I'd pick Fabregas and Modric.

Spurs Attack: Defoe, Keane, Pavlyuchenko, Crouch

Arsenal Attack: Eduardo, Walcott, Van Persie, Bendtner

Crouch & Defoe would be my choice. Or I'd swap Defoe for Keane or Pavlyuchenko. I wouldn't pick any of the strikers currently on offer.

My eleven would have 7 Spurs players and only 4 Arsenal players. It's a shame the games' not played on paper.

That's just my opinion, I'm sure a lot of you will completely differ from my eleven. As I said in yesterdays post, we have a very good squad at the moment. If we could add one more player, it would be complete.

I'm all for us bringing in Sissoko. The guy bossed the midfield in Toulouse's friendly last week. From what I've seen of him, £15 million would be well spent. I think Harry will make his move if Jenas moves to Villa.

Read More

Transfers done?

So then, we've brought in Peter Crouch, Seb Bassong, Kyle Naughton & Kyle Walker for around £22 million.



Out the door have gone Darren "Ungrateful" Bent, Gilberto, Rocha and Didi Zokora for around £21.



The transfer window isn't closed yet, but I can't see us bringing in another player. Some supporters on various forums are sure that Harry will bring in a marquee signing such as Joe Cole or Ashley Young on the last day of the window. To be honest, I can't see either of these two coming in.



I think we've got a quality squad and management team to see us push for 5th or 6th. I do believe that we are better equipped than Everton & Villa.



If Hughes can work some magic up at Eastlands, City should be challenging for a top 5 position, although I don't think all those personalities will gel in time.



I can see the top four staying as it is unfortunately. If we finish in 6th and go on a F.A. Cup run, I'll be a happy lillywhite.

Read More

Good bit of business by Redknapp

Harry's sent our young midfielder, Jake Livermore, to Derby, who under the stewardship of Nigel Clough, will gain valuable experience.

It looks as though Danny Rose will feature in our squads this season, as well as Bostock.

I watched the game yesterday and was quite impressed with Rose. He made a few small mistakes, but on the whole, played well, especially in the first 20 minutes.

Bostock will also be a hit. He's still only so young, but plays exceptionally well.

Futures bright lads.

Read More

An open letter to Darren Bent

Dear Darren,



I read your comments in The Sun this morning and was shocked and appalled by your behaviour.



You stated that in the two years at Tottenham Hotspur, you "never actually felt wanted" and that "it was the worst two years of my career".



I see that you failed to state that in those two years, you were paid just over £4 million, plus bonuses, signing on fees, etc.



I also seem to remember comments made by you on the day you signed for us to the tune of;



"It's exciting times for me and Spurs and hopefully I'll show what I can do.



Being a professional footballer means that you get on with it. You get paid and paid extremely well to do a job. I'm sure there was nothing in your contract about the manager putting his arm around you.



You also added the following statement the day you signed;



"The club already have Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov. It will be hard work getting in the team, but Tottenham are a massive club".



Hmm. So you knew you were signing on as a squad player when you signed your £160,000 per month contract. I am pretty sure that not even you thought you could shove the likes of the above strikers out of the way, not without one hell of a fight?



Ah, but alas, you had your chance when all three departed. But still you said "my career stood still at Tottenham".



Two of the three strikers had to be brought back to the club as you clearly weren't up to the task.



Three managers can't all be wrong, can they? Jol, Ramos and Redknapp saw you as a non-starter.



And I don't know what form Sandra was in at the time you missed "that sitter", but I can assure you that my Alexia would have buried it.



Now do run along Darren and don't let the door hit you on your way out.



PS. If you were so unhappy, why in all that time did you not put in a transfer request?

Read More

And I thought we were broke

Well, not really. We've spent big in the last few seasons and so I knew the statement Harry said about us "having to sell before we can buy" was complete tosh.



-£6 million on the Kyle boys (rising to £8 million)



-£9 million on Crouchie



-£8 million on Bassong



-£23 million outlay



And it doesn't stop there! We're apparently interested in this Sissoko chap. The Mirror said that we bid £12 last night, but his club want £15 million.



I couldn't find nothing on L'Equipe or any other article relating to this being true and let's not forget the most important element? Harry's famous phrase; "That Sissoko is a terrific player. I don't think we've made a bid for him. No, no, I'm sure we haven't".



Now, if we had heard Harry say that, then we'd know he'd be a Yid by the end of the week.



Thing is, I know nothing about this lad. Okay, so I know he's a midfielder, but that's about it. Anyone care to share any knowledge on him?

Read More

Spurs to announce new signing!

So then, we've got our man. Seb Bassong will be announced as our new signing today and to be honest with you, it's a relief.



He's not a bad player, although I personally would have preferred Blackburn's Samba. At least we've got cover at centre-half level now.



I'm a bit sceptical about the £10 million sum being mooted though. I can't see Levy sanctioning that kind of cash for a squad player.



Time will tell.

Read More

Nada on Samba

Isn't The Sun just great? I mean, it publishes an article about Harry "signing Blackburn's Christopher Samba in a £10 million swoop", then fails to deliver one shred of evidence on the matter. No "sources close to Harry Redknapp" or "friends of the Congo star" were even mentioned. God forbid a quote from anyone directly related with the story.

You've got to love these red tops.

I tell you what though, signing Samba would be an excellent bit of business. The centre-back has been in great form and he's certainly built for the Premier League.

If I had the option to take him over Bassong, I'd snap Samba up in a heartbeat.

Shame, the story's probably a load of tosh.

Read More

Harry's January panic buys cause problems

The signing of Peter Crouch is an excellent one. He will provide goals, assists and good link-up play. He has the skill and finesse to flourish in Spurs’ passing game and his obvious physical attributes provide the team with something different. He will also form a good strike partnership with Jermain Defoe. And there lies the problem.

It is hard to envisage a regular starting place for Robbie Keane. It is well-known that Keane and Defoe cannot play together and it is obvious from their success at Portsmouth that Crouch and Defoe are natural partners. Keane appears to be little more than back-up to Defoe and that is without putting Roman Pavlyuchenko into the equation.

Crouch, like Defoe, Keane and Pascal Chimbonda is in his second spell at the club and it could well be that we have two ‘misses’ to go with two resigned ‘hits’. The return of Defoe and Crouch feels right; Chimbonda and Keane’s homecoming does not.

The decision to bring back Keane was questionable at the time, largely because of the massive fee. His £20.3m move to Liverpool felt like good business; giving £15m of it back did not. It makes even less sense now.

Harry must have foreseen a major role for such a big signing, but then he must have done in lavishing a similar amount on Defoe. He is the only man at the club who is not aware of the pair’s unsuccessful attempts to forge a partnership in their first spell at the club.

The signing of Keane was in a way understandable. We were in a relegation battle and the manager was concerned by the lack of leadership on the pitch; he cited this as Keane’s main attribute when bringing him back.

Harry might also have panicked slightly when buying Chimbonda. Vedran Corluka was having a decent season at right back and the manager would surely have overlooked the lack of cover if we were not in such a perilous position, especially as Alan Hutton was on the way back from injury.

Chimbonda can provide cover in other positions (he might well start the season as the first choice centre back) in much the same way Keane can. However, the captain is wasted on the left wing or in central midfield and he is unlikely to relish the prospect of filling in in alien positions.

Darren Bent is on his way out of the club to balance the books. Could it be that Keane will follow him in order to balance the squad? Football betting on that one may well be interesting...

Read More

Huntelaar

We're being continually linked with Huntelaar. My question is why? Okay, so the guy is a good striker, but isn't it more important for Harry to go out and get a centre-half and/or a left-sided midfielder/winger?

If Harry's gang is behind the Huntelaar media frenzy, then maybe Harry knows something we don't? Maybe another of our strikers is about to be sold?

Pavlyuchenko is being linked with all and sundry. If he does go (which I think he won't), Harry will want a replacement. And if that replacement is Huntelaar, four don't fit into two.

Who do you leave out?

Read More

Harry Redknapp's not sure

"I don't think we have made an offer as far as I know. I am sure the chairman has not made an offer."

Interesting comments made by Harry in relation to the rumours surrounding us having made a bid for Newcastle's centre-back, Seb Bassong.

So then; have we made a bid? I only ask because Harry first says that he's not sure, then says that he's sure.

Oh, did I mention that he also talks about how good of a player Bassong is?

Expect the lad to sign next week.....

Read More

Van Man

We've been linked with Marc van Bommel, again. Last time was when Jol was boss, back in 2005.

He's a pretty decent player, or was about 2 years ago. I've not seen him play since.

Apparently, Harry's is in the market for an experienced central midfielder that can compliment Wilson and to be honest, I agree that signing a player of the van Bommel ilk could be a decent bit of business.

Do you know of any other experienced central midfield players that could do a job for us?

Read More

Early Seasons Predictions

The season's two weeks away and our opener against Liverpool has got us going again.

Our first four matches are as follow;

• Liverpool, Sunday 16th August 2009, 4pm, Home


• Hull City, Wednesday 19th August 2009, 7.45pm, Away


• West Ham, Sunday 23rd August 2009, 1.30pm, Away


• Birmingham City, Saturday 29th August 2009, 3pm, Home

My prediction is that we'll get 8 points from the opening above four games. I can see us getting a score draw against Liverpool and Birmingham.

After watching us in action against West Ham and Hull, I am pretty confident that we'll get 6 points from those games. Even though both games were friendlies, we looked far stronger and better prepared for the season.

Let's hope that we kick off strongly this time round.

Read More