Why The Sun is advertising Spurs players

In this last week, The Sun has touted Gareth Bale and Luka Modric, linking them both with Manchester United.

This is the same paper that reported Manchester United had no cash whatsoever not so long ago. So far, we've been told that Fergie is on the verge of splashing out a total of £45 million on the two players.

So then, how can Manchester United afford to sign two players that are clearly out of their price-range?

The only reason I can think of, is that Fergie, knowing he can in no way afford the above stated amount, thinks that if he can use his chums in the media to unsettle our players, he will successfully manage to get them at a considerably lower price. After all, Berbatov went on strike when Fergie's chums forced him out of White Hart Lane. Is it time we started to worry?

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Neil Custis Wants Modric

The Sun's jouralist, Neil Custis, who I respected up until I read his article in today's Sun (Manchester United want to sign Luka Modric), really should learn to research his stories a little better, instead of pouring his masters words onto the canvas.

"Modric signed for Spurs from Dinamo Zagreb in 2008 after impressing for Croatia in the European Championships."

The keyword in that sentence is "after". Is that poor research or what? Maybe it's been a slow day in the press? Neil Custis obviously has been having one of those days. We all have them, so it's really not his fault that he forgot Daniel Levy brokered a deal with Dinamo Zagreb, BEFORE the 2008 Euro's.

Mr. Custis also forgot to mention that Manchester United are stone-broke. Well, I say he failed to mention it, but in fact, towards the end of his article, he alluded to as much by insinuating that Michael Carrick could be a part of the deal that takes The Modfather to Old Trafford.

Neil; maybe you should take some pointers off of your brother in future.

The thing that does worry me, is that Neil Custis is fairly close with his master, Sir Alex Ferguson. I also know that it's about this time of the year in which the top journo's get together with their favoured bosses, for an analysis of the season thus far. It's also the time of year in which Fergie labels his prime targets to Custis and other reporters; knowing all to well that the Geordie and others, will report on the players Fergie would like to sign. Both know what this kind of reporting will do, and both realise that it could be effective.

I personally think they're both forgetting that Tottenham Hotspur are run by a certain Daniel Levy. Custis mentions a possible £25 million fee for Luka Modric. Obviously, he wasn't around on the day Levy skinned United for just over £31 million for an ageing striker.


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End of the Line

Whatever happens in the final weeks of the season, 2009/10 has been a successful campaign for Tottenham. But who has been top of the class during this improved performance and who must do better?

Heurelho Gomes 9/10

A superb season for a reborn goalkeeper. A big part of the defensive improvement, his stunning saves in the win against Arsenal summed up his campaign.

Vedran Corluka 8

Reliable and virtually error-free. He doesn't have the pace to overlap from right-back, but his defensive duties were performed well.

Sebastien Bassong 7

A crucial signing in view of King and Woodgate's injury problems. His partnership with Dawson flourished but he might spend more time as understudy next term.

Michael Dawson 9

The stand-in skipper steadily improved to the point where he must expect a call-up to the England squad. Strong, brave and cool under pressure, he looks the complete defensive package. Dawson has the kind of class that will help England justify their World Cup betting odds.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto 7.5

Mixed some classy displays with some distinctly dodgy ones. Question marks over his temperament remain, but he was more of a hit than a miss.

Aaron Lennon 7

A full season would have earned him higher marks, but four months out derailed his best ever campaign.

Tom Huddlestone 7.5

Improved mobility has helped his game and passing remains amongst the best in the league. However, he still needs to offer more in the final third.

Wilson Palacios 8

The much-needed steel in the team was again a star performer. More composure on the ball wouldn't go amiss though.

Luka Modric 7.5

The driving creative force sometimes drifted out of his games but he proved a revelation as a central midfielder. Even more expected next season.

Jermain Defoe 8

Cemented his place as first-choice striker with a prolific campaign, and his goals should help boost England's World Cup chances in South Africa.

Peter Crouch 6

Drifted out of the manager's plans in the run-in, perhaps due to a lack of goals.

Ledley King 7

Masterful when fit, there must be concerns about how long his non-training career can continue.

Younes Kaboul 6.5

Provided useful versatility and is clearly a much-improved player from his first spell with the club.

Gareth Bale 9

Packed enough superb displays into half a season to earn such high marks. The best left-sided player in the country?

Jermaine Jenas 5

A disappointing season that was disrupted by injury. He has slipped down the pecking order and could be heading for the exit.

David Bentley 5.5

A decent renaissance of sorts, but he still lacks the skill, pace and confidence necessary to justify his big fee.

Niko Kranjcar 8

Surely the bargain buy of the season. Provided guile and much-needed midfield goals.

Robbie Keane 5

Frozen out due to the manager's numerous striking options, a permanent move away from Spurs seems likely.

Roman Pavlyuchenko 7

An amazing renaissance considering his seemingly broken relationship with the management. His link-up play has improved, but his selfish streak is still a problem.

Eidur Gudjohnsen 6

Perhaps not given enough starts to showcase his skill and cleverness.

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Unsettling Tottenham Players

We published an article yesterday that was based on Sir Alex Ferguson being interested in signing Gareth Bale.

Now, I won't go into the semantics of why someone like Fergie would be interested in a player like Bale. I won't even go down the path of having to explain to you why Manchester United simply don’t have the funds to buy someone like Gareth Bale.

I want to talk about what so many Spurs fans fear; Bale's head being turned.

Personally, I can't see that happening. Footballers read the papers, sports sites and blogs. They also hire (and pay handsomely) a little devil of an individual called an agent. If anyone is going to turn the head of a professional footballer, you can bet their own agent has something to do with it. Most of the time, it's the players agent that lurks in the shadows of any leaked stories.

I don't know who Gareth Bale's agent is and frankly, I don't care. If however, Bale has been remotely unsettled by the news that one of the two northern skint clubs is after him, then I wish him the best of luck in thinking that the grass is greener.

To be honest, these lads are paid what we can only ever dream of earning. They are well looked after and pampered to the hilt. I can't, not for a second, see this silly nonsense getting to him to the point where he turns in a dull performance tomorrow.

Let's forget about it.

I suppose you could read a little more into it. Matt Law from the Daily Express told me this morning that the story is 100% genuine. Straight from the reindeers mouth. I trust Matt. Therefore, I see fear swelling in Fergie's eyes. Scared are we Alexander?

Is Ferguson worried about tomorrow’s game? You bet he is; hence, the circulating rumours, that are no more than a managers plot to mess with agent fodder.

If things go as I expect them to up in Manchester in the close season, the tide will run blue, awash from the red reaches of a nether year.

Let the talking be done tomorrow, but on the pitch of course.

If Manchester United are to actually play with 11 men tomorrow, instead of their usual 12 (thanks has to be paid to the refs society), then my prediction is that we'll win.

Manchester United 0-3 Tottenham Hotspur



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Gareth Bale to Manchester United

Oh, don't be stupid!

Now, I have met Matt Law (Daily Express journo who published the story linking Bale to United) on a few occasions and he seems like a fairly decent guy. He's also normally on the money. Not today sunshine.

Sir Alex Ferguson may want to sign Gareth Bale. I also wouldn't mind being in bed with Cheryl Cole and Beyonce Knowles. It isn't going to happen people; well, the part about Bale going to United definitely won't.

Let me introduce you to the Guardian's David Conn. He is the most respected Sports Finance journalist around. If Conn says something, you'd better listen up.

"Manchester United do not have any money left from the Ronaldo transfer. No matter what Alex Ferguson says to the press, they do not have the funds they once had".

David Conn made the above comment whilst on the Guardian's Football Weekly Podcast in January. He was discussing the bonds deal the Glazer's were trying to put through.

"But that was in January. Man U must have the money to spend on players now?"

I'm afraid not. They've recently balked at the £40 million transfer tag that's been put on David Villa's head. Let's make something clear; Villa is worth every penny, and then some.

I can see them making a few signings and I am not saying that the Red Devils haven't got a pot to pee in. They may even make one £20 million signing (just like they did when they brought in Valencia from Wigan). But to go out full guns on Gareth Bale? No chance!

Let's put this into some sort of perspective. Daniel Levy got over £31 million for Dimitar Berbatov. Levy is the sort of person you really don't want to be seeing around the negotiating table. Hardball; understatement. Do you really think our Chairman's going to let one of the best left-sided players in the Premier League (anyone who says otherwise is a tool), leave for anything less than what he thinks he's worth?

Don't be stupid.

If you're interested in some football financial journalism at its best, you wouldn't go far wrong with David Conn.

Matty Law is also an Aston Villa fan, which could, if you read between the lines, explain a few things.

PS. Anyone got Cheryl's and/or Beyonce's number?

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Michael Dawson versus John Terry

I thought it was about ruddy time I wrote an article on Michael Dawson's exclusion from the England setup. Everyone has jumped on this wagon and so I thought it appropriate that I put this conundrum to you, the everyday Spurs/football fan.

Should Michael Dawson be included in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad?

Err, yes he should.

Imagine this...

You've been in a coma for the last 18 years (since the start of the Prem). You woke up at the beginning of this season and have been passionately watching football. If Fabio approached you and asked who the best English centre backs are, would you count John Terry in your list?

I am sure Tottenham's duo; Michael Dawson and Ledley King (if fit, but I'd take him anyway) would be in your list, as would Everton's Phil Jagielka. Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand would be a sure thing too, but you wouldn't pick John Terry surely? I mean, why would you pick him? What has the Chelsea captain offered (apart from great pub jokes) this season?

What about Matthew Upson? He's been in superb form, hasn't he? Who are we kidding?

Let's face the facts people; Fabio Capello has said that he would pick players that are playing regularly and in form. Well, we know our Italian likes his little white lies, for he picks Emile Heskey continually. This is a player that cannot get into a Villa side. Oh, and did I mention his inability to hit a barn door?

When are we going to have an England manager that doesn't yield to the power of agents and the F.A.? Probably never, although I have a feeling Michael Dawson could yet make the final 23.


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Celebrity Spurs Fan

Comedian Michael McIntyre on Spurs derby win against Arsenal

See fellow Spurs fan, Michael McIntyre, in action in one of his 2010 gigs

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Brokeback United

Beaten Arsenal and Chelsea. Next up, Brokeback United.

Now, I don't know about the rest of you, but I think this is a game that we can win. Manchester United are nowhere near their best and I believe, as do some of the Spurs lads, that we can go up to Old Trafford and get a win. As long as the ref isn't their twelth man of course!

The belief that we can win is there. All we need to do now is turn up and display that belief on the pitch.


Le Scum in the Office
Some of the Arsenal fans in the office aren't too bothered if they lose to City, as a Manchester City win against Arsenal could take them into fourth.

As I said, that's just some of Arsenal faithful. Most want to smash City. Their reason; "if City make the Champion's League, you can forget about us winning the league any time soon."

"With all their money, they could walk the league, as they will be able to attract the type of player that could take them well beyond us."

"With them [Manchester City] in the Champion's League, they will be actually able to sign players like Kaká."

I agree with the above comments. Money, and a lot of it, does buy you success. Look at Arsenal. Wenger doesn't want to seem to spend any money (or he doesn't have much to spend). What have they won in the past 5 seasons? Well, Arsenal have won as much silverware as Bolton.

With the added rumours that José Mourinho has already been approached and has accepted to take over City in July, the future looks bleak.

Manchester City cannot make the fourth!

PS. Well done to Newcastle on their promotion and also winning the Championship. Now there is a club that needs cash.



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Gomes Rehabilitation Complete

Tottenham's outstanding player in the victory over Arsenal was Heurelho Gomes. The Spurs 'keeper made a series of superb saves as a hard-earned lead was protected, but his calm presence and capability under crosses was equally eye catching.

It is no exaggeration to say the Brazilian is the now the best 'keeper in the Premier League. Petr Cech is becoming increasingly error an injury prone, Edwin van der Sar's body is creaking with age and Manuel Almunia would not even be in Arsenal's team if their fans had their way.

Shay Given makes more errors than Gomes and loses points for a cautious approach in commanding his penalty area, and although Joe Hart is in excellent form he lacks the physical presence needed in a top-class goalkeeper. Pepe Reina is the closest challenger to Gomes, but it's doubtful the Liverpool stopper would have kept out the three Arsenal efforts Gomes did.

Gomes' transformation has been remarkable and there is a neat symmetry about his progress. What was perhaps his lowest point came in the 4-4 draw at the Emirates last season, when his indecisiveness with crosses was cruelly exposed. 18 months later and he is almost unrecognisable as a 'keeper, something that was confirmed by his latest performance against our bitter rivals.

Gomes has been helped by the solid defence built in front of him and with this back four likely to be more settled next season, things should only improve for the popular Brazilian, who is rapidly achieving cult status at White Hart Lane.

Spurs' Premier League betting odds narrowed dramatically after the win and if the side does make the top four their goalkeeper will take a lot of the credit.

For his part, Gomes will be hoping his performances are enough to secure him a spot in Brazil's World Cup squad.

Brazil are second favourites in the World Cup betting and will fancy their chances of winning the tournament.


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Ar2ena1

Tottenham Hotspur 2 - 1 Ar2ena1

Before getting into the grains of this article, I wanted to vent my frustrations on some BBC pundits who still, even though we won, insisted on saying the following;

"Oh just look at the wonderful football Arsène Wenger's side play".

Listen sunshine, you aren't given points based on your overall possession. You get points by either stopping the other team, or by putting the ball into the back of the net.

Arsenal did neither last night. They couldn't manage a shot on goal until the eightieth minute, which either translates into them thinking they're far better than Spurs and can simply walk the ball in, or, something is terribly wrong with them.

Shout out to Gomes. He was fantastic!

With the entire Arsenal loving aside, last night really was an occasion for nibbling ones nails clean off and sitting on the edge of your seat.

The atmosphere was magnificent last night. And what can be said of "that goal"? As Glenn Hoddle said, "That lad [Danny Rose] has bought himself 10 years with these fans".



To be honest with you, I'll be remembering that goal for a lot longer than 10 years, as will a lot of you.

"Bale, Bale, Bale".



How did our left winger elude the entire Arsenal backline and end up where he did to tuck away the goal? Let's not forget the ball in from Defoe.

Anyway, enough said.

Spurs 2 - 1 Ar2ena1


PS. Heurelho, you are a star.


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I Love English Referees

First off, I would like to congratulate Portsmouth FC, their fans, their players and management team on reaching the F.A. Cup Final.

Secondly, I would also like to thank the English F.A. for all the hard work they put in to churning out the best referees in Europe.

Niko Kranjcar should be put on trial after fouling someone in the area, which in turn led to our goal being disallowed, and rightly so!

Just for the record, I wasn't being serious, well, apart from the praising of Portsmouth bit.

How many times are we going to get screwed on by referees? Let me explain what happened yesterday.

I'm currently in Cyprus and will be until the Martin Chivers Bash (8th & 9th May).

Now, Cypriot football has come on leaps and bounds in the last few seasons (or so the locals tell me). Thing is, it's clearly obvious that it's fixed. Referees live in bigger houses than the players, but have extremely short careers as most of them need to retire by the time they're 45 due to death sentence threats.

I was invited to watch yesterday's match in a friendly pub called Murphy's. It was packed out with Spurs fans; some were locals, whilst a great deal were ex-pats. The pub even put on a Cypriot-style BBQ, which was great. Spirits were raised.

They score. Silence echoes. We score; pandemonium! By the time we had all stopped jumping all over each other, whispers from the bar spread that the goal had been disallowed.

"And you lot say that Cypriot football is fixed?!"

The Cypriot Spurs followers were angry, not just because of the disallowed goal, but because prior to the match, the pub was showing two play-offs in the Cypriot League. Omonia vs. Anorthosis (remember them?) & APOEL vs. Apollon.

Us Brits were discussing amongst ourselves, the sheer quality of the league and the obvious match rigging that goes on. The locals listening in didn't really care for our petty conversations.

Well, that all changed when our goal went in and then didn't.

Thing is, I didn't feel as bad as I did when I was a spotty nosed teenager up at Elland Road, when Everton put us to the sword. I mean, yesterday was deeply depressing. Carlos (another THBN author) was at the game and was supposed to write something today, yet didn't have the heart for it. Maybe the next three games mean so much that this Semi-Final defeat doesn't mean as much as it should? Who knows?

So then, out of the F.A. Cup and into the Week of Reckoning. Arsenal up next. Do you think the lads can pick themselves up and stop giving away penalties?

Arsenal, here we come!

PS. I got up at 5.15 this morning as I couldn't sleep and so turned on the TV. CNN was on and this American Sports Pundit was talking about "Pompeii's" win over Spurs. Yes, that's right. Not Pompey, but Pompeii's win.

Maybe the thought of Mount Vesuvius erupting over Wiley's decision would cap off my day?



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F.A. Cup Semi's

We'll win by more than three goals and face the blue scum in the final come May......

Don't we all wish it was that easy? How can you equate, what in effect is up till now, our biggest game of the season?

How can you predict the outcome against a team that really has nothing to lose, especially since their relegation was cemented only yesterday? We all know what happens when you corner an injured dog? You pat it on its head and take it to the vet. Maybe, just maybe, we can take Portsmouth the cleaners, via the vet?

Let's put things into perspective; they are a side that has struggled to compete with most sides this season. Their team will be without some of their best performers, Jamie O'Hara, Hermann Hreidarsson, etc. So we just have to turn up and win.

Oh if only it was that simple.

I was at Elland Road in 1995, where we faced an Everton team that wasn't too far off Portsmouth's current predicament, although they did have Andy Hinchcliffe and his notorious free-kicks and corners. We had Klinsmann, Sheringham and were still spinning after winning up at Anfield in the Quart-Final. Goals from Jurgen and Teddy saw to that. We were going to win; all we had to do was turn up.

F.A. Cup Semi-Final - Everton 4-1 Spurs

A certain Daniel Owefin Amokachi took us apart that day. It was the first time I had cried at a football match. It was terrible.

We are packing up now for Wembley. Both Sarah and I will be there. Jaymes is off in Cyprus, and will be watching the game with the Official Spurs Supporters Club in Nicosia. He's asked me to inform any in Cyprus that there will be a BBQ in Murphy's at 4pm and all are welcome.

Squeaky bum time? Let's hope not.

Our Prediction: Spurs 4-1 Portsmouth

PS. Damn you Amokachi.

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