Spurs BT Sport channel TV fixtures

New boys in the TV football market BT, who are promoted by Gareth Bale, have also announced their first set of fixtures for the upcoming season.

The first Tottenham Hotspur game on the BT Sport channel is the lunch time fixture (12.45) against Chelsea on Saturday September 28th at White Hart Lane.

Our only other game on BT at the moment is against Manchester United in another lunch time fixture (12.45) at White Hart Lane on Saturday November 30th.

Our complete TV fixtures so far announced, SKY unless stated:
Sun Aug 18: Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur (1:30pm)
Sun Sept 1: Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur (4pm)
Sat Sept 28: Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea (BT Sport 12.45pm)
Sun Oct 20: Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur (4pm)
Sun Nov 3: Everton v Tottenham Hotspur (1.30pm)
Sun Nov 10: Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United (12pm)
Sat Nov 23: Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur (5.30pm)
Sat Nov 30: Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United (BT Sport 12.45pm)

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Rio Ferdinand's Twitter Account Explains it Clearly

@rioferdy5 "Linesman was saying it was handball, ref never gave it. Play on...."

Why was Clattenburg overruling the very linesman who explained to him that he'd seen the handball?

I've replied to Rio and asked him what gave him the right to shout at the ref and linesman while all the Spurs players were told to walk away.

Rio sent a general reply to all via Twitter:

"By the way I went over to the referee just 2 clarify that he never blew his whistle for anything,I never swore so what's all the fuss about?"

Mr. Ferdinand proves his worth with another reply:

"All a u askin what I said 2 gallas I told him if they had scored when the ball went out 1st half would they say NO GOAL the ball was out? NO"

If the shoe was on the other foot, do you think the goal would have been given? That's not a trick question either.

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Spurs Could Go 3rd

The City result went our way today with them slipping up against a worked up Wolves side. The Goons beat the Spammers and Chelsea won against Blackburn.

If we can beat Manchester United, and it's more than likely that we can, we will go 3rd in the Premier League. We are in 5th at the moment with 15 points.

I watched the Wolves vs. Manchester City game and once again, City showed me that they are a manager short of making the big time.

Harry Redknapp has opted for Robbie Keane instead of Peter Crouch as our lone striker with Rafa van der Vaart playing off him. Modric and Jenas will hold the central midfield roles, whilst Lennon and Bale will be on the wings. Kaboul and Gallas will hold our central defence together, with Assou-Ekotto and Hutton as fullbacks, and of course, Gomes will be in goal.

Come On You Spurs!!!

You can follow our commentary on Twitter.

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The Mercenary in the Corner

Have I missed something here? As far as I am concerned, Wayne Rooney has every right not to sign/accept a new contract if, and that's a big "if", he and his advisers feel he can get more elsewhere.

It seems as though the media have been camped in the North-West for far too long, and with the impending implosion of Rooney's demands, it seems the media wagon will have to extend its lease for the foreseeable future.

Let's put it another way; if I am head-hunted by a competitor firm and they assure me that I will earn nearly double to what I am earning right now, I would be a fool if I didn't give the offer the time of day.

A few moronic former footballers have said that it really doesn't make a difference if you are on £150,000 a week or £200,000 a week. You what? Oh, let's not forget that these are the same guys that have gone on record and said "present footballers do not comprehend the value of money". It looks as though these former players, turned financial comedians, are the ones that know nothing.

I can understand the frustration of the Manchester United fans, for if Rafael van der Vaart was to suddenly state that he wanted to leave and would not sign a new deal, I know how I would feel. Thing is, each and every person needs to look out for themselves. If Wayne Rooney thinks he can get a double-your-money deal at City or at another club, surely he has every right to look at all possible avenues.

What I do disagree with however, is the way Mr. Rooney has conducted himself since the World Cup. Fair enough mate, you want a better deal, but for heaven's sake, act like a footballer that deserves one.

Unless you have been living in a cave since June, you would have heard and/or seen reports that Wayne Rooney has been missing. Whether he has an ankle injury or not, the way he has performed of late has been nothing short of pitiful.

No matter what you think of Wayne Rooney, he is a world class footballer, although his recent performances would state otherwise. He needs to get back to what he does best, be it for Manchester United or another club. Unfortunately, that may not be so easy, for getting your head straight can take a lot time.

According to reports in relation to the West Brom game last Saturday, the fans chanted Rooney's name as he came on as a second half sub. However, the supporters chants turned silent as Wayne's introduction collapsed all hope of a revival. "The United players became despondent and the game turned flat", were some of the remarks (cheers Chapper's).

So then, when will Harry and Levy get the cheque book out?

It's an amazing situation that Rooney could become a free agent, someone who is worth £50-60 million.

He's in a situation whereby if he does not want to sign a contract then in 18 months he is a free agent. He's in a position where if someone gives him personally £30 million then he is still a cheap player. He can go down that road and Man United can do nothing about it.

Those were Harry's quotes.

And why not? It's obvious that Rooney wants to earn as much as possible. If no offers are forthcoming, he may just play out his contract, although I can't see Sir Alex Ferguson allowing that to happen.

All in all, I wouldn't like to be a United fan at the moment.

Come on you Spurs!

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Harry's Interested in Huntelaar

Mediaset, the Italian media giant (owned by Mr.Berlusconi), yesterday revealed that both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have shown an interest in buying AC Milan striker, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar for around €15 million (approximately £12.6 million). It also added that "Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham Hotspur manager, has been looking at Huntelaar in recent months and plans to sign the Dutch striker."

Tottenham Hotspur's pursuit of a striker has been the topic of discussion this week, therefore, you can imagine the delight on nearly all my fellow Spurs when they read this. Thing is, I was the only disappointed Spurs fan in the office.

I had to ask my associate Tottenham loving colleagues a question; "Just a thought guys, why are most of you wound up by the media hype that surrounds Klaas-Jan Huntelaar?"

As you can imagine, I received the dreaded blank stare. It was as if I had just said that Ashley Cole is indeed a decent chap.

So again, I posed a question; "How many of you have seen him play?" Judging by the comments I received, most of them didn't even know what Huntelaar looked like.

I went into one.....

"The simple fact of the matter is that Mr. Huntelaar was a goal scorer in Holland, but failed in Spain and in Italy. What makes him such an amazing candidate??

"I remember a certain Mateja Kežman; man could he score....in Holland. Since his move away from the goal-rush Eredivisie (left in 2004), in which he scored 105 goals in 122 games, Kezman has racked up an amazing tally of.........39 goals.

"Let's look at Huntelaar's stats: In the goal-rush (yes, I will call the Eredivisie that, for even Martin Jol's Ajax scored an incredible 106 goals, but still came second), Huntelaar managed to score 135 in 183 games. Pretty phenominal. But then, his goal tally dries up like an elephant's ball sack. Why? Because he left the comfort of the Goal-Rush league!

"Since his move to Spain and Italy, the once prolific striker has scored a total of 15 goals in 45 matches!

"And we want him to sign? Based on what? I suppose we could sign him and loan him to Ajax. As a Spurs player, he'll probably get a bucket load. Shame though, as he'll do it wearing a Ajax shirt.

"So please, can someone explain to me what all this fuss is about?".

Robert in accounting spoke up first; "Jaymes, look at Ruud van Nistelrooy and the original Ronaldo. They all scored in the Dutch league and also found it fairly easy scoring in other leagues".

"Bob, you've just answered your own question mate. They scored in OTHER LEAGUES! Huntelaar has played in other leagues, yet cannot score."

At this point, the conversation went dead, not because it wasn't interesting, but because the only Arsenal fan in the office, Trevor, walked in and put an end to it.

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There will be loads of you who disagree with me. Please don't take any of the above personally. It's just that as Spurs fans (and football fans in general), we seem to get our thongs in a twist every time a foreign player with some history gets linked with us.

If we do sign him and he goes on to score a bucket load, I will be as delighted as my fellow Spur, but the facts don't lie. Chances are, he'll come here and not settle, which means that he'll need a TomTom for directions on where the onion-bag is.

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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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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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Foster vs. Gomes

The everlasting debate of us signing a keeper to replace Gomes, raged through the office once again.

I do thank my lucky stars that most of my prestigious colleagues claimed that Gomes is a better keeper than Ben Foster.

I didn't want to name and shame the under writer of yet another pointless office rant, but Pat, who also happens to be my boss, started the "Gomes Out" campaign at the beginning of last season.

It sometimes got to the point, especially after that away day at Fulham, that we dare not mention the Brazilian's name.

Either way, Pat, once again, commenced his field of dreaming aspirations as regards Foster.

I didn't want to get dragged into this debate (for the millionth time) as you get nowhere. No matter what Gomes does, Foster can do no wrong.

I really do hate it when a fellow blogger asks the question "Foster vs. Gomes?" (Note to self: slap yourself silly). You see, when Pat reads the said heading on NewsNow (oh yes, it's not just us lowly minions that click the refresh button countless times during an off-day), you can bet your hairy touche that he'll pop his head up from behind his cubicle and rant on about the mistakes that have cost us due to not having a class keeper, namely, Foster.

I won't discuss the pointless discussion that Pat sparked off, but I will add that it was a Man U fan that finished it. "I wish we had Gomes, Pat. Fancy a swap?" That swift comment put an end to today's office rant.

Henry, I thank you, but no, we don't want to swap Gomes for what I can only call the most overrated keeper in the Prem.

Oh and God bless Tomas Raszkin.............

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The gameplan for Sunday

We are all familiar with Harry Redknapp’s prioritisation policy, but our manager knows the importance of Sunday’s Carling Cup final clash with Manchester United. He had a taste of Wembley glory last season with Portsmouth and more silverware, gained through upsetting the best team in Europe will be another notable feather in his managerial cap.

Victory would also be a boost to a team that has faced the ignominy of a relegation battle all season, securing European qualification at a time when our UEFA Cup fixtures are viewed as little more than a hindrance. It is hoped they would not be next season.

However, retention of the trophy and qualification for the first season of the Europa League somehow seems as far away as it did when we embarked on the campaign in the dark days of early season.

Manchester United have an aura of invincibility that makes their target of winning the five tournaments they entered this season eminently achievable. 10 straight Premier League wins and one goal conceded in their last 15 league matches shows the size of Spurs’ task. How will we defeat the Red Devils and repeat last year’s success?

That victory over Chelsea is the first place to look. Players intimidated by our opponents only need look at those who constructed that famous win – as the cliché goes, anything is possible in football and we must not lack self-belief.

Tactically Harry might well use our recent FA Cup defeat at Old Trafford as a blueprint. Although a 2-1 reverse was the final outcome, the manager was pleased with the way our five-man midfield stifled United’s threat, with the doubling up on Cristiano Ronaldo particularly successful.

Spurs played that match under-strength and with a clear counter-attacking mentality, and whilst we will not start the final in the same defensive frame of mind, the absence of Robbie Keane, Jermain Defoe and Fraizer Campbell might force Harry to again play Luka Modric behind Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Darren Bent appears to be on borrowed time at the club and can expect a place on the bench – having no striking cover on the sidelines might be dangerous.

Wilson Palacios is also unavailable, so Didier Zokora will perform ball-winning duties alongside Jermaine Jenas, who will need to support the front man with his bursts from midfield that have been lacking this season. Tom Huddlestone had a good impact as a substitute last year and we might need him again to come on to pick passes as we search for goals.

The back four will pick itself (fitness permitting) with the containment of Ronaldo and Dimitar Berbatov a priority. Our former striker was allowed too much space in the FA Cup tie and Ledley King will be keen to prevent him dropping deep and enjoying time on the ball.

Heurelho Gomes will be back between the sticks, which should not alarm Spurs fans as much as they might fear – Carlo Cudicini was as unsure on set pieces against Hull City as the Brazilian has been at any point this season. United are as dangerous from corners and free kicks as anyone and it does not need saying that they are threatening enough without being gifted soft goals.

The final should be a tight, low-scoring affair and we should hope Spurs’ frustrating tactics can produce a 1-0 win, the scoreline that United have benefited from so much recently. They have conceded more than once just three times in 26 league matches, meaning a clean sheet is crucial to our hopes of victory.

Written by Philip Oliver, a Tottenham Hotspur supporter and professional sports writer who blogs about Carling Cup gambling and football in general.

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