Striker hunt.

The first half yesterday illustrated the confidence of our side who played some very good football and made Birmingham look the away side. Our fans played their part too. Birmingham had hit a good run of form at home overcoming Chelsea and Villa not to long ago and so we knew our boys would have to earn their money's worth (if that's possible) to grab us three points.

The game also showed the danger of squandering chances. I'm not Crouchy's biggest fan but I thought he played well yesterday although threw away two or three opportunities that could've ended the game at half time. Jermain, although just returning, also failed to reminisce his clinical ability in front of goal from last season missing two good opportunities.

Just as we did to Liverpool, Birmingham punished us. The game should've been finished at half time. With Robbie expected to leave in January and with our strikers not scoring enough goals, we need to bring in a forward that will really invite a strong level of competitiveness up front. Someone that is more deadly in the box than a hitman and someone that can knock in a penalty?

Well we can all dream can't we.

Regards.

Iaquinta, Pav or Keane?

Speculation took a rather unexpected twist as old media favourite Vincenzo Iaquinta looked to take a large step forward into joining us. The 30 year old's agent stated he expects to see Vin playing at Spurs next year as Harry's wheelin' and dealin' looks to see us pick up the Juve man for around 5 million quid.

But surely, should we capture the Italian then this is likely to spell the end for atleast one of Pav or Keane. So who would you rather keep hold off if given the dilemma facing Harry?

Iaquinta's Juve record last season: 18 appearances scoring 6 goals. Not a world-class goal scoring record although I am told that this bloke is a team player and maybe this could prove beneficial in our debut Champions League season awaiting us next year.

Pav's record last season: 24 appearances scoring 10 goals. Although starting the season very much on the fringes of the first team, Pav broke into the team around late February time and his goals really helped propel us to achieving fourth spot. Possibly one we should keep our hands on.

Keane's record last season: Keane's record at Spurs saw him make 25 appearances scoring 9 goals before being loaned out to Celtic in January where he enjoyed a blinding season scoring 14 goals in 16 appearances. Although, I think any Championship side would give Celtic a good game.

So, if given the choice, which player would you want playing in the lillywhite next season?

Regards.

A nice dilemma to have

I believe the phrase is called 'being told.' Never have I felt 'owned' so much that I was lost for words and all logical thinking merely left my body, after celebrating of course. I felt a sense of freedom from frustration. It was nice. More of that this season would go down well, very well.

Robbie seemed to touch back into his past to reinact the player he was two seasons previously by running riot against a Championship-standard Burnley side. How he stuck two fingers up to my last post. Thanks Robbie, in the least sarcastic way possible.

I'm sure anyone who put a pound on Keane scoring four on Saturday have now retired to the Caribbean and are currently sat on a warm beach living off the winnings and laughing. Suddenly Jermain isn't the only striker we can rely on for goals. I think i just heard the biggest sigh of relief for a long time.

Initially I felt the decision to drop Crouch was a cold-hearted one. In fairness, it probably was. But thankfully Keane showed his true quality and repaid Harry's persistent faith in him. Finally. Let's hope he can keep banging in the goals for the remainder of the season.

Our strikers are scoring. We're smiling. Where's Pav these days?.. Bolton at their place next. Who would you stick up front?

Regards.

Would the move be a good one for the club?

I'm sure it's just paper talk and eventually nothing will actually progress but the papers today are saying that Celtic are lining up a move for our Irishman, Robbie Keane.

The timing of the rumour is unusual. To be throwing players names around to different clubs at this time of year is rarer than Pompey grabbing a league victory; but then the Mirror pop up and surprise us. Oh yes, and of course, the Mail.

Should such a move concur, would it be a good one for the club? I appreciate Robbie's work rate and leadership skills, something that we seriously lacked pre-Redknapp, but his goals to games ration isn't really what you'd call, well, good.

What do you think? Should we let Robbie leave to Scotland or can he still play a big part in our season?

Regards.

Even when we don't play we look good

So, we've survived the first international break without anyone hobbling back to Spurs Lodge with their name on the injury list. Well, officially anyway. We just have to wait and see if Bassong has in fact joined Daws, Ledley and Jonny in the medical room after apparently limping off early for Cameroon.

Our lot seemed to have a field day yesterday for their respective national sides. To begin, It looks like Robbie's been doing more than pointing and shouting for the Republic as he headed the winner as ROI beat the Cypriots 2-1.

Pavlyuchenko scored twice as Russia beat Liechtenstein 3-0. Yeah, they were two penalties, but as they say, a goals a goal.

Giovani ran riot for Mexico, scoring the first and setting up two more as Mexico beat Costa Rica 3-0. Come on 'Arry, give the boy a chance!

And of course, Jermain Defoe came off the bench for England to score our second against Slovenia in a 2-1 win. That's five in three now, surely a start has to be in line for our forward.

Things are still looking up and let's just enjoy it whilst it lasts!

Regards.

Keane could be set for midfield role

Robbie came on against South China in a surprise centre midfield role. There was increased speculation about Keane's future amid the signing of Peter Crouch and the public pursuit of the Klass. Seemed as if the Villa were trying to bring him up to Birmingham on the cheap. It looks as though Harry's dampened that speculation down by suggesting that the former Liverpool bloke could be set for a run in our midfield.

Speaking after our defeat to South China: "I brought him on as JJ had a bit of an injury and I didn't want to push him too far," said Redknapp.

"Robbie came on and he played in there. He is a good player and he can play several positions. He is always enthusiastic and he loves to play wherever he is asked to play."

Some of Keane's attributes could work in midfield. He can read the game well and obviously has good attacking sense. Not so sure on the defending and tackling side of things though.

If he isn't going to get much of a shout up front, would playing Keane in midfield work? Let's just hope Harry gets it right whatever he decides to do.

Regards.

Has Keane got a point to prove?

Two seasons ago Robbie was up there with Ledley as Mr. Tottenham Hotspur. So how did it all seem to deteriorate so quickly?


I rate Keane, but he's suddenly found himself turning into the Jenas of last season and is fast becoming the marmite for Tottenham fans. Some seem to love him, some seem to hate him. For some fans, when Keane moved up North, his success and near legendary status at Spurs was wiped from their minds, seemingly. Although, could he be blamed for wanting to play for his boy-hood club in the Champions League and fulfill a dream at the same time?

Keane lifted the Barclays Asia trophy today after scoring twice against Hull in a 3-0 win, his energy and determination were also present and, as a result, he was given man of the match. It was only a pre-season friendly but the performance was still there all the same. He played his heart out in all honesty.

What do you think. Does Keane have a point to prove for the season ahead, or are some of the fans just being to critical?


Regards.

Keane hates Tottenham

Ok, I do have an explanation to such an absurd title; Robbie Keane came out today and explained why he didn't celebrate his goal against Liverpool on Sunday.

"Over the years you would have seen that I never celebrate against my former clubs when I score against them, so this was no different," he said. "But as a striker its always nice to score, regardless of who it's against and despite the amount of hype around my return before the game."

Yeah, ok, that's 'fair enough' Robbie(the eyeballs roll) but how about a little thought for the 3000 Spurs fans that travelled up to a near enough meaningless game at the other end of the country?(lets be honest, we weren't going to win)

Ok yeah, right, you were there for 6 months, and to be honest, barely got through a whole game. We splash out the best part of £15m to bring you here and, despite some very mediocre performances, we stood by you and made you our leader. We accepted the fact that you left for a 'bigger club' and welcomed you back to your comfort zone when you career looked at an end.

Then we see a rare goal from you and you can't even pay the respect to the die hard Spurs fans that have splashed out their money to watch you play and who pay your wages then you cant even celebrate with them when you score our last goal of the season.

So yeah, thanks Robbie, keep your the respect for you previous employer but remember where your home is now. Show some respect.

P.S We still love you.

Regards,

Ben

(Picture Copyright of Tottenhamhotspur.com)