Another Disaster on the Horizon?

Broken Record Warning: I like reiterating my points, talking from as many different angles as much as I can. Change is no stranger to Tottenham Hotspur. We love it. Sometimes we embrace it - we changed from a pint of Carling, poured from a bottle left out in the warm, to an aged wine that you gleefully enjoy but know when enough is enough. Or, in Spurs terms, a Ramos to a Redknapp. I was apprehensive when we brought Redknapp in. I felt confident we'd survive but never did I expect we'd qualify for Europe's top competition. He was only ever a short-term appointment. He had a shovel big enough to dig us out the hole that Ramos had lead us into and the rope to climb us up the table.

Redknapp's time came to an abrupt end, although his era did feel like a generation and a half's worth. His head had been turned so far round by speculation that surgeons said they were unable tofix it. The consequences identified were repetitive sound bites, tourettes of the word 'triffic' and failing to use the windscreen whilst driving. To then ask for a, reportedly, increased wage and three year deal apparently sent Levy to hospital for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury; or concussion, as it is best known. Redknapp left Spurs and, with him, a squad that couldn't stop questioning 'if only'.

Mother nature will tell you Daniel Levy has balls. Appointing AVB will only add to assure this, for those in doubt. I remember apprehension was the feeling when Redknapp was appointed, I felt a different feeling when the Portugeeza came in as Head Coach at Spurs. Excitement was one. I'd put forward my case more times than I care to count as to why I felt Spurs would've been the right job for AVB. I woke up at my laptop, having put myself to sleep on one occasion.

A period of unrest saw our spine sold and, at one point, we barely had the capacity to stand on two legs. Papers had a field day of legless articles, sounding out the uncertainty and disillusionment in the Spurs camp. I'd almost pictured players refusing to eat at the same lunch table as AVB, leaving as he took a seat. A false smile hiding away the tears that were forcing their way out. In truth, AVB was up against it immensely more than most upon arrival. His passion to fight off the endless critics clinging to his ankles grew as he split Spurs supporters, this all before a ball had been kicked.

Redknapp was quoted, in June, as saying: "He's (AVB) got the players there to be a top four team every year and challenge for the Championship. That's my opinion". Whilst also emphasising that the key to this was keeping Luka at the Lane. Through the bitterness that seems apparent between the lines of this quote, Redknapp is claiming that any success would be down to 'his' team succeeding.

In truth, it's almost like a plastic surgeon's been at Spurs we look so different.

With the critics breathing heavily down AVB's back, every move he made was scrutinised. The summer didn't get any easier when the side AVB wanted was scuppered; the players he wanted didn't all arrive. Most notably was Moutinho's failure at securing a transfer from Porto. So, we were given Sigurdsson and Dempsey to fill the void. Modric and Van der Vaart were the most notable departures. Dembele was unveiled. Parker, Kaboul and Benny found themselves having an extended summer on the injury table. Ledley retired. Vertonghen came in. Lloris joined him. We finally remembered Kyle Naughton was also a player for Tottenham Hotspur football club.

This wasn't Redknapp's side anymore.

In truth we'd had more change than a busker working a Friday night in the Underground. This was inheriting a club name that finished fourth, but the spine and foundations in which it was built on was near enough an overhaul. We'd even moved training grounds. New players playing together rarely click in the short-term. This was reflected in our early results. I remember needing binoculars at Newcastle and also felt as though we were in the middle of the Sahara. We were bright, positive, we pressed well. We deserved a win and were unfortunate to lose. That's football, I was content upon returning home.

Two draws at home to seemingly more 'minute' opposition ensured we remained split upon whether to back AVB or not. I estimated, looking at external polls and running one myself, that only around 66% of Spurs fans were behind AVB. Of course, these numbers may not reflect the majority but, at the time, gave what seemed like a realistic indication. The booing at full-time cemented this for me. In truth, I remained fully behind him. Call it an intense level of stubborness and blind faith, but I appreciated the difficulty he had coming into a club like ours, the pressures and liked what he was trying to do. I felt the players we had at our disposal complimented his ideology of pressing and breaking at pace and believed, hoped, that this justice would be done.

On the morning of our trip away at United. It was reported that another 'Spurs crisis' had occurred. Players were 'unhappy', 'disillusioned' and AVB had 'three games to save his job'. Right. It brought us all closer. A 'them and us' mentality. The papers made out we were on a sinking ship. Although no one was seen fleeing it. In fact, we went away to United and won. AVB responded the best way he could've. He showed that we do have the belief in the side to achieve what seemed to be the impossible. Bale recently came out and said this victory gave the side 'belief', something, I feel, that has always fluctuated at Spurs. More and more though we seem to be integrating it into our DNA; our final league position will reflect its' level. It was obvious that this season would be a box of surprises in typical Spurs fashion - each week you didn't know what you'd get.

Last season we lost 5-2 at the Emirates and (correct me if I'm mistaken) only managed 4 league wins the rest of the season. It was evident that the defeat there was more than a blood wound and patch up job. The side were grabbed out the air and brought back to Earth - with more than a bang. Redknapp soon became unsettled and we seemed to play with trembly knees. Any mental strength was shot. We were left picking up the pieces come May of a season of what could've been. A tale of 'what if's' and 'if only's'. A record we'd heard time and time again.

We flew a similar flight this season. We found ourselves crashing at Arsenal and a forward that would miss the next three league fixtures. Inevitably, the haunting of last season returned. The pain and anguish routed its way back. The memories had never really left in all honesty. But something changed this year. The players picked up the pieces and pulled back together, and returned stronger, more brittle than last season. Since this disappointment we've gone on to lose just the 1 league game. A team of players that had only been playing together for a few months had already, seemingly, have bought into AVB's philosophy. He'd fed them on belief, building this mental toughness required to finish above strong opposition and into the top 4 positions of the Premier League. In the long run, our position in the league would tell you it was worth it.

We still have lapses in concentration, are prone to errors that lead to costly goals and, at times, look nervy. But, of late, we've pulled through. We've looked more assuring on the pitch and our game feels more natural when we play. The style and 'swag' we had last year isn't at it's peak, but we're seeing glimpses - and winning games. We've new players, new coaching staff and a fresh approach that we needed. The players (or the majority) seem to want to be there and believe we could achieve great things.

What excites me is that this is many players' first season at Spurs, with new team mates, coaching staff and Head Coach. I was/still am expecting transition. It's fair to say that our current form has been more than mind-blowing. Without being disrespectful, I was expecting our season to match Liverpool's. A slow start before slowly growing into our system and climbing the table - at a steady pace. Never did I think we'd be the one's being chased for 4th again. Or are we the one's chasing third? I've never seen a pint half full, I'm always up grabbing another round when it's half empty. That reflects my outlook.

Although, admittedly, the long-term excites me. Pre-season saw me content finishing within touching distance of 4th. I still am. We've found ourselves in a scenario in which we genuinely believe we are just that one forward short of securing another top 4 finish. A crossroads we've visited more often than we care to count. I feel we're slowly integrating this belief that we can defeat any side we're pitted against and this has been down to the players buying into AVB's philosophy.

Of course, we remain just 22 games into the season. These final 16 games could end up proving another great disaster as it proved last season. But, despite missing Modric, Vdv and Ledley, I feel more optimistic. I don't always agree with AVB's tactical changes (most notably away at Everton), but I appreciate that he tries to change it up and adapt. He'll try different things, and won't wait a season to try them. He's not as single-minded as he was made out in the past and has admitted previously this season he's open for change and he'll do it should he see fit. This has seen us revert from a more favoured 4-2-3-1 to a more (admittedly) flaccid 4-4-2.

Hopefully we can keep building, learning and remain behind Andre Villas-Boas. Both players and fans/supporters alike. We still haven't reached our peak but to be in the position we are in in AVB's first season is fantastic. The embroilment surrounding his appointment has calmed down. Feet need to stay firmly on the ground and I feel we have the right man at the top ensuring this. He bleeds class and reflects the perception that we have for Tottenham Hotspur.

Never (again) have I felt so much optimism and excitement for the train we're on. Let's hope this one doesn't derail.

Regards,
Ben - Follow me on Twitter here

'Arry drops Levy threat

Well it has been a patient summer, to say the least. Correct, I was careful with my use of words there. After witnessing the capture of a keeper who's already looked into local care homes and a younger forward who failed to make the grade at Barca and fell short of a earning a contract at Chelsea, patience really has been giving a new definition.

It wouldn't have come to an immediate surprise that many of us expected to see a world class forward at the Lane. But hey, who'd have thought that these guys see Champions League and a starting wage of a six figure sum every week a minimum for them to kick a ball about wearing the lilywhite. This, whilst at the same time we expected to see an endless queue of clubs all on their knees desperate to take the likes of JJ, Robbie, Hutton, Bentley and the like off our hands. Who'd have thought eh, who'd have thought.

Sell all the 'deadwood' and everything will be triffic. I don't have enough fingers and toes to count how many times I've heard that said. So, 'Arry's made another plea for Spurs to show more 'ambition'.

"If he [Modric] goes, he weakens us and if you start letting your best players go who knows where we will finish up."

"We have to show the ambition to keep these players, your Lukas, your Rafas, your Gareth Bales." Said Redknapp to Sky Sports News.

Zoom in, crop and read between the delicate lines in this short statement and it's clearer than glass what this message reads: Bring one or two top players in otherwise our heroes, the ones chanted from the Park Lane, will soon enough leave their signature on a contract with a new club, blinded by the numbers they see printed. Oh, sorry, I meant the ambition of these other clubs. This leaving us eating mid-table scraps and fighting a battle we are all to familiar to.

Sorry, that wasn't quite cropped but you get the message.

It's not panic time.. just yet.

Regards.

Don't flatter yourself 'Arry

"Our best season yet" lauded Redknapp, after we finally overcame a side that found themselves scrapping to keep their heads above water. Was I the only one that didn't go into this game full of optimism?

'Arry's post match comments claimed this was our best season in the Premier League. In truth and like no other, you experience more ups and downs following Spurs than you do sitting on a roller coaster, but that's all the 'fun' of following Spurs, isn't it?

This season has certainly given us memories, from the Emirates to Milan (twice) and finishing off at Anfield; via a trip to the Bernabeu. Our European adventure was almost cut short after half an hour against Young Boys but we fought, succeeded, and were rewarded with a phenomenal Champions League run. We'd have cut your hands off had a finish in the Quarter Finals been offered at the start of the season.

This season will be remembered for the memories. But, it has also been a season where we found ourselves the true victim of our own downfall. The thought back to West Ham, Wigan, West Brom and Blackpool who we failed to defeat at all this season. Birmingham, Wolves and Bolton who we failed to defeat away from home and a miserable home draw against Sunderland to top it off.

A gift is a strong word and, really, we'd handed City the gift of fourth place; or certainly at least helped them on their way. Had Joe Hart not continued his impeccable form at White Hart Lane way back in August, the story could've been written far differently for this year. The home draw against City more of less summed up our season. We couldn't break down the sides that planted 11 men in front of the ball.

We've played some wonderful football, had some of the greatest names to grace a football pitch stand against us and have been a joy to watch this year. This season could've panned out much differently but it is how it is and I've no doubt we'll give another promising go for Champions League football next year.

It's been a good season. Not our best ever.

Regards.

A good draw?

AC Milan. Well, it could've been better. Milan sit comfortably top of Serie A and are so far enjoying a successful season, reminiscing the form that has brought so much success in the past.
By chance, I have a few AC fans who see this draw as a negative one for them and feel that the pace of our side will see us progress through the knockout stage.

The extent to which I agree with this is questionable but at White Hart Lane we'll give any side a good running, especially with the second leg being played in North London.

"This is an exciting game to look forward to" Said Harry
"AC Milan have a fantastic record in the competition, they are top of the league in Italy and are full of quality players.
"It's a great challenge for us.
"I said before the draw that I wouldn't mind playing AC Milan.
"You want to take on the best teams in the world and that's what the fans want to see as well.
"Now we've got the chance to bring AC Milan to White Hart Lane for a great game."

Certainly it'll be a great game. Will we win? It'll go right to the wire and there's no reason why our European adventure cannot continue beyond the last 16.

Do you think this is a good draw?

Regards

Harry out?

Fabio Capello has today pointed us further towards the inevitable that Redknapp could possibly takeover from the Italian in 2012.

"In this moment Allardyce and Redknapp are doing very well because they have different players, they have good style and get results with them.
"It is important for a coach to understand which type of players they manage and find the best style."

Although being a couple of years away yet, it really would be Tottenham's loss to lose a manager of Redknapp's calibre and appointing an appropriate replacement wouldn't be a job done in 5 minutes. Hopefully Mourinho will suddenly be keen to take us over by then, you never know?

Who would you have manage our team in 2012 should Redknapp leave and take the England job?

Regards.

Redknapp hints at transfers

So we beat Arsenal and suddenly talk of winning the league resurface; that wasn't the case after the Wigan or West Ham game this season I'm sure of that. Maybe one day, but not just yet. I guess there's no shame in aiming high but if fourth place was offered right not we'd bite your 'ands off for it.

I do struggle to find any real areas of our team that are in desperate need of strengthening. I assume that is why 'Arry only wants to 'tweak' the squad; no Benzema then?
"I am looking to bring people in this January," said Redknapp. "We need to tweak it to finish it off.
"There's one or two other bits we could do, without spending a fortune, that could make a difference to the team.
"We've a new training ground coming, the club's in good shape and we can go forward.
"Tottenham have got a title in them in the next few years. I genuinely feel that - why shouldn't I?
"It's there for someone to pull off a surprise and our win at Arsenal gives us great confidence."

It'll be interesting to see what Redknapp does this New Year. No area screams out at needing strengthening, but I guess it's useless trying to second guess 'Arry anyway.

Where would you 'tweak' the squad this January?

Regards.

Harry, you're wrong

Harry came out yesterday and lamented the boo boys that were heard after a disappointing point against Sunderland. Like most of White Hart Lane, the frustration ran right the way throughout the club and the fans, with a spare few letting their frustrations known.

I'm not one to ever jeer off my football team but let's see where they were coming from. Thousands of fans would've paid upwards of £50 to go and see that game which is hardly an easy expense to pay in these times. On top of that there's the rushing from a long day at work plus the time and money spent to get to White Hart Lane.

Secondly, we haven't won a Premier League game since we took 3 points at Craven Cottage and have dropped points at home to Wigan, Everton and Sunderland whilst losing away to West Ham. These are just a select few of games that we picked up maximum points from last season.

We should never be booing our side off. We're Spurs fans and should be used to the frustrating emotions that come with supporting the team; but Harry should be more considerate. With a very congested league table points, picked up at home will prove vital. The season's only a third of the way through and with Dawson, King and Defoe back we can still make the top 4.

Now for Blackburn.

Regards.

Peter Crouch

As far as frustrating strikers go, Crouchy has fallen between Sergei Rebrov and Helder Postiga in the lillywhite. Scoring about as often as Ashley now does with Cheryl, and taking 10 attempts to knock a shot on target, for a player that tops 6 ft 7 inches the persistent fouling that his game brings is always immediately followed by a depressive sigh, and shouts of "For f*ck sake Crouch" are nowadays typical.

No heart. No passion. Never a drive to get on the end of the final ball. He even applauds us when we sing for Pavlyuchenko. Holding up the ball still seems a skill lacking in Crouch's very thin armoury as he is battled off the ball more often than not.

Ok, so he's assisted VDV with a few of his goals but I blame the immediate emergence of VDV is from his personal and extensive skill set and I'm convinced that he would've been just as successful playing with any other forward. The guys pure class.

We aren't scoring enough goals but the chances have been there. Even Harry said we had enough chances in Bolton but there was no end product for 80 minutes.

2 weeks? We need Jermaine back for Sunderland.

Regards.

Sandro's debut

Although the scoreline suggests a tight game and, yes, despite going one nil down (again) I felt we looked comfortable for the large majority of the 90 in Fulham. The difference in confidence and ability over the last few years is clearly adamant as it's now not such a shock when we string a pass or two together. Who would've thought a team with Bale and Hutton on either flank would be playing the Champions League eh?

For Sandro his Premier League debut was a successful one. For a South American of 20 he looked relaxed on the ball and didn't stick a foot wrong. Nothing got passed him. His link play between the midfield and attack was also noticeable and he posses the raw talent to be one of our brighter assets in the future. Hopefully Sir Alex won't come sniffing.

It was a shame to see the lad's game end at half time but I'm sure there will be much more of him to come this season.

A good win in Fulham this afternoon now for Milan. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing if we went a goal down?

Regards.

Redknapp expects 'big season' from Mexican

Harry has spoken about one of the rare star performers of this summers World Cup, Giovani Dos santos, and his future at Tottenham.

"If he gets his head right and works hard he has outstanding ability - but it's up to him.

"I've told him to get fit, stay fit and he could have a big season here. He can be a top player if he wants. It's whether he has the dedication and the desire. He lacked that in the past but hopefully he'll get his head right and show what he can do." In an interview Harry gave to the Mail.

I think the signs are obvious that the kid has the ability to play in the lilywhite again but, as many players these days, it seems an attitude problem is the wall between a chance in the first team.

Is this season 'make or break' for Gio?

Regards.

Our Player Of The Season

4th spot and an FA Cup Semi-final prove a delightful summary of this season. Despite falling at the hands of Portsmouth and denying us the opportunity to beat Chelsea at Wembley again, the win over Manchester City at Eastlands and sealing that 4th spot mean that, overall, in Harry's words, this season has been just 'fantastic'.

Although the team has gelled and played as a unit throughout the season, who stood out for you? Who was the one player that, without, we would have been forced to play an extra 30 games in the Europa Cut next season after facing another average season?

Choose your player in the poll on the right hand side and leave a comment explaining your reasoning.

Regards.

Where's the issue?

On a day when Harry's claimed to be in the right concerning a sale of Peter Crouch to Villa back in World Cup year of '02 and odds for Redknapp to leave us fell faster than West Ham have down the league this season, Corluka (and I'm sure all of us as well) have labelled the rumoured departure as 'ridiculous'.

He won't leave. He can't leave. This season, if anything, could prove and illustrate one thing for Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and that is that we can keep a manager for more than a season or two.

Charlie had this to say:
"Harry made some big changes when he came to Tottenham," he told Sky Sports News.
"We were bottom of the league when he came and now we at the top end of the Premier League so I think the rumours of him going off is ridiculous.
"Why would someone go off when the club is doing do well and when he have good players at the club.
"So I think he will stay and work with us and hopefully we will do some great things with him."

The playing staff at Spurs are happy. Redknapp's happy. It's one of those rare occasions where us as fans are more delighted with the club at the moment, let alone satisfied. I seem to be looking forward to games more now, it's a strange feeling, let's hope it lasts.
Am I missing an issue?

Regards.

A moment for the Spurs board

Well hats off to Levy and Redknapp for pulling off a real coup. A top signing. How Levy has acknowledged his mistakes and let's hope we've moved on from the hierarchy that involves a sporting director. At least some good has come out from a few troubled seasons and we can only look up.

In Niko Kranjcar we have a player that was brought in for a good price, provides exceptional cover for Luka and, in Harry's words, a 'good Tottenham player.' I needn't go raving about the lads ability, even though I could write pages of how good our latest acquisition is.

The late signing of Niko really does sum up the improvement in our transfer policy. Take a look back at deadline day last year, we panicked and signed Pav for a staggering £14m. We brought in Campbell on loan and Corluka. Charlie has been the only real success and this is showed in his flourishing performances in the first team every week.

Now, I do rate Pav but, in truth, it was a panic buy in which saw us shed out more money then we may have done, should we have signed him a fortnight before. In Kranjcar we have brought in a very good player that provides excellent cover, proven in the Premier League and at a 'cheap as chips' price of 2 million smackers. Well done boys.

I think we should take a moment to thank Levy for doing what we've wanted for so many years. Faith in the manager. Faith in the players he wants and leaving the transfers largely down to Harry.

We can only build on this, I hear Redknapp is being lined up for a contract extension, if so, brilliant. We have waved away any unnecessary pressures on players with big transfer fees by adding modest signings and value for money. For that, thanks Harry.

Well done Levy, things are looking brighter. Maybe, just maybe, it is our time to shine.

Regards.

Spurs still in the Hunt

So Peter Crouch arrived at Spurs Lodge. A signing that split many of us to say the least- I'm not here to argue for or against, we'd be here all day. We may as well all get behind him now he's here, like the happy family we are.

I'm sure many of us thought 'that's it for the summer', regarding the signing of any more forwards. I know I certainly did. Then 'arry pops up and gives you a bigger shock than a bolt of lightning.

Redknapp on Huntelaar: "If you look at his goalscoring it's absolutely incredible, if he's available, he's a player that interests me ... If Darren Bent does go then maybe we'll be interested in Huntelaar again."
"You can't have too many good players," he added.
"The teams with the best squads are the most successful teams ... you need competition for places."

Either Crouch has had a really bad first day on the training ground or Redknapp has just been more indecisive than a fat kid with a choice of cake or chocolate, and so just had to go for both. Sorry, I thought we had a defender crisis?

So we're still in for Huntelaar, but where does this leave captain Keane? The last time he had to fight for his place in the blink of an eye he was back in the lillywhite again.

Regards.

Spurs ARE in the hunt for Klass

On a day where once again I held my head in my hands after seeing that two Championship players are suppose to get us Champions League football, I thoroughly believed that any optimism I once had for Tottenham had disappeared as soon as the two Kyle's arrived at Spurs Lodge.

Then, understandably, Redknapp jumps to save his own skin (and the enthusiasm of many Spurs fans) by insisting that we very much are looking to sign Klass-Jan Huntelaar of Real Madrid. Dare a smile stretch across my face?

Redknapp stated: "The lad is a very good goalscorer and I'm still interested in him, I know of Stuttgart's involvement but I'm hoping we will still be able to do something.
"There's a lot of talk about who I may or may not be after but Huntelaar is the one I like."

I don't need to talk about whether this signing would be a good one. The only negative aspect of this sort of deal is that our top scorer Darren Bent may feel disillusioned and choose to leave; whether this is good is another matter. Let's just hope Arsene keeps with his policy and continues to only look at players that have only just hit puberty and choose to not go in for Huntelaar.

Now all we have to do is sign him.

Regards,
Ben

Lennon set to leave

So the it seems as though the papers have given up on Huntelaar and, for the last few days, it has been Beckham they've linked us to. It seems as though the papers have re-writ en the same story but stuck the name 'Beckham' in instead of 'Veira', I wish the journalists would open their eyes, one day.

So should this report, some how, actually be true it clearly shows a lack of identifying our main problems from last season. It illustrates the fact that Redknapp would quite happily stick Lennon on the bench but, surprisingly, still doesn't help our problem that exists- and has done for years- on that left side of midfield. Shocking I know.

It wouldn't surprise me Redknapp is trying to lower the quality of our squad and take away the excitement of having Lennon attack his opponent one-on-one in front of Park Lane. I mean he's trying to sign two Sheffield United full backs and Peter Crouch; Harry must be expecting us to have a bad season so didn't want to get the supporters to optimistic by signing decent players.

Beckham's a good player but not one that we need. Although I can't see this move happening so don't feel concerned one bit. This is a player I actually want Man. City to sign, just so we can't.

Regards,
Ben

The inevitable has happened

I thought I'd wait a while to see how many reports are saying that we have made a bid for Ashley Young, the player we could have signed 3 seasons ago for around £8m- painful I know. As expected, I couldn't count the number of reports on two hands, but Harry's seemingly dismal transfer window doesn't leave me to optimistic. He's either being really shrewd or it just hasn't been his day, everyday.

O'Neill is a clever man. I have the uppermost respect for the former Celtic boss and do not believe that he would replace Ashley Young, arguably one of England's brightest young assets, with Stewart Downing, a player that-in my opinion- would be lucky to make the starting eleven for Darlington. This is why I don't believe Ashley will be leaving this year unless he desperately wants to.

Still though, O'Neill has invited these transfer rumours upon Aston Villa and why they have splashed out on Downing seems a mystery to most; maybe Martin felt a lack of depth last season in the Villa side. But these rumours will continue to come and I can't believe Levy would be willing to spend a reported £30m straight off plus with the expectation of fairly large wages. Besides, we don't really have much of a transfer budget this year- do we?

Still though as Spurs fans we can hope; seems like we end up doing that for most of the season anyway. But, at the moment, it seems as though we are more likely to win the league before signing Ashley Young. Shame really.

Regards,
Ben

3 Reasons why Veira won't sign for us

Gawd, I was going to keep quiet about this but it never seems die, so I couldn't help myself. Just when i find little dignity for the Mail they pop up with THE most ridiculous rumour of the summer. They seem to adopt the whole 'let's make up a story and blow it up all over the back page' approach; this is because the more of the paper the story covers the more likely it is to be true, of course.

Patrick Veira to Spurs. 4 years ago we would've been in laughing fits over this sort of rumour- I still am. Everyone needs to have a reality check. We won't sign this player:

1. We signed Wilson Palacios for £15m in January. He plays in the same position and had a successful 6 months with us, he's not getting replaced and Modric just isn't in the equation

2. His wages will halt any deal, we won't pay him top wages to 'play' on the bench.

3. He's scum. He was a success at Arsenal and therefore will not join us.

Everyone needs to calm down over this story. This move is about as likely to happen as Redknapp is to come in to work wearing an Arsenal shirt.

But as always, this is football, anything can happen- but we all know that!

Regards,
Ben

Premiership manager has saved our season, so far!

Tottenham's optimistic transfer list that looked to have had half of Madrid printed on it now has a new name printed under that of Arjen Robben, K-J Huntelaar and so on- or so we thought. Stoke manager Tony Pulis has overshadowed a potential big money and media frenzy move for Ryan Shawcross stating that no contact has taken place between Stoke and ourselves respectively. Sorry, who?

"No one has rung me up. I get on well with Harry and I would be very surprised if it is in the papers and he hasn't rung me first." Although he continued to state that there were 'no closed doors' regarding departures of some of the Stoke first team squad. Let's hope Redknapp didn't hear him say that.

Ryan Shawcross? Surely this rumour cannot be fact, although, what nails doubt into my mind is that he is a young English centre back with Premier League experience. Therefore I hold my hands up as this could quite possibly be true- however much I don't want it to be. I also applaud the Daily Mail for thinking more logically when sticking a transfer rumour on their back page about us. I'm sure in the next week or so we'll end up with a whole team of centre backs, well, according to the papers- but they never lie.

It's Ryan Shawcross, need I say more? Even for a back-up this isn't a good move.

Regards,
Ben

A poor silly season

Harry must have O'Neill on speed dial as yet again we are after another Villa player. This time it is front man John Carew, yet, once again I do feel a touch of Deja vu is at hand. I remember blogging on the 'speculation' that we were after the Villa hit man although this time the reports have been confirmed. On the other hand, it may come as a surprise to you the fact that Villa have stated they will reject any approach from ourselves; I believe our 'dreams WILL fade and die' after hearing this, well, certainly Redknapps' anyway.

This summer has proved a tough one and probably our most un-successful. Harry has failed to snap up any transfer targets in those of Santa Cruz, Barry, Carew, Young, Van Nistelrooy.. and so on, I'm not here to summarise the speculation. Consequently, Spurs have had to lower their transfer optimism and so therefore have been looking at Man. City's Richard Dunne- the defender of the team that couldn't stop conceding last season. Dunne would prove satisfactory cover for the formidable Woodgate and King but the bench would always prove to be his best position. Therefore, this could prove a shrewd signing and, if cheap, one that I'd be happy for.

So on that basis, I do hope that we continue our pursuit of both Carew and Young as I feel these are two players that would propel us to the next level- a solid mid-table finish. Furthermore, should we sign Richard Dunne from Citeh and he does only play a bit-part role for the club, I'd be generally satisfied. A start for the lad every week would just inhibit our Redknapp revolution and so should NOT happen.

On a last note, Adios Zokora, no player could be great and awful at any one time like you were in any one season.

Regards,
Ben