Stuck in the shadows.

I'm admittedly writing this with bitterness fighting it's way through my fingers and onto my keyboard. Like a drunk trying to write an apology to his now seemingly ex-girlfriend after a night of antics, I apologise if my words fail to make much more sense and forgive me if they appear deluded.

We've failed to even reach June yet but Abramovich has, apparently, wrapped up the signing of another multi-million pound player. Ahh, there's the cloud to spoil a remarkably bright day. It's almost a given now that any forward, almost without consideration of ability, will cost an 8 figure sum. The days of signing raw gems on a pittance and promoting the younger players have petered out at a staggering rate; this no coincidence owing to the fact that in a similar time period, more money has been pumped into particular clubs and into the Premier League.

Wenger brought in Veira, Fabregas, Toure and Van Persie for a combined total of £6.65m. Can I ever envisage deals like this to ever be brokered again? No. Even if particular regulations regarding the sale of players at a certain age have come into practice, most owners of Premier League football clubs at the helm don't have the patience or the confidence to sign unproven talent on a small fee in the hope they make an impact. There's too much money at stake. Abramovich had hoped, after more than a £50m investment in the youth academy, that these younger players would prosper to become the next Frank Lampard or 'big thing,' (sorry, I had to). He'd hoped to see his investment in transfers reduce by the season as more youth players were brought through the ranks. To this day, this is not the case, and explains why, before the summer window is even open, Abramovich has looked to have spent reportedly another £78m to improve on last year's 6th place finish.

So, with money playing the extra man on the football pitch it puts the rest of us up against a large wall to climb. It forces clubs, such as Spurs, to try and find these talented players and bring them in for not pennies but at an 'affordable' risk. Players such as Vertonghen who looks good value at around £12m. The second problem at the moment is the longer these deals take to go through, the higher the uncertainty. With the Euro's edging nearer, and with my optimism for England to do well in the competition stuck at the same level it was for Spurs finishing third (take it as you will), we face the growing prospect of having our targets snared from under our noses or having ones valuation rocketing because they hit three goals in four appearances. Irritating to say the least.

After Drogba had tucked away the final penalty and I found out I knew many more Chelsea fans than I thought I did, it was positive to read we were already well under-way in approaching our targets. With the expectation of a further summer of uncertainty surrounding the same old player(s), getting our targets in early could only go some-way to convincing the rest that we can make another go at the top 3 positions and a decent cup run. With Chelsea having already strengthened, if we play our transfer window's as we have done in the last 2 seasons we are in danger of falling behind and back into the shadows of our former selves. It just hows a bit of luck- a missed penalty penalties, a poor decision- and suddenly the after-effects of it are monumental. It's almost a blessing Liverpool spent large sums naively last summer but even now they look to have a tied up a new face at the helm. A manager that understands how modern day football should be played and the particular attributes of players to play it.

I said last summer that the season just gone was a key year in our progression. We achieved what we'd set out do at the start of the year but in typical Spurs style still failed to nail down a Champions League spot. Platini's statement concerning the changing of the rule after only coming into play once since 2005 already shows that it's a farce and one has to question why it was put in place in the first instance if there's talk of it being changed already. But it is how it is. We need to focus on tying up our deals early as the teams around us are looking to as well. We don't have a £100m to throw on players every year, but what we do have (at the moment) is a core team of players that have played together for a few seasons now; this is something that can't be purchased in a summer. We seemed to have found a system that works and two, possibly three, clever additions, I believe, will see us enjoy competing just as well as we did this season.

Money will always prosper, Chelsea's history is, and has been, in the process of being made for nearly ten years now and will continue to be for years to come. A side that, unless they increase their stadium allocation or do eventually move, will fail to meet the FFP rules coming into play but, this clearly not being first item on the agenda. There's Sun all around for everyone but, at the moment, Spurs are stuck in the shade.

Enough bitterness for you?

Regards.

Modric 'happy at Spurs'

Oh how things change quicker than Chelsea's boss in this football lark these days. Numbers in a bank account blind loyalty, turn heads and suddenly it only takes a few extra quid to realise a dream nowadays. If Danny Blanchflower could see the current stance of modern day football he'd turn in his grave.

This Modric debacle's already taken more twists than 1995's The usual suspects and doesn't look like finishing off any time soon; although at this moment in time, the ending seems to be taking more of a bleak outlook.

This is what Modders agent said. Noted June 17th 2011:

"He's happy at Spurs. Any offer that comes for him, it's up to the decision of Tottenham Hotspur if they want to reject it or accept it. We have a great partnership with Tottenham and there's not been activity on our behalf that we would do on our own."
He added: "Everything is in coordination with Spurs, and it's all up to the chairman, Daniel Levy, to decide. [Luka's] under contract, he's happy there, he's willing to try to win the Premiership with Spurs and play Champions League [the] next season. He loves the Champions League experience."

So not even a month has past us by and Modders is barely back at Spurs lodge. The next turn in this never-ending-story-like saga? He's reportedly now willing to hand in a transfer request. I guess he enjoyed soaking up the sun on Roman's yacht, sipping fine champagne whilst counting the millions he'll be making each year playing for the Cheats.

A player that shone with so much dignity and respect has finally shown his true colours. He has no one to blame for this but himself. He cannot brand Levy as 'arrogant' for fighting to keep hold of his own employee. Were we expected to just roll over?

It's ironic that this was the player held in very high regard amongst us as fans, not only as a magician with a football but a genuine level headed bloke as well. Loyalty is a term lost in football and it's sad that a contract is no longer worth the paper it is written on.

He should be thankful he has the opportunity to sit in the stands every week. We fork out hundreds, even thousands to do that. He'd be taking home a cushty wage and get to cheer on the mighty Spurs

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Regards.

Poor old Luka Modric

Oh Luka. 4 quiet days have passed us by since Levy's head popped out of his Rover and smirked to the happy campers at Sky that Modders was staying with calm and order seemed to have been established. Let's not kid ourselves for to long, quiet days rarely exist at thfc.

How it was only the calm before a second storm. The love and respect for Luka is sitting on cracked ice as once more the Croat ran to the press to explain his side of things. But this time, he kept it local.

Warning: The quotes may cause shock for some.

"I reminded the chairman of our gentleman's agreement when we were in Dubrovnik last summer and I agreed a contract extension with Tottenham," Modric told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti.

"At that time, I had an open chat with Levy - that if a bigger club came in with a concrete offer, we would consider it and agree the best solution for all concerned.

"Now Levy doesn't want to talk to me and said there is no possibility that I can leave Spurs. He threatened me - he said if I didn't accept the club's stance, they would make me sit on the bench or in the stands."

"A lot has been published in the press about the meeting with Levy, who gave the public a twisted account of what happened. I must say that I am genuinely disappointed about what Levy said to me. He didn't care about what I was telling him. It all only convinced me further that I was right to consider moving on to another club," he said.

"I hope that eventually he will understand the situation and that we will reach an agreement and go our separate ways in an appropriate manner."

"There is no doubt that Chelsea want me - they sent a concrete offer to Tottenham," he added.

"I know that the new Chelsea boss (Andre Villas-Boas) said he wants me in his team. Of course I am flattered by this interest in me - it's a club that all players dream of joining, fighting for every competition available.

"It wasn't a snap decision - I talked a long time with my family and people whose opinions I respect. I thought about it, weighed it all up, and finally decided this was the best option," he added.

Honest Luka or poorly advised? Naivety jumps to mind when I first read these quotes. It must be a tough life being a footballer, but the reality is that either Levy or Luka are fighting a losing battle and at this point Luka's no closer to his, ahem, 'dream' move to Cheatski as much as the next Tom Dick.

We're paying this poor bloke thousands a week and we deserve the respect of Luka. He's given us two solid seasons, but owes us so much more. Which part of the deal has satisfied us so far? I heard the £22m was the change Abramovich found at the bottom of his trouser pocket. It's also interesting that AVB has told Luka he wants him in the side, I didn't think this was legal?

It was clearer than water that Chelsea's offer was simply a 'look our interest is official' offer and since then Luka's been more than public in trying to engineer a move across London. Money blinds loyalty, we can't kid ourselves that it still exists in the game.

Eagerly anticipating the lost in translation claim. We're not clutching at straws are we?

Regards.

Luka Wants Out. It's Official

Bombshell dropped. Dreams dented. Hopes shattered. Modders has finally declared he wants to move to Cheatscum. Yup, the ageing bunch with more money than sense. The same bunch that make our prawn sandwich brigade look like McDonald's regulars.

If you're scared easily. Look away now.

‘I want to leave Tottenham as friends. I have enjoyed my time there, but now it is right for me to look at another club.

'I have an arrangement with the chairman. When I signed my new contract, he said that, if another club came to sign me, they would consider the offer.’

‘Chelsea are a big club with an ambitious owner. They have great players and they have ambitions to fight for the title and win the Champions League.

‘I want to stay in London. I am very happy here and so are my family. I like the city.’

‘I don’t want to have an argument with Tottenham,’ said Modric. ‘The supporters have been very good to me and I have enjoyed my time playing for the club, but it is for football that players leave clubs and move. It has happened to Tottenham before. It is normal for a player to dream about playing for a bigger club.
This is not about money, it is about ambition. When I came to England, I was dreaming about winning titles. That is still the same.'

‘Tottenham are a big club, with good players and a good manager, but I want to fight for the championship. Spurs will always have a place in my heart. My experiences in the Champions League have left me with the desire for more.'

‘I need to talk with the chairman. I won’t ask for a transfer, no. That would be disrespectful. I hope they can reach an agreement (with another club) that is satisfactory for everyone. I am on holiday, but I need to speak and to see if I can find a solution to this.’

So there's the daunting reality. Good things don't last. A soulless club grasping another one of our family. Continue the talk on twitter by following us using the link on the right.

Knew that bid was a publicity stunt. No surprises Luka wants out days after Chelsea make their interest official.

Regards,

Balfrey.

Modric Agent Fraud!

It seemed as though we were being kept well up to date regarding our prized Croat and his current status as the Club from Modric's 'agent'. Everything seemed to be fairly bright with a slight cloud heading over from Stamford Bridge.

Well, reports today are stating that this Nikki Vuksan fella isn't actually in fact Modric's agent. Crazy eh.

This is the bloke that reiterated Modders' happiness to stay at Tottenham. Most agents prize on the move of one of their clients, it brings them a few weeks in the Caribbean with cash to spare.

Anyway if these reports are true then I assume Abramovich has kidnapped Modders' real agent and is at this time waving 50's in front of his eyes until he'll force a move upon his client.

Regards.

Those Cheeky C***s

Wow oh wow. So the ball has finally started rolling. Weeks of paper talk and suddenly Abramovich has pulled 'is cheque book out to offer us a sum that that wouldn't even cover the cost of Luka's boots.

It seems even without a man at the helm at the bridge, Chelsea can still find time to move in on our player of the season. A player that some fans envisage even a princely hundred mill would fall short. Come on now, a hundred mill would bring us a host of average players to pull us back down to our old mediocre selves.

Chelsea know that we value Luka above 22mil. An irreplaceable player fetches a little more, one would assume, than an estimated 6mil above what we paid, excluding his wages. What this offer does is get the journo's jumping all over Luka's back for yet another week just to ensure he knows that Abramovich wants him.

At this rate Luka's head will be turned so far that soon enough it'll be back where it started and fully committed to Spurs. Maybe that's 'Arry's mentality anyway? It's like a girlfriend you've grown so close to starts suggesting that things aren't working when another bloke appears in the frame.

22 mil. It's not a serious offer. But now Luka knows that this reported interest is official. Levy won't be sweating just yet though.

Regards,

Balf.

Redknapp Out.

I'm not an anti-'Arry man. Not by a country mile. But with Chelsea reportedly sniffing about, would it be such a blow if Redknapp were to jump ship?

He's done wonders for the club. Wonders that 3 years ago when we were rotting at the foot of the Premier League we couldn't even dream of. He's brought Champions League football and the exciting brand of football back to White Hart Lane. Some may bring back the old taken us as far as 'e could phrase.

But with Redknapp hitting mid-sixties and with an England call largely expected to be on the agenda for the season after next, would it be the worst decision by Levy to allow Redknapp to manage Chelsea for a season? He'll be out the exit door if the Champions League isn't nestling in Chelsea's currently empty trophy cabinet but I'm sure he'd pocket an extra few quid a year anyway. In the words of ACDC, Money talks.

I haven't been reading into the reports to much. Levy's got a spine on him and isn't the sort to be bullied into letting 'Arry go unless he truly wanted to. For me, it's down to whether it's worth cashing in on 'Arry and at a time when we have the option of getting Ancelotti and possibly Wilkins in to replace him. Roman sees it as a failure, but I'd take second place every season.

I don't want Redknapp to leave us. But with England expected to want to get their hands on 'im anyway come 2012 and right now with the possibility of Ancelotti to move for, maybe it would make sense.

Thoughts?

Regards

Cup Final Day

And it's not looking to promising. After this weekend we could find ourselves 7 points short of Citeh with the ground we stand on becoming increasingly more hollow as Liverpool keep their eyes firmly fixed on 5th spot.

Chelsea. Away. The annoying thing is now they genuinely believe they're still in the title race and are not the same side that Sunderland turned over 3-0 in West London. We've pretty much handed ourselves a coach ticket to next year's Europa League and we'd have to pull a hell of a rabbit out the hat to stand any chance of riding first class in Europe's elite competition next year.

Had we finished off West Brom last week I'd still feel we were in a good position to challenge Citeh for 4th but, of course, we gave Cox the freedom of White Hart Lane to pick his spot.

My prediction? We look flat, lack the hunger and desire that we'd boasted in the last year or so and the players seem resigned to excepting their fate. 3-0 blues. It's the brutal reality that we're playing a side in top form when we've just found ourselves on a downhill slope made of ice.

Regards.

Lukaku talks Tottenham

January is never an easy time to bring in a top player; Villa did well. Our search for a striker hasn't materialised with Redknapp claiming Forlan's wages would be a stumbling block in any prospective deal. Suarez seems set on mid-table side Liverpool and Fabiano is still sitting on Sevilla's bench. One player that has entertained a move to a Premier League side is 17 year-old prodigy Romelu Lukaku and has hinted Tottenham, along with other sides, as a potential destination.

"Chelsea and Arsenal tried to sign me when I was 13, 14," he said.

"Chelsea is my favourite team. I have always said it and I have never hidden it. But it is not because Chelsea is my favourite team that I have to go there.

"There is also Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. These big five are very interesting. Tottenham are also a good club.

"As a young kid you dream of playing in every big team. It is not because Chelsea is my favourite team that I have to specifically go there.

"I will see. It is something for my father and agent. There are so many clubs and big teams. For a young player sometimes you have to relax for a while and focus on your own team. I'm very happy with the situation at Anderlecht. I have the support of the club and other players. It is my environment and I've grown up here."

It would be hard to see us bringing a boy of this calibre to the Lane, especially as, despite his age, he'd command a substantial transfer fee and I'm sure Chelsea or Arsenal would infringe to scupper any move we'd make. Lukaku has knocked in 13 goals in just 20 games this season and has been playing first team football since the age of 16. Wow.

There's just over a week left of this window and we need to ensure we bring in a striker that could really push us back into the top four.

Regards.

Luka IS staying at Spurs

One of our many golden boys of the season have once again inevitably been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane in January, this time it being our midfield dynamo Luka Modric. Reports flew around today that Chelsea were looking to make a move for our Croatian; although Carlo would be wasting a phone call were he to make an enquiry.

Arguably one of our players of the season, Luka Modric signed a six year deal on the 30th May of this year and stated "Tottenham Hotspur gave me my chance in the Premier League and I want to go on to achieve great success here with them. Yes, there have been enquiries from other big clubs, but I have no interest in going anywhere. Last season's Top 4 finish was an indication of where we are as a Club and I feel I can continue to improve and go on to achieve everything I want to at Spurs"

Of course I don't know the boy but my perception of Luka is that he would be considered one of the more genuine type of over-paid footballers that grace the Premier League today. We're hardly struggling in the league and sit in a solid position just 4 points behind 4th place Chelsea. If only the script was played out as it should've against Wigan and West Ham then we could've been sitting a lot more comfortably. But still, no arguments with our current position and our current form.

Luka's enjoying some of the best football of his time at Spurs and I genuinely cannot see why he would look to leave a strong squad of players that has been built and nurtured by Harry, and a team that pose a very good chance at reaching the top four once again this season.

Levy's about as likely to listen to offers for Luka as he is for Bale, he'll have none of it. The player doesn't want to leave. Luka will stay.

Regards.

2 points dropped

Or is it? The Chelsea that graced the Lane today looked a far superior side than the one in recent weeks and to be fair we were stuck on the back foot although defended well as a unit. Modric once more worked tireless in midfield and looked a strong aside Palacios. After Pav put us one up with a very well taken goal it looked as though we may strive to another victory over Chelsea at White Hart Lane although a Chelsea goal was coming.

Gomes played a hero and villain role for us today and salvaged a point after conceding a penalty in injury time. Dawson looked as though he'd been playing all season and was fantastic at the back. Ekotto looked very good as well complimenting Bale throughout the match. Considering Chelsea came out of hibernation and played very well today a point is a good result that leaves us only five points off top, although this will be atleast six after United play Arsenal in Manchester on Monday.

"They pressed us in the second half, their mindset was to come on to us and we took a backwards step," Redknapp told Sky Sports.

"I told them we had to keep being positive but credit to Chelsea, they're champions and they don't give up.

"Gomes has done great for us and it was a great save.

"It was a good, open game. They attacked us and we attacked them. It was an open game.
"It says that we're as good a side as almost anybody. We'll only get stronger."

Regards.

Score predictions for Chelsea

With Chelsea defeating tough opposition including Blackpool and West Brom earlier in the season and sitting comfortably above the rest, Ancelotti would've laughed all the way back to the Stamford Bridge if you'd told him that Chelsea's form from the 14th November to now read only 2 points from a possible twelve from Everton, Newcastle, Birmingham and Sunderland.

Chelsea haven't beaten us at White Hart Lane for 4 seasons now and old words of '3 point lane' have vanished quicker than Chelsea's title challenge this season. The pessimist in me and the fact that Chelsea haven't won in the league for over a month now is telling me that we're in for a backlash from Carlo's men and I don't expect them to perform as poorly as they have been; although I'd love to see us do one over them again.

We've been in solid form ourselves and haven't lost in the league since Bolton back at the start of November. The form book would point to us registering an easy three points and if Harry is serious about a title challenge then 3 points is a minimum. But this is Chelsea. As much as I hate to believe it I think we could easily lose 2-0 here; but it's not the easiest game to predict.

Please no complacency from our boys tomorrow. Score predictions please.

Regards.

Joe Cole in a Spurs shirt

I still can't really picture it, can you?

A phenomenal player when not plagued with injury and a dribbling ability that leaves no surprises as to why he's been so popular at Stamford Bridge since his arrival from East London in 2003.

Joe Cole has won a number of titles with Chelsea, including two English Premier League titles in 2004-2005 and 2005-2006, Football League Cup in 2005 and 2007, FA Cup in 2007 and FA Community Shield in 2005. Should we bring the 28 year old to Spurs it really would illustrate our intention to fight with the big boys and make a name of ourselves in the Champions League next season.

Although, one minor doubt in my mind is assessing when he'd actually play. I know we need strength in depth but really, I can't see either one of Cole, Bale or Lennon watching their careers finish before them on the Spurs bench. I can only assume that Bale would more than likely be shifted to left back with Cole sitting in front of him and Benny to soon enough find himself watching instead of playing most of the games next season.

Let's hope Harry can pull this one off and bring Joe to the Lane.

Regards

"Spurs can win the league"

Before Wednesday's North London derby against our foreign rivals in Arsenal our mathematical chances of claiming 4th spot shone favourably on us, although, our fixture list told a different story. With Arsenal still to come after their kicking in Barcelona and Chelsea closely following them, even our most optimistic fans may have admitted that we would come close but, resultantly, 5th spot looked to have our name printed on it.

Well what a big 4 days it has been.

I'm sure I wasn't the only one that prematurely took the assumption that we would fall short against the Arsenal, illustrating that 120 minutes at Wembley would prove to much for us to handle and, in the end, would fail to grab a result owing to masses of fatigue and injuries amongst the squad.
But still I was there, in Park Lane, block 35 next to the scum support, and witnessed a site that we haven't witnessed in the league for a fair few years.

How I loved mocking them, giving the Arsenal fans the grief that we have taken for so many years and not letting it die after the game. What a fantastic support, what a fantastic performance and what an absolutely brilliant result.

Most teams would point at the fact that 3 games inside 6 days would invite the 'tiredness' excuse, especially when those 3 games are in an FA Cup semi and against Chelsea and the scum.
I was preparing myself for this, a loss, but how Spurs like to get your blood pumping and give you that feeling of ecstasy. This was Chelsea's game, the game that would see them move 4 points clear and win the league in a few weeks. But how their misery proved our delight as we went on to consolidate another 2-1 win, even though it could so easily have been 3 or 4 or 5 or... you saw the game, I won't go on.

The satisfaction was imminent on our faces and how we will go singing all the way up to Manchester next week.

Ancelotti stated pre-match that he believes we "could challenge for the title next season"
Now, I'm not jumping to any rash conclusions, I'm far to pessimistic for that.

With City looking shaky, this is our 4th spot for the taking and we'll support them every step of the way.

Regards

Webb plays a blinder

Correct, it is sarcasm. Ok, we had our moments, we looked sharp and looked to be 'well up for it'. I thought the first half was a positive one despite going a goal behind at the Bridge. So things WERE looking bright. It was a poor goal to conceded but in truth old 'Cashley,' in the gooners terms, did tuck away a smart header at the back post.

Then Howard Webb remembered it was Spurs he was refereeing, away, once again. The memory of the whole United blunder clearly fresh out of his memory, of course. A new season, a fresh start. Somehow I got the impression that most of us still had the incident at Old Trafford fairly fresh in our minds. It wouldn't surprise me.

So 1-0 and Keanos away. Carvalho brings down the Pointy Shouty Bloke without the ball changing direction, either a penalty or a booking for 'simulation'. Neither were given. Now, I'm not a referee, oh wait yes I am and once more a-highly-expected-blunder from Webb; if referees were marked with points, he'd be level with Pompey right now. That's where he deserves to be.

An absolute shocker from Webb. but are we suprised? We shouldn't be by now should we; he was poor all over the park. I thought we knocked the ball about well, made space and the effort was clearly there. Then we lose King and Bass and end up losing 3-0.. I'm feeling a sense of deja vu from last season.

Let's hope this isn't a regular thing.

Regards.

Our boys are back.. finally

Anyone remember Gareth Bale? Yeah, the guy that hasn't ever won a Premiership match in our colours. Not a record we like to boast around Spurs I must admit. One to be kept on the shelf I think. Well anyway, Bale got through 90 minutes after being out for, well, bloody ages.

So, finally, we have back up for BAE. Good, well it's not bad news is it. Further good news came out of the Lane today stating our Brazilian shot stopper Gomes is also back into contention for Sunday after featuring in the same game as Bale.

"Gareth was involved as he is coming back from injury and we wanted to get a game into him and one or two of the lads played, including Gomes and he was fine." Said Harry.

One word: brilliant. Having Heurelho back is a huge boost, not saying Carlo didn't have a great run of games that is though.

3 points at the Bridge Sunday would also provide a bigger smile, should the unlikely happen.
Well, no harm in hoping eh?

Regards.

Something Tottenham REALLY could've done without

Four victories in five game. I'm not complaining. I'm pretty certain we all would've boasted a grin the size of North London if we'd known of our stunning start, in the summer.

We also managed to achieve this without Jermain Jenas. The 'marmite' of Tottenham fans. It's clear Harry still rates the guy. Pause for depressed sighs. And that's the problem we will constantly face.

Huddlestone and Palacios have been formidable in the middle of midfield for us so far this season. I think it's fair to say that a game can be won and lost in midfield. Tommy's passing and Palacios' strength have propelled us into the top four. We were smiling.

Then we received an apparent 'boost' that JJ has returned from injury. Oh no. Harry likes him so Sunday could see Huddlestone return to his usual role warming our bench. Let's hope Harry sees more sense and realises Jenas isn't good enough to start and Tommy deserves every start he's given.

I guess only time will tell.

Regards.