Ade's departure a blessing.

I still remember when Mido was seen clutching a Tottenham Hotspur scarf above his head after completing a loan move to Spurs at the end of the January transfer window in 2005. Excited was an understatement. I'd seen this big kid partnering Drogba upfront at Marseille and had long craved to see him pulling on the Lilywhite. I pulled out my secret Daniel Levy-shaped teddy bear and gave him an extra hug that night -yes, they sell those.

Mido finished the 05/06 season with 11 goals in 27 games which rendered him our second top scorer in the that season. I remained in awe that we had a player of his ability, strength and goal-threat up front. My youth here fully ensuring I was naively hopeful. Bless. A top 10 finish was an achievement back then, not that we got a trophy for it though- unlike a top 4 finish this year,apparently. Mido chucked away his promise and his future in a Spurs shirt after returning from the ACON unfit and overweight. I'd even heard that newly acquired Tom Huddlestone had given him dieting tips.

Emmanuel Adebyor has slowly but incredibly surely reminded me a little of Mido. Without doubt, Ade had a fantastic season last year. Even the handful of optimistic Spurs fans that exist (or so I've been told) couldn't have envisaged the devastating presence he held in our side and the damage he could do to the opposition. Movement, pace, strength, creativity and positioning; the forward had it all. Ironically, possibly the one attribute that did hold him back was in fact his shooting. What I enjoyed was his eagerness and hunger to get involved - almost acting as an extra midfielder at times.

His record stood proud for itself with Ade accumulating 17 goals and 11 assists in the Premier league alone last season. Although, it wasn't just goals and assists he provided. He brought with him a new dimension of how we played the game. Our football was second to none in the top flight. The style we played suited his personal style and gave our midfield the freedom to express themselves further up the pitch. His incredible impact last year certified that expectations for this year, naturally, were to match the season forgone.

But things haven't been quite as smooth.

Defoe's almost rebirth and mould into the lone forward role has seen Ade's influence been far more modest this season. Adebayor has featured in 13 games for Spurs this year: We've won 5, lost 5, hold a win percentage of 38% and have averaged just 1.38 points per game. Compare this to without Adebayor and thing's look a lot brighter: Played 8 - won 7 - lost 1. A win percentage of 88% with an average points per game of 2.63. Who'd have guessed it eh? Ade's inclusion in the side has actually had more of a detrimental effect on the side this year. That 'swagger', for lack of a better word, has evaporated and the player himself seems to have lost that hunger that gave him - and us - so much joy and confidence. He's surfing a different wave length to the rest of the side, impeding rather than facilitating our attacks.

Maybe it's more of a blessing that Ade has had a change of heart and chosen to partake in this year's African Cup of Nations.

Statistics don't lie, but by no means do they tell the whole picture. In this instance, they do. We've looked far more fluent in possession and quicker in attack with just Defoe playing upfront by himself. Ade tends to hold up the ball, ensuring his first touch is back towards our own goal instead of that of the opposition. I don't knock the attempt, at times, to hold up the ball and bring others in to the game when we are breaking but, more often than not, you want to break at pace and get an attempt on goal.

It's clearer than day that the cracks emerging in our lack of depth up front will be that little bit broader now half of our strike force will depart for the ACON although, could this be the almost 'breakthrough' that may actually force Levy to dip into the market and see if we can emerge with a forward of greater ability than Louis Saha? Could this be the kick that we need to lay down our intentions and bring in the goalscorer we need to push us that little further? I know, I'm hearing the same broken record as well.

Hope for Damiao, expect a recall for Kane. That's how I'm thinking this January. We're likely to promote a younger forward to the bench for the trip to QPR (should Ade have already departed) and there's every chance that this occurrence will be a regular until the Togolese returns. Ade will miss, possibly, 4 games or so. If Defoe picks up a knock or suspension then Ade's return should be constantly 'around the corner'.

I mentioned at the start that Ade reminded me of Mido. Of course, Ade's achieved far more in his career and has amounted to a better player. Mido offered so much promise to Tottenham Hotspur at such a modest age yet drifted off the path to a successful career. Hopefully Ade's stint in Africa can enlighten him back onto that path he was so freely following last season.

But I won't hold my breath.

Regards,
Ben - Follow me on Twitter here

Tottenham close on Adebayor

Fantastic. Possibly the same word that our media-loving, tactically inept, one time godfather and ex-gaffa 'Arry would've described Adebayor's currently sole season at Tottenham; I wouldn't hesitate to use the same word. The guy wept a reminiscence of Dimitar Berbatov and has been the forward that we'd lacked ever since the Bulgarian departed White Hart Lane.

The City reserve forward, and former prime suspect to the V sign from many of us, reflected the 50 Shades of Grey novel; he read the game with particular ease and evidently enjoyed every moment. With a midfield that gave a new definition to the overused phrase of "free-flowing" attacking football, Adebayor's prowess up front alone truly got the best out of them. It's fair to say that the resurgent Tottenham that rose from the dead after being killed off twice by both Manchester clubs was partly down to Adebayor, along with a few others. In truth the only thing working against the Togolese would probably be his age; football years dictate that 30 is 'old,' with Adebayor being 28 years young.

In a season that totalled 37 appearances, Ade contributed 18 goals and 12 assists reflecting a fantastic season for the forward and a great piece of business on behalf of Levy for Tottenham - the latter proving little surprise. Although, not quite reflecting Levy's statement of bringing through a younger generation of footballers, mixing experience in the side with youth (as we did last season) has proven to be the best way forward. Players learn from players everyday and with many younger players likely to take heart from both Levy's and AVB's statement's upon the latter being appointed, there's the hope that a chance could be there for the taking for these players who will look up to these experienced heads and learn off them.

Manchester City are seeking a £5m transfer fee for Adebayor. Wages, according to Sky, are not an issue and the Togolese is keen to return to Spurs. I know, I'm still waiting for this great "player revolt" as well. Turns out we've got players that want to actually join us, who'd have thought.

There is speculation that the sole reason the deal has yet to go through is that Levy, unbelievably, may be trying and negotiate a lower price for Ade given that he quite likely wouldn't be able to recoup the money in the future. It's like the Parker scenario all over. And, like the Parker scenario, I expect the deal to go ahead. Spend the money, get the player in, move on. If only it was that simple.

Regards.

One or two issues.

So we are nearing the end of another season. Another year with Tottenham pulling the strings of the heart as Modric continued pulling the strings in midfield, in a Spurs shirt. We're reaching a pinnacle in Tottenham's progression, or so I believe. A side that has come on 'leaps and bounds' in the last 3 years after taking giant strides negatively immediately post Jol-era. We've assembled a squad capable of a Champions League finish, capitalising on the demise of Chelsea, Liverpool and, to an extent, Arsenal. The top 4 monopoly shattered quicker than our chances of winning the Premier League; cue eye roll.

So, this season will raise a number of questions and many what ifs; including Adebyor and Pienaar. Let's begin.

Without a shadow of a doubt without Adebayor we would not be favourites to finish 4th in the Premier league. He's been an unlikely breath of fresh air in attack and fits brilliantly into our system. His movement, hold up play and willingness to track is something we've lacked for the best part of a few years. He brings others into play and has proved a real team player. Never did I think I'd ever write that paragraph after he'd just put Arsenal 3-1 up at the Emirates a few years back; football eh. 17 league goals and 14 assists (correct me if I'm mistaken) is a fantastic return on a debut season for a forward that, more than likely, wouldn't even make the bench at City. Strikers can go missing in games. Many argue that Ade did in a few games last month but these have proved more of an anomaly than anything. On the face of it, I don't think any other forward we were supposedly in for last summer would've done much better than Adebayor.

I've no doubt Levy will fight tooth and nail to keep Ade permanently, but within reason. I don't expect us to break  the boundaries of our tight wage structure or pay over the odds for him. There's also the reality that his success this season wouldn't have gone unnoticed and would've more than ensured he won't be short of suitors this summer willing to offer him near enough the wages he'll demand. Would I love like to see him here permanently? Yes. Do I think we'll sign him? No. Money will forever shout louder than anything with a mouth.

After an arguably disappointing and rather bleak January transfer window, we let one player go out on loan that has found his element in the Premier League; no, not Sebastian Bassong. Steven Pienaar returned to former club Everton and has since found his feet again. He looks at home. He's playing without the pressure weighing on his shoulders to perform every week in a position that evidently wasn't comfortable.

Pienaar never looked settled at Spurs. I think it's fair to say we had high hopes when Steven arrived last January. A player that looked incredibly consistent for Everton and seemingly versatile in where he could play; just the cover we needed for the number of games that were to face us. Pienaar's best position is probably just behind the forward, an advanced midfielder, possibly in the vdv role. This was a position where game time would always prove limited with vdv cementing his name in that position on the team sheet. There was no doubting Pienaar's effort, he wanted to do well and be a success, but his failure to adapt to playing out wide saw his chances limited in a Spurs shirt; especially after the fantastic run of form we found ourselves in after the Manchester mauling.

It's a shame the transfer of Steven Pienaar didn't really work out; some you win, some you lose. Despite proving to flourish, as expected, at Everton, it would be best to part ways with the midfielder and invest the money into a brighter prospect that better suits our system.

I said in the opening that I feel we're reaching an important time in our progression. After missing out on a Champions League spot last season we were lucky enough to maintain the core of squad whilst improving in certain areas; note Walker, Parker and Adebayor. Missing out on Europe's most prestigious competition for a successive season would bring more uncertainty than certainty for the forthcoming summer. The summer could prove even more so a power struggle to keep hold of our key players and avoid repeating another giant leap backwards of a few season's previously that still haunts us today.

It is not a given right that Spurs 'should' be in the Champions League. Not at all. Complacency like that costs us. We should appreciate the speed in which we have progressed. We finally knocked through the door 2 seasons back after pushing for so hard. But, saying that, it's evident for all to see we do have a squad capable of putting together a successful Champions League campaign. By successful I mean more than able to make the quarter finals. Wow, and I'm the pessimist.

Do I think we'll do it? The way our fortunes have been this season we'll probably finish 4th then watch Chelsea win the Champions League on penalties.

Regards.

He'll sign. 100%.

So, I predict, 7 days previous to this one you pictured yourself cheering on the mighty Spurs. Whether in the comfort of your own home, down the local, or standing proud at the Lane. My prediction would be that we'd come out of the game with a frustrating 1-1 and once more reveal the anarchy of failing to secure a quality centre forward as of yet. Maybe one more rant-free week or so will do us all good. Early season optimism eh..

Whilst the teams above and around us battle to gain an early advantage and find their stride for the forthcoming season in the Premier League, reports have suggested we're on the brink of brining our old enemy Emmanuel Adebayor to the Lane for a season. We've been linked with arguably 12 teams worth of players this summer, inevitably, although the Adebayor deal is one that I am confident will go through.

Adeabayor's situation is a difficult one. The poor old sod finds himself surplus to requirements at Eastlands after a few season's in Manchester.

Let's take a minute to sympathise.

The Togolese boy enjoyed a 6 month holiday in Madrid. Knocking in 5 goals in the process in a campaign that lasted 14 games for him. There's no prizes for guessing why he wanted a permanent move to Spain. It hardly raised an eyebrow when both Tevez and Balotelli admitted their disgust of Manchester, for obvious reasons. But poor old Ade; Mourinho looks to have ruled out any possible move for the Togolese forward. If they wanted him, they'd have signed him by now. With no other firm interest bar our own Levy's needs to adopt the classic grabbing-of-the-ankles-and-pleading tactic and send a kindly written letter to Mancini to take care of atleast half of Adebayor's wages. I'd make sure it was sent first class as well.

With Adebayor set to miss out on Citeh's 25 man Champions League and Premier League squad and with no other club bar our own even showing a sniff of interest, this is a deal I'd expect to go ahead within the next week or so.

But then again, how many times have we thought that eh?

I hope your Saturday is bringing more joy than mine is.

Regards.

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Is 'Arry mad?

So, on the day of my birth, 'Arry's spoken once again. Aside from the usual M****c gossip which has taken more twists and turns than a barrel of snakes and after currently cooling from the initial heartbreak of Modders confessing he wanted out of N17, it now appears that 'Arry & co are chasing a loan deal for an old Enemy.

Emmanuel Adebayor. Well, he's one player we know all about. He's scored against us enough to know that he can hit the back of the net. Ade's currently having to scrape a living, having to feed off a reported £175k a week. How's these players make a living on a pittance really doesleave me clueless. It must be the love for the game.

"He is a name that was mentioned and I spoke to the chairman about the player, about the possibility of loaning him, but whether they [City] would loan him I don't know," Redknapp said.

"If they would loan him he would be of interest. He is a quality player. We will wait and see."

It's already public news that the Togolese forward would fancy a move to the Lane. Well, he's hardly best mate's with the boys across the road now anyway. It's like a relationship that ended fairly badly and since then things have only hit rock bottom.

Vote in our poll! Would you like to see Adebayor sporting the lilywhite next season? My fingers are still crossed that a deal for Vucinic can be wrapped up. Would I take Ade? As a last resort. If it's a loan then why not, he's better than what we have.

Would you have Adebayor playing in a Spurs shirt?
	Yes - Get him in at all Costs
	Yes - Only if it's a loan
	Yes - Only if it's a last resort
	No - Stay well away and look at other options
= see results =

Regards.

Harry rubbishes Ade rumours and admits Bale sale out of his hands

'Arry has stated that reports linking us with old Arse forward Adebayor are very wide of the mark and also insisted that Spurs are not looking to sell Gareth Bale:

"Absolute nonsense," Redknapp told TalkSport.
"I've never made any enquiries for Adebayor whatsoever. I keep seeing in the papers that we're after him. I've never ever asked about him or enquired about him."

"We don't want to sell Gareth Bale," he continued.
"At the end of the day it won't be my decision, it'll be above my head but it would take an absolute fortune one day to buy him.
"For me, at this particular time, he's got to be the Footballer of the Year in this country. I can't think of anyone who's done as well as him.
"He's not a player that we would really want to sell. You've got to hang onto your best players. If Tottenham want to be a club that's always looking to get in Champions League football you can't sell those players."

Although a striker does seem to be a growing need in Spurs' attacking department, finding and signing one that would bring a real difference to Spurs doesn't seem likely in January.

Any 30 goal a season strikers mooting about?

Regards.