Jim Duggan's TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR site

The nightmare of the Sugar years at the helm come to an end tonight when ENIC take over the club. I would like to wish them every success in returning Tottenham to the top and suggest the removal of Gooner George (without any contract payoff would be the most urgent action - along with getting a left half, couple of central midfielders and a decent striker all of Champions league/International quality). No easy task, but after the inaction of the last few years resulting in us falling further behind the pacesetters, I'm sure the supporters will welcome a new approach and give it a few years to show some progress, especially if it makes an effort to heal the rift between those who run the club and the supporters (again, sorting out the brain dead at the ticket office would be a good place to start)

On Sugar - thanks for saving us from the financial trouble in 1991, but you were incapeable of running a major football club and have £22 in profit to compensate you for the abuse you took once in a while when frustrations at your lack of ability in managing the PLC boiled over.

The ENIC statement as reported on the official site

ENIC Completes Acquisition of Strategic Interest and Board Changes

Following completion of the acquisition of 27,356,649 ordinary shares of Tottenham (representing 26.9 per cent of its ordinary issued share capital) by ENIC Sports plc (a wholly owned subsidiary of ENIC plc) ENIC’s holding in Tottenham is 29.9 per cent of its issued ordinary share capital. The Board of Tottenham announces that Sir Alan Sugar has today resigned as Chairman and as Director of the Company with immediate effect. Daniel Levy, a Non-Executive Director of the Company and Managing Director of ENIC plc, will act as Non-Executive Chairman pending the appointment of a new Chairman.

The Board of Tottenham also announces the appointment of David Buchler (pictured) as an Executive Director of the Company in the role of Executive Vice Chairman. David will have specific responsibility for developing the overall strategy of the Company, in conjunction with the Board, a task which should be completed in stages over the next six months. During this period, David will also be responsible for the day to day running of Tottenham. David is 49 and a qualified accountant. He has over thirty years experience in business development and strategy including a wide range of work in football in the UK. He is Chairman, Europe & Africa for Kroll the world’s leading risk mitigation company, quoted in New York.

Commenting on the changes, Daniel Levy, Non-Executive Chairman, said:

"The Board’s priority is to develop a detailed plan for the Company both over the short term and for the next three to five years. We are ambitious for success, both commercially and on the field, and believe that Tottenham will achieve both. We believe there are a number of opportunities to attain these objectives."

David Buchler, Executive Vice Chairman, said:

"I have been asked by the Board to produce a strategic development plan for the Club. The objective is to position the club once more as one of Europe’s leading football clubs and in a stable environment to bring continued success on a consistent basis. The review of the club’s activities and its working practices will be all embracing and will take into account the views and concerns of all the different constituents that are interested in the club’s success."

Today we have been linked with a return for former favourite Teddy Sheringham and young Watford striker Tommy Smith.

The Ted link looks related to the exit of Sugar as Chairman, although with the bearded Knight still holding 10% of the shares, I cannot imagine him allowing Ted back. There is also a question over Ted's motivation - he was excellent for us while we had a chance of winning something, but was considerably less prolific once our season was over and we were going thro the motions. The move to ManUre meant playing in big games rekindled his appetite - he was always better in the Euro games - and a move back in the pecking order for the soon to be 35 year old would probably be no good for either party, favourite though he still is.

Despite his name evoking memories of a dirty scouser, England U-21 Tommy Smith continues to be linked to the Lane (obviously has impressed Pleaty or one of the scouts) and his refusal to sign a new contract means he could be on his way in the near future, as Watford will probably sell rather than hang on to him for a year before letting him go for nothing.

I hope Daniel Wynne's comments about the exit of GG at the end of the season - preferably with us as cup winners and in Europe - come true. Another season of this would be insufferable

This will also suit the Goonersaurus - as he will get his contract paid off and have lots of time to write a book xxxging off Tottenham - how success was just around the corner etc. Notice he was only to pleased to say Leeds deserved to win as it reflects some credit on the players he had as un-used reserves at his time at Leeds. He should have defended Doherty saying that Bowyer cheated for the penalty. The new man will.

I think a former international manager who is entering his 10th year of managerment with relative suucess everywhere he's been would be an excellent candidate, esp when you consider the lack of decent alternatives to SGE for the England job. With him comes Gorman, which although essential for Glennda, will further squeeze Hughton out of the frame - which I would not like to see happen

I would like Hoddle as he should be a good manager (and Carr wants him) - and it would remove the threat of Hoddle from subsequent managers

Perryman would also be a good choice in the cleansing of the club - a true hero and a good record in Japan. He comes with another ex-Spurs in Phil Holder as his number two which again raises questions about Hughton's position

Hughton, with an experienced assistant would also be a good choice and some reward for his talent and loyalty

With Sugarlump still holding 10% of the huggy bear's, I can't see Venables getting another chance, but a Venables and Hughton combo, with the latter taking over in a couple of years after learning from the great man - would ensure a long period of stability with quality at the helm.

Outside former players - a top foreign coach would appeal - but one would have to question their motives in coming to Tottenham at the moment. We need someone who wants success for Tottenham in front of a few quid, and I think we should take one of the above old boys to get us back where we belong

imagine singing "? ?'s blue and white army" again! - come on you SPURS

Ledley King and Alton Thelwell have been rewarded for their good performances this season with extentions to their current contracts. I'm pleased for Alton as this should give him the platform to develop his game, but the extention of King's contract is the crucial one - as behind Carr and Campbell, one of the outstanding players in the team.

It would have been nice to get Ledley for a bit longer (he'll be 24/5 and hopefully in his prime when his contract expires) , and £10,000 for someone of his quality could lead to similar problems to Steve Carr being underpaid (in relative terms). Lets hope when he contract talks are up again, he'll be discussing bonus's for retaining the champions league with Tottenham. Ledley has come along way since his debut as a second half substitute at left back in a 3-2 defeat at Anfield at the end of the 98/99 season.

The only downside is that Deadwood might also get his contract extended!!

The club annouced the death today of former Championship winning hero Les Medley at the age of 80. Les was born in Edmonton and signed for the club in 1939 and made 164 appearances in major competitions, scoring 46 goals from his left wing position, including being leading scorer in the 1949/50 season when we won the second division championship. Les had a great understanding with Eddie Baily on the left, and along with Ron Burgess formed an important element of our first Championship winning side in the 1950/51 season. He also won 6 England caps and emigrated to Canada when his playing days were over

For match report - www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~jmdcon/0001-h-lufc.htm

Finally found out at home as an inform Leeds team benefit from some dodgy refereeing to beat a hardworking but uninspiring Spurs team at the Lane

Injury update - Perry told me that he will be out for two weeks, as did Armo.

Tottenham have opened talks with 19-year-old River Plate striker Javier Saviola over a £3.5m move, according to reports. Saviola, nicknamed "The Little Rabbit", has scored 23 goals in 39 appearances this season.

Why wait - get rid of this lazy useless fucker asap - Ginola's replacement, my arse.....

The winger (shurely whinger?) said: "I can't do anything more than I have in the reserves but I don't want to wait too long. I have another two years at the club after this one. "I want to play for Tottenham but we will have to see what happens at the end of the season. I want to play but there is little I can do if the manager does not pick me. "I will be keeping my options open. I wanted to play more this season but when you don't play you do have to look further because you have to think of your own future. "While there is no doubt in my mind I made the right choice by coming to Spurs, I didn't come to England to play in the reserves."

Poor old Leo - the injury he sustained against Stockport has resulted in a broken bone in his ankle which will keep him out for at least six weeks. This caps a miserable few months for Leo after missing Euro 2000 and having several injuries throughout this season, often playing when not fully fit. We wish him a swift recovery.

Meanwhile Iversen's non appearance on Saturday was due to a throat infection which threatens to keep him out for two weeks - which seems a long time - the soft git

It was nice to see Graham claiming credit for picking Davies in the press after the Stockport match. One suspects that he could not pick either Davies, Etherington, Gardner or Fenn out of an ID parade, let alone know what positions they play

The one thing Young, King, Doherty,the latest success Davies and all the other promising youngsters have in common is Chris Hughton (and some have Pleaty to thank for getting them to the Lane). And how did Graham treat Hughton? He replaced him with Euston and gave him no praise for the sucess of the young players (which have kept him in his job)

Graham did not have a great record with introducing young players at Leeds and spent the end of last season playing fuckwits like Scales. Fox and Vega rather than giving the young players a proper run in games. I'm sure its in every manager's manual to bring a promising young player on as sub, see the team through no fault of the young player (mostly Vega)concede three and then replace him at half time. Davies admitted this was playing on his mind when he took the field on Saturday

Also giving Thelwell his first game in front of Live TV cameras, in a new system against Liverpool really suggest than Graham has it sorted.Don't be fooled by the results despite performances crap - Graham has to go before we can move on. He must not be allowed to waste our young talent or our media money

After 28months in control, with millions spent and Ginola sold, he thinks we are underdogs against a Rag and Bone outfit like West Ham? Ok, so he's probably trying to gain some sort of psycological advantage, but even Redknapp is n't that stupid. My point, he running down the club again.

We have a good record against the Hammers in the cup with 5 wins out of the seven times we have met in the cup. We have not met them since 1959, and have only once met them in the sixth round (they're usually out by then) when we needed a replay to before progressing to the semi, recording our only FA cup victory at Upton Park in the process.

Verdict - Difficult, but doable, although we may need a replay COME ON YOU SPURS!!!

FA Cup Played Won Drew Lost Spurs Against
Total         10         5         3     2     26     14
Home         6          4         2     0     18     5
Away         4          1         1      2     8       9

10-Jan-59     F.A. Cup 3        H    West Ham United    W    2    -    0

08-Mar-56    F.A. Cup 6®    A    West Ham United    W    2    -    1
03-Mar-56    F.A. Cup 6       H    West Ham United    D     3    -    3
02-Feb-39    F.A. Cup 4®®  Hi   West Ham United    L     1    -    2

30-Jan-39     F.A. Cup 4®     H    West Ham United    D    1    -    1

21-Jan-39     F.A. Cup 4        A    West Ham United    D     3    -    3
27-Jan-34     F.A. Cup 4        H    West Ham United    W    4    -    1
09-Jan-26     F.A. Cup 3        H    West Ham United    W    5    -    0
08-Jan-27     F.A. Cup 3        A    West Ham United    L     2    -    3

21-Feb-20    F.A. Cup 3        H    West Ham United    W    3    -    0

The draw for the FA Cup 6th round will be made at around 18.00 gmt - and will be up here within minutes with some thoughts.

With the draw down to the last 4 sets of ties its possible to formulate an opinion on each of the possible outcomes. A home draw would be great (esp as its on the season ticket) and it would also mean we have played all our ties in London, and have the chance to emulate 1981 & 1982 where all the games inc the final were played in the Capital. But just as important as a home draw is getting one of the weaker teams - we must avoid Goons/Chelsea, Liverpool and I suppose West Ham - anybody else would be ok, home or away. It would also be helpful if West Ham got Leicester and Liverpool got the winners of the Arse/Chelsea match, and the winners of these got each other in the Semi.

It has been great in recent weeks hearing the updated Ossie's Dream "Spurs are on their way to Cardiff", especially singing it from some of the verses and not just the chorus, but unless we can get Rebrov to say "in the cup for Tottingham" in a Ukranian accent that has the same sort of appeal as Ossie, I think messers Hodges and Peacock need to come up with something new.

In 1991 the used the music from their "London Girls" record for the official cup record and I think taking the music from either "Rabbit" or "The sideboard song" and putting in some new lyrics would be a great idea. If there are any aspiring Chas n Dave's out there who can come up with something, please let me know topspur@topspurs.com.

Sullivan (6/10) – Not have much to do and was n’t at his best when Kuqi should have scored from a corner in the first half, but he maybe had other things on his mind (Baby due)

King (7/10) – an accomplished game at the back for King, capped with another early goal to go with his 10 second effort at Bradford. The watching Erickson will have been impressed

Campbell (7/10) – as good as ever.

Doherty (6/10) – a positive match at the back and played well when switched forward to replace Les.

Clemence (6/10) – Not a favourite amongst the crowd, but a decent young player who is doing his best filling in at a position (left wing back) he is not altogether comfortable with. Set up the first with a perfect cross and was unlucky not to score when through on goal in the second half

Freund (7/10) – again he played well in the role of ball winning and simple passing. An essential part of the team

Sherwood (6/10) – The usual mixture of poor passes, lack of pace and pointing and arm waving. Did put Davies in with a good pass for our 4^th goal.

Leo (-) – Crocked after bravely going in for a 50/50 ball early on.

Young (7/10) – A good match for Young in the position he favours most. Was very positive and managed to set up the third goal when put in by Rebrov.

Rebrov (6/10) – Did n’t have a memorable match, but was always looking for the ball and was involved in both our first and third goals

Ferdinand (6/10) – As important as Freund is to Graham’s midfield, Ferdinand is to the attack, and despite getting very tired played well up front, setting up the second goal and always looking a threat.

Subs

Davies (8/10) – In what must have seemed like a rerun of his Birmingham nightmare earlier this season, where he came on as sub after about 10 minutes against a Division 1 side playing in yellow and was made a scapegoat for the abysmal team performance by being subbed at half time, Davies could not have had a more different outcome, with a fine display and a couple of classy goals to open his Tottenham account. He will only improve by being in the first team and hopefully will have made it impossible for Graham to drop him for next week’s game against Leeds.

Thelwell (6/10) – Fitted in well when replacing Doherty at the back.

Korsten (-) – Had a chance to score near the end but put his shot tamely wide. Etherington would have been a more positive substitution.

Why not remember another great Graham moment in the cup 12.06, 14th April 1991 - the look on his face must have been a picture, although it was probably even better at 12.11, 13.26 and again at 13.46 - the final whistle

This picture of Graham appears on the official Spurs site.

Are you not sickened by this picture - a Spurs manager with a non standard Spurs coat - IN RED. Even for diplomatic reasons, he should not be seen in anything red. He's a no good cunt and he's rubbing our noses in it

Stockport, who have the misfortune to have been drawn away in their last 13 cup ties have a flu bug sweeping the squad. They have staged a mini recovery under new boss Andy Kilner and have only lost 3 in 13, including a good win over high flying Fulham.

Tottenham's biggest problem will be complacency (or George's tactics - who will carry/pass the ball forward without Carr or Anderton?) and we should be patient. One goal should be enough and Leo at 12/1 looks decent value back to his best position. Try a Leo and 1-0, 2-0 scorecast at 75/1 and 60/1 respectively.

In normal circumstances, I would greet this as postive news as it reveals the awfulness of the Goon's tenure at the Lane, but its just another example of a club at war with itself - Pleat with Graham, Graham with the fans and Sugar with everyone.

The ""The manager is not too keen on players from Eastern Europe, he feels they are probably more mercenary and less reliable than players from Western Europe and that British players are more reliable still than those from Western Europe" is not the sort of thing you expect to hear from a manager who is at ease with the modern game. Graham has yet to offer a reply in the press - probably buttering up a journo about how its all the fans fault "just look at my record at Arsenal.....all these bastards want to do is go on about the past".

David Pleat has revealed that Tottenham boss George Graham snubbed the chance to sign Kieron Dyer and Robbie Keane before they became household names. Spurs director of football Pleat was giving evidence at a libel case involving former Tottenham chairman Sir Alan Sugar being branded a miser. Pleat was backing Sugar's reign by saying that the board never refused a player that the manager asked to sign.

But he also claimed that both Dyer and Keane were recommended to Graham while they were still at Ipswich and Wolves respectively.Pleat is quoted in the Daily Star as saying: "Our chief scout at the time came from Dyer's club Ipswich and liked him. "The name was put before the manager but he didn't move to make a bid. He felt if he was to proceed with Dyer he would not find a regular place in the team. "I believed Robbie Keane was a top, top, top striker but the manager didn't want to make an offer. He didn't consider he wanted to purchase Keane.

"I thought he was one of few outstanding young players in Britain but the manager decided not to buy him because he wasn't certain he would be a regular first-team striker." Dyer later joined Newcastle for 6.5million while Keane went to Coventry for the same fee before moving on to Inter Milan for double that figure. Pleat went on to reveal that Croatian striker Davor Suker, the Golden Boot winner at the last World Cup, was another big name player who failed to attract Graham's interest.

"Suker was offered to us," said Pleat. "The manager is not too keen on players from Eastern Europe, he feels they are probably more mercenary and less reliable than players from Western Europe and that British players are more reliable still than those from Western Europe.

Losing one rightsided midfielder is careless, but losing two is a disaster. As soon as Les and Iversen are near the squad, we suffer the disaster of losing both Carr and Anderton.

Boring as it is to say it - but I said that Carr should have had his operation on the night of the Southampton game where he came off at Half time. If he had, it would all be over now. He did n't look comfortable on Saturday and I feared something was up when he did n't make the reserve game.

Anderton has got his dates wrong, as he's usually in "Lazerus" mode when an England game is coming up. What we will do without these two is anyone's guess, but they have been at times the only creative energy within the team. It does however offer Leo an opportunity to play in his favoured right midfield role, and lets hope he's back to his best form. I have a feeling Saturday is going to be even tighter than I first thought.

BOTH Darren Anderton and Stephen Carr have been ruled out of Saturday's FA Cup match with Stockport after breaking down in training on Thursday morning. Speaking to the official site George Graham admitted : "Stephen Carr broke down in training with an abdominal injury. We don’t know how long he’ll be out for, but I hope he won’t need an operation.

"Anderton is definitely out of Saturday’s game with an Achilles injury, but it is not the same Achilles that kept him out before." They join Chris Perry on the injured list, Perry picked up an injury against Manchester City at the weekend and was forced to leave the pitch at half time.

This will counter the good news that Les Ferdinand and Steffen Iversen are both back in contention after coming through Tuesday night's reserve win over Wimbledon. The manager continued :"Les Ferdinand and Steffen Iversen came through a reserve game but they have not played for a long time so they are still lacking in fitness and we will have to wait to see if they play on Saturday."

It looks like Perry is out for Saturday, which is probably good news for Deadwood, as he will retain his midfield place with King staying at the back. Ferdinand scored in a reserve match and along with Iversen and possibly Armo will be in contention to partner Rebrov. All in all positive news, although Taricco coming back would be just as important imvho.

I also heard that Mabbs was mugged in Shepperds Bush - the bastards. I hope they meet a nasty end, and there is no truth in the rumour that Mullethead or any of his pigeons had anything to do with it

Young Spurs get international calls - Nicky Eyre joins Owen Price in the U-15 England Squad (although not the highly rather Malcolm, who played a recent international). Marcel McKie and Ben Bowditch are in the England U-16, and Johnnie Jackson in the U-18. Mark Hughes (Northern Ireland) and Yannick Kamanan (France) join their international age groups.

ENIC have got 26.9% of Tottenham for £22m ish - give or take a few bob. This means that 9.9% is strictly worth just over £8m (with the actual share value being considerable less). In the case of Villa, the Media company paid about 4 times what the shares was worth - which in our case will be around £32m ish.

We cannot afford to waste this!!!!!! This is our last chance for the big time. Can you trust Graham to buy the sort of players we need?

Graham is very fond of going on about his own record, so lets look at it the last time we were in a situation like this (the European qualification of the summer 1999). Who did Graham buy to take us on that extra step from mid table to top 6 and regular Europe - Perry, Leo and Korsten!!!! I will put some of this down to Sugar being a tight/cautious git, but it hardly smacks of great ambition.

We need a top quality central midfielder, a good left-sided midfielder and a striker - all of proven international and top-level club quality (this should also keep the Sol man, who can have Anderton's wages). We don't want 6 two bob players

Do you trust Graham to identify these players?

Do you trust Graham to be able to deal with these players?

Do you trust Graham to be able to form modern progressive tactics to get the best out of these players?

Lets hope its Veron, Roberto Carlos and Battistuta rather than Dozzell, Thatcher and Korsten - Be very scared at the types of players listed in Graham's mind at the moment (although I will give him the benefit of the doubt as these are probably crap rumours)

ENIC will be seeking a television deal that will provide extra cash for new players. Sky, NTL or Telewest are thought to be the companies in the running, with the plan that they will buy a 9.9% stake in the club (the maximum allowed under UEFA rules) - the money from which will be made available to the manager.

ENIC, who are in the process of buying 26.9 per cent of Tottenham from Sir Alan Sugar, say they expect Spurs to take advantage of players who become available at the five other clubs in which they have a stake - Slavia Prague, Rangers, Vicenza, AEK Athens and FC Basle. We have already been linked with a move for Vicenza striker Luca Toni but he is also being courted by the majority of Serie A's top clubs.

George Graham is said to have drawn up a list of players who he would like to bring into the club for next season if he is still around and the Daily Mail suggest that Jan Vennegor of Hesselink, a £5mrated Dutch Under-21 international who plays for Twente Enschede is his prime target. Also on the list are Everton's Francis Jeffers, Lecce's Christiano Lucarelli, and Paris St Germain defender Sylvain Distain.

ENIC chairman Stephen Davidson said: "Over recent years, we have built up significant expertise in relation to sports media rights. Tottenham are one of the last remaining FA Premier League clubs not to have signed a major multi-media deal.

"The board believes that the long term profitability and capital value of Tottenham can be significantly enhanced through further exploitation of media and sporting rights associated with the club and ENIC can offer assistance towards achieving this result.

"The acquisition will enhance the media platforms that will be available to both Tottenham and ENIC. ENIC also has access to an enlarged player base across six European countries from which all of its football investments can benefit."

“There have been too many side-issues over the past year which, if you're not careful, are reflected in performance. I've taken a lot of unnecessary stick, which can only be a result of the Arsenal connection from my past. I can take that because it goes with the job, but what fans have to understand is supporting the team.”
So its nothing to do with having the same record as Christian Gross, losing more games than we win, letting in more goals than we score, playing ineffective and boring footabll and selling Ginola. The lazy bastards of the press will swallow this crap - not us

He goes on “Fans have to be realistic. We're getting results while having a lot of players, strikers in particular, coming back from injury. Maybe the quality of football isn't the best but there are good things happening. Forget me. Forget managers. Ultimately the fans and myself are after the same thing anyway. The game is about the players and they're the ones who need encouragement,” Graham added.

What was the excuse at the start of the season when we lost to the likes of Charlton, Coventry and only drew with Bradford - and I won't mention Birmingham. That's realism.

Steffen Iversen is targeting a place on the bench against Stockport County on Saturday. The Norwegian hitman has been out for almost four months after two operations on his knee - the first to sort out cartilage trouble, the second to remove cysts.

Iversen has stepped up training in recent weeks and took part in a practice match with the reserves on Monday. He revealed: "I joined in with a game with the reserves and it feels quite good. My knee feels almost 100 per cent now so I’m looking forward to getting back into training and back to full fitness.

"I’m still hoping to be on the bench on Saturday but it will all depend who is available for the weekend. I’ve taken it very easy up to now and it feels good so I will see how it progresses further. "My fitness isn’t the best yet but I’ve another few days to go and if I feel well enough to be on the bench hopefully I can. "It would be great if I was fit enough to be in the squad against Stockport, just to be with the lads, hopefully on the bench and to come on for a few minutes. We’ll see how it goes this week and if it progresses the way it has been, I’ll have a good chance."

Graham and Euston get a message from Edward and Tubbs

Sullivan (6/10) – Did n’t have too much to do, but did what he had to do competently

Perry (6/10) – The weakest of our back players, especially with the ball. Was replaced in the halftime tactical change which indicates that he is behind Doherty and King for the Centre back places alongside Sol

Campbell (8/10) – A great performance from the great man at the heart of the defence, repelling everything htat City threw at Tottenham

King (7/10) – Back at Centre back where he made his name, and turned in another good display, although nearly scored and own goal from a Kanchelskis cross

Young (7/10) – Left wing may not be Young’s ideal position, but he turned in a polished display against City dangerman Kanchelskis, so much so that the latter was replaced. Left wing back is our problem position – Clemence is left sided but not a wing back, Young, like Taricco is a wing back, but very rightsided, Leo combines being rightsided with not being a wing back and don’t mention Fatcha to me. Sunderland’s Michael Gray should be on George’s shopping list over the summer imvho.

Sherwood (6/10) – Man U have Keane, Arse have Viera and we have Sherwood. The other two are first and second in the league and we are 11^th. Another game of hospital balls, losing possession in our half and lots of pointing and shouting. if Blackburn want to buy him for £3m, I’ll pay his train fare.

Freund (7/10) – Does not stray from his simple remit of winning the ball when we lose it, and giving a simple pass, but does this fairly effectively

Leo (6/10) – Is still struggling to regain the good form of he displays at the start of the two seasons he’s played here, but always gives 100% and provided the pass for Rebrov to score the winner

Anderton (6/10) – Man U have Beckham, Arse have Pires and we have Anderton (when he’s not injured). The other two are first and second in the league and we are 11^th . Again struggles to live up to his star billing, but does create what little we did as an attacking force. Was replaced rather than Leo or Sherwood when Carr came on which suggests that Graham does n’t fancy him as a central midfielder.

Doherty (6/10) – A good match from Doherty who played the first half as Rebrov’s partner, but replaced Perry in the back three in the second. Will need to refine some aspects of  his game to reach the very top, but has an excellent attitude and looks a fixture in the first team these days.

Rebrov (6/10) – Still struggles to get in the game enough with our direct style and does not have many options when he has the ball at his feet, but was in the right place at the right time to score the winner, which will hopefully help his confidence.

Subs

Booth (6/10) – Again gave 100% but is coming up short of what we need up front.

Carr (6/10) – Great to see him back, but had a tough time against City star man Danny Tiatto

The squad looks a bit stronger than recent weeks, and assuming Carr is fit, I think we should play Sullivan - Perry, Sol, Doherty - Young, Freund, King, Anderton, Carr - Rebrov, Armo. But who ever he plays, lets get out there and try and win, being positive from the start - COME ON YOU SPURS.

When it comes to song writing, I'm more Hodges and Peacock, than Lennon and McCartney, but I thought little Wright-Phillips deserves some stick for having such an obnoxious foster Dad - so what about "He's got a big fat Foster Mum, He's got a big fat Foster Mum, Shaun Wright Phillips, Shaun Wright Phillips, He's got a big fat Foster Mum,

I've got me coat................

I agree with Graham on the following - we should NEVER sing anything anti the people who represent the club (players or manager) during the match - but would n't it be better if he produced teams we were happy with - they don't have to be world beaters, just decent, and worthy of the 15th richest club in the world and its great history

George Graham has a request for the fans who barrack him during games – save it until after the final whistle so it doesn’t affect the players. George was subjected to further calls for his head at the Valley on Wednesday, as the team ended a run of four games without a goal with four goals in one match. He has now issued a plea to supporters to back the team and save any criticism of him until after the game in future.

"It's important the fans don't give me stick during the game," said George. "They have to get behind the team and encourage them. "They are entitled to have a go at me after the match but during it I would prefer them to focus on the team and not me. "They were still singing ‘Graham out’ even at 4-2 - but four goals anywhere away from home is good these days. "We have come in for some criticism recently but I've got nothing but admiration for the players."

The 32-year-old, who has been linked with a return to Blackburn Rovers, is keen to stay at White Hart Lane, but is urging the club to make a decision on his future before the final year come up on his current contract. "Hopefully I will not drift into the same situation a few of the players have had at the club," Sherwood said. "I would like the club to come to me and say 'we want you to commit yourself to the club' and I would be happy to do that. "The sooner it is sorted out the better," Sherwood added. "It depends on what Enic's ambitions are. (ed- better than a clapped out 33 year old, hopefully)

Message for Tim - get on with being the player you were a season or so - motivating, strong in the middle of the park and getting goals, rather than ponsing about like an Arsehole which you have been doing this season

A fantastic night and all credit to the players and to Graham for coming back against the odds when everything was going against them. One thing I will say for the players is that they are behind Graham (despite Carr's Glennda comments) and when ever there is anti graham chanting, they don't applaud the crowd after the match. Maybe it will all get better when the injured players return, but we seemed to have enough set backs with a fully fit team as without. Special mention for Doherty who is having a major influence on this year's cup run with the winner at Orient and creating our first goal out of nothing, and generally inspiring the team. Well done to him, and Leo who managed to score with a great left foot shot and to Young who played well in our problem position at left wing back. It was also nice to see Rebrov have a number of chances and get a goal, which was applauded by Graham from the touchline.

Spurs had a number of efforts on target and it seemed a much more positive performance. Charlton were poor on Saturday and I knew if we went for them we could beat them. - well done to everyone, its just a shame after all the away disappointments I've had to endure, I had to miss out on the celebration as Charlton only gave us 3000 tickets. Never mind, its Stockport between us and the last 8 -three wins away from the final, and four from the cup, glory and a return to Europe

FORMER England international Graham Roberts has bounced back into football management at Boreham Wood. And the ex-Spurs hardman has promised to take the Meadow Park club back to the Ryman League Premier Division.

Roberts, who won six full caps in the mid-80's, replaces Gary Phillips in the hot seat. The Boreham Wood job came totally out of the blue for him. He said: "I just got a phone call one day after work from the chairman, Danny Hunter. He was just sounding me out really. But when you start speaking to Danny, it only takes about five minutes to agree terms with him! He's got the love of the club and he's very ambitious. "It's a fantastic set-up at Bora non-League player. I've done it all my life. It is nothing new for me. " Without making any rash predictions, Roberts is confident that he can bring the good times back to Boreham Wood. "I've been out of football at the top levels of the Ryman League for 14 months. I wanted a break and I've had it. I only got involved at Hertford in the Third Division to help my friend out, but things weren't right there. "I have been looking for a good challenge for quite a while. There is great potential at Boreham Wood and I'm going to give it my best shot

READ - "I'm on £1.5 a year for messing up a club I hate - why should I leave?

Is this the same Gooner George who on 24th Dec 2000 said

Carr said: "It’s a massive game, there will be a lot of hype around it and a lot of pressure on both the manager and the players. "The club needs a result, big time. People are saying our season will be over if we don’t manage it, maybe it will, maybe not, but at the moment we’re struggling to score goals and we just need that break. "It would be nice for that to come on Wednesday night but it will be difficult at Charlton. "The last time we played them over there we should have beaten them so let’s hope we can get a bit of revenge.

"If we can get through then it’s Stockport at home and no disrespect to Stockport but that is not a bad draw to get into the quarter-finals. The main thing is that we don’t get beaten on Wednesday night."

Squad: Sullivan, Walker, Anderton, Perry, Campbell, Doherty, Clemence, Thelwell, Gardner, Young, Carr, Freund, King, Leonhardsen, Sherwood, Davies, Etherington, Rebrov, Korsten, Armstrong.

"The manager has always gone on about competition for places between us. But by dropping me after all my hard work he is basically saying there is no competition. "Neil Sullivan is his favourite goalkeeper and that is it." Walker's form in Sullivan's absence had been excellent and the former England keeper is mystified by Graham's decision. "I kept two clean sheets and played well but there is no reward at the end of it. It leaves me thinking, why did I bother?

"I was told just two hours before the game like everyone else and I couldn't believe it. He never took me to one side or said anything. He never looked at me at all. (ed-shades of Ginola, I thought he was meant to be a hard man?)"I don't know any other club in the Premiership where you keep two clean sheets and don't stay in the team. It makes my position impossible."

"ACCORDING TO rumours in The Guardian this morning Glenn Hoddle has already been approached by ENIC with regard to taking over from George Graham at the end of the season. The manager's job at Spurs was the only issue Hoddle was refusing to discuss in numerous media interviews with him at the weekend, thus sparking suggestions that he might be somewhat interested in taking over if he's offered the chance.

The paper say that Hoddle has in fact already rejected ENIC's offer on the basis that they aren't willing to stump up enough cash for him to turn Spurs into what he (and most of us) believe we should represent. It's said he asked for £25m to put things right but was only offered £10m and as such refused to commit himself any further.

If it's true then you can see his point, to turn the likes of Thatcher, Perry, Freund, Leonhardsen and co into an attractive passing side without adding more players is more work than most managers would be willing to let themselves in for. The rumours surrounding Gianluca Vialli have also been gathering pace of late, probably something to do with Hoddle's reticence to talk about things. The Italian is said to be another on ENIC's hitlist"

Spurs managed just three weak efforts on target and Brown, branding manager Graham's side predictable in the extreme, scoffed: 'It's very difficult when you've got 35,000 staunch fans sitting there. It's easy for them to be frustrated and vent those frustrations on the players but it doesn't do them any good.

'It's not as if Spurs are struggling and they're not going to be relegated. They're a comfortable mid-table side - but it must be quite desperate coming to watch that every week! 'We try to knock it around a bit but they were much more direct. They ' ve brought in Andy Booth and tried to hit him as quickly as possible. It was all stuff up to Booth and Rebrov and that made our job easier.

'I wouldn't go as far as calling it kick and rush but it was certainly a direct approach. If you can counter the directness of their play you've got half a chance.'

Yet, Graham's admission on Friday that he would have dropped Rebrov - 'isolated and frustrated', according to Brown - if it was not for the injury crisis that has sidelined Steffen Iversen, Les Ferdinand, Chris Armstrong and Dave McEwen brought a scathing condemnation from Svensson. The Swede said: 'I've seen Rebrov lots of times. He's a world- class player but I don't know how he could be expected to go out and have a good game after what George Graham said. 'If I'd read my manager saying that about me my confidence would've been affected.'

Willem Korsten will not be playing in Italy unless Bari decide to double their offer for the Dutch midfielder. The Serie A side have offered Spurs £3 million Korsten, but the man who joined Tottenham for £1.5 million in the summer of 1999, will not be leaving for so little after the club said they want £6 million

Picture: Euston just happy to be here after being sacked at QPR for being shite while George works out what £1.5m a year is per hour to get over the boredom (£171 every hour of every day - the no good bastard)

Spurs lost the chance to win yesterday's match by not being able to do anything in the midfield. The best strikers the club have ever had would have had no chance with the service they got from the midfield - passing the ball sideways or backwards and no-one getting down the wing. So its the midfield, or more correctly the tactics used by the midfielders that are making the strikers ineffective.

We miss Carr, but we miss Ginola more - Graham was mad to sell him and we are paying now

Doherty (6/10) – Another good match, strong defensively (admittedly against a weak attack) and willing to carry the ball forward

Campbell (6/10) – Rock solid apart from a mix up with Perry that nearly gifted Charlton a late winner

Perry (6/10) – Not as bad as people make out and was competent at the back

Anderton (6/10) – He tried his hardest and even got booked when his frustration got the better of him and he gave Elleray some verbal. He was also at the centre of what little football we played. Constrained within a poor system or past his best?

Freund (7/10) – Had a shot on target and was non-stop for the whole of the 90 minutes playing his usual game. Worthy of a good mark for effort and never say die attitude alone.

King (6/10) – Was in the middle of another solid performance in the centre of midfield when inexplicably withdrawn by the Goonersaurus.

Leo (6/10) – A sub standard match for Leo, although his contribution improved as the game wore on, but he is a long way short of what we need from a central midfielder.

Clemence (5/10) – A poor match at left wing back, compounded by wasting several dead ball situations. The crowd got on his back, which is not what an up and coming 23 year old playing out of position needs. Withdrawn for Etherington after an hour. Oh for that French bloke who used to play left wing.

Rebrov (6/10) – Spent the whole game chasing lost causes. Still has the eye for a good pass, but gets the ball so rarely in dangerous situations.

Booth (6/10) – Ran his heart out, but not as effective as Weds night as the stiflingly dull tactics employed by Graham all but eliminated his opportunities.

Sub: Sherwood (6/10) – Did ok within the Goon tactics in central midfield, and managed to give his trademark hospital ball, this time to Etherington

Sub: Etherington (6/10) – Had an encouraging game, with his energy and runs prompting the best Spurs period of the match. Lets hope he gets a chance to build on this

"There's been plenty of speculation surrounding the club in the papers recently, especially concerning what the takeover might do to the manager's position," Carr told his official site. "I don't really know what I can say as I don't know much more than anyone else. Some people seem certain that Glenn Hoddle will leave Southampton and come to Spurs at the end of the season.

"I can see why Spurs fans would want to believe that as the man was an exceptional player here for many years, and has since been added to the folklore of the club. "As a manager too, he gets his teams playing the way he wants the game played, knocking the ball around well, he did it at Chelsea and he's doing it at Southampton.

"However, Spurs are currently managed by George Graham, who has bags of experience and knows what it is to be a winner. "More importantly, we'll play for him and back him as long as he's in that position. As players we don't talk to each other about the rumours we see in the news. It's not our job to do so.