31^st December 2007 - A mid-season snapshot With the beginning of 2008 already upon us Spurs are, once again, approaching a cross-roads: Semi-finals in the Carling Cup, relatively straightforward ties in the UEFA and FA Cups and league form at last picking up meant that it is entirely feasible that come May 2008 Spurs could finish with at least 1 trophy and a top six finish; equally we may end up with yet another season of unfulfilled expectations. Ramos’ early games have shown a boldness that was all too lacking under Jol and, whilst it may not always work, I’d much rather Spurs played this way. Another early feature has been Spurs improved attacking play, Malbranque, Keane, Berbatov and Defoe are playing once more at the peak of their abilities. The defensive mistakes though have sadly continued but for this it is the players rather than the coaching staff who are to blame. The players inability to mark at corners is completely unacceptable, it has already cost us against Arsen*l and but for equally calamitous Reading defending would have done so again on Saturday. Robinson’s inability to dominate his penalty area is feeding through to the rest of the team and his days at Spurs must surely be numbered (This is sad as Robbo is one of the few modern day players that fans can connect to). Kaboul is doing a remarkable impression of Titus Bramble; he has all the physical attributes to be a great player but every game seems to see him make at least 1 glaring error. Hopefully, playing alongside King will rub off on him. In central midfield too Ramos has yet to find the right pairing. Zokora covers the pitch fantastically but his distribution is atrocious; Jenas is scarily inconsistent and Huddlestone lacks the mobility to enable him to utilise his excellent distribution skills. Perhaps if we ever sign a left winger or Bale gets a regular run there, Malbranque will be able to move into the middle where he can be more effective. As ever with Spurs there are more questions than answers. Finally, as I write this Berbatov’s agent has been quoted as saying he would like a move to a ‘bigger’ club. Whilst he would undoubtedly be a loss, if he doesn’t want to stay, we should sell him for upwards of 30 million and not to Manure or Chelsea, who are at least in theory our rivals. Contrary to what many would think selling Berbatov doesn’t make Spurs a selling club any more than Arsen*l are. In the last few years they have sold Anelka, Viera, Henry, Overmars et al. This is with the proviso that a top class replacement is lined up prior to his sale. Whether anyone at Spurs has the nous to act on this is doubtful; one thing is for sure though signing a second division full back is unlikely to see Spurs become a top four side any time soon. (What are the odds of Wales producing two top quality full backs?)

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Season Preview 2007/2008

The summer signings have been something of a mixed bag: a raw but promising left back, an over-priced striker when we already have 3 brilliant strikers; yet another central midfielder; STILL no answer to our left side of midfield problem and the dross such as Mido and Murphy continue to remain on the payroll. Berbatov though looks like remaining and the squad, whilst lop sided in certain positions has a greater depth than any bar Chelsea, Manure and Liverpool.

We have the nucleus of a good side and it is to be hoped that Jol picks a settled side and does not rotate too much. Pre-season games have seen Keane playing as an attacking midfielder in an effort to accommodate Berbatov and Bent. Against all but the weakest teams such, this formation surely risks leaving us over run in midfield and exposed at the back. Keane is not a midfielder and should not be played there.

The significant outlay by sides such as Portsmouth, Newcastle, Man City and Wham will greatly increase the competition for UEFA Cup places and 5th place coupled with cup success would represent a very good season.

However, Arsen*l’s relative decline; Henry and Dein’s departures and the uncertainty over Wenger’s futures make this our best chance yet of qualifying for the CL and putting another nail in their coffin. There is more than just bragging rights at stake. Arsen*l are one of the ‘big four’ and their financial footing is based on CL qualification every year. By depriving them of this and at the same time obtaining all the trappings that come with being in the CL we can take a massive step towards cementing our position in the top five clubs in the country.

On this basis we simply must qualify for the CL. We have the talent; it is Jol’s job to utilise it effectively and ensure we build on the last two seasons. I live in hope, if not yet expectation.

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