11^th August 2010 – Looking forward It’s like a drug for me, Spurs that is and when nothing is happening I get into a state of near depression. Yes I know we have had the World Cup, but even that isn’t the same, maybe it would have been if some of our players had played. These past few weeks reading sites and media looking for news on transfers in has been a bit of an anticlimax compared to previous seasons, but in many ways this can’t be a bad thing surely? Consistency and confidence in the squad is important and with just a minimum of tinkering will help. After all we haven’t seen a mass influx of players into Manure and the other top teams, and they haven’t done too badly. The strength of any good team has to be down the middle, goalkeeper, central defender, midfield general and goal scorer. Gomes fulfils the role at the back and I am hoping that the emergence of Dawson will cover the regular loss of King, with Bassong and Kaboul backing up we are fairly strong in this position. I know some want a replacement for King, but where is he? Will he come? Midfield general is a problem; should he be defensive or attacking, we have a mix but not the complete player, and once again I don’t know if the player is out there to fulfil this role. It is the man up front that is the main weakness, a man leading the front line has to be in my opinion one who can not only score but hold the ball, feed others. Holding the ball is just as important because even though he may be attacking he is defending as well. I remember Clive Allen prolific goal scorer, but his first touch was not good. Oh for a Bobby Smith, Alan Shearer type, but hey that’s in the old days modern football is much different now, so I am told often enough. In Harry I have every confidence, didn’t at first, but he is an old stager, knows the game and knows how to get the best out of players, I for one was never worried when he told Bent that his missus could have scored after a glaring miss. It was true. The rest of his back up staff are tough no nonsense campaigners, I am convinced it is they who have brought out the improvement in Bale and Lennon and hope they will either do the same for Dos Santos or pack him off for a tidy profit. This season I hope for at least a repeat of the last. Although some are tipping City, with all their expensive new signings there is no guarantee they will immediately settle into the rigours and demands of the Premier league and the same will go for Liverpool. This is a big ask for Hodgson and the expectations will be very high on him. We have a really tough start to the season especially with the qualifying rounds of the Champions league and I can’t wait for it to begin, hoping to see young Bale continue the form of the end of last season, and the emergence of some of our younger players. Said it earlier consistency, brings confidence, we have a strong squad, maybe not some brilliant individuals, but overall the strength in depth is there for all competitions. On our day we are good enough to beat anyone, and I mean anyone. Bring it on, and let’s get it started.

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25^th May 2010 - Looking forward to next season Transfer Targets

In my humble opinion, I feel that Mr Levy has set out his stall regarding pay and salary structures, to be at 50 plus per cent of income is sound business sense, and I don’t see him changing that. This will mean that some of the names being bandied around with high transfer fees and pay demands will be out of our league. Yes we are in the opening rounds, but have no history, next season will mean we have to consolidate being a top four side, and that will have the added pressure of keeping the likes of Liverpool and City out.

I have seen many of the names being mentioned as targets, and if the name ends in an “O” either first or surname then there are many who think he must be good, but shelling out over forty mill on one player is ridiculous, in my opinion, and could lead to disaster. Anyway there are 3 factors to consider. Does the club he is with want to sell? Does he want to come to us? Can we meet the financial demands? Etc etc.

So I Want to look at it from another angle.

Goalkeeper, Gomes first choice and considering the three factors could we get better? Don’t think so. A back up is necessary and I hope Cudicini makes it , if not maybe target Kasper Schmeichel. Alnwick to go

Back line. I would like to see Walker brought on and coached as we have done with Bale, pacey full back will be cover for Corluka. Kaboul can also cover for Corluka and at the centre of defence as well. King has signed a new contract so they must feel he can make a contribution, and with Dawson and Bassong, and maybe Woodgate we could be OK. BAE at left back along with Bale, maybe just maybe we need another, don’t know who but would look for another left sided full back. This will be supplemented by Caulker and Smith from the youngsters. Hutton to be sold.

Midfield. We do not have a put your foot on the ball type of playmaker who can make the telling pass and score a few goals. Fabregas, Lampard types. We have a good selection but this is one that is missing in order to get the best out of the likes of Defoe and others. Those we have Hudd, Palacios, Modric, Kranjcar, the untried and unknown Sandro, are a base. Add Bale, Rose, Townsend, Lennon, Bentley, and then the kids like Parrett, Bostock and the squad is looking good, but the playmaker is missing., someone who would immediately fit into the Premier league style, speed of play, exhausting work rate, and week in week out competition. If he is fully recovered maybe Arteta if he is available, Joe Cole I don’t see, Carrick maybe? Jenas to be sold.

Goal scorers: Keane has stated he has got his appetite back, no doubt because we achieved top four status without him, Defoe has not scored, penalty apart for a while and needs to get his mojo working again. Crouch is a good part of a squad, scores occasionally but could be useful against European defences. I like Pavlyuchenko, and this would be his second full season start. He should be settled now and we have to still to see the best out of him. HE should be a 20 plus goals a season striker. To keep all four is not going to work, so one to go and endeavour to get the striker we need.

Manager; Harry is a man manager, he gets the best out of his team and his coaching staff. He recognises individual strengths and weaknesses, and exploits the former and works on the latter. So unless anything untoward happens he is a must to stay.

Summary

Maybe a back up keeper- Schmeichal

A Left back

A Playmaker who already plays in the Prem league – Arteta

An out and out striker Don’t know who – but his name will end in “O”’

Sell Alnwick, Jenas, O’Hara, Keane, maybe Naughton.

Retain for the squad Rose, Townsend . Livermore

Bring on players like Button, Caulker, Smith, Parrett, Kane, Bostock, Mason.

Disclaimer: Please note the words on this page are the opinion of the topspurs columnist and are just that, opinions, not facts and are nothing to do with Tottenham Hotspur Football club PLC. Just a supporter having his say nothing more nothing less. Any commentary on betting is meant for discussion purposes only and does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation.