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Spurs Shorts
- Danny Blanchflower "The
first in a new series of ebooks is now available
to buy on Amazon. 'Danny Blanchflower' is
an extended article on the life and influence of the Spurs legend. It's part
history and part appreciation with some debating points about why
Blanchflower was such an influential figure, and why he continues to be. It
ends with a contention that is sure to cause debate. It's the first self-published ebook in a series called
Sports Shots which, together with my long-time co-author Adam Powley, I'll be
writing over the coming months to provide some stimulating but digestible
reads for all Spurs-loving e-bookers. And we're not ruling out the
possibility of casting our net wider either if this goes well. Not as long as
a book, but longer than a magazine or newspaper article, we're hoping these
will prove popular reads whether you're on the move or cuddling up with your
Kindle. Sports Shots are priced at a very accessible £2.99 and this
title can be purchased by clicking this link. At the moment titles are
available only for Kindle and via Kindle reader on compatible devices. If
this takes off, we'll be looking at rolling the titles out on other
platforms." 9th August 2011 – Season Preview At risk of being
labelled the eternal, and naive, optimistic I'm going to say "why
not?" again. Look at our squad and ask yourself how many you would swap
for those in the squads of the four teams that finished above us last season.
Remember the quality of the football we played at times last season. And then
tell me why it's not realistic to have a crack at the title. It's true we've
got the Europa League to deal with. But our top-four rivals have the
Champions League. So let's not hear too much about fixture congestion or distraction
– we're all on the same stretch of water if the not the same luxury yacht. And we have
specific issues. What will happen to Harry Redknapp is one, his impending
court case a big issue but also his tendency – despite the good he has
without doubt done – to wind up sections of the club's support with some daft
comments and over-enthusiastic self-promotion. And the Luka Modric situation
will be interesting. It was great to hear the warm reception he got at the
last pre-season friendly, and hopefully we can get to the season and just get
on. Daniel Levy has been absolutely right to block the sale, as much because
of the effect it would have on the rest of the squad as anything, but let's not forget just how influential
Luka can be for the team. The problem will
come if, after all the summer hype, Luka's performance drops for more than
the odd game. The crowd will be quick to get on his back, the pressure will
grow, and no good will come of it for Spurs. So we need Luka to focus and the
crowd to see the bigger picture. If Spurs are not in contention by Christmas,
expect a sale. I said we have a
good squad, but it's obvious we need an out and out striker, a guaranteed
goalscorer. It's not as easy as just picking
anme and lodging a bid, but with the season only days away there's
still no striker and you do wonder about Spurs and leaving things late.
Another quality, relaible central defender would also be wise - Gallas may
not fill as much of the gap as he did last season. It seems as difficult for
Spurs to make a signing in time for the season to start as it does for them
to get the shirts on sale in the club shop in time. It's a very strange
recurring problem that seems only to effect Spurs. The tough start
this year, not made easier by the Europa 'Battle of Britain' tie, is tough
enough - we needed all cylinders firing for it. Slow starts as we make the
final squad adjustments have cost us before – let's hope the apparent
inability to realise the season starts before the end of the transfer window
doesn't cost us vital points again. There should
still be plenty to watch – not least Gareth Bale. He is a truly thrilling
player to watch, one who makes every sit up that little bit more when he's on
the ball. One of the better squads in the League, the opportunity to focus on
the big prize… once again, it's up to you, you Lilywhites. Read
all of Martin’s work at his blog: http://martincloake.wordpress.com/
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