Bye Bye Burnley, Burnley Bye Bye - Player Ratings
Wednesday, 07 January 09, 06:29 AM · Comments (232)
A Game Of Two Halves - Grin And Bear it.
Had you but heeded the wise words of some soothsayers, then this was to have been our Waterloo.
It was instead, our Paddington.
Burnley tried to vex us, but we gave them a hard stare and they consequently crumbled.
Tottenham misjudged the Lancastrians from the off. Burnley failed to see the funny side of Defoe's gag of dressing up like he'd just stepped out of a Lowry painting and spent much of the first half retaliating by playing football that was as easy on the eye as it was effective.
Arry's gentle sweet nothings at half time caused not only partial shift hearing amongst his galant charges but also reinvigorated them no end and they re-emerged with their metaphoric sleeves rolled up. Of course it could be that they had some sense booed into them by the intelligentia magnificenti as they went off, but like the great mystery of the pyramids I guess we'll truly never know.
There were frustrations a plenty of course. Campbell clear wants returning to whence he came. I could cope with his forced adoption if he was good, but he isn't.
So if someone might phone the orphanage and tell them to put an extra bowl of gruel out I'd be much obliged.
The other niggle was the lack of Taarabt or Ghaly. There was plenty of scope both on the pitch and dare I say it, in the hearts of the mob to introduce either. A sorely missed opportunity.
[Courtesy of Henry Percy]
Gomes 7 All in all another excellent shift.
Woodgate 8 Colman's, French's...
Bale 4 He looks like a taxi with it's doors open.
Corluka 7 Proving to be a superb player.
Dawson 9 Essentially awesome. MOTM.
Zokora 6 Not a disaster.
Modric 7 is a Champions League kinnda guy.
Bentley 4 A bad game much to the delight of his ardent admirers.
Lennon 6 Bloody bleedin' infuriatingly hopeless non crosses.
O'Hara 7 Turned the game. Brimming with desire he made the Lilywhite shirt glow, gawd bless 'im.
Campbell 4 Are you still here?
Pavlyuchenko 8 Exhibiting distinct signs of a great, great purchase.
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232 Comments · Add yours
Think the Zok deserved more than a 6 but otherwise spot on. The 'Arry effect seems to reinvented Daws (MOTM) as a defender (albeit with delusions of being a footballer
) Pav is defo looking the biz whilst FC is most certainly not. Hull were gonna pay how much????
Poor old Bents, but what an inspired substitution in JOH. Still concerned over the 1st half display tho.....
Job done. COYS
Pavluchenko. He looks slow, clumsy and lost until he catches a sniff of a chance.
then magic fills them boots of his and he turns into a fucking goal machine.
Better than Defoe or Bent at finishing.
This one is interesting. From another source on Newsnow. We must really really want him - don't think he's worth this much!!??!!
"Spurs, who last night defeated Burnley 4-1 in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final, have completed the capture of striker Jermain Defoe and are reported to have had a £145.5m bid for Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing turned down."
My mate who was there with me reckons the colder it gets, the better Pav gets - it was brass.
Dawson was terrific. Bentley was rubbish - next time we should trust Wengers judgement. Can Man City or Ramos come get him. No idea what has happened to Bale. Looked great when he first came. Redknapp even made a comment that he had no cover at left back - even though Bale is suppose to be first choice. Looks like he will be on his way out when Redknapp finds someone else. ALso what is the nonsense that Arshavin is now available for 10-12 million. If that is true forget Downing now and get him in
Bale and Bently are both turning into liabilities.
Bale should learn how to defend properly and put in a little more effort.
Bentley is no Christiano or Messi. He's trying but he's not. Stop with the funny stuff and get the basics right. You piss me off!
Thanks. That is all.
Great to see Daws back at his best after a couple of very barren seasons,I hope he can kick on.Thought Zakora worth a 7 Harry although seemed to revert a bit in the last 10.perhaps his age (47?)is catching up with him.Standing up hair man oscillated in form throughout the first half and although deservedly subbed for JOH showed some nice touches.Too few to mention though.Campbell should be sent packing,Red nose bleated on about taking him back in Jan and for once I think we should appease the great man(sic)by doing just that.
Lovely Spurs luvverly in the second half.However,when did we start booing our guys?We never used to do that?Are we becoming scum in disguise,c'mon boys,bloody knock it off.You sound like a bunch of pratts on prime time sports for all to see and hear.
Played 5 a side in the -3 conditions at 8pm, came at 8.45pm we are in 0-1 down. Bugger!
During halftime, had what I though was gonna be a mild heart attack - 999 - ambulance - casaulty. Came home later to find it ended 4-1! Awesome. I actually think 'Arry said to the players 'Look what the score has does to 2windy you lazy bastrds!'
How long is Hutton out for, does Harry actually rate him?
How is Appiah's trail going, anyone seen or heard anything? Early days I know but if he looks good let's get him on board as soon as.
Reply to yet11:
Not sure where you heard the booing?
Bentley was booed relentlessly by the Burnley mob, plenty of moans and groans 1st half, there was a stifled bit of booing at half time and a big cheer when o'hara for Bentley was announced, but nothing else??
Dawson was good, but jamie has to be man of that match ...
A question :
Is it the low temp, the 4-4-2 system or the transfer window who made Pav a good player and a awesome runner ?
Hope we can have Appiah ... but a left winger is still urgently needed ... Podolski, what else ?
Well said Pablo.
Bale seems to have halted fiddling with his hair - perhaps if he got a hair cut like Corluka he might be even a fraction of the class that the Croat so obviously is. At the moment and for a long while Bale has been a shit defender and passer of balls. He needs a long stint in Spurs Academy.
Id hate to be in WHL trying to encourage Bentley as he seems incapable of doing the even the simple things right or even nearly right. And as for "effort" or workrate he seems to think these qualities for lesser folk like JOH. Oh! I nearly forgot, a bit of wet sweat might ruin the hair style!!!!
Spurs are going NOWHERE until or unless these two take a leaf out of the JOH/LM bible of how to play football.
Being a lip-reader of decent standard I can reveal what O'Hara said immediately after being brought on as sub.. "Come on boys, lets have a bit of fucking passion" Nice.
Reply to perryman:
Well said. Bentley being out of position is glossed over by virtually everyone.
Apart from our noble Boo Boys, who in actual fact not groaning at Bentley but at Redschnapp's bad tactics.....
Bentleys contribution was wonderful once he was placed in his correct position in the second half.
I believe Pav will make it. I've seen enough from him to understand why he is so highly regarded in his home town. If the guy had English citizenship, the majority of Spurs fans (who reside in England and are the sole reason behind the pathetic purchases of Bent, Bentley and Downing) would be singing his praises all over.
To hell with this, "must have experience in the Premiership bullcrap"! Bentley has years of Experience yet out of all our summer purchases is clearly the most mediocre (this despite being the most expensive and having been availed the most playing time).
It is no wonder then that the teams (unjustifiably) at the top are currently bidding for the Arshavins and Artetas while the bottom team (we are the bottom team guys, our nearest rivals' teams are all worth one Darren Bent combined...they have an excuse) is about to spend another 16million on guaranteed mediocrity in Downing.
Reply to BongoBwana:
Thanks BongoBwana.
For me the best players for us this season have been Jamie O'Hara, Luka Modric, Vedran Corluka* and at times Didier Zokora(when he feels like it, definitely an improvement in his game though).
O'Hara's just gone from strength to strength and if he can keep on improving at this rate we might have a class midfielder in a couple seasons. He shows great touch however his long passes aren't what they used to be. Never the less i think he's class.
Corluka for me has been the best signing(besides Modric) Spurs have made in recent seasons. Fantastic player.
At the moment Spurs need another LB, CB, LM and CM.
LB: Bridge would have been a good signing but City got there first. Any suggestions?
LM: Arshavin would be nice on the left however i'm not sure how he'd fit in to be honest. Plus, he's in talks with the scum at the moment. Someone like Ashley Young or Diego Capel. NOT DOWNING. He's another Bentley.
CB: Difficult to say who Arry will bring in. Can't think of anyone i'd have at the moment.
CM: Appiah, if he's fit and willing would be a fantastic signing. Best of all he's free. He's strong, he can influence and he's done it all before with Juventus.
What do you think?
Its the subtle touch of a rapist Harry!
Personally based on first half and second half performance Zokora probably deserved MOTM more than Dawson. Woody was also a bloody rock yet again, but at least Zok could hold his head high for workrate alone in the first half.
I have to say I lost all feeling in my feet after about 10 minutes, followed by the rest of my body being drained of all heat come the goal 5 minutes later.
Pav is definitely in his element when the pitch is forzen and conditions are below freezing....bless his worn Russian cotton socks!
I have to say that Bale and Bentley is by far the WORST link up I have ever seen. It was such a relief to see Charlie and Lennon for the second half. I do love Chorluka, he has such a silky touch for a lanky bugger.
HOWEVER does anyone else not think that Defoe looked like a complete and utter tart when he was "paraded" last night?
Oh...and also, complete lack of atmostphere last night for the first half. Burnley fans made us look bloody awful and it cannot have helped the players whatsoever considering that there was only a couple of half hearted COYS and Yid Armies at kick off and virtually nothing else before or for 20 minutes after. Shame on us.
DAWS = Awesome but its was only Burnley. But still he really played well. The team that finished the game is our 1st 11. Exchange Defoe for Campbell and Appiah for Zokora. Kick Argos out of the squad and tell hem to feck up back North.
the most unsatisfying 4-1 spurs victory i have seen........spurs relaxed after the 4th but could have scored 4 more if they wanted.
well done harry for changing the team at half time and motivating the lads.
would have taken lennon off at half time,put bentley right.
i just wish spurs had a bit more quality and composure in posession.
i think campbell has played his last game???
Reply to Pablo:
I noticed that to about Bentley , i know he is not playing in his proper position but he is playing for his personal glory rather than being a team player, All these little flicks and ridiculously long shots are effecting his game. Look at the difference when o'hara come on, more energy, more direct, more effective and actually put in a dangerous cross which led to the fourth goal.
rant over.
Reply to m:
Campbell played his last game???? Because Man United are gonna take him back I assume...
HOWEVER does anyone else not think that Defoe looked like a complete and utter tart when he was "paraded" last night?
I thought he looked like Dick van Dyke
"the most unsatisfying 4-1 spurs victory i have seen........spurs relaxed after the 4th but could have scored 4 more if they wanted. "
Surely that was the time to bring on J2S, we did sit back on our lead at 4-1, when we should have killed the tie off completely. As it is, with the crowd behind them and nothing to lose, I can see them having a right old go at us in the 2nd leg
Reply to munso:
He looked like an oliver twist cast member.
Reply to munso:
you worry whether defoe might just have caught a dose of bertiebigbollockitis with the recent jermaindefoehesayiddo returning saviour shenanigans.
Can be a killer, look at what if did to David Bentley
I've been saying this for a year now, but I firmly believe that Jamie O'Hara could turn into our Paul Scholes - tigerish, tireless, unselfish, modest, neat and tidy distribution, and a cracking shot on him. In fact there are only two differences - 1, Jamie can tackle, and 2, he's not a ginger.
I know it's a bit 'out there' but I think he's a better prospect than Huddlestone and certainly Bale (what on Earth has happened to him?)
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts...
Awesome second half, truely shocking first.
I have a mate who's appalling at golf, but insists on sampling the wind before each shot with a handful of grass, I bet Bentley does the same thing! Stop it now.
Well done Harry and O'Hara!
As for Bentley, if he stops the ball then rolls it forward one more time before f ing up delivery!!!
Shame Jimmy Tarbuck and or Ghastly weren't used but can't complain with 4-1!
Glory glory.
Reply to jolsgonemental:
Reply to spurfect one:
Most footballers look like tw*ts in real life. Too much money and not enough taste.
Reply to SP:
yes.
O'Hara has that tidy rarely lose possession ability of a Paul Scholes. Get ball quick turn release ball.
never really understood the folk who think he is limited. technically touch, control, passing i think he looks as good as anyone we got (Modric excepted).
I really cant see why he isnt discussed as a serious contender to fill our DM slot alongside Modric.
Harry, what's your email address?
'Bale 4 The touch of a rapist from a boy who looks like a taxi with it's doors open.'
Brilliant
If signing Downing means not playing Bentley on the left, than so be it.
Reply to HenryPercy:
harryhotspur@oleole.com
You're wrong about Zokora. I thought he was a great buy and I've waited and waited for him to come good. Now he has a manager who gives him a run and what does he do, plays with his eyes down, misses tackles, gives the ball away. I'm hoping Appiah is the Messiah [his name is half way there], because Zok isn't. And Lennon's got to go - all that ball and no end product. They made us look like idiots and, Pav aside, where are the goals going to come from? Even with Defoe the midfield is worse than I can remember - Bentley?? If you'll sponsor me I'll put him in a pram and wheel him back to Blackburn. Let's hope the Downing doesn't go through. More dross. Why does Harry have Boateng, Tarrabt and Gio on the bench and leave Lennon and Zokora on the field?
Reply to SP:
Huddlestone needs to improve his mobility and tackling. He's a fantastic passer of the ball and his shots are some of the most powerfull out there.
Bale cannot defend, at all. His crossing isn't bad but it's not fantastic. He goes on surging runs and then loses the ball. His distribution is appalling. And i haven't seen him take a decent free kick in ages. Come on Gareth, we know you're better than this!
I have a funny story about O'Hara. A few years back when Jol and the team went to South Africa, I was at the open practice session and had been getting the autographs of players on the sidelines. Jamie wasn't on the match programme and when i asked him to sign he said in a very sad voice:"Sorry mate, i'm not on the programme". I then responded by saying: "Mate, you're a Spurs player. Sign the bloody front next to Martin and Chris(Hughton)." He smiled and signed the booklet. That season he broke through... That booklet is now framed and on my bar wall...
There was no doubt that Bentley was being played in the wrong position. Every time he has been played on the left in just has not worked.
The real problem in the first half though was that Burnley were playing 5 across the centre of midfield. There is no way that our 2 CM - Modric and Zak were going to cope with that, with Bentley and Lennon trying to track back (a little).
The difference came about by O'H being asked to play not only forwards and backwards along the line, but to also double up across the pitch. This gave us extra cover in the middle and if you look at any type of replays etc you will see him helping the other guys. With his engine, he's able to do this. Bentley was told to stay out left.
I agree about taking FC off and bringing one of the other attacking midfielders on with 15 to go J2S or AT.
Reply to Mike J:
Lennon's got to go - No way!
Lennon, along with Modders have been our best players for me this season!
True, his crossing was woeful last night, but he is the only guy we have who gets the crowd up on their feet when he runs at defenders.
Reply to HarryHotspur:
I'm glad you liked the picture!
Reply to munso:
I think Lennon struggled as they doubled up on him last night. He needs to learn to cope with that.
Reply to Pablo:
What I think, thank you very much for asking, is:
LB: I disagree. I think any further spending here is unnecessary, there being less to spunk than previous windows. BAE is improving satisfactorily and, as for Bale, as someone once said of Peter North, he will come good.
LM: Babel. Benni has been told he has to sell before he can buy. Seeing as Dos Santos hasn't really had a shot here, I'd like any dosh spent on this position to be on a bloke who can fill in elsewhere on the pitch. Babel can do that, as, I regret to inform you, I am not as enamoured with our blonde strike champion as most.
CB: Alex. Ivanovic. Ben Haim.
CM: Appiah will do nicely. Face it, we're only a league place away from having to give Nigel Quashie's agent a call. Is he joking, you're thinking. I don't know; am I?
Reply to munso:
Completely agree. Lennon has been are best performer this season without a doubt. One bad night against an organised, physical side does not warrant getting rid of him whatsoever.
Also he seemed to have 2/3 players on him any time he the ball and without players making themselves available, what option does he have but attempt a cross and win us (numerous) corners. One of which we scored the equaliser from...
Nah, your right, we should chuck him.
Reply to Nunchucks:
Agreed. Although Ekotto expressed his desire to move back to France. So if he does eventually move we're buggered. It needs sorting.
"boy who looks like a taxi with it's doors open"
"Take a note of it darling. I like it, I want to use it in conversation" BAAAAAAAAY
On Bentley. No way should he be booed but bloody hell, I've had my fill of the 'two touches - stare at the ball - do a step over - hammer the ball at the first defender, routine' no matter what postion he's been in. I think he will come good but sherwood and 'Arry will have there work cut out. Him and Taxi boy need to be taught not to believe their own hype.
To end on a brighter note there has been no better sight at spurs over the past couple of seasons than Dawson celebrating a goal. He's a proper solid geezer that bloke.
Reply to abe:
Wenger let Jamie O'Hara go.
So many of or younger players have huge deficiencies amongst all the talent they have. JOH is tidy, hard working and has a great left foot but can lose concentration and position too easily. Lennon is pacey, lively and dynamic but his crossing and finishing is erratic, bale is mobile, direct, a good passer but his touch is abysmal, huddlestone is a glorious passer, composed on the ball, but slow to react and doesn't track runners. These are all coachable facets of play. In time these creases will be ironed out I'm sure and I damn well hope it's Harry that does the ironing and not someone else at another club after giving up on them and hastily flogging them to the highest bidder.
Reply to onedavemackay:
and he is a nonce
Reply to jolsgonemental:
hear, hear!
just been watching the goals again on 101greatgoals. Pretty funny listening to the spanish commentary.
Have a butchers at the barca/atletico game to. Fuck Me. That Leo Messi lad's a bit good. He can wear Ossie Ardiles' shirt any time he likes.
Reply to HenryPercy:
So much so I nicked it!
[See above, folks...]
Reply to Pablo:
"I have a funny story about O'Hara. A few years back when Jol and the team went to South Africa, I was at the open practice session and had been getting the autographs of players on the sidelines. Jamie wasn't on the match programme and when i asked him to sign he said in a very sad voice:"Sorry mate, i'm not on the programme". I then responded by saying: "Mate, you're a Spurs player. Sign the bloody front next to Martin and Chris(Hughton)." He smiled and signed the booklet. That season he broke through... That booklet is now framed and on my bar wall..."
That's lovely.
Thanks for sharing.
Reply to HarryHotspur:
Those crazy cats on the Burnley website got a little to Cavalier yesterday with their Capital Punishment rubbish. Well they've been well and truly taught a lesson!
LINK
Reply to TheSchoolboy:
And no mistake, guv.
Reply to HenryPercy:
Reply to HarryHotspur:
Quality!
My brother chased after his (O'Hara) car as it drove down past the Park Lane stand after the Spartak game, he was quite chatty to be fair to the boy. My brother asked him "What was it like to train with Berbatov, was he really such a sulky c**t?", smiling Mr O'Hara replied, "Yes mate, to be fair, he was".
Not as good as the programme story, but then I don't lead an interesting life!
Reply to HenryPercy:
Better
Reply to abe:
Arry also said that bale lets too much go through his inside channel. It seems that JoH is the only player we have that can cover Bale...
Arshavin needs space & would take at least half a season if ever, to settle into the space lacking EPL...
Hello
@ 30 JGM: I have discussed seriously that JoH can be our DM, which would then make Bale a feasible LB, however if Appiah's knee holds out till the end of his training with us & we sign him & get him match fit, then JoH goes on the left midfield, cos SA is a worldclass DM
Reply to George:
Hello George, wassup?
Dawson was immense last night & a real return to form. If he can cut out his obligatory '1 minute of madness' per game, he'll be the CB we always needed.
As for the booing & Bentley, I was in the Park Lane and people around me started on him & the team in general within the first 5 minutes.
I don't think the team were the only ones that underestimated Burnley in the first half & if Bentley deserved benched at half-time then so did the '12th man'. For the first 45 large parts of the crowd were a liability & an embarrassment.
Reply to hoopspur:
There is no way we should pay that much for him, if we've got that to spend we could buy Kaka & Ronaldo surely?
Reply to Pablo:
That's the funniest story I've ever heard.
Just wanted to say I agree with 100% with your ratings, though I'd notch Gomes up to an 8 cos I don't think he did anything wrong as far as I can remember?
I'm so chuffed for him, what a turnaround. Crowd singing his name, becoming a bit of a cult hero.
Also, I think Zokora is more effective than some folks spot. I know his distribution can be er... "frustrating" shall we say, but there were a few occasions last night when it was HIS tackle that broke up a dangerous move. He does do a job. Hopefully Appiah will be better again.
Also, I think it best for all parties now if just we send Mr Campbell back in a crate with "thanks for the memories" scrawled on the side in childish crayon.
Yeah, I think that would be best. I suppose we might want to sign another striker first.
Oh, and finally I'd like to say that I love how people over a certain age tend to say "goalie" and people under a certain age... er... don't.
Reply to DoubleVision:
JOH & Modric are too small too play in the middle together especially if you play Lennon right. I prefer him on the left, he tracks back tackles has a nice left foot and can cover for BAE or Bale. It gives us a nice balance.
Take it you all seen these links on the BBC website,
LINK
LINK
Also I noticed on the Villa Oleole page they mention we might be in for Shorey.
Reply to James147:
Defoe & Pav are cup tied in Europe so we may as well keep him until the end of the season.
Reply to jolsgonemental:
As the Harrys (hotspur & redknapp) ave pointed out he is of course out of position on the left.
He's not the answer out there so let Bentley and Lennon battle it out for the right wing spot I say. It's one or the other for me. Neither are the finished article, but Lennon is a long way ahead at the moment.
For me Jamie OH has long since deserved a few regular starts on the left. The boy tends to add a great all-round game to the er... game. And if Bale is so shit defensively why not try him left mid?
Seems daft to keep playing Bentley out there when it's clearly not working.
Reply to James147:
I like how people over a certain age can remember being managed by Gerry Francis, Glen Hoddle and David Pleat.... Not to mention Christian Gross.... and others can't.... When booing Bentley, Bale and co they really ought to remember Paolo Tramezzani, Ruel Fox, Jason Dozzell and my personal all time favourite.... Ginger Pele AKA Gary Doherty.... Those were the days!
If you want to boo a player during the game please fcuk off to Chelski or ArseNil.
Ps. That wasn't a pop at you James147. It was following on from your "Goalie" observation.
Reply to Ginge1:
Oh yeah I'd forgotten about the waffa cup. The competition that seems to go on longer than a holiday at the mother-in-laws.
Funny innit? Teams lower in the table talk about 'pushing for europe' but the UEFA cup seems to be down the priorities of most English teams when they're in it.
Maybe when it's reborn as the Europa league it'll have a bit more er... je ne sais qua.
Cue Alan Partridge fans: "They've rebadged it you fool!"
Reply to HenryPercy:
Andy Booth, Justin Edinburgh, Bunjy!!!!
Reply to Ginge1:
Clearly Arry agrees with you, as he plays Zok as DM every week. Bring on the App!!!
I like Shorey, solid & consistent player. You could then play JoH, Bale or Tarbuck LW (J2S as a striker). Use Bentley or Lennon RW (2 different styles). App as DM is exciting me, he will allow the rest of our midfield to play more.
Looks like Downing's not coming (fingers crossed) and judging by Arry's word's re squad depth hopefully they'll be one or two more arrivals including Appiah. Babel (Nunchuks fave) Hunt maybe for the left, don't want Ben Haim City fans hate him with a passion, we want other teams good players (they all loved Charlie), Alex though would be a good shout although Arry seems to indicate a left back (especially as Daws is playing well, Charlie played well there + Woody & King) What does anyone think of Shorey, Villa fans are happy for him to go, or Baines at Everton? Again they're not keen.
What about a few of the Standard Liege team they all looked quite good against Everton & Liverpool or Zhrkov (?) the russian lad as he looked top notch at the Euro's.
Also Everton picked up Jagielka and Lescott from the championship and they've both been good players surely there must be others, although it might be cheaper to look abroad.
Thoughts?
Reply to munso:
i think he was auditioning for the new mary poppins musical later that evening....as a little chimney sweep....
Reply to Ramsesv:
podolski would be nice!!!
Reply to HenryPercy:
No worries, I know it wasn't aimed at me. God, just looking at those names, it's quite scary the dross we've had play for us.
Jason Dozzell really sums it up for me... bless 'im, he tried. Gary Doherty... yeah, he seemed to get his nose whacked every other game. Always had half a box of kleenex up his nostrils.
As for booing... I can understand a bit of frustration booing at half time, only IF the players are clearly not pulling their weight. Not that I would ever boo myself.
As for booing an individual Spurs player: never never never never never never.
I don't care if he's ignoring the game and trying to roger the referee's assistant, you don't boo a Spurs player.
Harry & Jamie Redknapp talk a lot about confidence -- they appreciate that players are just human, no matter how much they get paid.
The effect on confidence of being booed by your own fans must be absolutely shocking.
None of our lot booed Bentley did they?? It was Burnleys lots for his Blackburn time wasn't it?
Personally found me and my mate yelling "TIME MATE" whenever Bale and Bentley had the ball not that they would f@cking listen. It seems row one is very frustrating for all concerned.
I think the worst ever may be Rasiak. I remember he started a game for us and I just remember the move breaking down every single time the ball arrived to him... Couldn't win a header if his life depended on it. It was frighteningly bad... I think he's at Watford now?
Reply to WhiteyThomson:
No, thankfully I think it was just the Burnley fans. Christ, were we weak down that left hand side firt half? Bentley & Bale.
Reply to James147:
He's up there although I'd still stand by Andy Booth as the all time biggest pile of dog turd ever to pull on our shirt!
Reply to James147:
To me, to you, to me, it was like we had Barry & Paul Chuckle playing!
Reply to Ginge1:
It wouldn't have actually been half as bad if they had managed "to me, to you". As it stood they could barely seem to know which way we were shooting and who was on our side.
Reply to WhiteyThomson:
It wasn't booing so much with Spurs fans & Bentley, it was the guys three feet from the touchline shouting 'useless c**t' at him every time he got the ball that were doing the damage.
The same guys also thought that it would inspire Bale to shout 'You Monkey Boy W**ker' at him every time he went past.
I wonder if they should write a book on motivational skills?
Reply to HenryPercy:
You forgot the infamous Ramon Vega...
Hodd was only a few years ago...
The Ginger Pele was a fine prospect until he broke his leg for the cause, when he came back the intelligentsia magnificent not realising that a broken leg loses you a yard of pace for a while, decided in their infinite wisdom to boo the man, after that he lost hope. THANKS A FUCKIN GEN FOR YOUR RUINING A DECENT PLAYER! Just saying
Reply to Astromesmo:
Shouldn't the stewards do something about that?
Reply to DoubleVision:
a bit of a starry eyed assessment of the doc that!! We played him up front to avoid him doing any damage at the back.
Don't think he was as bad as Chris "moleface" Armstrong. We actually bought a player for silly money who had been caught smoking dope in his tracksuit. Looked like he put it out on his face too. Poor man's collymore.
Reply to DoubleVision:
What, pray tell, would the stewards be able to about it?? I was at the game of friday not to o far from where I was yesterday bizarrely and I heard far less abuse toward Bentley and Bale yesterday than on Friday.
I found it a bit hard to think of inspirational things to yell other than "go on son" in the classic cliched manner.
Just gotta hope that both lads start improving fast so the fickle fans among us get off their backs!
Reply to TheSchoolboy:
Armstrong scored goals though.
Thats is rather funny. Berba was a sulky c*nt.
Chris Eagles was twice the player Bentley was last night. There. I said it.
Reply to DoubleVision:
You would think so, but it just seems to be the norm at Spurs at the moment.
I feel for players like Bentley. It must be devastating to hear 30,000 people collectively groan when you get the ball & last night it was literally like that. His confidence is just dropping off in chunks & he must just want to put his boots in the bottom drawer and never get them out again at the moment.
While some people might say 'fantastic' to that, it's a sad state of affairs to think that your own crowd can make you feel like that - especially when you've only had half a season playing out of position in a completely imbalanced team.
I've said it before, but I remember us absolutely crucifying Dean Richards & how sick it made me feel.
Harry, I don't usually wince at your metaphors but the rapist one is a bit much... dunno what other female Ole members on here think but I suspect it's similar... I won't tell you or anyone what and how to write (as you do a much better job than I could) but now you know it's not really appreciated by this Spurs fan at least...
)
Onto football - O'Hara is an absolute star. I've been saying for ages that he's a hard-working player who's getting better and better and is utterly devoted to Spurs. To add to the anecdotes, he seems to be an amiable type too - he was more than happy to personalise and sign a photo to me (currently above my Mac on the wall
I was in despair last night until the 2nd half and he came on. Can anyone explain how and why Spurs can be seemingly lack the motivation and grit one minute and then sweep the opposition aside the next? It must be more than a tactical change, no?
Reply to HarryHotspur:
haha. are you being sarcastic Harry?
Reply to TheSchoolboy:
i liked armstrong.....and have a good memory of him rising high to head in a ball....at the park lane end.....i think he cost about £4.5million...
nothing wrong with a bit of mary jane either....free will and all that....
It's because Spurs only start playing after they go a goal behind. Seems last night after they got the equalizer they forgot to stop playing again. Im disappointed in Redknapp last nite, they came on strong last 5 mins as we were crying out for a sub to give us a bit more of an outlet and to break up their momentum. He is a bit like Martin Jol in that way, doesn't like the late "timewasting" sub.
Reply to James147:
Well I was in block 29 and there were a few, and I don't use this word lightly but it's the only way to describe them, c**ts who were booing him when he came near and shouting f*ck off back to ArseNil.
I'm not a fighter but if there was ever someone who I wanted to smack right in the chops it was them.
Reply to DoubleVision:
Yeah what I am saying is that we forget too easily that the Bentley's and Bale's of this world even playing badly weren't as bad as the dross these guys brought in and the way the dross played.
Reply to spurssandy:
it is a riddle...isn't it.....but i think it's just called human nature....footballers are human aren't they....?...some fans seem to think they are not.....coys
Reply to spurssandy:
I believe the Times described the difference as being down to a "rollicking" dished out at half time. Apparently the first since he has administered since joiniing the club. 'Arry desribed it as a "getting into them".
Ahhhhh, the english language and it's vagaries. The former description is a placation of an obvious swear word and the latter's a phrase that may be interpreted as the kind of thing that happens in the Ar5ena1 dressing room!!
Reply to spurssandy:
George Carlin had a few words to say on the merits of using the word Rape in comedy, it's a commonly used metaphor though...
I'm sure that some of the most deprived people in africa don't appreciate people saying "I'm starving" or those that have been unlawfully killed probably won't appreciate someone saying "Burnley murdered us in the first half"...
Reply to HenryPercy:
seconds out. round one
Reply to TheSchoolboy:
Before his leg broke the Doc was a good defender. My point is that he doesnt deserve to be mentioned with the worst players. Chrissy Armstrong, now theres a name to forget.
Reply to KOJAC:
I think fear has a lot to do with it.
Imagine the scenario, you're sitting at your desk & you have to fill in a form. You reach for the black pen and everyone in the office shouts C**T... So you go for the blue one & everyone shouts W**KER, by this point you'll be nervously looking round you as you put that back and go for the red one just for everyone to groan & walk away, shaking their heads.
Hardly the kind of stuff to have you strutting around the office like you know what you're doing.
Reply to DoubleVision:
According to my Dad I was going to play for Spurs and England before I was born, that too was a medical inconvenience that hindered my footballing career.
Reply to WhiteyThomson:
The problem is that fickle fans dont help most players to recover, they make them worse, & as its in all our interests that they improve, maybe the stewards or surrounding fans should have a word about the general principles of supporting.
To Support:
To keep from yielding or failing during stress or difficulty: bolster, buoy (up), prop, sustain, uphold.
To aid the cause of by approving or favoring: advocate, back, champion, endorse, get behind, plump for, recommend, side with, stand behind, stand by, uphold. Idioms: align oneself with, go to bat for, take the part of.
To put up with: abide, accept, bear, brook2, endure, go, stand (for), stomach, suffer, sustain, swallow, take, tolerate, withstand.
Reply to Astromesmo:
Have you been watching me at work then?
Reply to DoubleVision:
We'll have to agree to disagree there. I thought Doc was an uncultured lump of mammoth proportions. Bit like me. Ginger and useless.
Reply to Astromesmo:
that's right...they do get some abuse.....i've never sat close to the pitch at a footy game...i'm always back up the stand or upper tier....so when people round me shout...stupid c*nt...or you f*cking useless git...old ladies shout it too mind....i never think the player can hear it....
but it must be something when you are 3 feet away from the bloke.....
Reply to HenryPercy:
Seriously rape is not a word to bring into a conversation when women are around, its very very uncool.
Reply to HenryPercy:
Now that you come to mention it, that box of paperclips going on the floor...
Reply to HenryPercy:
Can someone not just say "excuse me lads, this is not helping, your making things worse!" If that doesn't help, follow them into the bar area at half time screaming "Boo, boo!" at the top of your voice - and if they ask what the F's going on just say your supporting them like they're doing with the team.
If they start getting a bit aggy nut em, before it goes any further - extreme violence from the off usually works wonders!
or let me have your ticket & i'll do it!
Reply to TheSchoolboy:
i respect your opinion, as wrong as it is
Reply to TheSchoolboy:
You have been blessed as one of the chosen few (like myself) and so you must look at it this way, don't be greedy you can't have everything!
Reply to Ginge1:
Class as ever Ginge1. If you need a reference to be a steward at the lane, i'll write you one!
Reply to DoubleVision:
isn't that what you shouted during the "push me pull you" incident!
Reply to DoubleVision:
Pretty sure men it can happen to men as well...
Reply to DoubleVision:
I'm neither using the word to shock, be funny nor cool. I was commenting on the posting from spurssandy.
It IS however a commonly used metaphor. And Mr George Carlin DID have some words to say on it.
I do hope you weren't implying that I thought it was a "cool" word to use. I didn't however start that particular thread of this conversation.
Reply to Ginge1:
No i didnt cos they were after my money, i kicked the fuck out of their shins. If you know anything about women Ginge1 you'll know whats being talked about, its not funny.
Reply to HenryPercy:
I am simply supporting SpurSandys point.
Reply to Pablo:
Not at all.... honest.
Quick... Everyone stop replying & start new posts, it's taking ages to scroll through this every time I refresh!
Reply to TheSchoolboy:
Yes, the difference it seems was that Harry gave 'em a right rollicking at half time, and specifically told them they were playing for their Tottenham futures.
Quite amazing they needed the pep talk in a cup semi-final but there you go. I can only imagine they underestimated Burnley who I thought played some absolutely cracking football first half.
Stuart Nethercott...seemed like a nice lad, always give his all and no one wants to put down a player who came through the ranks...but God, a poor poor footballer.
That said of the current lot Gilberto will amost certainly have his picture hung between that of Moussa Saib and Deane Richards in the Commolli suite.
Reply to Ginge1:
If I nutted someone I'm likely to have to ask them a few seconds later for a Paracetamol or a Nurofen.
This particular "person" resembled a drooling bulldog, shaking his head, barking and loosing off excess spittle over people in front.... NOT a man I would tackle without a) A gun and b) An umbrella!
Reply to spurssandy:
I apologise if you felt that was upsetting. It was intended to be funny. The apology of course is equally extended to any males that felt as you did. Rape isn't just a chick thing.
Reply to DoubleVision:
If you're supporting her point then it should never be said, regardless of being in the company of women or not.
Reply to HenryPercy:
I like their website better than Spurs'. Damning with faint praise, perhaps, but ours is a bloody disaster.
Reply to HenryPercy:
Agreed
Reply to PLN:
That's fantastic PLN!
O Hara is rising in my estimation all the time. From the official site:
"Jamie O'Hara puts his inspirational second half display last night down to the passion he has for Spurs running through his veins."
He said "I love the Club and this is a massive opportunity for everyone at Spurs to be at Wembley. I don't know if there were nerves to start with, but all you've got to do is give 100 per cent.
That's what the fans want to see and that's something I will always give for this Club because I'm passionate about it."
Top banana, Jamie. Keep up the good work.
Reply to Longwell:
Shambles is probably a better word.
This is a disaster LINK
and this is a terrible website LINK
Reply to DoubleVision:
Hopefully I haven't buggered our online relationship up?
Couldn't resist. My apologies to all males, or females, or animals.
Does anyone have a bigger spade for me to dig my hole with?
Reply to Hayes:
No probs HP, you're fine. i'm cool.
uncultured lump of mammoth proportions
Hahahaha
Reply to HenryPercy:
Just ask him if he things its helping and it what way,
or
Shout at the players "don't listen to the mentally challenged bulldog screaming abuse, your a good player show us!"
or
Lend me your ticket and i'll do it!
Reply to DoubleVision:
Good. I am glad. Can I get this straight though is that particular phrase now off limits?
Reply to Ginge1:
"Just ask him if he things its helping and it what way,"
Could do, but I don't speak cave man
or
"Shout at the players "don't listen to the mentally challenged bulldog screaming abuse, your a good player show us!""
We have a bloke like that in front of us, he shouts f**king long sentences
or
"Lend me your ticket and i'll do it!"
Lend me £900 and i'll lend you it.
Reply to HenryPercy:
I believe he questioned the commonly held belief that rape is not funny* in any circumstances. He then says picture Porky Pig raping Bugs Bunny, or something like that. Everyone starts laughing and he says, see there you go, rape can be funny.
*i would like to point out that this is not the view of WillyLight, who abhors rape and any jokes concerning rape
Reply to HarryHotspur:
Sorry H.. i'm not havin that..
being played out of position doesn't excuse not doing the basics right..
it doesn't excuse ludicrous flicks like the one he attempted in the first half..
and it certainly doesn't excuse not being able to deliver a dead ball because what's one's position got to do with that..
and i'm not a boo boy.. i encourage him when he's on the ball... i'm positive he's a good signing but he needs a week or two in the reserves to sort his head out..
remember this was championship opposition last night.. i'll say it again.. "Championship opposition"
Reply to HenryPercy:
Is that pounds sterling?
Reply to WillyLight:
Well..... a right pandora's box this one turned out to be. By definition the fact that someone laughed makes it funny, not neccessarily to you or to me, but to someone.
I think that this might have been blown out of proportion. It's a saying, just a saying, nitty gritty is a saying, widely used but in my opinion fare MORE offensive.
HP - I'm through with the replies (too long!)
)
That was a gash thing to shout! I'm sure Bentley would have been up the other end of the pitch by the time you finished speaking! (still laughing at myself reading that back!
Ah well got a bit carried away! Try cheering loudly!
Reply to Ginge1:
If we play like we did in the first half yesterday you can have it for 900 Drachmas.
Reply to HenryPercy:
Use "touch of an elephant", as a low calorie substitute. Only our large eared pachyderm friends can get offended and lets face it, they rarely venture near this site. Unless Rick Waller is a yid?
Defoe..dressed up like a Lancastrian Miner....fokin marvelous!! I bet some of those northern lads feel down in the pits today I say alfie! I say!!
Reply to elfranklins:
I was waiting for him to shout "G'day Mary Poppins"
That's the one thing this board has been missing. A nice bit of PC inanity by the new age revolution.
'Touch of a rapist' is a metaphor used so frequently in football, I fully expect it to make the next Merriam-Webster update. To the lady, if you've never heard that turn of phrase before, I'm surprised but brace yourself as you may hear it again. To everyone else suddenly a black belt in PC after penning some posts less gender sensitive than an 80s stockbroker, do me a fucking favour. Keep it outside.
Reply to Nunchucks:
Swooon.... my hero.... HA HA HA!
Well said nunchucks!
Reply to HenryPercy:
Chim Chimerny, Chim Chimerney, Chim Chim Cheroooo (etc.)... Very apt for Mr Defoe!
Reply to Nunchucks:
yes.
what he said.
next week Joey Deacon will be guest visitor and collecting all your fawning, backtracking and apologies for your darren bent/retard jokes.
followed by Michael Barrymore, Gary Glitter and Dale Winton.
As Spurs fans. aren't we all supposed to be racist homophobes?
Reply to WillyLight:
well i don't like queers...can i say that...
.....especially playing down the left
Reply to Nunchucks:
Here, here (i'm starting to warm to you numnuts
!!!!)
Reply to jolsgonemental:
unless i become a rapist myself, im not going to start apologising for it.
Reply to Ginge1:
not for me growing up. I think i must have just missed out on Joey Deacon, only to be aquanted with his legend a couple of years back by a girl i worked with.
Reply to Ginge1:
"Also I noticed on the Villa Oleole page they mention we might be in for Shorey."
We'd like Bale in return. If that's alright with you.
Reply to Nunchucks:
Well said mate! The metaphor may not be to everyone's taste, but this is a football blog, not the Haringey Council handbook.
Reply to churchil:
Have you got an extra large pair of jaws I can borrow to take you up on that?
Reply to jolsgonemental:
well I hope you keep us informed on your prohgress!
Reply to TheSchoolboy:
I'll keep you informed on my typing classes
Who would have thought a topic like Spurs vs Burnley would results in such comic filth.
Reply to jolsgonemental:
I got called 'jeremy' by a colleague's cheeky son a few years back when I told him off. No idea who he meant, transpired it was the latest playground 'diss' and referred to the camp trolley dolly off the airport programme that used to be on.
Pissed myself! (cheeky fucker!)
Gotta say a word about Chris Armstrong because there seem to be some short memories on here.....Sure we were all skeptical when he arrived in a cloud of weed smoke as our record signing (4.5Mill) at the time. After all we had waved goodbye to Lineker a couple of years before and we already had Sheringham, then Ferdinand came a couple of years later. He was the 3rd stiker and in my opinion was a real trooper...I can remember a period when Sherry and Sir Les were out for what seemed like forever and Armstrong was all we had and he led the line admirably. He played 141 games scoring 48 goals a better strike rate than Ferdinand (P 118-G 33)...that about 1 every three games same as JD
Reply to chiversmetimbers:
Point well made. I always quite liked him.
Reply to m:
would you have preferred a more exciting 1-1 then?
Reply to CaptainMabbsey:
Stats win prizes. Off me 'ead i'd say that record compares favorably with our most recent purchase. Odd how my memories are nearly all bad. Thing is I hate palace almost as much as the goons. Fuckin' Sainsbury's End, indeed. Probably clouds the old memory.
I do remember him getting his mole on the end of a cracking cross from ginola against man ure in the worthington. Still, can't help but loathe him, thpugh.
Reply to CaptainMabbsey:
Yes, that is a good point. I think opinions of Chris Armstrong were always clouded by the fact that we were all on the edge of our seats waiting for that 'world class striker' announcement.
Then when Chris Armstrong was unveiled it was like being handed a pot noodle when you were expecting caviar.
But no, his record was half decent, fair dos.
Reply to TheSchoolboy:
I remember him having one really good season followed by a couple of inconsistant (poor) seasons
Reply to James147:
how do you know what Arry said to them James?
Reply to chiversmetimbers:
Sadly he is pretty much the reason I support Spurs...he was my favourite player at Palace (my 2nd team as they say) at the tender age of 7 and when he switched to Spurs I was gutted so started to follow Spurs instead. Never looked back!
Reply to CaptainMabbsey:
So it's a deal then?
Reply to juergensdive:
Excellent. Tell me of something that has traumatised you... I'll make a metaphor & post it liberally. One of our people mentioned she didnt like it, a little respect & drop the subject please. Thats all.
If he puts in a showing like last night then yes. The kid's got talent but last night in particular he was an embarrasssment. He rarely ventured over the halfway line and done the bare minimum required of a left back to try and cut out any danger. Their MOM was Chris Eagles correct? A championship right winger who Bale made look like ronaldo... I shudder at the thought of him coming up against the real thing.
The 4 point rating for his performance at the top of this article is massively generous in my opinion.
... in all seriousness though...take Bale but you can keep Nicky Shorey.
Harry, what's your house address?
Reply to Nunchucks:
Nunchucks.
It has been a pleasure meeting you in my lifetime.
Tremendous stuff as ever, of course, old boy.
Reply to HarryHotspur:
Oh c'mon, Bentley's corners & free-kicks we're and all too often are straight to the goal keeper or first defender. He needs lessons from O'Hara.
Reply to HarryHotspur:
Right back at you, you old fool. Now get out of here before you make me smear my mascara.
Reply to Ginge1:
Kerslake, Nethercott, Vega, Tramezzani
Sinton, Toda, Mabizela, Korsten
Moores, Rasiak
Subs: Saib, Rosenthal, Acimovic, Berti, Cundy.
Reply to Astromesmo:
& Mimms as 'Goalie'
I assume you'll play Toda in the Hole?
Reply to toddspur:
Official site:
"Harry Redknapp admitted that he tore into the lads for the first time..."
He said: "I'll find out an awful lot in the second half about a lot of you."
"I said at the end of the game that's what we expect of them - we can't play like we did in the first half."
Although 'playing for their futures' is of course inherently implied in Harry's words anyway, I was sure I'd also read that exact phrase or I wouldn't have used it here.
Have rediscovered it. It's what Neil Ashton reported Harry said. Whether he did use that exact phrase of course makes little difference to Harry's message.
LINK
Reply to Chuck Thruwindows:
Linton Travel Lodge
Nr Norwich
There's a heightened security alert on at present due to an incident involving the inadvertant misuse of microwave oven by a guest that escalated - so you'll understand if withold the room number.
Reply to James147:
"Harry Redknapp admitted that he tore into the lads for the first time..."
Stone me, the entire world has become a seedy melting pot of non consentual sex metaphors.
The Megastore assure me once the CCTV has been released to them the DVD [Cert XXX] will retail under the counter at £19.99...
Reply to HarryHotspur:
Have you got your big plate Harry?
Reply to PLN:
Reply to Astromesmo:
Stop getting Bond wrong!
Andy Booth must be in a worst ever Spurs team!
LINK
Reply to PLN:
Reply to Ginge1:
That's what I said!
I also remember Glenn Hoddle saying Toda liked being called Kevin instead of Kazayuki, as it made him feel more English. Now THAT'S management.
Reply to James147:
Suffice it to say an entire pipe of Pringles would be dwarfed by it's diameter.
Fancy a pint, later?
No, okay, nor do I.
Reply to James147:
what's your favourite Beatles album, H?
Reply to HarryHotspur:
Pint with a Baileys chaser. Otherwise known as a ladyboy.
Reply to Ginge1:
Reply to HarryHotspur:
what about a cup 'a' beans?
Reply to Bimmi:
I cannot argue with you Bimmi, this guy is a pro and should by definition be able to get the fundemental stuff right.
But I will say we (me included) sometimes lose sight of the pressure these halfwits are under.
I make mistakes just wandering from room to room in my own house doing nothing in particular and I don't have over 30,000 people watching me.
Let alone a few thousand groaning 'or better' at at me when I do f*** up.
I mean, if the 'put the dishwasher on but forgot to put the tablet in' fiasco of last Sunday had been subjected to the class of scrutiny DB gets, the 'Who Are Ya's' in my kitchen would have been deafening.
Anyway, I know your not a boo boy. You are blessed with sufficient class that you even ignore our very own Dannyboy at his most rabid
Reply to Ginge1:
I cannot remember laughing in quite such a life threatening manner as when watching Michael explain how his marriage had failed and 'she' was now shacked up with his brother...
Reply to CaptainMabbsey:
Mineral water.
Still or sparkling?
Ooh, half and half.
Reply to Bimmi:
Wings.
The band the Beatles could've been.
Reply to HarryHotspur:
ah, an endorsement from Harry.. it's like a papal blessing..
if Dannyboy could see me now..
Reply to HarryHotspur:
I actually said that to a waiter once. He didn't get it but I made myself laugh
... and maybe that's the point?
200!
Ive gotta stop doing that.
oh and Pavs finish yesterday was superb - if him and Defoe can get an understanding, its going to be oh so sweet.
Reply to HarryHotspur:
ha ha hah hah... brilliant... doesn't he buy 12 bottles of windscreen washer fluid at this point?
Coogan's so underrated by the general populace
Reply to spursfan333:
Sweet you say?
I predict queue barriers outside dentists
Reply to James147:
Thanks james; good old fashioned bollocking then....it aint rocket science really is it
Reply to abe:
He actually said he had no cover at LB if Bale got injured...
Not being picky just putting you right if you were unduly worried about his short term future.
Reply to Bimmi:
"ah, an endorsement from Harry.. it's like a papal blessing.."
It's my way of saying you're depleting the rainforests
I just spent the last hour reading all this. I feel like I've had my eyes raped.......shit.
Reply to DaredandDone:
Nunchucks!!!!!
Reply to HarryHotspur:
Does that make Bimmi a plank then? You'd be more effective having a go at those that eat soya beans nowadays...
Reply to DoubleVision:
I understand all points of view tbh - I find Jimmy Carr hilarious and a good portion of his live comedy is incredibly dodgy - and I laugh. I think it's about expectations and context - I expect it at a Jimmy Carr gig (and 'jokes' down the pub etc.) but not on an HH blog - hence my utterly visceral reaction.
Anyway - football - do Spurs employ a sports psychologist? Do they need one do you think? Or just a major kick up the arse every 5 minutes. what's different about Spurs' players' attitudes compared to, say, Villas? (Who are in a position we should be in) or Hull even...
Admittedly Pav's goal was brilliant and his build-up play is coming along nicely but he didn't win a single header in the first half! And considering Bent's judgement of aerial balls is about as good as that of a one-eyed possum, I'm mightily concerned that we seem to play the long ball a great deal. Bentley was completely shocking, Bale looked out of his depth and Zokora didn't have the best of games. The second half last night was superb but let's not forget what happened in the first. There is still much work to be done!
COYS!
Reply to HarryHotspur:
Thank you.
Reply to spurssandy:
statistics show that 60% of the time, a kick up the arse works every time..
Reply to Yid4life87:
I thought Zok was ok but got over run as he was basically playing Burnley's three man central midfield on his own. I've got to say that Zok & Daws have looked much, much better since Arry arrived. If they continue to improve at this pace by 2010 they'll both be top notch!
Reply to HenryPercy:
I support free speech. It can't necessarily be off limits therefore, but is a matter of choice for each Ole member now everyone knows each others' opinions.
Suppose I hear much worse on the terraces...
Reply to Nunchucks:
I hear it all the time.
Just not come across it on here before... as I recall, it was a matter of contention on Vital aswell. Like I said, I simply let it be known what my visceral reaction was, up to others what they say/write...
There must be funnier metaphors though...
Reply to toddspur:
No prob! No, it really isn't it?
4-4-2. Pick players in their best positions. Work on getting them playing as unit. Tell them they're world beaters.
Play with a highish back line (in my opinion) so you're compact, your midfield has a chance to dominate the game and your strikers aren't isolated.
I really believe that's most of it. Of course you also want to analyse individual situations and strengths in your opponents. But yeah, it's not rocket science.
I don't mean to belittle the difficulty of being a manager, mind. Cos there's a lot of people including me that simply wouldn't cut it. It's simple but it's not easy
Over and out.
Reply to DaredandDone:
'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Get it out with Optrex.'
Spike Milligan.
Just read the UEFA cup player eligibility rules :- Rule 17.17 For all matches from the start of the round of 32, a club may register a
maximum of three new eligible players for the remaining matches in the current competition. Such registration must be completed by 1 February 2008 at the latest. This deadline cannot be extended.
Rule 17:18 clarifies that Defoe, Pav and Corluka remain ineligible as they have played in the EUFA cup (though Hutton would be eligible - if he was fit - as he played in the Champions League and Rangers didn't drop down to the Uefa Cup)- but the likes of KPG, Taraabt etc. could be registered ... which at least would give more options ..
Reply to James 147:
A defence need confidence to play a high line. Not easy when your own crowd boo at hiss like Widow Twanky at Panto every time you touch the ball.
A high line does make it easier to play to feet though and our whole problem in the first half last night was having too much of a gap between the defence and strikers, leaving the midfield in no-man's land.
Reply to spurssandy:
is she gone??
God, that Bale has the touch of a rapist..
Reply to spurssandy:
"I expect it at a Jimmy Carr gig (and 'jokes' down the pub etc.) but not on an HH blog"
Not desperatley seeking an altercation, but therein lies the rub.
You pay £XX by credit card to hear him* - where you effectively admit you know the territory he will/shall cover...
Yet you read me for free and are able to [as politely as you did] inflict your own flawed value system upon me.
HH
Alcatrazz
Out
Reply to HarryHotspur:
* Not sure where that asterisk came from...
Reply to Bobgarty:
thats a shame i was sure....pav and corluka would of been able to play in the knock out stages....maybe even defoe...oh well...
on bale....let's give the kid a chance he is 18/19....he probably has trouble geeting out of bed still....i always say...left footers don't grow on trees....keep them until your damn sure they are no good....
Reply to HarryHotspur:
on this offending stuff...i'd like to think you can say anything you like....on here....if people don't like it they will let you know...
i know this is your blog HH....but it's not like you are the BBC or other such PC mad media institutions.....
the internet...last stand of the free man....right on brothers...
Reply to KOJAC:
that made me think of...citizen smith.....aahh happy days...
Reply to KOJAC:
Yetis of the world unite!
Reply to KOJAC:
i'm offended by berets, goes back to an ex.
Seen the new post Koj?
Reply to spurssandy:
“Anyway - football - do Spurs employ a sports psychologist? Do they need one do you think? Or just a major kick up the arse every 5 minutes. what's different about Spurs' players' attitudes compared to, say, Villas?”
I am uniquely qualified here as I am a psychiatrist and a Villan.
Spurssandy, it’s like this. Every so often football players get idle and sloppy and have to be told the facts of life. The manager’s assistant, in this case John Robertson, will gather the players together on a Tuesday after training and address them something like this: “OK lads listen in ‘cause I’m not going to repeat myself. Basically, the girl lies down on her back with her legs open and the boy lies on top. Face down. Don’t let me ‘ave to tell you again.”
When ‘Arry was young this sort of frankness was embarrassing so he might like to get his son Jamie to do it. I assume Jamie knows about these things.
Anyway, is it a deal? Shorey for Bale?
Reply to HarryHotspur:
er... I didn't pay for the tickets..!
right....why didn't this link work...i'll keep trying over here so that it doesn't annoy people...LINK