Russ Abbott At The Lane?

This from the THFC website: Juande Ramos will have just about a full squad to select from for Saturday's opener at Middlesbrough.

The exception is defender Alan Hutton, who misses the trip to Teeside with a foot injury sustained in pre-season.

Is that code for Metatarsal? Fecking hope not.

He has a Sprained Ankle BC

Reply to RoundTheCorner:

He has a Sprained Ankle BC

Hmmmm. Ok, but I dont like the sound of "foot" injuries. Power to the people Wolfie!"

Reply to BruceCastle:

Reply to RoundTheCorner:

He has a Sprained Ankle BC

Hmmmm. Ok, but I dont like the sound of "foot" injuries. Power to the people Wolfie!"

Yeti.

arshavin will sign in time 4 boro away

willie - is that based upon any inside knowledge?

Reply to BruceCastle:

This from the THFC website: Juande Ramos will have just about a full squad to select from for Saturday's opener at Middlesbrough.

The exception is defender Alan Hutton, who misses the trip to Teeside with a foot injury sustained in pre-season.

Is that code for Metatarsal?...

I heard that from an international perspective he was targetting the first World Cup Qualifiers (i.e. Sat 6th Sept)

berbatov will kiss the badge, sign a new contract, and tell rudolf to stick his hairdrier up his arshaven.. in time for boro away

Peterborough's ground has a brilliant atmosphere!
I have never seen an enjoyable match with Rotheram involved untill i went to london road.
I have only been to 2 more grounds than the one's listed. (and they were selhurst park and the new den)
1.whl
2.anfield
3.sjp
4.london road

Dear oh dear, look how citeh are getting on!

Corluka must be sick!!

About the away supporters. I'm not one, but when I was a kid I used to get dragged to the dell by my dad and his mates to watch southampton play. I remember commenting on how much noise the away supporters were making, on hearing them non-stop from the other end of the pitch. I had the misfortune to go and see them play chelsea at st marys before they got relegated, and the only time started making any noise was when chelsea started singing "stand up if you hate hoddle".

I doubt there'll be much of a party atmosphere at the SAS-arena for Sparky. Losing at home to a team named after a Norse wolf god, and who didn't think the name of their opponents was some funny typo: FC Midtjylland???

So by the end of the window, Citeh will be out of Europe, Tax-sin will be locked up at the Bangkok Hilton, and Cor-Luka will be a domestic only Spurs player.

I bet the CoM is a fun [lace to be right now?

willie, he'll have to be registered by 12 noon on friday so he'd better get a bloody move on....

to the tune ov popeye
im keanno the pikeyman
i live in a caravan
im now breaking in house
now im with the scouses
im keanno the pikeyman
niceone harry
coys

Hi Harry first time call'er on the show ha ha!First away game at Shefield wed, seated behind a steel column with no veiw of the game, luckily for me there were not a lot of travelling supporters, so i could sit where i pleased, but the performance was such that i decided to sit back infront of steel post as we went 1 nil down and played poorly, Mr Pleat was in charge at the time i believe. The good points were the pies i ate at half time very tasty. The result we lost 1.0!
Having recovered my confidence some years later i travelled to see us play the spammers on the last day of the season and on travelling to the ground, heard a ridiculous story on the radio about our players being up
all night, being sick, a very surreal moment but it was true and the rest is history. I do remember the ground being very dated tho and us singing were on our way to europe and its happrning quite a lot these days, looking forward to my next away game third time lucky come on you Spurs, go to go the misus is giving it to me in my left ear bla bla bloody still downstairs on that bloody computer stuff looking forward to new season, over and out!

Reply to sillie:

About the away supporters. I'm not one, but when I was a kid I used to get dragged to the dell by my dad and his mates to watch southampton play. I remember commenting on how much noise the away supporters were making, on hearing them non-stop from the other end of the pitch. I had the misfortune to...

Cheers sillie.

Babajide Babatunde, lets get him in. What a great name to have on the back of your shirt. Cmon Vedran, get your transfer request in now. You know its for the greater good.

Don't know too much about away atmospheres, but the away Blackpool fans at WHL were great in the Carling Cup, with their whump-whump-whumping and chanting for the entire game.

If their home-games are like that, the atmosphere must be enviable.

Villa Park (from what I rememeber of it, more than 20 years on) seemed to offer the atmosphere of a pergola, but I'm sure that's just a quaint memory now.

Reply to jimbo yiddo:

Hi Harry first time call'er on the show ha ha!First away game at Shefield wed, seated behind a steel column with no veiw of the game, luckily for me there were not a lot of travelling supporters, so i could sit where i pleased, but the performance was such that i decided to sit back infront of steel...

Thank you, jimbo.. tell her she's right, you know it makes sense....

The best atmosphere at a Prem ground is at Middlesbro...the away end on saturday 16th August and thereafter each away end at each Spurs away fixture !

Wouldn't the work permit delay Arshavin from the Boro game? We dont need him for the game anyway. We're more than good enough to win on saturday.

Have to agree with you Harry. I've had the misfortune of being on the wrong side of Stanford Bridge and Old Trafford and our boys/girls make one hell of a fucking effort. Good on them says I.

What about the atmosphere at Man City tonight then! were they playing behind closed doors. I've seen more life in a tramps vest!

pompey fans last season at fratton park were shockin. very disapointin

The old kop was pretty amazing to be fair!

Especially when you see terry fenwick(!) scoring 30 seconds after they take the lead...that shut them up!!

I never enjoyed Highbury - maybe because I always fely dirty there - but I did feel that, had I been born in Woolwich, I might've taken to the ambience. It was hard to be objective, though, and even the hot-dog and pea-nut sellers seemed low-grade in comparison to home.

Stamford Bridge didn't really seem like a proper football stadium at all. There was no sense of empathy among the supporters, no mutual support or encouragement. I remember being a long way from the pitch, which only added to the feeling that the crowd lacked involvement with the actual events on the pitch.

Quite a few years ago now, and memory plays tricks.

Reply to North17:

The old kop was pretty amazing to be fair!

Especially when you see terry fenwick(!) scoring 30 seconds after they take the lead...that shut them up!!

Go on North17.

Triffic.

The one and only time I've had the pleasure to watch Celtic fans live was at Loftus Road at when my mate got me a ticket to see a pre-season against QPR. Their away support is immense. We got on the tube at Warren Street, and you could tell when they got on because even 2 carriages away, you could hear the twang of a scottish chant over the screeching of the Central Line for the duration. When we got our, we understood why -it was nearly 2 carriages worth of green and white hoops.

Reply to 9__37:

I never enjoyed Highbury - maybe because I always fely dirty there - but I did feel that, had I been born in Woolwich, I might've taken to the ambience. It was hard to be objective, though, and even the hot-dog and pea-nut sellers seemed low-grade in comparison to home.

Stamford...

Brave but right.

One of the great 'injustices' of sorts is that our generation didn't get a Fever Pitch when they older mob had The Glory Game.

Reply to 9__37:

I never enjoyed Highbury - maybe because I always fely dirty there - but I did feel that, had I been born in Woolwich, I might've taken to the ambience. It was hard to be objective, though, and even the hot-dog and pea-nut sellers seemed low-grade in comparison to home.

Stamford...

'The' older mob, sorry.

im thinkin about buying a ticket to chelscum away on the 31st, theres some tickets goin on sale tomorrow. any of you boys goin?? we've got an allocation of just over 3,000 so should be good atmosphere, at least in 1 corner of that shithole. i went, i think 2 years back, but i was in the chelsea end cos of a mate of mine, when we lost 2-1 in the 92nd minute when either makelele or gallas scored an absolute stunner, flew past robbo. and me just sittin in with the chelsea. spurs boys didnt stop singin for 91 minutes. totally outsung them but the end was shite. jenas scored aswel and our boys went mental

Last one I promise. But I just read that Mark Hughes men, lost to a team where one star player is called "Adigun Taofeek Salami" I bet he's big in Midtjylland! And to think how much more Citeh's players are getting.

Reply to mark-acidtart:

to the tune ov popeye
im keanno the pikeyman
i live in a caravan
im now breaking in house
now im with the scouses
im keanno the pikeyman
niceone harry
coys

And to think i never got the chance to put forward my Berbatov song...

to the tune of 'peaches' by the stranglers:

Berbatov,
we've got dimitar,
Berbatov,
we've got dimitar.

walking through defences taking silky touches

and so on...

oh the regrets.

Bentley has a new haircut! LINK
Gus is diamond.

I remember, before moving to Cardiff, as a boy watching brentford quite often as i used to play for Junior Bees and got free tickets. At one point in the mid-90's there was a craze for "chomp storms"

everyone used to buy ten for a quid and when the right oppo player came to take a throw in everyone would start withe "chomp, chomp, chomp, chomp" chant and lob em all at the poor, unsuspecting, chap.

didn't last long mind. the stewards started confiscating them

Reply to Trembly:

Bentley has a new haircut! LINK
Gus is diamond.

"Mr Bentley, he hath a new hecut"

legend, i love his accent

Reply to HarryHotspur:

Reply to North17:

The old kop was pretty amazing to be fair!

Especially when you see terry fenwick(!) scoring 30 seconds after they take the lead...that shut them up!!

Go on North17.

Triffic.

Yeah this little yid nearly pissed himself when that happened...although i needn't have worried as that did appear to be commom practice on there amongst the scousers!!

Reply to vincenzo_spur:

Reply to mark-acidtart:

to the tune ov popeye
im keanno the pikeyman
i live in a caravan
im now breaking in house
now im with the scouses
im keanno the pikeyman
niceone harry
coys

And to think i never got the chance to put forward my Berbatov song...

to the tune of 'peaches' by the stranglers:

Berbatov,
we've got dimitar,
Berbatov,
we've got dimitar.

walking through defences taking silky touches
...

"In what way?"

"Every fucking way..."







[Sexy Beast)

nice, nice...

i'll bring my bass to the lane if the unthinkable happens.

Having said that i can see Poyet kneeling over a half asleep berbatov with a new contract in one hand goin "you will, you will"

as if clarification was required... a la ben kingsley

Reply to vincenzo_spur:

nice, nice...

i'll bring my bass to the lane if the unthinkable happens.

Having said that i can see Poyet kneeling over a half asleep berbatov with a new contract in one hand goin "you will, you will"

Grosvenor.

Rowntree.

Yes.

yid16, I watched that match in Walkabout in Soho - a sports' venue of sorts, along with Bok Bar. It was Gallas who scored the winner, the cnut. The atmosphere in the pub was rubbish, but I was crushed inside anyway, as I'd seen the shot coming in slow-motion, and there were few fellow yids to commiserate with.

The atmosphere outside my house used to be great in the old days, when standing allowed larger crowds and the stadium wasn't so built up. As a nipper, I could follow the games by the roars.

Point being there are current atmospheres and historic ones, and I wonder how they stand up to comparison. I'd hazard a guess that some of today's finest would pale against those of yesteryear.

That boy who scored agaisnt Man Sh1tty looks like a young Kirk Douglas.

Transfer request for Mr Corluka, please.

Reply to Trembly:

Bentley has a new haircut! LINK
Gus is diamond.

After a couple of months, Gus says, everybody will know just how good is Modric.

He doesn't sound flakey, or speculative; he just tells it how he sees it. The more I hear of Gus and the squad's changed mentality, the more I incline to think he's the wellspring of its renaissance.

Reply to Trembly:

The one and only time I've had the pleasure to watch Celtic fans live was at Loftus Road at when my mate got me a ticket to see a pre-season against QPR. Their away support is immense. We got on the tube at Warren Street, and you could tell when they got on because even 2 carriages away, you could...

We do enjoy our trips to London...expect going to Stamford Bridge 2 seasons ago

Funny thing is...Chelski are never no where to be seen at Fulham or QPR when we have between 6 and 10 thousand but come out in numbers when only have 2000 at the game....

But...I think you struggle to find a bigger traveling support in Europe than us...

Reply to 9__37:

Reply to Trembly:

Bentley has a new haircut! LINK
Gus is diamond.

After a couple of months, Gus says, everybody will know just how good is Modric.

He doesn't sound flakey, or speculative; he just tells it how he sees it. The more I hear of Gus and the squad's changed mentality, the more I incline to think he's the wellspring of its renaissance.

Amen brother.

Can I get a witness?

Of course you can, dear.

Hopefully his name is Andy Gray and like that scene from Red Dragon where eyelids are pinned back ......

Reply to HarryHotspur:

Reply to BruceCastle:

Reply to RoundTheCorner:

He has a Sprained Ankle BC

Hmmmm. Ok, but I dont like the sound of "foot" injuries. Power to the people Wolfie!"

Yeti.

Oboe

upton park away, jan 2005, 1-0 down at half time the spammers were full of it. come full time when teddy and jurgen turned it round for a 2-1 win and it didn't feel half bad, even if the twats were coining us from the upper tier. shit ground, shit support, great win!

Reply to LordOfTheWing:

Reply to Trembly:

The one and only time I've had the pleasure to watch Celtic fans live was at Loftus Road at when my mate got me a ticket to see a pre-season against QPR. Their away support is immense. We got on the tube at Warren Street, and you could tell when they got on because even 2 carriages away, you could...

We do enjoy our trips to London...expect going to Stamford Bridge 2 seasons ago

Funny thing is...Chelski are never no where to be seen at Fulham or QPR when we have between 6 and 10 thousand but come out in numbers when only have 2000 at the game....

But...I think...

Hail Hail

My first taste of WHL was in April '78, in the old Division 2. I was 12, I went alone, I remember having to get the tube, then the train and then walk up the High Road. I didn't know where to go so I just lined up at the first turnstile I came to. Next thing I was crammed like a sardine on the old shelf, couldn't see a bloody thing and surrounded by big hairy yiddos! .....the atmosphere was intense, electric and really edgy...it's not really like that anywhere anymore with all seater stadiums..Taylor Report etc... I hardly saw the match, definately didn't see the goal cos all i could see was some big sweaty yiddo's armpit! Apparently we beat Bolton 1-0 the records say it was some bloke called McAllister and there were 50,097 fans! Living overseas for too long now I havn't had the chance to sample the atmoshere for my self...but my brother is a season ticket holder and he says that on a good night it's better than anywhere. I'm comin over next week, anyone know where I can get tickets for the Fridge game?

Reply to taffa:

upton park away, jan 2005, 1-0 down at half time the spammers were full of it. come full time when teddy and jurgen turned it round for a 2-1 win and it didn't feel half bad, even if the twats were coining us from the upper tier. shit ground, shit support, great win!

taffa, that's what we're about tonight... Thank you for sharing. Top man.

But not in a negative, sartorial way.

when i was a wee lad me old man got me tickets to spammers v spurs. he got them through work so unfortunately we were in the home supporters stand. i must admit the spammers gave it large that night and i was quietly impressed. but the worst thing about the night was that we were right at the top of the stand with the fucking pigeons! one actually shit on my head!!! they must of known i was a yido!....bastards!

Reply to Chiversmetimbers:

My first taste of WHL was in April '78, in the old Division 2. I was 12, I went alone, I remember having to get the tube, then the train and then walk up the High Road. I didn't know where to go so I just lined up at the first turnstile I came to. Next thing I was crammed like a sardine on the old...

Yid.





Are my initial thoughts.

On the subject of stadia atmosphere, I was sat behind and next two a group of pi55ed up adolescent yiddos at the lane on Sunday in the Park Lane behind the goal. They spent the whole 1st half shouting "Arthur!" at the Roma goalie (Artur) and then giggling like children. Not once did any of them do an 'Olive' from 'On The Buses' impression. Wankers.

Dear Harold,

i would like to commend you on your mercurial website.
I have read it regularly for a couple of years now, and having just sunk a couple of milkshakes, i feel it is time to make my inaugural foray onto the section termed 'leave a comment.'
i wholeheartedly agree that that the WHL is a special place in terms of atmosphere ( apart from the West Stand where i sit - but you do get a better class of bog for the immoral prices they charge ) but the only place i have been to, which equals it, is Pompey (on a good day.)
Keep up the good work old son.

How about the old library? I remember standing on the clock end with 16000 other spurs fans, new years day circa 1985 (?) Mark Falco scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory; happy days. The home support was shit by the way. Slavia Prague 2 seasons ago (Jenas winner) was pretty special as well.

coys - 2 days and counting. (Can't believe the missus is taking me away for the weekend tomorrow; where will I see the live text feeds? )

Reply to The Buffoon:

Dear Harold,

i would like to commend you on your mercurial website.
I have read it regularly for a couple of years now, and having just sunk a couple of milkshakes, i feel it is time to make my inaugural foray onto the section termed 'leave a comment.'
i wholeheartedly agree...

You're no buffoon at all.

Reply to theoriginaldannyboy:

How about the old library? I remember standing on the clock end with 16000 other spurs fans, new years day circa 1985 (?) Mark Falco scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory; happy days. The home support was shit by the way. Slavia Prague 2 seasons ago (Jenas winner) was pretty special as well....

Good shout on the Library.

Reply to theoriginaldannyboy:

How about the old library? I remember standing on the clock end with 16000 other spurs fans, new years day circa 1985 (?) Mark Falco scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory; happy days. The home support was shit by the way. Slavia Prague 2 seasons ago (Jenas winner) was pretty special as well....

Maybe she has a suprise in store for you. It's not the in laws or where ever it is you think you're going. It just might be she's rewarding you with a trip to Middlesbrough.

Don't get to see many games now as based in devon but 3rd generation spurs supporter - grandad, mum, me. Proud possession is bw photo of great uncle Ted holding the FA Cup circa 1962. My first home game 1969 v Manure - Best chipped Jennings sublimely to score but we ended up 2-2 and I got to see all my heros. First away was a year later at Upton Park, Boxing Day. Uncle Robin was a spammer, and took me and even at that tender age I was aware that we were class act and WH were poor relations - they were good on the pitch though, a bloke bought from non-league Hereford called Tyler was tricky on the wing and some guy called Brooking was pretty handy too. Both home and away matches were all about taking part in something very ancient and fundamental. In Feb this year took my mum and my two teenage daughters to the Lane. First time Mum had been since sitting on Grandad's shoulders in the 40's. She loved it (FA Cup, Reading 2-2) but my daughters shocked by her language - especially at Berbatov who she called a lazy ****. Good judge of character my mum. We didn't know it but she had cancer and died in May. I see about 2 games a year at WHL - looking back that was the best game ever even though Spurs were pretty pants against Reading reserves! I'm not a yiddo nutter but Spurs are in my blood. 2008 we are REBORN. COYS.

Reply to wembleyspurs:

Reply to theoriginaldannyboy:

How about the old library? I remember standing on the clock end with 16000 other spurs fans, new years day circa 1985 (?) Mark Falco scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory; happy days. The home support was shit by the way. Slavia Prague 2 seasons ago (Jenas winner) was pretty special as well....

Maybe she has a suprise in store for you. It's not the in laws or where ever it is you think you're going. It just might be she's rewarding you with a trip to Middlesbrough.

Wishful thinking mate! I know where I'm going; Middlesboro it ain't Oh well, they must have internet cafes abroad; may even get to watch it on Saudi tele

Reply to HarryHotspur:

Reply to The Buffoon:

Dear Harold,

i would like to commend you on your mercurial website.
I have read it regularly for a couple of years now, and having just sunk a couple of milkshakes, i feel it is time to make my inaugural foray onto the section termed 'leave a comment.'
i wholeheartedly agree...

You're no buffoon at all.

Why Harold, thank you for you kind words.

I feel like i have been anointed by 'The Ghost of a Dean Austin Pass-Back' ( that is a good thing compared to a Dean Austin pass forward. )

This is one of the few sites which has integrity and someone with the surname Hotspur at the helm - it's a win-draw sketch for me.

I hope, like i'm sure all fellow THFC lovers, that this season isn't yet another false dawn.
And yet what exactly does constitute a false dawn?
5th place?
The EPL is a mirage. A sham. Supporting THFC is analogous to getting on a train going south, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Angel of the North, only to realise you have got on at Darlington.

Despite that i lap it up. Like a mug. But a bespoke mug made out of finest viscose and sold in Poundstretcher for £1.01p. We all do though don't we? It fills a void!

I hope Berbatov leaves by saturday.....if only because i would rather a
rough diamond from the playgrounds of Edmonton adorned the shirt, because it actually almost mattered to him. ) I am aware that is hopelessly, callow 5th form thinking.....I am rooting for D. Bent.

On that subject, are fellow fans sold by Bentley's ambiguous declarations of intent? You really, really, want to believe him don't you....despite that, i think he is a fantastic acquisition....anyway peace and solidarity to you Harold and all fellow fans for the coming season.

I think we might sneak 13th spot, just below Blackburn. ( managed by a Dave Merrington and Les Reed 'dream team' come late September. )
COYS.

another first time poster....Filling up,sniff, remembering UEFA cup semi final against AC Milan. sitting on crash barrier at back of paxton lane standing. Italian supporters in seats behind us giving it large, suddenly Perryman lashes one in, crowd go crazy and this ten year old boy experiences his dad swear for the first time in his life as he lets loose a verbal tirade at the AC fans, including how they were a bunch of diving, spitting, dirty fouling bastards who also ran a mile during the second world war as soon as they saw any opposition forces... not sure what was the greatest shock to me my beloved father and his expletives or Perryman scoring a goal!!!

Damn this is beginning to sound like popping the cherry.....First time, student in London, Fall 83...most memorable were the European nights against Feyenord (Cruyff at the end of his career)and Bayern (the Ruminegge brothers). You thought the war was still on!!! Standing behind Ray Clemence putting his hand to his ear to get some noise.....tied me to the club for life...once you go Spurs you don't go anywhere else!!!!!

Chicken Run late seventies. Scared as fuck.

HH

Good pal of mine was filling me in about his trip to Rotterdam. Said he met some great Yids and they had a few beers, some banter and a bit of a laugh.

He was most impressed as his only experience of Londoners was that trip to Stamford Bridge.

Said the banter in the ground was jovial and he wishes youse well for the season.

Stamford Bridge sucked. Got dragged along for a Champions League match a few years back by my tutor at school. (Maybe he had other intentions and was just trying to impress me?!?)

Sat in the front row behind the goal, I ended up reading the match programme for the second half as it was so boring! It was so quiet, you could clearly hear the managers giving their instructions to the players. No finger pointing or gesturing needed.
At this point I realised that most Chelsea supporters are glory supporters. I am ashamed to admit that some of my friends at school made the transition after the russian revolution.

Tottenham fans will always be the most loyal in my mind. And not just on the pitch. Our active lives in the forums and wearing down our refresh button on newsnow.

We live Spurs! We breath Spurs! We are Spurs!

BIOYC

Besiktas in the UEFA cup a couple of years back. Their fans were something else. Didn't stop singing (making weird guttural noises) from start to finish.

Being a Yid, I booked the cheapest flights I could find. Much to the girlfriend's annoyance, that option meant five days away. She'd moved out by the time I got back. Bitch

Reply to TMWNN:

Besiktas in the UEFA cup a couple of years back. Their fans were something else. Didn't stop singing (making weird guttural noises) from start to finish.

Being a Yid, I booked the cheapest flights I could find. Much to the girlfriend's annoyance, that option meant five days away. She'd...

Forgot one more...

We live Spurs! We breath Spurs! We are Spurs! and we put Spurs first!

My first taste of WHL was a 3-1 against sheffield wednesday....it was a while ago, as it was in the standing section lower tier west side.

I remember being over the moon watching Gazza play (i think he had a cast on too) but the only thing that spoiled it was some fella in front who yelled to a wednesday player after a crunching tackle "Get up you fucking fairy, before i rape your wife",

To a 9 year old, that was pretty mean. Testimant to how much i was scared is the fact i remember it, crystal clear like, 21 years later!

I doubt it would be win any "best fans" competitions either......

My Da didn't take it none to kindly either.

Thank god our supporters have far more etiquette these days......!!

Consistently WHL has the best atmosphere i've seen. It has got better in the past 2 years after a bit of a lull before Jol stepped up.

As far as away days go, I won't forget the 6-2 win over wimbledon at selhurst park in '98. Klinsman scored 4 in 20 mins and ginola pissed the useless ben thatcher off so much he took it out on allen neilsens Knee. Spurs fans outnumbered the home support and the "party" atmos was helped by the fact it was a hot day. It felt like a holiday, despite selhurst park being the worst ground in the country. After klinsmans hat trick goal I ended up seven rows forward because of all the mentalness. I've a scar from the shitty wooded seats on me leg. Ah memories

Reply to TheSchoolboy:

Consistently WHL has the best atmosphere i've seen. It has got better in the past 2 years after a bit of a lull before Jol stepped up.

As far as away days go, I won't forget the 6-2 win over wimbledon at selhurst park in '98. Klinsman scored 4 in 20 mins and ginola pissed the useless...

I have a vague memory of Selhurst Park going with my brother in law to watch Wimbledon v Everton. I say vague because it s such a grey, nonevent of a day that I thought might be alright. Free tickets but a pretty piss poor day. Shite football featuring shite Zidane headbutt target Materazzi, shite atmosphre, shite stadium, shite seats, couldn't wait to leave and never vowed never again.

Anyone else seen this!!!

LINKfacets/football/

Reply to banger:

Anyone else seen this!!!

LINKfacets/football/

Cracking news. But that'll rule him out for tomorrow. I watched a re-run of the Zenit's domestic cup 1-4 defeat on Wednesday - they were appalling. AA just didn't have the attacking support - he's going to love it at WHL.

But then you see this....and wonder what the hell is going on.

LINK

Reply to TheSchoolboy:

Consistently WHL has the best atmosphere i've seen. It has got better in the past 2 years after a bit of a lull before Jol stepped up.

As far as away days go, I won't forget the 6-2 win over wimbledon at selhurst park in '98. Klinsman scored 4 in 20 mins and ginola pissed the useless...

Couldn't get to the game, but remember listening on the radio.

'JURGEN KLINSMANN, SON OF A BAKER, PUTS THE ICING ON THE CAKE!' Johnathan Pearce's commentary on Klinsmann banging in his fourth.

Andrei Arshavin could become a Tottenham Hotspur player as early as Friday evening after Zenit St Petersburg confirmed that they have lowered their asking price for the forward and that negotiations with Spurs are now at an advanced stage.

Juande Ramos has targeted the Russia international as a replacement for Robbie Keane and Spurs have already agreed personal terms with the player who is determined to leave his home country after a stellar showing at Euro 2008.

Arshavin recently admitted that his performances in Austria and Switzerland have hindered his chances of moving abroad as Zenit – bankrolled by gas giants Gazprom – are well aware of his inflated value and had been seeking a transfer fee in the region of £28 million.

The Russian club have now relented in their demands though and Zenit expect talks with Tottenham to come to a swift, and positive, conclusion.

“Now we are in negotiations with Tottenham and some clarity is likely to come on Friday evening,” Zenit official Konstantin Sarsaniya told Sovetsky Sport.

“There are only small differences left.

“Zenit have decided to reduce the asking price for Andrei, but exactly how much I cannot say because the negotiations were led by Zenit president Alexander Dyukov.”

Arshavin had made no secret of his desire to join Barcelona after Euro 2008, but when the Catalan giants failed with a bid for the 27-year-old it quickly became apparent that a move to The Premier League was a distinct possibility.

Both Chelsea and Arsenal were linked with the gifted playmaker at various points over the summer but it appears as though one of 2008’s most lengthy sagas will now end with Arshavin joining Giovani dos Santos, Luka Modric and David Bentley in an exciting Spurs line-up for next season. THIS IS BRILL UP THE YIDS

rebecca freeman

Just seen the article myself and I have to say I'm quite pleased. This must mean that Spurs are going to get AA for the price that Levy wants and in doing so will see us not getting our eyes taken out and paying over the odds. - Levy must be one hell of a negotiator!!

I know my views on AA havent been shared by all on this blog, but as i have said before if and when he joins I will welcome him to the club and hope that he can prove he can cut it against the very best the premier league has to offer.

A midfield of

modric Jenas

Bentley Arshavin

Dos Santos

Have to say when was the last time our midfield looked THAT good???

Cant wait for 3pm tomoro!!!

Supposed to read:

--------- Jenas ----- Modric ----------

--Bentley---------------------Arshavin--

------------- Dos Santos ----------------

Reply to BillyB:

But then you see this....and wonder what the hell is going on.

LINK

People on this site just keep on guessing if you ask me!

Reply to jamiespurs:

Supposed to read:

--------- Jenas ----- Modric ----------

--Bentley---------------------Arshavin--

------------- Dos Santos ----------------

If Arshavin comes then he will be the most advanced in my view! But as I said yesterday you could move any of them midfielders around and most of them would be comfortable! Flexibility is the key! COYS

Reply to TheSchoolboy:

Consistently WHL has the best atmosphere i've seen. It has got better in the past 2 years after a bit of a lull before Jol stepped up.

As far as away days go, I won't forget the 6-2 win over wimbledon at selhurst park in '98. Klinsman scored 4 in 20 mins and ginola pissed the useless...

Harry, I hate to criticise the finest blogg on the web, but it's a real bugger to refresh.

Rather than having one long scrolling page of excellence, is there any chance of splitting each topic into pages of, say 30 comments a page?

Reply to banger:

Reply to jamiespurs:

Supposed to read:

--------- Jenas ----- Modric ----------

--Bentley---------------------Arshavin--

------------- Dos Santos ----------------

If Arshavin comes then he will be the most advanced in my view! But as I said yesterday you could move any of them midfielders around and most of them would be comfortable! Flexibility is the key! COYS

From what I've seen of him he would be more use on the left. Gio cuts inside an awful lot and AA seems to have a bit more discipline at keeping the width.

Either way I think you'll see that midfield being very very fluid. JJ & Modric taking it in turns to attack the space on the edge of the 18yrd box, Bentley, AA & Gio swapping positions all along that front 3 and Bent up front banging home the obscene amount of chances they will create! Its the dawn of a new era at tottenham hostspur! I wouldn't want to support anyone else right now!

On another note.... I hope we do bring Santa Cruz in from Rovers. Chances are it may prove difficult as they seem intent on keeping him but money talks and Ince could bring in a few players for £15m. Santa Cruz IMO was very impressive last season and he scored alot of goals in an underperforming side. Just imagine what he could do with that midfield behind him!

Reply to banger:

Reply to jamiespurs:

Supposed to read:

--------- Jenas ----- Modric ----------

--Bentley---------------------Arshavin--

------------- Dos Santos ----------------

If Arshavin comes then he will be the most advanced in my view! But as I said yesterday you could move any of them midfielders around and most of them would be comfortable! Flexibility is the key! COYS

The flexibility there is pretty sexy and would scare the shit out of any team.

I like Jamie having Arshavin on the left. Thats where I would put him. If you watch his youtube video, a lot of the time he is bombing down the left slotting crosses in and clever little flicks. It seems to be the position he prefers. With 5 highly intelligent players in midfield we will be able to adapt when one gets caught forward after an attack breaks down etc. It is just so god damn exciting.

Just over 16 hours to go!!!

I would hope each of those midfielders would score 5-10 goals each and hopefully Benty or another centre forward will get 15-20!

Anyway lads I think were in for a season of Goals, Goals and more Goals......COYS!

Best Atmospheres in my experience away from the Lane;

1) Birmingham
2) Cardiff

worst!

1) Emptycrates
2) Blackburn

Reply to banger:

I would hope each of those midfielders would score 5-10 goals each and hopefully Benty or another centre forward will get 15-20!

Anyway lads I think were in for a season of Goals, Goals and more Goals......COYS!

I dont think we'll see Modric score that many. He doesn't seem to be that sort of player. JJ, Bentley, AA & Gio should be aiming for around 8-10 goals each though.

Bentys tally IMO all depends on his start to the season. If he can continue his goalscoring form then I think there will be no stopping him, if he doesn't score for a few games then I will start to worry.

Some fantastic comments folks. Well done.

On the Arshavin thing. I think we've reached the point whereby someone needs to phone the Director of Zenit St Petersberg, on his mobile, pretending to be the Editor of The Jewish Chronicle/Horse & Hound/ etc and see if he's willing to drop any hints.

Threaten him with a visit, feature piece on Russian football on the up, modern force in the global game spiel.

They're only a couple of hours ahead. I'll give him a shout around teatime and report back.

God Save The Queen (And Her Fascist Regime)

Good news for our expansive attacking play >>

LINK

If Boro are going to go out and plan to attack teams then there will be an awful lot of space in behind their midfield and down the flanks. I back out guys to use this to their full advantage and bag a few goals by playing that lovely speedy fast paced style we've developed and seen in pre-season.

LINK

Certain things are true when it comes to the English and Johnny Foreigner,
namely:

1) The weakest Englishman is stronger than the strongest Frenchman.
2) Holiday resorts are there solely for our amusement and the locals
should be very grateful for our patronage.
3) Foreign laws do not apply to an Englishman, under any circumstances.
4) The word of an English criminal is more trustworthy than that of a
foreign judge.

Steve McLaren, however despicable he is, is English.

He was indeed, a lousy judge of footballer and football tactics.

But what I refuse to call into question is his judgment on the use of
language whilst abroad. As an Englishman (however reviled) it must still
be impeccable.

An often cited quote that describes the principle of freedom of speech
comes from Evelyn Beatrice Hall and is commonly attributed to Voltaire: "I
disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to
say it."

I disapprove of Steve McLaren, his umbrella, Terry Venables' shopping
list, his bottle of water AND his dodgy barnet immensely - but I will
defend to the death his prerogative as an Englishman to pronounce words
towards foreign people how he likes: slowly, deliberately and at least
twice as loud as necessary; should he deem it appropriate to do so.

Re: Steve Mclaren

LINK

Certain things are true when it comes to the English and Johnny Foreigner,
namely:

1) The weakest Englishman is stronger than the strongest Frenchman.
2) Holiday resorts are there solely for our amusement and the locals
should be very grateful for our patronage.
3) Foreign laws do not apply to an Englishman, under any circumstances.
4) The word of an English criminal is more trustworthy than that of a
foreign judge.

Steve McLaren, however despicable he is, is English.

He was indeed, a lousy judge of footballer and football tactics.

But what I refuse to call into question is his judgment on the use of
language whilst abroad. As an Englishman (however reviled) it must still
be impeccable.

An often cited quote that describes the principle of freedom of speech
comes from Evelyn Beatrice Hall and is commonly attributed to Voltaire: "I
disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to
say it."

I disapprove of Steve McLaren, his umbrella, Terry Venables' shopping
list, his bottle of water AND his dodgy barnet immensely - but I will
defend to the death his prerogative as an Englishman to pronounce words
towards foreign people how he likes: slowly, deliberately and at least
twice as loud as necessary; should he deem it appropriate to do so.

HH or any ITK'S any news on the Corluka deal is this now dead or still going on in the back ground? Mind you he did have shocker for City yesterday

I would just like to state the Assou-Ekottos hair is the 8th wonder of the world.

Reply to Grazza:

I would just like to state the Assou-Ekottos hair is the 8th wonder of the world.

I'd like to know how they managed to put that badger stripe through it while it was still in an afro!

Reply to Grazza:

..." rel="nofollow">LINK

Wonderful mate. Sehr Gut. Yes Blood.



I am reminded of my ancestor Cecil Rhodes...“Remember that you are an Englishman, and have consequently won first prize in the lottery of life”

So Barca back in for Arshavin? Could there be a dealing here with Spurs that we give them Berba for less than we are asking from Utd if they give us a clear run at Arshavin?

p.s. McClaren is such a bellend

Reply to BruceCastle:

Chicken Run late seventies. Scared as fuck.

Snap, mate. The rumour, late last season, that we might "rent" the Boleyn while WHL was redeveloped, didn't exactly fill me with a warm tingly feeling.
I always like going to Fulham. It's a nice, compact ground; pleasant walk by the river, etc. OK their fans are mute, but we take loads - so you get a proper blast of that slooooow version of "When the Spurs ..."
9.37 - good shout on the Tangerine's fans at the Lane. Lower League away support for the Little Cup is often top-notch. I thought Port Vale were first class, too, the season before.
Cream - good call on Pompey last December. I live down here these days - and the Fratton park season ticket holders I know were embarrased by the (lack of) atmosphere. Despite the successful season, they had to put up with some pretty boring football last year apparently. Also, the Pompey stewards apparently give their "wanker with the bell" a bit of a hard time.

Re my comment 42, it was actually Walkabout in Covent Garden. D'oh! Put it down to Gallas' last minute screamer, or plain old age.

boveyspur, I wonder if that 2-2 game against Manure was the one I nearly went to - but didn't go to. I have a memory of my father asking me if I wanted to watch Spurs play Manure but, for some reason, I declined. I probably thought, being so young, that the whole of time rolled back before me, in a stream of endless possibilities. I had no idea then of the finiteness of things. I seem to recall my father being disappointed (but probably hid it to save my feelings), and he went alone.

I was surprised when he returned early before the match had finished. His mood was one of sullen outrage, because a group of Mancs - standing on a bank overlooking where he and others were - had begun spitting in unison at them. He arrived home furious and disgusted, declaring he would never go again. And he never did. Which meant I never went with him again either, and a chapter was closed forever.

I think my father must have concluded that day that an era had ended – an era of manners, etiquette and decency - and that wanted nothing from the football world-to-come. This was a man used to watching Blanchflower, Mackay, Dyson, White, Norman, Jones, Greaves et al – often watching alongside my grandfather (on my mum’s side), whose derisory cry to any Spurs player not doing his utmost would be ‘Pick your handbag up!’. If spitting represented the future, then my dad wanted no part of it.

I always regret not going with my father that day (not because I enjoy being spat on!), because I felt he really wanted me with him. I was a fool, but I was young. Had I gone, maybe, for my sake, he wouldn't have resolved to stop going, and we would have gone together for many years to come, accruing happy memories.

As for your memories, thanks for sharing them. Your mum sounds great.

Harold,

Cecil Rhodes hails from the same town as i! Good ol' Bishops Stortford. Must be something in the water there.

Lets face it, the only reason we won the atmosphere poll is because we have the highest number of internet geeks in the premier league, who love to write repetitive articles about breaking into the top four and doing polls because they work in I.T. and have fuck all else to do with their lives. The sort of people that have never played football in their lives and know f**k all about tactics in the game but know the exact age that David Ginola was when he took his first shit....you know who you are oxfordspur, harry hotspur etc...blah blah

Reply to jamiespurs:

Reply to Grazza:

I would just like to state the Assou-Ekottos hair is the 8th wonder of the world.

I'd like to know how they managed to put that badger stripe through it while it was still in an afro!

Christ knows mate, but it should be compulsory for all the brothers in the Squad (and the white boys who are capable - Micky Hazard) to have one.

Come on Harry, wheres the prattle!! It's been a lonely summer without it!

Hmm, still concerned re the formation. I reckon we should go with:

-------------- GOMES --------------------

KING -- WOODIE -- BALE

JENAS ----- MODRIC

BENTLEY ----------- DOS SANTOS

---- SMOOTHBUM -------

BENT ----- BERBA

sid trotter I'm loving that line-up of yours...who the hell is going to tackle though...Woody and King? as Bale is going to bomb donw that left front in support of J2S! Ah well it doesn't really matter anyhow because we'll score more than them....

Dear Mr Levy..a transfer...any transfer. please!

Reply to HarryHotspur:

Some fantastic comments folks. Well done.

On the Arshavin thing. I think we've reached the point whereby someone needs to phone the Director of Zenit St Petersberg, on his mobile, pretending to be the Editor of The Jewish Chronicle/Horse & Hound/ etc and see if he's willing to drop...

HHHHHH, leave it, he may be on the plane to the lane....has a certain ring to it dont ya think

Hey Harry this article from the Bolton Times a year ago to this very day confirms That WHL is indeed top of the list LINK
and written by Bolton fan!

Great work H
Loozegear

Sid

We need a back four! we still havent added a good CB or Defensive player to our ranks despite owning possibly the leagues most threatening and swashbuclking midfield, we still look quite light in defence. Especially without Hutton and with only Dawson as a proper back up CB.

I would like to see:

-----------------Gomes--------------------------

--Gunter------King-----Woody------Bale----------

-------------Modric--Jenas----------------------

Bentley-------------------------Lennon----------

---------------Dos Santos-----------------------

------------------Bent--------------------------

I think that is our strongest and most in-form 11 going into tomoro's fixture. IF & WHEN AA signs I expect Lennon to drop to the bench and AA take the LW slot. Just put some cash money on Spurs to win tomoro. Don't let me down boys!!

that looks good Jamie...

of course you know what i'm going to say next.. Berba instead of Lennon and put Dos Santos on left..

or if Berba isn't an option then perhaps Ekotto left back and Baler left wing..

there's also a case, i believe for Big Tom in place of Jenas but can't see that happening..

also Zokora will be starting right full..

Harry any chance of some pre-match prattle a day early?? i just can't wait..

"Harry any chance of some pre-match prattle a day early?? i just can't wait"

I second that emotion.

Reply to jamiespurs:

Sid

We need a back four! we still havent added a good CB or Defensive player to our ranks despite owning possibly the leagues most threatening and swashbuclking midfield, we still look quite light in defence. Especially without Hutton and with only Dawson as a proper back up CB....

JS, you only picked 11 this time!
Cant see smoothpooper being involved, jet lag and no real migration with his team mates

Bimi

I believe Berba will be gone within the next 48 - 72 hours. Why play someone who's head is somewhere else. If he is leaving why rely on him? Better to give the lads who want to be Tottenham players a chance!

Baler isn't a left winger. He joined Spurs over Utd because we wanted to play him at LB. Fergie wanted to play him LW so he chose us.

I think despite my protestations and high regards that Gunter will not play RB and we will see the footballing antichrist that is Zokora at RB!! (I know he's not that bad but you have to admit he's limited to say the least!)

JJ is vice-captain and I take that as a strong indication that he's going to play every game. I think he appears to have modified his game to suit our new style and I salute him for that, lets hope that now he has a bunch of quality players around him that he too will start to shine.

toddspur

Never really thought he would make it for the boro game. I was aiming at when and if he signs then Lennon will be picking splinters out of his arse. Ironically, his place would of been taken by a man called Arshavin!!

Reply to jamiespurs:

toddspur

Never really thought he would make it for the boro game. I was aiming at when and if he signs then Lennon will be picking splinters out of his arse. Ironically, his place would of been taken by a man called Arshavin!!

anyone else noticed these breaking stories that Zenit have lowered their asking price for Smoothbum?

Reply to JuandeOn2DaysOff:

anyone else noticed these breaking stories that Zenit have lowered their asking price for Smoothbum?

Yes i have, im not sure if thats good news or bad news? Have they lowered it specifically to continue negotiations with Spurs or will this open the door for more competition eg Barca who i believe were only scared off by the initial valuation.

Enough with all the gossip, bring on the footie, just want it to start.............COYS

Would be muchly disappointed if after what seems to be an eternal pursuit of AA if we didnt get him. Especially now that Zenit have lowered their ridiculous asking price for him. Maybe Spurs can have a quiet word with Barca and offer them Berba for £20m odd and tell them to cool their beans on AA.

I would rather have Roque Santa Cruse to be honest. Tried and tested in Prem, knows the lingo of the coaching staff. AA is an unknown and could be too much of a risk.

Oh and RSC scored something like 23 goals last year.

Reply to BruceCastle:

I would rather have Roque Santa Cruse to be honest. Tried and tested in Prem, knows the lingo of the coaching staff. AA is an unknown and could be too much of a risk.

I dont think its too far outside the realms of possibility that we can get both. AA was never and will never be a rplacement for Berba, he's just not that type of player.

Santa Cruz as you said scored a lot of goals in the prem last year and would be a good lone striker. Deceptively quick, good control and hold up play and of course.... he knows where the goal is.

I think with Bent and Santa Cruz giving us 2 good options for that lone striker role and Gio / AA capable of playing the supporting striker role that we will have plenty of options up front.

I disapprove of Steve McLaren, his umbrella, Terry Venables' shopping
list, his bottle of water AND his dodgy barnet immensely - but I will
defend to the death his prerogative as an Englishman to pronounce words
towards foreign people how he likes: slowly, deliberately and at least
twice as loud as necessary; should he deem it appropriate to do so.


Funniest thing i've read in ages.

Maccas Jol-ey impression needs some work though...

I like this kid>>>

LINK

A real Spurs fan playing for the club he loves!! Living the dream!

Reply to jamiespurs:

I like this kid>>>

LINK

A real Spurs fan playing for the club he loves!! Living the dream!

They're all "real" spurs fans Jamie!

Reply to Grazza:

Reply to jamiespurs:

I like this kid>>>

LINK

A real Spurs fan playing for the club he loves!! Living the dream!

They're all "real" spurs fans Jamie!

I know they all say that but JOH actually is. His whole family is. I remember seeing an article where he said his dad cried tears of pride when JOH ran out onto the pitch at WHL for his full home debut.

less than 24hrs hours to go, i'm so excited, just need uncle jeff on the box at midday and it i'll all be real.

BIOYC!

I'm a bit disappointed that Adel hasn't been farmed out on loan to one of the upstarts.

Unfortunately the beginning of the season coincides with the Sevens tournament at Twickenham which is a yearly rite of passage. I shall expect goal updates and player ratings here as they happen post haste. I really really hope we don't get the same as last year, great pre-season.... 1-0 loss. Took the wind right out of our sails. I don't think we recovered from that until Jol left.

Apparently Berba's medical has con