Some Prematch Prattle And Swipe At Huddlestone
Tuesday, 27 January 09, 12:34 AM · Comments (463)
Our current custodians of the double poly mesh face a challenge and a half tonight. And I'm not talking about choosing a safe route home if this all goes mammery glands up.
I'm becoming a stuck record, much as I was towards the end of Jol's tenure. And with similar complaints. Our midfield lacks sufficient resolve or wit. Our forwards are isolated and are getting fed crumbs.
The only descernable tactical difference between Jol and Redschnapps is that Arry subs his unserviced strikers considerably sooner than the Dutchman.
Pavyluchenko's goal against Manchester United was magnificent. As a Tottenham player his confidence is growing game by game and beginning to match his CV. His touch is tip top and his will to shoot on sight a delight. But he needs the damn ball.
So to the challenge. Huddlestone has been pillored and rightly so. He was empolyed to play for 90 minutes on Saturday and bar one decent pass to the Russian he couldn't be bothered. His contribution against Burnley was worse. Does he want out? If so, get an agent and get going, sunbeam. We need players who are commited or at least more accomplished than you at feigning it.
This will be unpalatable for some, but in plain language, Spurs need to stop being mugged off by chancers like Huddlestone.
It was said you wouldn't have sent a dog out in the 'orrible climatic conditions at Turf Moor last week. Yet Tommy's shirt at full time would have passed the Daz Doorstep Challenge.
'But he's only eleven, Harry, get off his back!'
How long have we been listening to this? Please tell me you have something more substantial than 'he'll come good eventually' as a reply to his recent dysmal and damaging performances.
In case it had escaped anyone's notice, we are now in the unenviable position of playing Premiership newbies Stoke at home tonight. Both teams in the relegation zone and no one betting their life savings on a Tottenham win.
We need consistancy and we need commitment. And now.
Look at Arry's criteria in his purchasing strategy. 'Are you definitely gonna get out there and play?' What a disgrace that he'd have to ask.
My mind keeps returning to Arry's initial comments when he arrived at The Lane. 'There's alot of talented footballers at Spurs and maybe that's the problem.'
Arry's assesment wasn't based upon him wanting to turn us into Bolton. He was just concerned our 'offer' as a team was paper thin. How right he was.
Bet wise there are huge prices available. We're 6/1 for 1-0 win. Boyles Sports are offering 30/1 for 1-0 HT, 2-1 FT which seems friendly enough of them.
Apologies to readers for the Pav clip. Repetitive viewing for me has virtually induced some class of motion sickness.
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"Just remember one thing my son - no-one is bigger than the club. The club will be here long after you go. Us supporters ain't mugs (well, not too many!). To end - if you don't want us and our club ain't big enough for you, then f*ck right off." Dannyboy
"We're very lucky in the band in that we have two visionaries, David and Nigel, they're like poets, like Shelley and Byron. They're two distinct types of visionaries, it's like fire and ice, basically. I feel my role in the band is to be somewhere in the middle of that, kind of like lukewarm water." Derek Smalls
"Can you hear me! Tommy Trinder, Johnny Haynes, Dodi Fayed, Wolfy Smith.......your boys took a hell of a beating!" Sydney Wale
"Each season, there is a team that goes into freefall and gets sucked into the relegation scrap. losing becomes a habit, like winning and if we ain't careful, that team could be us." Dannyboy
"Clearly my words have gone to the highest level. Expect him gone in May" Jolsgonemental
"As a Spurs supporter of no half-measure, I will continue to support Jol, Hughton, the squad and the entire club, to the best of my ability and at all times" Yid 15
"I hear Glenn Hoddle has found God. That must have been one hell of a pass." Jasper Carrott
"White Hart Lane was always a place where I felt I belonged." David Ginola
"I would run through brick walls for Spurs." Graham Roberts
"Even now, when I go over to my mother'S house and dig out the old tracksuit tops I wore, it makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck. I like to think i am part of a special family. I am no longer connected with the club on a daily basis, but i'm delighted with every win and sad about every defeat." Steve Perryman
"Any player coming to Spurs, whether he's a big signing or just a ground staff boy, must be dedicated to the game and to the club. He must never be satisfied with his last performance, and he must hate losing." Bill Nicholson
"Bill did so much for his beloved Spurs that we must never let his legacy fade. He must be our inspiration as we strive to ensure that a new era dawns here at White Hart Lane." Daniel Levy
" 'Oh dear, it's f*cked', is what I've always taken it to mean. I do have O-level Latin. Now they've stuck up a literal translation, in large letters: 'To dare is to do.' The words just stand there, on their own, not making much sense." Hunter Davies
"When Gazza came to the Spurs training ground for the first time got the ball, went round 8 players as if they were not there and then smashed the ball into the net. Just to see him play like that made the hair stand up on the back of your neck. Everybody stood there and applauded him." Terry Venables
"We will not be pushed around by a bunch of north London yobbos." Rupert Lowe, Southampton chairman, shortly before his manager Glenn Hoddle left for Spurs.
""I earned the right to be in the team and fought every game to be in it." Graham Roberts
"The worst thing Spurs ever did was get rid of Keith Burkinshaw. They never replaced him." Graham Roberts
"When you've finished playing football, young man, which is going to be very soon, I feel, you'll make a very good security guard." David Pleat to a 17yr old Neil Ruddock
"If someone wants to give you a bum steer on who we're after, then so be it. If you want to know, ask me, because I have a list of players we want and Robbie Keane isn't on it." Glenn Hoddle, then Spurs manager, shortly before paying 17 mill for ... Robbie Keane.
"The biggest regret of my whole football career was leaving White Hart Lane in 1970.....my interest in football weakened after that. I was heartbroken" Jimmy Greaves.
"I know more about smalz herring than I do about football." Sir Alan Sugar
"The trouble with Christian Gross is that no-one had heard of him. The communication wasn't brilliant and as captain I decided to explain to him how things worked and what the players liked and were used to. I do not believe he listened to a word I said." Gary Mabbutt
"Always had a bit of time, make a little bit of space, look up, bang. And you know he could put it on a postage stamp from 40 yards. Mmmmmmmmm...." Ron Manager aka Paul Whitehouse, Spurs fan on Glenn Hoddle
"I'm a miserable sod." Sir Alan Sugar
"The great fallacy is that the game is first and last about winning. It's nothing of the kind. The game is about glory. It's about doing things in style, with a flourish, about going out and beating the other lot, not waiting for them to die of boredom." Danny Blanchflower
"Man in the raincoat's blue & white army." Spurs fans unable to use George Graham's name, 1999.
"We like a tackle at Tottenham. we're not pansies, you know. " David Pleat
"I was sitting just a few feet away from David Pleat at the World Cup. He's a nice fellow, but the man is mad: certifiably, eye-spiningly mad." Danny Kelly
"The only thing wrong with White Hart Lane is that the seats face the pitch" Les Dawson
-
"Just remember one thing my son - no-one is bigger than the club. The club will be here long after you go. Us supporters ain't mugs (well, not too many!). To end - if you don't want us and our club ain't big enough for you, then f*ck right off." Dannyboy
"We're very lucky in the band in that we have two visionaries, David and Nigel, they're like poets, like Shelley and Byron. They're two distinct types of visionaries, it's like fire and ice, basically. I feel my role in the band is to be somewhere in the middle of that, kind of like lukewarm water." Derek Smalls
"Can you hear me! Tommy Trinder, Johnny Haynes, Dodi Fayed, Wolfy Smith.......your boys took a hell of a beating!" Sydney Wale
"Each season, there is a team that goes into freefall and gets sucked into the relegation scrap. losing becomes a habit, like winning and if we ain't careful, that team could be us." Dannyboy
"Clearly my words have gone to the highest level. Expect him gone in May" Jolsgonemental
"As a Spurs supporter of no half-measure, I will continue to support Jol, Hughton, the squad and the entire club, to the best of my ability and at all times" Yid 15
"I hear Glenn Hoddle has found God. That must have been one hell of a pass." Jasper Carrott
"White Hart Lane was always a place where I felt I belonged." David Ginola
"I would run through brick walls for Spurs." Graham Roberts
"Even now, when I go over to my mother'S house and dig out the old tracksuit tops I wore, it makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck. I like to think i am part of a special family. I am no longer connected with the club on a daily basis, but i'm delighted with every win and sad about every defeat." Steve Perryman
"Any player coming to Spurs, whether he's a big signing or just a ground staff boy, must be dedicated to the game and to the club. He must never be satisfied with his last performance, and he must hate losing." Bill Nicholson
"Bill did so much for his beloved Spurs that we must never let his legacy fade. He must be our inspiration as we strive to ensure that a new era dawns here at White Hart Lane." Daniel Levy
" 'Oh dear, it's f*cked', is what I've always taken it to mean. I do have O-level Latin. Now they've stuck up a literal translation, in large letters: 'To dare is to do.' The words just stand there, on their own, not making much sense." Hunter Davies
"When Gazza came to the Spurs training ground for the first time got the ball, went round 8 players as if they were not there and then smashed the ball into the net. Just to see him play like that made the hair stand up on the back of your neck. Everybody stood there and applauded him." Terry Venables
"We will not be pushed around by a bunch of north London yobbos." Rupert Lowe, Southampton chairman, shortly before his manager Glenn Hoddle left for Spurs.
""I earned the right to be in the team and fought every game to be in it." Graham Roberts
"The worst thing Spurs ever did was get rid of Keith Burkinshaw. They never replaced him." Graham Roberts
"When you've finished playing football, young man, which is going to be very soon, I feel, you'll make a very good security guard." David Pleat to a 17yr old Neil Ruddock
"If someone wants to give you a bum steer on who we're after, then so be it. If you want to know, ask me, because I have a list of players we want and Robbie Keane isn't on it." Glenn Hoddle, then Spurs manager, shortly before paying 7 mill for ... Robbie Keane.
"The biggest regret of my whole football career was leaving White Hart Lane in 1970.....my interest in football weakened after that. I was heartbroken" Jimmy Greaves.
"I know more about smalz herring than I do about football." Sir Alan Sugar
"The trouble with Christian Gross is that no-one had heard of him. The communication wasn't brilliant and as captain I decided to explain to him how things worked and what the players liked and were used to. I do not believe he listened to a word I said." Gary Mabbutt
"Always had a bit of time, make a little bit of space, look up, bang. And you know he could put it on a postage stamp from 40 yards. Mmmmmmmmm...." Ron Manager aka Paul Whitehouse, Spurs fan on Glenn Hoddle
"I'm a miserable sod." Sir Alan Sugar
"The great fallacy is that the game is first and last about winning. It's nothing of the kind. The game is about glory. It's about doing things in style, with a flourish, about going out and beating the other lot, not waiting for them to die of boredom." Danny Blanchflower
"Man in the raincoat's blue & white army." Spurs fans unable to use George Graham's name, 1999.
"We like a tackle at Tottenham. we're not pansies, you know. " David Pleat
"I was sitting just a few feet away from David Pleat at the World Cup. He's a nice fellow, but the man is mad: certifiably, eye-spiningly mad." Danny Kelly
"The only thing wrong with White Hart Lane is that the seats face the pitch" Les Dawson
463 Comments · Add yours
i love you... you love me... we're one happy family. or so sings that annoying purple dinosaur. one thing that is a cert is that if we can service our pav, then as a team we'll start hitting a purple patch.
Tommy if you hit the pitch tonight, just try and emulate a Rambo will ya and get the f**k stuck in there.
I predict...a riot
Totally agree on Huddlestone - he seems to believe the press when they drool over his occasional skills as a "quarterback"....
With Zokora and Hudd combined we would indeed have a decent midfielder.
As it is we effectively take the field with 10 men when they both play. Move Corluka to DM now Chimbonda is back, who has pace more suited to the full back role. Corluka WANTS to play DM. He offers more than Hudd. Chimbonda and Bentley are a better combination (passing + pace.... if they perform) and may bring out the best in Bentley. An overlapping WB with pace who can cross.
Lennon offers more on the left than Bale for the time being.
Soon Palacios will displace Zokora.
ain't it about time we hammered someone about 4-0.....cometh the hour!!
Huddlestone... oh Huddlestone, how I could have loved thee.
But you walk about the pitch like you're half asleep.
I want my midfielders to have effort that is perennial,
but you're obviously not our midfield general.
You can float the ball as if in space,
shoot like a rocket.. but check your waist.
anyway.
yes his time is up, definItely ..
but redknapp proved himself in the market yesterday. players we need. players with experience.
now. hows about a nice cuppa tea?
And before the wise-arses kick in as per usual
, yes I know Chimbonda and Palacios can't play today. So Jenas and Zokora it is in midfield.
Now all we need is a decent LB, with Corluka and Chimbonda acting as cover for King/Dawson/Woodgate.
I hope that Johnny gets off the bench again. I was impressed with his graft against the Mancs. Would like to see him on the left wing. I refuse to write Thudd off just yet. He was instrumental in our best spell so far this season and I don't think Luka has been any more consistent than him. OK Luka runs about loads more but he also loses the ball plenty and I think the lack of balance in the team is much to blame for Luka, Thudd and our stikers' inconsistency. I am hoping that Wilson will be that balance!
*strikers*
Oops!
Its unbelievable aint it! Hudd does have so much potential and it will be a shame to see him leave but the way he is playing at the mo- something aint right! If you wanna go Hudd, then go!!!! dont take the piss, its our club and alot of dedicated fans you are screwing around with here!
still no left midfielder
Granted he has been poor in the last couple of games and he looks unfit/immobile/lazy, but he played well for a few games when Harry first joined and he can play well in the right role with the right partner. The combo of Hud and Zokora absolutely doesnt work - Hud needs to play with someone who can get forward, not someone who also sits back and I cannot imagine trying to develop a partnership with someone who has no football brain. He might look a completely different player alongside Palacios. If Hud leaves us, sods law states that he'll turn into a great player at another club where their system/midfield partnership suits him.
I'm still not sure my heart can stand another Spurs game... here's hoping we can deal with the Delap throw-ins (don't give too many away in the 1st place) cos they'll get us on the set pieces.
Otherwise, with Pav up front and a few decent balls into him, you never know. Ah... that would mean some passing from midfield...
"Any player coming to Spurs, whether he's a big signing or just a ground staff boy, must be dedicated to the game and to the club. He must never be satisfied with his last performance, and he must hate losing."
somebody read this to the lads for F***sake
Reply to sadspur:
Words of a legend!
Too true!
They should all be made to read about Billy Nic when they sign and not be allowed to kick a ball until they have passed a stringent test on his footballing philosophy!
COYS!
Reply to sadspur:
Along with Danny's reply to Jimmy Anderson, "What exactly do you mean by a long ball? How does a long ball roll?"
HH 'damaging' is the right word. Not the time to blood in a player for 9 years.
p.s. That looped footage of Pavs celebration gives me the heebie-jeebies, looks like he's saying "wait till I see you Blanchflower, your arse is mine."
Reply to Raf_THFC:
Give O'hara a go at left back.
Hasn't he played there for the U21's?
Reply to nicktheyid:
Seem to remember him playing LB for us a few times, might have been moved to LB from LW during the game though. Wasn't entirely convincing at the back I seem to remember, but then neither is BAE. Gunter used to play LB for Cardiff I think...but then Harry doesn't seem convinced on him being anything more than back-up from his comments yesterday.
Gonna be a right ole ding dong this evening. I hope they've each had a glass of fighting water before taking the field. ESPECIALLY HUDD. If he's playing. I doubt he is though. I say give Les Dawson the captaincy.
Reply to Blanchflower:
Look again. After the rest of the players have celebrated the goal and are returning to their positions, big T finally makes the 20 yard hike.
Can't see him starting tonight.
Also can't see (or think about) anything other than a win tonight.
COYS!
Reply to TMWNN:
Be fair, the lad had just kicked the ball. Probably went to the dugout to take on liquids
Look, it's all very simple. Huddlestone is a playmaker. He needs certain things to thrive: a team that plays possession football, defenders that are comfortable on the ball and do not resort to hoofing it any chance they get; fast midfielders who make themselves available for deep and wide passes; two strikers who can make surging runs and hold up the ball - i.e. most likely a little/large partnership. And contrary to popular belief, Hudd does not need to play alongside a DM - he needs to be partnered with any type of aggressive midfielder who likes a tackle. If we're happy to provide those things, Hudd will be a star. If we persist in playing a no-run midfield (O'Hara and Bentley on wings with Zokora anchoring, for example), Hudd will be a burden. But please don't slate the boy for being what he is.
Thudd and Medders in the reserves for the next game or two
Cappucini
Gunter - Dawson - Wooders - BAE
Corluka
Jenas - Zokora
Bentley Bale
Pav
Hudd seems one of many at the moment
who are not overly bothered about our
plight at the wrong end of the table.
A lot of our "luxury" players will be
gone in the summer if Harry is in charge...
Pav is sending a message to Taarabt,
"if you come on pass the round thing
to me"
Reply to The_Fox:
Seems to me he can only play as part of a three in central midfield.
He offers nothing apart from sitting deep and pinging long balls (for a few minutes per game then he disappears as soon as they stick a midfielder who can tackle to close him down, at which point he losses possession and the opponents have a free run on goal with all our players deep waiting for that magic long ball....)
No No NO,
Hudd must go.
but then, anyone able to name a team in the premiership who would actually want him - continental football is the way forward for him.
By the way, when is the Modric slating scheduled for? I'd like to join in on that one. I mean, 16 million to have a dwarf who can't run or tackle in central midfield? Huddlestone only cost an eight of that...
Reply to The_Fox:
'Huddlestone is a playmaker.' I'd like to think so too but watching him suggests otherwise.
Huddlestone has been royally indulged by Spurs on the strength of our desire for a player who can produce the sweetest of touches in both his passing and his shooting.
I don't think the subtleties of team contstruction come into it.
Hoddle was hardly a hard tackler. But in the words of Ron Manager, aka Paul Whitehouse, he " ...always had a bit of time, make a little bit of space, look up, bang. And you know he could put it on a postage stamp from 40 yards. Mmmmmmmmm...."
Huddlestone needs to do more than keep us waiting.
We're properly in the poo poo and I'm afraid to say his shirt has to given to someone who will play us out of it.
As I said, he doesn't even look like he's trying.
I'm not suggesting we sacfrice glory - as I fail to see what glory Tommy's brought us this season.
Reply to Raf_THFC:
I just feel there's nothing to lose by trying a natural left footer, who's a committed 100%tackler with the ability for a decent pass.
And he can strike a sweet ball!
Bale may well develop into something great, but I don't think it will ever be as a top L.B.
However with him in L.M. and having a man like O'hara behind him, he could develop the confidence to perform the way he did when he first arrived at the Lane.
Reply to Raf_THFC:
The best formations for Hudd would probably be 442 or 352. As for your nightmare scenario with "all our players deep waiting for that magic long ball", I can only assume that you're exaggerating in order to make a point. Which I'm not taking, by the way. But you're right in saying that Hudd would do well in continental football - particularly La Liga.
Reply to The_Fox:
You can have some Modric tough love now. I though he was playing for Man Utd on Saturday he passed to them so often.
In his case, I do feel that the dynamics of the team formation come into it. He is an entirely different player.
He does need a good DM around him.
He has Zokora.
The real difference in my attitude to Modric is that he's only 'not been getting it quite right' since the beginning of the season.
How long has Tommy been a player with great potential?
I would flog most of our midfield. Most games they cause more problems than they solve.
Reply to perrymann:
You're right of course. It's not just Tommy. I wouldn't blame a single player for a collective performance, nor did I. But I would say he needs to urgently buck his ideas up.
Reply to The_Fox:
"But you're right in saying that Hudd would do well in continental football - particularly La Liga."
So let's sell him and wish him well as he goes. His inability to do more in the Premiership is killing me.
We need all hands on deck.
No exaggeration.
He looks like he'd prefer a manicure.
I have to say again what I have been saying earlier. Luka Modric is one of the best players in the world(in my eyes). But when our defence keep giving the ball away through long passes our midfield is always running in between never enjoying the ball. Our attacking problems is not due to our midfield, but our defence. When Dawson/woodgate kicks the ball as hard as they can upfield our midfield has no chance giving support to our strikers before our opposition has re-won the ball. Since our midfield now is in no-man's-land we are unbalanced and our opposition easily outplays us. In our good spell this season we used the same players as now, but we did not see the long passes.
Another thing. In football today you rarely score goals against a organized defence. Goals come from winning the ball in good positions and counterattacks or through set pieces. At the moment we do win the ball in good positions, but there is no desire to get forward. We keep jogging upwards afraid to lose "balance" backwards. As long as we can't score on set-pieces we have to take some chances going forward.
Reply to The_Fox:
Yep exagerating just a little
but I think it illustrates my point that one Hoddlesque pass per game does not make a playmaker - would you run your heart out for a guy who is going to do it once in 90 mins (if at all?). Yet give away more chances by his sheer slowness.
Hence why he needs to play in a 5. To my recollection he was getting caught with the ball too many times as tried to load his right foot, which I believe is what got him dropped after our little renaissance under Harry.
it's never one player not at his best. it's ALWAYS 2 or 3 which brings the rest down a few notches. that's why harry is bringing in some new players. i think they will be motivated tonight.
4-1 to spurs, bentley first goalscorer.
Reply to HarryHotspur:
The subtleties of team construction? Surely, you're pulling my chain? You don't think it mattered that Hoddle had runners on the wings and up front? That the best strike partnership for Hoddle were two bolts of lightning who could run on to those passes of his (Archibald and Crooks)? Now, I'm not denying you your right to criticize Hudd - because he does look bad out there at times. I'm just saying there's a reason he's looking bad. And Hoddle would too, btw.
Reply to Raf_THFC:
Huddlestone can play in a midfield of four, if that midfield is along the lines of Lennon, Bale, Huddlestone, Jenas - i.e. players who can and will run into space. Huddlestone will be a liability if played with Bentley, O'Hara and Zokora, since Bentley and O'Hara don't have the necessary pace and Zokora sits too deep.
I think we should give Hudd one more chance and see how things go when Sgt. Wilson gets a game. If as promised he is the midfield enforcer we have all been crying out for then maybe just maybe Tommy will be free to do what we know he can do good without worrying about the things we also know he shit at!!
Reply to The_Fox:
Hoddle was fleeter of foot and a quicker thinker, no?
Not fair to compare Hudd to Hodd. Tom can pass well and has an incredible shot on him but Hoddle was one of the most gifted footballers ever to play the game and it highly unlikely Tom or many others could ever match up to that.
Reply to HarryHotspur:
...and playing over 20 years ago when the game was slower.
The comparisons between Huddlestone and Hoddle need to stop. They do Hoddle a disservice.
Reply to TMWNN:
Huddlestone needs to stop acting like a girl.
Reply to HarryHotspur:
Yes, the dynamics of team formation most certainly come into it with Modric - the team must have been formed in either Spain or Italy for him to play well. He's just not cut out for the Premiership. Small players in the PL must have pace and great balance/low centre of gravity, or be deceptively strong. Examples of the first type are Lennon and Walc**t, while Scholes could be the poster boy for the second type. Modric has shown nothing at Spurs but fancy flicks in tight areas - he's unable to go past people, with his unique combination of snail-like speed and child-like body strength, he cannot pick out a pass or shoot from range, he cannot head or tackle. But he's sure got a fancy showreel on YouTube. And the fact that he orchestrated a win over England really propelled his hype over the top. If this boy was any good (like, 16 m good...), he would have been snapped up by one of the really big clubs in Europe.
What is the difference between the gametype of Carrick and Huddlestone?
Carrick's game is almost entirely based on slowing the game down, and spreading the ball with accurate, visionary passing ability. He has limited pace.
Huddlestone does exactly the same, with the added boon that he has dead ball ability and a cracking long range shot on him. He is also of limited pace.
But many of you are distracted by the fact that he's a 6'3" black guy, built like a Faces doorman. Ergo, expectations of enforcer type duties, and also run fast like 6'3" black guys normally do please.
Yes, he has been disappointing in the last couple of outings. Notwithstanding issues like dressing room confidence mashing, increasingly rare turnouts, and long absences aren't going to help.
Get a proper bit of midfielding coaching. Sort out the midfield balance, that will allow him to play his game.
I like him. He's a keeper.
Reply to HarryHotspur:
He was most definitely fleeter of foot. Not so sure about a quicker thinker, though - I think Hudd's spatial awareness and general football intelligence just about matches a young Hoddle's.
The fox- The difference with Modric is that he's only been here five minutes and will be better next year,how long as huddlestone been with us and what has he actually done?just coz you fancy him or something doesn't make him good.The most important thing that you seem to be missing is that he isn't even trying and doesn't look bothered.Did you see the Burnley game?Get your head out of your arse.
Reply to Nunchucks:
No-no - he's a midfielder.
Everything else - spot on!
Reply to Hoddle:
Infantile and homophobic? How very original...
The wally with the brolly; the reason Huddlestone, like Bent last week, is coming in for criticism is because he's playing like a cu@t. It's inexcusable and obvious.
If you want to point out other players that are under performing than do it.
Uncle here!
I wonder if by chance that this Huddlemoan character could be related to an officer I once knew back in France 1941?
His name was Captain Thomas Muddlestone. Imposing figure, handsome, well built with a penchant for cross dressing on occasion.
Well it turns out that this Muddlestone was a gifted soldier when it was dry and the going fair to good at least, but any assault on well defended troops with the threat of mudd would have this chap reeling with fear.
Unable to take on a dug in pair German girl guides, he ran around in circles panicking in case the surrounding quagmire should stain his dandy suit and polished boots.
I was appalled at this humiliating display and had him put up against a wall and shot for flumaxing in front of the enemy....and do you know the funny thing is that after he was shot.....he neve did it again!
Must go! you know the drill. Marge has procured the use of 3 fine parisian whores for a spot of knitting, bun fighting and good all round chicken stuffing tom foolery.
Love Uncle!
Reply to TMWNN:
Okay.
Every single player except Lennon, Dawson, and Woody.
Foxylady-You still miss the point.He isn't fucking trying!no matter what the potential(how long has he had that)you think he has, we need players that want to fight for the team ,not have little strops coz we signed another midfielder.
Reply to Nunchucks:
Agreed Nunchucks, but Thudd can't tackle for peanuts...
... then again if threw in a few pies with chips and tomato ketchup, he may well be persuaded.
Reply to The_Fox:
I didn't think I'd ever hear someone say that Hoddle was faster than anyone.
Though, I did see Glenn score a goal running from his own half and then rounding the GK.
Reply to Nunchucks:
"I like him. He's a keeper"
Redeployment. I like it.
Not related to this posting from Harry but...
Rumour has it more 'Former' Lilywhites are returning:
In Goal:
Erik Thorsvedt apparently passed the medical but thought the 1000 euros a week was too much and that there must be a catch and he never liked a catch did he?
Defence:
Dean Austin apparently was in deep conversation with ‘Arry after the win against Watford – apparently his ‘skills’ are more suited to defence than management?
Gudni Berggson – currently working as a lawyer for an Icelandic bank trying to get West Ham off the hook over the Tevez saga, although he is considering a great offer from Levy...
Garth Crooks – currently Chairman of the Grass Roots Advisory group – something we need to go back to
Midfield:
Darren Anderton – Pay as You Play – perhaps he could show Bentley how to cross the ball?
John Chiedozie – last seen running a childrens soft play area – so he will be used to ‘working’ with our current midfield force as I am sure they don’t practice on anything any more gruelling than a Bouncy Castle
Theo Foley – coaching in Greenwich so just across the river for him – working with kids so perhaps he can teach the Hudd how to get his shirt dirty
Danny Blanchflower – perhaps in bad taste and I profusely apologise now – but ‘Arry said we are down to our bare bones so chucking in a corpse may help?
Up front:
Johnny Brooks – ‘Arry sees this as a no brainer as Johnny is retired and living in Bournemouth and therefore he could jump in the car with ‘Arry, Joe and Kevin on the drive through up to the Lane
Jurgen Klinsmann – thought to be managing in Germany but actually running a car wash in Koln. The gimmick being they wash cars with the shirts of other ‘Jonny Foreigners’ – Alan Sugar has apparently invested in this company in a sort of Dragon’s Den approach...
Any others that are rumoured to be rejoining?
Prediction vs Stoke:
4-2
Reply to HarryHotspur:
Reply to Hoddle:
Play the ball, not the man, dear.
Reply to RunPigRun:
Neither could Carrick. It's only since he's been at Old Trafford that he's suddenly been able to tackle and shoot.
Why's that?
Reply to The_Fox:
No-no - he's a midfielder?
I don't get it. Is that the punchline or the setup?
Reply to elfranklins:
My first father in law was in the RASC. Run Away Someone's Coming.
Reply to Nunchucks:
D'Oh!
Reply to Nunchucks:
PROPER coaching and man management maybe?
Reply to Return of the Living Dead:
On John Chiedozie's first day at training with us he ran out onto the pitch jumped up, swung on the crossbar it broke and he knocked himself up. Peter (god dont you just hate my voice) Shreeves turned to the rest of the squad and was qouted as 'what the fuck have we signed here'. Certainly seems he would fit in with our current crop of underperforming troops!!
Reply to Nunchucks:
psssh, I like the guy when he has his game on but he is more inconsistent than even jenas. he can spray the ball about beautifully on occasion sure, even bullet home a couple of goals a season. but firstly ive never seen him as the athletic 6'3" type, no matter what his colour and secondly.. i really dont see fergie coming in with a 20 million bid for the fella anytime soon, he isnt a carrick replacement - but sure if everyone else is playing their game around poor little tommy then he'll be great. i'd prefer a player with similar attributes, but with some added dynamic traits.
OOPs.... knocked himself out even. Knocking himself up, that would be some fucking trick!!!!!
Reply to perrymann:
I don't like digging these guys out, but too many (including me) having been carrying a torch for Hudd for too long.
I have also heard that his one one of the voices of discontent when it transpired that some new blood was about to hit the midfield.
At his best, his style and talent is what separates us from the mediocre.
At his worst, his blank look as he skips off in his unmuddied shirt will only speed up our demise.
Pav again is a proven player of International standing.
I am really concerned about our league position. I am really concerned about the attitude of some of the people we are pinning our hopes on.
There will be a fast turnaround or there will be casualties.
The time for indulgence has gone.
And if I'm percieved as harsh, very soon the mathematicians are really going to set about losing some friends around here.
Steve 1987
Against Oxford. Gods last league game. Was in the Paxton for that one. I think he only touched the ball acouple of times. Genius!
As for Hudd. Drop him pronto! He's been shit. End of.
The problem we have is that we have too many incompatible midfielders, most of whom are only average premiership players. These are players that should be playing for the West Broms, Stokes, Boro's and Boltons of this world.
We know we should be much better than those teams around us, but because of our midfield, we are struggling. That's one of the main reasons why we are where we are in the table.
Modric, who I think shows the occasional glimpses of world class, has so far only looked good in a 5.
Hudd, who I am losing patience with, only looks class when he has time and space.
Zokora, who I have a lot of sympathy for as not one other midfield player can tackle, works so hard but is just not up to the level of a top class DM.
Jenas, great going forward, too inconsistent.
Lennon, so much better since 'Arry arrived. His delivery is getting better, just wish he would use his pace more often.
Bentley, showing more endeavour, energy and desire in last few games, work in progress.
O'Hara, I so want him to be good enough, but I don't think he is. Jury's out as long term option. Could he be coached into a LB.
Bale, I don't want to say it but he is still learning the game at this level. We need to perservere.
Taarabt, as Bale plus he has shown glimpses that he could go on to be one of the all time greats. But, unfortunately, it will probably be elsewhere.
Gio, 45 minutes of promise.
Sgt Wilson, I've been really impressed when I've seen him play for Wigan. Hopefully he will be the one that allows Modric to play in a 4.
When all are available, I would see the midfield as Lennon, Sgt Wilson, Modric, Bale.
Reply to RunPigRun:
The portents do seem to point to that, don't they.
'This will be unpalatable for some, but in plain language, Spurs need to stop being mugged off by chancers like Huddlestone'.
Spot on with that Harry, the bloke is an absolute arsehole and reflects exactly what is wrong with Tottenham. I don't care if he's slow or has an off game but put some effort in ffs. That expression on his big face never changes, does my head in. He's capable of putting the ball on a penny from one end of the ptch to the other, anyone else blessed with that talent would probably be one of the best players in the country by now, he's just a lazy fat prick.
Let's all get behind the boys tonight because no matter what hang ups we have with select members of the current crop we need 3pts from this game, nothing else will do.
Reply to HarryHotspur:
Reply to Nunchucks:
Huddlestone is just one of many players that has stagnated at Spurs.
I could list the entire first 11 who would look twice as adept under say a Ferguson or ONeil.
SSN just reporting that Kenwynne Jones has signed a new 4.5 year deal at Sunderland. Just means we'll have to pay more in the summer.
Reply to fatfish:
LINK
Reply to fatfish:
but that would mean out ITK chums are completely wrong about him handing in a transfer request
Reply to jolsgonemental:
And that's my fear. Selling someone who had potential, and watching them blossom into quality in someone elses colours.
Why do I honestly believe that had we gone in for Ashley Young from Watford, we'd have an underachieving ne'er-do-well on our hands?
Who are we blaming here; the workman or the tools?
Reply to HornchurchYids:
Yes, I was there. What year was that?
Reply to Nunchucks:
i thought the point of Redknapp was he could get the best out of players.
isnt that what you are supposed to get when you sign up Harry Redknapp? Without that what have you got?
A stroppy ginger gobshite way out his depth.
Harry - the word 'prattle' is beginning to grate.
Can you use another word. People are using it to vent their spleen. Disgusting
There seems some debate in the papers over which club in the Premier League is the biggest laughing stock. Yesterday it was us. Today it's Man Shitty. Tomorrow it will probably be Barcodes.
Personally, I recommend laughing stock as a hearty alternative to vegetable or chicken stock. It certainly adds character to my food, although it does taste funny, and I can't stop giggling while I digest it.
I would support any move to sell it in the cuisine section of the Spurs Shop, alongside bagels, matzos and schmaltz herring.
Reply to fatfish:
He's not worth the money they are talking about now in the summer, so guess he will never come to the Lane.
However, seems Fred is coming
LINK
Hopefully that now means we can offload one of Comolli's most disastrous signings (Broken)
a stroppy brazilian upfront! thats will complete the triumvirate of a leftback at right back, and an old reserve goalkeeper that all relegation battlers need.
genius harry.
Reply to jolsgonemental:
I saw Adriano lamped someone and got a three match ban. That's the spirit we want in the dressing-room, 'arry.
Reply to 9__37:
Its Fred.
Wooohoooo!
im so excited i cant contain myself.
oh wait. yes i can. i mistook apathetic resignation for excitement again.
Reply to steve1987:
You can see the goal here starting at 3.30. I was there, too. Took my breath away the way he ghosted through them.
LINK
Reply to jolsgonemental:
While Cudicini could be a good signing (nobody's really seen him play for the last 4 years), the signings of Chimbonda and potentially Fred leave me gobsmacked. In the words of younger men than me - WTF?!
Reply to The_Fox:
i've called my lawyers.......insulting ghod once is something....but twice.....and comapring him to to big tommy hud......get yourself a good defence......see you in court....and good luck
Reply to 9__37:
Yesterday it was us. Today it's us and Chelsy Davy. But tomorrow it will most likely just be us again.
Reply to Nunchucks:
yes...they are even running ramos stories against us now.....like we would want him back.....i ask you.....
ramos wasn't greedy either was he....?
Reply to jolsgonemental:
What can I say but - Yabba-Dabba Do!
Right said Chimbo hopping in behind
Is Bent staying r is he straying
Tommy is in the doghouse.
Reply to KOJAC:
I could use some time off, so I hope your team will be going for incarceration instead of damages. And whatever you'll be going for, you can be sure that I'll take Harry Hotspur down with me - he started the Hoddle comparisons. J'accuse!
This smacks seriously of 'the only striker in Europe that would even consider joining us right now'. I'd say our strikers aren't so much the problem (Bent aside, fair enough) but the inconsistent bunch of prima donnas that can't create any chances for them.
I'd be looking to spend some money on Shorey and perhaps Hunt as a left winger that is all about effort and playing there day in day out. How many transfer windows is that now without buying a left-sided midfield player? 8? 10?
Reply to Jeremy Paxton:
My mistake - Andy Reid (!!!)
Reply to steve1987:
It was 25th April 1987.
i cant wait to see the pairing of palcious and jenus in midfield, palcious (i know ive spelt it wrong) might be exactly what jenus needs
Reply to Jeremy Paxton:
No. That would just be one window - we bought J2S this summer. Left-footer with good crossing ability, bag of tricks, pace and desire (he left the glamour of Barca to play first team football, remember). But that's not good enough for us, apparently.
We had a cup final to look forward to then as wll.
Reply to scar88:
surprisingly you have managed to spell 'it' right.
Reply to The_Fox:
Fair point - I suspect Gio is another of those contributing to the 'imbalance' that Redknapp keeps going on about. Though I think he means imbalance of ability rather than imbalance of positions.
I think we are wasting J2S too, but in Harry's defence, he made Trevor Sinclair into an England international left winger, so if he sees J2S as a non-option I suppose we give him the benefit of the doubt for now.
I'd be tempted to give Gio a go in place of a woefully off form Modric....
Reply to Jeremy Paxton:
I was being a bit harsh on Harry, there. I think we may see J2S a bit more now that he's getting back to full fitness. And yes - Modric must be dropped. Defoe/Bent and Pav up front with a proper Premier League midfield behind them - i.e. no dwarfish fancy-pants in the middle of the park.
Reply to The_Fox:
Ok, I was in my usual seat in the new West Stand.
apparently we've found a cure for bales lack of preformance
LINK
so 4-5-1 tonight then....
...with a defensive plan to contain the might of stoke...
that should do the trick....coys
Reply to HarryHotspur:
..Yes yes provided that the running away is in posession of a football headed in the direction of the opposition goal..Marvelous.
Otherwise it's a last cigarette!
Uncle
Reply to elfranklins:
Sorry i really must get an 'Old War Veteran lock' on my mac!
Trouble is of course old Uncle is a master of infiltration and sabotage!
A few things that are worrying me
1) Pavyluchenko -i love him -i think he is the best finisher in the prem, he is tsarting to settle and i think will be a big asset for us. What concerns me is that i think Harry doesnt rate him - defoe brought in, big jones bid, fred as well as admitting he would take keane back.If we were to have 4 strikers e.g. pav defoe keane fred - we would be back to same situation as we were a year ago,as we cant keep them all happy. I hope Harry sees the Pavyluchenko i see and hope he is not contemplating just making him a squad player.
2) Hudd - his performances have been poor, im not taking excuses about who he had in midfield, he is a prem league footballer, his job is too win ball and pass it - even this is a struggle for him.
3) Modric -i am really worreid about him, there have been flashes of brilliance but these flashes are very rare. i can not see him in a 4-4-2 in the prem league so i dont know what we are going to do with him. i dont think he is a harry redknapp player and i dont think he is up to it physically in the prem league, again people will say he has had only zokora as a partner, however he has been getting enough of the ball and failing to do much with it.
4) Chim/Cud -good squad signings - both are reliable squad players at fantastic prices.
5) fred -if we get him on loan to end of season, he is then available on free, would give us a chance to see what he is like...however see point 1.
6) veloso - LINK - surely he would be a good signing for us, would be the final addition to our centre midfield, him in palacious would be very good. coould get rid of hudd/jj/zok and have mod/ohara in squad as well.
7) Stoke -we need a win simple as that. to be honest it has not struick me just yet that we are in a relegation battle and i hope it never does. we need a win tonight - my predicted team
cud
cor daw wood bae
bently zok mod len
pav defo
COYS
Post 106, I think this could well be the reason for Bales lack of form, everytime I have been in the boxes at the lane recently, i always see Bale walking through the bar after the game... Always with at least 2 (usually 3) lovlies hanging on his arm! If he stopped telling them what a great footballer he is and started concentrating on becomming that great footballer, he must just turn into a decent player!
Reply to thfcwaynethfc:
The best finisher in the prem.
Aaaaaaand, back in the room.
carling cup final tickets,
if any1 like myself will not have enough membership points to attend, i have spent the last few days going through all the ticket websites.
the cheapest i have found is 350 euro for a ticket,
LINK
also, 2 people using yahoo have contacted me touting me a ticket for 450 quid, is it possible to report these people and if so who too and also if i report them and they get caught can i get the ticket for free?
I don't know why we are slating Hudds when a unbalanced squad is what we are stuck with. I will point out and say that his effort is lacking and I will not disagree with anyone on that front. However, the likes of Hudds needs to be in a system where he has someone with cover that can tackle, not run about with pointless aggression. I do not understand why we have a slick long baller playing with a weak cover and a player such as Modric linking the play. Well, you can't link play if you loose the ball half of your time on it and create nothing. Modric gets lobbed over sometimes, but when he is back defending how can you find him? And when Adel or T-Bone as I like to call him gets the ball and dribbles his way to obscurity how can a passer like Hudds be affective? I recall seeing him wanting the ball from T-Bone many times against Manure and getting upset by it. Is he lacking will? I do not want to give up on Hudds yet nor will I slate him for his pitch performance when it comes to ability. However, I will agree and say that if he wants the ball like he seems to, he needs to get stuck in and do the dirty dirty with the size he was built with. And J2S needs more pitch time. Did not give the ball away and passed effectively, albeit backwards mostly, and fell back to tackle and helped with cover. A proper go under Harry is what the kid needs, viva la Mexico!
Reply to thfcwaynethfc:
Pavs stats are 12 goals in 24 appearences - now that is a pretty reasonable return. Just need to get him scoring in the league consistantly ... seem to remember a bulgarian who also started off a bit slow and had only scored 5 league goals by this stage of his first season ...
my team to samsh stoke;
Cuddlicini
Corluka, Woody, Dawson
Lennon, Bentley, Modric, Thudd, Baler
Pavlova, Defo
Subs; Zokora, Bent, BAE, Gunter, Alnwick, Jenas (if fit), JOH (if fit)
3-5-2; allows creativity in midfield without the need to have Zok charging around like a headless chicken. I also think Bentley playing a free role will see the best of him, especially alongside the vision of Modric
*samsh should be smash!
Team v Stoke:
Cudicini; Charly, Woody, Dawson, Ekotto; Lennon, Jenas, Hudd, Bale; Pav, Defoe.
Just read this from that other spurs site, LINK
I think I'll just endorse what the majority of the posters on here are saying - we've given it long enough waiting to hope that some of those with 'potential' come good. Huddlestone is a prime example.
Also, I get why some people are talking about systems to make more of Hudd's ability but the simple fact remains that he is half of a midfield player and without greater presence and athleticism the guy is totally out of place in the premiership. I might be proven wrong, but I don't think he'd make it anywhere else in the Premiership.
Also, i don't think it's helpful to start talking about moulding systems around certain players. That only makes sense if a.) The player is world-class and has proven it; Hudd does not get anywhere near that and b.) you're not struggling against relegation. To my mind, Harry is doing exactly the right (if unglamourous, unTottenham) thing. The teams that will survive are those who can guts it out. Do Wigan and co build their systems around players or do they win cos they guts it out? And yeah - before people say "we're not Wigan!", we all need to wake up. You're right, we're a whole lot shitter currently.
The final nail in that argument remains that Man Utd and god forbid, the league winning arsenal teams - have/had a great physical presence about them, plus superb skills, and yes they sometimes moulded around world-class individuals. But they did all three things together.
Time for Hudd to go, and whilst we at it, the rest of the midfield who in more or less the same shape have been one consistency throughout the last few desperate years. Yeah, I'm looking right at Zakora and Jenas.
There's no alternative to gutsing it out from here. We fight or we sink, no space or time for fancy shit, so let's forget it for now.
I once had an uncle that lived in Stoke. He was a bit odd but a real battler. Only saw him once. Went potty in the end apparently
It's a conundrum to me why you've all got a hard on for Huddlestone right now.
He's barely played this season, yet we have managed to place our heads in the gaping maw of the lions mouth completely without his assistance.
To single out Huddlestone in a maelstrom of mediocrity is lunacy.
Reply to Nunchucks:
agreed...there are other players who are not good enough
in that order
1) zokora
2) bent
3) jj
the following players have underperformed, though would keep as they are either young/adopting
bale
modric
giovanni
bently
Reply to amerispurs:
That has to be one of the most diabolically poor pieces of analysis I have ever seen. total waste of time and bandwidth...
@116 - if we had that midfield with 3 at the back we'd never have the ball, apart from picking it out of our net.
Firstly, please can somebody tell me who J2S is? Surely not Gio?
Secondly, re: left winger, it's Downing in the summer. If that much ain't clear, then Spurs will now push for fourth spot and humiliate the Mancs at Wembley.
Reply to Nunchucks:
again, the voice of reason.....Thudd needs a run of games just like every other player. he would start almost every game for me, save for tricky away ties where the Zok can do his sniffing out
Reply to toddspur:
If Huddlestone needs a run of games loan him out to a championship club. He is like a giant fanny in the middle of the park
Alright you 'orrible lot! Sit up straight and...and fold your arms at the back! Let's be 'aving a bit of positive thinking! A sound thrashing of Stoke, tonight, will give the whole squad a different image...including Thud! OK! OK! I know he's been playing like he's spent the night before servicing Amy Winehouse...but he ain't THAT bad! Let's get behind the lads!
Reply to Nunchucks:
mmmm
14 League games out of 22, 4 as sub. So he's started over half our league games this season. 7 Cup starts and 1 substitute appearance.
How many games does thudd need exactly until he makes a tackle and starts to show his 'real potential'?
103 games for us in total, 35 as sub. Sell him for whatever we can get.
And yes that should be he's played over half the league games.
Compare Dawson. In top form. Played 10 league games, 2 as sub, 10 cup games (1 as sub)
Had some time to kill at work...
Points per league game played this season (starter and sub):
Hutton 1,75 (7p/4 games)
King 1,38 (18p/13 games)
O'Hara 1,33 (16p/12 games)
Ekotto 1,27 (19p/15 games)
Huddlestone 1,21 (17p/14 games)
Corluka 1,05 (20p/19 games)
Bentley, Modric, Pav, Bent 1,00
Gomes, Lennon 0,95 (21p/22 games)
Jenas 0,94 (17p/18 games)
Woodgate 0,89 (17p/19 games)
Zokora 0,74 (14p/19 games)
Gunter 0,67 (2p/3 games)
Bale 0,31 (4p/13 games)
Dawson 0,30 (3p/10 games)
Giovani 0,17 (1p/6 games)
So, to recap: Keep Dawson and Bale away from defence, and Zokora out of midfield.
Reply to toddspur:
I think that 3-5-2 would freak Dawson out a bit, especially with Bale infront of him. A fit O'Hara would be a much better option and would allow Modric to do his stuff. The addition of Palacios instead of Thudd could see us, dare I say it, start WINNING in STYLE!! Although it may seem it, have not been on the Absolut yet.
Reply to The_Fox:
Interesting stats - you don't work for the government by any chance?
Reply to The_Fox:
You can prove anything with statistics, 90% of all people know that...
Reply to steve1987:
No, advertising - hence the blatant disregard for reality.
advertising = spin = government ..hmmmm
Reply to Nunchucks:
Yeah, a real puzzle, but it might have something to do with the blog's heading and the fact that he's playing like he couldn't give two hoots.
Dear Harry...
Please could you start a new topic headlined
"West Spam Duxbury is a twat... we the supporters never wanted that neckless Bellamy anyway!"
Who else agrees that West Spam are muppets... Apparently Man City aren't rivals to them? hahaha... I would love it if West Spam were to finish 1 point below Citeh and get relegated... haha
Matches in which both King and huddlestone started (
- points won - 13 - avg = 1.625
Matches in which Huddlestone started, but not King (2) - points won - 1 - avg = 0.5
Reply to Nunchucks:
ANyone got a link for watching the game tonight?
well i usually just google something like free footy and like a genie from a lamp.......
Reply to jolsgonemental:
How can we NOT need a reserve keeper?
Gomes can't even kick at the moment... shall we just stick Alnwick in there and hope noone shoots? Who would you rather was in sticks to face Delap's throws tonight? Alnwick or Cudicini?
More to the point though, even if Gomes is fit in two weeks that is 6-9 crucial points potentially lost. We could be f##ked by then. Not a dig, just an observation.
Reply to toddspur:
Bale and Thud in the same side is truely terrifying!
Cuddicini will get back to good form but scares me for tonight, not that there's an option...generally tonight I'm windy.
Have we played any games in recent living memory that weren't must win?!
Pav will score and Defoe...2-0.
COYS
Reply to Sid Trotter:
if all else fails, try iraqgoals, ch 3 looks promising
Reply to Poshspur:
FFS...this is Stoke...at home!
If we don't get 3 points tonight, we deserve to go down.
I'm all in for a 4-1 win tonight!
LINK
Excellent, takes me back to my law modules.
Nunchucks will guide you through the principles of libel and defamation of character
Right,
I'm off to the game, SuperPav to the rescue!
COYLW!
Reply to amerispurs:
It's a bit of fun but useless as far as drawing conclusions goes...
Too many variables not examined... i.e quality of opposition, home or away, other selection factors, how many are meaningless end of season games (i.e after winning cup last year), were any of these results altered by other unnacountables- like dodgy penalties or sendings off?
But i wasn't surprised to see jenas come out on top in terms of stats. Not too suprised anyway!
Reply to Blanchflower:
J2S is indeed Gio...
As in Jonny 2 Siants.
Reply to Sid Trotter:
type my p2p into google... sports... football... spurs vs stoke... there will be a link of options.
Usually about ten media player options which require no software to be downloaded (but which have the least quality of stream in terms of picture, delay and freezing)
Also sopcast ones (you can download sopcast from the software page).. this is pretty good option.
Veetle is the best for me, again on the veetle web page you will be able to download their flash player or whatever it is.
Finally, i often use TVU player which is pretty darn tootin' as well.
Reply to munso:
Exactly. Given up on predictions and just said ''if we don't win, we deserve everything that's coming to us...''
...but i predict a win
Reply to vincenzo_spur:
I haven't been to a match for years. I'd love to take my 7 year old, but living in Norfolk now it would cost about £100. It beats me how anyone can afford it these days.
I totally agree with your blog Harry you are spot on with your comments about Hudd. I couldnt agree with you more!! COYS LETS GET A WIN AND ABIG
Reply to HarryHotspur:
"Huddlestone needs to stop acting like a girl"
Yes but maybe if he dressed like one? Imagine the labouring lump in a lillywhite mini dress running at the opposition. Might put them off a tad?
Just an idea.
you have got to laugh haven't you....already linked above i know...but..
LINK
i don't want levy's head on a plate or anything but apparently we didn't sell berba and keane to make money...
good to see ramos setting the press straight too...
Reply to cHUCK sPAMMER:
Now you're taking the p*ss - "running at the opposition" ???
Earlier someone mentioned "Hoddle as fleet of foot" Just looked at some Glenn vid's and compared to Hudd he looked like that Bolt bloke.
Reply to cHUCK sPAMMER:
Some girls are quite good
Reply to zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz:
Yeah, washing up and ironing..............
If he's not gonna show passion when wearing the lillywhite he should take a walk right down the high road. Completely non-existant in last two games.
I hope you all come out and apologise if he plays a blinder, seems that if a foreign import plays shit they are bedding in or getting used to the english game, but if one of our young players doesnt perform its because of a lack of passion desire and heart.... Oh and for the record, every spurs player put on a new shirt for the second half against burnley, which may go some way to explaining Hudds clean shirt, which if you ask me was a ridiculous way to make a point..... He didnt fall over therefore didnt try hard....? Dear oh dear, it's like being in the Park Lane on matchday sometimes here.
is tonights match on TV i will watch on iraggoals if needed but prefer a signal that doesnt die
Reply to JonSpurs:
Try post 151...
My Peer 2 Peer...
Look for sports section, then football tab.. when you find our game click on the little tele for streaming options. This site hosts links to many streams usually- although given that its a midweek game and united are playing there may not be many as usual.
Reply to vincenzo_spur:
thnx
ok... my p2p is showing no games in epl for first time ive seen in two years...
strange...
still maybe worth a look just before K.O.. if anyone has other ideas please inform- i have no back-up plan
Reply to vincenzo_spur:
It's a big draw Spurs v Stoke..............
Reply to vincenzo_spur:
try liveonlinefooty.com, there is a bit of software to download and it costs about four quid but its better than nowt.
Reply to JONESY30:
4 quid I used to get in the Paxton for 50p!
Reply to JONESY30:
Seriously - is it any good?
Reply to steve1987:
steve
yeah & no, it depends how many are streaming - loads of users can affect picture quality and cause buffering which can be frustrating but like i said its better than nowt!!
Looks like none of the big hitters are on here tonight, they must all have gone to the game.
Reply to steve1987:
no they are all in a corner biting their nails at the thought of losing again to the mighty stoke city
Reply to JONESY30:
Booger, that's 4 loaves of bread!
suppose so.. it is a home one after all... and i did see tickets were cheap. But wales to london on a tuesday evening... not tonight!
I dont fancy putting my card details into one of those sites- i may check it out in case they take paypal though.
I'd look at my p2p though. as i say, usually there are about ten to fifteen streams per game on there.
In fact apart from the two games ive got to and those on tv ive seen every spurs game since the cup final via it. and... its free...
veetle.com has a couple of sports channels. one may well show the game. or download tvu player from google search- that has hundreds of asian sports channels and runs as a stand alone player. worth a go- especially if you use p2p as some of the streams require software
Reply to vincenzo_spur:
liveonlinefooty is paypal mate
cheers
Cudicini, Corluka, Assou-Ekotto, Woodgate, Dawson, Bentley, Zokora, Modric, Lennon, Defoe, Pavlyuchenko.
SUBS - Alnwick, Bale, Huddlestone, Gunter, Campbell, Taarabt, Rocha.
I can't believe all the negativity towards Thudd. He gets moved into the DM slot, where he was our best defender in both of the last two matches. No, he doesn't run all over the pitch like Zokora chasing players everywhere and constantly overrunning plays, leaving the defence exposed, but what he does well is to stick to his position in the middle, just in front of the box, keeping attackers from running at our defenders, blocking shots (saved a goal with a block in the 10th minute against manure), and covering for defenders when they get beat in the box. Also, in the 3 seasons he's been here, I have never seen Thudd lose his mark in the box or get beaten on a header. He will never be an attacking mid, but as a DM, he is going to be a force for a long time in this league.
bale's not starting.....we have a chance!
LINK
But password protected, will work on it!!
iraqgoals
2500
Reply to steve1987:
Try Iraqi goals ,they are usually good
Reply to BruceCastle:
I'd rather see Bale than Bentley on the left. Too bad, I though this was the game that was going to end the streak.
Reply to daytripper:
All we can ask is for the lad to try,and he is`nt is he.His time is up as far as I`m concerned
Isn't Iraqi goals showing Villa or am I being a muppet?
Reply to 2windy:
2500
2Windy...
This seems to be pompey..
does anyone no the password for live footy then? whats iraq goals?
should be on channel 4 on Iraqgoals, but not usually until a few minutes before kick off.
Reply to tottenhammannnnnnnnnnnn:
google it
Reply to tottenhammannnnnnnnnnnn:
I'll say it again - 2500, but it 's sh*t
Despite h**p://livefooty.doctor-serv.com/tue27.1/Tottenham_Stoke.html it does seem to be Pompey. Bugger.
Somebody must have this streaming!
LINK
password: 2500
ok...
iraq goals
type into google
click on link for channel three
password 2500
Reply to BruceCastle:
harry is supersticious......he's not taking any chances
iraq goals got it, and she's hot!
Heres another link for ustream, if iraqgoals stacks it
LINK
Reply to Nick_The_Greek:
If he wasn't trying, he wouldn't have run his tail back to make the two strong tackles against Burnley in the box that saved goals. In the last 2 games, he blocked more shots than anybody else on the squad and has thrown his body in front of 10x as many balls as Zokora.
Saying that, he (and everybody else on this team) really needs get better at defending up the pitch. Since Steed left, we haven't had a midfielder that does any defending in the middle of the pitch. Zokora, JJ, Bentley, Thudd all are terrible at this. That's where Palacios is going to be huge. He's one of the best in the prem at closing down in the midfield.
well done
Reply to munso:
yeah...i like ustream it usually has a decent enough piccy...
bosnich...what a wanker he was!
Reply to daytripper:
Tom Huddlestone is not good enough,he just floats through games.I`ve seen enough of him now to say he`ll never make it at Spurs,he does`nt want it enough
Nice work Vincenzo
myp2p.eu
Right lads less than 5 minutes to blast off, lets fuckin ave it, straight from the off, straight at em the first ball tackle won and won hard!
BIOYC
Reply to munso:
Good article re the Zok, Thud or Jenas debate:
LINK
what I was meant to say was HH hates people putting links to stuff like that but doesn't mimnd you talking about it FYI
Reply to Ginge1:
you on speaker phone again to the dressing room ginge....
Reply to KOJAC:
I fucking should be, pansy twats!
GGoal!!!!
get the fuck in....
FUCKING LOVE U LENNON
yaaayaayayayayayayayayayayayaya
Get it!
For once we score first and early!!!
Now then...
zokora makes another pass.....
I love the new and improved Defoe. The old Defoe would have shot from way out there, instead he makes a brilliant pass to setup the Lennon goal.
Reply to Nick_The_Greek:
cheers nick, Iraq goals 3 - don't you just love lennon
Reply to Poshspur:
you not their tonight poshspur....?
my link keeps stuttering - how is it for you?
bentlys new hair cut and letting his balls hang to the right seems to be helping with his work rate i love the fact he tackled!
Reply to daytripper:
it was defoe then....
Reply to steve1987:
what do you want for less than 50p
No Kojac annoyingly not tonight, babysitting my kids while ploughing through fine wines!!! My mates are there though lucky bastards...so far. I hope we tear them a new one...
COYS
Oh fucking iraqi goals has gone! How can I have trusted you, nnoooooooo
Anybody got another site for the game??? I'm hastily downloading real player so i can listen to it on BBC Radio London, going fucking mad waiting for it to load!!! HELP!
iraq goals has gone - whats happening???????????
fuk yeah
Damn looks like there aren't any links to be found for the game.
If Spurs win...and no one is able to watch it...does it still count as 3 points?
2-0? ive lost my coverage
Goal!!!!!!!!!!
right everyone off iraq goals, their must be too many of us on it so you lot fuck off so I can watch it!
*there
Only against Forest!
get the fuck in
3-nil yaa aa a aa a a aa a
Jermaine Defoe - Yido! How could I doubt you JD!!!
3-0
3-0
3-0 spurs!!!!!! dawson got the 3rd i dont have a clue who got the second COYS I FUCKING LOVE IT
dawson
his name was luka, he was a showman
iraqgoals back-refresh!
LINK
should of ben 4
i love it when dawson scores
and pompey losing
typical...worse night of streaming best night for goals.....
did dawson nut one in for a corner....?
what did defoe do...?
they both scored ;-)
Reply to munso:
Good work!
Come on you SPurs....nothing wrong with that tackle
this gives you quite quick written up to date info on match. on line tv crap.
LINK
i got audio but no pic on iraq
better than nothing.
fuck me we're 12th!!!!!!!!!
short corner to modders flick to daws back of the net, i still havnt seen defoes but if spurs.co.uk is to go by it was a gd link up with pav
We are in 127th min form!
get in thia wonderfull!! about time!!
this is wonderfull i meant!!
delayed, but with english commentary
LINK
I hope we keep going for goals, we need to be greedy and try to improve the point differential.
Hopefully some Gio in the 2nd half.
Bring on Jimmy Tarbuck in the second half...
Shame that's Bentley out of the North London derby. Palacial can take his place...
Reply to DANNYBOY:
dannyboy - scroll down, its on the back up stream at the bottom
please some give a link the one you keep giving out doesnt work?
Reply to lintal:
LINK
or
LINK
thanks alot munso a true gent coys!!!!!!!
ohhh so close pavy
what a goal that would have been from pav!!
good half spurs, good half. COYS
Reply to DANNYBOY:
i just caught some highlights....so whats this about modric not playing in the middle...
I knew I'd seen improvement on Saturday. For everyone struggling with iraq goals, justintv have got a nice russian version.
these half time highlights are pure porn
my word, we are playing some sexy stuff tonight!!! Awesome vision from Defoe to Lennon for the 1st, the 2nd was something beautiful!!!
Hey guys, had the link on at Justin TV and Iraq... both are pony... Justin TV russian is a bit better. Head myp2p has legal injunction against it showing premier league... that's a disaster... anyone have any other alrenatives for schedules for sopcast etc? by the way... Pav and Defoe are oozing, and we are whipping this sorry bunch!
Reply to jazz15c:
I agree second goal was great even zokora added a pass for it, i think he even started it lol.Modric is running the show hope he doesnt slow down second half.
2nd was a stunner.
Still worried though as only HT
iraq goals is running fine with me, have another go its the screen at the bottom now.
Reply to KOJAC:
I'm in! missed all the goals . Had to sort out no1 son's printer for his homework. What happened to slate and chalk? bloody computers! or as we say in Norfolk compoooters...bootiful! get . please don't take you're foot off the gas..please just for once....do it for me!!!
fuck me, iraq goals showing a bio about the amazing bendtner scoring in the derby in 2007, KNOW YOUR FUCKING AUDIENCE!!!!
Is it just me or does iraqgoals fuck up every single time a match is on?
ah, thats better, ginola one on now!!! Happy days, if they show that solo goal in the cup against barnsley my laptop screen may need a wash!!!
Reply to jazz15c:
There showing the legend Ginola now, get in!!
ginola ginola ginola
Reply to weejp:
Yeah true, then they want you to fuvking donate for a load of fucking pony lol.
Were the Sweeney son, and we havent had any dinner!!
Donate me bollocks!
I'm not happy with the free service, I'm hardly gonna give them money to feel even more fucked off.
Reply to weejp:
pmsl
Reply to Spurs8182:
your joking right....it's never normally this bad...they deliver free footy to your window...tottenham are 3-0 up and your still f*cking complaining...jeesh....
no pleasing some peeps...
Reply to KOJAC:
lol it has been bad the last 2 weeks, and the bloke comes on his microphone and tells people to fuck off lol and kicks you, im sure he is a manc.
Modric.....Nuts.......Nuts......Quality.
shit got sloppy. knew it!!
Reply to Spurs8182:
yes,i don't usually do iraq goals....but man utd have taken all other streams...
....thank god looks like the good stream is back...
Reply to KOJAC:
I think Modric is good for one tonight. Get back that 3 goal cushion!
COYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
would love pav to get 1
f*ck me...whats wrong with this commentator....3-1 up is better than 1-0 down...
Reply to KOJAC:
Not everyone loves Spurs as much as us mate! Still think we are good for one more.
Yiiiiiidddddsssss!!!!!
Not one substitution. Tell you everything you need to know about 'Arry's thoughts of the options on the bench...
Well, not until the 90th minute anyway!
glory glory
Good win, lets now get on and get up that table! Night all.
Reply to JonSpurs:
Thank fuck for that. Good performance apart from the Stoke goal which was pants. Phew. Right, where were we? Yes, lets try and get in the Champions league.
everyone worked hard = great team performance.
all the other bottom teams got fuck all.
so glad we got our revenge on that shower.
looked like modric hurt his knee, nothing serious I hope.
great night - yeah! COYS!!!!!!!!
Reply to The_Fox:
"And yes - Modric must be dropped". Want to revise your opinion now you fucking dickhead? I'm guessing that you are the bastard offspring of Dannyboy and Jade Goody?
top four boys?... you never know lol!!!
Seriously though, good game and well done modric/lennon/bentley. Enjoyed that with only twenty minutes of stress- the first few and then a bit after their goal!
BIOYC!
Looks like we ha a team tonight - one mistake but they took it well. No complaints here.
Pav and Defoe looks promising.
my streams were bloody awful tonight only really saw the last bit properly....but considering the pressure we were under tonight...the lads did f*cking well....modric ran the show from what i could tell...like he should...
the second goal is what we haven't been seeing....zokora to modric to pav....bang defoe slams it in....2-0....coys
Reply to AndalucianSpur:
Do fuck off, prick. Modric played well tonight. Let's see him do it regularly and against a 4 man midfield; he had so much space it was criminal. I want him to prove me wrong, I honestly do, but I'm not convinced by him long term. We'll see.
Reply to DANNYBOY:
Ha! I see you can dish it out but can't take it yourself.
Reply to DANNYBOY:
Arse!
You really are a twat arent you. Do you still live with your mother?
the official lot not messing about tonight....quick off the draw and all that...
massive result......LINK
Reply to YidArmy:
It helps if you click "reply" then we know who it is directed at. Hope it wasn't me.
if spurs lose we slag the players off.
if spurs win we slag each other off.
Reply to steve1987:
Thought id leave you guesin mate.
Reply to markxl1:
No we don't ...........tosser! Only kidding Mark.
Reply to steve1987:
so did you get to see much for your 50p....it was like standing behind the pillar and having a real annoying c*nt in front of you....well it was for me anyway....
is it ok to look now?? did we win??
*looks out from under the covers*
Reply to markxl1:
Just that reading ill-informed bollocks like that posted by The_Fox pisses me off. "Dwarfish" indeed - as SpursSandy will no doubt confirm, size isn't everything.
Reply to KOJAC:
No, second half was fine, atdhe.net someone
posted it earlier. Saved 4 quid so I can feed the kids tomorrow.
Reply to AndalucianSpur:
you go girl.....but i think you'll find size is everything.....
....they just lie
Reply to Bimmi:
you're alright to come out bimmi.....it's safe now.....they're already talking about europe...
Reply to steve1987:
yeah...i could not get that one up for some reason....my machine was being a real bitch tonight....typical
Reply to Bimmi:
Yes we beat West Brom
Reply to KOJAC:
Well I missed the best bit and I was wearing my 125 years shirt tonight. My wife thinks I should grow up! (she bought me the shirt though)
My stream was in and out, but from what I saw that was arguably Bentley's finest performance in our shirt to date. Also, first time he's started on the right with two up front. Coincidence? Hats off to Harry for finally having the sense to start off with a proper alignment for our dapper dandy. It ain't rocket surgery, you know.
Reply to Longwell:
Well, I think they played like a proper Spurs team tonight. You know, played some good stuff.
Reply to Longwell:
And Lenon did well on the left. He has potential to score goals from there.
Reply to KOJAC:
Reply to Paddy Mc Ginteys Goat:
come on.. you can do better than that..
Reply to steve1987:
yes....lennon looked nice and fresh 2night and finished well...obviously...
Reply to Bimmi:
Obviously not............
Reply to Bimmi:
let's see what the greek has to say about redknapp tonight....eh..!
COYS - well done for the 3 points, we can all go to bed happier than we've been all week. now hold that feeling and keep it going for the rest of the fecking season!
where's ODM and people..i want to hear from someone who was at the lane....like a bedtime story....!
Reply to AndalucianSpur:
Yes, Modric had a good game. One assist and plenty of pretty stuff. Can I just remind you we were playing Stoke at home? If wee Luka can cut it at the Library, Old Trafford, Anfield and Second Hand Bridge, I'll be happy to eat my words. Oh, and coming on here going off like a prepubescent blog flamer based on your impressive 20/20 hindsight is pretty old hat. Helmet, even.
Reply to lamf1958:
I going to bed and I'm going to be holding that feeling all night ...............I thank you!
For all those who suggest Modric should be dropped please note :
You should be supporting Stoke or Bolton.
Reply to The_Fox:
Modders has been creating chances most of the season but now he has two decent strikers in front of him as opposed to one poor one called Bent.
If you don't appreciate just how good Modric is you aren't concentrating.
Reply to onedavemackay:
there you are....did you see modric live tonight....i didn't get to see it as the net was messing about....
defoe's goal was a good move....
modric left footed cross for dawson...
and lennon's nice run and finish...
Reply to steve1987:
We don't need to hear about your sex life
Reply to onedavemackay:
EX-FUCKING-ACTLY!!
Dannyboy i hope to god reading this..
no doubt you'll still come up with some justification for this ludicrous notion..
COYS..
Reply to onedavemackay:
One swallow doth not a summer make, or words to that effect. So I think I'll just stick to Spurs for another 30 years, if you don't mind.
Reply to KOJAC:
I thought Kojac was as Greek as me?One swallow does not make a summer,but a long awaited step in the right direction
Reply to The_Fox:
f*ck off...
Reply to Nick_The_Greek:
he sure has.....nice and gracious of ...not like some....
Reply to KOJAC:
No, I was absent tonight. Just watched the first half on Football First. We played some good stuff and Defoe and Pav look the bollocks.
Bolton will be tough but if Willesden Palais does the biz and Arry plays an attacking formation I think we can take them.
Reply to The_Fox:
20/20 hindsight, no - I've been defending Modric's inclusion as central midfielder in a 4-4-2 lineup with proper support alongside him for over a month now. Read ODM above (33
and you may be enlightened but I doubt it.
Reply to KOJAC:
of you....
....that should read..
Reply to onedavemackay:
Modric is a good footballer - no argument there. I just don't think he's cut out for the Premier League. And saying that he's been creating chances all season is a bit strong, don't you think? Grabbing a wee bit onto the coattails of success, there?
Reply to The_Fox:
I don't mind but if you think this is the only time Modders has played well this season you haven't been watching.
Just to continue my one-man crusade.....
Didier did not lose the ball tonight at all.
Interesting.
Modric was special tonight, you could see he loved it out there tonight.
I won't get too carried away though as Stoke were the worst team I've seen at the Lane this season and gave far too much space in the first half.
Cudicini didn't have an awful lot to do, but looked the business.
Happy, but sceptical still.
Reply to Bimmi:
Actually, dannyboy is not anti Modders
Reply to Bimmi:
The force of your argument floors me. Well done.
Reply to The_Fox:
you should stop digging that hole for yourself....modric is one of the best players we have signed in ages...AGES...he is world class.....END OF....
Reply to Bimmi:
Certainly am arsewipe. Stoke at home, very impressive. And he was very impressive. Let me see him do it against a top team, on a regular basis, with 4 in the middle, being man marked and I'll be convinced. Like I've been saying all season. Come on, really, we should be beating these teams 4 or 5 - 0 every bloody week; the fact we're all getting excited about beating fucking Stoke ! says volumes. Good display all round against very poor opposition, nonetheless, a step in the right direction.
Reply to steve1987:
Yep. Lennon might be better on the right, but it's not by much. Bentley, by contrast, is a completely different player depending on what side of the pitch he's on.
Lennon appears to have been working on that slightly pulled-back cross with his left foot. Tonight was the fourth or fifth game this season I've seen him show that as an option from the left rather than just cutting back and driving inside. To be sure, that's still his stronger and preferred move, but if he continues to develop that little pull-back, he'll be much more difficult to contain down the left flank.
Can't wait 'til Saturday now. Hopefully the lads are salivating at the prospect of carving up Bolton like they did Stoke tonight.
Reply to The_Fox:
oh my god will you f*ck the f*ck off.. what player have you been watching??
not cut out for the Prem League?? are you serious??
is it any wonder good players always appear to struggle at Tottenham with comments like that..
f*ck off..
COME ON YOU SPURS..
Harry could you start a thread: Which ex-Spurs player should Harry bring back next??? I think it should be Malbranque!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply to onedavemackay:
Thank you kindly Mr ODM; someone who actually listens to my argument rather than just telling me to fuck off because I suggest Modric may benefit from a fortnight off
Reply to TMWNN:
yes but stoke didn't get the chance to stifle us tonight....early goals make all the difference....and we actually kept the ball a bit...
Reply to The_Fox:
It's a fact that he's created loads of chances.
Don't understand your : Grabbing a wee bit onto the coattails of success, there?
What do you mean ?
Reply to Spurs4eva:
Tony Galvin
Reply to Longwell:
Come to think of it, that "score a goal with his left foot" move wasn't too shabby either.
Reply to DANNYBOY:
right on que!!
yep i'll accept all of that in fairness to you DB.. but let's get behind him now rather than suggesting we bench him eh??
and "arsewipe"?? you're mellowing out a bit don't you think??
Reply to onedavemackay:
No, I'm saying that Modric will have to play THIS well every single game, at home and away, to be part of our first XI - and I don't think he can / will be allowed to. We beat Stoke, repeat: Stoke, 3-1 at WHL, and they were atrocious throughout.
Reply to onedavemackay:
no, but wants him benched nonetheless..
Reply to DANNYBOY:
Pleasure Dear Boy. Amazing how many people on here can't read or maybe they just don't understand.
But of course with you and Bimmi it's almost like a marriage neither of you seem to understand each other.
Entertains the rest of us though.
Reply to Bimmi:
Cunt; better?
Reply to onedavemackay:
It sounds like he is from the wrong side of Hadrians Wall
Reply to The_Fox:
Have you *seen* our first XI lately? Modric doesn't need to submit weekly MoM performances to crack that nut.
forget about tonight's game....
i'd rather have modric in the middle of the park than jenas anyday...ANYDAY....
Reply to KOJAC:
different players entirely; horses for courses. Anyone notice how we been on our losing streak since JJ HASN'T PLAYED? mmm, coincidence?
Reply to The_Fox:
I think you're proving my point.
I also think a seriously good DM would make a hell of a difference, in fact, from what I've seen, Zokora had one of HIS better games distribution wise and that has a direct result on all the team.
Reply to KOJAC:
Seriously. Who are these midfield luminaries we're meant to be starting in place of our most reliable creative outlet? Modric isn't a perfect player, but he's about the closest thing we've got.
Reply to onedavemackay:
again... Dannyboy did want Modric benched..
apologies for any misunderstanding..
Reply to zok's jock strap:
Join the crusade ODM
You know it makes sense
Reply to KOJAC:
True, they couldn't handle our quick passing and movement in the first half.
Reply to DANNYBOY:
when everbody is fit....it will be fun to see what happens....who will play where....for me jenas can play almost anywhere if he wanted to...
Reply to TMWNN:
but what happened to the 2nd half?
Reply to onedavemackay:
Yes, Zok was excellent tonight, excepting two minor positional errors which spring to mind. Thank f*ck we agree on SOMETHING... Regarding Modric, I think we'll just agree to disagree.
Reply to DANNYBOY:
Yes. Where was his winning influence versus Fulham? Traveled ahead to West Brom to help us on the road there, presumably. Oh, wait...
Reply to DANNYBOY:
Redknapp swapped wingers and complacency set in.
Anyone see we have offered Lennon in P/EX for Keane
Reply to Longwell:
exactly.....i'm not sure why some people are saying it was only stoke....we haven't won in ages and are utter shite....
...he is also toughter than people think.....
modric is actually worth the money we spent on him if you ask me....and exactly the type of player you can build a team around...
but we don't build teams...do we...
Reply to Nick_The_Greek:
no we haven't; don't believe The Daily Mail - I keep telling you. Like I said before anyhow, what does a Greek know about football? You prove my point. Jeez.
Reply to The_Fox:
Thanks Fox, that'll do for me.
You're officially signed up too & it's now a three man crusade.
Be a lover not a hater.
"Zokora not officially AS shit as everyone would have you believe"
Reply to Longwell:
This may come as a shock, but building a successful football team is not always about fielding your eleven best players.
Kojac - "i'm not sure why some people are saying it was only stoke"
Erm, because it was only Stoke? No wins away all season, promoted last season, only creativity is a throw in; shall I go on?
Reply to Nick_The_Greek:
i hope thats a joke greek....please
Fox - as soon as Palacios is available (Bolton?) who do you think will make way?
Reply to The_Fox:
Someone else told you to stop digging that hole you've found yourself in, but it seems you just can't let go of the shovel. So you really believe that the performance levels of our other central midfielders all season long have been consistently on a par with Modric? Apologies to zjs, but hopefully swapping Palacios for Zokora and keeping two true wingers in the team will give Modric even more options and we'll see him shine week in week out as you ask.
Reply to DANNYBOY:
SSN
Reply to KOJAC:
Interesting point on his toughness. He seemed a lot more resilient early in the season; incredible balance and hardly ever went down unless fouled pretty hard. I interpreted that as him making an effort to show he could stick in the league physically.
I think as the campaign has worn on, though, he's seemed to hit the ground a bit more often. It could be he's trying to suss out his sweet spot with the refs in a new league; that is, in terms of when he should bear down and try to shrug off the contact to keep the move going versus allowing himself to go down and potentially win a free kick in a promising spot. Or it could just be fatigue, but Modric strikes me as a clever fellow so I'm going to assume the former explanation is true.
Reply to DANNYBOY:
We couldn't beat Pompey at home last week and they'd lost 5 on the bounce and were subsequently knocked out of the cup at home by Swansea (and lost again tonight). So it's a big improvement in my book.
Reply to DANNYBOY:
yes but you're talking like we've been beating these types of teams all season....we haven't.....we are as shit as stoke....remember
Reply to AndalucianSpur:
No appologies necessary my friend. I'm all for upgrades.
I just want Didier's successor to really prove it... and for that to occur I want Zokora to continue playing excellently as stern competition.
which is why I choose to support him.
Wanna join the crusade?
good result tonight need the points and the performance. just had a thought about our squad, its probably the best we have had since i can remember, okay where still missing that left winger but other than that i think we got competition for places, look at villa, ther squads not as good as ours bar ashley young, i think we will give people a run for there money next year, i might get slaughtered but honestly look at our squad!!
Reply to Nick_The_Greek:
they couldn't afford lennon....surely...he wiil cost alot more than PSB did....
oh i forgot to add, zokoras positioning was spot on today
Reply to zok's jock strap:
I do like grafters and Zok also has versatility (RB, CB, DM) so I'm all for keeping him at The Lane. Would ditch several others long before him (does that count as a yes?).
Reply to scar88:
Let's worry about Saturday first eh?
Reply to TMWNN:
you've got to admire his fantasy....
...what a win can do
Zokora is a decent squad player, and as no one will pay any proper wonga for the bloke, let's keep him in the squad. Never a first XI player.
Reply to KOJAC:
You would not what stunt Redknapp will pull next,they said Lennon plus cash
Absolutely
Did I mention he didn't give it away tonight and only four times against Utd? This will undoubetdly bite me in the arse at some point.... but I'm counting you know.
All in the name of dispelling myths, or advocating the point that he is being coached the art of simplicity.
Reply to Nick_The_Greek:
liverpool would love lennon....he would probably give them a chance at the title...
i will personally lead a riot on the high road if they swap lennon for keane.....unless it is a stupid amount of money they are giving us...and i mean stupid money...
Reply to zok's jock strap:
No need, he already has the mind of a simpleton.
Reply to KOJAC:
i was just saying that on paper we have a very good squad, this has nothing to do with tonights win
reply to andalucian spur....
Someone else told you to stop digging that hole you've found yourself in, but it seems you just can't let go of the shovel. So you really believe that the performance levels of our other central midfielders all season long have been consistently on a par with Modric? Apologies to zjs, but hopefully swapping Palacios for Zokora and keeping two true wingers in the team will give Modric even more options and we'll see him shine week in week out as you ask.......
I for one like to have Hudds in the middle, but I was very impressed with Mods dictating play throughout the game. And, as you have pointed out there were two true wingers.....to be honest I can't remember the last time Bently was played on the right, with Modric in the middle. Zokora played really well, no mistakes that I can recall and did his job, sat in front of the back four and didn't push to far forward. We will see how we do against bolton and if Paladius works well with Modders. Same team for me with only Paladius in for Zokora. Well crap, Bently too, 2 matches right? Lennon on the right, and J2S on the left. We are better playing with wingers and two up front, not one.
Reply to TMWNN:
Spurs through and through.
Reply to zok's jock strap:
you need to start his fan club...
..and i did see him head the ball to a stoke player in the last 10 minutes.....
he doesn't have a brain you know....but he is a thoroughly nice chap and a good positive squad man to have about the place....just my opinion of course....
Reply to KOJAC:
Headers don't count.
If it's my club, it's my rules.
Fair?
Reply to scar88:
no i know....i wasn't digging at you.....we have a good squad i agree....but we are still in deep doo-doo....no harm in dreaming about next season though....
Reply to amerispurs:
One up front isn't such a bad idea away from home. What's the point in playing two if you're losing the midfield battle? Horses for courses.
Reply to TMWNN:
i can see harry playing zokora and palacios behind modric...with two wideman and one upfront....for sure when we are away from home...
Bollocks
Reply to KOJAC:
Wouldn't mind that at all, IF the two playing wide are actually wingers and not CMs playing narrow and congesting the middle.
Reply to KOJAC:
That's what I want, with Pav up front. 4 2 3 1. If it works, I'd play that at home too.
Reply to TMWNN:
Unless we're playing the likes of Stoke.
does harry have a journalist with him at all times....or somethimg...
...did they not see tonights goal.....i really hope this is bullshit....it's so hard to get pace like lennon has.....
why the f*ck would we offer lennon to get keane back....
Reply to TMWNN:
I`d like to see us win regularly
Reply to AndalucianSpur:
Aye, it's quality mate.
Reply to Nick_The_Greek:
You'd like to see Redknapp out.
Whoa... do I dare to get excited that we've reached the heady heights of (?)13! Crikey. Lucky for some. And with only one new player...
I couldn't watch the match as I only had SSN duffness to listen to (was in the pub).. what made the difference? The formation? Greater desire? Greater skill? No Hudd? Would the way we played Stoke work against Bolton away?
Am definitely in the Modders camp... just you watch the boy grow into a giant... ish.
Reply to zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz:
The main difference was that Stoke were shite.
Although we did move the ball swiftly and accurately.
Reply to TMWNN:
Well, that helps.
the bale curse continues......oooooohhhhhh!!(ghostly noise repeating)....for effect
que goober and the ghost chasers theme. LINK
I really like Cudicini, and I was glad to see him in the sticks. I didn't see Beattie's goal, but on the few set pieces that Stoke had (woodgate's foul) he looked really composed. It wasn't a case of "oh s***, they're shooting" like it was with Alnwick, or when Gomes was out of form.
the independent are now suggesting either Lennon or jenas + cash for PSB.
I know which one I'd rather see stay, mind you I'd like them both to.
Liverpool surely cannot value Keane at £20 mill can they??
Great performance last night.
I do feel that certain players, ie Modders, Bentley Thudd look good in a winning team, but tend to drop off the radar when the shit is flying around.
shame the Thudd did'nt get 15-20 mins, I'm sure he would have had a couple of pops at goal, which would have done his confidence no harm!
Reply to The_Fox:
OK but I'm right
As someone fairly new to the game, changing tactics based on playing home or away is something that puzzles me. I can certainly understand adjusting your tactics to the team you're playing or even which personnel you expect that team to use. But changing things up simply because it's a different venue? Is the crowd really that big a factor? Different pitch conditions? What am I missing?
In general, seems to me like you'd want to identify a formation that gives you the best chance of scoring more goals than the other lot and stick with it. Make the opposition adjust to you, not the other way around.
Reply to Longwell:
home teams tend to be more aggressive coming forward, and defend deeper when away.
which means that potentially you need to think of riding an early storm on the road and maybe playing on the break. where as at home you will probably have more possession at home and need to think about how to break teams down.
i think the expectations of the crowd do play a part in this.
Hi guys, good result last nite, bout time, though it was stoke, a wins a win, and by god we needed a win.
Anyone know any goss on Fred and Appiah? Read the reports this morning, looks like Appiah's being lined up for a no from Arry. Cant understand why they dont just stick him on a pay as play contract until end of season with an option of a long term from there. Fred, looks unlikely also if he didn't turn up for the meeting, not ideal first impressions! Still would love to get a new striker in, looks like the left hand side is dead for another window also, all gone quiet over there. Anyone know if that side is likely to be strengthened? running out of time, and cash... i expect.
Reply to robbieboy:
Appiah isnt fit.
where would we play him?
Reply to jolsgonemental:
That makes some sense, but it still strikes me as a near tautalogy. Teams play differently home and away because they play differently home and away. Silly to give the crowd that much influence, in my opinion.
Given our personnel at the moment, I think we invite trouble when we line up in a more defensive posture on the road. We're not a team that grinds out those 1-0 slugfests away from home. Indeed, we're usually on the short end of those scrappy sorts of games. Compounding the problem is the fact that I don't think we have the team-wide pace to be an effective counter-attacking team. The only recent example I've seen of us looking even remotely dangerous on the break was when Bent was on fire late last year. Far more typical I think was Saturday's match at Old Trafford. We had a number of opportunities to hit ManU on the break, and they caught up to us virtually every time.
We have success against the big, physical sides (e.g. the Stokes and Boltons of the world) when we do what we did last night: move the ball quickly, exploit any space they give us, and keep possession. Why that wouldn't work away from home is beyond me. I say if Bolton wants to be more aggressive at their place, let 'em. They can't be too threatening if we do our job and keep the ball. Easier said than done of course, but I think being less aggressive on the road is shooting ourselves in the foot more often than not.
Reply to jolsgonemental:
Appiah is playing in the reserves against Reading tonight.
A decision to be made very soon.
Reply to DANNYBOY:
That's a very good question. Old Twitchy isn't exactly sending clear, consistent signals about who he favors. Palacios' first game will be Arsenal at the Lane (no?), where I think he'll come off the bench in the second half. And I think Harry's central midfield will eventually be Palacios and Jenas.
in my eyes the only difference between last night and the rest of the season, and even the second half, was desire. This was no more evident than in our honeymoon period with 'Arry and the hunger shown then.
We can argue the toss over who to play across the middle of the park, but in reality they are a technically astute bunch capable of bothering any team. Its just the desire, or lack of, that causes so many problems.
This malaise has almost become our club legacy, and its confounded by the fact that change has been our only constant for over a decade.
On the plus side Palacios seems to be the kind of player who would be happy to pay his £5 subs just to be part of it. As much of a c*&t Bellamy is, he would have offered the same.
Reply to TMWNN:
And Fred was in faces last night. Fell out sometime this morning.
Thats how much he wants to be on this team. He's done his research and went down the club after standing up a meet and greet with the gaffer. He heard we only sign plonkers.
Well if Appiah's fit that's great we should take him, providing wages works, or even if he's on a pay as a play contract - if he's such an inspirational leader that could be what we need. Palacious maybe a box to box player, but not sure he's a leader. I dont think we can have too many quality players especially when there's some there, who still just dont quite cut it still. Fred- Oh dear... not sure that's the kind of temperment we want right now, even if he's a good player., and i heard he's pretty silky, and good in the air... just what we want on paper, but paper to field never works for spurs!
odious have given Daws a 6. the lowest mark for the team for last night.
stupid cunts
Reply to jolsgonemental:
Well, someone had to - for me, Bentley just edged it over Woody and Dawson.
If Gary Megson manages to seduce Veloso to Bolton, every single one of you is dead.
Reply to Nunchucks:
Now we know why he did not join in the summer he was waiting for a big team to come in for him.
Reply to Nunchucks:
isnt he actually a bit average anyway?
Reply to jolsgonemental:
Smeggers or Velcro - or both?
Reply to jolsgonemental:
Not to my unpracticed eye.
Accomplished enough in the DM role that you can actually see what his contribution is to the game, unlike Didi Z.
He's also pretty handy as a CB, and LB, which someone told me are two positions where we are a bit special needs.
But enough of this. We won't sign him.
But if he goes to Bolton, then we could have signed him.
And that will make me mildly annoyed. And you wouldn't like me when I'm mildly annoyed.
Reply to Nunchucks:
agree with both your comments, i have seen him play a fee times and he looks an accomplished dm, him and palacious would be perfect in midfield especially for teams such as wigan/bolton/stoke etc. away. for 12 mill he would be a must for us.
i think there are positive times ahead;
i think BAE played really well last night and if he can brush up defensively could be an above agerage left back.
i also thought pav and defoe linked up very well last night.
modric - brilliant game, however he needs to get consistentcy, bolton away will be the test.
Reply to Nunchucks:
Ashley Young.
Andrei Arshavin.
Dont get Levy to pick your lottery numbers.
Reply to TMWNN:
anyone know where reserves are playing tonight, might drop by to check Appiah out
I’ve been dumbfounded by the amount of abuse on here for a while. Some of it, you have to say, justifiable and others embarrassing. Obviously Harry knows what’s required.
Strike Force: We now have a pairing that is, starting to spark:
Pav. like many on here I love that boy…He’s got class. He’s got a deft touch.Vision. Attitude. Fight. And sure pace isn’t his strong-point but as someone on here once mentioned, when he sniffs the goal he turns into a machine!
Defoe. Going to Pompey’s been good for him. He has improved his game. Good with his back to goal and works hard off the ball. And when he sees that onion sack he gets a hard-on and wants to kick the shit out of it. He’s a yiddo.
Defence: Cudicini. A masterstroke on a free. Not just spectators but you can see the defenders around him feel confident he’ll make the right decision. Him and Gomes. Quality. Chimbonda say what you like is a decent defender anprovides cover for Charlie who can (ore than)cover for Ledlley and Palacios (maybe)
Midfield: Was meant to be our strength this season but has been the biggest problem. Palacios has been greeted with rumbles about his price how he is an Arsenal reject etc. We need a dynamo in midfield. And I’d say him and hopefully Appiah will be excellent acquisitions. The likes of Huddlestone and Zokora and Jenas will have to watch their backs.
Left midfield is a longstanding issue: But we have Lennon there, switching with Bentley and Jamie o’ Hara when fit. Bale can fill in too though I’m a little unsure).There’s Gio too.
Another striker would be nice but Bent and Campbell as back-up isn’t bad. Though can’t see Bent staying longer(I’m not a fan). A natural left winger too. But let’s forget the Stephen Hunts of this world and sign proper quality in the summer if we have to. We CAN make it with what we have.
Harry speaks of balance all the time and in my opinion we’re heading that way. The next weeks will tell.
Finally Modric is a Maestro. We must indulge him.
Guys, check out this story on BBC website, talks about severity of Appiah's injury. Blood clots in the knees... Doesn't sound too good, and sounds like he's had problems there for a while. Playing on the injections could have ruined him, but it shows what kind of player he is - Heart - something we often lack. LINK
Reply to jolsgonemental:
Velose - is he any good, after all there only appears to be Bolton aftern him, are we really missing out or would he have been another Gilberto? Who knows but I won't lose any sleep over him. I watched him for Portugal and I didn't realise he was on the pitch until half time when I saw his name on the back of the shirt - however unlike a ref I like my midfielders to influence the game. Portugal's answer to JJ?
Ashley Young - Gutted we didn't get him, however a couple of my best mates are Villa fans and their descriptions are "small, lightweight, does one decent thing a game other than that just dissapears, not as great as everyone makes out, we will not miss him that much when he's suspended" - sounds like a typically over hyped Spurs player, lets be honest he's hardly beating the door down to the national team where a right footer who hardly gets a game for his club and Stewart Downing are in front of him
Smoothbum - Who knows, looks class in Russia and for the national side however he's another small lightweight player - could just see us playing a midfield of Modric, Zokora, AA & Lennon - we're only missing Vern & Jimmy Cranky to have the midget full sweep!
The grass is always greener my friend.
Yay! Row 1 Carling cup final tickets!!
Reply to Ginge1:
He's a defensive mid.
Arguably, you aren't supposed to notice him. Take Makelele, a tiny titan in his field, yet largely unsung due to his quiet industry.
The Bolton/Veloso connection isn't because Veloso is on Bolton's level. They're trying a sneaky pilfer while nobody's looking.
last night's goals if the link works....
LINK
one touch passing....thats what does the real damage....we ain't been doing it at all....
Reply to onedavemackay:
thats not what you told us over supper!