Tin Man Seeks Heart

Hindsight is a glorious thing, but O'Hara was a must for a game against everton. Big Toms silky passing is all very well when he is given space, but everton knew that when he is closed down he panics. Like to see his pass rate yesterday.

Did someone say Zokora played yesterday?

Totally agree with you, I've been going on about our lack of guts in midfield since Gazza left. And each season we buy another player who sleeps for most of the match. The problem isn't our strikers or the defence, it never totally has been, it's been our lack of true grit in the center. At least listnig to 'Arry yesterday, he not only knows what the problem is, but will also address it, lets hope Daniel's listening.

.............hang on a minute, are my ears/eyes deceiving me or didnt we just string a run of games 75% of the league would die for....oh and did i imagine we had qualified for Uefa cup knock out stages?, oh and didnt we just beat the other scousers so overwhelmingly you'd have thought we were the defending champions????

bottom line, get over it, its pretty clear to me that Arry probably wanted to rest a few and bring in the KBP's of this world to rest our first choice lot but there isnt quite enough quality there ATM.

Our boys are playing game after game and somewhere it catches up with you; Citeh were exactly the same as us and Villa.......see a common theme guys??? Everton looked fresher and by a massive coincidence they are out of Carling and Uefa cups......

Relax, we will get back on it with who we have and Arry will strenghten the squad in a months time and all will be much healthier

OH MY GOD WE'RE SINKING!!!

Or alternatively - we played a bit shit (in front of one of the quietest WHL's I can remember) and lost 1-0. Not exactly the end of the world.

My only real concern is that after watching Everton win every long ball we out down the pitch, why the f*&k did we not try something different?

I also want to see Lennon and Bentley swapping sides as they see fit like Lennon used to with Steed...

COYS.

Argument 1: We still have the same recent form (last 8 games) as Chelscum who are still currently top.
Argument 2: AWOL and MIA are not uncommon terms

The first argument states that we're doing ok and have suffered a slip-up here. The 2nd argument is that there is still a glaring problem and that the team is not optimal.

My personal opinion on this issue sides with TMWNN and HH in that we are an incomplete team in terms of complete personnel. Some of our players are complete on some days, but most of the time they are still in development - this is why we lack the consistency of top teams. IFF everyone in the current squad played to their maximum potential then we could be realistic challengers, but I think if we all looked at the squad list and the relationships between their key team-mates, we all know its just not good enough.

Promising components for me include:
- The Corluka - Woodgate - King (when playing) - Gomes (now communication is getting better)
- The Modders & Bent Combo we saw before the injury
- The Pav & Frazier show when on form
- JoH and Bale down the left - I've said it many times before, but IMO they balance eachothers games nicely giving fluidity in attack and cover in defence.

For me the hole (without an ace in it) is the relationship between Bentley, Thudd, JJ, Zok. Can you pick a consistent 3 out of that 4 that work well together? They can all contribute something to the midfield, but just because you might like e.g chcocolate, capers, anchovies and mustard - it doesn't mean they're a tasty combo!

Individually we've got great ingredients, but we certainly need more minerals in the midfield for enough nutritional value to sustain our push for glory.

Solution is simple: Find and buy the right ingredients to complement the existing, and train to be a team. This doesn't happen overnight and usually takes a season or two. If you keep opening the oven when you're trying to make a delicate souffle, or nice cake even, it inevitably flops

Reply to toddspur:

.............hang on a minute, are my ears/eyes deceiving me or didnt we just string a run of games 75% of the league would die for....oh and did i imagine we had qualified for Uefa cup knock out stages?, oh and didnt we just beat the other scousers so overwhelmingly you'd have thought we were the...

I totally agree. Although it's obviously annoying we didn't kick on up the league with another win, but I would rather drop points(which every side inevitably does from time to time, especially after Europe on Thursday when they'd had the week off, longest bracket in the world!)to a side like Everton, who you wouldn't expect us to beat every time. We only lost to a deflected goal. Gomes looked better again, the rest did look tired and lacking in ideas. After West Ham and Manure, we have a run of seven very winable games. Moders might be back by then, God we've missed him. Tinker with some additions in Jan when hopefully we'll be top half...possible cup wins...when Ramos went anyone of us would have paid for Prem survival, so lets get expectations to a realistic levels for the players we currently have.
Glory glory.

Reply to Trembly:

Argument 1: We still have the same recent form (last 8 games) as Chelscum who are still currently top.
Argument 2: AWOL and MIA are not uncommon terms

The first argument states that we're doing ok and have suffered a slip-up here. The 2nd argument is that there is still a glaring...

"Individually we've got great ingredients, but we certainly need more minerals in the midfield for enough nutritional value to sustain our push for glory.

Solution is simple: Find and buy the right ingredients to complement the existing, and train to be a team. This doesn't happen overnight and usually takes a season or two. If you keep opening the oven when you're trying to make a delicate souffle, or nice cake even, it inevitably flops"

Very very good. Lots of good ingredients but continuing your analogy perhaps missing 'the eggs that bind'....

Reply to Poshspur:

Reply to toddspur:

.............hang on a minute, are my ears/eyes deceiving me or didnt we just string a run of games 75% of the league would die for....oh and did i imagine we had qualified for Uefa cup knock out stages?, oh and didnt we just beat the other scousers so overwhelmingly you'd have thought we were the...

I totally agree. Although it's obviously annoying we didn't kick on up the league with another win, but I would rather drop points(which every side inevitably does from time to time, especially after Europe on Thursday when they'd had the week off, longest bracket in the world!)to a side like...

agree we miss Modric if for his industry as for another option to rest other players; personally i wouldnt buy anyone for our midfield in January, i would buy a CB and a Striker, we have enough quality in that dept to string another 10 games together with 50% of them as wins, the rest as draws and defeats.............its called realism. We need to survive this year and maybe win a cup then go for it in the prem next season

Reply to dRb:

OH MY GOD WE'RE SINKING!!!

Or alternatively - we played a bit shit (in front of one of the quietest WHL's I can remember) and lost 1-0. Not exactly the end of the world.

My only real concern is that after watching Everton win every long ball we out down the pitch, why the...

As on the official site, the explanation was clear; we we're blocked out of the key midfield battles and had to revert to long balls. Azza was marked out of the game on both wings. Thudd tried to play the killer long ball too often and really should have passed to Bent when he had an eye on goal. We were a bit unlucky with the missed chances (in the way that Rude van horstelroy or Sammy Etoo or Da Villa would have put them away but can't complain otherwise...

Firstly our squad is completely unbalanced. As in 4 international right backs, 2 international right wingers no left wingers and two strikers who can't play together. Oh and has anyone noticed that Zokora is our only holding midfielder ? Arry has.

The second thing is that we have too many would be goods and should be goods. Players like O'Hara, Huddlestone and Bent who can all do some things well but are currently not complete enough footballers to compete in the Premier League. How long do we wait to see if they can move up a gear?

My final point is that Arry is still getting to know this lot and players like Modric paper over a lot of cracks that only become apparent now when he's missing a few games. Hopefully, Arry will have noticed that the team that finished yesterday were a much better bet than the mob that started.


The most worrying thing for me though is the two words : Joe Jordan

Reply to Trembly:

Argument 1: We still have the same recent form (last 8 games) as Chelscum who are still currently top.
Argument 2: AWOL and MIA are not uncommon terms

The first argument states that we're doing ok and have suffered a slip-up here. The 2nd argument is that there is still a glaring...

Trembles

I like your thinking on the combo's especially Baler and JoH

Perhaps our problem really is too many games. I know Harry likes a training session to gel things but with games coming aplenty he maybe hasnt had the sessions to evaluate the combo's you mention.....or am i talking shit

Reply to Poshspur:

Reply to toddspur:

.............hang on a minute, are my ears/eyes deceiving me or didnt we just string a run of games 75% of the league would die for....oh and did i imagine we had qualified for Uefa cup knock out stages?, oh and didnt we just beat the other scousers so overwhelmingly you'd have thought we were the...

I totally agree. Although it's obviously annoying we didn't kick on up the league with another win, but I would rather drop points(which every side inevitably does from time to time, especially after Europe on Thursday when they'd had the week off, longest bracket in the world!)to a side like...

"We only lost to a deflected goal."

Is a fair point. But to be honest, it was the many many many other minutes that elapsed in this game and have elapsed in others where we were incapable of supplying our strikers with an decent ball that worried me.

Some seem to think there will be easier teams to do it against.

Once you eliminate the teams we have already failed against plus the 'big four' plus 'the one you don't quite like the look of' that leaves.....

Reply to Trembly:

Argument 1: We still have the same recent form (last 8 games) as Chelscum who are still currently top.
Argument 2: AWOL and MIA are not uncommon terms

The first argument states that we're doing ok and have suffered a slip-up here. The 2nd argument is that there is still a glaring...

Lovely cookery metaphor! As the one from celebrity master chef says in the opening sequence "Cooking metaphors, doesn't get tougher than this!"....well it's what he's trying to say.

'Highly esteemed HH contributor TMWNN called it right last night.'

Highly esteemed? Not sure about that, in fact I'm pretty sure that most people on here think I'm a Jenas hating cu#t. Cue "that's right" comments.

Reply to toddspur:

.............hang on a minute, are my ears/eyes deceiving me or didnt we just string a run of games 75% of the league would die for....oh and did i imagine we had qualified for Uefa cup knock out stages?, oh and didnt we just beat the other scousers so overwhelmingly you'd have thought we were the...

Well bloody said, Toddspur.

Fickle: –adjective
1. likely to change, esp. due to caprice, irresolution, or instability; casually changeable: fickle weather.
2. not constant or loyal in affections: a fickle lover (eg a Tottenham Hotspur supporter)

If you look at every teams recent form in the Premier League you will see that everyone is stuttering.

Chelsea drew and lost their last two games.
ManU drew and won but are still 5 points behind Chelsea.
Arsenal won finally but are 7 points adrift.
There are only 10 points between 18th and 5th.

Yet, after a great run of form under Arry we slip up against a side that dont have to play any additional matches outside of the Premiership and we start talking about relegation again. We were talking about 5th/6th place five minutes before kick-off!

Lets see the young side beat Watford and then a rested and rejuvenated side defeat West Ham next Monday.

Patience is a virtue - there is a long way to go!

we were not we we're (we we are? )

HH, eggs that bind! Eureka! We inevitably look and opt for the exotic expensive imported or organically home grown ingredients. However, arguably the best player on the pitch yesterday was a Phil Jagielka, who although his name is a tad foreign, is not an imported luxury item. I was hoping we might grab him when he was up for it (grabs) as IMO he was a cheap battler of a utility man. I never thought he would be such a brilliant Central Defender. It is hard to argue that relatively, chips were as cheap as he was!

I'm not suggesting that we ditch the Harrods food hall in favour of Lidl's bargain section, but really...if we can buy decent quality eggs for a non-extortionate price, then why not? A Sulley Muntari type (not looking at all out of his depth at Inter) would be nice please 'Arry.

Reply to onedavemackay:

Firstly our squad is completely unbalanced. As in 4 international right backs, 2 international right wingers no left wingers and two strikers who can't play together. Oh and has anyone noticed that Zokora is our only holding midfielder ? Arry has.

The second thing is that we have too...

" too many would be goods and should be goods"

I cringed during the Blackburn highlights. The commentator rightly pointed out how well Lennon was playing.

He started banging on not only was he a find for the Engerland U21's but for the 1st Squad.

I just thought to myself, 'He's highly unlikely be as good next time - be quiet, won't you?'

we were not we we're (we we are? )

HH, eggs that bind! Eureka! We inevitably look and opt for the exotic expensive imported or organically home grown ingredients. However, arguably the best player on the pitch yesterday was a Phil Jagielka, who although his name is a tad foreign, is not an imported luxury item. I was hoping we might grab him when he was up for it (grabs) as IMO he was a cheap battler of a utility man. I never thought he would be such a brilliant Central Defender. It is hard to argue that relatively, chips were as cheap as he was!

I'm not suggesting that we ditch the Harrods food hall in favour of Lidl's bargain section, but really...if we can buy decent quality eggs for a non-extortionate price, then why not? A Sulley Muntari type (not looking at all out of his depth at Inter) would be nice please 'Arry.

Reply to HarryHotspur:

Reply to Poshspur:

Reply to toddspur:

.............hang on a minute, are my ears/eyes deceiving me or didnt we just string a run of games 75% of the league would die for....oh and did i imagine we had qualified for Uefa cup knock out stages?, oh and didnt we just beat the other scousers so overwhelmingly you'd have thought we were the...

I totally agree. Although it's obviously annoying we didn't kick on up the league with another win, but I would rather drop points(which every side inevitably does from time to time, especially after Europe on Thursday when they'd had the week off, longest bracket in the world!)to a side like...

"We only lost to a deflected goal."

Is a fair point. But to be honest, it was the many many many other minutes that elapsed in this game and have elapsed in others where we were incapable of supplying our strikers with an decent ball that worried me.

Some seem to think...

Don't get me wrong, I have no expectation of us now steam rollering seven wins out of seven against the "beatable sides". I just think Everton are a side on a level with us when they're on it and therefore I don't expect to beat them every time. It was v frustrating at times yesterday and Bentley seems plodding to me? I think with a Modric to break through them, we could well have won yesterday. It's not that bad, but its noooo great! As for the teams we've already failed against, that was under Wendy and I expect more points out of them under Harry, Harry!

Reply to TMWNN:

'Highly esteemed HH contributor TMWNN called it right last night.'

Highly esteemed? Not sure about that, in fact I'm pretty sure that most people on here think I'm a Jenas hating cu#t. Cue "that's right" comments.

Syntax error.

I'll adjust it at once. You Jenas hating ****.

There are so many different views of yesterday's game - apart from the obvious fact of the level of disappointment at the result - that any viewpoint will invite crticism.

Mine are:-
1. It was proved, once again, that Huddlestone does not cope with being pressured. He looks great when given space, but is unable to create that space himself - unlike the maestro that he aspires to be likened with - Hoddle.

2. Zokora will (and did) run all day and get in the way of most counter attacks - but don't ever expect a decent pass at the end of it.

3. Bentley wasn't worth his place in the team.

4. Bent is best on his own and with at least 5 yards of space to trap a ball.

5. We have to play these games and lose them so that our esteemed manager can arrive at the same conclusions as his predecessors.

My personal selection before the game was :- the same back four, a midfield 5 of Bentley, Zokora, KPB (once I knew Jenas was out), Ohara, with Lennon behind Bent.
My thinking was to go Like for Like with the opposition and rely on the ballwinning capacities of Zokora and KPB to give the free man and the wide men possession.

Look at the chances that we did have and Lennon skewed a great chance, Bent mis directed a shot for one effort, and mistimed his run for another.
They scored because a) Lennon went to sleep and b) a massive deflection.
It wasn't a great game, but defensively they caused us little to no problems until we started pressing.

"We need to survive this year and maybe win a cup then go for it in the prem next season"

Deja vu Toddspur?

Reply to HarryHotspur:

Reply to TMWNN:

'Highly esteemed HH contributor TMWNN called it right last night.'

Highly esteemed? Not sure about that, in fact I'm pretty sure that most people on here think I'm a Jenas hating cu#t. Cue "that's right" comments.

Syntax error.

I'll adjust it at once. You Jenas hating ****.

Thanks for cleaning up my abysmal grammar once again, although if Trembly is making grammar errors, there's hope for us all.

Go and baste your chicos you.

as long as no one suggests getting out his turkey baster for a good roasting we'll be fine?!

Reply to TMWNN:

Reply to HarryHotspur:

Reply to TMWNN:

'Highly esteemed HH contributor TMWNN called it right last night.'

Highly esteemed? Not sure about that, in fact I'm pretty sure that most people on here think I'm a Jenas hating cu#t. Cue "that's right" comments.

Syntax error.

I'll adjust it at once. You Jenas hating ****.

Thanks for cleaning up my abysmal grammar once again, although if Trembly is making grammar errors, there's hope for us all.

I was suggesting 'highly esteemed was' a syntax error!

Spurs remind me a lot of Lidl or Aldi.

I seem always to arrive with the thought of glorious savings on imported goods and leave instead with a cardboard box of 'brandnames' I've never heard of and despite the array of bounty - nothing I can actually make a decent meal out of.

you're a filth magnet! Worse things to be..

Reply to HarryHotspur:

Reply to TMWNN:

Reply to HarryHotspur:

Reply to TMWNN:

'Highly esteemed HH contributor TMWNN called it right last night.'

Highly esteemed? Not sure about that, in fact I'm pretty sure that most people on here think I'm a Jenas hating cu#t. Cue "that's right" comments.

Syntax error.

I'll adjust it at once. You Jenas hating ****.

Thanks for cleaning up my abysmal grammar once again, although if Trembly is making grammar errors, there's hope for us all.

I was suggesting 'highly esteemed was' a syntax error!

Spurs remind me a lot of Lidl or Aldi.

I seem always to arrive with the thought of glorious savings on imported goods and leave instead with a cardboard box of 'brandnames' I've never heard of and despite the...

I no. I mite rite dum, butt eyem not that stewpid.

Reply to TMWNN:

"We need to survive this year and maybe win a cup then go for it in the prem next season"

Deja vu Toddspur?

yes, certainly is but we are where we are TM and no Chystal Ball to hand to tell me otherwise

Reply to toddspur:

Reply to TMWNN:

"We need to survive this year and maybe win a cup then go for it in the prem next season"

Deja vu Toddspur?

yes, certainly is but we are where we are TM and no Chystal Ball to hand to tell me otherwise

True, I just hope Harry can find the right players.

Reply to TMWNN:

Reply to toddspur:

Reply to TMWNN:

"We need to survive this year and maybe win a cup then go for it in the prem next season"

Deja vu Toddspur?

yes, certainly is but we are where we are TM and no Chystal Ball to hand to tell me otherwise

True, I just hope Harry can find the right players.

he rarely fails in that dept and theres a lot of clubs in financial doo doo so its a buyers market

Reply to TMWNN:

Reply to HarryHotspur:

Reply to TMWNN:

Reply to HarryHotspur:

Reply to TMWNN:

'Highly esteemed HH contributor TMWNN called it right last night.'

Highly esteemed? Not sure about that, in fact I'm pretty sure that most people on here think I'm a Jenas hating cu#t. Cue "that's right" comments.

Syntax error.

I'll adjust it at once. You Jenas hating ****.

Thanks for cleaning up my abysmal grammar once again, although if Trembly is making grammar errors, there's hope for us all.

I was suggesting 'highly esteemed was' a syntax error!

Spurs remind me a lot of Lidl or Aldi.

I seem always to arrive with the thought of glorious savings on imported goods and leave instead with a cardboard box of 'brandnames' I've never heard of and despite the...

I no. I mite rite dum, butt eyem not that stewpid.

That's where you and I part company - I'm not that bright... although untangling Christmas tree lights ought to be on the submitted to Guantanamo as a mind dissolving punishment.

Reply to toddspur:

.............hang on a minute, are my ears/eyes deceiving me or didnt we just string a run of games 75% of the league would die for....oh and did i imagine we had qualified for Uefa cup knock out stages?, oh and didnt we just beat the other scousers so overwhelmingly you'd have thought we were the...

did you watch any of those games? we won most through good fortune not good play. Harry has summed it up perfectly, we are weak in midfield. talk it up all you like mr armchair glory, if 'arry dont address the DM issue spurs are in the championship next season.

Reply to head up your arse?:

Reply to toddspur:

.............hang on a minute, are my ears/eyes deceiving me or didnt we just string a run of games 75% of the league would die for....oh and did i imagine we had qualified for Uefa cup knock out stages?, oh and didnt we just beat the other scousers so overwhelmingly you'd have thought we were the...

did you watch any of those games? we won most through good fortune not good play. Harry has summed it up perfectly, we are weak in midfield. talk it up all you like mr armchair glory, if 'arry dont address the DM issue spurs are in the championship next season.

great moniker btw....how do you see the keyboard to type such negative shit? i guess you take it out to breath life into that tiny brain of yours??

Reply to toddspur:

Reply to head up your arse?:

Reply to toddspur:

.............hang on a minute, are my ears/eyes deceiving me or didnt we just string a run of games 75% of the league would die for....oh and did i imagine we had qualified for Uefa cup knock out stages?, oh and didnt we just beat the other scousers so overwhelmingly you'd have thought we were the...

did you watch any of those games? we won most through good fortune not good play. Harry has summed it up perfectly, we are weak in midfield. talk it up all you like mr armchair glory, if 'arry dont address the DM issue spurs are in the championship next season.

great moniker btw....how do you see the keyboard to type such negative shit? i guess you take it out to breath life into that tiny brain of yours??

i see very clearly thank you, not using the same rose coloured glasses that you watch tv through. do you go to any games? tiny brain? well i'm not the one sticking my head up his arse, you armchair c*ck

Reply to head up you arse?:

Reply to toddspur:

Reply to head up your arse?:

Reply to toddspur:

.............hang on a minute, are my ears/eyes deceiving me or didnt we just string a run of games 75% of the league would die for....oh and did i imagine we had qualified for Uefa cup knock out stages?, oh and didnt we just beat the other scousers so overwhelmingly you'd have thought we were the...

did you watch any of those games? we won most through good fortune not good play. Harry has summed it up perfectly, we are weak in midfield. talk it up all you like mr armchair glory, if 'arry dont address the DM issue spurs are in the championship next season.

great moniker btw....how do you see the keyboard to type such negative shit? i guess you take it out to breath life into that tiny brain of yours??

i see very clearly thank you, not using the same rose coloured glasses that you watch tv through. do you go to any games? tiny brain? well i'm not the one sticking my head up his arse, you armchair c*ck

When you wade through the abuse, Mr Pottymouth you make sense. Bit like talking to me on occasion.... It's an emotional business, but let's not eat each other

The game was lost before our "soldiers" stepped onto the "battlefield". As a collective that XI never believed they were capable of overcoming the stickymen.

We never showed sufficient self-belief or industry to win a game against a team who have over achieved to the extent we have under achieved since the pramiership's inception.

We can talk formations all day, but in future Mr.Redknapp I suggest waking the squad up at dawn every morning with ice cold water to jolt them out of this safe malaise that seems to doggedly determine our frequency of defeat.
Seriously our players do not know they are born.

Happy World Aids Day everybody and just remember if today you get caught up in the depression of all that is being a Lillywhite remember - you could be the person responsible for ensuring generic anti retroviral drugs are prevented from getting to those in need. Then you might really have a gun at your head.

Best.

Mr. T

You sir, are a filthmonger of the highest degree.

I actually thought of you as I wrote that

There must be some kid who could get in the team ahead of Zokora

'...we are one or two players from a top four side.' Hilarious.

we are going into another transfer window with the same shopping list a left winger a busy defensive midfielder and a creative midfielder or a creative second striker. out Dawson Bent Rocha BAE Zokora Gilberto

I have liked very little of what I have seen at WHL this season; even Woodgate and King are beginning to disapoint. Corluka is an adequate addition; Ironically (considering last season's efforts) only Lennon has consistently shown he has what it takes.

Our recent successes "under 'arry" have served to mask our (long-term) shortcomings in midfield and our lack of leadership.

There are far too few in the squad who know what it takes to survive let alone succeed in this league. Henry James has his work cut out if we're to be playing PL football next term. Let us hope sufficient funds are made available in January and we don't waste the entire window chasing the likes of Arshavin et al.

you all need to take a long hard look at your selves. We have been beaten 1-0 by a very decent outfit. We didn't have our two best midfilders players (yes that inculdes Jenas - i have NASA approved reserach to prove it)

The above should not give us the torrent of negative thinking that is the HH blog and blogees today.

go have a bacon buttie with HP, a large cup of tea and think about what you have just said.

COYS, BIOYC and long live paulhasissues.

Dear Mr Glass's Half Full, I salute your optimism, however, get real. We are fifth frmo bottom on goal diffrence alone, just been turned over by a tepidly dreary Everton side (indoors) and there is a world of difference between being able to muster a performance or two worthy of a top-4 side and actually having the squad (depth) or consistency of form to achieve this.

"All we need is a world class DM/protector." If only.

So you think Assou-Ekotto and/or Bale are doing the business at present?

Reply to corlukas-veruka:

we are going into another transfer window with the same shopping list a left winger a busy defensive midfielder and a creative midfielder or a creative second striker. out Dawson Bent Rocha BAE Zokora Gilberto

Bent?

You can always tell that it's all gone Pete Tong at the weekend, a brief look at Harry's wall of wonder. Cue infighting, followed by a large portion of Mr Trembly's culinary metaphorical good sense. Trembly, are you 'king of the pass' at some five star, west-end eatery?.

DV could never be used as a Spurs result barometer, as master of the double-entendre, heaps of pervy smut, whatever the result.

Truth be told, we are like Rolos, soft in the centre. Will o' the wisp performances from so many players. They're bigger teases than my first girlfriend, gagging for it one minute then, in the blink of an eye not even a ghost of cuppage. Even when most have 'turned up', we have looked unconvincing, except for glimpses of brilliance against the Croatians.
Harry will need to add granite to the centre come January, until then, it's hope for the best, forget silver pragmatism imo.

'That's where you and I part company - I'm not that bright... although untangling Christmas tree lights ought to be on the submitted to Guantanamo as a mind dissolving punishment.'

Due to my fickle nature and downright negative outlook, I gave up on Christmas many moons ago, but good luck with those lights H. The memories still haunt me.

I thought the title of this story referenced a miraculous potential first team comeback by Paul Stalteri.

Fortunately, I was corrected. Don't leave me hanging like that again Harry Hotspur

Reply to paulhasissues:

you all need to take a long hard look at your selves. We have been beaten 1-0 by a very decent outfit. We didn't have our two best midfilders players (yes that inculdes Jenas - i have NASA approved reserach to prove it)

The above should not give us the torrent of negative thinking...

What is in that 'secret recipe'?, Trembly might know. Whatever it is, it's made you rather optimistic Paul. Everton, 'a very decent outfit', Jenas, one of 'our..best midfield players'. I can only guess at hallucinogens, and to think that NASA statisticians are eating it too.

Reply to billybigspud:

Reply to paulhasissues:

you all need to take a long hard look at your selves. We have been beaten 1-0 by a very decent outfit. We didn't have our two best midfilders players (yes that inculdes Jenas - i have NASA approved reserach to prove it)

The above should not give us the torrent of negative thinking...

What is in that 'secret recipe'?, Trembly might know. Whatever it is, it's made you rather optimistic Paul. Everton, 'a very decent outfit', Jenas, one of 'our..best midfield players'. I can only guess at hallucinogens, and to think that NASA statisticians are eating it too.

Everton are a decent outfit. Jag, Artea, Fellini, Phil Nevile, Cahill, yobo - these guys would challange our sqaud wouldn't they?

and Jenas IS one of best midfidlers, we are never as good when he doesn't play, nobody can pinpoint what goes when he's gone or what he add's when plays. He is the colonels secert sauce.

For me we have a poor start as three of key players (Modders,Pav and Gomes) have got the old Berbatov sydrome and by that i don't mean that they are sulky shi*s who will be off to join red nose, but that will take a few months to start giving there best, when this happens we will return to rightful throne of 11th place.

Reply to paulhasissues:

Reply to billybigspud:

Reply to paulhasissues:

you all need to take a long hard look at your selves. We have been beaten 1-0 by a very decent outfit. We didn't have our two best midfilders players (yes that inculdes Jenas - i have NASA approved reserach to prove it)

The above should not give us the torrent of negative thinking...

What is in that 'secret recipe'?, Trembly might know. Whatever it is, it's made you rather optimistic Paul. Everton, 'a very decent outfit', Jenas, one of 'our..best midfield players'. I can only guess at hallucinogens, and to think that NASA statisticians are eating it too.

Everton are a decent outfit. Jag, Artea, Fellini, Phil Nevile, Cahill, yobo - these guys would challange our sqaud wouldn't they?

and Jenas IS one of best midfidlers, we are never as good when he doesn't play, nobody can pinpoint what goes when he's gone or what he add's when plays....

I'm not convinced that we are a decent outfit, so the fact that four or five of their players would make our squad, doesn't make them a decent outfit. Jag, Arteta, Yobo, Fellini maybe, Cahill is another fade in/ fade out merchant, we have those in abundance and Neville is in the twilight years and we have one of those.
I agree that our results seem to improve with JJ in the side, for the life of me I don't know how. All too often he does his Benny Hill impression, and just once in a while he grabs the game by the scruff of the neck, like he did so magnificently against the arse. A riddle in an enigma is Mr Jenas, potential and effort in abundance, ideas in a matchbox.
I have faith that Mod, Pav and Gomes will come good, the signs are there for all to see. A decent DM, a LM and perhaps cover for LB and GK would be my wishes for the January sales.

Written for the literate Mr DV, I'm unsurprised that you struggled to understand it.
The point I was making was; you can tell the weekend results by the tone of Mondays posts. Where as yours are generally filth, regardless.
As for your predictions, I seem to remember 3-0 for the NEC game, and something about maths.

Virtual Insanity?

LINK

Just for you in your virtual world DV.

Reply to billybigspud:

Written for the literate Mr DV, I'm unsurprised that you struggled to understand it.
The point I was making was; you can tell the weekend results by the tone of Mondays posts. Where as yours are generally filth, regardless.
As for your predictions, I seem to remember 3-0 for the NEC...

"I'm unsurprised that you struggled to understand it. "

Please, - he's obviously sober

Your bullets cannot harm me, my wings are like a shield of steel.

LINK
Dean Martin

Chateau de Brown Pap de Erbag is LoTHW territory

Dimitar oh Dimitar his mum washes windscreens on the North Cir-cularrrr. Dimitar oh Dimitar his dad is a rapist in Bulgar-iaaa.

I see the food metaphor, unlike yesterdays performance from our boys, went down well. To answer your questions, I have tenuous links in some swanky eateries (but you can't beat the Friday Fish 'n chip ritual). I can only offer my 2-bit hack interpretation of what ingredients we need based on who is available and my knowledge of that is hugely limited to the supermarket special offer adverts in the tabloids and the flyers that get recycled along with the local paper they get delivered in!

LINK "It's all about omelettes and eggs...No eggs, no omelette. And it depends on the quality of the eggs. This brings us back to HH's binding agent.

The question is what are we trying to make? Mourhino's expensive omelette? Certainly not Ramos' complicated secret Paella recipe, doubt that any of the boys know what 'azafran' is.

I thought that FK's Rolo comparison was good. The toffee got stuck right in whilst we were tastiest on the outer edges of the game.

But what will we be now? Best of British? Shepherds pie? Eels and mash? Chicken Tikka Balti Chef Redschnapps to prove that he has great taste again in Jan?

Aside: One Everton player I would like JJ to take a look at is Leon Osman - consistently aggressive and effective. Oi Moyes! Fancy swapsies?

Reply to HarryHotspur:

Chateau de Brown Pap de Erbag is LoTHW territory

I bet you, LoTW, ODM, 9__37 etc can decribe Spurs plight in terms of vino or other swanky alcoholic beverages. All i've got in the fridge is a couple of leftover cans of Amstel Bring back the Hoslsten!!!

Reply to Trembly:

I see the food metaphor, unlike yesterdays performance from our boys, went down well. To answer your questions, I have tenuous links in some swanky eateries (but you can't beat the Friday Fish 'n chip ritual). I can only offer my 2-bit hack interpretation of what ingredients we need based on who is...

Osman was for a spell, last season 'a good earner' on the Fantasy Footy front...

Reply to Trembly:

Reply to HarryHotspur:

Chateau de Brown Pap de Erbag is LoTHW territory

I bet you, LoTW, ODM, 9__37 etc can decribe Spurs plight in terms of vino or other swanky alcoholic beverages. All i've got in the fridge is a couple of leftover cans of Amstel Bring back the Hoslsten!!!

If I discovered Amstel in my fridge I presume I been subject to a particularly sick 'reverse burglary'.

Reply to HarryHotspur:

Reply to Trembly:

Reply to HarryHotspur:

Chateau de Brown Pap de Erbag is LoTHW territory

I bet you, LoTW, ODM, 9__37 etc can decribe Spurs plight in terms of vino or other swanky alcoholic beverages. All i've got in the fridge is a couple of leftover cans of Amstel Bring back the Hoslsten!!!

If I discovered Amstel in my fridge I presume I been subject to a particularly sick 'reverse burglary'.

I should have included a couple of 'd's after the I's there.

I'm not Cornish.

Reply to HarryHotspur:

Reply to Trembly:

Reply to HarryHotspur:

Chateau de Brown Pap de Erbag is LoTHW territory

I bet you, LoTW, ODM, 9__37 etc can decribe Spurs plight in terms of vino or other swanky alcoholic beverages. All i've got in the fridge is a couple of leftover cans of Amstel Bring back the Hoslsten!!!

If I discovered Amstel in my fridge I presume I been subject to a particularly sick 'reverse burglary'.

Any word when Harry will reintroduce the Birch to the training ground?

Reply to HarryHotspur:

Reply to onedavemackay:

Firstly our squad is completely unbalanced. As in 4 international right backs, 2 international right wingers no left wingers and two strikers who can't play together. Oh and has anyone noticed that Zokora is our only holding midfielder ? Arry has.

The second thing is that we have too...

" too many would be goods and should be goods"

I cringed during the Blackburn highlights. The commentator rightly pointed out how well Lennon was playing.

He started banging on not only was he a find for the Engerland U21's but for the 1st Squad.

I just...

I think Lennon has been our most consistent performer this season and though he was particularly good against Blackburn he has been causing the opposition agro in varying degrees, all season.

Everton , to be fair, played him well and we did not seem to give him great service.

I was expecting great things of Tommy. I thought that with Didier doing the defensive stuff Hudd would be free to run the game and attack at will. But the reality was he just wasn't good enough on the day and as talented as he is, he needs to step up a gear to become the real deal. Will he won't he ? Who knows ?

The history of Tottenham Hotspur is littered with players who promised so much and delivered pizzas.

"The history of Tottenham Hotspur is littered with players who promised so much and delivered pizzas."


Such are the Hazzards of donning the Lilywhite shirt....


I'm here all week....

Reply to Nick_The_Greek:

Reply to HarryHotspur:

Reply to Trembly:

Reply to HarryHotspur:

Chateau de Brown Pap de Erbag is LoTHW territory

I bet you, LoTW, ODM, 9__37 etc can decribe Spurs plight in terms of vino or other swanky alcoholic beverages. All i've got in the fridge is a couple of leftover cans of Amstel Bring back the Hoslsten!!!

If I discovered Amstel in my fridge I presume I been subject to a particularly sick 'reverse burglary'.

Any word when Harry will reintroduce the Birch to the training ground?

I can only confirm him to be ...Super Luca Nuts Are We as we speak ...

Reply to HarryHotspur:

"The history of Tottenham Hotspur is littered with players who promised so much and delivered pizzas."


Such are the Hazzards of donning the Lilywhite shirt....


I'm here all week....

It goes without saying that Micky H. sprung to my mind immediately.

Reply to onedavemackay:

Reply to HarryHotspur:

"The history of Tottenham Hotspur is littered with players who promised so much and delivered pizzas."


Such are the Hazzards of donning the Lilywhite shirt....


I'm here all week....

It goes without saying that Micky H. sprung to my mind immediately.

I'm only vaguely watching Pool vs the Clothespeg Salesmen so as to assist my Indian Spirit Guide Dave to 'channel' his pronouncements....

Ultimately I am a selfless vessel.

Reply to onedavemackay:

Reply to HarryHotspur:

"The history of Tottenham Hotspur is littered with players who promised so much and delivered pizzas."


Such are the Hazzards of donning the Lilywhite shirt....


I'm here all week....

It goes without saying that Micky H. sprung to my mind immediately.

Paul Moran delivered me a pizza once, then he still missed the cheese off the pizza

It's a shame we always have potential in our great young players at the club, but unless you blood them more, its not going to happen.

I think we need a good mix of youth and players that will do a job like you said Harry. I don't think we need alot of change a good workman like midfield player a 1000 times better than Zokora, to help Modric do his damage and a striker who will just put the ball in the net and nothing else.

Did anyone think that King looked good in Midfield and pushing forward yesterday? Well i thought he looked better. We all no that he can play that holding role in midfield. Stick Corluka and woody as the centre backs. At least you will get abit of a spine through the team with king in front of them.

Reply to HarryHotspur:

Reply to onedavemackay:

Reply to HarryHotspur:

"The history of Tottenham Hotspur is littered with players who promised so much and delivered pizzas."


Such are the Hazzards of donning the Lilywhite shirt....


I'm here all week....

It goes without saying that Micky H. sprung to my mind immediately.

I'm only vaguely watching Pool vs the Clothespeg Salesmen so as to assist my Indian Spirit Guide Dave to 'channel' his pronouncements....

Ultimately I am a selfless vessel.

its funny watching two teams i hate and wanting both to lose......more so the salesmen for obvious reasons (and no, its not cos their supporters are all cnuts)

The atmosphere is terrible there.

I'm going to watch until pointy gets taken off in the 65th minute.

What are the odds of him staring into the distance with a 'WTF have I done' look on his face after he's trudged off and the camera zooms in on his face when he's sitting behind the bench?

Reply to HarryHotspur:

Reply to onedavemackay:

Reply to HarryHotspur:

"The history of Tottenham Hotspur is littered with players who promised so much and delivered pizzas."


Such are the Hazzards of donning the Lilywhite shirt....


I'm here all week....

It goes without saying that Micky H. sprung to my mind immediately.

I'm only vaguely watching Pool vs the Clothespeg Salesmen so as to assist my Indian Spirit Guide Dave to 'channel' his pronouncements....

Ultimately I am a selfless vessel.

Indeed you are H.

Whereas I am the blundering fool who managed to tread a needle into my right foot on my way to my mac to reply and whitter on about how few players have ever come up through the ranks etc. So instead I've just returned from A & E and an hour long op with 5 stitches.

I'm just hoping I'll have recovered by Wednesday.

What I meant to say before all the excitement occurred was this:

Is Joe Jordan the ugliest coach in the British game ? I was discussing this with a mate and he reminded me that Stuart Houston is also very ugly but someone else claimed Micky Pejic is uglier than anyone. Maybe we should have a competition ?

What up Chumps?

That's what I thought.

Reply to TMWNN:

The atmosphere is terrible there.

I'm going to watch until pointy gets taken off in the 65th minute.

What are the odds of him staring into the distance with a 'WTF have I done' look on his face after he's trudged off and the camera zooms in on his face when he's sitting...

Oh so close TMWNN! Taken off on the 66th minute according to the beeb and the goal drought continues for PSB. I couldn't be bothered to watch this last night. Any nice new injuries for both teams?

ODM - firstly why are you walking barefoot on needles? Images of you living in a haberdashery department, or being un-lucky enough to find that needle in the haystack whilst lounging around a converted barn come to mind! Secondly - Joe Jordan. Is he what Ledders meant by winning ugly? As long as he helps drill the game plan into the boys!

Reply to Trembly:

Reply to TMWNN:

The atmosphere is terrible there.

I'm going to watch until pointy gets taken off in the 65th minute.

What are the odds of him staring into the distance with a 'WTF have I done' look on his face after he's trudged off and the camera zooms in on his face when he's sitting...

Oh so close TMWNN! Taken off on the 66th minute according to the beeb and the goal drought continues for PSB. I couldn't be bothered to watch this last night. Any nice new injuries for both teams?

Don't think so. Would have been nice if Robert Green had picked up a minor broken neck, some good saves. We'll have to take the game to them on Monday as they looked clueless going forward.
....hang on, so do we.

PSB's scored in 3 games out of 22

Reply to Trembly:

ODM - firstly why are you walking barefoot on needles? Images of you living in a haberdashery department, or being un-lucky enough to find that needle in the haystack whilst lounging around a converted barn come to mind! Secondly - Joe Jordan. Is he what Ledders meant by winning ugly? As long as he...

I wasn't barefoot I had my socks on. I had to enter the drawing room to get the evenings first Port myself as we don't appear to have any domestic help on Monday evenings.

I am worried about Jordan. Our great club has always been associated with good looking personnel and when we employ homely looking types like Samways it never works.

Reply to TMWNN:

Reply to Trembly:

Reply to TMWNN:

The atmosphere is terrible there.

I'm going to watch until pointy gets taken off in the 65th minute.

What are the odds of him staring into the distance with a 'WTF have I done' look on his face after he's trudged off and the camera zooms in on his face when he's sitting...

Oh so close TMWNN! Taken off on the 66th minute according to the beeb and the goal drought continues for PSB. I couldn't be bothered to watch this last night. Any nice new injuries for both teams?

Don't think so. Would have been nice if Robert Green had picked up a minor broken neck, some good saves. We'll have to take the game to them on Monday as they looked clueless going forward.
....hang on, so do we.

PSB's scored in 3 games out of 22

We'll be OK going forward if JJ and Modric are around and Pav will score 20 + this season.

Let's hope so ODM, I give Benny a hard time, but he is more of a link between midfield and attack than some of the others (still not good enough though). If Modric is back, I'd play both against west ham in a 5 man midfield.

I was just wondering if anyone else had noticed how are two ex strikers have not lived up to their Spurs form since leaving

Its a bit of a pointless article - we all know the short comings of our midfield and Harry was never going to cure that because the transfer window was closed.

What is apparent is that when Modric had his free role we played better and Bent scored. Maybe it caught a few teams by surprise but that will not last long. Fulham showed how to play againts us - starve the midfield of space and that also showed that even in a 5 man midfield the likes of Hudds and Modric are not strong enough when the game gets combative.

Our probelms are IMO, that our threats are too few......Bentley, Huddlestone and JJ are no real threat if they are effectively closed down. Bent can't make something out of nothing so if the midfield is being closed down, Bent starves. Lennon is the only real threat and if a team only has one threat it is easily identified and nullified. Given time and space our midfield can be very effective BUT we lack the complete player. Bently can cross but not dribble/tackle, Zakora can run & tackle but cannot pass/shoot. Hudds can pass but not tackle/run, JJ does everything but masters none. Modric can create but not tackle. Combined with a striker who offers finishing but little else it does not make a cohesive attacking or defending unit.

Transfer required are someone like Diarra, a left winger (I am strangely warming to Downing) and a No. 10 (Arshavin). The latter would render one of our £13m and £16m strikers as surplus and there would also be a conflict between Arshavin & Modric being in the same team.

We have bought quality off the shelf but with no real plan as to how they will fit in to the team - I simply cannot make an effective midfield 4 or 5 out of Lennon, JJ, Hudds, Bentley, Modric, Zakora

a bit late i know...but i'm glad what harry said after the match....about passing..etc...we want to win the tottenham way..we do not want to be a long ball side...ever....so it's good he knows that...as i said before we are a young squad...blah..blah...but let's be honest we have been shit this season and gone backwards...after our 5th places...and we were on the bottom fo so long this season...we have to be grateful to survive i guess....roll on watford and the hammers....coys...

.......to continue my long ramble of above, vs a very very negative Everton team, I would have like to have seen a striker taken off and a midfielder added, with Lennon having a free role. He was closed out of the game and our midfield 3 were easily shut down by their 4 or 5. We should have left Bent up front, had lennon in behind and added Bale or O'hara to the left. We could then compete in the middle and lennon's free role would cause them problems as he was easily double teamed by Lescott and that diving little twat Pienaar on their left. That would commit one of their mids to track him, freeing some space for our CM to play some effective passes and not the long ball rubbish that we saw.

Giving Bentley and Lennon a half each on the right wing is not a good thing. Maybe swap for 10 minuites to see if Lennon gets some joy vs the RB, but not a whole half. Vs Rovers, Lennon was on fire until he swapped wings, it is poitnless especially as Bentley, IMO, is not justifying his place in the team at the moment.

Reply to onedavemackay:

Reply to Trembly:

ODM - firstly why are you walking barefoot on needles? Images of you living in a haberdashery department, or being un-lucky enough to find that needle in the haystack whilst lounging around a converted barn come to mind! Secondly - Joe Jordan. Is he what Ledders meant by winning ugly? As long as he...

I wasn't barefoot I had my socks on. I had to enter the drawing room to get the evenings first Port myself as we don't appear to have any domestic help on Monday evenings.

I am worried about Jordan. Our great club has always been associated with good looking personnel and when we employ...

I thought Vinny looked alright from certain angles

Devonshire, bar the warming to downing bit, I cannot but agree with you wholeheartedly.