Who's This Tiago Mendes Chap, Then?

well HH he could probably do a job for us, if i remember the chap rightly he aint harf bad.

any news on bentley yet HH

Reciting Kipling is no doubt better than regurgitating a Mr Kipling Bakewell Tart. And a tart is what I had him down as.

I reckon he would be no better than a squad player in the premeirship. He did well at Lyon and i'd disagree his stock has fallen, seeing as he got a move to the old lady of Turin. Nevertheless we have seen that solid technique is not all you need in England and put bluntly I don't think he has the Jacobs.

I don't know whether he'll be a huge step up but £6M is tops we should spend.

Mourinho brought him to Chelsea so he obviously rated him but I didnt think he looked outstanding when he was there. My impression was that he had the chance to join us last window but didnt leap at it - he strikes me as a bit of a mercenary, will go aywhere that meets his wage demands. So whilst I'd welcome the fact that he has played for 'big clubs', champs league etc but I would prefer someone else (if they are available) - not inexperienced like kpboateng but young enough to give the club a few good years. The clubs that saw the best of Keane and Viera were the ones that signed them relatively young, not the ones who got them for the last couple of years of their career when their legs had gone. Davids is a similar case - we got one very good year out of him, then another when he hardly played at all yet still took a massive salary.

NB if Tiago is still a great player, it makes me wonder why Juve have been trying to sign Alonso and/or Poulsen?

Harry - as with Albelda, we have not been linked with Tiago since January. Not sure why we are rehashing old links when there are so many new ones that are not going anywhere as it is!

James, because this could actually happen in month of Sundays unlike Crouch, Podolski and other assorted 'fresher' garbage.

Tiago aint a great player. He's inconsistent like Jenas / Zokora, and judging by his age we'd lose all the money we spent on him, + he had a chance to join us last year and said no. I really hope we stay away from this mug

Italian & French press indicate that he may be going back to France as Monaco are interested. Press report from last week :

TORINO, 3 LUG - Spunta un nuovo pretendente per Tiago: secondo 'L'Equipe', al portoghese della Juventus sarebbe interessato il Monaco

Further Italian press speculation in Corriere dello Sport from June 30th will disappoint Spurs supporters if the proposal comes off :

"secondo i due quotidiani portoghesi “A Bola” e “Record” nelle prossime ore la Juve presenterà al club di Li­sbona una proposta scritta per l’ac­quisto di Miguel Veloso in cambio del cartellino di Tiago e di 15 milio­ni di euro.

Juve using Tiago as a makeweight to attract Veloso from Sporting Lisbon.

Albelda is much better looking

Dont worry though, were getting Bentley in a swap deal for Lenon, Bent, the North Stand, Daniel Levy's Porsche 911, A years supply of free drinks at the Bell, A night with Marcos Alverez' wife + 20 mllion cash

Makeweight? Deadweight more like. I remember him being an expensive flop at Chelscum (yes, another one to add to their long list of overpriced mercenaries) who was moved on as soon as someone better came along (Essien, Mikel... Sidwell). I had hoped this rumour had long been put to bed. Let's quietly walk away from it before it wakes up again. Shhhhhhh....

Reply to glenwasgod:

Mourinho brought him to Chelsea so he obviously rated him but I didnt think he looked outstanding when he was there. My impression was that he had the chance to join us last window but didnt leap at it - he strikes me as a bit of a mercenary, will go aywhere that meets his wage demands. So whilst...

Davids hardly played at all cos that fat idiot jol didnt play him. The reason: Cos Davids spoke about about Jol's sub-standard training methods.

Big mistake selling him early. People talk about Carrick but Davids was just as influential, and was a leader who had been there and won all the club honours there are.

Morning all

HH howcomes the Mendes link has reared its ugly head again??

I thought the only reason he wouldnt join in January was due to wages. Are spurs willing to 'up the ante' and give him the money he wants. I have to say i think he would be a good addition to the squad but i feel someone like Albelda would be a safer bet.

With they young squad we have I think we need some experience in the mix to give us some steel in the middle of the park.

That said if we can get Bentley for around £15m and shift some players its not too unrealistic to imagine us bringing both Albelda and Mendes in for around a £9m total.

Have to admit i'm eager to know if there are any CB signings in the pipeline. I feel we need someone more experienced than Dawson for when King or Woody takes a break or gets injured.

Harry. Just wondering if you've actually heard Tottenham are looking at Tiago.

For the doubters - of Tiago's ability - have no fear. I watched this guy when he was in France a couple of times. He has got one hell of an engine on him. Up and down, up and down all day long. He is a phycical player but with serious class. I was more keen on a mobile brick (Engelaar, Frings... a fast huddlestone) but I would certainly settle for this guy.

It would be a bit of business in the Harry Redknapp mould. Buying a player with great talent who has lost his way a bit. We may end up actually paying less than the player is actually worth for a change.

I would swap this guy for Jenas without question. He would provide great balance to the team and would complement Modric - who is fantstic but tends to totter around waiting for things.

This guy searches for the ball. He's got a spanking strike as well - not that anyone can really hit it sweeter than thud.

Don't doubt his ability. But how likely is HH?

p.s credit should be given where credit is due. Great shout on Bentley. Can't see that not happening now.

Hekko.

In a word.

Yes.

Reverting back to yesterdays news about Pascal Chimbonda's proposed move to Valencia. This is in this mornings Spanish press. Supplied with literal transalation:

Al mismo tiempo, Juan Sánchez negó cualquier contacto por fichar a Pascal Chimbonda, lateral derecho del Tottenham y al que en Inglaterra sitúan en la órbita del Valencia. "No hemos hecho ningún movimiento por ese jugador", explicó


At the same time, Juan Sánchez denied any contact by putting on file to Pascal Chimbonda, right winger of the Tottenham and to which in England they situate in the orbit of the Valencia. "We have done no movement by that player", explained.

Valencia appear to have no interest. Thought £8m was too good to be true.

Harry

Just seen this story on the SKYSPORTS website regarding Chimbo LINK

Seems they aren't interested in our gloved wonder! does this mean we will only get a modest £2-4m price for the tight wearing buffoon??

I will keep running Chimbonda Sold stories untill someone buys him.

The moral of this Shimmybomber episode is, never ever believe what's scribbled in The Mirror.

HH fair enough!

perhaps we can have a whip round and get him to do housework on a kind of time share basis?? He has the tights and gloves for it!!

Harry you said the other day that there has been huge security on our transfer dealings this summer, for example the Modric deal came out of the blue!

I was just wondering if the club has got a few up their sleeve that may have played at the Euro's, meaning they wont join up with the squad until later in the pre-season process.

Does anyone else get the impression that Spurs are getting ver good at keeping things quiet this time round..... All the press speculation seems like guesswork (more than normal anyway), and even HH , who seems more connected than a meccano go-cart seems a off the money.

Philspur

I agree. It seems that most of 95% of the press speculation is cr*p. Apart from the obviously major signing such as Bentley the press just seem to be doing their usual trick of linking us with every player who ca kick a ball in the hope that one is correct.

It makes for exctiting times though as I'm sure Spurs and Juande have got some belters up their sleeve.

No more panic transfer deadline day buys like Rasziak and Murphy.

"Big mistake selling him early. People talk about Carrick but Davids was just as influential, and was a leader who had been there and won all the club honours there are."

Davids had a great first half of his first season then picked up that injury. Never the same after that. Legs had gone.

I just hope whoever we end up with in the midfield can weigh in with a few goals. Our entire midfield only managed 14 between them in the league last season. Piss poor.

Get a DM in now Levy

take that as a yes then harry. no sources?

(hey quick, delete this again so nobody ready it)

zzz you were deleted as your question isn't any good. Not actually worth reading.

My source is Nigel Brown, 276 Hadden Road Chelmsford Essex CM4 6OP.

So where does that leave you?

Ready for another redundant, snipey comment? You're a hero. The www needs you. Post more. Write a book. You're amazing....

zzz I think you're missing the point of this blog which is to chew the fat of Spurs. Maybe you should write to the Mirror too and the Mail or maybe you should just fuck off.

I hate to keep saying it but we need 1, maybe even 2 quality centre backs before another midfielder / Striker / winger

Harry. You MUST ready zzz's comment!

Splog-Head.

Why do you think we need 2 centre-backs? I'm assuming you don't mean somebody to take the place of Woody? Woody is one of the few players who really commands a place in the team. He's got great experience and I think he got reall ambition. He's looking to make up for the previous short-comings. I now this is extemely biased and I would get the piss ripped out of me by anyone who isn't a spurs fan, but i reckon he 'could' take the place of Terry. When him and Rio were at Leeds they had a formidable partnership- best in teh premiership. Terry has slipped a bit recently - I'm not saying he couldn't get it back though - but Carvalho was Chelsea's real hero last season.

Splog, who do you think on the winger front? (now that Capel is pretty much out of the equation). Obviously Bentley. But who else is there?

DM is crucial I think. Veloso... he would be sweet.

Another Centre back - I agree - is crucial. Bit - again - who? I don't actually know how much effort was put into trying to sign Dunne but, however much it was, it should have been more. Adapting to the premierleague from abroad is not at all easy - exhibit A (Kaboul) and B (Rocha).

But who the hell is there in the Premier League? we won't get anyone from the top 5. Then all you've got is Laursen (no chance), Ferdinand (please no), Upson (not sure i would happen), Samba (liability often). What about Cambell? (noooooooooooooooooooooo).

Coys

Going back to the subject of Mendes, i am not to sure about him as i haven't been watching Juve that much, if i was choose i would definitely prefer Albelda.

The reason is i know more about him, as i watch a lot of Spanish football. And also as some of you have commentated he is of the right age & experience, which we need as we have one of the youngest sides in the PL.

He would offer us the cog in the wheel, to make the side turn in the right direction imo.

Hekko,

The reason I said maybe two CB'S is that I worry about Woody's injuries as well. He was constantly injured for years so I find it hard to rely that he'll be fine from now on. BUt dont get me wrong, King-Woodgate is the strongest in the league for me, they've got it all.

I'd stick with Lennon another year then waste 17 million on one-season-wonder Bentley. Our problem isn't scoring goals anyway and if we have a good season then we'll be better placed to buy what we need instead of what we can get.

For the defensive cover I see what you mean about the premiership options, but is'nt this when that idiot Commoli should be earning the vast sums of money we pay him? He should be scouring the world, on the phone constantly untill he finds us what we need at a good price.

But no, Commolli rings west ham and offers five million for Anton Ferdinand. I cant believe that guy still works for us

LADS....

Thought this piece of carol vordermanesque maths from that wonderscum Ray Parlour would make you smile:

"I was there many years, I signed as a 12-year-old and left at 32.
"So 22 years of your life is a long time"

Thats 32-12= 20 RAY!

NOT 22 you stupid gooner prick!

Just goes to show W*nger the "professor" obviously didn't teach his squad any maths!!

Blog-Head in ref to Commoli and his dealings in the transfer market, too many Spurs fan look at him as a scape goat, for signings which have not been up to our expectations.

But at the same time overlook the fact that when we sign quality players like Berbatov for example, all of a sudden that is just down to the manager? Personally i am of the understanding that manager, whether that is Jol or now Ramos has the final say on all buys - He has the final say so? No???

Reply to Longlivetheking26:

Blog-Head in ref to Commoli and his dealings in the transfer market, too many Spurs fan look at him as a scape goat, for signings which have not been up to our expectations.

But at the same time overlook the fact that when we sign quality players like Berbatov for example, all of a...

I think the January transfer window showed who wears the trousers in the transfer situation. I understand that Comolli drew up a list of 9 (YES 9!!) players who he wanted Spurs to try and bring in.

Ramos told Commoli to stick his list and went for Hutton, Gilberto and Woody (the latter 2 being over 28 - a thing Commoli and Levy are against as their value can only decrease due to their age)

The way I see it, Levy now has a manager who he trusts, who he wants in charge and who he thinks will bring success to our club.

This is being shown in the amount of financial backing that Ramos is being given in order to have a squad of players who HE wants and Commoli will probably have to pull some gems out of the hat or just be involved in negotiations for as long as Ramos is doing the business.

Jamiespurs look at how Arnesen is doing at Chelski? Not to good hey? To the extent that since he has left Spurs, not one single player has broken in to there 1st team. (granted that isn't easy considering there squad... Nevertheless)

With regards to Commoli and so called Gems, players like Kaboul, Boeteng & Taarabt have all been written off after one season. I would be the first to agree that they have not done the business, but ALL of them are still very young, and have not been given that long (1 season) to prove themselves in one of the toughest Leagues.

LLTK

I agree with you on not giving them time to settle but at this point in our challenge for champs league football the one thing we cant do is to wait for players to show their worth.

Kaboul - I agree he had a tough time of it last season. Bought into a team with a dodgy defence very early on and being young it made it all the harder. He DIDN'T step up though. Time and time again I saw him bottle it when challenging for headers and tackles around the box. He was actually more use in the oppositions box! I would've liked to have kept him but his words about Ramos and wanting to leave the club have almost guaranteed his departure

Taraabt- Is definitely worth keeping. I would like to see him used in the upcoming pre-season friendlies and then loaned out to a premier league side or a championship side in the london area (Palace would be good as Warnock puts faith in young players)

Boateng- You just have to look at the guys barnet to know he is a joke. Bought in with high expectations as the explosive attacking midfielder we had been missing for years only to show that he can't pass, cant shoot and generally can't do much on the field, kind of like being a one legged man in an arse kicking contest!! HE'S USELESS! it will be a miracle if we get £4m for him (wouldn't bet against Levy tricking someone into paying that though!)

Not a whole lot of Comolli signings have been good. There are the few exceptions but they were players who we knew about already, he hasn't unearthed any unknown gems yet, which is his main role!

Reply to Longlivetheking26:

Jamiespurs look at how Arnesen is doing at Chelski? Not to good hey? To the extent that since he has left Spurs, not one single player has broken in to there 1st team. (granted that isn't easy considering there squad... Nevertheless)

With regards to Commoli and so called Gems, players...

Jamiespurs

We're geting to the point where we will be a Top 4 team, though what you said in the last para is true, we dont havetime to be keeeping loads of young players on the books hoping they come good. We need results now if we want to get to the next level, which is the reason why though it was disgusting the way Jol was dumped, it needed to be done.
Lennon, Jenas and Hudd have proved what they can do, the others havent.

Its a shame, but so is the fact Im not bedding Hayden Panettiere

BTW I think Commoli will be gone soon and JR will bring in his own man

Mr Hotspur, are you aware of any progress in the proposed transfer of Paraguayan CB Nelson Cabrera from Cerro Porteno?

jamiespurs,

That old wrinkly piece of shit down the road has made Champions league teams for the price of Bent, Kaboul, Boeteng, Zokora

Kwakspur

Good shout on the Hayden Panettiere front!! Thats one bird i'd love to see in my Spurs shirt!! lol

In all seriousness though...... We dont have time to wait around on players. I think many of the current squad are on their last chance at Spurs. JJ, Thudd and Lennon i feel have to show what they are made of this year and start putting in consistently good performances or i feel they will be shipped out this time next year if not in January.

JJ - needs to start giving us more than just glimpses of what he can do. For example, he was awesome in the 5-1 CC semi and then was pony less than a week later against Man Utd. He needs to start using his engine and pace to better effect and start bagging goals from CM

Hudd - needs to show he can be mobile and start winning some tackles in the air and on the ground (its the only two things that are stopping him from becoming a great footballer)
He's lost a lot of weight now start producing when it counts.

Lennon- needs to learn how to CROSS!! He has been at the club for 3years now and he still cant cross a ball!! By all accounts he has been working on it over the summer so lets see if the training has worked. He has no end product and this frustrates Berba and Keano and stops us scoring even more goals.

Ramos has shown he can be pretty ruthless but he has also shown that he can be fair, he has rewarded the players who have put the effort in, O'Hara for example, turned out to be a great little player he's versatile and definitely one for the future, Hudd is another one, he has worked hard in training and lost alot of weight and has been rewarded with the new contract (i still think he needs to produce this season or be out of the door for a good price due to the new contract!)

Agree with you on the Comolli front, I think Levy is seeing that Ramos is pretty good in the transfer market on his own and will probably not see the need for Comolli in the near future

Jamiespurs all of your comments are bang on with regards to a the aforementioned players we are discussing, but my point was that you cannot simply blame the so called bad buys on the DOF, whilst heaping praise on the manager when things go well.

You stated that Ramos has had backing from Levy, but that could also be said for Jol, who was given £40m last summer. I am sure you will respond... by saying all those buys were down to DC, but the manager has the final say on transfer dealings? Surely Jol would have had the same power at that time as Ramos has now... Or are you suggesting that Levy never fully believed in the Big Dutchman? & if so that proves my point this is all here say of what we are led to believe, rather than what is actual fact.

BlogHead

You a gooner or something?? I know what he has done, and Unfortunately ur right. My point was to laugh at Ray "KK Perm" Parlour

HH, is this a realistic pursuit for Levy and co. My understanding is the player rejected a relatively late move (to Spurs) in January, although Secci (Juve's 'El Pres.')claimed it was simply the clubs ran out of time, as Spurs had been slow to act on their interest. Granted, having made only a handful of further starts last season his resolve may have weakened and he may be flattered by our continued interest, but it is likely that he will continue to insist on CL football and may also not be keen on a return to London.

AS Monaco's offer is roughly half what Juve paid a year ago, so I wonder whether our earlier interest is now reportadely 're-kindled' to drive their offer up.

For sure, he is the type of player we need and if a move to Spurs is a realistic proposition, Zokora's (rather than Jenas's) first-choice place will be under threat.

Jamiespurs,

Cross wires there Jamie, I was just agreeing with you about how Commoli doesn't do his job properly comared to others.

And dude, I aint no gooner

Longlivetheking26

That's not how it works, its how it should work , but not what's happening @spurs. That's why I think DC will be on his way soon.

How it works is DC comes up with a list and JR dashes it and then gives DC a list of who he wants, then DC goes & tries to get them.
Yer DC does all the negotiations, but only on players JR wants.

When your the 3rd best paid manager in the league, your in charge.

Unfortunately Jol had players bought that he didnt really want.

I think if we can get a quality DM and a back up CD we'll be ready for the season, but I think Ramos will want some more... a LM as J2S will be played as a striker, a replacement for Bent or Berba and back up keeper and two back up CB's

LLTK

I think levy knew that Jol had taken the club as far as he could. Jols tactics were becoming predictable and we had a dismal record against the top four under Jol. Could you have imagined a Spurs side coached by Jol to hammer Ar5ena1 5-1 NO or the CC Final We just wouldnt of had the mentality to go out and beat Chavski under Jol. Ok we did it ONCE in the league but a final is a different matter.

I think Levy was wanting to replace Jol in the summer but didn't for one reason or another. Its a well known fact and Jol has said it himself that the players who came in last year were players he did not want.

It was the result of Levy having no faith in Jol and therefore listening to Comolli. The signings were made against Jols wishes but then he had to make them work. This is the main reason we had a terrible start to the season.

We will see the difference now that Ramos is in charge. we are addressing the areas that need improving. instead of buying players just for the sake of it. Levy has alot of faith in Ramos and he was the man he wanted to manage the club all along.

It was horrible how Jol went but it was fir the good of the club. Look at us now under Ramos and compare us to how we were under Jol. A completely different side, a change for the better.

This summer it seems like all at the club are pulling in the same direction, no squabbles between manager, DOF and chairman. We are just getting on with the job

I'm just hoping this new atmosphere at the club will translate itself to a glorious season. Its about time we were back on top of English football

Commoli's a bum. We should ideally try and get someone with strong links to the Spanish and portugese youth leagues

Kwakspur

You think J2S will be played up front?? I think he may be too lightweight to be thrown in up top. Even Henry (spits) started out as a winger before moving up front. I think Bale and J2S will operate down the left and if Capel is bought in we will have Capel / J2S as LW & Bentley / Lennon as RW

Not to say J2S won't be used up front but i just feel it may come too soon for him.

Its all about the first coupe of games. If he comes on and scores a hat-trick, the reaction he'll get from the crowd will have him flyinmg all season

bloghead

I would love to see him get a hat trick on the opening day of the season but i'll find it highly highly surprising if he did!!

Boro always try really hard against us and have been a bit of a bogey team for us up until recently.

Berba has a great goalscoring record against them and i'm hoping he's playing for us when this season starts.

I mean if Spurs sign Bentley & Capel to go along with our other new signings then he must see we are going places

But Jamie is Bentley worth 17 milion? I'd personnaly stick with our offence as it is and use the money to buy as many quality defenders as possible

Jamiespurs

The way Ramos has been so stuck on getting Capel makes me think he wants to buy a specialist LM, as Capel can only play in that position.

I thought the same as you about J2S but I checked our squad list on Skysports and he's down as a striker. I think he'll play in Keane's position, he's so skillful with the ball @ his feet, you saw his hat-trick on the last day of La Liga.
Keane on his best day couldnt have scored a hat-trick like that.

Maybe its why Keane's thinking he may want to play for Pool, he's thinking he might see Keane/Defoe Part 2. Keane is at his peak, he doesnt want to be warming the bench again.

Bale is @ his best doing what he did the start of last season. Only Dani Alves or Roberto Carlos score more goals from wing back roles. If he's injury free he'll get @ 10 goals.

Jamiespurs lets hope Ramos is the real deal, winning the CC so soon after joining certainly put us in seventh heaven! But what was worrying was how we fell away after the Final, maybe the lack of inconsistency was a a blessing in disguise? And confirmed JR's fears that most of the players at the club were not up to scratch.

Don't get me wrong i firmly believe that Ramos is the man! However i have supported Spurs since the days of Burkinshaw, and have been disappointed by false dawns for far too long.
This time i want light at the end, of this long dark tunnel!

I think for what he'll bring to the side he is worth £15-17m

We need an intelligent player who can link up with Hutton who will be encouraged to bomb on from RB. Lennon is not that intelligent with the ball and he definitely cant cross it!

Bentley has good delivery from set pieces, he is young, he can score goals from his position and he can put devestatingly good crosses in.

What is there NOT to like about a player who can do that? Lennon is one dimensional, a speed merchant with no end product, he doesn't score, his delivery is poor his choice of final ball is not upto standard.

With Bentley at RW and J2S (or even capel) at LW our wide options look pretty amazing. Can you imagine how many chances we could create for Berba and Keano when we have 2 good consistent wingers???

With regards to the defensive issues i think the prognosis for King and Woody's injury problems must be good as we are not heading out and blowing money on CB's. I would like to see a CB bought in with Premier League experience (my prefereence would be Taylor at Newcastle) and use Gunter as CB back-up.

I see what some of you are saying about Bentley. But for the goals and assists that Bentley will guarentee he is worth £17M. Look how much Nani cost and Robben to Real. If you want sucsess you have to pay for it, most of the time.

A good start is key

Kwakspur

agree with u on bentley

DONT agree with u on J2S and Keano

In truth, J2S' hat-trick was on the last day of the season against a team who had nothing to play for. Those 3 goals were 3 of only 5 he scored all season! Keano is a striker, a goalscorer and on his way to becoming a true Spurs legend.

"Keane on his best day couldnt have scored a hat-trick like that."

Thats lies!! lol Keano's goal against Chelsea in the 4-4 or how about the goal against Blackburn season before last where he flicked it past 3 players?? Keano scores goals. Goals by the bucketload. The Premier Leagues top goalscorer in the calender year of 2007 RONALDO WHO???

If we lost Keano it would be a dramatic loss and have the similar effect losing Carrick had on us. It would put us back 2-3 years and show a serious lack of ambition.

J2S will learn his trade from Keano and Berba! I kno doubt think he will be used as a striker at some points but a ready made replacement for Keano he is not!!

I hope to see Capel and J2S battle it out for a LW slot and of course J2S has the fact he can be used up front.

Jamiespurs,

I don't know what you officially do for a living, but send me an application form, there's a good chap.

I'll stick my neck out on this one guys.... Bentley wont be costing ANYONE 17 million pounds.

I think Capels comments are quite definitive.

I dont think Ramos is well liked at Sevilla

Nunchucks

It doesnt take long to rattle off a few views mate!! especially when the boss is out of town!!

Doubt they'd hire you anyways mate.

Dont want to sound like a gimp but who is J2S?

Reply to Juande_Pablos:

Dont want to sound like a gimp but who is J2S?

Giovani Dos Santos - Johnny Two Saints

All this talk about Capel (as i really want him!) is quite deflating, as it doesn't seem like we are going to get him? The same can be said for a number of other targets that we are after.

Of course we have to be patient... and so far we have had more success than most clubs in the transfer window, but i just hope we can get the quality buys like Capel & Bentley that we all want.

The question is? Is it going to happen? Are we going to get our No1 targets? And with regards to Bentley, HH seems to think it is a done deal, contrary to most media reports, despite our obvious interest in the player - It seems to be far from a done deal?

I think Capel wants to be reunited with Ramos but Del Nido the sevilla chairman doesnt want to do business with us because we nicked their manager!!

He will sell to us but he'll make sure he gets a very good price!

Juande_Pablos, This little vid is from our very own J2S LINK

Posted this at the end of your last blog but I think you may have missed it

"Harry, are you sure this oleole lot aren't a load of gooners?...cos when I go to the oleole main page and click on the link to your blog..it takes me to the friggin arse blog!...this is either a unforgivable mistake for which heads should roll...or someone is simply takin the piss!"

Reply to jamiespurs:

HH fair enough!

perhaps we can have a whip round and get him to do housework on a kind of time share basis?? He has the tights and gloves for it!!

Harry you said the other day that there has been huge security on our transfer dealings this summer, for example the...

The Modric deal was reported by The Times in early April, granted the Daily Mail, The Mirror, et al failed to pick up on it, but that's because in the main they rely on fantasy for their headlines

Please tell me this bollocks: "According to my 'reliable sources' Fulham will announce the loan signing of Jamie O`Hara from Spurs for the season." -- Vital Football.

I mean, p lease tell me this IS bollocks.

mendes - poor signing. we dont need a player that is not good enough for juve and more importantly not good enough for that dirty scum from west london!!if only hudd was more agile ....... then he would be the answer!!!

Reply to jamiespurs:

Kwakspur

agree with u on bentley

DONT agree with u on J2S and Keano

In truth, J2S' hat-trick was on the last day of the season against a team who had nothing to play for. Those 3 goals were 3 of only 5 he scored all season! Keano is a striker, a...

What I meant was Keano scoring 3 goals of that quality in 1 gam. Keano always will score amazing goals.

Those 3 J2S scored were not average goals. To come back on your 1st point.... the reason he oly scored 5 goals was coz he was played out wide all the time, not in Keano's role where he can cause damage, like you saw on the final day.
If the Barca boss stayed he'd have kept him, cause he believes in him, like JR does.
In every game I saw, they played Bojan in the centre, thats why Barca couldnt get close to Real. I dont see how you could play Bojan in the centre with Eto and Henry either side, as you can tell I dont rate Bojan at all.
But we'll see what Ramos has in store during the season.

When I said in Keano's role I mean he'll come on if Keano goes off, he wont start many unless he proves himself in CC games.
But I agree with most of your points mate.

"Please tell me this bollocks"

Makes some sense to let him hone his skills elsewhere for a bit - and currently Fulham don't look much of a threat to us at all.

He put in a lot of surprisingly solid performances last season, for his age, but he's got a lot of competition in midfield at the mo. (And hopefully we won't need him as cover for left back etc this season).

I'd rather see him learning off our stars on the training field, in some ways, but he's gonna get more hours on Premiership pitches if he goes on loan. Could be good for us in the long run.

Reply to jamiespurs:

LLTK

I agree with you on not giving them time to settle but at this point in our challenge for champs league football the one thing we cant do is to wait for players to show their worth.

Kaboul - I agree he had a tough time of it last season. Bought into a team with a...

Our 'challenge' for Champion's League football is the long game, not one that will be achieved by Ramos or any other manager over-night. In building a team player's have to (and will I'm sure) be given the time to 'show their worth', particularly if they are young.

Multi-million pound assets are not disposed of lightly at a loss, it would be financially suicidal to continually do so. Boateng, like Dos Santos, Kaboul, Taraabt, Bale, Dawson, Bent, Rose, Gunter, Alnwick, O'Hara, etc, were not hailed as the immediate solution to any of problem, instead they are in Jol's words 'ones for the future'. Some have had an opportunity to show what they can do already, with varying degrees of success thus far, but they are young and should be given the time to develop their potential. They should not be piloried by (impatient) fans after only a handful of games, if those same supporters truly wish Spurs to have the future it deserves; It is counter-productive.

Ramos's focus and immediate concern/s will not be the young second string but with his first choice players like King in terms of fitness, hence Woodgate's arrival, Chimbonda in terms of attitude and intelligence hence Hutton's arrival, Berbatov in terms of committment hence current speculation, Robinson in terms of confidence in his ability hence Gomes arrival, Zokora in terms of calibre hence the topic of this particular blog, a natural Left Midfielder/Winger and Lee...

Gems: Bale Berbatov Rose...

Reply to jamiespurs:

I think Capel wants to be reunited with Ramos but Del Nido the sevilla chairman doesnt want to do business with us because we nicked their manager!!

He will sell to us but he'll make sure he gets a very good price!

Spot on.

I bet Spurs know the amount they want to.

i could upset some people here ...... but what is all the fuss with jamie o hara? i just dont get it!!! i am all for young talent coming through but i miffed to see him becoming a regular in our squad now and in the future, im thinking a squad player at best!ramos please give Taarabt a run in the team, he has the ability to light up the lane. coys!!!!

Kwakspur. Wouldn't bother with that Hayden Panettiere bird I recently gave her a seeing to behind the Pride of Spitalfields after one two many pints of Crouch Vale and she really wasn't all that. I'm sure you can do a lot better.

Sorry that should read "one too many".

That Crouch Vale is strong stuff.

Reply to thfc9875:

i could upset some people here ...... but what is all the fuss with jamie o hara? i just dont get it!!! i am all for young talent coming through but i miffed to see him becoming a regular in our squad now and in the future, im thinking a squad player at best!ramos please give Taarabt a run in the...

I'm in partial agreement, O'Hara is still a little 'light weight' for regular first team Premiership football in my humble...

Taarabt on the other hand, is simply not ready at all.

O'Hara has shown us commitment, aggression and more than a little skill with a dead ball. He had several good performances and one or two poor ones, he only lacks experience.

Compare that with Bent, Boatang and Taarabt and assume you could only keep one out of four, who would you pick ?

Reply to Chirpy:

Reply to thfc9875:

i could upset some people here ...... but what is all the fuss with jamie o hara? i just dont get it!!! i am all for young talent coming through but i miffed to see him becoming a regular in our squad now and in the future, im thinking a squad player at best!ramos please give Taarabt a run in the...

I'm in partial agreement, O'Hara is still a little 'light weight' for regular first team Premiership football in my humble...

Taarabt on the other hand, is simply not ready at all.

he is ready to be slowly integrated into the team, he has bags of talent and i hope we dont lose him due to lack of mins on the pitch!! carling cup starts are a must ....

HH, off topic I realise, but thought you may be interested -
LINK

Reply to thfc9875:

Reply to Chirpy:

Reply to thfc9875:

i could upset some people here ...... but what is all the fuss with jamie o hara? i just dont get it!!! i am all for young talent coming through but i miffed to see him becoming a regular in our squad now and in the future, im thinking a squad player at best!ramos please give Taarabt a run in the...

I'm in partial agreement, O'Hara is still a little 'light weight' for regular first team Premiership football in my humble...

Taarabt on the other hand, is simply not ready at all.

he is ready to be slowly integrated into the team, he has bags of talent and i hope we dont lose him due to lack of mins on the pitch!! carling cup starts are a must ....

We'll have to agree to disagree on that one, the Taarabt I've watched (in first team and reserves) has talent but lacks maturity and all-round contribution. Unfortunely he evidently believes (his own hype and that) he is ready and, I agree, it would be a shame to lose him.

If we are confident of European football via the league I wouldn't be adverse to giving him and a number of others an opportunity in the Carling Cup; Sounds Wenger'esque I know.

Reply to onedavemackay:

O'Hara has shown us commitment, aggression and more than a little skill with a dead ball. He had several good performances and one or two poor ones, he only lacks experience.

Compare that with Bent, Boatang and Taarabt and assume you could only keep one out of four, who would you pick ?

Bent

Chirpy.

Why ?

Reply to onedavemackay:

O'Hara has shown us commitment, aggression and more than a little skill with a dead ball. He had several good performances and one or two poor ones, he only lacks experience.

Compare that with Bent, Boatang and Taarabt and assume you could only keep one out of four, who would you pick ?

bent again - proven premiership goalscorer, end of!! taarabt close 2nd tho, once his final ball is sorted he will be our answer to a wing wizzard.

If you were to compare Taarabt & O'Hara and asked me to choose 1. who i thought had more potential? and 2. Who i would prefer to keep? Adel would win hands down, i've got to agree with thfc9875 i don't know what all the fuss is about with regards to O'Hara?

Chirpy you say Taarabt isn't ready? and what do you base that on? by little cameo appearances here and there, hardly the chance to show your true capabilities is it? Whereas O'Hara has had chances from the start of games, yes you could base this is on the fact, that he has impressed more in training etc... But i really do believe that the Frenchman, is potentially a world beater in the dare say it Henry mold and the Englishman is most certainly not!

Reply to onedavemackay:

O'Hara has shown us commitment, aggression and more than a little skill with a dead ball. He had several good performances and one or two poor ones, he only lacks experience.

Compare that with Bent, Boatang and Taarabt and assume you could only keep one out of four, who would you pick ?

ODM, I agree with your comments re. O'Hara's dead ball skills, committment, etc, don't get me wrnog, I like him. But his lack of experience and also physical presence, makes me feel he isn't quite ready. His poorer performances came when he was asked to play out of position and I don't think at this stage (in his first season) that'd be fair criticism.

Reply to Longlivetheking26:

If you were to compare Taarabt & O'Hara and asked me to choose 1. who i thought had more potential? and 2. Who i would prefer to keep? Adel would win hands down, i've got to agree with thfc9875 i don't know what all the fuss is about with regards to O'Hara?

Chirpy you say Taarabt isn't...

Taarabt has featured regularly for the reserves. In my opinion his passing/accuracy and willingness to include his team mates in his play, coupled with his reluctance to chase back, continues to leave something to be desired. He appears to have the attitude (and unfortunately arrogance) of someone who believes he is better than he is, yet, and possibly his team mates. Future world beater he may be...

Reply to onedavemackay:

Chirpy.

Why ?

Fortunely this is all hypothetical, as I'm not advocating we dispose of either. It's a difficult one, but I think Bent has (had the chance to at Charlton and Spurs and has) the edge as he's shown more of what he is capable of to date. Which of the two (if either) can you see playing for England?

'Veritas Jizzumley'

I rest my case, your honour, best name yet.

Ever.

Anywhere.

Today.

Taarabt has featured regularly for the reserves. In my opinion his passing/accuracy and willingness to include his team mates in his play, coupled with his reluctance to chase back, continues to leave something to be desired. He appears to have the attitude (and unfortunately arrogance) of someone who believes he is better than he is, yet, and possibly his team mates. Future world beater he may be...

I here what you are saying, and only time will provide the answer.


But seeing as earlier in this Forum we were talking about gems, and the comparison between these two players, it is of my opinion that he could be a jewel/rough diamond that we are looking for.

With right management and coaching we could yet see the best of the boy, because in my opinion he has undoubted potential and we just need someone to get the best out of him. Now that Ramos is going into his first season proper, this could be the making/breaking of the lad and we may find out just how good a coach, the Spaniard really is? After all it's not just up to players to realize there potential, but the coaching staff as well.

Reply to Longlivetheking26:

Taarabt has featured regularly for the reserves. In my opinion his passing/accuracy and willingness to include his team mates in his play, coupled with his reluctance to chase back, continues to leave something to be desired. He appears to have the attitude (and unfortunately arrogance) of someone...

LLTK26, agrede fella, not arguing with the fact that the coaching/management of Taarabt is and will continue to be key, and that this could be a crucial ('make or break') season for him. But, it is also up to him to show Ramos that he is (a) ready and (b) deserves the opportunity ahead of others.

Don't let Harry hear you call this a forum ;-)

"Our problem isn't scoring goals anyway"
I keep seeing this, but I don't believe it's true.

OK, we finished 5th in the goals scored league, with the blue scum being the only top 4 team scoring less, but for a team who who largely neglected any defensive duties, it wasn't nearly enough.
The midfield which was mainly, but not solely to blame for the defensive deficiencies, also lacked the savvy and goals when going forward. Add this to the gung-ho, played out of position full backs (who weren't covered by their respective midfield players), a central defensive non-partnership and a keeper who was (no wonder) shot to bits, it's amazing we scored the amount we did.
Step up and take a bow Messrs. Keane and Berbatov.
The arrival of Woodgate, Hutton and Gomes alongside the recoveries (fingers crossed) of Bale and King, will see us start the next season with one of the best back 4 or 5s in the league.
Let's not fall into the spell of delusion that a complete overhaul of the midfield isn't necessary.

In short, stump up the cash and do whatever is needed.

Reply to TMWNN:

"Our problem isn't scoring goals anyway"
I keep seeing this, but I don't believe it's true.

OK, we finished 5th in the goals scored league, with the blue scum being the only top 4 team scoring less, but for a team who who largely neglected any defensive duties, it wasn't nearly...

TMWNN, spot on; Nice work fella.

Good point Chirpy i will bear that in mind

If we score more goals than them then we will win the game. If we have the ball then they can't score. I say back to five up front and Ardiles.

Chirpy, I don't know about "sabermetric models", but I remember Mc Clown had an obsession with opta stats whilst he was mismanaging the England team. He probably copied Mr (Billy) Beane, rather apt for Mc Clown. Didn't work for him did it? Although he is a cunt.

Reply to Chirpy:

Reply to onedavemackay:

Chirpy.

Why ?

Fortunely this is all hypothetical, as I'm not advocating we dispose of either. It's a difficult one, but I think Bent has (had the chance to at Charlton and Spurs and has) the edge as he's shown more of what he is capable of to date. Which of the two (if either) can you see playing for England?

Everyone makes fair arguments. I have not seen Tarrabt in the reserves but from what I've seen of him and the other 3 in the first team O'Hara certainly has had the best of this season. Also, he seems to have taken his chances.

Many people seem to rate Bent and maybe they are right but he looks like a very limited player to me. Whereas O'Hara looks like someone who wants to win really badly and I can see him as a hard tackling midfielder and a bit more. So I think he stands more chance of international football than Benty but I suppose the four of them all have something to prove.

We'll see who if any come through

Harry, i consistantly read ur articles, and usually enjoy them as you merely spread what u have 'heard' and are quite honest - most of the time. Why did u publish an article as concretely titled as 'Bently Is a Ydi'. Fair enough u go outta ur way to give people ur info but be fair and dont get peoples hopes up un-necesseraly, u could hav been a bit more subtle wit the title - i mean after all it was only someones word u took about being seen at Holly House. Whether or not the deal does eventally go thru, please hav a bit more consideration in future. Still a reader mate but dont make me wet my boxers for no apparent reason again... Cheers

p.s- Danchev, ur a cunt cunt cunt!!!! If i ever see u wandering round Park Lane on a match day, i'm gonna put on a spurs wolly hat (crest showing), pull it down - bally style, draw for the baseball bat and repeatedly hammer ur skull.... Then rub the cockeral of pride on ur lips. Kiss the badge u mug!! Berbs should try kissin the badge once in a while too, it might make u feel good u prick!

Evening all. So, is this a forum or a blog tonight? What's happening? HAve we signed anyone? I tried that pub you mentioned H and they never heard of you; I had to buy my own tomato juice. Where's Jolsgonemental? Where's Vinny? Why haven't we signed anyone for a week? Aaaaaarrrgghhhhghghghgh

*sigh*

coys

Good points one and all. The forum...oops, blog, evolves apace. Harry, do you ever feel nostalgia for the posts which used to say, 'You're all a bunch of jizz monkies'?

Of the four above, I'd go with Bent. As an athlete, he matches PL demands. He isn't in the mould of Berbatov, but he's still a goalscorer.

O'Hara and Taarabt are skilful, no doubt; and Boateng probably plays Football rather than Rugby League because he's actually more capable than Joe Average (and why we haven't seen that may be due to a multiplicity of reasons, not all of which are his fault).

I wouldn't rejoice in any of them leaving, unless in doing so they funded superior replacements. I'd be delighted to see them all excel at Spurs.

I assume the reported Jamie O'Hara loan deal to Fulham is really more like Jamie O'Haha. But Ramos is more astute than Jol, and seems attentive to the details of player development, so I wouldn't be surprised if it were true. I thought we'd probably seen the last of Lennon, but he's already talking up the new season. Sometimes a player's game doesn't need major surgery to improve it, but only the techniques equivalent of a nip and tuck. Under Ramos, we have someone who can carve enhancements that go beyond the cosmetic.

Regrettably, as an emoticon, fails to adequately communicate the subtle concept of 'someone who can carve enhancements that go beyond the cosmetic'.

I apologise for any confusion.

It's been rebadged, Lyn.
Now trading as, 'Veritas Jizzumley.'
Evolving's the word.
A bit like the Ascent Of Man meets Kevin & Perry Go Large.

Bent has been this and that, most memorably Armstrong 2.0 (JGM ) but I think we could play Normans Wisdom & Tebbit upfront next season and score bucketloads. It's always been a question of supply and JR appears intent upon finding the answer. Which is fantastic news.

Scarlet O'Hara said, "My life is over. Nothing will ever happen to me again." That was after she was widowed.

God knows what her great great grandson said if/when he got the news he was being dispatched to Craven Cottage. But I unsuprisingly agree with you that Ramos is a thinker and to him, the right loan could actually instigate development. You can imagine BMJ fending off 'nearly there' players with threats of the 'maybee dah lascht fave minutesh' against Wigan if we're 3-0 up or better.

Q: What is he going to do at Hamburg?
A: Quite Flatley I don't Riverdance.

Rest assured I've put in a request with my American masters for the most jaw dropping array of sophisticated smileys that technology can deliver.

They will in time understand the calibre of imbecile they have on their hands here.

And what caused that enormous gap?

Oh yeah.

Imbecile.

Don't have anything to say. Not that it seems to matter. Twice tried posting some blurb last night but this site didn't wanna know. TESTING...... TESTING..... Praps it don't like me?

It's changed it's mind.

They've had problems with the traffic volumes... I am assured that an 11 year old boy in India, plagued by catteracts and a rare strain of scurvey is working around the clock on it...

HH, in this day and age of political correctness we need a more diverse array of smileyfaces. And what about some noses? The noseless elite are over represented here. And animals they deserve a say as well. Weasels and badgers....Ok I'll stop i've had too much grand cru for one night.

....and where are the black and white representatives, I feel in the minority, intimidated by a crack team of Chinese oddballs and the obligatory man from Mars.

Excellent news about John Bostock lads.

LINK

Simon Jordon should just give up the sad git

Simon says: "We had a £900,000 offer from Chelsea when he was 14 which we turned down. It`s beyond me and it makes me question why I bother with football."

It looks like we got a hell of deal for the boy, from what i have seen and heard... He's the dogs bollcks!

‘For a tribunal to reward a purportedly bigger football club in Tottenham to take one of the most gifted young English players in the country for a sum of £700,000 is nothing short of scandalous’

Is Jordan saying that he thinks Tottenham isn't bigger than Palace? Mug!

While we're waiting on the Bentley thing. I thought some of you might be interested with growing surfinias...loads of water and keep your eye on deadheading as much as possible.
If you're really bored Wenger has a list of sites he regularly visits but I don't understand why boys school uniforms interest him so much.
Lets just hope the Bentley deal is done asap and then we can use our tormented minds to search for a defensive midfield general.
Poland looks ripe to invade at the mo but maybe wait until the harsh Russian winter...I'm confused.com

Reply to wembleyspurs:

While we're waiting on the Bentley thing. I thought some of you might be interested with growing surfinias...loads of water and keep your eye on deadheading as much as possible.
If you're really bored Wenger has a list of sites he regularly visits but I don't understand why boys school...

Great news on the Bostock transfer! especially considering that Chelsea had a £900,000 bid knocked back when he was 14! Lets hope he can get a few games in the CC. If Fabregash can do it then why cant Bostock?

I like Lennon. he's shown a bit of loyalty and deserves another season to develop with us

Loyalty doesn't help you cross a football bloghead.

If loyalty made you a better player then players like Dean Windass would be Pele Maradona & Zidane all rolled into one!

Jamiespurs,

Fair point, I just think he's too good to be shipped out to blackburn. He gives an outlet if were under pressure and to be good on the break you need one or two pacey players. Bentleys a BIG risk at 17 million which will also put alot of added pressure on him. A few bad games and people will be on his back. I know what you mean about Lennon though, he must improve his technique vastly to carry on. His shots are so weak

Reply to Blog-Head:

Jamiespurs,

Fair point, I just think he's too good to be shipped out to blackburn. He gives an outlet if were under pressure and to be good on the break you need one or two pacey players. Bentleys a BIG risk at 17 million which will also put alot of added pressure on him. A few bad...

All transfers carry an element of risk but Bentley is a proven performer. If you had to choose between the two at this moment in time would you choose Lennon ?

I think Bentley is no risk at £17m we are getting a proven Premiership performer. A guy who can create goals from set pieces, quality passes and great crosses. He can also score goals, good goals and a threat from right sided free kicks (Bale will take the left sided ones)

He is more of a complete footballer than Lennon and given the fact he has been in the premiership since 18 (norwich & blackburn)he has improved every year (unlike Lennon) and he knows what it takes to succeed at this level. We will be buying England's new number 7.

Lennon should be given this season to prove he has it, use him as a sub, bring him on when defences are tiring or the fullback is on a yellow. Just DONT start him! he offers us little in the way of real quality and apart from his pace he really has nothing else. I really hope he has improved his technique and has learnt to cross and get some shots on target as i feel it could save us £11m on bringing someone else in, aswell as offering Bentley real competition.

On another note... Does anyone think J2S will start more games on the wing than up front? I know he is down on the squad list as a forward but that can cover any position from RW to CF to ST to LW. I think he could be the answer to our left sided woes (J2S & Bale!! GOOD LORD THAT SOUNDS GOOD!!)

I know this abit of topic, and may sound stupid.... but I have tried to find out...

This John Bostock, what position in midfield does he play?
Holding Mid or Attacking Mid.
Seems Warnock was saying that he's the best in his position of his age in Europe???

Obviously he's quality and for nothing really compared to what Ar5ena1 paid for Ramsey.
Im sure he'll get games in early rounds of cups maybe.

I really just have the feeling that if JR buys a LM like he looks like he's desperate to then J2S will play in Keano's position.
But who knows what Ramos has planned.

I think ideally Ramos wants 2 players vying for every position. Bale & Gilberto, Hutton & Gunter, Bentley & Lennon, J2S & Capel.

I personally feel that J2S is too lightweight to make an impact up front. He will take time to adjust to the premiership and I think at LW he will get more space and more success using his pace and trickery to get past players. He could get crushed in crowded central areas and this could see his head go down. Wenger started Henry as a LW and then moved him in-field once he had a grasp of the PL, I think this is what Ramos will do with J2S

Bostock as i understand is a CM. A box-to-box player who has alot of talent, a good footballing brain and has quite a bit of nouse about him for one so young. You don't get Barcelona and Real Madrid all moist for no reason!!

At £700,00 its a steal! Chelsea had a £900,00 bid knocked back when he was 14 so to get a player with 2 more years experience and learning behind him for a whole lot less than the £5m Ar5ena1 paid for Ramsey is an absouloute bargain.

onedavemackay,

If we could keep all the curret squad, and used the money to buy quality defensive cover, I'd stick with lennon. But for some reason it seems we've got money coming out of our ears so if we can afford it all then by all means get Bentley in. It can only help. Mt point mainly is that a couple of injuries could fuck our defense, thereore fuck our chances of doing anything again. For me, defenders are a priority

jamiespurs Dos Santos played predominately on the RW for Barca, but is left footed (so i understand) so he will probably play on the LW, where he is more comfortable playing on his natural side. I don't think we will see him play upfront, unless we are severely hampered by injuries and or suspensions.

One things for sure i can't wait to see him, with his pace (as quick as Lennon from what i have seen) and trickery, which is gonna get us off our seats, and frighten opposing defenders like hell!

As for the point you made about our FK takers, Bale left & Bentley right! I didn't think of that? But boy I've got to admit that that is a mouthwatering proposition if it does indeed materilaise! By the way you seem convinced we are going to get both Bentley & Capel what makes you so sure?

LLTK

BLIND OPTIMISM!! AND..... I'VE NOT BEEN TAKING MY REALISM TABLETS!!

truthfully though... Bentley will happen becuase Spurs have been chasing him for a long long time now, Ince needs the money to build his squad, Bentley wants to leave, he wants to join us and come back to London. It will happen IMO for around £15m because Bentley has his heart set on joining us.

Capel..... admittedly less likely that he'll join. However.... Ramos was the man who nurtured Capel at Sevilla, the man who gave him his debut and the man Capel credits with making him the player he is today. Capel is known to want to work with JR again and the feeling is very much mutual. Levy will back Ramos to the hilt with all his transfer targets and I hope / feel that the Capel deal will show that.

The only thing I can see stopping Capel from joining is sevilla's chairman Del Nido. He is still bitter (rightfully so) that we stole one of the best managers in the world off his club and is wanting compensation. In short he doesn't want to deal with us! I expect a nice fat cheque for around £14m will change his mind though.

I envisage and HOPE that we will see Super AL & Bentley bombing down the right and Bale & Capel/J2S doing the same down the left.

Bale & Hutton are players who excite me. Bale was a bitter loss last season and i genuinely think he is one of the best LB's in europe already at the age of 18!! The same can be said for Hutton, i think this season we will really see him getting forward and i actually back him to bag a few goals.

If we can twin them with top class wingers we will have the kind of creativity we have been lacking for as long as i can remember.

Good to see Gareth Bale is looking ready for the new season, he's gonna be so dangerous from LB. He seemed a brilliant finisher last season.

On the Lennon point, I think alot of you Spurs fans forget he is a quality player, he outshone Becks in the world up when he came on and caused Havoc!
He's maybe 1 in 5 for crosses, that's his ONLY fault, sometimes I see him but the ball in the perfect area and Berba or no-one is attacking it. He goes past players easier than Ronaldo, and Im sure given time he'll become a much better finisher.
How many wingers apart from Ronaldo and Bentley gotloads of goals???
You guys should give him a break, I dont remember malbranque putting in loads of crosses.
He's proved himself worthy to wear the Spurs shirt, for me Berba had a worse season, coz he just stopped playing half way through, when we all know what he can do.

Anyway would love to see Bentley come in, he's worth the 17m. I rate him second to Ronaldo and look how much he'll be going for. He may not have the pace put he's got accuracy and goals. Also we get the weak Jenas off taking the dead balls. He'd been livin off the freekick against Man.U 2 seasons ago, before the CC final winner.

OK, That's my rant for today.

In Ramos I Trust

Kwakspur

Good shout about the JJ free kicks! Mind you that one against Utd was as sweet as they come! ANOTHER JJ MARMITE MOMENT (one week sublim the next shite)

In the same vain though. Lennon has been living off the one good season he had for us 2 years ago. At the time Chavski were sniffing round him for £20m that seems like a long long time ago now.

He has not improved since that season. He has almost regressed since then. I find him very one dimensional with no end product. At least Steed bagged a good few goals from out wide (a position thats not natural for him)

I think lennon needs to really step up this season if he wants to stay at Spurs. He will be playing second fiddle to Bentley and i think we'll see what he's made of now he has top class competition for his place and when he is given the chance to impress (from the bench) I'd really love to see him swim but deep down i think he'll sink.

Fantastic news about Gareth Bale on the Link below.
He was last seasons best prospect, (imo) if it hadn't been for injuries.

LINK

Talking of Malbranque is it just me, or shouldn't we stop playing on the wing? In my opinion we should play him behind the strikers as an AM.

That way his lack of pace wouldn't hinder him as much, and his skill and vision would come into play more? I might wrong but at Fulham he used to play there didn't he? This would especially worth doing if we were to get Capel on the left.

"He'd been livin off the freekick against Man.U 2 seasons ago, before the CC final winner."

Didn't that one go in via Woodgate's nose?

TMWNN

I thought that but discretion is the better part of valour!

LLTK

Steed is a CAM and playing him out on the wing was one of our many weaknesses last season. I think Steed should be kept. The man always ALWAYS puts in a good shift no matter where he plays. I know he bottled the penalty shoot out against PSV but thats ONE thing in a season where for large parts (especially under Jol) he looked like the only player actually gave a shit. I think now we are signing wingers he will stay and play a more central role. Will most likely be back up for Modric

LLTK

And where would you have Modric play? Malbranque will be a squad player next season if we sign Capel and Bentley.

JS,I'm not going to let the poor bloke go through life forgiving Jenas for his general all-round shiteness on the misconception that he scored a winning cup final goal against the blue scum. You cruel man.

Our squad players need to be the quality of malbranque, people who will actualy change the game

TMWNN

Surely everyone has had a moment when they forgive every player - no matter how shit - for their all-round general shiteness.

Sir Tony of Gardner - The mighty thunderbolt he scored against WHAM!
Stalteri - The 4th goal in the 4-3win over WHAM
Lennon - The winner against Chelsea
YP LEE - He just tries really really really hard, whilst looking like a tourist who's taken a wrong turn.
Ghaly - Got his teeth knocked out for the cause!
Robbo - I genuinely believe he loves Tottenham and the fans although he loves pies a whole lot more!!

jamiespurs.

Are you mental?

shaney_t i am not saying Malbranque will make the AM position his own, i am merely saying if we get more options on the wing like JS rightly says, then we can start playing him his natural position, where he would be a whole lot more effective!

Talking of Robinson, are there any pictures of him in training or is he stuck in a pie shop somewhere?

ShaneyT

no i'm not really mental. The doctor said i'm ok to use the computer.

just bored at work mate. Live up in Glasgow where the only football people talk about is the old firm. So on here is the only time i get to talk Spurs with people. All the old firm fans are convinced that Celtic and Rangers could beat Spurs!!

I've no problem with Malbranque on the left, he's done a very good job. The point I am trying to make is that with the quality of player we now seem to be seeking, where Malbranque plays will be a secondary issue.

Thats true TWMNN. No pics of robbo. Marcos Alvarez did say they have been doing lots of running early on in pre-season. They had a 10km run on sunday so i guess Robbo must be about 2km into that right now. Somebody better go see if he's passed out along the way!!

you pricks that continually slag of robbo, pies this, fat boy that. you guys just crack me up . do keep it up, its just brilliant comedy, and coming from such finely tuned athletes such as yourselves .

Summerspur...

whats with the aggro mate!! If you cant laugh about some things in life than what can you do?? Just be an angry man like yourself??

Summerspur.
1. I don't get paid to be in shape and perform at a high athletic level, it's a job requirement for him!
2. I wouldn't be so quick to say people here aren't in shape, most probably some people here play football to some extent or take part in some other sport seeing as this is a sporting (football) website.
I'm 6 ft 2 and 168 pounds, I'm in pretty good shape thanks.
Robbo is a fat lard-ass who thinks he can live off his reputation, you're only as good as your last game, and he is terrible.

summerspur sticking up for Robinson, makes you nearly as much of a joke as him in goal.

It quite obvious that he has been, well out of shape for last couple of seasons. For a professional sports player at this level that is unacceptable! You could get away with it 20 years ago, but not in the modern game.

So before you come on here, slagging people off! Try to have some understanding, of what you are talking about you mug!

harry how can you compare him to albelda?

hes 100% a box-to-box man, a clasic CM but we have modric and jenas for that.

albelda is a DM thru and thru, and an awesome skipper too. he made the first big spain squad before the cull to 26 without kicking a ball for most of last season (due to koemans ego).

albelda is the man we need not tiago, they shouldnt be mentioned in the same breathe imho.

there are so many fans on here who believe the tabloid bollocks.

for the record i watched every game last season as i do every season. and robbo wasnt the reason we lost so many games, every keeper needs protection not just from the defence (which was woefully under manned before jan) but also from the midfield, which never happened. jenas had an average tackling ratio, malbs just a little less and the others nearly non existant.

robbo wasnt on great form but fans are naive to blame him entirely and therefore slate him so harshly.

as for kaboul, it was his first season AND he was only ever alongside dawson or chimbonda or zokora. not the best way to learn to adjust to the pace of the EPL.

Berbatovs commitment has also come into question on here too. apparently he wasnt bothered when things werent going smoothly! this is also bollox made up by a media hell bent on making a story. berbs game has always and will always involve a nonchalant demeanor, it is a weapon, a disguise. it puts defends at ease then the trap is sprung and he is in space suddenly, check this trait out in old footage of him at leverkusen or even before that at CSKA if you dont believe me.


these players did try when the media stated they didnt and i hope if our new signings this summer dont hit the ground running this coming season then the media and subsequently some of our more fickle fans dont turn on them and ruin would is gradually evolving into a very good team.

to all you nob jockeys who dont like me sticking up for a spurs player whos immobility has more to do with too much time in the gym, not greggs



fuck off and do one

What with someone calling themselves Brucecastle but drinking Grand Cru, could there be a better time for 9.37 to use the word 'incongruous' one more time?

Re: the Jordan rant. I can't believe this tribunal, did we have a couple of the Spurs board on it? Palace were totally dicked. Can they get an appeal? Outrageous.

Greggs The Bakers. Christ on bicycle. Robbo, in all fairness is about as fat as Fat Frank. Who we all know is about as overweight as Vikki Beckham. Like Vikki the real problems for Robbo stem from between the ears rather than just above the belt.

Greggs Pasties.

I HAVE seen more meat on a butcher's pencil.

Remember back when we were making enquiries about Carlos Kameni to fill a goalkeeping role?

'Cameroon goalkeeper Carlos Kameni has turned down a £4.5m move to Tottenham because manager Juande Ramos asked him to give up playing in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Kameni, 24, was set to complete a move from Espanyol until he discovered Ramos wanted a clause written into his contract saying he would not be released for the mid-season tournament every other January.' LINK

Clearly, Ramos took advice from this site, as it was noted here that the ACN would be incongruous to Spurs' needs.

Maybe Eto'o would have had a similar clause, had he signed. Maybe that's why neither signed.

It's easy to understand why Jordan feels robbed. Calderon might tell him to feel 'honoured'.

As if to reinforce the message that Lennon is staying at Spurs, the official site has posted an 'Ask Aaron' feature.

So maybe rumours of him moving on were wide of the mark. Or maybe he just needed a bit of uncertainty hanging over his future and a heart-to-heart with Gus in order to achieve clarity.

Whatever the case, I hope this season the little guy snaps, crackles, pops and finally comes of age with an assured campaign.

I don't know what I'd ask him, though. I'd probably if he'd heard from Vinny.

Insert 'ask'.

kwakspur: "He's maybe 1 in 5 for crosses, that's his ONLY fault, sometimes I see him but the ball in the perfect area and Berba or no-one is attacking it."

I've often thought his speed is actually part of his problem when we're on the break - mainly coz of how he applies it. On the occasions when he does beat his man AND put in a potentially-dangerous cross he's too far ahead of the game. Especially with strikers like ours who aren't speed merchants for the most part. (You'll often see Berbs was heading for the right area - but just couldn't keep up with the little blighter )

If he can improve his awareness of where his teammates are those crosses might start to click. Marry that to his patented flappy-armed byline cutbacks and we've still got a useful speed-merchant on our hands

Summerspur

I agree with your comments mate. I for one will be sad if Robbo goes. Personally I'd like to see him stay and fight Gomes for the No1 jersey, would be interesting. It's a confidence thing with Robbo. If he goes to Villa they are getting a 1st class goalie.

coys

Reply to LawksaLurky:

kwakspur: "He's maybe 1 in 5 for crosses, that's his ONLY fault, sometimes I see him but the ball in the perfect area and Berba or no-one is attacking it."

I've often thought his speed is actually part of his problem when we're on the break - mainly coz of how he applies it. On the...

Our strikers arent speed merchants - not missing a trick with Darren Bent by any chance? FFS

Reply to LawksaLurky:

kwakspur: "He's maybe 1 in 5 for crosses, that's his ONLY fault, sometimes I see him but the ball in the perfect area and Berba or no-one is attacking it."

I've often thought his speed is actually part of his problem when we're on the break - mainly coz of how he applies it. On the...

What about Berba breaking his neck to get into the box to meet the cross???
Like we saw Ronaldo do against Roma.
Why find fault with Lennon and not Berba, what ever happened to the suprise element to the oppositions defenders?
That's why Man.U are champions.... Coz when Ronaldo makes a break, Rooney or Tevez are breaking their necks to get the tap in.
How can you find fault with pace to ease past defenders and play the ball in the box a pace?

Reply to theoriginaldannyboy:

Reply to LawksaLurky:

kwakspur: "He's maybe 1 in 5 for crosses, that's his ONLY fault, sometimes I see him but the ball in the perfect area and Berba or no-one is attacking it."

I've often thought his speed is actually part of his problem when we're on the break - mainly coz of how he applies it. On the...

Our strikers arent speed merchants - not missing a trick with Darren Bent by any chance? FFS

Sheringham was never a speed merchant, but he had brains to be ready for the opportunity to score a goal, and got himself there, same as Shearer.
Owen aint fast, but he's clever!
FFS

The 'Ask ____' feature always make me laugh out loud. The potential comedy value is too much.

What do you ask a professional footballer?

What can a profligate manchild with the attention span of a gnat tell us?

Reply to kwakspur:

Reply to theoriginaldannyboy:

Reply to LawksaLurky:

kwakspur: "He's maybe 1 in 5 for crosses, that's his ONLY fault, sometimes I see him but the ball in the perfect area and Berba or no-one is attacking it."

I've often thought his speed is actually part of his problem when we're on the break - mainly coz of how he applies it. On the...

Our strikers arent speed merchants - not missing a trick with Darren Bent by any chance? FFS

Sheringham was never a speed merchant, but he had brains to be ready for the opportunity to score a goal, and got himself there, same as Shearer.
Owen aint fast, but he's clever!
FFS

You're deflecting the point and you know it. You said our attackers are slow, I pointed out Bent isn't. Next.

Reply to theoriginaldannyboy:

Summerspur

I agree with your comments mate. I for one will be sad if Robbo goes. Personally I'd like to see him stay and fight Gomes for the No1 jersey, would be interesting. It's a confidence thing with Robbo. If he goes to Villa they are getting a 1st class goalie.
...

Whoever lands Robbo is getting something a bit broken. That said I really do hope he gets back on track again. He strikes me as a decent bloke. He was a really good goalie.

Goalkeepers suffer a very public downfall. Worse than any other position.

At school very few of us wanted to be in goal. Praise often given up reluctantly. And when they foul up?

'You're shit.'

No wonder there's ten times as many players not in goal.

I'm planning on introducing a 20p cover charge for the reply button.




I wany to but my Dad a helicopter for Christmas.

Reply to theoriginaldannyboy:

Reply to kwakspur:

Reply to theoriginaldannyboy:

Reply to LawksaLurky:

kwakspur: "He's maybe 1 in 5 for crosses, that's his ONLY fault, sometimes I see him but the ball in the perfect area and Berba or no-one is attacking it."

I've often thought his speed is actually part of his problem when we're on the break - mainly coz of how he applies it. On the...

Our strikers arent speed merchants - not missing a trick with Darren Bent by any chance? FFS

Sheringham was never a speed merchant, but he had brains to be ready for the opportunity to score a goal, and got himself there, same as Shearer.
Owen aint fast, but he's clever!
FFS

You're deflecting the point and you know it. You said our attackers are slow, I pointed out Bent isn't. Next.

Im not saying they are slow, im saying they aint working hard enough to be in the right position, well Berba aint.
Keano always works hard with the armband on.
Bent would obviously do well given more of a chance, Im with you on that.

Reply to theoriginaldannyboy:

Reply to LawksaLurky:

kwakspur: "He's maybe 1 in 5 for crosses, that's his ONLY fault, sometimes I see him but the ball in the perfect area and Berba or no-one is attacking it."

I've often thought his speed is actually part of his problem when we're on the break - mainly coz of how he applies it. On the...

Our strikers arent speed merchants - not missing a trick with Darren Bent by any chance? FFS

That's why i said "for the most part."

IE our speed merchants spent most of the time on the bench, with Berbs/Keanes the preferred duo.

Try reading the whole sentence.

FFS.

I would say Keane was nippy. I don't know I'd call him 'fast'.

Bent and Berbatov are like the proverbial waste matter off a digging device.

When encouraged by a hald decent through ball.

Reply to kwakspur:

Reply to LawksaLurky:

kwakspur: "He's maybe 1 in 5 for crosses, that's his ONLY fault, sometimes I see him but the ball in the perfect area and Berba or no-one is attacking it."

I've often thought his speed is actually part of his problem when we're on the break - mainly coz of how he applies it. On the...

What about Berba breaking his neck to get into the box to meet the cross???
Like we saw Ronaldo do against Roma.
Why find fault with Lennon and not Berba, what ever happened to the suprise element to the oppositions defenders?
That's why Man.U are champions.... Coz when Ronaldo...

Because no one can keep up with him if he burns down the wing, does a shimmy-in-his-stride to get round his man, then crosses the ball immediately.

Not Berbs anyway. (Not knocking our debonair one. Just saying. If the chance is on, he's normally running to a danger zone. Just not as fat as our leaping gnome is all )

(Erm, 'fast'. Definitely meant 'fast' there, not fat)

(FFS )

----

And wait - are you saying Berbs breaks forward as fast as Bent your H-ness? (*curtsies*)

Someone call McSkoda (yknow, one with the umbrella) - i need to see some misleading stats to back that up!

On occasion, given the right encouragement. I think we spend so much time watching him stationary looking jarred we forget the 'good stuff'. I'm as guilty as anyone on this, by the way.

Having read the regular criticism of Berba on this blog it is a wonder how he managed to score over 40 goals in two seasons and create many others ?

I'm not sure whether some of you know what a great striker is

If Berbatov leaves I'll be gutted he's the best player we've had since Gazza. With our midfield looking ALOT more creative Berby will hit 30 goals next season that's if he stays.

berba will stay!! all the big clubs linked with him are chasing other 'big' players so i cant see them getting our number 9, it seems as he is not wanted as much as that adeBYEor from the scum .... berba is 5 times the player he is!!lets hope he stays put, smiles and put us on the road to the top 4.

Peter Rogers = Commonsense in excellent quantities

Berbatovs penelty against chelsea - how cool was that

Bloghead-

I actually thought the mans veins were pumping ice round his body it was that cool! The man is class.

The second of his goals against Reading in the 6-4 game (the one where he turned and flicked it in whilst holding two players off) HOW COOL WAS THAT??

Seen Even Terry Henry is tipping our Johnny Two Saints for greatness LINK

Harry could you please explain the criteria for a comment being deleted

According to this article we've agreed a fee for Luis Garcia of Espanyol...

Anyone seen this guy play?

LINK

Blog Head:
'I'm disinclined to acquiesce to your request'

Only kidding, willingly, mate.
Anything starting 'Harry when is...',
Anything that could've been answered by reading aprevious blog/comment.
Anything that is essebntially redundant/ inc has no comedy value/informative worth.
That's not an exhaustive code...and 'the code is more what you'd call guidelines than actual rules...'

Dont usually put links to other blogs up on here but this campaign is one that I'm sure will be close to alot pof spurs fans hearts >> LINK

Thats right its "SAVE OUR STEED!"

I will be extremely disheartened if we sell Steed. The guy works tirelessley in midfield, tracks back and offers us something going forward. He has played out of position nearly his entire career with spurs and I would love to see him get some games partnering modric in a CAM role this season as i think his work rate and talent will could see him form a devastating partnership with Modric's undoubted talents.

Come on everyone!

KEEP STEED!

I have no objections at all to links to other sites, but this is Vital on a very slow news day... There is no evidence whatsoever to suggest he's unwanted/ been bid on.

Cobblers.

What about the Garcia report, is this true?

or just more speculation on a slow news day? Thought this might be a big deal if we're paying 12 million Euros for him.

Slightly worried also by the fact that the Bentley story seems to have gone quiet too. Ince reaffirming his desire to keep him and now indications that the asking price has risen to 17 mil.

Ince is a clucking like a wet hen. They've been mucking arounde on the money. (Upping it) Personal terms and medical done.

Garcia? I don't know, but the story comes from Marca in Spain and is... without quotes.

Blackburn, sensibly, have paid Ince the courtesy of allowing him to settle into his new job before he loses his best player.

I'm reminded of Bullseye, and host Jim Bowen's immortal words, 'Here's what you would've won'.

Trouble is, he may well need considerably longer than the commercial break to count out the cash...

LINK


Don't go anywhere...

They seem to think the Luis Garcia story has some legs over on SC, Hazza. Ashcroft suggesting an acceptable bid may have come in for Bent. Strange one.

Or another Santana?

Nice link, H.

WHAT’S the funniest memory you have from Bullseye?

That would have to be the time that I asked a contestant what he did for a living and he told me he had been unemployed for two years. Without thinking I said “Smashing”. It was left in the show and ended up being broadcast.
LINK

'Luis Garcia, Espanyol to Tottenham - The Insider says: 5/5

Despite late interest from Benfica, Juande Ramos will get his man for £6million - not £9m as has been reported - as the Spanish manager and his assistant Gus Poyet plan a tactical rethink at White Hart Lane. Ramos appears keen for his side to operate in a similar system to the one he employed at Sevilla, where the full-backs push on and the attacking midfielders play off a sole striker. Garcia will slot in as one of those playing off Dimitar Berbatov - if he stays.'

That's from the Mail. Apologies for dipping my fingers into it. I will now wash my hands.

Swarfega?

To be honest, it's being widely reported, so it's either going to happen, or everyone has jumped on the bandwagon on the back of one blog post somewhere. (which is just as likely)

I can confirm that we've sold Keane to Everton so he can be closer to Liverpool who couldn't quite raise the lolly and Steed's going on loan to Fulham as a smokescreen to disguise our real target, Lennie Bennett.

'That's Punchlines.'

That first line scared the bejeesus out of me!
Nearly choked on my Earl Grey!

You gotta remember to take the lemon out.



There's a gag in there somewhere...

Think I had this conversation with my Nan.

This will re-ignite the fears amongst most Spurs fans>>

LINK

Personally I'm putting my tin-hat on and i'm going to tell Rafa, "if you want our Keano you'll have to prise him from my cold, dead hands"

It will be disastrous if Keane leaves. I dont for one minute that Sergio Garcia is being signed to replace Keano. I think it signals a change of system and tactics. NOT a change of playing staff and basically setting the Spurs "project" back by around 2-3 years.

I fully trust Levy and Ramos to persuade Keane to stay and fend off any interest from the Spanish David Gest!

Unless Pool find £20M cash somewhere, Keano aint going nowhere, however tempted he may be to start putting cars on bricks.

But I think Sunderland or Everton will pay the 12M we want for Bent. So Garcia will be a replacement for him. Sad to see bent go without being given a proper run, but he's never getting in ahead of Berb4tov.
To get in the Euro Champions squad he's got to be quality, and for £6-9M, not bad business.
He's got 25 in 79 games, 1 in 3 is very decent.

I think the swap deal with Bentley will go through soon, when you invite a guy to the training ground your definately going to sign him. He seems quite happy to train with Blackburn till it goes through.
Then all we need is some back up CD's and a LM and maybe a back up Goalie.

Then were ready to start taking names next season.

If Keane really wants out we'd be hard-pushed to stop him. I'd regret his leaving but wish him well, as he's been an asset on and off the field.

Benitez' naming Villa seemed odd, as I don't suppose Pool can even nearly affoerd him. Maybe it was a signal of some kind: 'Give us our target and we'll leave your target alone.' Who knows? Not me.

The good news is contained herein: 'The Liverpool’s manager’s comments come on the same day Spurs have been heavily linked with Espanyol forward Luis Garcia, whose playing style draws significant comparisons with Keane.'

So there it is. Even if we do lose Keane, the pointing and the shouting will continue. That's a relief.

9.37

Good shout on the pointing and shouting!! can he do the unimpressed gurn that Keano pulls though when decisions go against him!! If he cant then he's not joining!!!

On a serious note though, i doubt Pool can afford Keano especially as Alonso is not joining Juve anymore. I know Keano is a Pool fan but he's a tottenham legend and if he stays at spurs i genuinely think we will overtake the likes of liverpool in the league in the next few years.

The signing of Garcia shows that we are changing tactics and evolving into a better side, why would keano not want to be part of that? Bent looks like leaving now and its a shame as its been said he hasn't had a run in the side but Ramos knows best.

We must keep hold of Keane.

all smiles Harry??

I always thought Keane was a Celtic fan, especially after seeing him in the pub watching Celtic singing Celtic songs...... Does he have Teddy Sheringham syndrome? are people just making the whole thing up? Find out next week, same bat-time, same bat-place.

PLN

He's irish, irish people love celtic!! Scottish celtic fans even run around wanting to be Irish!!

The way i understand it Keano's hero was Kenny Dalglish hence the Pool link.

He ain't fu*king leaving! I'm started to feel a Keano crisis coming on again!

I prefer to work on known facts, not the spin of journalists trying to make stories out of nothing. Berbatov's hero is Shearer, doesn't mean he's off to the Barcodes or even wants to. All speculation from the press is just that, Speculation. I wouldn't worry too much unless the club doesn't respond in a couple of days. I remember an incident with Benitez where he claimed that we wanted Cisse and were apparently trying to offload Defoe to them. He loves to unsettle players and also tries to unsettle teams, especially in cup games, sometimes it works, sometimes Drogba goes and scores 2 goals and knocks you out. I have a large bowl of salt here and I bring it out everytime i click on NewsNow links.
Salted!

PLN

Thankyou for snapping me out of my Keano crisis. I think he is seeing Spurs as a genuine threat on Liverpools monopoly of 4th place and is genuinely bricking it that we will finish above them this season (i think its possible - all it takes is an injury to Torres).

By sounding out Keano he is trying to destabilise us and knock the squads morale. I'd love to see Keano stay and knock a few past them when we meet up with them at the lane.

Obviously Bob will be seen sporting a red shirt with Crown Paints (or whatever those lot wear when they go somewhere posh/court appearance these days) in the morning...

But it smacks of desperation from Rafa to make such a statement.

Of Villa,""I said the other day that he is one of the names we had on our list, but I can say at this moment that it is not an option for us,"

Translated: Valencia laughed us off.

Of Keane:"Keane is one of the other names and okay we are still working with other names. We were in contact and we will see now."

Translated: I still have a fag packet with some names on in my coat pocket. Either way, I am happy with 20 Players. Eees not rat, eees hamster.

I thought Keane was a Celtic fan, too.

'... all it takes is an injury to Torres.' Hmmmmm... Cue emoticon conceiving cunning plan.

What the hot biscuit is up with that Shop of Kosher Goods?

If there's a more randomly eclectic coming together of pap, I for one would like to see it.

When rafa spoke of 'big-name' signings maybe he was referring to the transfer policy of Borussia Mönchengladbach. That's a big name.

Who's the least popular man at the Borussia Mönchengladbach match?

The man who shouts 'Give us a 'B''.

9.37

I'm not suggesting we go out to break the strawberry blonde ones legs!! I just think that all it takes for Liverpool to stumble is an injury or loss of form to Torres.

Voronin looks and plays like a brickie, Crouch is gone, who else is there???

They will need to sign a striker but don't have the wedge to do so. Valencia as HH said have laughed them off and Spurs wont sell Keano or if they do he wont go for cheap.

Hence me thinking that if their crown jewell got clattered by some big ginger hating CB then the weels would fall off their wagon!

Harry if ur saying Rafa has a fag packet with names on the back I expect him to sign John Benson and Roger Hedges (a'la mike bassett!)

My feeling on Keane, and Berbatov is that both will stay, they only have to look at the squad we are assembling, and the manager we have... After all Ramos has won silverware within 3 months at the club, when no one else had managed it in the previous 9 years.

Granted it was the CC but look who we beat to get there? Added to the fact that at last we are giving the big four, including Man Utd proper games. Something Jol only managed once, against Chelski when we beat them 2-1 and little Aaron had loads of fun!

"Who's the least popular man at the Borussia Mönchengladbach match?

The man who shouts 'Give us a 'B'."

Aaaaaahahahahahahahaha. You, sir, are one joke away from being hired for my wedding.

Just had a thought.....

Isn't it illegal for Benitez to be running round saying stuff about other teams players?? surely if he has put a bid in then he should say so. Not do all this cryptic clue shite that he does.

"My feeling on Keane, and Berbatov is that both will stay, they only have to look at the squad we are assembling..."

You say that, but are you not more concerned with who is not being, in the word of that robot in Short Circuit, disassembled?

Modric, no arguments there - but Gomes is not exactly The Convincer of All, and Master Two Saints probably won't be an automatic first 11 member. I'm more concerned with those that have not been addressed: your Zokoras, for one. Your Dawsons, your Lennons.

When two out of those three are looking at the team sheet of a Friday night with their fingers crossed, I shall sleep easier.

Reply to jamiespurs:

Harry if ur saying Rafa has a fag packet with names on the back I expect him to sign John Benson and Roger Hedges (a'la mike bassett!)

No shit, Sherlock!

Nunchucks

agree with u on the Dawson, Lennon & Zokora point.

I dont think that we have seen the end of the transfers just yet. Bentley will arrive as soon as Blackburn stop messing around so that takes care of Lennon.

I genuinely think we will be back in for Capel at some point in the near future and try to reach some kind of middle ground with Del Nido for his transfer so thats the LW position.

By the sounds of it, King and Woody are fit and training well. Dawson looks much better when he plays next to King or Woody so should be a squad player. I would still like to see a CB come in though.

CDM..... dont know who's going to take Zokora's place!

I will give you odds of infinity to one that you will not see Capel at WHL this year.*

*This offer does not include the pairing of Tottenham Hotspur vs Sevilla in the UEFA cup. Your home is at risk if you do not keep up repayments. Always read the label.

Oh, Didier...

LINK

...You bring tears of laughter to my eyes.

I'd be relieved to see an older head or two recruited. When games go tits up and shoulders dip, someone will have to lift them again. Skilful, young guns are fine but a bit of heavy artillery would be appreciated, please.

Reply to Nunchucks:

I will give you odds of infinity to one that you will not see Capel at WHL this year.*

*This offer does not include the pairing of Tottenham Hotspur vs Sevilla in the UEFA cup. Your home is at risk if you do not keep up repayments. Always read the label.