Cartilage Free Captain: FanPosts

CFC Charity Ideas and Musings

2013-06-19T19:02:52Z

So, Brixton and a couple of us Steves got talking about doing a little CFC fundraiser, possibly for the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, though other ideas are welcome. This is a post to get the idea of a CFC Fundraiser started, get a feel for whether this could gain any traction, brainstorm some ideas on what we could do, how we could do it and what we could do with the money raised.

In my limited experience with this sort of thing, my initial thought is that Kickstarter might be a nice way to organize the project once it gets going, though there might be better ideas. But more importantly, we need to figure out what we could do to raise money. Something like a Commentariat Calendar would be fun but have a very limited opportunity, as I doubt many people outside of CFC regulars would actually be interested in something like that. Similarly, tee shirts with our favorite memes could also be fun, but probably has the same limited opportunity.

However, I had a thought that maybe we have people submit their picture wearing their Spurs gear and a small donation ($20?) and, assuming we get enough pictures, we could create a collage of portraits that come together to create an iconic Spurs picture, like Bale and AVB hugging or something, or if rights are an issue it could just form the team logo.

But I'm sure there are better ideas, which is what this comment section is for. So go nuts.

Poll

Would you be interested in participating in a CFC Charity to raise money for a Spurs-related cause?

Manager sacking league

2013-06-19T14:50:35Z

The who:

I have happily taken over the reigns of this particular league from The Former Rubbercarp or Rub Her Crap or Head Chicken Keeper or whatever you choose to call him. This writer is going on tour with the Jazz band he plays with to unleash his Chordal progression and vamps upon the world for roughly a month from Monday the 24th. I thought it'd be appropriate to have a role-call before I leave for the continent so I can get down to things upon my return. So drop your name in the comments if you want to feed off the misery of others, you parasites! I'll be back on the 14th of July so if you haven't expressed an interest in partaking by then, the ship will sail.

The what:

My first thought was the have the league in order of dismissal. So if Moyes is sacked at all during the season, you get 5 points. If you predict that moyes is the first manager to be sacked then and he is you get 10 points. Plain and simple. This is option one.

Option two is to predict if any or all the managers will be sacked and between what time period. So taking poor David again. If you predict Moyes to be sacked, and he is, you get 5 points. If you predict him to be sacked in the first half of the season (August to the end of January), and he is, you get an extra 5 points, 10 points in total. If you predict the month that he's sacked, and get it correct you get 20 points. This option is good because if you get one wrong it doesn't wholly mess up everything else.

Any help here would be much appreciated!

The who:

The what:

Any help here would be much appreciated!

Gomes should stay put at Tottenham

2013-06-18T18:49:01Z

I'm sure anyone who laid eyes on this headline either chuckled to themselves or raised their eyebrows. Call me mad, call me insane, but I believe that letting Gomes leave this summer would be a big mistake.

Plenty of you out there will be saying that we don't need Gomes anymore, we have two outstanding keepers in Hugo Lloris and Brad Friedel, therefore Gomes is surplus to requirements. But can we honestly afford to let a keeper of Gomes' quality leave? Yes he has two left feet and has adopted a butterfingers reputation, but at the end of the day he is a sensational shot stopper, he has proved this in the Premier League and in Europe.

There is no doubt that Lloris will be the number one choice in the league for years to come. And in a few years from now the young keepers from the academy like Jordan Archer and Jon Miles will start to make a name for themselves, but until then we will need a worthy back-up for Lloris.

Right now, yes, we do have Friedel, and even at the age of 42 he is still capable of pulling off outstanding saves, but none of us know who long he can continue to perform at this level. There is a chance that in a year from now he will have announced his retirement, and we will be left with one first team keeper and two inexperienced youngsters. This will be when Gomes has the opportunity to play regular first team football again, whether in Europe or in the Domestic competitions.

In the long run this could be a cheaper option for Spurs, selling Gomes now for a few million would mean a year or two down the line we will be linked with a number of second choice keepers, of whom we could be paying over the odds for, such as is the way of modern day football.

So in a nutshell, maybe loan Gomes out for another season so he can get some form and consistency under his belt, and when Friedel does eventually decide to hang his boots up, we will have a quality keeper in Gomes to take his place.

COYS

My dog, the Bale fan.

2013-06-16T02:04:50Z

This is Roxxie. She is 1 and 1/2 year old German Shepherd/Siberian Husky mix. This took a lot of effort and being bitten to get this on. This isn't actually a Spurs kit. I was not going to risk my kits. This is a kit from when I played for a year locally for a rec team. So that is NOT a Arsenal logo. Enjoy the extreme doggy cuteness.

(COME AT ME BRIXTON)

What's Holding Up Baldini's Appointment?

2013-06-15T14:36:35Z

This isn't going to be a detailed FanPost; rather a space for discussion of a niggling concern. Where the hell is Franco Baldini, and if he isn't in North London... why isn't he, and where is he? A the time of writing, it's about 16:00GMT on 15th June2013.

He's been a free agent since 5th June 2013, so he's had time.

He's recently been in London on business, so he's had opportunity.

He's been linked to us for some time, so presumably some details have been discussed?

What's the hold up? It's delaying all our transfer business, it would seem. This is concerning to me. I'm coming up blank on googling, so if anyone has any reliable ITK, that would be well received.

All I can hope is that this post speeds the process up. Come on, Daniel. If it's happening, make it happen! If it's not... then I guess there have been a lot of weird coincidences lately and we're really dragging our heels in the transfer market, again.

  
  One in, one out?

He's been a free agent since 5th June 2013, so he's had time.

He's recently been in London on business, so he's had opportunity.

He's been linked to us for some time, so presumably some details have been discussed?

What's the hold up? It's delaying all our transfer business, it would seem. This is concerning to me. I'm coming up blank on googling, so if anyone has any reliable ITK, that would be well received.

  
  One in, one out?

Poll

Is Franco Baldini coming to Spurs?

The Simplicilty of an Underwhelming Summer for Spurs

2013-06-14T18:15:57Z

Despite a huge influx of television money and the anticipated, and well-deserved, backing of Andre Villas-Boas, don't expect Tottenham to bring in big-name signings this summer. Overall, don't look for many transfers in or out of the club.

As fans, we have a tendency to think we know what is best for our team. Many times, our passion for football, keeping up with multiple teams and leagues, YouTube highlight reels, and the allure of FIFA and FootballManager makes us hyperactive and overspeculative during transfer windows. We beg for THFC to make moves - we know exactly which moves need to be made and who would fit the roles perfectly. And consequently, we wonder with amazement about why needs aren't being met.

There are a few simple reasons why this transfer window will be another underwhelming and frustrating one for Spurs fans. The reasons may be shockingly plain, maybe down right obvious and overstated, but they are valid reasons nonetheless.

1) What is changing already from last season to this upcoming one?
Basically, Spurs are already "transferring" four players into the senior squad this season. With Younes Kaboul and Sandro's return from injury, Tottenham has two important and influential players returning to the 18-man squad as long as the physicians have done their work correctly and injury rehabilitation has been successful. With AVB already stating he would only carry four CBs into 2013, Kaboul's hopefully successful return will spell the end to transfer rumors for CBs for the senior squad. Moreover, Sandro's return to the midfield should mark the return of Tottenham's midfield dominance in most matches. The defensive midfielder's all-around influence will be a welcome sight once again for Villas-Boas and should alleviate concerns for transfers into the midfield.

The third player "transferring" in is Andros Townsend who has returned from a successful loan spell at relegated Queens Park Rangers. The fleet-footed wing player brings much needed depth and creativity out wide to possibly start or back-up Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale. Townsend shined in a dismal QPR starting XI as he made 12 appearances, scoring 2 goals and contributing 1 assist. What is more impressive, however, is Townsend's other statistics: of EPL players with at least 10 appearances, Townsend had the second most successful dribbles past defenders per game with 4. Surprisingly, Townsend was also 24th-best in tackles per game (2.9) of players with at least 10 appearances, coupled with 1.3 interceptions per game. What is certain is that Tottenham are getting a player back who has certainly flashed some impressive numbers and highlights, albeit in a 3rd of a season's appearances. Still, these numbers are very encouraging for a 21 year old who is still learning the nuances of the Premier League game. If Andros stays with Tottenham and out of further trouble (following his four-month ban from all footballing activities) , he could be a very valuable piece of a Spurs Champions League run in 2013.

Also returning from a successful loan who could be an instant contributor in 2013 for Tottenham is Danny Rose from his Sunderland loan. Rose's loan spell was an epiphany for the Black Cats as they struggled to compete even in a down year for the EPL. There has been no shortage of discussion of how good Danny Rose could be for Spurs on this site, but what we can all see is he took another step forward this season.

These four players provide a welcome boost to Tottenham's starting lineup and depth and could mean a diminished splash in the transfer pool.

2) Those many expect to leave this window could actually end up staying.
Tottenham has already said goodbye to two players in William Gallas and David Bentley, but who else could be going? Obviously, much of the decision-making as to whom will be transferred out of the club depends on bids and interest from other clubs. There have been rumors for many players including Scott Parker, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Tom Huddlestone, and others, but really, how many will leave? All three of these guys are veterans who still bring certain skill sets to the side while simultaneously being unable to command large transfer bids from other clubs. The only certain transfer I see out of the club right now is GK Heurelho Gomes, who has flashed enough talent to be a some-what value player. All other speculative transfers out, no matter how much we want and can see upgrades, seem kinda unlikely at this point. Even adding a starting striker is a speculative thing right now for the club as both Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor struggled with injuries during the season but seem to have AVB's support. I still think a striker or two will be added, but I don't think it will be a blockbuster snag like Soldado or Mario Gomez.

3) Stepping back to look at the bigger picture, this is still a club that desires to be run well financially.
We're always linked to players, but in the back of your mind, aren't you really questioning how much we'll actually do? We have always been a cautious club looking for transfers at the right price, which is a source of pride for many fans. That's why I still think it is unlikely to see big splashes in the transfer market. Even though we need to add more to "appease" Gareth Bale's ambition and compete in the league, we just came off a record EPL points haul of 72. Do you really think the club is scrambling to throw out more money on the team with that kind of return on money?

Overall, I think we need to add LB depth, a striker or two, and another quality midfielder. It would be nice to upgrade the depth from Scott Parker and Kyle Naughton and see some more playing time for Gylfi Siggurdson, Lewis Holtby, and Tom Carroll, but I really don't think the club sees these as dire needs.

Believe me, I agree with you - we need to add more to compete with the other contenders in the Premier League. But I'm trying to look at it from a club executive standpoint. Do you think they're really anxious to go out and spend all that TV money on more players? Methinks they will just collect their paychecks, put some of the money towards the new stadium, and sign a couple of players to appease the fans.

But to me, it looks like finding a 5 dollar bill in your pocket kinda summer than a brand-spanking new promotion and higher pay grade kinda transfer window. Maybe a possible appointment of Franco Baldini as Director of Football could change things...but I'm not holding my breath.

These four players provide a welcome boost to Tottenham's starting lineup and depth and could mean a diminished splash in the transfer pool.

Gio Dos Santos could help Spurs?...

2013-06-13T06:35:48Z

According to this, http://hereisthecity.com/2013/05/24/mn-could-this-tottenham-hotspur-flop-pave-the-way-for-roberto-so/, Giovani's possible signing to Valencia could "pave" the way for Tottenham to pick up Soldado. They say that Spurs could give Mallorca 100% of Gio's transfer rights if and only they sell to Valencias on the condition that Los Che lower Soldado's transfer fee to Tottenham. Personally i dont buy it. What do you think?

So we are signing...

2013-06-12T11:25:15Z

Every transfer window Tottenham Hotspur are linked to everbody and anybody. Verging on obsession I find myself checking for the latest news on our beloved club as often as I can. Over the years I have built up a filter for the stories I believe and those I don't and although I'm not claiming this filter works it sure is getting clogged this summer. I think the filter works on the source and how many outlets pick it up. By this I don't mean copy and pasted the same story. I mean if two or three journalists have written different stories on the player for a similiar fee then it holds some weight. Then I guess I think would Daniel Levy sign this player for this fee on these wages at this age? Also do we need this player? Now i grant you many times clubs sign players they don't need. Would the manager want the player? Would the player come? and Can Spurs get this deal done? So having applied the subconcious filter this is who so far I have let slip through to realistically thinking may be on their way. The first one is the Benfica forward RODRIGO. The English press have him valued at about £9 million and with unlikely any co-ownership issues a decent track record in Portugal and an exceptional one with Spain's U-21's this boy looks like Levy would do buisiness.The second is TOBY ALDERWEIRELD of Ajax. The Belgian defender is keen on a move to the Premier League and Spurs are being well linked. The success of JAN VERTONGHEN will no doubt have swayed Spurs into thinking this would be a good deal and A fee in the region of £8 million would suit Levy down to the ground. Although with only 1 year on his Ajax contract one would suspect the fee may be less. RADJA NAINGGOLAN would be another that would fit through the filter. One final player is ANTE REBIC of RNK Split. Andre Villas Boas denied any knowledge of who the player even is back in May but the story was well enough sourced for the question to be put to him. Maybe it's something the club worked on in the background as the boy would join the "development squad" i guess. I personally don't think anything will be done until a Director of football is in place and with that may come a whole new emphasis on what type of signings we make.

Striker

2013-06-05T09:29:34Z

As the manager of errrm Tottenham I have err come up with a shortlist, errm

1. Messi - with the signing of neymar, messi would be made redundant so 20 mil at most

2. Romelu lukaku because errm just look at him and err he's 19

3. Benteke we need Belgian brilliance

And well, I think err that solves our goal scoring problems, but errm I'm getting rid of ekotto to Monaco LOL.

Anyway, I am errm in need of errm more suggestions, help me out, scout team.

As the manager of errrm Tottenham I have err come up with a shortlist, errm

1. Messi - with the signing of neymar, messi would be made redundant so 20 mil at most

2. Romelu lukaku because errm just look at him and err he's 19

3. Benteke we need Belgian brilliance

And well, I think err that solves our goal scoring problems, but errm I'm getting rid of ekotto to Monaco LOL.

Anyway, I am errm in need of errm more suggestions, help me out, scout team.

Gareth, some career advice

2013-06-02T11:32:53Z

Gareth,

Many have advised you to move on from Tottenham this year or next. Much of this advice, and public comment, is self-interested or an addiction to big money transfers. But what is best for you in the long term? I hope people you trust, are advising you to stay at Spurs for the long term. In so doing, you would have the opportunity create an enduring legacy that is not possible at any other 'bigger' team. Your enduring legacy as a Spurs legend is a benefit way beyond money, way beyond joining a club already qualified to play in the CL next year.

It is not about cash

When you consider who to play for, money is far from the most important matter. Club culture, manager, team prospects and playing style (and your role in the team) are vastly more important. Also, you have the priceless chance to earn a place in Club history. You can grow even stronger at WHL and you already know that you prosper in the Spurs culture. Leaving Spurs for a new setup is a big call, even though it may be more money in the short or long term. There is no sum high enough to exchange for footballing satisfaction, and of course you will be well paid in any event.

The grass may not be greener

There is a risk in every move. Luka would surely have hoped for more influence at Real and a more productive first season. There is no guarantee that the football at a new club will reach the heights expected. You may have a stellar run at another club like RVP did in his first year with MUTD, but you are already doing that at Spurs and the best at Spurs is yet to come. It seems you and your teammates are loving life at Spurs, and loving working with AVB. The gaffer looks impressive: stable, dedicated to learning and ambitious. AVB is still growing as a manager and is still shaping the squad. It will get better, more consistent. And the team will be setup to take advantage of your talent.

Creating a Legacy

The EPL is likely to remain the most competitive league in the next few years and arguably where you are right now in nearly perfect football culture at Spurs for you to progress and continue to enjoy your contribution to the game. If you stay at Spurs and help the Club create a winning culture: to earn CL football, win the Premiership, win it again, and then again - how much more satisfying would that be than joining a team already in the CL and a regular top 1 / 2 / 3 title contender? How much longer would your legacy endure as a Spurs immortal? You have a unique opportunity at Spurs to create that history; that legacy; starting now Gareth.

The love of the Shirt

Gareth you will be one of the outstanding players of this decade. You are already much loved at Spurs for your football and, for all your talent, your humble down-to-earth character. If you stay with Spurs for a long time yet, knowing you have options to leave and, EVEN IF the titles and cups don't come in a rush, your loyalty to the Club would NEVER be forgotten. Your loyalty would take you to another level of respect and veneration in football, not just among Spurs fans. (Think Steven Gerrard). The shirt, your Club family and what you have achieved on the pitch are what remains at the end of your career. Loyalty to a Club is grossly under-rated. Staying at Spurs would not hold you back Gareth and would further endear you to Spurs fans. Forever.

Immortality beckons Gareth, seize it.

An Old Dog

PS: I hope I am not the only one talking to you like this.

Gareth,

It is not about cash

The grass may not be greener

Creating a Legacy

The love of the Shirt

Immortality beckons Gareth, seize it.

An Old Dog

PS: I hope I am not the only one talking to you like this.

Premier League Top XI from 2012-13

2013-05-31T19:05:52Z

11) QPR Shock Chelsea in West London Derby

This result had QPR fans believing that Uncle ‘Arry would work his magic and lead Rangers to the Promised Land of seventeenth place or beyond. When Harry Redknapp took the reins at QPR, they had an abysmal four points from thirteen matches under former manager Mark Hughes. After taking a string of draws and narrow losses to a number of bottom feeders into this match, Redknapp was desperately in need of a signature win, which he got at Stamford Bridge with a scrappy one-nil result. He followed up this massive win with a draw against former club Tottenham at Loftus Road. Unfortunately, despite Tony Fernandes reaching deep into his pockets during the transfer window, all the money would have been better spent sending Harry Redknapp back to school to learn to read and write (but that type of refinement would make things so much less enjoyable for the rest of us come transfer time).

Extra Time: Harry Redknapp guided QPR to twenty-one points in twenty-five premier league matches. Statistically, if he had been in charge all season, he would have earned just under eleven points in those first thirteen matches, leaving QPR level with Wigan, and still destined for the drop.

10) Southampton’s Awe-Inspiring, but Ultimately Heartbreaking Losses at City and Home to United

It is a story every fan loves, the newly promoted squad giving the giants of Manchester a run for their money. This has been arguably one of the most open years for the middle of the table in Premier League history (10 points separated last man standing Sunderland in seventeenth from eighth placed West Brom). As one of those teams, Southampton gave supporters and neutrals alike reasons to believe the talent gap between the behemoth clubs composed of the top of the line pieces from several continents, and supposed bottom feeders using discarded pieces of the former, as well as several unabashed youngsters, was narrowing. Newly promoted Southampton faced the unenviable position of squaring off against both Manchester clubs in the first three weeks of the season. The first match against City took a late equalizer from Edin Dzeko, and later winner from the oft-brilliant, but more recently oft-adrift Samir Nasri. Two weeks later at St. Mary’s, Nigel Adkins’ side took a lead even later into the match, while everyone again dreamed that the Saints could slay the proverbial goliath. Unfortunately, Goliath again wielded his strength in the form of the titillating Robin Van Persie, netting a hat trick (the final two of which came in the last three minutes of regular time and well into stoppage). Both Manchester sides were awarded penalties in these matches, with neither side converting their spot kicks.

Extra time: The Saints did get revenge on City at home later in the season, taking three points in a 3-1 win.

9) Tony Hibbert Scores in Testimonial

Yes, this was a testimonial; yes, it was a friendly; and therefore, will not show up on his official tally, but try and tell any of the 17,000+ Toffee supporters on hand to storm the pitch that their beloved Hibbert scoring his first goal in 308 appearances for Everton was insignificant; Hibbert scored, and they rioted. As an anglophile, I love listening to the commentary, chants, and overall wit that comes with being a fan of the beautiful game. One such endearing example could be seen in the crowd response any time Tony Hibbert touched the ball within sight of the attacking third, with echoes of "shoot!" permeating the pitch at Goodison.

Extra Time: As most Toffee fans know, Hibbert is a lifelong Everton fan, was brought up through their academy, and has only played for the one team his entire career.

8) Swansea City

What a year for Welsh football. The Swans are the first Welsh side to ply their trade in the Premier League since its inception in 1992. Despite losing Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool after he led Swansea to an eleventh place finish in their inaugural season, Michael Laudrup bested him with a ninth place finish this year (despite accruing one less point in the league). Even more impressive was the Swans destroying the hopes and dreams of poor League Two side Brentford in a five-nil drubbing at Wembley. This ensured a Welsh side would compete in the Europa League for the first time ever. Michu was hands down the best buy of the season in the Premier League. He scored eighteen goals in the league and twenty-two overall, for a meager fee of two million pounds. Wales has even more to be excited about this season with Craig Bellamy and Cardiff being promoted from the Championship leading to the first Premier League Welsh Derby.

Extra Time: Michu’s eighteen league goals finished fifth while Robin Van Persie led the way with twenty-six. The price per goal based on transfer fee, saw United pay Van Persie £923,000 per goal, while Swansea shelled out only £111,000 for Michu’s tallies.

7) Peter Odemwingie Tries to Force a Move to into QPR…literally

In one of the most bizarre transfer day sagas I can remember, Peter Odemwingie tried to force a move through from West Bromwich Albion to Queens Park Rangers by driving to Loftus Road, only to be turned away at the gate. At the time of the attempted switch, Odemwingie’s Baggies, although dipping in form, were still legitimate contenders for the final Champions League spot, and had nine more points on January 31, than QPR would finish with at the end of the campaign. The temper tantrum failed to materialize in anything substantial other than a proverbial spanking from West Bromwich and a public apology from Odemwingie.

Extra Time: Turns out QPR should have pulled the trigger on the transfer as Odemwingie would have been the perfect fit at the overpaid, underachieving club. He featured in seven matches following deadline day contributing to the tune of one very solid yellow card in that span.

6) Spurs end Twenty-three Year Drought at Old Trafford

Nevermind that Spurs were outplayed for most of the match, they capitalized on the opportunities they needed to in order to secure three points at Old Trafford for the first time since the majority of these players were in diapers. This was the coming out party for Jan (Super Jan) Vertonghen, one of the many talented Belgian players that will surely turn heads and make noise in Brazil next Summer (so long as they can top Croatia or win a playoff), as his deflected shot got Spurs off on the right foot early on. Gareth Bale and Clint Dempsey both added goals later in the match that typified their play this season; Bale with a tantalizing run and finish, and Dempsey being in the right place at the right time for a tap in that would be the eventual winner. The defense, including two footballers that weren’t even born the last time Spurs tasted victory over Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad on their home turf, really deserve credit for holding on at the end of this fixture.

Extra time: United accrued 89 points, taking an average of 4.7 points from each of their opponents this season. Spurs were the only side to concede less than three points to the Champions.

5) Suarez Unchained

One of the most enigmatic players in all of football, he has undeniable talent to count him amongst the best in Britain; unfortunately, his behavior is worse than a four year old on a long grocery shopping trip. Countless video highlights document rash challenges that are not only foolish, but dangerous for the careers of the players he goes for. As a player, I understand getting angry in the heat of the moment, and doing something irresponsible, but to repeat the same mistakes time and again is an absolute disgrace. Biting shouldn’t occur in a pre-school classroom let alone two separate top tier league matches. Branislav Ivanovic is as meaty a figure to go after as you will find in the Premier League (despite the fact that he goes down more frequently than a Jenga tower in an earthquake), but these acts are despicable, and have no place in the game.

Extra Time: Luiz Suarez has been banned for a total of 18 matches in his Liverpool tenure, for someone that averages just over a goal every other game, that has denied Liverpool almost ten goals since he has been there. For a team that has not cracked the top five in the last five years, those are very precious tallies.

4) Wigan Athletic Win Team’s First FA Cup and Are Relegated the Next Week

A fairly open encounter from the first whistle, Roberto Mancini’s men looked a slightly more dangerous side, but you really have to commend the Latics for staying in the game. Joel Robles was a force to be reckoned with, he made a number of key saves to keep a beyond impressive clean sheet against the defending (albeit already dethroned) league champions. Ben Watson’s untracked run and immaculate header won Wigan its first FA Cup. In a year where The Football Association is doing all it can to add more luster to this cup competition that has become an afterthought for many top flight managers, they could not have asked for a better match and result. Unfortunately, along with the thrill of this all important victory came the bitter taste of defeat as the magic man himself, Roberto Martinez, failed to pull another Steve McQueen and saw Wigan relegated in a match against Arsenal just days later.

Extra Time: Wigan Athletic are the first ever club to win the FA Cup and be relegated in the same season.

3) Robin Van Persie’s Hat Trick wins United the Title

Robin Van Persie made the switch from Arsenal over the summer, and had an immediate impact with his new squad. He was unstoppable for United in the early going, netting a goal on his first shot, as well as a hat trick in his second career start for the Red Devils. Van Persie scored thirty goals in all competitions this season, including twenty-six to earn him The Golden Boot ahead of Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale, despite having a drought of ten matches without a goal in the middle of the season. It only seemed fitting that Sir Alex Ferguson’s last ever marquee signing net him his second hat trick of the season on the day the United clinched the title. This included in all likelihood the goal of the season, as he volleyed an exquisite forty yard ball from Wayne Rooney past a helpless Brad Guzan.

Extra Time: Robin Van Persie netted an even more impressive thirty goals in the Premier League last season to earn his first Golden Boot.

2) Gareth Bale’s Awards treble.

What can possibly be said of Gareth Bale, other than that the FA will lament that his parents could not have gotten intimate on the other side of the Bristol Channel? No doubt with this unbelievable playmaker in their squad, 1966 would be a one of a few celebrated years for fans of The Three Lions instead of one that hangs hauntingly over their collective heads. Bale’s twenty-one goals in league play and twenty-six in all competitions earned him a shot at the treble for the PFA Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, and Football Writers Association (FWA) Player of the year award. It was the nature of these goals that truly earned him the right to be deservedly in the company of Cristiano Ronaldo as the only other player to claim all three awards in one season.

Extra Time: Of Bale’s twenty-six goals in all competitions, half of them came in games that Tottenham won by one goal or drew.

1) Sir Alex Ferguson

Possibly the greatest coach of all time called it quits earlier this month following a career that defied logic. In a time where coaches are changed almost as frequently as underwear, it is a shame to see a manager, who has been in charge for all but four months of my life, at the highest level of football, depart. Sir Alex’s tenure at Manchester United saw him take charge of squads that showcased some of the finest talent Europe has seen in the past quarter century. It is one thing to scout and pay for the best players in the world, it is another to take that unit and make it a functional, title winning, unit…just ask Roberto Mancini. Sir Alex Ferguson added thirteen league, five FA Cup, and two Champions League titles to a team that was in the wilderness for twenty years, not unlike the New York Yankees of the late seventies, eighties, and early nineties before Joe Torre. I am in no way a fan of Manchester United, but I challenge any true sports follower to argue with those numbers.

Extra Time: Sir Alex Ferguson’s time in Scotland is often forgotten. He led second division St. Mirren to promotion and a first division title. He also guided Aberdeen to four Scottish League titles, four Scottish Cup Titles, and a European Super Cup title.

11) QPR Shock Chelsea in West London Derby

10) Southampton’s Awe-Inspiring, but Ultimately Heartbreaking Losses at City and Home to United

Extra time: The Saints did get revenge on City at home later in the season, taking three points in a 3-1 win.

9) Tony Hibbert Scores in Testimonial

Extra Time: As most Toffee fans know, Hibbert is a lifelong Everton fan, was brought up through their academy, and has only played for the one team his entire career.

8) Swansea City

7) Peter Odemwingie Tries to Force a Move to into QPR…literally

6) Spurs end Twenty-three Year Drought at Old Trafford

Extra time: United accrued 89 points, taking an average of 4.7 points from each of their opponents this season. Spurs were the only side to concede less than three points to the Champions.

5) Suarez Unchained

4) Wigan Athletic Win Team’s First FA Cup and Are Relegated the Next Week

Extra Time: Wigan Athletic are the first ever club to win the FA Cup and be relegated in the same season.

3) Robin Van Persie’s Hat Trick wins United the Title

Extra Time: Robin Van Persie netted an even more impressive thirty goals in the Premier League last season to earn his first Golden Boot.

2) Gareth Bale’s Awards treble.

Extra Time: Of Bale’s twenty-six goals in all competitions, half of them came in games that Tottenham won by one goal or drew.

1) Sir Alex Ferguson

Against All Odds

2013-05-31T18:08:17Z

Sky Sports Betting Odds are mostly a hilarious read.

I picked out the rumours that involve our Spurs boys minus Weezus because well we all know Skysports is betting on people betting on him leaving. I also included some targets that I would like to see come to us.

Christian Benteke

Arsenal is given 6/1 odds of signing him with us at 9/1. Would be a decent signing for us. Would hate to see him go to Arsenal. Lets hope he is a betting man(illegal i know) and chooses Everton to cash in on the 33/1 odds

Danny Rose

On his premier league debut...is favored to go to Sunderland at 2/1. With both Lolverpool and Everton close at 5/1 and 6/1. Would be sad to see him go especially given that Benny is probably gone this summer.

Hatem Ben Arfa

Another target I would like but its 2/1 odds he will sign with the new rich team, Monaco. We are third favorites at 10/1 with PSG just slightly edging us at 8/1. I do love that they are giving 28/1 odds on Man City signing him!

Andy Carroll

look a signing we don't want. Thats ok its favored by a lot that West Ham will sign him. but they are giving us a chance to bet 25/1 that he will come to North London. maybe as a visitor

Isco

Some how we dont even make the odds. Not surprised. I just wanted to highlight that you can wager on the swans to sign him! at great odds of 50/1!

Marco Reus

A chance for a real THE. in my opinon. but he wants champions league footie and we can't offer him that even though Sky wants to offer a sucker bet of 20/1! Most likely CL winners Bayern will buy him up.

Peter Odemwingie

One of my favorite names in Footie, I would love to have him just because of the name. Two of the newly promoted teams, Palace and Hull are favored with Fullham to be where he is going. But for 8/1 he could be coming to WHL!

They did not have Leandro listed and i had a sad because of that. Oh well. I will casually be checking Sky all summer to look for funny and weird odds.

Sky Sports Betting Odds are mostly a hilarious read.

look a signing we don't want. Thats ok its favored by a lot that West Ham will sign him. but they are giving us a chance to bet 25/1 that he will come to North London. maybe as a visitor

Isco

Some how we dont even make the odds. Not surprised. I just wanted to highlight that you can wager on the swans to sign him! at great odds of 50/1!

Marco Reus

Peter Odemwingie

They did not have Leandro listed and i had a sad because of that. Oh well. I will casually be checking Sky all summer to look for funny and weird odds.

Tottenham Hotspur "Other" 2012-2013 Awards

2013-05-31T17:38:15Z

So, this site has already voted on all of the major awards for this amazing and amazingly painful season. We’ve voted on Player of the Season, Goal of the Season, Moment of the Season, and, of course, Best Hair. I’ve created and given out these other awards to give other great – and one not-so-great – moments, plays, and players their just due. If you disagree with any of them, or think of anything I forgot, go fuck yourself. Just kidding, share them below in the comments, as I’m sure I forgot a bunch, and there will be a decent amount of recency (just made that word up) bias. . Enjoy.

Oh, one last thing, I’m selecting these awards from the Premier League games only. I’m going to do a lot of racking my brain, and there’s a certain point where it becomes too much.

Pass of the Season

Tom Huddlestone vs. Manchester City

Big Tom submitted his best performance of the season coming off the bench at White Hart Lane against the then defending champions. He was given time and space on the ball and changed the game with his passing range. Hudd finished off his performance with a delightful through-ball to Gareth Bale, who chipped Joe Hart to make it 3-1 to the good guys. This choice came down to Huddlestone and Gylfi Sigurdsson’s pass to free Bale against Arsenal, but the higher difficulty level of Huddlestone’s pass ultimately won out.

http://msn.foxsports.com/topics/m/video/73839874/tottenham-3-man-city-1.htm#q=gareth+bale+manchester+city

Other nominees: Gylfi Sigurdsson vs. Arsenal, Lewis Holtby vs. Man City, Clint Dempsey vs. West Ham, Gylfi Sigurdsson vs. Reading, Gareth Bale vs. Swansea, Aaron Lennon vs. Manchester United

Cross of the Season

Gareth Bale vs. Liverpool

This amazing display of skill was another moment that made me think "if only". Bale received a pass from Mousa Dembele around the halfway line, took the ball past a defender, and sprinted towards the byline. At full stretch on his weaker right foot, he hung the ball up perfectly for Gylfi Sigurdsson at the far post. Gylfi took the ball down in acres of space, but had his effort deflected onto the bar by Pepe Reina. If Gylfi had scored, it would have made the game three one and likely secured a crucial three points. Unfortunately, Liverpool scored twice, and we felt the brunt of these dropped points at the end of the season. Still, it was yet another example of Bale’s impeccable talent and drive.

http://www.matchhighlight.com/full-match-game/premier-league-full-match-game/liverpool-v-tottenham-hotspur-10-03-13/

Begins in earnest around 41:30 of the third video. (The video counts down, not up, which means it starts around thirteen minutes in.)

Other nominees: Gareth Bale vs. Liverpool (actually two more!!), Jan Vertonghen vs. Everton, Aaron Lennon vs. Reading, Gareth Bale vs. Manchester City, Benoit Assou-Ekotto vs. Arsenal

Set Piece Delivery of the Season

Tom Huddlestone vs. Chelsea

During his resurgence at the end of the season, Huddlestone took a lot of corners, and they mostly sucked. Which is really strange, because Huddlestone’s dead ball delivery during the first half of the season – when his set-piece delivery was wonderful. Against Chelsea, from well over 40 yards out, he played a ball behind the Chelsea defense towards the far post. The ball bounced to Jan Vertonghen, who played the ball across goal to Billy Gallas for a tap in.

http://msn.foxsports.com/topics/m/video/64984903/tottenham-v-chelsea-premier-league-highlights-10-20-12.htm#q=tottenham+chelsea

Starts at 0:34.

Other nominees: Slim pickings. Huddlestone vs. Chelsea, Kyle Walker vs. Sunderland

Tackle of the Season

Sandro vs. West Ham

In the Novemeber home fixture against West Ham, Sandro brilliantly won the ball in midfield, and alertly flicked the ball to Aaron Lennon while still on his knees. A few seconds later, Lennon was through on goal, and squared for Jermain Defoe to complete a brace against his hated former club.

http://msn.foxsports.com/topics/m/video/66946165/tottenham-3-west-ham-0.htm#q=jermain+defoe+west+ham

Other nominees: Too many heroic, last ditch tackles from Vertonghen and Dawson to even count, but Sandro’s wins out because it directly led to a goal.

Flick of the Season

Mousa Dembele vs. Stoke

Possibly our most crucial player, even more important than Gareth Bale, Dembele played a crucial part in what was, at the time, a glorious goal. He gorgeously flicked Bale’s shot from distance into the path of Clint Dempsey, who set up Emmanuel Adebayor for an easy finish.

http://msn.foxsports.com/topics/m/video/74840538/stoke-1-tottenham-2.htm#q=emmanuel+adebayor

Other nominees: Clint Dempsey vs. West Ham (different one than his pass), Emmanuel Adebayor vs. Chelsea

Block of the Season

Michael Dawson vs. Chelsea

This one’s a no-brainer. Iron Mike Dawson taking a blast to the dome for the company. Love it. Add that to the fact that we broke and scored from the corner, and this might have been the best sequence of the season for us. I hope we never sell Dawson.

Other nominees: I got nothing.

Goal-Line Clearance of the Season

Kyle Walker vs. Liverpool

Luis Suarez thought that he had nicked a goal, but his shot didn’t have enough teeth to it. Kyle Walker is probably the only Right Back in the EPL who could have made this place, using his phenomenal pace to race back and hack the Uruguayan’s goal-bound effort away to safety. Special shout out to William Gallas for having the wherewithal and agility to get out of the way of the clearance; had it hit him, it would have surely been an own-goal.

http://msn.foxsports.com/topics/m/video/67203433/tottenham-v-liverpool-premier-league-highlights-11-28-12.htm#q=tottenham+liverpool

Starts at 1:17.

Other nominees: Again, got nothing.

Run of the Season

Gareth Bale vs. Liverpool

The caveat is that I’m not including runs that ended up in goals for the player who made the run. Those are contenders for Goal of the Season, which is a different category in my opinion. Bale’s lung-bursting runs against Norwich and Manchester United are therefore disqualified. This run against the Reds was before Bale blew up, but it was one of his finest pieces of individual brilliance, tearing the Liverpool defense apart and setting up Aaron Lennon for a tap-in.

http://msn.foxsports.com/topics/m/video/67167910/lennon-opens-scoring-for-spurs.htm#q=aaron+lennon+liverpool

Other nominees: Gyfli Sigurdsson vs. Arsenal, Gareth Bale vs. Liverpool (again, another one!), Gareth Bale vs. West Brom, Aaron Lennon vs. Chelsea, Aaron Lennon vs. Reading, Aaron Lennon vs. Manchester United, Gareth Bale vs. Sunderland

Miss of the Season

Jermain Defoe vs. Sunderland

There are a bunch of these. For all of Bale’s awesomeness, he blew a couple of sitters this year. The most high-profile is when he skied over the bar from the edge of the six yard box in the NLD. Emmanuel Adebayor seemed allergic to the back of the net at points this season, his worst miss coming against West Ham, when he headed the rebound from a Gylfi Sigurdsson shot right at Jussi Jääskeläinen with the goal gaping. I know I said that these awards were EPL only, but I HAVE to give a shout out to Scott Parker’s awful miss against Basel. Inside the six yard box, with the goalkeeper out of the picture, Parker somehow contrived to nick the ball off of the prone Lewis Holtby’s studs, and it deflected wide. It stands as Parker’s best opportunity to score in a Spurs shirt. But Defoe’s miss trumps all. He had space in the box, goalkeeper Simon Mignolet scrambling across goal and falling down, and a chance to put the game to bed. But the turf monster caused Defoe to lose his balance, and he ended up shooting to the one spot where Mignolet could save – straight at the Belgian keeper. The miss was so bad that it overshadowed another pretty bad miss from Adebayor in the first half.

http://msn.foxsports.com/topics/m/video/69133709/sunderland-1-tottenham-2.htm#q=tottenham+sunderland

Starts at 1:44.

Other nominees: Already discussed above.

Fuck Offs

Like 2pac in "I Don’t Give a Fuck", I’m ending this article with my fuck offs. Aka people associated with the EPL that can suck a fat one.

Laurent Koscielny – You look like a giant bird. Go away.

Mike Jones – Totally a penalty when Cazorla went down in the box.

Luis Suarez – Yeah.

Chesney – The only player associated with the game of soccer that I honestly hope gets hit by a bus.

Romelu Lukaku – Really couldn’t finish off that sitter against Arsenal, could you?

Julio Cesar – For making really good saves against us.

Mark Bunn – For robbing Gylfi of a winner. You’re a backup, stop being so good.

Newcastle – For being so good when we played them at St. James’ the first game of the season, and suffering from injury and loss of form to the point that they were a shadow of that team when Arsenal played them on the last day of the season.

John Terry – Because fuck John Terry.

Lebron James - I know he’s not associated with the EPL in any way, but fuck him anyway.

Oh, one last thing, I’m selecting these awards from the Premier League games only. I’m going to do a lot of racking my brain, and there’s a certain point where it becomes too much.

Pass of the Season

Tom Huddlestone vs. Manchester City

http://msn.foxsports.com/topics/m/video/73839874/tottenham-3-man-city-1.htm#q=gareth+bale+manchester+city

Other nominees: Gylfi Sigurdsson vs. Arsenal, Lewis Holtby vs. Man City, Clint Dempsey vs. West Ham, Gylfi Sigurdsson vs. Reading, Gareth Bale vs. Swansea, Aaron Lennon vs. Manchester United

Cross of the Season

Gareth Bale vs. Liverpool

http://www.matchhighlight.com/full-match-game/premier-league-full-match-game/liverpool-v-tottenham-hotspur-10-03-13/

Begins in earnest around 41:30 of the third video. (The video counts down, not up, which means it starts around thirteen minutes in.)

Other nominees: Gareth Bale vs. Liverpool (actually two more!!), Jan Vertonghen vs. Everton, Aaron Lennon vs. Reading, Gareth Bale vs. Manchester City, Benoit Assou-Ekotto vs. Arsenal

Set Piece Delivery of the Season

Tom Huddlestone vs. Chelsea

http://msn.foxsports.com/topics/m/video/64984903/tottenham-v-chelsea-premier-league-highlights-10-20-12.htm#q=tottenham+chelsea

Starts at 0:34.

Other nominees: Slim pickings. Huddlestone vs. Chelsea, Kyle Walker vs. Sunderland

Tackle of the Season

Sandro vs. West Ham

http://msn.foxsports.com/topics/m/video/66946165/tottenham-3-west-ham-0.htm#q=jermain+defoe+west+ham

Other nominees: Too many heroic, last ditch tackles from Vertonghen and Dawson to even count, but Sandro’s wins out because it directly led to a goal.

Flick of the Season

Mousa Dembele vs. Stoke

http://msn.foxsports.com/topics/m/video/74840538/stoke-1-tottenham-2.htm#q=emmanuel+adebayor

Other nominees: Clint Dempsey vs. West Ham (different one than his pass), Emmanuel Adebayor vs. Chelsea

Block of the Season

Michael Dawson vs. Chelsea

Other nominees: I got nothing.

Goal-Line Clearance of the Season

Kyle Walker vs. Liverpool

http://msn.foxsports.com/topics/m/video/67203433/tottenham-v-liverpool-premier-league-highlights-11-28-12.htm#q=tottenham+liverpool

Starts at 1:17.

Other nominees: Again, got nothing.

Run of the Season

Gareth Bale vs. Liverpool

http://msn.foxsports.com/topics/m/video/67167910/lennon-opens-scoring-for-spurs.htm#q=aaron+lennon+liverpool

Miss of the Season

Jermain Defoe vs. Sunderland

http://msn.foxsports.com/topics/m/video/69133709/sunderland-1-tottenham-2.htm#q=tottenham+sunderland

Starts at 1:44.

Other nominees: Already discussed above.

Fuck Offs

Like 2pac in "I Don’t Give a Fuck", I’m ending this article with my fuck offs. Aka people associated with the EPL that can suck a fat one.

Laurent Koscielny – You look like a giant bird. Go away.

Mike Jones – Totally a penalty when Cazorla went down in the box.

Luis Suarez – Yeah.

Chesney – The only player associated with the game of soccer that I honestly hope gets hit by a bus.

Romelu Lukaku – Really couldn’t finish off that sitter against Arsenal, could you?

Julio Cesar – For making really good saves against us.

Mark Bunn – For robbing Gylfi of a winner. You’re a backup, stop being so good.

John Terry – Because fuck John Terry.

Lebron James - I know he’s not associated with the EPL in any way, but fuck him anyway.

On Lewis Holtby, AVB, tactics, and anything else that springs to mind

2013-05-31T12:48:10Z

(Before we begin, let me just explain that the following started out as a comment in response to the other Lewis Holtby-related FanPost that appeared today, but I ended up going on a bit of a tangent and it got a bit over-long, so it's been recycled into my début FanPost)

Lewis Holtby has not lived up to expectations. He has been a big disappointment.

Full disclosure, when he signed I genuinely thought he would be the difference from last year and that he would be the creative number 10 we'd needed all season to replace VDV. He would solve this problem of teams parking the bus against us with his vision, creativity and passing ability, and he would be the final push needed to get us into the top 4. I confidently told Liverpool-supporting friends he would be much better than Coutinho, another young trequartista who signed at the same time. Thank Christ they've forgotten that conversation.

Unfortunately for Lewis, when he made his debut against Norwich, in the same game Gareth Bale scored a brilliant goal (so what else is new) through the middle of the park. Ironically Lewis played a big part in this goal, flicking the ball onto Defoe with a cute backheel. Now, despite having just bought a very good number 10, all of a sudden Bale goes HAM through the middle for the rest of the season, meaning Holtby either has to play on the wings, or deeper, neither of which he immediately adapts to. It's been said a lot on this site that Bale's exploits in the middle have potentially been to the detriment of the team; this is perhaps an example of that. This positional homelessness, coupled with over-eagerness and too much of a desire to impress meant we lost some of the silky touches and awesome creativity that made him stand out before in Germany, and instead got a hyperactive Ryan Gosling lookalike who captured all of our hearts through social media, but did little on the pitch. The Schalke game against Arsenal is an example of this - I distinctly remember one assist where with his back to goal, Holtby almost did a bicycle kick, for a through ball that split the Arsenal defence and allowed Huntelaar I think to score. When did Holtby ever look like doing the same for us?

Despite this disapointment, we can't write Holtby off. I have enough confidence in what he's shown in Germany before his transfer to Tottenham, and the flashes we've seen from him this season that his obvious potential can still be realised. While U-21 national team success means nothing in England, in Germany, with so many talented youngsters, to be the captain says a lot to me. He's obviously an extremely talented young man and I have every confidence that when he has had a full preseason to be integrated into the team, and Andre has had a whole summer to form this Tottenham team in his image without worrying about being hounded so much by the press, that we'll start to see a lot more cohesion from the team in general.

I feel that this season, AVB has to an extent prioritised results over long-term building for the future; understandable given how much he had to prove to the media, the fans and the team. There's been a distinct sense of a 'stick to what works' philosophy, which perhaps explains why he was more willing to use 'proven' players like Gallas and Parker (but Lord knows I'm not getting into all that again) instead of taking more of a risk with players like Caulker and this site's favourite player. (You all know who I'm talking about). As a result, AVB has been doing what works in the short term, namely, setting up the team in the way which meant we've lost 3 times in the last 6 months. This team doesn't look coherent, or even that organised. A lot of the time it's looked very dysfunctional. Who's our best left back? Should Dempsey play on the wing and sacrifice width for scrappy goals? Should Siggy play on the wing and bring his Mummy's-Curse bad luck with him in terms of goalscoring? Should AVB tell Bale to stop coming through the middle and stay on the left? If he does that, who's best in the centre? The proven pro Dempsey, the goalscoring mid who has flattered to deceive Siggy? The slightly more proven than Siggy but worse throughout the campaign Holtby? These are all questions which I would say haven't been answered conclusively even now. It's a bugger on FIFA that I don't know what out best team is, and it seems like AVB didn't either. Bale has papered over the cracks pretty spectacularly, but as someone said on the site a while ago, Gareth Bale scoring 89th minute winners every week isn't a proper team philosophy, and neither is it a sustainable tactic throughout a season. Bear in mind this isn't a criticism of AVB per se, as quite honestly I would have probably done the same thing in his position.

This summer, therefore, will be crucial for AVB to form his vision of how he wants us to play. He'll have the whole summer, he'll be backed in the market (PLEASE DANIEL) and he'll finally have the time to establish our style that we will use in the coming season. This team will finally start to have an identity. I've said it before, but when everyone is fit I would struggle to name a clear cut first-choice XI, and while some would argue that is a good thing, I feel that if we have established who is first choice where, then we can form a team ethos and style of play around a core of players, and from there work out who covers or understudies who, and who we need to bring in, and who we can afford to let go. These needs are going to be very different if we decide to move Bale permanently to the center, or the left, or the right, or if we play 4231 or 433 or any one of these tactical shifts. AVB has 3 months (give or take) to work out how to get the best out of this team, how to continue getting a worldy out of Bale every week but at the same time, how best to utilise the other members of the squad like Holtby so we're not being carried on Bale's back for a whole season leaving us up guano creek when (if) he leaves for Spain. With a whole season in a set, defined role that he's been committed to training in for preseason, guys like Holtby, and Siggy and Dempsey can be more aware and clear of their place in the team, and hopefully be better for it.

In conclusion - I don't know how to write concisely. Apologies for the somewhat rambling nature of this but I had a lot to say and no doubt there's a hundred other things I've forgotten. Also the formatting. Thanks for reading, and COYS!

Lewis Holtby has not lived up to expectations. He has been a big disappointment.

Redefining the grammar of Tottenham's striker search

2013-05-31T11:46:35Z

I had a much more in depth article in mind when I first envisioned this, but I'm lazy and no one reads the articles, so I'll keep it brief.

Last summer The Sleeper's Sleep wrote a very interesting article regarding the fact that Spurs do not need 'A' striker, we need 'THE' striker.

As you may have noticed, I have never been a fan of the term 'THE' when used to describe our potential striker targets. Mainly because it refers to what us Football Manager fans would describe as a 'Complete Forward', which rules out a whole host of players, many of which are better than what we currently have. As such a lot of Spurs fans here are quick to dismiss quality players who do not fit into this mold.

The fact is that while the way we play has been very effective for us the last couple of years, it is not the only way we can play. We have enough talented players to play a variety of systems and incorporate different styles of striker.

Having said that, I would like to redefine our striker ideals as such:

We do not want any strikers who are on par with (or worse) than our current striking options. (i.e. another Louis Saha)

We need a striker who will improve the current squad, and we actually have a realistic chance of getting given our financial position and lack of CL football (i.e. David Villa)

We want a THE. Someone who can do it all and lead the line for title challenges and CL games for the next 5+ years.

However, I just don't see us getting that guy. We'll need someone like that down the line, but right now what we need a striker who will give us that little extra push into the CL so that we can then actually get that guy (when we have the money and the appeal that it takes to land one).

Basically, stop saying you don't want better strikers than the ones we've got. You're being unrealistic and greedy. :-P

I had a much more in depth article in mind when I first envisioned this, but I'm lazy and no one reads the articles, so I'll keep it brief.

Last summer The Sleeper's Sleep wrote a very interesting article regarding the fact that Spurs do not need 'A' striker, we need 'THE' striker.

Having said that, I would like to redefine our striker ideals as such:

We do not want any strikers who are on par with (or worse) than our current striking options. (i.e. another Louis Saha)

We need a striker who will improve the current squad, and we actually have a realistic chance of getting given our financial position and lack of CL football (i.e. David Villa)

We want a THE. Someone who can do it all and lead the line for title challenges and CL games for the next 5+ years.

Basically, stop saying you don't want better strikers than the ones we've got. You're being unrealistic and greedy. :-P