Richmond Spurs

League Report: Spurs 1 Newcastle 0

2009-04-19T11:02:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

The heat is on!

Darren Bent's 16th goal of the season was the decisive factor as we defeated Newcastle United 1-0 at a sun-drenched White Hart Lane.

The result takes us level on points with eighth-placed Fulham and just one point behind West Ham in the all-important seventh spot, which will guarantee a place in next season's Europa League.

It was our first league win against the Magpies in seven attempts, and they find themselves still four points off safety with just five games of the season left.

Prior to kick off, White Hart Lane held a rousing one minute applause to celebrate the life of former player Jimmy Neighbour, who sadly died last weekend.

Jimmy made 156 senior appearances for the Club between 1966 and 1976, scoring 11 goals before a move to Norwich City. He later returned to serve as a youth team coach.

Manager Harry Redknapp made two changes to the side that defeated West Ham last week.

Wilson Palacios returned from suspension to take his place in midfield alongside Tom Huddlestone, with Jermaine Jenas out injured.

Meanwhile, persistent injury problems prevented Ledley King making his sixth consecutive start. As ever, the reliable Michael Dawson was on hand to fill the void.

We were dominant in the first half against a team desperately needing the points to ease their plight.

Our first sighting at goal came after 15 minutes when Huddlestone and Luka Modric worked a short corner to Bent, who hit his shot low at Steve Harper. But nine minutes later, the striker was on hand to give us the lead.

Modric attempted a throughball to Robbie Keane, and although that was cut out by Sebastien Bassong, the loose ball ran to our leading scorer.

Bent hit his first shot straight at Harper but tucked away the rebound from a tight angle to give us the goal we deserved.

It was his first goal in four games and keeps the manager's striking options healthy with Jermain Defoe also making a return to the squad in this game after nearly three months out through injury.

Redknapp's options in midfield are also looking strong at the moment, with Huddlestone making his second consecutive start and once again proving a valuable asset.

On 28 minutes, he hit a trademark searing drive goalwards from 25 yards, which Harper did extremely well to tip over the bar.

Huddlestone repeated this act four minutes before half-time with the same result. Prior to this, Modric had another goal-bound effort blocked by Bassong, although the defender knew little about it as the ball ricocheted safely into his goalkeeper's arms.

The only low point of the first half was when Dawson landed awkwardly on his left ankle after an aerial challenge with Andy Carroll on 34 minutes, and was subsequently stretchered off in some discomfort.

But once again, the strength of Redknapp's squad was displayed again when Alan Hutton came off the bench to make his first Spurs appearance since November having been out with a foot injury.

He took up his familiar right back role, with Vedran Corluka switching to centre-half in place of Dawson.

And the Scotsman was impressive on his return, bombing forward at every opportunity and crossing superbly to the back post on the stroke of half-time for Bent to head over when he really should have done better.

Into the second half and Newcastle went desperately searching for an equaliser without actually creating a great deal.

We could have doubled our lead on a number of occasions, first on the hour mark when Bassong did well to block Palacios' 12-yard shot after Bent's cross deflected into his path.

Nine minutes later Aaron Lennon, who prior to kick-off received his PFA Player of the Month award for March, nearly marked the occasion with a goal after cutting inside from the right and sending a low left foot shot inches past the post.

Defoe was indeed introduced to a grand ovation with 15 minutes remaining, and this helped us regain the initiative in the closing stages with Newcastle having much of the possession beforehand despite our chances.

Another chance fell to Jonathan Woodgate 11 minutes from time, when Harper parried away his powerful header after Modric's corner.

Huddlestone also had another run and shot which whistled past the post before Newcastle came as close to scoring as they had done all game on 87 minutes.

Ryan Taylor played a ball in from the right and Obafemi Martins got in behind Woodgate to latch on, before controlling on his chest and lashing a shot over the bar, much to the despair of the travelling support.

Overall it was a frustrating afternoon for them, but for us it keeps our good run of form going - it's our sixth win in eight league games.

Spurs (4-4-2): Gomes; Corluka, Dawson (A Hutton, 34), Woodgate, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Huddlestone, Palacios, Modric; Bent (Defoe, 75), Keane
Subs not used: Cudicini, Bale, Zokora, Bentley, Campbell
Newcastle (3-5-2): Harper; Beye, S Taylor (Smith, 46), Bassong; R Taylor, Butt, Nolan (Viduka, 61), Gutierrez, Duff; Carroll (Martins, 61), Owen
Subs not used: Krul, Edgar, Guthrie, Ameobi

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League Report: Spurs 1 West Ham 0

2009-04-18T10:16:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Roman Pavlyuchenko came off the bench to take a vital three points in our quest for European football against London rivals West Ham at White Hart Lane.

The Russian struck his 14th goal of the season having been introduced for Darren Bent early in the second half.

It puts the disappointment of last week's defeat against Blackburn, and moves us into a season-high of eighth - just three points behind the Hammers in the seventh place which is likely to secure a spot in next season's Europa League.

Harry Redknapp made just one change to the side defeated at Ewood Park, with Tom Huddlestone replacing the suspended Wilson Palacios in midfield.

And despite not creating a great deal, we were dominant in the first half with three good penalty shouts turned down by referee Martin Atkinson.

The first, and perhaps the strongest claim, came on 21 minutes when Aaron Lennon's deep cross was volleyed into the flailing arms of defender James Tomkins by Robbie Keane for what appeared to be handball.

Nothing was given, as was the case two minutes later when Keane was knocked over in the box by Luis Boa Morte after beating Tomkins.

That could have been seen as a coming-together, as was David Di Michele's push on Vedran Corluka on 26 minutes.

It wasn't until the half-hour mark that we finally tested Hammers goalkeeper Robert Green, who was forced to turn a stinging 25-yard Huddlestone effort round the post.

Moments later, the England man looked far less comfortable in dealing with a Keane volley from the edge of the box, but managed to claw it to safety.

Bent also went close on 33 minutes when he climbed well to meet Benoit Assou-Ekotto's cross but headed just wide of the post.

Heurelho Gomes was forced into action for the first time 10 minutes before the break, doing well to keep out an arrowed volley from inside the box by Di Michele.

Going into half-time, however, things were certainly looking good for us, although it was clear we needed an extra dimension.

Enter Pavlyuchenko. The Russian came on as a 57th minute substitute for Bent and got himself straight into the thick of things.

Huddlestone's free-kick was flicked on goalwards by Jonathan Woodgate, and the rangy striker just failed to turn his header past Green.

From the resultant drop kick, we got lucky when Woodgate misjudged the flight of the ball, allowing Di Michele to get in behind and force Gomes into a good low save.

That only served as a wake-up call, and it was Green who was next called into action, again turning a decent Huddlestone effort around the post on 64 minutes.

A minute later, there was nothing the goalkeeper could do as we finally took the lead.

Corluka played a ball into the box to Luka Modric, who found Pavlyuchenko with his back to goal. In one movement, he turned his marker and found the bottom left-hand corner.

The form of Bent alongside Keane up-front in recent weeks has made it a frustrating time for the Russian, but he proved here the quality he possesses when called upon.

And with Jermain Defoe on his way back from injury, our striking options certainly look strong for the end-of-season run-in.

For the rest of this game, it was just going to be a case of holding onto the hard-earned lead, although we came close to doubling the lead on two occasions before the end.

Lennon curled one in from the left, and although only he will ever know whether it was an attempted cross or effort on goal, it certainly had Green back-tracking to keep it out of his top corner in the end.

Three minutes from time, Pavlyuchenko broke away and played in Lennon racing up alongside him. The winger carried it into the box and tried to go around Green. The goalkeeper timed his tackle well, but the loose ball fell to Keane who struck towards the empty net, with only covering defender James Collins on hand to keep it out.

Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola used up a wealth of attacking options he had on his bench in the hope of grabbing an unlikely equaliser, but it's fair to say it would have been undeserved.

Di Michele did force Gomes into another good save two minutes from time, but they had little else as our push for a top seven finish got back on track.

Spurs (4-4-2): Gomes; Corluka, Woodgate, King, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Huddlestone, Jenas (Zokora, 46), Modric; Keane, Bent (Pavlyuchenko, 57)
Subs not used: Cudicini, Chimbonda Dawson, Bale, Bentley
West Ham (4-4-2): Green; Tomkins (Savio, 81), Collins, Upson, Ilunga; Boa Morte (Dyer, 71), Neill, Noble, Stanislas; Di Michele, Tristan (Sears, 84)
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Payne, Lopez, N'Gala

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League Report: Blackburn 2 Spurs 1

2009-04-18T10:12:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Blackburn Rovers snatched an unlikely victory with two late goals after a Robbie Keane penalty saw us lead and proceed to dominate at Ewood Park.
It really was a case of defeat from the jaws of victory and leaving Lancashire without at least a point would have appeared impossible until the last ten minutes or so.
That's when Wilson Palacios was sent off after two quickfire yellow cards - the second decision somewhat harsh as he appeared to pull out of the tackle on David Dunn - and the home side, naturally lifted, turned the game around.
With the exception of Heurelho Gomes having to deal with a back pass of rather too much force from Jonathan Woodgate, the opening exchanges of this contest were not ones that really looked likely to generate any excitement in front of goal.
Hardly surprising maybe, given the AirMiles collected by many of the players from both sides over the last two weeks. One who wasn't on his travels, Paul Robinson, received his anticipated appreciation from the Spurs thousands behind his goal before his opposite number was given his second concern of the afternoon at the other end.
A cross from the left by Morten Gamst Pedersen was cleverly worked out by El Hadji Diouf, who ghosted in behind his marker and planted a header just beyond Gomes' right hand upright. Ledley King was next to call heads, stealing in at the near post to meet a Luka Modric corner, glancing across the face of Robinson's goal.
On 19 minutes, Palacios ventured forward and superbly picked out the run of Darren Bent behind the Blackburn defences. The striker drilled in a powerful drive that appeared to be arrowing into the bottom corner before Robinson reached out and brilliantly diverted.
A long throw from Pedersen then caused confusion when the ball landed in our area, Diouf was quickest to respond and his free hit on goal looked like rattling the net until a late intervention from Benoit Assou-Ekotto.
Vedran Corluka was next to try his luck at opening the scoring, but this was duly achieved when, on 28 minutes, an Aaron Lennon cross struck the arm of Gael Givet and referee Mr Walton pointed to the penalty spot. There was the usual protest and delay, but eventually Keane was able to pit his wits against his former teammate and placed his kick with aplomb in the bottom left hand corner. Robbo guessed right but could not quite reach.
A bit of Modric magic could have made it two before the break after the little playmaker combined with Keane, but Blackburn employed safety in numbers and managed to crowd out the Croatian.
There was a Blackburn change at the break as Jason Roberts was withdrawn injured and the giant Chris Samba was deployed in attack, offering a fair guide to home intentions for the second half.
If Blackburn wanted to employ the order of the big boot, it was made all the more challenging by the men in black performing some intricate possession football which, while it didn't lead to much to overly concern Robinson, the home side were getting stretched and a little ragged.
A second goal, however, you suspected was needed and would certainly have been warranted.
The wily Tugay was introduced by Sam Allardyce in the 64th minute in an attempt to restore some order to the Rovers engine room, but he quickly lost the ball and it led to Assou-Ekotto flighting in a low cross that Darren Bent was unfortunate not to get more of a touch on.
Jermaine Jenas, a magnificent presence throughout with his industry and perhaps unnoted tenacity in the heart of midfield, measured a superb low cross along the front of goal that neither Bent or Keane could quite reach, the same with a Lennon centre moments after - one touch and Rovers would have been re-starting from the half-way line.
It could have been us doing just that though when Diouf teased a cross into the near post and Benni McCarthy plunged his head towards the ball. The South African could not provide any direction a rare threat passed.
Palacios was booked for two fouls in quick succession and there was no leeway from Mr Walton, who brandished red, leaving us to face the last 10 minutes with 10 men.
The deficit proved costly just moments later when Samba shrugged off Jonathan Woodgate and rolled the ball to where McCarthy was waiting to tap in right in front of goal on 82 minutes.
Gomes pulled off a stunning save from Stephen Warnock before a Diouf corner somehow squirted through a crowd of players at the near post and the substitute Andre Ooijer was in place to tap home in the final minute of normal time.
Blackburn and a crowd of 21,891 will probably not quite believe they snatched a victory from this one.

Linked here.

Latest New Stadum Plans 3/31/2009

2009-04-01T00:07:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Club reveal next stage plans for Northumberland Development Project

- New Public Square for North Tottenham
• Spurs publish plans for a new public square on Tottenham High Road as part of its Northumberland Development Project.
• To include a dedicated space for community events, such as street markets, performers, ice rink or educational activities; and a second smaller, quieter space.
• New images released of the proposed Stadium and public square.
• Development now also includes a hotel to provide a further economic boost for the area.
• Architects tighten the stadium bowl to maximise atmosphere - spectators will be closer to pitch than at any other comparable stadium.
• Plans revealed at a new exhibition as part of a second public consultation, taking place from 2 to 7 April.
The Club has published detailed plans of its Northumberland Development Project, including an exceptional new public square designed by Martha Schwartz Partners, the widely acclaimed landscape architects behind some of the most exciting new public spaces in the world - including Grand Canal Square in Dublin, Exchange Square in Manchester, Nexus Kashi Housing Project, Fukuoka, Japan and the Jacob Javits Plaza in New York City.
The public square will contain two distinct but connected spaces - an active space for events and performances and a smaller, quieter space. Each space is defined by stepped landforms for seating, new planting and a ribbon of Astroturf that connects the landforms and provides softer places to sit. Together they provide places to watch events, read, meet up or just relax.
The Club will actively manage these spaces to promote their positive use, for example as a host for a street market, a temporary ice rink or musical performances as well as being used by local schools, churches and Haringey Council for events and activities.
Architects, KSS Group, has also reconfigured the stadium to create a tighter bowl and thereby maximise matchday atmosphere. Fans at the new stadium will be closer to the pitch than at any other comparable stadium in the UK.
The development now encompasses a vibrant mix of retail, leisure, restaurants, homes and a hotel - a mix of uses that will ensure visitors to the area 365 days a year, with all of the associated benefits that will bring to the local economy in the Borough.
Commenting on the improved plans, Daniel Levy, Chairman of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, said:
"We received an overwhelmingly positive response to our first exhibition and we have spent the past few months further developing our plans, adding new elements, responding to feedback and evolving the scheme to where it is now.
"Too often new stadiums are surrounded by empty, dead space and we did not want that in Tottenham. Instead, with these new plans for the public square and public space, we have embraced the opportunity to create something truly special for local people.
"I believe the result is a space which has endless possible uses, is both fun and practical and will also build on the work of the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation which already touches the lives of tens of thousands of people of all ages and abilities in Haringey and across North London. It provides an ideal area to engage with the community in both educational and social activities.
"We have always had the very highest aspirations for the Northumberland Development Project and this space completes a development which has the potential to be a flagship for the wider regeneration of the area.
"In respect of the stadium, we have been urging our architects to push the boundaries on technical design aspects in order to create a tighter bowl and an unbeatable match-day atmosphere. We are currently well known for the fantastic support from the stands and we wanted to ensure that this was retained and prioritised at a new stadium."
Commenting on the fans proximity to the pitch, Team Captain, Robbie Keane, said:
"The atmosphere in the stadium and its impact on the players can never be underestimated. Having the fans right up close, on the edge of the action, can lift the team on the day when it matters most and make the stadium a fortress."
Martha Schwartz, landscape architect, said:

"Spurs has been at the centre of Tottenham life for over a hundred years and the local people are proud of this heritage, they are proud to be Tottenham. The public space around the new stadium is an opportunity to celebrate this connection and provide a catalyst for regeneration.
"Our challenge has been designing space that is safe and exciting on a match day but that also engages and energizes the local community on non-match days.
"Tottenham has a young and vibrant population, but the quality of public space is low, particularly along the High Road, and there are few places to hang out and play. For this reason a new public square is at the heart of the proposals and will provide a space for Spurs fantastic supporters to gather but also space for civic events, learning and play."
TO VIEW THE CLUB'S EMERGING PLANS, CLICK HERE... (pdf, 20mb)
As always we shall look to keep you, our supporters, along with the local community of Haringey, as informed and up-to-date as possible and the special section of the website - www.tottenhamhotspur.com/futureplans will carry the latest stories to keep you up to date on our emerging plans and to let us have your comments.

Linked here.

Danny Rose loan to Watford

2009-03-24T21:27:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Danny Rose has joined Championship side Watford on loan for the rest of the season.
The attacking midfielder, 18, has recently returned from a long-term knee injury that ruled him out from September until March and has impressed in our last two reserve wins against Chelsea and West Brom.
An England youth regular, Danny joined us from Leeds United in July, 2007 and played 10 games for the reserves last season, scoring once.

Linked here.

League Report: Spurs 1 Chelsea 0

2009-03-24T21:25:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Luka Modric struck the only goal of the game as victory over London rivals Chelsea at The Lane takes us into the top half of the Barclays Premier League for the first time this season.

On a blazing hot and memorable day at the Spurs, we performed outstandingly against Guus Hiddink's side to stretch our run to six games unbeaten in the league.

Not only that, but the result puts a serious dent in the title hopes of the Blues, who have now failed to beat us in the last four attempts.

Harry Redknapp stuck with the team that featured for the majority of our impressive win at Aston Villa last weekend, with Vedran Corluka starting at right-back this time in place of Didier Zokora.

With the sun shining, there was a great atmosphere at The Lane for this derby clash and a tempo to match from the off.

The in-form Michael Essien did force Heurelho Gomes into an eighth minute save, but it's fair to say we had the better of the first half overall.

A minute later, Corluka's cross was cleared only as far as Jenas, who hit a ferocious shot from the edge of the box just inches over the bar.

On 18 minutes, Darren Bent climbed high to flick on Gomes' goal-kick, and as the bounce deceived Chelsea defender Alex, Robbie Keane ran in behind to hit a stinging volley first time, which Petr Cech did well to stand up to.

Keane tested the Czech goalkeeper again on 25 minutes with another first time shot from the edge of the box after good work from Corluka on the right.

Gomes was called into action only once more in the opening 45, turning Nicolas Anelka's 33rd minute shot around the post.

We finished the half the stronger side, and Keane once again got a sighting at goal seven minutes from the break after a 40-yard run into the box. He just failed to curl his attempt past Cech.

But you sensed there would be more chances to come into the second half, and we didn't have to wait long before our pressure paid dividends.

Aaron Lennon, fresh from putting pen to paper on a new contract the day before, attacked Ashley Cole before sending a pin-point ball into the box for Modric to sweep home first-time into the bottom right-hand corner.

It was the Croatian's fourth goal of this his first season in English football, and no more than the little man deserves for his outstanding performances in recent weeks.

A bumper home crowd at The Lane was now in full voice, and they were so nearly treated to a carbon copy of the goal on 59 minutes.

Keane picked out Lennon with a pinpoint crossfield ball, and the flying winger once again attacked his man before putting the ball into box. This time Modric tried to catch it on the volley - it would have been spectacular, but he didn't properly connect, and the ball fell safely into the hands of Cech.

Once Chelsea settled, a touch of panic, it is fair to say, maybe crept into our game, and we came under a spell of pressure.

Portuguese international Ricardo Quaresma was introduced by the visitors to add some width, and it took some good defending from Corluka to deny Frank Lampard at the back post following his 64th minute cross.

Didier Drogba then forced Gomes into a near post save, and we found ourselves constantly having to defend set-pieces.

Although Keane sent a fantastic 25-yard effort just wide on 71 minutes, it was left to our Brazilian goalkeeper to claim the plaudits for keeping our lead intact 11 minutes from time.

Lampard found John Terry with a free-kick, and his powerful downward header looked destined for the bottom corner before Gomes dived full stretch to turn wide with a splendid reaction save.

It follows on from what the big man described as his best performances in a Spurs shirt last week, and he now looks full of confidence after a difficult first season at times.

From that save, we could, and perhaps should, have doubled our lead when Modric broke away and played in Lennon down the right. He got all the way to by-line and options in the box, but perhaps got caught in two minds and tried a shot that he got all wrong.

A minute later, Drogba nearly punished us with a looping header after Terry's ball to the back post, but it sailed wide and it looked as if we had weathered the storm...

Of course, it's never that easy, and there was some late, late drama when Alex climbed to head a corner onto the bar.

But we claimed what has to be the result of the season, and the joy around The Lane at the final whistle was tangible.

Spurs (4-4-2): Gomes; Corluka, Woodgate, King, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon (Zokora, 90), Palacios, Jenas, Modric (O'Hara, 87); Keane, Bent
Subs not used: Cudicini, Dawson, Huddlestone, Bentley, Pavlyuchenko
Chelsea (4-4-2): Cech; Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, A Cole; Belletti (Quaresma, 61), Essien (Malouda, 77), Ballack, Lampard; Anelka, Drogba
Subs not used: Hilario, Ivanovic, Mancienne, Kalou, Di Santo

Linked here.

Lennon Commits Future

2009-03-24T21:24:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

The Club is delighted to announce that Aaron Lennon has signed an extension to his contract that will see him at White Hart Lane until 2014.
The 21-year-old winger has featured in 41 of our 45 games so far this season and scored five goals, equalling his best scoring return in a season.

Aaron joined us from Leeds United in July, 2005 and has made 160 appearances in our colours, including starting both our League Cup finals in the past two seasons.

Linked here.

League Report: Aston Villa 1 Spurs 2

2009-03-24T21:17:00.002-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Jermaine Jenas and Darren Bent goals - four minutes into each half - defeated Aston Villa 2-1 in an absorbing encounter at Villa Park on Sunday.
The substitute John Carew did reduce the arrears late on but the team dug in and showed the character to emerge victorious in front of a crowd of 41,205.
The game exploded into life on four minutes when Aaron Lennon skinned Luke Young down the right and fizzed in a cross that Brad Friedel could not deal with and Jenas was on hand to nod home in front of a stunned Holte End.
Stilian Petrov did his best to level matters after a spell of Spurs pressure following the breakthrough, unleashing a dipping drive that did not dip quite enough for the liking of the Bulgarian and cleared the crossbar.
Urgency was injected into Villa's attacking play, in particular down the left flank being worked by Ashley Young, who seemed to be afforded an awful lot of space by Didier Zokora at right back. From one of this sorties he managed to square in the direction of Gareth Barry and Heurelho Gomes was called on to field.
It was an open encounter and the pace of the Villa front two, plus Young out wide, was the cause of some concern. Zokora was booked for a reckless challenge on Young and the Ivorian was having a torrid start to his afternoon.
Jenas did his best to again rattle Friedel, but a deflection took the sting out of his effort as we approached the final ten minutes of the half. Zokora was then replaced by a more natural full-back in the shape of Vedran Corluka, a decision based purely no doubt on the problems being posed by Young.
A missed header by Carlos Cuellar gave Darren Bent the chance to speed down the right flank, but his centre in the direction of Keane was intercepted at the last by Luke Young before Jenas employed some clever play to release Luka Modric in the area and it took a strong one-handed block by Friedel to avoid a doubling of our advantage in the moments before half-time.
Despite the advantage, Harry Redknapp will have felt there was much to improve on during the interval, not least some increased security at the back, with a warning being provided by Emile Heskey heading against the crossbar just before the half-time whistle sounded.
The deficit for Villa was doubled four minutes into the second half when a run from Lennon teed up Wilson Palacios for a shot that Friedel did well to block but could not gather. Keane went for goal from an acute angle on the rebound and, with Friedel beaten, Bent was on hand to tap home at the far post.
Sustained pressure followed with the home side rocked back on their collective heels, the pace of Lennon and Bent was the feature of this half as opposed to Ashley Young and Gabby Agbonlahor.
Martin O'Neill made the bold move of swapping a central defender for a burly striker - John Carew replacing Zat Knight.
Modric was next to the fore though, drilling goalwards and once again forcing Friedel to show strong hands, while Gomes did well to get his body in the way of a Petrov shot that kicked up right in front of him.
It was end to end stuff as the game progressed, Villa probably had too many set pieces for comfort but Gomes was always quick to take the pressure off his defenders by coming and claiming - occasionally punching.
Keane stung the palms of Friedel again as the noise from the Spurs travelling thousands echoed around the stadium.
Six minutes from time the home fans came to life when a run and raking cross from James Milner was met at the far post by the head of the giant Carew, who planted the ball into the top corner of the net.
It placed renewed vigour into the efforts of Villa and nervous minutes where endured before referee Mr Bennett called time to make it a fourth away win of the season and lift us up to 11th in the table.

Linked here.

Gunter Loan to Nottingham Forest

2009-03-13T00:18:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

We have reached agreement with Nottingham Forest for Chris Gunter to join the Championship club on loan for the rest of the season.
The Welsh international defender joined us from Cardiff City in January, 2008 and made his debut in our FA Cup Third Round replay win against Reading later that month.
The 19-year-old full-back has since gone on to make a total of 15 appearances in all competitions for the Club.

Linked here.

League Report: Sunderland 1 Spurs 1

2009-03-13T00:16:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

A late goal from Robbie Keane secured a deserved point up at Sunderland after the home side found the net in the first few minutes.
It appeared that it was going to be one of those frustrating and fruitless away days, where just desserts are off the menu, but Keane saw to it that there was some return from this particular trip with his crisp late finish in the 89th minute.
Harry Redknapp made four changes to the side that beat Middlesbrough in midweek with Darren Bent partnering Keane up front, Pascal Chimbonda facing his former club and Vedran Corluka and Ledley King back on defensive duty.
Sunderland were certainly the quicker out of the blocks and just over three minutes were showing on the clock when Kieran Richardson seized on some defensive hesitation and stole in behind before slipping the ball beyond Heurelho Gomes.
There were suggestions that the speed of Darren Bent and Aaron Lennon could make a telling contribution before the 10-minute mark had passed. Bent's chasing of an over-hit pass down the right flank resulted in Lennon being presented with a crossing opportunity which Bent himself did his utmost to get on the end of. Another Lennon sortie led to a Keane header being comfortably fielded by former Spur Marton Fulop.
On the subject of former Spurs, there was also Steed Malbranque and Andy Reid in the Sunderland starting line-up, while Calum Davenport was on the bench - the injured Teemu Tainio was in the tunnel greeting his old team on their arrival.
The gusting wind was making fluent football a problematic exercise, the ball hanging in the air from clearances and the stringing together of lengthy passages of possession was at a premium.
Pascal Chimbonda, operating at left back, was getting the bird from his former public of six months or so, while in front of him Luka Modric slowly became more influential as the first half wore on. On the other side Lennon was having to cope with being double-marked every time he received the ball.
From a Jermaine Jenas free-kick, Ledley King had a clear sight of goal on 34 minutes, the ball falling loose after striking a home defender and the central defender looked set to score before Fulop advanced and smothered his intentions.
Djibril Cisse got the run on King in the opening moments of the second half, the former Liverpool man thankfully steering his drive into the side netting.
Modric was clearly instructed to become a more active presence during the interval and he was quickly coming inside and increasing his involvement, whereas he remained stationed on the left during the first 45 minutes.
Control was almost complete in the first 10 minutes after the break, but still we were a goal in arrears as the final ball was lacking and so was a finish in the case of Bent on 58 minutes when Dean Whitehead spun a clearance back in the direction of his own goal and the leading scorer was through, only to blast over the bar. He later shot wide from a more difficult position on the right side of the penalty area.
Tom Huddlestone was introduced just after the hour mark in place of the hard-working Jenas, but the next significant chance came when Cisse was presented with a free header from a Reid cross which zipped just wide via the knee of King.
David Bentley was next on in place of Jenas, with Lennon switching to the left and Modric to the middle. Chimbonda and Vedran Corluka also swapped flanks.
There was a big handball shout against Phil Bardsley from a Lennon cross but pleas were ignored by referee Mr Dowd. Huddlestone then had a header fielded by Fulop following a precise cross from Chimbonda.
Roman Pavlyuchenko was our final throw of the dice and a defender - Corluka - was sacrificed in a bold attacking move for the final eight minutes or so.
It worked when Bentley picked out the run of Bent down the right, who crossed low for Keane to save the day.

Linked here.

League Report: Spurs 4 Middlesbrough 0

2009-03-04T17:37:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Aaron strikes twice as Robbie re-opens account

Robbie Keane marked his 200th league appearance in our colours by scoring his first goal since rejoining the Club in a vital 4-0 win over Middlesbrough at White Hart Lane.

The in-form Aaron Lennon also struck twice in the win which takes us up to 13th in the Barclays Premier League table.

Roman Pavlyuchenko got his name on the scoresheet as well as we put the disappointment of our Carling Cup Final defeat well and truly behind us.

There were three changes to the side defeated at Wembley on Sunday. Keane and Wilson Palacios, who were cup-tied for that game, both reclaimed their places in the starting line-up at the expense of Darren Bent and Vedran Corluka.

Didier Zokora switched to right-back, allowing Palacios to take up his central midfield role alongside Jermaine Jenas.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Woodgate, who missed out on the cup final with an Achilles injury, came back into the centre of defence in place of Ledley King.

But ‘Woody' did display a little rustiness, you could say, in the opening stages of this game, in which Boro started brightly.

Their former player misplaced a pass straight to the feet of Stewart Downing, who tested Heurelho Gomes with a third minute shot.

But our first chance came just moments later when Jenas picked out Lennon at the back post, who stretched to meet the ball on the volley which trickled just wide.

Overall, it was an even start to the game, so the crucial opening goal was more than welcomed when it came after nine minutes.

Luka Modric's corner was flicked on by Michael Dawson at the near post, and there was captain Keane to turn the ball home with a typical striker's finish.

Then came the familiar celebration as the Irishman wheeled away in delight towards the elated Park Lane end, holding out his arms spread-eagled to lap up the reception. It was if he had never been away.

But Boro were not about to let their promising start go to waste and thought they had found an equaliser just three minutes later.

Tuncay Sanli raced onto Downing's arrowed ball over the top and slammed a shot home off the bar, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Maybe then their heads dropped a little, and before they knew it, we were 2-0 up.

Keane was instrumental again as he slipped a ball through to Modric, whose drop of the shoulder left Robert Huth for dead and the Croatian in the clear to slide the ball across the face of goal for Pavlyuchenko to slide in and score his 13th goal of the season.

Again, Boro must be given credit for doing their best to keep the game alive - but you got the feeling this just wasn't their night.

On 18 minutes Justin Hoyte's cross headed clear by Woodgate but only as far Tuncay, whose goal-bound shot was superbly and bravely blocked by Dawson. So it was left to us to go and kill the game off.

Keane had a chance to do so on 35 minutes as he received a throughball from Modric and tried to lift the ball over on-rushing goalkeeper Brad Jones. He was equal to that one, but there was little he could do five minutes later.

After a splendid passing move, Keane picked up the ball 20 yards out and cheekily flicked the ball through the legs of the hapless Huth for Lennon to run onto and finish past Jones with aplomb.

It was his second goal in two league games and a fourth of the season for the flying winger.

The last attack of the first half summed it all up for Boro. Gary O'Neil put in a great cross to the back post where Jeremie Aliadiere waited unmarked. His downward header was tame and well wide when he really should have scored.

Their bad luck continued into the second half. On 66 minutes, Hoyte played in Tuncay down the line, and although his cross from the by-line was miss-hit, it hit the inside of Gomes' post.

Julio Arca also went close on 73 minutes with a shot that skimmed the roof of the net from the edge of the box before Lennon put the game well and truly out of sight six minutes later.

Tom Huddlestone found fellow substitute Bent with a throughball and he checked and found Keane, who slid the ball in for Lennon to dink over the goalkeeper for his second of the night, and his third in two league games.

Boro continued in their endeavours and Tuncay forced Gomes into another low save on 82 minutes.

But Keane should have made it five three minutes later when he headed over Jamie O'Hara's corner unmarked from six yards.

It is worth noting at this point the fantastic reception O'Hara received from our fans when he was introduced for Modric on 73 minutes - a heart-felt show of support after the midfielder's unfortunate miss in Sunday's penalty shoot-out.

In the dying moments, Tuncay had yet another goal disallowed for offside after heading home O'Neil's in-swinging free-kick to make it a truly forgettable night for the Teesiders.

Spurs (4-4-2): Gomes; Zokora, Dawson, Woodgate, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Palacios, Jenas (Huddlestone, 64), Modric (O'Hara, 73); Pavlyuchenko (Bent, 53), Keane
Subs not used: Cudicini, Chimbonda, Corluka, Bentley
Boro (4-4-1-1): Jones; Hoyte (Johnson, 70), Wheater, Huth (Taylor, 46), Pogatetz; O'Neil, Bates, Arca, Downing; Tuncay, Aliadiere (King, 53)
Subs not used: Turnball, Walker, Emnes, Alves

Linked here.

Carling Cup Final: Man United 0 Spurs 0, Man United win on PKs

2009-03-03T19:25:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Ledley King feels we put in a performance to be proud of in our Carling Cup Final defeat against Manchester United.

The Club captain has praised the team effort that saw us match the European champions throughout the 120 minutes of football before the penalty shoot-out cost us.

And with another massive game coming up against Middlesbrough in the Premier League on Wednesday, Ledley feels we must focus on the positives that have come out of our Wembley display.

"The whole team worked hard to protect the defence and Gomes didn't have too much to do on the day," he said.

"United didn't create too many openings and it had the look of a 0-0 going into extra time as there were a lot of tired bodies out there. We just hoped we could take one of our chances, but it wasn't to be.

"We got a little tired towards the end and they put the pressure on, but that was to be expected. I think we can take heart from the performance going into our league games."

The misfortune of failing to convert spot-kicks falls on the shoulders of the brave Jamie O'Hara and David Bentley.

But as skipper, Ledley took it upon himself to praise the lads for their courage as the pain of defeat hit home after the game.

"I said to the lads that they were the ones who showed the willingness to step up. We win as a team and lose as a team, so no-one is being singled out.

"It's disappointing, but I thought we put in a performance we can be proud of, and penalties is never a nice way to lose. But one team has to, and unfortunately it was us.

"The dressing room was sombre afterwards and a big contrast to how it was last year. Now we've got to pick ourselves up for Wednesday's game. There's no time to dwell on this result."

Ledley also praised our fans who, for the second year running at Wembley, proved they are one of the best sets of supporters in the land.
"The fans were brilliant, and everywhere they go they seem to out-sing the opposition and spur the lads on. They played a big part in our two Wembley performances."

Linked here.

UEFA Cup Report: Spurs 1 Shakhtar Donetsk 1

2009-02-26T22:54:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Harry Redknapp's side bowed out of the UEFA Cup despite a brave attempt to over-turn a 2-0 first leg deficit against Shakhtar Donetsk at White Hart Lane in the Round of 32.

Giovani Dos Santos scored his first goal for the Club to give us hope in the second half, but Fernandinho's late strike equalised on the night to give the Ukrainian champions a 3-1 aggregate victory.

As expected, there were no less than 10 changes to the side that beat Hull in the league on Monday, with two notable introductions in particular.

Jon Obika followed in the footsteps of Under-18 team-mate Dean Parrett the week before by making his first start for the Club up-front alongside Fraizer Campbell.

Meanwhile, Jamie O'Hara returned to action after a month out with a hip injury, while Tom Huddlestone captained the side for the first time.

It was always going to be a tough ask to over-turn a two goal deficit against a strong Shakhtar side, and our young team spent much of the opening exchanges getting to grips with their opponents.

Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho seemed to provide their main threat, forcing Heurelho Gomes into a full stretch save from 20 yards on as many minutes.

Gilberto, making his first start since December, then blocked Fernandinho's header from Dario Srna's corner on the line on 27 minutes, before the same player was allowed to flash a free header across goal from the resulting set-piece.

That seemed to spark us into action. On the half hour mark, there were strong claims for a penalty when Campbell appeared to be shoved over in the box by Razvan Rat.

Then 18-year-old Obika had his first sighting at goal with a good effort from 25 yards that flew only inches wide.

In the same spell of pressure, we once again left referee Paolo Tagliavento with a decision to make when Campbell went down in the box for a second time under Fernandinho's challenge. But again appeals were turned down.

Although Gomes was forced into another save by Rat on 35 minutes, the best chances of the half fell to us.

On 39 minutes, O'Hara played a ball into Obika who turned and shot just wide from inside the box.

Two minutes later, Huddlestone picked out Gareth Bale with a pinpoint pass from the back. The Welshman cut inside Srna into the box but could only fire his shot straight at goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov on his weaker right foot.

Then Pascal Chimbonda came up from the back to again test the goalkeeper with a header from Chris Gunter's cross as we finished the half the stronger side.

Our dominance continued into the second period as Obika was only inches away from connecting with Bale's ball across goal in the opening minute.

But 10 minutes in we took the lead on the night. Bale played a ball into Campbell which the striker turned neatly into the path of Giovani who ran onto it and smashed a terrific shot left footed into the roof of the net.

The 19-year-old had finally broken his duck after 11 attempts since joining from Barcelona last summer.

Now we were looking for an equalising goal to take the tie into extra time, and our effort in attempting to do so cannot have been faulted.

Just minutes after Giovani's strike, Gilberto linked up with Bale on the left hand side and fired a ball across goal which nobody could get on the end of.

Then came the most controversial moment of the match. Campbell got in between two defenders to receive a Huddlestone ball before having his legs taken from under him by Mykola Ischenko inside the box. But again, appeals were waved away by Tagliavento.

It would have been the least we deserved as Shakhtar had offered little going forward, and Gomes was equal to it when they did.

On 69 minutes, Jadson slid in Marcelo Moreno but the goalkeeper stood up to him well to make the save, and Jadson himself had a volley saved by his fellow countryman eight minutes from time.

But the longer the game went on without us finding that second goal, the more tired we seemed to get, and Fernandinho put the tie out of sight with four minutes remaining.

The impressive Jadson found him on the left side of the box, and his finish was sublime inside Gomes' left-hand post.

The closest we had come to getting an equaliser had been six minutes beforehand when Bale sent a free-kick just wide from the edge of the box, but it was not to be.

Our hopes of silverware this season rest on Sunday's Carling Cup Final with Manchester United at Wembley.

Spurs (4-4-2): Gomes; Gunter, Huddlestone, Chimbonda, Gilberto (Bostock, 77); Giovani, Palacios, O'Hara (Parrett, 71), Bale; Obika, Campbell
Subs not used: Jansson, C Butcher, Smith, Mason, Townsend
Shakhtar (4-4-1-1) Pyatov; Srna, Ischenko, Chygrynskyy, Rat; Ilsinho (Gay, 80), Fernandinho, Lewandowski, Willian (Hubschman, 46); Jadson; Gladkyy (Moreno, 61)
Subs not used: Khudzhamov, Duljaj, Kucher, Sleznov

Linked here.

League Report: Hull 1 Spurs 2

2009-02-23T22:38:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Harry Redknapp was quick to underline the importance of Monday night's 2-1 Premier League win at Hull.

Jonathan Woodgate's header five minutes from time secured our first away win in the league in five matches and crucially lifted us five points clear of the bottom three.

"We've got to make sure we stay in the Premier League and tonight was a huge step towards doing that," stated a delighted Harry at the KC Stadium.

"It is a massive result. It puts us in a much better position and keeps Hull in the relegation battle."

Aaron Lennon opened the scoring with a fine 20-yard strike in the 17th minute but Hull levelled via a set-piece from Michael Turner for 1-1 at the break.

Both teams hit the woodwork with headers in the second half - Vedran Corluka for us, Mendy for the home side - before Woodgate secured maximum points with a header from Benoit Assou-Ekotto's cross.

"I thought we were terrific in the second half," added Harry. "We came out and we upped the pace.

"They made it difficult for us in first half, they got in our faces and they worked hard, they worked their socks off and they were always a big threat on set plays.

"That was the big fear but in the second half I thought we got the ball down, passed it well, created some terrific chances and were the better team.

"If Hull would have won they would have almost been out of it and we would have been right in it even more. That result now gives us confident for the rest of the week."

What could be the defining week of the season continues with us trying to overturn a 2-0 first leg deficit in the UEFA Cup last 32, second leg at the Lane on Thursday night before the Carling Cup Final against Manchester United at Wembley on Sunday.

Linked here.

UEFA Cup Report: Shakhtar Donetsk 2 Spurs 0

2009-02-20T23:42:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of the Official Site-

Harry Redknapp declared himself satisfied with the performance - particularly defensively - after Thursday night's 2-0 reverse against Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Cup.

A battling rearguard display looked set to earn its reward until substitute Yevgen Seleznov struck with his first touch to open the scoring 12 minutes from time.

Ten minutes later and Jadson made it 2-0 to hand us an uphill task in an intriguing second leg of this last 32 tie back at the Lane on Thursday, February 26.

Chances on the night were few and far between and Harry only had praise for a side that showed nine changes from the draw against Arsenal last time out and included young Academy debutant Dean Parrett, who gave an assured display in midfield.

"For 80 minutes we looked comfortable, in fact I thought we might go and nick a goal ourselves," reflected Harry before the late flight home from Ukraine.

"I thought we contained them well and could see the game ending 0-0 but it wasn't to be.

"We tried to get one back but it was difficult for us.

"Shakhtar are a good team. They were the unluckiest side in the Champions League in terms of not qualifying for the next round but for 80 minutes we looked solid and Gomes didn't have too much to do.

"I was happy with Dean Parrett and John Bostock is another good young player at the club - it's great experience for them to play in a game like that. Overall I was pleased with the performance."

Linked here.

League Report: Spurs 0 Arsenal 0

2009-02-08T21:21:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Harry Redknapp's side were held to a goal-less draw by North London rivals Arsenal in the derby at White Hart Lane - despite the visitors playing most of the match with 10 men.

Emmanuel Eboue was sent off for a second bookable offence after an off-the-ball incident with Luka Modric in the 37th minute, but we were unable to press home our man advantage.

But the result keeps an impressive home record under Redknapp's guidance in tact - we have still only lost once at The Lane since he took charge.

The manager made two changes from the side defeated at Bolton last Saturday. Jermaine Jenas came into the midfield in place of Didier Zokora and, as expected, Robbie Keane made his second Spurs debut having rejoined from Liverpool last week to start up front alongside Roman Pavlyuchenko.

It was Robbie who led the side out as captain, and it didn't take long before he was right back in the thick of the action leading our line.

After just three minutes, the Irishman put William Gallas under pressure, forcing the Frenchman to take a wild swipe at the ball in an attempt to clear, felling Keane in the process in the box. However, penalty appeals were turned down by referee Mike Dean.

The first real chance of the derby fell to the visitors after six minutes, when Eboue linked up with Robin Van Persie and burst into the box before firing across the face of goal and wide.

We answered back two minutes later when Aaron Lennon cut inside off the right and forced Manuel Almunia into his first save of the match with a left foot shot.

This exchange set the tone for the first half as the football was end-to-end with chances created by both sides in a typically pumped-up derby clash.

On 14 minutes, Eboue went foraging into our box again, pulling the ball across the face of goal for Emmanuel Adebayor, who was shut out by a cluster of Spurs defenders.

Eboue picked up on the ball as it went loose and slammed into the net, but Jonathan Woodgate was adjudged to have been tripped by Adebayor during the melee, and the goal was ruled out.

At the other end a minute later, a great chance fell to an unmarked Pavlyuchenko in the box after Benoit Assou-Ekotto's ball in, but the Russian snatched at a volley which sailed well over.

But we were applying pressure to the visitors all over the field and were starting to get on top of the game.

Modric was beginning to have a similar influence in this encounter as he did in his man of the match display in our last home game with Stoke and, on 28 minutes, he fizzed a ball out to the right where Lennon nipped in front of Gael Clichy, got into the box, but dragged his shot wide in our best chance of the half.

Arsenal's main threat was coming from counter-attacks, and even defender Kolo Toure ventured forward into our box on 29 minutes and pulled across the face of goal, but Carlo Cudicini did well to cut it out.

Almunia was called into action again three minutes later, palming a Modric shot from the edge of the box wide, and once again, Arsenal went straight back down the other end.

Vedran Corluka was caught in possession on the by-line by Adebayor, whose centre was an open invite for a tap-in - but none of his team-mates were in sight, and Assou-Ekotto was able to clear to safety.

That was to be Adebayor's last action of the half, as on 36 minutes, he pulled up when chasing down a long ball and had to be stretchered off.

Things went bad to worse for the Gunners moments later when the lively Eboue received his marching orders. Modric was also booked in the fracas.

It was now left to us to make the most of the man advantage, and we finished the half the stronger side.

Wilson Palacios had made a fantastic start to his home debut and, fittingly, it was he who forced Almunia into a fine save just before the break with a fierce 25-yard effort.

As the second half started, we continued to press, with good chances falling to each of our strikers in the first 15 minutes.

Five minutes into the half, Pavlyuchenko cut inside of Toure and went into the box with only the goalkeeper to beat, but fired high and wide.

Then, seven minutes later, Lennon put in a teasing cross from the right and Keane got in front of Almunia, only to glance his header onto the roof of the net.

Despite being down to 10 men, Arsenal had not given up hope of getting more than just a point from the game, and did apply second half pressure of their own in spells.

On 67 minutes, Samir Nasri scuffed a corner, but it fell at the feet of Van Persie at the near post, who fired wide.

Three minutes later, the Dutchman took a corner of his own, and Alex Song got in front of Palacios six yards out and turned wide.

We were waiting for that little bit of Robbie Keane magic, perhaps, to break the deadlock in this tight encounter, and that so nearly came on 71 minutes.

He picked up on a bouncing ball 20 yards out and hit a beautifully-struck trademark volley agonisingly wide of Almunia's right hand post.

The last 20 minutes were tense, but we had to wait until the dying moments for our best chance of the second half.

Adel Taarabt, a late substitute for Lennon, broke away and played in Modric who closed in on goal with just Almunia to beat - but the Croatian could not find a way past the Spaniard.

It could have been so much worse as, moments earlier, we had Cudicini to thank for pulling off a fine save to deny Nicklas Bendtner.

So we continue to look for our first league win over our biggest rivals in 10 years, although we are now unbeaten in four games against the Gunners in all competitions.

Spurs (4-4-2): Cudicini; Corluka (Chimbonda, 75), Dawson, Woodgate, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon (Taarabt, 86), Palacios, Jenas, Modric; Pavlyuchenko (Bent, 64), Keane
Subs not used: Gomes, Bale, Zokora, Huddlestone
Arsenal (4-4-2): Almunia; Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy (Gibbs, 87); Eboue, Song, Denilson, Nasri; Adebayor (Bendtner, 38), Van Persie
Subs not used: Fabianski, Eduardo, Ramsey, Djourou, Arshavin

Linked here.

January window Round up

2009-02-04T22:51:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

January window round-up

With the January transfer window drawing to its conclusion yesterday afternoon, Manager Harry Redknapp offers his thoughts on our transfer business conducted over the course of last month.

A total of five players joined the Club- Jermain Defoe, Carlo Cudicini, Wilson Palacios, Pascal Chimbonda and Robbie Keane. Hossam Ghaly, Cesar Sanchez, Paul Stalteri, Charlie Daniels and Andy Barcham all moved on and we wish them well at their new clubs.

"I am pleased with the work we have done this month," considered Harry.

"I would have preferred January to have been a quiet month for us but we were not in a position to do so when you consider our current position in the league. It was obvious that the squad needed strengthening because the results over the past 12 months have shown that to be the case.

"We had to do something and I am delighted with the players we have brought in. They are good players and the Chairman has done a fantastic job in securing them. I am sure they will make us stronger.

"Three players have returned to the Club. They were always good players in my opinion and it was circumstances that resulted in their exits. I am sure the Club did not want to lose any of them in the first place. But they are all back here now and for me they are terrific players.

"Jermain was the first one in and he started ever so well but unfortunately has since picked up a bad injury. He is a goalscorer, he has always scored goals. He has proved that already since his return with three goals in five games.

"Carlo was a great free transfer. In the past he was considered probably as good a goalkeeper as there was in the Premier League and I have been well pleased with him since he has been here. He has been cool, calm and done a good job for us. Everybody should have two or three top goalkeepers at this level. He will work hard to get into the team and it will be good competition in that position.

"Wilson is a terrific midfielder. He is a strong player with a great future. He will come in here and get after it and play aggressively. He is an all-round modern midfielder- he's box-to-box. It was difficult on Saturday in his first game but I felt the longer the game went on, the better he got and I think he will be a big player for us.

"Pascal was here before and can play in several positions- right-back, left-back and as a central defender- and that will be important to us because we need someone like that in our squad. He came off the bench on Saturday and had a hand in both our goals to get us back into the game and will prove to be a good player for us.

"Robbie will be a big, big player for us and I am confident he will be able to forge strong partnerships with all the other strikers we have here. He is such a terrific character and I am glad to have him here because he will be important to us both on and off the field. He is just the type of player we need here and gives his all everytime he plays. He is a leader with great presence in the dressing room and I am sure his enthusiasm will rub off on others. Ledley is our Club captain but because of his injury he accepts he can't be involved every week, so Robbie will be my team captain."

Linked here.

Robbie returns to the Lane

2009-02-04T22:49:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Robbie happy to be home

Robbie Keane is delighted to be returning to a Club he feels is his home having rejoined from Liverpool on transfer deadline day.

The striker describes the six years he previously spent at The Lane as a ‘wonderful' time of his career, and now he is relishing this latest challenge.

Robbie realises the battle we currently face in the Premier League, but he believes the passion he has for Spurs will drive him on to make sure we soon pull away from trouble.

And although he admits his short-lived spell at Anfield was a disappointment, the 28-year-old refuses to look back and is only looking forward to what he hopes will be exciting times ahead.

"I'm delighted to be back at a Club I have very strong feelings from having previously spent six wonderful years here," said Robbie, who will wear the number 15 shirt.

"Coming back to Spurs was an easy decision to make because this is my home. Firstly in respect of the Club - but also my house is in the area and everything is set up for me to walk right back into.

"It's funny how football works sometimes and situations turn around very quickly, but I can assure fans I will be giving my all to make sure this Club stays in the Premier League.

"It would have been difficult for me to have gone anywhere else while a Club I have such strong feelings for has this fight on its hands.

"It was a difficult time for me at Liverpool, but there's no point in dwelling on it.

"Now I have the chance to work with a fantastic manager in Harry Redknapp, who has done a great job since he came in, so I am lucky to be getting this exciting opportunity."

On his fifth and final signing of the January transfer window, Harry himself commented: "I'm delighted to have Robbie back. I couldn't be more pleased.

"I think he's a terrific player, a terrific character and just the type of lad we need here.

"He's a leader, he gives his all every time he plays and has great ability. He will be fantastic for us and his enthusiasm will rub off on other players around him.

"The Chairman has been tremendous in backing me and bringing these players back. I know Daniel worked very hard to try and keep Robbie here in the first place and just as hard to get him back.

"Robbie knows what he's doing, you can rely on him, he's a clever player and plays with that enthusiasm."

Although a number of new faces have arrived in N17 since Robbie's departure last July, the Irishman feels he knows the current squad well enough to suggest we can make strides during the final months of the campaign.

"It's been an up and down season for the Club and there's been a lot of change, including a change of manager, but now it's up to us as players to start getting the team up the table," he added.

"It's all very close down there at the minute, and I will be doing everything in my powers to help us pull away from it.

"I'm coming back to a fantastic club with fantastic players. I am well aware of the strength of the squad having worked with near enough all of them!

"I am extremely excited about this new chapter in my career, even though it doesn't feel as if the previous chapter really ended."

And now Robbie must prepare for what could be the debut of all debuts - a North London derby against Arsenal at The Lane on Sunday.

"What a game to come back into! I've played in so many derbies against Arsenal over the years and I'm so excited at the prospect of another one at White Hart Lane possibly being my first game back."

Linked here.

League Report: Bolton 3 Spurs 2

2009-02-04T22:44:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

'I couldn't see us losing' - Harry

Harry Redknapp insisted he 'could only see one winner' after we fought back from 2-0 down at Bolton - unfortunately, another late goal on our travels meant it was the home side that took the spoils in the final minutes at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.
Sebastien Puygrenier and Kevin Davies capitalised on balls into the box to hand Bolton a 2-0 lead with 64 minutes on the clock but two goals in as many minutes from substitute Darren Bent turned the game on its head.
The second goal arrived in the 74th minute and we piled forward looking for the winner after that only to get hit by another set-piece in the 87th minute, this time Davies rising highest to meet Matt Taylor's corner and power his header home at the near post.
"I certainly didn't we'd lose the game (after coming back to 2-2), we looked the only winner," said a disappointed Harry at the Reebok Stadium.
"Bolton only had two shots in the second half and they've scored twice.
"We changed it at half-time because we were 1-0 down, Luka (Modric) had taken a bang in the ribs and we needed two up front.
"We started the second half well, got on top but then suddenly found ourselves 2-0 down but when we got back to 2-2, I could only see one winner at that stage.
"Unfortunately, we didn't defend the set-pieces well enough."
There was praise for two-goal Bent. "He was fantastic. He came on, worked his socks off, scored his goals and if he does that every week he'll be fantastic for us."

Linked here.

Dervite loan to Southend

2009-01-30T22:50:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Dorian Dervite has joined League One side Southend United on loan for the rest of the season.
The young French defender, 20, has been a regular for our reserves this season and has been an unused substitute on three occasions - Dinamo Zagreb, Spartak Moscow and most recently our FA Cup tie at Manchester United.

Linked here.

League Report: Spurs 3 Stoke 1

2009-01-27T17:01:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Harry Redknapp's side picked up a vital three points in our battle to avoid relegation with a 3-1 victory over fellow strugglers Stoke City at White Hart Lane.

First half goals from Aaron Lennon, Jermain Defoe and Michael Dawson gave us a 3-0 lead at the break, which should have put the game out of sight.

But the visitors did rally in the second half, clawing one back through James Beattie although creating little else as we climbed up to 12th in the Barclays Premier League table.

Carlo Cudicini made his debut in goal following his move from Chelsea the day before, while there were a further three changes to the outfield personnel defeated at Manchester United in the FA Cup at the weekend.

Redknapp reverted back to a 4-4-2 formation, with Jonathan Woodgate coming back in to skipper the side at centre-half alongside Dawson. Vedran Corluka switched to right-back in place of Chris Gunter.

Lennon came in for Gareth Bale on the left of midfield, while Defoe returned to the starting XI in place of Tom Huddlestone to partner Roman Pavlyuchenko up-front.

And we made a bright start, with Luka Modric going close with a shot from the edge of the box after just three minutes.

At the other end, Benoit Assou-Ekotto had to be alert to clear Ryan Shawcross' header off the line from Matthew Etherington's corner.

But any nerves we may have had going into such an important game were calmed after eight minutes, when we took the lead.

Defoe attacked goal and switched the play to Lennon, who ran at his back-tracking defender before finding the space to fire home underneath Thomas Sorensen. It was just the start we needed.

Stoke were far from deflated by this, however, and managed to regroup. But the closest they came before we got our second was when Shawcross again climbed to meet Etherington's in-swinging free-kick to head onto the roof of the net.

Then, on 21 minutes, a neat passing move involving Didier Zokora, Modric and Pavlyuchenko resulted in the latter playing in his strike-partner Defoe to finish emphatically.

It was Jermain's third goal in five games since rejoining the Club from Portsmouth earlier this month.

Now the visitors were reeling, and three minutes later we had a three-goal cushion when Dawson popped up to score his second of the season.

David Bentley had seen his free-kick from the edge of the box tipped over by Sorensen before playing the resulting corner short to Modric, who crossed for the defender to head firmly home.

Tony Pulis' side appeared bereft of confidence and we continued to dominate for the rest of the half.

On 28 minutes, Lennon reached the by-line and pulled back for Defoe, whose shot beat Sorensen but not covering defender Andy Wilkinson on the line.

And Pavlyuchenko also went close on the stroke of half-time when he superbly took down a high ball and fired just wide of the post from the edge of the box.

Cudicini had not had a save to make throughout the opening period, and his first bit of action came seven minutes after the break.

Beattie curled a free-kick around the wall from the edge of the box, but the Italian did well to hold despite no doubt being unsighted.

However, there was little he could do when Stoke did manage to pull a goal back through Beattie on 57 minutes.

Dawson gave the ball away to Etherington, who played a sublime ball directly into the path of the England international striker, who held off Woodgate to finish low into the bottom corner.

The challenge for us now was to not let the visitors get any further back into the game, and although little was created during the remainder of the game, it was mission accomplished in that sense.

Stoke did come close to a second six minutes from time when Richard Cresswell glanced an Andy Griffin cross inches wide, but overall we were comfortable.

A special mention must go to Modric, who was outstanding on the night, but the most important aspect to this game was the three points.

Spurs (4-4-2): Cudicini; Corluka, Dawson, Woodgate, Assou-Ekotto; Bentley, Zokora, Modric, Lennon (Huddlestone, 90); Pavlyuchenko (Campbell, 90), Defoe
Subs not used: Alnwick, Bale, Giovani, Taarabt, Rocha
Stoke (4-4-2): Sorensen; Wilkinson (Griffin, 46), Shawcross, Abdoulaye Faye (Sonko, 46), Higginbotham; Delap, Whelan, Amdy Faye (Fuller, 49), Etherington; Cresswell, Beattie
Subs not used: Simonsen, Lawrence, Kitson, Pugh

Linked here.

Ghaly departs

2009-01-26T23:27:00.002-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

We have reached agreement for the transfer of Hossam Ghaly to Saudi Arabian side Nassr Saudi Club.
The 27-year-old Egyptian midfielder joined the Club in January 2006 from Dutch side Feyenoord and made 34 appearences in our colours scoring three times.

We wish him well for the future.

Linked here.

Wish he was given a second chance. Yet I understand why he wasn't. Best of luck in the future!

Chimbonda returns

2009-01-26T23:24:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement for the transfer of Pascal Chimbonda from Sunderland.

The French defender made 98 appearances, scoring four goals, during his previous spell at The Lane where he featured on both flanks and in central defence, having originally joined from Wigan Athletic in August 2006.

The 29-year-old left for the Stadium of Light in July last year and made 16 appearances for the Black Cats.

Linked here.

Cudicini signs

2009-01-26T23:23:00.002-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Chelsea for the transfer of Carlo Cudicini to the Club.
The Italian goalkeeper served at Stamford Bridge for almost ten years, making 210 appearances and is second behind Peter Bonetti in Chelsea's all-time list of clean sheets.

The 35-year-old has previously had spells in Italy with AC Milan and Lazio.

Linked here.

FA Cup Report: Manchester United 2 Spurs 1

2009-01-24T15:32:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Roman Pavlyuchenko opened the scoring, but two goals in just over a minute from Paul Scholes and Dimitar Berbatov ended the FA Cup road for us in round four at Old Trafford.
Pavlyuchenko's re-directing of a Tom Huddlestone centre and subsequent relatively comfortable containing of the European champions made for a promising beginning, but a double salvo ten minutes before the break turned the contest on its head and the team were unable to secure what in the end would have been a deserved replay.
Just five minutes were showing on the Old Trafford clock when a little spell of pressure resulted in Pavlyuchenko nodding us into a lead. Benoit Assou-Ekotto attempted to cross but was foiled and the ball ran to Tom Huddlestone, who teased in a measured centre that the Russian was able to steal in front of his marker and glance into the bottom corner. Ben Foster was motionless and the home crowd were quieter than before.
The home reaction was predictable and Carlos Tevez was the driving force, carving out space for teammates with selfless and speedy running before rattling the crossbar himself shortly before the 20-minute mark.
Danny Welbeck swapped passes with Dimitar Berbatov and skipped into the area evading challenges on his way but just as it seemed he would level there was one challenge he didn't bank on, Chris Gunter charging in from the right and sliding across at the crucial moment.
United were keen on trying their luck from distance, but Ben Alnwick was not tested until Fabio Da Silva combined with Berbatov and enabled Tevez to let rip from from penatly spot range. Alnwick reacted magnificently and jutted out a hand to divert over.
It was a corner routine that restored parity on 35 minutes, a low corner to the edge of the area from Michael Carrick was met by Paul Scholes, who drove goalwards and the ball flicked up off Huddlestone and found its way into the net.
Less than a minute later Carrick picked out the run of Berbatov who advanced on goal and struck past Alnwick's right hand and United were ahead.
David Bentley took a pot shot from the right in a bid to swing fortune back in our favour, but we were in deficit when the whistle sounded for half-time.
Giovani was introduced after the break in place of Luka Modric, who was a pre-match doubt, and it was a first chance to impress for the little Mexican under the management of Harry Redknapp.
It was Bentley who shifted into a more central role behind Pavlyuchenko, with Gio out on the right. It was a looped cross from Bentley that presented Gareth Bale with the first chance of the half at the far post, but his left foot could not provide the desired direction.
A deflected cross from Assou-Ekotto led to Bentley powering the ball into the side netting in a period when the team were calm and patient in possession and managed to draw the sting from Manchester United.
Breaks were quick with Giovani to the fore, although a counter at the other end resulted in Alnwick having to throw himself low to his right to thwart Ronaldo.
With 22 minutes left Harry opted for the unpredictable offensive weapon that is Adel Taarabt, with Bale withdrawn to make way for the young Frenchman. Jermain Defoe was next on in place of Bentley.
When we really needed to be stepping up the pace, United indulged in some keep-ball and disrupted the momentum generated by the promptings of Huddlestone and the enthusiasm of Giovani.
A combination between Assou-Ekotto and Gio led to the substitute knocking the ball over the bar in front of goal.
Unfortunately it was to be our final opportunity of note.

Linked here.

Sanchez registration cancelled

2009-01-24T09:32:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

The Club can announce that the registration of goalkeeper Cesar Sanchez has been cancelled by mutual consent.

The 37-year-old joined from Real Zaragoza in August to provide goalkeeping cover and has featured on the substitutes bench in all but three of our fixtures this season - replacing the injured Heurelho Gomes on one occasion in the second half of the Carling Cup 4th round against Liverpool in November.

We wish Cesar every success for the future.

Linked here.

Palacios Deal Agreed

2009-01-24T09:25:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement for the transfer of Wilson Palacios from Wigan Athletic.
Personal terms have been agreed and a medical completed, we now await the Honduran international receiving his work permit before completing his registration.
The midfielder made 41 appearances for the Latics after joining in January, 2008 having started the 2007/08 campaign on loan with Birmingham City, where he featured on eight occasions.
The 24-year-old had previously played for Honduran top-flight side Olimpia where he scored 32 goals in 102 appearances.

Linked here.

Carling Cup Report: Burnley 3 Spurs 2

2009-01-21T22:12:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Roman Pavlyuchenko and Jermain Defoe clawed back a 3-0 deficit on the night at Burnley to book a place in the Carling Cup Final by a 6-4 aggregate margin.

It appeared that Burnley were on their way to Wembley after our 4-1 lead from White Hart Lane was cancelled out with one first half goal and two in the second half at Turf Moor.

With three minutes of extra time remaining and the aggregate score locked at 4-4 we were on our way out with Burnley's goal from the first leg set to count double.

Thankfully, Pavlyuchenko popped up with another fine finish to tip the semi-final back in our favour. Defoe made sure with seconds left to make it 3-2 on the night, 6-4 on aggregate.

The wind was swirling the rain around under the pylons suspending the lights at Turf Moor as a thunderous reception received the teams onto the pitch. The first leg deficit did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the home crowd and this came very close to being reduced via an unlikely source in the sixth minute.

To echoes of 'when the Spurs' behind the goal, debut-making goalkeeper Ben Alnwick was forced into an emergency stop. A Benoit Assou-Ekotto interception was somewhat overcooked and the ball looked to the sailing over the head of the advanced Alnwick and into an empty net when the goalkeeper stretched every sinew and managed to tip just around the post.

It was an early warning shot that said clearly that we were going to be offered no easy ticket to Wembley, although Burnley's task would have been steeper had Brian Jensen not managed to thwart Jermain Defoe - although not altogether convincingly - just moments later.

After the initial flurry, goalscoring chances were at a premium for the next 20 minutes, there was no lessening of the intensity level, but the defending became more regimented and opportunity was not knocking for either side.

Robbie Blake fizzed across the face of goal with 32 minutes on the clock as Burnley attempted to raise the tempo ahead of the break and they got their boost two minutes later from set piece a few yards outside the area.

Blake curled around the assembled wall and beyond the reach of Alnwick to hand Burnley a pre-interval tonic, before David Bentley free-kick from the right caused a good degree of panic in the home guard a few minutes later.

It should perhaps be noted that Burnley were playing with the wind in the first half, with the icy rain blowing into their backs as opposed to their faces. Whether this was an advantage or not that would become clear later.

A Luka Modric turn and shot provided our opening salvo of the second half, where the conditions were now firmly against the home team and it was certainly showing in their approach play early on that was lacking the zip of the first period.

Gareth Bale replaced Jamie O'Hara just after the hour in our first change of the game. He looked like he'd made an instant impact with a cross that landed at the feet of Bentley, but his effort struck a post and he was deemed to be offside anyway.

The young Welshman then burst down the left, leaving his markers in his wake, before unfortunately dragging his shot wide. Modric was then withdrawn, with Roman Pavlyuchenko taking over in attack.

Defoe seized on a slip by Clarke Carlisle and forced Jensen to foil bravely off his line, but it was the home side who struck again at the other end on 72 minutes. Blake did the crucial work down the left flank, evading challenges to fizz low across goal to where Chris McCann was waiting to gleefully force home at the far post.

The aggregate lead was whittled down to 4-3. This should have been extended on 77 minutes when Bale sped down the left and dispatched a low centre into the feet of Pavlyuchenko in front of goal. The Russian striker could not keep his first time shot down and Turf Moor remained in raptures.

Michael Dawson made a vital interception from a Jay Rodriguez cross before Defoe was denied in front of the travelling thousands seconds later.

Burnley secured a fortunate third with just over two minutes remaining when a Blake free-kick was not gathered by Alnwick and Rodriguez was on hand knock in the loose ball.

A Pavlyuchenko effort from distance was deflected wide in the final minute, so extra time it was - a prospect that appeared highly unlikely just over two weeks ago.
We now had to score, Burnley needed to simply see it out without conceding.

Adel Taarabt was given the chance to make an impression, with Chris Gunter withdrawn and Zokora moved to right-back.

Bale worked Jensen in the opening moments of the second period of extra time after the first passed without major incident.

Three minutes from time Pavlyuchenko saved the night.
Assou-Ekotto squared the ball inside where the Russian was in place to ping past Jensen to huge relief. Jermain Defoe then inflicted punishment that Burnley did not deserve when he slipped a further goal past Jensen to reduce the score on the night to 3-2.

Linked here.

Jon Obika signs contract

2009-01-21T17:23:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Young striker Jon Obika has signed his first professional contract at the club.

A Second Year trainee in our Academy, Jon, 18, has scored 11 goals for the Under-18s this season, including a hat-trick in the FA Youth Cup third round victory over Sheffield United.

His form has earned him a place in the First Team squad on three occasions this term, and he came off the the bench to make his senior debut in the UEFA Cup game with NEC Nijmegen in November.
Jon also netted on his only appearance for the Reserves so far this season.

Linked here.

League Report: Spurs 1 Pompey 1

2009-01-18T20:24:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Jermain Defoe scored his first goal since rejoining the Club to rescue a vital point against Portsmouth at White Hart Lane.

We went into the game at the foot of the Barclays Premier League table and in desperate need of a win, but a 59th minute thunderbolt from David Nugent could have made our situation a whole lot worse.

Thankfully, JD popped up with the goods 11 minutes later, but a flurry of chances late on should have seen us to victory.

As it is, the point takes us out of the bottom three on goal difference, even though it could have been so much better.

Harry Redknapp reverted back to a 4-4-2 formation having experimented with a diamond midfield in the defeat at Wigan a week ago.

Michael Dawson made way for captain Ledley King to partner Jonathan Woodgate at the heart of the defence, while Aaron Lennon came back into the side on the right of midfield.

Defoe was making his second Spurs home debut against the club from whom he rejoined us less than a fortnight ago.

And he was gifted a chance to put us in the lead after just nine minutes. Former Spur Sean Davis misplaced a cross-field ball right into the striker's path, but with only David James to beat, Defoe slashed his shot wide.

He was nearly left to rue that miss three minutes later when Heurelho Gomes failed to hold onto a Glen Johnson shot, but just managed to palm the loose ball away from the lurking Peter Crouch.

The middle third of the first half belonged to us, with our best chance coming on 20 minutes.

Lennon went on a run and shot that was tipped round the post, and from the resulting corner, Woodgate rose to meet the ball and glanced to the back post where Roman Pavlyuchenko was on hand to sweep home, only for Defoe to accidentally block the shot.

Defoe nearly atoned for that and his earlier miss three minutes later when Lennon stood up a cross for him from the by-line, but the header was well saved by James.

At the other end, some fantastic defending was required by Vedran Corluka when Nugent was sent clean through to slide across the area for Armand Traore, who was denied by the Croatian's last ditch tackle.

Corluka nearly turned provider on 34 minutes when his in-swinging cross was glanced goalwards by King, but James was once again equal to it.

The football was end-to-end at this stage, and three minutes later Jamie O'Hara was dispossessed by Niko Kranjcar who sent Younes Kaboul through to go on and shoot into the side-netting.

O'Hara did the same at the other end with a promising 25 yard effort, but the last action of the half was Portsmouth's.

Kranjcar sent a ball over the top of our defence and Nugent beat the offside trap to go clean through on goal, only for some great goalkeeping from Gomes to deny him.

Just before the break, skipper King limped off with what appeared to be a hamstring strain and was replaced by Dawson.

Earlier on, Pavlyuchenko was also removed and replaced by Darren Bent after going down under a challenge from Davis.

As the second half began, it was clear this game was there for the taking for both teams, but it was the visitors who got themselves in front on 59 minutes.

Moments beforehand Lennon had jinked past Nadir Belhadj and hit a cross against Sylvain Distin. The deflection looked like it had beaten James, but somehow the goalkeeper clawed the ball back off the goal line.

Pompey went down the other end with Traore who played a cross-field ball to Nugent, and his sweet first-time shot arrowed into Gomes' bottom right-hand corner.

We knew this was a game we could ill afford to lose, and 10 minutes later we were back on level terms.

Modric teed up Defoe on the edge of the box for an equally unstoppable effort that went through the legs of Sol Campbell and past James.

For JD it was a repeat of his last home debut at The Lane nearly four years ago, when he netted against Portsmouth in a 4-3 win. And it was three points were looking for again on this occasion.

Corluka cut inside from the right and hit a left foot shot inches wide moments after the equaliser, and from here it looked as if only one team would go on to win it.

David Bentley was introduced for Gareth Bale in an attacking substitution, and his in-swinging free-kick on 75 minutes had to be tipped round the post by James.

The England midfielder took the resulting corner, and Corluka's looping header had James beaten, but not Davis defending on the line who cleared.

It was left to our front pairing of Defoe and Bent to go and win it, and both had guilt-edged chances to do so.

Ten minutes from time, Bentley stood up a cross to the back post for Bent who only had to nod home with James stranded. But somehow, he put it wide.

Six minutes later, Corluka played a long ball to release Defoe, but his second of the afternoon was not forthcoming as he put wide.

So we had the chances to win it, but we will have to settle for just the single point at the end of the day as we continue to try to drag ourselves away from the foot of the table.

Spurs (4-4-2): Gomes; Corluka, Woodgate, King (Dawson, 44), Bale (Bentley, 68); Lennon, Zokora, Modric, O'Hara; Pavlyuchenko (Bent, 30) Defoe
Subs not used: Alnwick, Huddlestone, Campbell, Taarabt

Portsmouth (4-1-4-1): James; Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Belhadj; Kaboul (Wilson, 88); Nugent (Utaka, 73), Davis, Kranjcar (Hreidarsson, 90), A Traore; Crouch
Subs not used: Begovic, Pamarot, Little, Kanu

Linked here.

Button Loan

2009-01-18T20:22:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

David Button has joined AFC Bournemouth on a month's loan.

The 19-year-old goalkeeper has previously spent time out on loan this season with Grays Athletic.

Linked here.

"Ghetto Prince" sent on Loan

2009-01-11T23:12:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Kevin-Prince Boateng has joined Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund on loan for the rest of the season.

The German midfielder joined us from Hertha Berlin in July, 2007 and has gone on to appear on 23 occasions for the Club.

Linked here.

League Report: Wigan 1 Spurs 0

2009-01-11T22:24:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Harry Redknapp couldn't hide his disappointment after another late goal cost us on our travels - Wigan the latest team to do the damage in injury time at the JJB on Sunday.

The Latics won it when Maynor Figueroa powered home a header from Ryan Taylor's corner in the 91st minute of a Premier League encounter that seemingly had 0-0 written all over it.

Jermain Defoe made his debut and Ledley King was employed in front of the back four as we started brightly with chances for Michael Dawson, Jamie O'Hara and Didier Zokora in the first half.

Wigan got into the game towards the end of the half and Amr Zaki glanced a header inches wide but the second half was a stark contrast with barely a chance at either end until Figueroa clinched it for the home side.

"That has happened to us in three away games - Newcastle, West Brom and now Wigan," fumed boss Harry. "This time we gave a soft corner away and then defended it poorly.

"We started well enough and passed the ball well, but then stopped. We didn't play with the quality we're capable of.

"It looked like it was petering out into a draw and we'd done enough for a point, our goalkeeper hadn't had to make any world-class saves. It looked a banker draw.

"We need to improve our away form. We've been okay at home but we've now thrown away three away games."

Linked here.

Charlie Daniels to Orient

2009-01-06T18:07:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

We have reached agreement for the permanent transfer of Charlie Daniels to Leyton Orient.
The 22-year-old left-sided player, who has come through the Academy ranks at the Club, spent the whole of last season on loan with the League One side, as well as enjoying a one-month period with Gillingham earlier on in this campaign.
We wish him every success for the future.

Linked here.

Defoe Back to the Lane!

2009-01-06T18:04:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Portsmouth for the transfer of Jermain Defoe.

Personal terms have been agreed and the striker will today undergo a medical.

Linked here.

Carling Cup Report: Spurs 4 Burnley 1

2009-01-06T18:00:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

An incredible second half comeback from a goal down gave us a 4-1 semi-final first leg win over Burnley at The Lane to leave us with one foot firmly in the Carling Cup Final for the second season running.

Martin Paterson gave the plucky visitors a half-time lead before a Jamie O'Hara-inspired turnaround put another trip to Wembley firmly in our sights.

Last season's Young Player of the Year set up our first for Michael Dawson before netting the second to put us ahead. Roman Pavlyuchenko and a Michael Duff own goal then put the tie well in our grip.

Harry Redknapp stuck with the 4-4-2 formation that defeated Wigan in the FA Cup on Friday, making two changes to the starting lineup.

Fraizer Campbell started where he finished against the Latics - up-front alongside Pavlyuchenko in place of the injured Darren Bent, while Aaron Lennon returned to the eleven at the expense of O'Hara.

But no matter what side we fielded, Burnley made it clear from the start that they were going to be extremely hard to beat.

And not solely due to the dogged determination and grit one may associate with a Championship side away at a Premier League ground on a stage like this - the men from Lancashire came to play football, and a stylish, easy-on-the-eye brand at that.

Chris Eagles, a summer signing from Manchester United, was the main orchestrator of most of their fluid first-half attacks.

The right winger sliced a couple of early shots wide, but his first major contribution was a telling one.

Eagles skipped past Gareth Bale and David Bentley with ease before picking out Paterson with a pin-point cross to the back post, leaving the striker with a tap-in.

It sent the throng of visiting fans into raptures, and it was nothing more than Owen Coyle's men deserved after a confident and positive start.

On 24 minutes, Burnley could have doubled their lead. Eagles was the provider again with another splendid cross that Robbie Blake glanced inches wide.

It sparked us into action, and a minute later came the first sign that we had woken up from what can only be described as a 25-minute slumber.

Dawson, of all players, carried the charge forward from the back, sliding Campbell through to stand up a dangerous cross from the by-line which Pavlyuchenko attacked in the air, only to be denied by some fantastic Duff defending.

Bentley's resulting corner was nodded down by Woodgate in the area for Pavlyuchenko to turn goalwards, but Burnley stopper Brian Jensen was equal to it.

In the following attack, Lennon sent in a cross from the right that Bentley should have done better with at the back post, but we ended the half the stronger side nonetheless.

That was to be Bentley's last action of the match, as after the break, O'Hara emerged in his place and did nothing less than change the game.

Our first attack of the second half resulted in a corner, which the England Under-21 international raced over to take with a look of intent.

His delivery was pinpoint to the back post as Dawson climbed to power home his first goal since November 2007.

The atmosphere around the stadium and the shape of the game was never the same from that point onwards as we completely took control.

O'Hara was playing like a man possessed and fired a warning shot just over moments before he got the goal he deserved to put us in-front against all the odds on 52 minutes.

Luka Modric found Pavlyuchenko, who cut inside a defender onto his left foot and sliced a shot up in the air towards the back post, where O'Hara waited and watched the ball all the way onto his sweet left foot which struck a volley underneath the body of Jensen.

It totally knocked the stuffing out of Burnley, perhaps a little undeservedly on the night, but neither our fans or players were about to have any sympathy.

Especially considering the visitors were far from out of the tie yet, and we went to sleep at a quickly-taken free-kick on the hour mark before Blake curled inches wide from the edge of the box.

They threatened again five minutes later, with Heurelho Gomes coming to the rescue after a goal-mouth scramble instigated by Blake and Paterson

We knew we needed more than a one goal lead to take to Turf Moor in a fortnight's time, so that's exactly what we went down the other end to secure.

Bale found Pavlyuchenko just outside the box, and in one movement the Russian glided past Clarke Carlisle and into the box before drilling firmly into the bottom corner for his third goal in two games.

To rub salt into Burnley's wounds, we added a fourth on 67 minutes to put us in a more than commanding position going into the second leg.

Pavlyuchenko won a free-kick in the bottom right-hand corner of the field, and defender Duff mis-timed his jump to glance O'Hara's resulting free-kick past his own goalkeeper.

You could say it was ‘Duff justice' on Burnley for the football they had produced in the opening period, but thankfully, it was our Premier League quality that shone through in the end.

Spurs (4-4-2): Gomes; Corluka, Dawson, Woodgate, Bale; Lennon, Zokora, Modric, Bentley (O'Hara, 46); Campbell, Pavlyuchenko
Subs not used: Alnwick, Gunter, Giovani, Taarabt, Boateng, Rocha
Burnley (4-1-4-1): Jensen; Alexander, Duff, Carlisle, Jordan; Gudjohnsen (K McDonald, 30); Eagles, Elliott, McCann, Blake (Rodriguez, 75); Paterson (Akinbiyi, 86)
Subs not used: Penny, Kalvenes, Mahon, A McDonald

Linked here.

FA Cup Draw: 4th Round

2009-01-04T11:28:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

We have been drawn away to Southampton or Manchester United in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The Saints take on United in the third round at St Marys at 4pm this afternoon.
The fourth round takes place over the weekend of January 24/25.
Here is the draw in full...
Liverpool v Everton
Southampton/Man Utd v Tottenham
Hull/Newcastle v Millwall/Crewe
Sunderland v Blyth/Blackburn
Hartlepool v West Ham
Leyton Orient/Sheff Utd v Charlton/Norwich
Cardiff v Arsenal
Portsmouth/Bristol City v Histon/Swansea
Chelsea/Southend v Ipswich
Cheltenham/Doncaster v Aston Villa
West Brom/Peterborough v QPR/Burnley
Torquay v Coventry
Kettering Town v Fulham
Watford v Leicester/Crystal Palace
Derby County v Nottingham Forest
Birmingham City/Wolves v Middlesbrough

Linked here.

Time for a Second Chance

2009-01-03T18:44:00.002-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Harry Redknapp feels it's time to give Hossam Ghaly another chance.
The manager gave his thoughts after the midfielder was booed on his reappearance at White Hart Lane when he was named on the substitutes bench for Friday night's FA Cup third round tie against Wigan.
It was the first time Hossam had been in the 18 for a home game since he threw his shirt down on the touchline after being substituted in a league match against Blackburn in May, 2007.
Hossam apologised for his actions immediately after that game.
"I am just so angry with myself," he said at the time. "I have always considered it an honour to wear the Tottenham shirt and I never intended to show any disrespect.
"I know my reaction was totally wrong. I have apologised to the manager and I also want to apologise to the fans. I hope they don't judge me on this incident alone. I have tried hard for the Club this season."
Harry feels now is the time to forgive and forget.
"I really feel for the lad," said Harry.
"We all make mistakes in life. Show me someone who doesn't make mistakes and I'll show you a liar. He's made a mistake and he deserves another chance. Everyone deserves another chance."
Harry underlined the need to use the full squad with such a busy schedule and injuries hitting the midfield department - Jermaine Jenas and Tom Huddlestone were both ruled out against Wigan.
"Hossam has always shown a positive attitude since I have been here," added Harry. "We need the supporters to get behind everyone in a Spurs shirt.
"He is a member of our squad and we'll need them all to play a part in what will be a very important second half of the season."

Linked here.

Absolutely agree with Redknapp. He lost 4 teeth and kept playing against Pompey! That is a good attitude.

FA Cup Report: Spurs 3 Wigan 1

2009-01-03T18:41:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Our first game of 2009 resulted in victory as we defeated Wigan 3-1 at White Hart Lane in the third round of this season's FA Cup.

Two goals from Roman Pavlyuchenko and one from Luka Modric in between were enough to make sure Henri Camara's late strike for the visitors was meaningless.

It was our first win in six games and keeps us still competing in every competition we've entered, with a Carling Cup semi-final first leg coming up next on Tuesday.

Harry Redknapp made three changes to the side that lost at West Brom in the league last Sunday, reverting to a 4-4-2 formation.

Jamie O'Hara came in for Aaron Lennon, who started on the bench, to occupy the left flank with David Bentley on the right.

Modric and Didier Zokora operated in the centre of midfield, and with Jermaine Jenas out injured, Pavlyuchenko came back in to partner Darren Bent up-front.

At the back, Gareth Bale came in for the suspended Benoit Assou-Ekotto at left back but, once again, we were forced into a change early on.

Bent limped off on 28 minutes to be replaced by Fraizer Campbell in a straight swap, but by then, we were well on top.

There was an early scare after five minutes when Camara headed Antonio Valencia's cross inches wide, but after this, the visitors offered little in the first half.

The chance of the half fell to Modric two minutes later when he should have done better with a shot from the edge of the box after being set up by Pavlyuchenko.

On 19 minutes, Pavlyuchenko was fouled by Michael Brown 25 yards out, and Bale sent a good-looking free-kick just wide.

Two minutes later, a Bentley free-kick on the right was blocked, but the rebound came back to him and Wigan skipper Kevin Kilbane came close to putting the resultant cross into his own net.

We came close to opening the scoring twice more on the stroke of half-time. First an O'Hara cross was dummied by Pavlyuchenko for Modric who turned and shot at goalkeeper Richard Kingson.

Then Bentley hit a stunning 35-yard pot-shot with his left foot which went into the side-netting, but it seemed like only a matter of time for us.

Six minutes after the break, we finally broke the deadlock. Bale released the lively Campbell, who was upended by Kingson as he tried to go round him.

Pavlyuchenko stepped up to slot home the penalty and score our first goal of the New Year and his eighth of the season.

It was also our first goal in around 300 minutes of football, so we were now looking to make up for the mini-drought.

Pavlyuchenko and Campbell were linking up well, and the Russian crossed for the latter on 56 minutes, only for the England Under-21 international to force a superb flying save out of Kingson with the header.

On 65 minutes, it was Pavlyuchenko's turn to go close again when he latched onto Jonathan Woodgate's long ball and lobbed the on-rushing goalkeeper, only to see the ball bounce agonisingly wide.

Our strike partnership tried to link up again on 75 minutes as Campbell attempted a pass for Pavlyuchenko in behind Titus Bramble, and the Russian did extremely well to get there and poke just wide of the post.

So instead, it was left to a midfield man to put the tie to bed, as Modric netted his third goal in 15 days.

Vedran Corluka played a cross-field ball for O'Hara, who hit a sweet 25 yard shot against the post, and Modric followed up with a diving header into an empty net - followed by a celebration which, literally, fell flat on its face!

The second goal seemed to spark Wigan into action, but it was all a bit late in the day and Heurelho Gomes was equal to most.

First Valencia beat O'Hara in the box but his shot was palmed away, and then the Ecuadorian's corner was met by Olivier Kapo in the air, only for Gomes to make a smart low save.

But Steve Bruce's men did eventually give the visiting fans something to cheer about with a consolation two minutes from time.

Valencia was the deliverer into the box again, Tomasz Cywka's shot was blocked, and Camara swept home from close range.

But Zokora's run and Pavlyuchenko's rasping shot from the edge of the box in injury time restored our two-goal lead, and saw us safely through to the fourth round.

Spurs (4-4-2): Gomes; Corluka, Dawson, Woodgate, Bale; Bentley, Zokora, Modric (Lennon, 90), O'Hara; Bent (Campbell, 28), Pavlyuchenko
Subs not used: Alnwick, Ghaly, Gunter, Taarabt, Boateng
Wigan (4-4-2): Kingson; Boyce, Scharner (Figueroa, 74), Bramble, Kilbane; De Ridder (Cywka, 74), Brown, Palacios, Valencia; Camara, Kapo (Edman, 85)
Subs not used: Pollitt, Taylor, Routledge, Holt

Linked here.

League Report: West Brom 2 Spurs 0

2008-12-28T18:34:00.002-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Our fixtures for the year ended with a defeat as two late goals secured victory for West Brom at the Hawthorns.
We were down to ten men for 55 minutes of the game due to a straight red card being shown to Benoit Assou-Ekotto but not enough chances were created even allowing for the reduction.
In the end Roman Bednar's header - looking very much like a foul on Michael Dawson - coupled with substitute Andy Beattie's stoppage time finish applied icing on the cake for the home side.
Luka Modric was the victim of a crude challenge from Jonas Olsson in the first incident of the encounter on what was a crisp afternoon with what felt like a considerable chill factor. The same home player, along with Jonathan Greening, a minute later felled Darren Bent with a thud as the Baggies clearly sought to place their mark on the meeting early on.
James Morrison was first to try his luck with a shot on goal, drifting in from the right and wafting an effort across the back of our defensive line before, at the other end, Bent was unable to pick out a blue shirt with his cut back following a David Bentley throughball.
A Vedran Corluka foul on Roman Bednar resulted in Heurelho Gomes being worked for the first time, Borja Valero's free-kick from the edge of the area forcing the keeper to save low to his left, with Scott Carson doing similar 22 minutes in to deny Bent.
Assou-Ekotto received his marching orders for raising his foot in a challenge with Gianni Zuiverloon on 35 minutes, with the temperature having been raised in the preceeding action when Olson chopped down Bent in full flight.
But we were down to ten and Didier Zokora dropped in at left-back with Modric now deployed in a deeper position.
For the goalkeepers it was not a busy half, just a bit of mopping up duties behind the defences. Probably the busiest individual was our physio, who it seemed was sprinting on at regular intervals.
Bentley had the chance to open the scoring five minutes before the break following an Aaron Lennon dash, but his shot was hurried and flew wide.
Into the second half and Gomes made a magnificent save to stop Chris Brunt's free-kick from the edge of the area sailing into the top corner. The set-piece was awarded for slight contact made by Jermaine Jenas on Valero and it really required Gomes to come up trumps again - and he certainly didn't disappoint.
The 11 men were not dominating the ten, however, and some of the football played by the team of the reduced number was quite fluid at times, although the game was still something of a scrap. Dawson was up to the task when Zuiverloon zipped in a low cross that beat the reach of Gomes and the defender made the vital interception before Luke Moore or Bednar could apply a tap-in finish.
Harry made two substitutions in quick succession, Jamie O'Hara taking the place of Bentley, with Gareth Bale later replacing Modric. The change meant O'Hara moving into the middle, with Bale operating ahead of Zokora down the left flank.
West Brom finally made their numerical advantage count in the 83rd minute when a Marek Cech cross was met flush on the head by Bednar, with his effort flying into the top corner. It did appear, however, that Dawson was shoved out of the way while the cross was in flight.
Fraizer Campbell was summoned from his warm up for the final four or five minutes, with Zokora sacrificed, but it was Bednar next in making an impact and forced another fine save from Gomes in the process.
There was nothing Gomes could do when Cech and Morrison combined to set up Beattie for a simple finish in front of goal just seconds before the final whistle.

Linked www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/oneofthosedays281208.html

League Report: Spurs 0 Fulham 0

2008-12-28T18:31:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Fulham held us to a 0-0 draw in the Boxing Day fixture at White Hart Lane, although we had the better of the game overall.

The point was a frustrating outcome on the day, as we failed to gain revenge against the side who inflicted our first defeat under Harry Redknapp's charge last month.

The manager made just one change to the side that were defeated by a late goal at Newcastle last Sunday.

Darren Bent returned from illness to replace Roman Pavlyuchenko up front but, and not for the first time in recent games, we were forced into an early reshuffle.

Tom Huddlestone limped off after just 20 minutes, making way for Jermaine Jenas to come into the midfield on his return from a calf injury.

The alteration certainly did not affect our dominance of the first half as we applied most of the early pressure.

David Bentley tested Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer with a 14th minute long-range shot that bounced awkwardly in front of the Australian.

Luka Modric went looking for his third goal in as many games with an effort from a similarly distance which curled just past the post.

On the half hour mark, Benoit Assou-Ekotto surged into the box from left-back and squared for Aaron Lennon on the edge of the area, whose first-time shot was well saved down low by Schwarzer.

The resulting corner was hit deep by Bentley, but Vedran Corluka retrieved and pulled back for Lennon, whose cross was headed agonisingly wide by Ledley King.

Heurelho Gomes wasn't tested until the 36th minute, when Bobby Zamora crossed from the right and Clint Dempsey controlled on his chest in the box before forcing the Brazilian into a stunning save with a spectacular overhead kick.

It proved to be the cue for slightly more caution from the home side in the minutes leading up to the break, and there was time for another scare.

Two ex-Spurs boys combined on 41 minutes as Simon Davies crossed from the right but Zamora just failed to make the telling connection at the back post.

As the game entered its second half, Fulham were becoming a much tougher nut to crack, and we introduced a second striker in the form of Fraizer Campbell on 59 minutes in hope of breaking them down.

However, chances were still few and far between, although we again had the better of the game overall in the half.

Assou-Ekotto's left wing cross on 65 minutes was glanced wide by Modric, before Pavlyuchenko had a shot deflected past the post with his first touch after coming on as a 72nd minute substitute for Bent.

At the other end, Gomes had had little to do after the break until five minutes from time, when some fantastic goalkeeping stopped us coming away with nothing.

Davies hit a defence splitting pass which Andy Johnson ran onto round the back of King, but our in-form stopper was brave as he came out to save down at the feet of the England striker.

After this, we continued to push for the winner, but by then Fulham were defending in number and held out for the point.

Spurs (4-4-1-1): Gomes; Corluka, Dawson, King, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Zokora, Huddlestone (Jenas, 20), Bentley (Campbell, 59); Modric; Bent (Pavlyuchenko, 72)
Subs not used: Cesar, Bale, O'Hara, Woodgate
Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Pantsil, Hughes, Baird, Konchesky; Dempsey, Murphy, Bullard (Etuhu, 37), Davies (Nevland, 90); Zamora, Johnson
Subs not used: Zuberbuhler, Gray, Stoor, Andreasen, Kallio

Linked here.

League Report: Newcastle 2 Spurs 1

2008-12-21T13:50:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

A Damien Duff goal at the beginning of stoppage time denied the team a more than deserved point against Newcastle at St James Park on Sunday afternoon.
In deficit due to Charles N'Zogbia's early strike, Luka Modric's fine goal saw to it that the home side did not take a lead into the break yet, after dictating proceedings for large periods of the game, substitute Duff sealed maximum points for his team.
Aaron Lennon did his bit to crank up the tempo in the opening moments when he dashed down the left and took his marker before powerfully stroking across goal. Unfortunately, a blue shirt was not in attendance a few yards out.
It took N'Zogbia to enliven the home crowd when, after a spell of set pieces at the other end, Shay Given clutched and kicked, springing Newcastle into a speedy counter attack. N'Zogbia went shoulder to shoulder with Benoit Assou-Ekotto, just about getting the better of the full-back before Assou-Ekotto went to ground inside the area. The Frenchman kept his feet, turned and slotted past Heurelho Gomes to make it advantage Newcastle.
N'Zogbia forced Gomes into a spot of sharp stopping 26 minutes in before a Michael Dawson interception set Modric through on goal, despite calls for offside. The little Croatian held his nerve and drilled past Given to level the score and make it two in two games.
Roman Pavlyuchenko soon after stung the palms of Given from distance, but it was Modric catching the eye with his running with the ball and smart link play. The squeeze was being applied and Newcastle were firmly rocked back on their collective heels.
Dawson attempted to make capital from a David Bentley corner in the early seconds of the second half but could not wait for the ball to sit and his effort was always unlikely to trouble Given.
An N'Zogbia cutback required a timely block by Assou-Ekotto as the home side attempted inject some urgency into their play, while Gomes had to be quick to smother at the feet of Michael Owen.
The game was lacking a flow as the hour mark approached with moves breaking down on the verge of the last third for both sides and too often a ball over the top came to nothing. You began to suspect it might be a case of which manager made his move in a decisive bid to win the game.
The noise in the stadium was coming from the packed visitors' section, with the home fans slow to stir in support of their team.
There was nearly an opening for Tom Huddlestone following a Lennon cut inside, where the central midfielder was almost in position to benefit from Sebastian Bassong getting in a muddle around the penalty spot. Given came out to clear up and Huddlestone ended up grounded - and got a booking for his trouble.
Harry made his first change in the 65th minute, withdrawing Pavlyuchenko and drafting in Fraizer Campbell.
It was an older hand at the striking game, Owen, who had the first big chance of the half when he blasted over from a promising position and Newcastle picked up a little momentum.
The initiative was gradually clawed back as we headed into the final ten minutes and a more fortunate touch on the edge of the area for Lennon could well have led to the lead being snared, before clever play from Modric and Bentley provided a headed chance for Campbell that he could not steer on target.
Lennon then beat Jose Enrique and fizzed over a cross that Campbell propelled himself towards but could meet.
The sting was very much in the tail though. Duff pushed forward and exchanged passes with Mark Viduka before rolling the ball past Gomes to turn a point into an unlikely three for the home side.

Linked here.

UEFA Cup Draw Round of 32

2008-12-19T23:26:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

We have been drawn to face Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk in the Round of 32 of this season's UEFA Cup.

The tie will take place over two legs, the first being on either the 18th or 19th of February, the second on February 26, 2009.

We will play the first leg away from home, with the return being held at White Hart Lane.

Should we advance to the Round of 16, we will face the winners of the tie between Aston Villa and CSKA Moscow.

Round of 32 draw in full
PSG (FRA) vs Wolfsburg (GER)
FC Copenhagen (DEN vs Manchester City (ENG)
NEC Nijmegen (NED) vs Hamburg (GER)
Sampdoria (ITA) vs Metalist Kharkiv (UKR)
Braga (POR) vs Standard Liege (BEL)
Aston Villa (ENG) vs CSKA Moscow (RUS)
Lech Poznan (POL) vs Udinese (ITA)
Olympiacos (GRE) vs St Etienne (FRA)
Fiorentina (ITA) vs Ajax (NED)
Aalborg (DEN) vs Deportivo (ESP)
Werder Bremen (GER) vs AC Milan (ITA)
Bordeaux (FRA) vs Galatasaray (TUR)
Dynamo Kiev (UKR) vs Valencia (ESP)
Zenit St Petersburg (RUS) vs Stuttgart (GER)
Marseille (FRA) vs FC Twente (HOL)
Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) vs SPURS

(Teams on the left to play the first leg at home)

Linked here.

UEFA Cup: Spurs 2 Spartak Moscow 2

2008-12-19T23:23:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Tom Huddlestone has stressed the importance of not losing games as he completed our comeback from 2-0 down against Spartak Moscow last night.

The midfielder's 74th minute header added to Luka Modric's earlier strike as we claimed a point to seal our qualification for the knock-out stages of this season's UEFA Cup.

Although Tom felt it was only simple mistakes that saw us go two goals down in the first place, he believes we were much better after the break as the scoreline shows.

And now the England Under-21 international is looking forward to the Round of 32 in February, when we face Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk.

"We don't want to lose any games, and even though we may have gone through regardless, it's never nice to lose a football match," said Tom.

"I don't think we were too bad in the first half, but we conceded two sloppy goals and didn't create as many chances as we would've liked.

"It was just a case of going out in the second half with a bit more energy and a bit more quality when it came to creating chances with the final pass or shots on goal.

"We knew the importance of the game and that to guarantee qualification, we couldn't afford to lose the match.

"A Club this size wants to be involved in as many games as possible and as many competitions as possible, so it was vital we got through."
On his second goal of the season, Tom added: "I'm not renowned for my heading but it was nice to get on the scoresheet and play 90 minutes as well."

Linked here.

New Stadium Designs Revealed

2008-12-15T18:44:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

The Club today revealed the first images of the Club's proposed new stadium design, part of the Northumberland Development Project.

Designs for the new home of the Club have been developed by KSS, leaders in stadia design.

Commenting on the release of the images, Club Chairman Daniel Levy said:

"The brief I gave the architects was to design an iconic stadium that would be one of the best in Europe. My over-riding priority is to re-create the terrific atmosphere we have at the current stadium, within a world class stadium that offers state-of -the-art facilities.

"This means designing a stadium which has supporters as close as possible to the field of play and not simply looking to chase headline capacity. Our fans will find themselves closer to the pitch than at any other comparable stadium in the UK. This design puts fan experience first.

"In addition to the stadium, we are designing great facilities within the overall masterplan that will add positively to the local environment and locality, components that can play a role in the regeneration of the wider area."

David Keirle, Chairman of KSS, outlined the strategy behind the stadium design:

"The key driver has been to deliver the best possible fan experience on all levels.

"The visuals of the new stadium show that it's really seen as a building which responds to the brand, which we see as representing style and flowing lines of football.

"We have spent a great deal of time looking at different roof formations. The roof has been designed to focus the noise back onto the crowd and onto the pitch. All seating is enclosed, there are no open corners, so everything is focused back onto the pitch and the acoustics will maximise the impact of the vocal support from fans. The stadium will have a roof that allows us to have four large screens up in the top corners, which means every spectator will be able to see a whole host of information.

"The plans we have produced will result in close proximity for the fans to the pitch, we are going to be metres closer than other stadiums of comparable size. We are fine tuning the plans and these will ultimately determine the final capacity."

The new stadium will also benefit from a Club museum, shops and homes, new facilities for the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and important public space.

The plans will enable the team to remain at the current site throughout construction.

Daniel Levy added:
"Development projects on this scale take a long time from the initial starting point to final completion. Any new stadia we have seen recently would have been designed at least eight to ten years ago. We are designing for our future and this stadium design has been described as the first of the next generation of stadia.

"This development is more than just somewhere where the team can play football. The Northumberland Development Project will deliver substantial investment for the future of the Borough and will benefit the community.

"It's about leaving a legacy for this great Club and, once delivered, I hope all our fans around the world will be very proud."

An interview with Daniel Levy and David Keirle will be available shortly on Spurs TV Online and all free-to-view areas...

Linked here.

League Report: Spurs 0 Man United 0

2008-12-14T11:32:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Hary Redknapp paid tribute to his reshuffled defence after we lost key players but did more than enough to deserve a 0-0 draw against reigning champions Manchester United at the Lane on Saturday.
Ledley King failed a fitness test before the match and the problems mounted just 10 minutes into the game when Jonathan Woodgate was forced off with a back problem.
Michael Dawson was outstanding in place of Ledley and was joined by Vedran Corluka, who started at right-back, in central defence following Woody's departure.
Didier Zokora switched from midfield to right-back and was largely untroubled by United's dangerman Ronaldo as an exciting game played in constant rain ended goalless.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto was also solid at left-back and a fine night's work all-round defensively was completed by Heurelho Gomes, who made sure the clean sheet was kept intact with two excellent late saves from Ji-Sung Park and Ryan Giggs.
It wasn't just about defending though.
We created the better chances in the first half as Edwin Van der Sar was forced to save from David Bentley and Aaron Lennon and Luka Modric headed just wide. Van der Sar was tested again by Bentley after the break and another Modric effort grazed the of of the net.
"Any time you take a point off United it's always a good result," reflected Harry afterwards. "You want to win your home games but we started without Ledley, who failed a fitness test before the game and then we lost Jonathan Woodgate.
"You lose your two main central defenders and you think it's going to be a tough night, but to come through as we did was fantastic.
"Michael Dawson did excellently, Corluka went into the centre from right-back and Zokora went to right-back and did a great job on Ronaldo. It was a great performance and a hard-working performance.
"You have to be at your best to get anything out of United and we worked our socks off and showed a fantastic attitude. The lads have done that ever since I've been here."
As for Gomes, Harry added: "It was a great save at the end, that's what he's there to do and that's what he did. His confidence couldn't have been any lower a few weeks ago. He's improved. Tony Parks (goalkeeping coach) has been a big influence, he's a bubbly character and he's got into him and given him a lot of confidence."
The only down side for Harry was the injuries to both Woody and Jermaine Jenas. "JJ's torn a calf muscle," he reported.

Linked here.

League Report: West Ham 0 Spurs 2

2008-12-08T17:52:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Ledley King's first goal since December 2005 and a stunning strike from Jamie O'Hara sealed a valuable three points on the road at Upton Park on Monday night.
The skipper's last contribution to the goal charts was against Portsmouth and his header against the Hammers set the tone in a match where maximum points were richly merited after the momentum was seized in the second half.
There was a real chance to get the night off to flying start when Aaron Lennon pinged back across goal to where David Bentley was waiting to roll into the path of the returning Luka Modric. From a central position the Croatian opted for precision rather than power, but his radar was askew on this occasion and it was an easy field for Robert Green.
The lively beginning was not built on and both sides struggled when it came to keeping possession in the first 20 minutes - particularly in the final third. Green's next sight of ball came when a Benoit Assou-Ekotto cross was headed at him by Bentley.
West Ham did have the ball in the net off Jermaine Jenas, with referee Mr Foy spotting the fact that the midfielder was being knocked about and duly ruled out any home lead.
The contest continued to stutter with either side establishing authority until Bentley latched onto a headed clearance and lashed the ball goalwards on the half-volley with Green forced into a smart reaction save.
Control was being exerted in the approach to half-time and the home crowd were increasingly venting their collective frustration. A low cross from Lennon skidded across goal and Roman Pavlyuchenko stuck out a leg at the far post but ended up hitting it.
Also increasing was the influence of Modric, clearly the most influential player on the pitch in the first half, gliding across the surface and seemingly almost always in a position to receive the ball.
Lucas Neill smashed across goal in the opening exchanges of the second half, with Julien Faubert unable to make any sort of connection, but West Ham did appear to emerge with something of a spring in their step.
It was Lennon who rocked them back on their heels with a speedy dash before he was bundled off the ball before Modric speculated from distance with an effort that was foiled high in the air by Green.
There then looked to be a strong case for handball against Herita Ilunga from Vedran Corluka's cross, but Mr Foy might not have been in the best position to spot.
By this time Darren Bent was in the thick of the action having replaced Pavlyuchenko, while West Ham swapped Faubert in a popular move with Mark Noble. A brilliant incisive move involving Jenas and Lennon led to Bent being presented with a scoring chance in front of goal just after the hour, but his sidefooted effort did not find the target or do the move justice.
The quality was now on show with most of the approach work from the team in white shirts, although execution of the final ball was proving a frustration. This couldn't be levelled at Assou-Ekotto when his sliderule pass across goal picked out Bent on the turn, but the striker was quickly outnumbered.
Didier Zokora then made a dash for it and unleashed a shot that Green did well to save low to his left.
The deadlock was then broken by a these days unlikely goalscorer. A magnificent cross from the right by Lennon was met by the head of King, who nodded downwards and beat the despairing dive of Green.
Substitute David Di Michele tried to force the issue shortly after his introduction but was denied by a determined block from Jonathan Woodgate in front of goal.
Apart from this the flow was towards the goal guarded by Green and Lennon was not too far away from adding to the lead with just over ten minutes remaining.
Heurelho Gomes denied Neill and then Di Michele from point blank range with fine saves before West Ham were caught with a counter-punch when Corluka picked out the substitute O'Hara who let rip from 20-odd yards and arrowed the ball into the top corner to complete a fine night's work.

Linked here.

Carling Cup Draw 12/2008

2008-12-08T17:51:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

We have been drawn against Burnley in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup.
Derby County will play Manchester United in the other semi-final.

We were first out of the hat and will therefore play the first leg at White Hart Lane.

Dates are yet to be confirmed but the scheduled dates for the legs are the week commencing January 5 and week commencing January 19.

As soon as we have the dates finalised, we will annouce through our normal club channels.

Linked here.

Freddy Adu interview with Benjamin Adler

2008-12-03T17:53:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of ESPN-

Freddy Adu has found life tough in France since arriving at AS Monaco from Benfica. Still only 19, Adu has spent just 144 minutes on the pitch this season.
DougPensinger/GettyImages
Freddy Adu: Now playing for AS Monaco
The young American prodigy, a professional since the age of 14, is struggling to impose himself. But he sees a bright future ahead. ESPNsoccernet met with the former DC United player to talk about his career so far and his ambitions.
What do you take out of this season so far? Is it living up to your expectations or are you disappointed?
I am happy with my progress, I don't play a lot and I regret it but I can feel that I have progressed. I am training better, I have built better habits on and off the field, and that is great because the life of a pro comes down to little details. About a month ago I realized that I was too inconsistent and I have changed my way of working to change this, first of all in training. I now hope to just play more. I am ambitious and ask a lot of myself, I always remind myself I can do better.
Did you do your research on Ligue 1 before signing, on the style of play?
I gathered some information, yes. I knew for example that it was very physical so I was not surprised on that level. However, it is better technically then what I had envisioned.
You speak of the progress you have made, can you describe this?
I have to be better on the ball and also at finding it. My finishing is already much better, running with the ball also and that is what I really needed to improve at. That is where my margin of improvement has been the best since arriving in Europe. But, as I said before, I can do better.
You are only 19, which we often seem to forget. How is life in Monaco, so far from your family?
Very well, my best friend lives with me. He joined me after finishing his studies at university. He has kind of become my sports agent, I can trust him so it is great. The club's president will help him find a job in the region. He loves football and is playing for the third team.
And your integration within the squad?
I am lucky to be in a group in which many players speak English, so the language barrier is very small compared to Benfica. There the culture shock was very hard, in the beginning especially. And then I started to learn Portuguese and things became better. But here in Monaco, I am doing just fine.
Have you begun to take French lessons?
No not yet, I haven't really had time. But it is in my plans.
How do you deal with daily life in a locker room with experienced pros, egos, salaries and demands very different from MLS?
It took me six months to get used to it when I arrived at Benfica, so now it is not a problem. I learned: I work, I observe and I keep quiet. I take a lot from the star players, everyday and little by little. I really want to learn from them in order to progress, that's how it works.
After stepping back a little, did the buzz surrounding you after your very spectacular debuts not hurt you? So great was the expectations?
Maybe it didn't help, but that's what happened and I have to get on with it. When you are a pro you have to learn to handle it. I prefer to look at the positives. When I tell myself that I have already been a pro for five years, I smile saying "already, holy cow!" I have to put to use all that I have learned since the beginning.
Obligatory question for all Monaco players: playing in a stadium half full, it's not very attractive is it?
When you are a pro you have to play in all kinds of conditions, whether the stadium is full or empty. Of course I would like to play in a packed stadium but the fans that come have come to make noise, so it's ok.
DougPensinger/GettyImages
Adu in action for the United States in a World Cup qualifier against Guatemala last month
Having a president who has spent a lot of time in the United States, does it help or not at all?
Yes it helps because he is familiar with football in the United States and speaks very good English. But it's the coach I have to impress. And recently he has told me he was happy with me and I had to keep doing what I'm doing.
What language do you speak with Ricardo [Gomes, AS Monaco coach]?
Portuguese
What is your opinion on Ricardo?
Ricardo knows what he is doing, he gives off that impression. But it is very hard to read what he is thinking, it's impossible. When he is happy with you he lets you know, and same if he is disappointed. Players like to know how they are doing. It is important the coach tells them what he thinks.
Last season at Benfica, you were playing superbly at the beginning of the season before suffering a loss of form. What happened?
I went through a season with three different coaches, it is not easy. I was playing very well at the start then I went away with the national team for a World Cup qualifier. When I came back, Jose Camacho was not there anymore and I wasn't in the new coach's plans. I basically didn't play after that.
Have you contemplated a return to MLS?
No I have never thought about it. It's in Europe that I want to continue my career and I will do anything to succeed. I will make it. Everything depends on me. I have received the talent, I have to maximize it.
Your parents were in agreement about turning pro at 14?
Yes, of course. I played for the team of my home city so I still lived with them like a normal teenager.
Who are your best friends in the locker room?
Jean-Jacques Gosso, Jerko Leko and Patrick Müller.
Your dream as a footballer, what is it?
My dream is to play for one of the top European clubs, the top five. Tottenham are also one of my dreams, since I supported them as a boy. My objective is the Premier League which is for me the best league in the world.
One last question on the national team: How is the squad coming together for the next World Cup?
I see the the whole squad improving so I am very optimistic. We have a lot of young players who play in Europe and fight to get a place, they have a strong mentality. The national team will benefit from it and I can guarantee you that we will do better than many people think come South Africa 2010.

Linked here.

Tenuous link but I was pleasantly surprised that Freddy Adu is a Tottenham fan.

Carling Cup Report: Watford 1 Spurs 2

2008-12-03T17:51:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

A Carling Cup semi-final now awaits after the team came from a goal behind to defeat Watford at Vicarage Road on Wednesday night.
The early setback was overcome moments before half-time when Roman Pavlyuchenko converted a penalty, with Darren Bent booking our last four place with 15 minutes remaining.
It was frantic stuff from the off with the home side certainly speedier out of the blocks and probably quicker in warming up on a cold night in Hertfordshire.
Fraizer Campbell attempted to slice open what, early on, looked like a resolute Watford rearguard with a slide pass roughly into the path of Didier Zokora, but his assist-attempt was overhit and Zokora's wait for a goal was always going to extend.
With 12 minutes on the clock Tommy Smith's determined dash down the left led to the ball being squeezed inside to Tamas Priskin. The striker still had a fair bit to do, but did it in a clinical fashion, turning in the area and powering a low curling shot beyond the reach of Heurelho Gomes and into the net.
Twenty minutes in Zokora set Aaron Lennon on the run and, after checking inside his marker, the winger employed the outside of his boot and sent the ball swirling towards the top corner. Home goalkeeper Scott Loach was forced into a magnificent save on the stretch.
Territory, possession and a genuine threat going forward began to be posed, the feeling being that if the final ball was right then the pace of Lennon or Campbell could well pay dividends.
However, it was Gomes making the next save with a smart smothering of Liam Bridcutt's low drive, before Loach did similar at the other end. Loach was slightly less assured in dealing with the threat when Lennon burst through, pushing up in the air leaving Campbell to attempt to nudge home, but the danger was finally averted.
Two minutes before the break Pavlyuchenko had the chance to square the game when he seized on an error by Leigh Bromby and stole in on goal. The Russian went for the top corner and hit the bar with only the keeper to beat.
In stoppage time Jermaine Jenas was tagged by Ross Jenkins inside the area and, after taking a good look, referee Mr Dowd pointed to the spot. Pavlyuchenko did the honours and it was evens at the break.
Watford began the second half with renewed purpose without unduly troubling Gomes, while we laboured to recapture some of the vigour from the latter stages of the first half.
Bent was summoned from the bench not long after the hour in place of Campbell in a bid to sharpen up the attacking intent, but it was Zokora who sped the length of the pitch on the counter before delivering a disappointing cross that Loach was able to field with ease - as he did two low efforts from Jenas and one from O'Hara.
Pavlyuchenko came close to unlocking the gate when he spread the play wide to Benoit Assou-Ekotto, who pinged the ball across the face of goal awaiting a touch that never came. A Jonathan Woodgate header, albeit not the most powerful, was nodded off the line by Lee Williamson.
In the 76th minute the deficit was finally overturned when Lennon combined with Pavlyuchenko before the ball sprang off Bridcott in the direction of Bent to the right of the penalty area. From an angle the striker aimed towards the near post, beating Loach low to his left, before joining in the celebrations with the travelling masses.
Bent could have added to his night's work three minutes from time when he attempted to seize on a Lennon cross, but was unable to make a suitable connection.
Manchester United, Derby or Burnley will be next in this competition - a two-legged semi-fial - with our opponents to be determined on Saturday.

Linked here.

Club Announcement, 11/30/2008

2008-11-30T20:56:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

We are delighted to announce the appointment to the coaching staff of Tony Parks as Goalkeeping Coach.

Tony was a Spurs player between 1982-88, with the highlight being his two penalty saves against Anderlecht that clinched the UEFA Cup in 1984.

He went on to play for several clubs including a spell as player-coach at Halifax and, after originally working part-time at The Football Association, he joined the organisation in October 2002 as Assistant National Goalkeeping Coach.

Linked here.

League Report: Everton 1 Spurs 1

2008-11-30T20:53:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Harry Redknapp was disappointed with the manner of our defeat - not least the goal - as we lost 1-0 to Everton on Sunday.
Steven Pienaar punished a lack of concentration to maximum effect in the 51st minute to score the only goal of the game, picking up a quick free-kick from Mikel Arteta before firing home via a slight, but telling deflection off Vedran Corluka.
We pushed the Toffees back as we searched for an equaliser but despite constant pressure, we struggled to create clear-cut chances.
The closest we came was when David Bentley crossed from the right, Roman Pavkyuchenko slid in to meet it six yards out only for Everton keeper Tim Howard to flick the ball up and over the crossbar.
It was our first defeat at home in the Premier League under Harry's management.
"Everton are a difficult team to play against," said Harry. "We gave a terrible goal away, we switched off at the free-kick, they played a short one and it's in the back of the net with half of us not looking at the ball.
"They are very difficult to beat when they have their noses in front.
"We had no space to pass the ball and Everton shut the space down with five men in midfield. It was difficult to play through them so we then resorted to high balls and we can't play that way, it's not us.
"We didn't get Aaron Lennon into the game but if he's being marked tightly, there has to be space elsewhere.
"We didn't work hard enough as runners to create space for the pass so our possession wasn't good enough and if you don't pass it well you don't give yourselves a chance."

Linked here.

UEFA Cup: Spurs 1 Nijmegen 0

2008-11-30T20:50:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Qualification from UEFA Cup Group D now looks probable after a further three points were added to our account courtesy of Jamie O'Hara's winner against Nijmegen on Thursday evening.
The midfielder planted his head on the ball in the 14th minute in what turned out to be the decisive moment.
It was an opening without incident for the first 13 minutes until the deadlock was broken in explosive fashion. Gareth Bale cut back and Fraizer Campbell rattled the ball off the underside of the bar before an alert O'Hara was on hand to nod beyond Gabor Babos to give us a deserved lead.
Not that too much had happened before this, but the pressing was coming from the team in blue and Gomes was left inactive in front of the Spurs travelling support.
There were six changes to the starting XI that defeated Blackburn at the weekend, with four Academy youngsters drafted onto the substitutes bench, including John Bostock and Adam Smith, who have previously enjoyed first team experience since the beginning of pre-season.
Nijmegen did present a goal threat on 22 minutes when Moestrafa El-Kabir drilled in a shot that Gomes did well to foil and, when the loose ball was about to be seized upon by a home body, Chris Gunter launched himself into a brave and effective block - effectively a goal-saving challenge from the young Welshman.
The home side attempted to forge a way back into the game as half-time approached but were met with strong resistance from the likes of Gunter, Dawson and Woodgate, while Bale was effective both defensively and offensively on the left flank.
The home support, packed inside the compact Goffertstadion, were not losing heart and there was a good atmosphere on a chilly night in eastern Holland.
They could have been left a bit deflated when O'Hara thumped in a shot from just outside the area, which Babos needed his reflexes to be at their sharpest to repel, while the rebound did not fall kindly for Campbell, but David Bentley managed to steer back into the danger area, with this particular alert averted.
Bentley attempted to arrow towards the top corner in the opening exchanges of the second half before his cross was nodded with some conviction goalwards by Darren Bent, requiring a fine save from Babos to tip over the bar.
Nijmegen inched their way back into the contest as the game reached the hour mark with some useful possession, while all the time Gomes remained confident in his work and cross gathering, very much in tune with his central defenders.
Bent made way for Aaron Lennon with 20 minutes left on the clock, with the little winger stocking up the midfield and bursting forward at his considerable pace.
Woodgate executed a superb tackle on El-Kabir on 77 minutes to deny perhaps Nijmegen's most effective player a clear route on goal.
Academy striker Jon Obika was granted a first team debut with seven minutes remaining, before Ryan Mason was bought on for stoppage time, which passed without significant threat to our advantage.

Linked here.

League Report: Spurs 1 Blackburn 0

2008-11-23T17:20:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Aaron Lennon was in unstoppable form on his first league start under Harry Redknapp in our 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers at The Lane.

The flying winger set up Roman Pavlyuchenko for the winning goal and continued to be a threat throughout our fourth league victory in six games.

There were three changes to the team which lost 2-1 at Fulham the previous weekend as Redknapp reverted to a 4-4-2 formation.

Pavlyuchenko joined Darren Bent in attack and Benoit Assou-Ekotto returned to fill the left back role. But arguably the most key introduction to the side was Lennon on the right wing.

The tricky winger has shown Redknapp glimpses of what he can do during the appearances he has made, but this game was settled by his domination over his left back.

Martin Olsson had only made four first team appearances for Rovers before this season, only one of them as a starter, so it is fair to say the Swede may never have come up against the lightning pace of someone like Lennon before in his career.

It was this factor that led to the only goal of the game after exactly nine minutes.

Lennon dispossessed Olsson on the halfway line before sprinting away, holding the defender off all the way to the by-line before pulling back to the waiting Pavlyuchenko who swept home.

The Russian wasted no time in celebrating his sixth Spurs goal by running straight to his team-mate and congratulating him on a fantastic contribution.

Five minutes later, Pavlyuchenko could have had his second as he climbed highest to meet David Bentley's in-swinging free-kick, which he glanced against Paul Robinson's post.

It is worth mentioning here the fantastic reception our fans gave ‘Robbo' on his return to White Hart Lane throughout the game.

Robinson spent four seasons here before his summer switch to Ewood Park, making 175 appearances and scoring one memorable goal! His service to the Club has clearly not been forgotten.

But there was little he could do as former team-mate Lennon continued to run rampant during the first half, and he eventually got the better of Olsson once and for all.

The left-back had previously been booked for a trip on the winger before once again over-committing himself against the England Under-21 star five minutes from the break. Olsson's dismissal was no doubt a bitter blow for the visitors going into half-time.

And Lennon came close to deservedly getting his name on the scoresheet from the resultant free-kick, that was cleared to him on the edge of the box.

His left foot shot was fierce and deflected off Ryan Nelsen, only to hit the legs of Robinson. It's fair to say the England stopper knew little about it!

Rovers boss Paul Ince brought on defender Danny Simpson to fill the left-back void at the break with striker Benni McCarthy making way, suggesting a damage-limitation policy from the visitors.

Therefore, chances were a little more infrequent in the second half as we looked to close the game.

We had our moments. Tom Huddlestone hit a fierce curling shot inches over the bar from 30 yards on 54 minutes, while Jonathan Woodgate should have done better with his close range header from Bentley's free-kick on 70 minutes.

Fraizer Campbell was introduced 15 minutes from time in a bid to continue his good run of recent form, and his 81st minute ball across the face of goal was just out of Bent's reach.

And Campbell should have had a goal for himself four minutes later, putting his free header wide from Bentley's cross.

But at the other end, Blackburn could create nothing clear cut, and it was a comfortable afternoon overall for Heurelho Gomes as we regained our league momentum and climbed out of the bottom three.

Spurs (4-4-2): Gomes; Corluka, Woodgate, King, Assou-Ekotto; Bentley (O'Hara, 86), Huddlestone, Jenas, Lennon; Pavlyuchenko (Campbell, 74), Bent
Subs not used: Cesar, Bale, Zokora, Gunter, Dawson
Liverpool (4-4-2): Robinson; Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Olsson; Emerton (Derbyshire, 71), Mokoena, Andrews, Pedersen (Treacy, 81); Santa Cruz, McCarthy (Simpson, 46)
Subs: Brown, Tugay, Fowler, Roberts

Linked here.

Club Announcement: Goalkeeper Coach

2008-11-18T23:43:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

The Club can report that Hans Leitert, First Team Goalkeeping Coach, has left the coaching staff.

Hans joined us during the close season and we should like to thank him for his contribution and wish him well.

An announcement regarding a new appointment will be made in due course.

Linked here.

League Report: Fulham 2 spurs 1

2008-11-15T14:52:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Our six-match unbeaten run came to an end at Craven Cottage where a late Fraizer Campbell goal did not lead to a two-goal deficit being overturned.
A goal in each half from the home side proved enough and, if truth be told, they were value for their win as Roy Hodgson's side dictated the tempo for the majority of the match.
It was a frantic beginning down by the Thames without either goalkeeper being caused undue alarm until, on 12 minutes, Andy Johnson got the run on Jonathan Woodgate and his cut back was directed back on goal by Danny Murphy and looked promising for the home side until Vedran Corluka produced a timely block.
Moments later Gareth Bale let Clint Dempsey cut inside of him and the American elected to let fly with an effort that was arrowing towards the top corner until the outstretched hand of Heurelho Gomes was able to tip over. The Brazilian looking a bit battered after his appointments with the dentist this week.
Fulham were edging the contest, Johnson had an appeal for a penalty instantly waved away before Bobby Zamora got himself booked for attempted to beat Gomes with a deliberate handball.
The boys began to assert some control with patient passing before Luka Modric stepped it up a bit with a darting run and shot on goal that flashed just wide on 27 minutes. Two minutes later David Bentley fired inches wide following a deflected centre from Modric before the midfielder set Darren Bent on the run with a high ball into the area, but Mark Schwarzer was alert to the situation.
Fulham took a fortunate lead with 33 minutes on the clock when Simon Davies fizzed a ball into the area that clipped the head of Woodgate before flying into the chest of Gomes and agonisingly rolled over the line.
Harry Redknapp made two changes at the break, bringing on Aaron Lennon and Roman Pavlyuchenko for Luka Modric - who appeared to be struggling with injury in the first half - and Tom Huddlestone.
Jimmy Bullard smashed in a free-kick that Gomes parried to relative safety as Fulham pretty much picked up where they left off in the opening ten minutes of the second half. The team in blue were finding fluency hard to come by as darkness closed in around Craven Cottage.
Davies tried his luck with a low drive from distance that Gomes foiled to his right before a speedy dash from Lennon required a last-gasp lunge from Brede Hangeland to stop in its tracks.
The momentum was switching to Spurs with Ledley King doing brilliantly to take down a Bale cross, only to flash his shot narrowly over.
However, it was only a temporary shift of power, as with 20 minutes to go, Davies jumped higher than Bale from a Paul Konchesky corner, his header was blocked but Johnson was sharp on the turn in the area and drilled into the net from close range.
Gomes then produced a fine save to thwart a Bullard free-kick that was zipping towards the corner.
The deficit was reduced against the run of play with ten minutes remaining. A surge forward by Jenas led to Bentley feeding the ball left and into the path of substitute Fraizer Campbell, who rolled a cool finish beyond Schwarzer.
It should probably have been 3-1 but for a absolutely stunning save by Gomes from a Bullard free-kick, but this action and the subsequent substitution of Bullard ate into injury time and Fulham held on.

Linked here.

Carling Cup Quater-final draw

2008-11-15T09:51:00.002-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

We have been drawn away against Watford in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup.
The date for the tie has yet to be confirmed but we will travel to Vicarage Road on the week commencing December 1.
The full draw is as follows...
Stoke v Derby
Manchester United v Blackburn
Burnley v Arsenal
Watford v Tottenham

Linked here.

THFC displays outline for New Stadium

2008-11-13T17:15:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Club displays outline scheme for first time - please send us your comments!

Today sees the Club unveil its emerging plans for a new stadium which would keep Tottenham in Tottenham.

We're designing a scheme for our current site and adjoining land - the Northumberland Development Project - a world-class scheme incorporating a new stadium with a capacity of 60,000, a Club Museum, new shops and restaurants, new homes, a new base for the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and important new public space.

Over the next week, the Club will be hosting the first of two public exhibitions to set out our vision for the area, as we undertake a thorough consultation programme with the local community as well as continue to consult with you, the fans. Having previously consulted fans via website surveys the Club now invites comments from supporters on the scheme to date - information can be viewed on this site via the link below or at the Exhibition which runs as follows:

Friday 14 November, 10am - 5pm
Saturday 15 November, 10am - 5pm
Sunday 16 November, 10am - 5pm
Monday 17 November, 12pm - 8pm
Tuesday 18 November, 10am - 5pm

To view the Club's early plans, CLICK HERE... (pdf, 9mb file)

As always we shall look to keep you, our supporters, along with the local community of Haringey, as informed and up-to-date as possible and later today, the Club launches a special section of the website - www.tottenhamhotspur.com/futureplans to keep you up to date on our emerging plans and to let us have your comments.

Please feel free to email us your comments via this address - futureplans@tottenhamhotspur.com

Linked here.

Carling Cup Report: Spurs 4 Liverpool 2

2008-11-12T17:34:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Roman Pavlyuchenko and Fraizer Campbell took full advantage of their starting berths with two goals each in our 4-2 Carling Cup fourth round victory over Liverpool at The Lane.

Russian international Roman returned to haunt the side he scored a last minute winner against in the league 10 days ago, while Fraizer netted his first goals for the Club since a loan move from Manchester United.

Damien Plessis and Sami Hyypia struck for the visitors in the first half, but our fifth win out of six in all competitions maintained Harry Redknapp's unbeaten start as Spurs manager and sent us through to the quarter-finals.

There were no less than seven changes to the side which defeated Manchester City in the league on Sunday.

Michael Dawson came into the centre of defence as skipper, with Alan Hutton and Gareth Bale in either full-back position.

Tom Huddlestone and Didier Zokora retained their places in central midfield with Aaron Lennon and Jamie O'Hara coming in to occupy the wings.

A break from the league programme also gave Redknapp the chance to experiment with two up-front for a change.

And Pavlyuchenko and Campbell relished the chance to prove themselves as the free-scoring Darren Bent was rested on the bench to start with.

From the start, the pair were causing trouble to the visiting backline. Pavlyuchenko rose but just failed to connect properly with Lennon's early cross, while Campbell was just out of reach having chased down Huddlestone's throughball on six minutes.

Lennon himself had a shot well blocked by Daniel Agger on 19 minutes, and from the resulting corner, Pavlyuchenko again couldn't get enough purchase on a header to trouble Diego Cavalieri.

But we were the dominant side and it seemed only a matter of time before we broke the deadlock. The opener came on 38 minutes and it was Pavlyuchenko who scored it.

Bale played a ball down the left hand side which Campbell chased and dragged back from the by-line for the Russian to sweep home left-footed through the goalkeeper's legs.

Full credit must go to Campbell for holding off the experienced Hyypia to get the ball in, and it summed up how the England Under-21 international's night was going.

A minute later, he was nearly the provider again, playing in O'Hara through the middle only for the midfielder's first time shot to be saved.

But Campbell wanted his name on the scoresheet, and as Cavalieri misjudged O'Hara's high ball on 42 minutes, he stole in to take it round the stranded Brazilian and tap home into an empty net.

It is fair to say few players have enjoyed their first goal for a club more than young Fraizer as he celebrated with the fans - and he wasn't finished there.

On the stroke of half-time, he got on the end of Lennon's curling cross and buried a header home to give us a comfortable half-time lead.

But Liverpool were determined not to go out without a fight and scored twice in the second half to reduce the deficit.

Their first came just four minutes after the break when Plessis' header from six yards out after Ryan Babel's corner wrong-footed Heurelho Gomes and sneaked over the line.

And on 64 minutes, Hyypia got to another Babel corner in-front of the on-rushing Gomes to head home into an empty net.

But in between these goals, Pavlyuchenko had netted our fourth to ensure there were not too many second half nerves.

O'Hara dispossessed Plessis in the middle of the park, and Zokora drove into the box and hit a deflected shot which fell into the path of the Russian who tapped home.

Pavlyuchenko could have had a hat-trick 10 minutes from time when he latched onto a Huddlestone throughball and hit a fierce shot that was beaten away by Cavalieri.

However, the night did have its sour note as Gomes was stretchered off with a head injury after a second half collision with Philipp Degen. We will keep you updated on his progress.

But the main point from the night is another impressive victory as we continue our defence of the cup, and a bit of history as the win means Redknapp has made the best start to a managerial reign at the Club since Frank Brettell 110 years ago!

Spurs (4-4-2): Gomes (Cesar, 74); Hutton, Dawson, Corluka, Bale; Lennon, Zokora, Huddlestone, O'Hara; Campbell (Bent, 90), Pavlyuchenko (Boateng, 90)
Subs not used: Bentley, Modric, Gunter, Rocha
Liverpool (4-4-2): Cavalieri; Degen (Darby, 85), Agger, Hyypia, Dossena; El Zhar, Plessis (Alonso, 66), Leiva, Babel; N'Gog, Torres (Insua, 56)
Subs not used: Gulacsi, Riera, Benayoun, Carragher

Linked here.

League Match Report: ManCity 1 Spurs 2

2008-11-09T16:54:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Harry Redknapp said he felt confident at City on Sunday - even when the home side went 1-0 up with 11 men.
After a bright start we fell behind to Robinho's 16th-minute opener in the Barclays Premier League encounter at Eastlands.
The game changed 10 minutes later when Gelson Fernandes was shown a second yellow card for a foul on David Bentley and the home side were down to 10 men.
We took control and soon equalised when Darren Bent finished expertly after Richard Dunne misjudged Luka Modric's pass.
‘Benty' was there again for his 11th goal in all competitions to hand us the lead with 64 minutes on the clock and it went from bad to worse for City when Dunne was ordered off for dragging down the striker when clean through on goal.
In fairness, City's 10 men had showed real spirit to try and get back into the game and Heurelho Gomes produced two fine saves to deny first Robinho and then Stephen Ireland an equaliser.
"I thought we started the game well and passed the ball ever so well for the first 10, 15 minutes," reflected Harry.
"We had good control of the ball but suddenly found ourselves from having no problems to being 1-0 down.
"We had some opportunities - Modric went through, Bentley went through - and I felt we had enough about us to get back into the game even against 11 men.
"Let's not kid ourselves, I'd rather play against 10 than 11, but they sat behind the ball and it was difficult to get through them. It wasn't easy for us.
"It was a big win for us. We'd had three fantastic results, two terrific home wins, but this was a real test. We wanted to win away from home. There was a great feeling afterwards in the dressing room and that's what winning does for you."

Linked here.

Joe Jordan joins THFC coaching staff

2008-11-08T17:36:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Assistant Manager Kevin Bond has been joined by Joe Jordan to complete Harry Redknapp's First Team full-time coaching appointments.
Kevin joined the Club last week having previously worked with Harry at both Portsmouth and Southampton, and more recently spent almost two years as manager of Bournemouth.
The 51-year-old former central defender made his senior debut with Norwich City in 1976 where he played for a further five years, and earned two England B caps, before spending a short period in the United States with the Seattle Sounders
On his return to England, he played for four seasons with Manchester City up until 1984 when he transferred to Southampton. He returned to Bournemouth, where he began as a trainee, in 1988 before concluding his playing days at Exeter City.
Kevin's coaching career has also taken him to Manchester City and Newcastle United.
Joe joins us today ahead of our Premier League fixture against Manchester City.

The 56-year-old arrives as First Team Coach having previously been on the coaching staff at Portsmouth since 2005, including two spells under Harry's management.
A striker in his playing days, Joe played in three World Cups for Scotland in 1974, 1978 and 1982. He scored 11 goals in 52 internationals.
He kicked-off his career at Greenock Morton in 1968 before successful spells at Leeds United and Manchester United. He played in the European Cup Winners Cup Final for Leeds in 1973, won the First Division title in 1974 and then played in the European Cup Final in 1975.
He then moved to Old Trafford and played in the 1979 FA Cup Final before a move to AC Milan in 1981. Joe finished his playing days with spells at Hellas Verona, Southampton and Bristol City and later managed Bristol City, Hearts and Southampton, before joining Harry at Pompey.
Harry has also brought about the return of two ex Tottenham players as part-time coaches, Tim Sherwood and Les Ferdinand - their roles are currently being formalised.
Clive Allen remains in charge of the Development squad and will also assume First Team matchday duties.
Commenting on his coaching team, Harry said: "I am delighted to have Kevin and Joe with me here. They have both worked with me before, they are terrific football people and in my opinion they will bring so much to this Club.
"They have managed and coached at the top level and are two individuals who are not only friends but people who I can rely on 100% to do the job. You need people around you who you can trust and will back you and that is what I have got in Kevin and Joe.
"Clive has done a great job for me since I have been here. He will continue to work with me with the First Team, as well as contining his role with the Development squad. We will all muck in together.
"Tim and Les are also coming in to do a bit of work with the lads. Having them around the place will be great for us."

Linked here.

Uefa Cup Report: Spurs 4 Dynamo Zagreb 0

2008-11-06T16:54:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Darren Bent hit his first hat-trick for the Club and Tom Huddlestone struck one of the goals of the season in a comfortable 4-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb at The Lane.

The win gave us our first points in this season's UEFA Cup group stage and maintained Harry Redknapp's unbeaten run as Spurs manager.

Boosted by the confidence brought about from taking seven points from our last three Premier League games, the lads looked determined to put defeat against Udinese a fortnight ago well and truly behind them and were comfortable from start to finish against the Croatian champions.

We were on the attack fro early on, with Huddlestone hitting the side-netting with a curling shot from the edge of the box on eight minutes, while a goal-bound Luka Modric volley was accidentally blocked by Michael Dawson on 22 minutes.

At the other end, former Aston Villa striker Bosko Balaban put a free-kick from 25 yards narrowly wide, but we were controlling the game.

Bent finally broke the deadlock when a Modric cross from the left was missed by Huddlestone, but it fell to the striker at the back post who slammed into the roof of the net via a deflection off Igor Biscan.

He soon followed it up with his eighth of the season and second of the night, latching onto Huddlestone's throughball and sliding coolly underneath the goalkeeper.

It gave us a comfortable lead, and Heurelho Gomes made sure that was maintained going into the break with a smart save at his near post from Balaban on 42 minutes.

But there was no indication we were about to settle for the 2-0 scoreline, and we came out for the second half intent on adding to our tally.

It was a two minute spell around the hour mark that put the game beyond doubt and resulted in the game's memorable moment.

First, a stinging David Bentley shot from the edge of the box was parried away by Ivan Kelava and cleared to safety.

From the resulting throw, Modric beat a couple of his former team-mates and hit a shot into the near post which the goalkeeper once again had to deal with.

But there was nothing Kelava could do after that! Bentley's corner was aimed towards Huddlestone standing 30 yards out, who set himself and then caught the ball perfectly on the volley as it arrowed into the bottom corner.

It was a goal celebrated by the entire team, and one to rival Bentley's own wonder strike at the Emirates Stadium just over a week ago!

Huddlestone was pulling the strings from midfield with Bent a constant threat up-front, as he went looking for his hat-trick.

He thought he had it on 67 minutes when he chipped Huddlestone's throughball over the on-rushing keeper, only for it to be ruled out for offside.

But the moment Bent had been waiting did come three minutes later, and Huddlestone was once again the provider for his emphatic finish.

And to cap it all off, there was still time for some history to be made as John Bostock entered the fray as a 79th minute substitute for Bentley to become the Club's youngest ever player in a competitive first team match.

The midfielder, who signed from Crystal Palace in the summer, is aged 16 years, 295 days, and beat the previous record held by Ally Dick since 1982.

And the youngster nearly got himself on the scoresheet with a fantastic 25-yard effort on 84 minutes that whistled just past the post!

Spurs (4-4-1-1): Gomes; Hutton, Dawson, Woodgate (Gunter, 86), King, Bale; Bentley (Bostock, 79), Zokora, Huddlestone, Lennon; Modric (Campbell, 75); Bent
Subs not used: Cesar, Gilberto, Assou-Ekotto, Dervite
Zagreb (4-4-2): Kelava; Lovren, Drpic (Etto, 46), Biscan, Ibanez; Mikic, Vrodljak, Hrgovic, Mandzukic; Balaban (Badelj, 59), Sammir (Morales, 44)
Subs not used: Loncaric, Tomic, Tadic, Carlos

Linked here.

League Report: Spurs 2 Liverpool 1

2008-11-01T16:34:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Roman Pavlyuchenko's dramatic last minute winner completed our second amazing comeback in the space of a week as we defeated high-flying Liverpool 2-1 at The Lane.

After our fightback from 4-2 down to take a point off Arsenal on Wednesday, Harry Redknapp's unbeaten run as Spurs manager continued despite the Reds dominating for large periods off this game.

It looked certain as if Rafa Benitez's men would reclaim their lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League once they took control following Dirk Kuyt's early opener.

But their failure to extend their lead sparked the belief coursing through Redknapp's men at the moment.

However, signs were there even before kick-off that it may not be our day as Jermaine Jenas limped out of the warm-up and was replaced in the starting line-up by Didier Zokora.

In other changes, skipper Ledley King came back into the side at centre-half, with Jamie O'Hara taking his place on the left-hand side of midfield and Darren Bent starting up-front.

But any confidence we were hoping to carry into this encounter from Wednesday's derby was quickly shot to pieces.

A Liverpool throw was worked into the path of Kuyt by Robbie Keane, and the Dutchman slammed into the top corner from a tight angle.

It could have quickly gone from bad to worse when Bent sliced a Reds corner towards his own goal, forcing Heurelho Gomes into a sharp reflex save.

And the visitors were generally in control for the majority of the half without really creating a great deal of chances.

But as the long as the scores remained at 1-0, we were still very much in the game, and Harry's men started to come back into it later on in the first half.

On 22 minutes, a cross-field ball from Luka Modric was nicely controlled by David Bentley for Vedran Corluka to put in a teasing first-time cross which nobody could get on the end of.

Modric himself then forced Pepe Reina into action for the first time three minutes before the break with a low volley from the edge of the box.

Redknapp further stated our intent at half-time by bringing on Pavlyuchenko to partner Bent in attack.

And as soon as the game re-started, the big Russian got into action, hitting a volley wide from the edge of the box.

But this only proved to be the cue for a Liverpool onslaught over the next 15 minutes, in which it is hard to believe they did not extend their lead.

On 50 minutes, a strong run from Kuyt was halted in the box, and although King reacted quickly to block Steven Gerrard's resultant shot, the ball skimmed off the wet surface and needed a full-stretch save from Gomes to tip onto the post.

Three minutes later, our woodwork was disturbed again as the goalkeeper left a pass to his captain a touch short, enabling Keane to intercet and play in Gerrard for a cheeky chip that bounced off the bar.

In the same minute, an Alvaro Arbeloa cross was touched on by Keane, and Kuyt put wide on the stretch at the back post.

The danger wasn't over there. Gerrard fizzed a free-kick into the back post on 57 minutes, and Xabi Alonso should have done better with his header.

And Gerrard himself then curled another effort wide from the edge of the box after an Albert Riera shot was closed down.

To say we rode our luck is an understatement - but in a game like this against a dominant side, there is no doubt luck is exactly what we needed.

And it came on 69 minutes. Bentley's corner into the near post was glanced into his own net by Jamie Carragher, sending the White Hart Lane crowd into raptures.

It gave the fans further hope that Harry's lucky streak looks set to continue, as nobody can argue the equaliser came well against the run of play.

Liverpool did not know what had hit them, and there looked to be only one team who was going to go on and take all three points from here.

Pavlyuchenko could have won it earlier when Bentley burst through a challenge from Andrea Dossena on the right wing nine minutes from time, and although his cross was miss-hit, Bent's challenge did enough to distract Reina, who could only punch as far as the Russian on the edge of the box

The striker set himself up, side-stepped a defender, but then agonisingly put his eventual shot high and wide.

However, in true Spurs fashion, we decided to go for maximum excitement and entertainment in stoppage time.

Bentley's stinging shot from the edge of the box forced Reina into a full-stretch save, and as Bent turned the loose ball back across the face of goal, there was Pavlyuchenko to tap home and atone for his earlier miss.

It was the summer signing's second goal in three league games, and what a way to win the hearts of his new fans following his August switch from Spartak Moscow.

What's more, the winner took us off the bottom of the league, making it a memorable evening at The Lane!

Spurs (4-4-1-1): Gomes; Corluka, Woodgate, King, Assou-Ekotto (Hutton, 46); Bentley, Zokora, Huddlestone, O'Hara (Pavlyuchenko, 46); Modric (Lennon, 76); Bent
Subs not used: Cesar, Bale, Campbell, Gunter
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Reina; Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Dossena; Mascherano, Alonso; Kuyt, Gerrard, Riera (Benayoun, 78); Keane (Babel, 66)
Subs not used: Cavalieri, Hyypia, Aurelio, Leiva, El Zhar

Linked here.

Financial Results ending June 2008

2008-10-30T22:20:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

The Club's financial results for the year ending June, 2008 have been released to the Stock Exchange this morning and include an important announcement in respect of our Stadium Development Project.
For our financial results in full, CLICK HERE...
A full announcement on our Stadium Development Project - the Northumberland Development Project - appears separately on the site. CLICK HERE for this announcement...

Linked here.

New Stadium Plans

2008-10-30T22:17:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

• A world-class scheme incorporating a new stadium with a capacity of 60,000, a Club museum, new shops, new homes, a new base for the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and important new public space
• Delivered on the current site and adjacent land, ending concerns about a move out of the Borough
• No need for a temporary move during construction
• Significant local benefits and a huge boost to the area
• Potential catalyst for wider regeneration and further investment
• First public exhibition to open from 14 November - 18 November
The Club is delighted to announce that, having concluded an extensive review of suitable sites and viable alternatives, its preferred stadium option is to remain at the Club's spiritual home in Tottenham - the option known to be the fans' favourite.
The existing 36,000 capacity stadium has remained unchanged for over a decade and the club is currently in the position of having 70,000 registered club members and a waiting list for season tickets of around 22,000 people.
The Club is preparing plans for a world class scheme incorporating a new stadium, Club museum, shops and homes, new facilities for the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and important public space. The plans will enable the team to remain at the current site throughout construction.
Daniel Levy, Chairman of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club said:
"The Northumberland Development Project would deliver a world class scheme and substantial new investment for Haringey and our supporters. It represents a significant step in the growth of the Club, with a proposed stadium capacity of 60,000 and would provide state-of-the-art facilities, important public space, new jobs and homes and a significant boost for the local economy.
"It would also enable us to provide a new base for the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation so that its award winning programmes can continue and have an even greater impact in the local community.
"Tottenham Hotspur is proud of its roots in Haringey. We have been in the Borough for 126 years and the Club is inextricably linked with this part of London. We believe that this scheme has the potential to create a truly inspirational environment for the Club and the community as well as acting as the catalyst for the uplift of the wider area.
"We are at an early stage of what is part of our long term plans for the Club and now we want the views of local people and our fans. I hope people will take the time to look at our plans and let us have their comments."
Councillor George Meehan, Leader of Haringey Council, said:
"I am delighted that Tottenham Hotspur has confirmed its commitment to remain in our borough.
"We have always regarded Spurs as one of Haringey's prime assets. They bring major economic benefits to our borough and carry out some excellent community work through the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.
"But more than anything, Spurs has played an integral role in giving a sense of identity to the area it calls home. Tottenham would not be Tottenham without its football club.
"We have been working extremely hard to regenerate the Tottenham area, which suffered so much from industrial decline. Real progress is being made, and it is extremely pleasing that Spurs has demonstrated that they share our commitment to this continuing regeneration.
"But, as always, we will consider very carefully any plans that are submitted to us, as we strive to ensure that a new stadium delivers real benefits for all who live and work in the area."
The plans, which will be unveiled at the first public exhibition later this month, cover an area of around 20 acres including the site of the current ground and the adjacent industrial estate. The new stadium would be sited largely to the North of the existing one.
In policy terms, the area is within the 'Tottenham High Road Regeneration Corridor' and identified in the Haringey Unitary Development Plan (UDP) as a "major site for potential redevelopment" to act as a "catalyst for prime regeneration".
The transport infrastructure around the stadium is already in place, with 4 stations (White Hart Lane, Northumberland Park, Seven Sisters and Tottenham Hale) and over 100 buses an hour serving the stadium area. Together these deliver a total capacity in excess of 90,000 passengers an hour.
The recent introduction of a match-day Controlled Parking Zone together with improved dedicated match-day services and a public information campaign to supporters, means that just over a third of people now come by car with the majority using public transport.
The Club will now undertake a thorough consultation programme with the local community and will also continue to consult with supporters. A first public exhibition is being organised to present the Club's vision for the area with the public invited to make comment on the plans. These comments will be considered and more detailed information will then be presented at a second exhibition before a planning application is submitted to Haringey Council.
The exhibition will take place in the Bill Nicholson Suite at the stadium during the following times:

- Friday 14 November, 10am - 5pm
- Saturday 15 November, 10am - 5pm
- Sunday 16 November, 10am - 5pm
- Monday 17 November, 12pm - 8pm
- Tuesday 18 November, 10am - 5pm
As always we shall look to keep you, our supporters, along with the local community of Haringey, as informed and up-to-date as possible.
On Friday 14 November, the Club will launch a special section of the website dedicated to our future plans. Please visit it at www.tottenhamhotspur.com/futureplans to see the emerging plans and to let us have your comments
Whilst we are at the beginning of a long process, should we receive the necessary planning permissions, preference will be given to existing season ticket holders and corporate customers to retain their status in a new stadium. Priority for any new season tickets will go to our One Hotspur Bronze members, who make up our season ticket waiting list. Any current season ticket holders who are interested in obtaining additional tickets for friends and/or family members in a new stadium will therefore need to ensure those individuals are signed up to the One Hotspur Bronze membership scheme.

Linked here.

League Report: Ar5ena1 4 Spurs 4

2008-10-30T22:15:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Lads pass character test

Harry Redknapp praised the spirit and character of the side after our fantastic late, late show gained a precious point at Arsenal on Wednesday night.

David Bentley's wonder goal put us ahead but set-piece goals either side of half-time and Emmanuel Adebayor's strike on 64 minutes put the home side in the driving seat.

Darren Bent responded for 3-2 but any hopes of a comeback appeared quashed just over a minute later when Adebayor set up Robin Van Persie for 4-2.

The clock had ticked into the final 90 seconds when Gael Clichy slipped on halfway, Jermaine Jenas picked up the ball, dribbled to the edge of the bx and curled into the far corner for 4-3.

Four minutes of added time soon went up and with the clock showing 48.15, Luka Modric hit a dipper against the post and Aaron Lennon was on hand to bury the rebound for 4-4.

"Amazing," said Harry. "I thought at 1-0 with 10 minutes to half-time, let's get to half-time 1-0 up because it's going to be a tight game.

"We couldn't defend the set-pieces though, got back into the game at 3-2 then gave a terrible goal away and it looked all over at 4-2 but full credit to the lads, we kept going and pulled an amazing result out of the bag.

"I thought we started well. We got a great goal from David Bentley, passed the ball well - I felt we passed it as well as them in the first half.

"Suddenly we conceded from a set-piece, Silvestre wasn't picked up well and then we came out second half and conceded a second goal from a set-piece, we're 2-1 down in no time.

"It was then 3-1 but we got back to 3-2 and were thinking 'let's see what we're made of' but before we had a chance of doing anything we gave another goal away.

"So credit to the lads. We kept going and showed a lot of character."

Linked here.

League Report: Le Arse 4 Spurs 4

2008-10-29T23:19:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Harry Redknapp admitted he hoped for 'one more chance' when we made it 4-3 with time running out at Arsenal - his prayers were answered as Aaron Lennon slotted the equaliser deep into injury time.
A game that had everything looked to be out of our reach when Robin Van Persie slammed home Arsenal's fourth goal for a 4-2 lead with just over 20 minutes left.
However, with 88 minutes on the clock, Gael Clichy slipped on half-way, Jermaine Jenas picked up the loose ball and drove forward before curling a cracker from the edge of the box for 4-3.
It wasn't over though. Three minutes and 15 seconds into four minutes of added time, Tom Huddlestone headed forward, Luka Modric swivelled to hit a volley that cannoned off the post and Aaron Lennon was there to slot home the equaliser.
"Time was running out and it looked all over at 4-2 down," reflected Harry at the Emirates.
"Once it went to 4-3 we had nothing to lose. We went for it. We stuck Jonathan Woodgate up front and knew that either they would score again or, hopefully, we would get one more chance.
"We got that chance and took it.
"It's a fantastic result, a great point for us. You would always take a point at Arsenal anyway but the lads showed a real never-say-die attitude.
"To score four goals away from home shows what quality we have as well. It was an amazing game to be involved in."

Linked here.

EPL Match Report: Spurs 2 Bolton 0

2008-10-26T13:03:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Harry Redknapp's first game as the new Spurs manager resulted in our first league victory of the season as we defeated Bolton Wanderers 2-0 at The Lane.

Roman Pavlyuchenko's first Barclays Premier League goal and a nerves-of-steel penalty from substitute Darren Bent gave us the points - and the Club a much-needed lift after an eventful week.

It is difficult to judge how much of an effect the events of the previous 24 hours had had on the team, but the players certainly came out of the traps seeming like they were looking to prove a point.

The team had a slightly new look, with Tom Huddlestone being brought back into the midfield, David Bentley onto the right flank, and Pavlyuchenko into the lone striker role with Luka Modric in a more advanced position just in behind.

Bentley in particular had an added drive about him to begin with, bringing to the side the sort of delivery our attacking players crave.

That goes especially for Pavlyuchenko, and he proved to be the main beneficiary of the service after 17 minutes.

Ten minutes earlier, only Andy O'Brien's brave defending denied the Russian from tapping home Bentley's in-swinging corner.

But the next time the big striker was found by the former Blackburn man, he made no mistake as he got in between the defenders to power a header firmly into Jussi Jaaskelainen's bottom right-hand corner from 15 yards, sending the White Hart Lane crowd into raptures.

We have talked about for some time how key scoring the first goal in a game could be to our improvement, so was this to be the difference? At first it seemed as if it might prove to be a false dawn as we experienced a spell of pressure.

Most of it was of our own doing. A defensive mix-up on 28 minutes put Heurelho Gomes in all sorts of trouble, and as the ball run free to Kevin Davies, the forward did extremely well to come to within millimetres of equalising from a tight angle.

Three minutes later, we again failed to clear our lines as Matt Taylor sent a low shot inches wide from the edge of the box.

And we had Ledley King's goal-line clearance to thank for once again keeping the visitors out on 34 minutes after Johan Elmander capitalised on a half-cleared free-kick.

It was clear we needed a second goal to give our lead that important protective cushion, and to be fair, we certainly got ourselves together and went looking for it at the end of the half.

Two chances fell to Huddlestone, the first just inches out after Jaaskelainen spilled a Bentley free-kick at his feet, only for the big man to volley over.

But then the England Under-21 international created an opening for himself, side-stepping Gary Cahill on the edge of the box before unleashing a rasping left foot shot which whistled just past the post.

However, Bolton emerged for the second half intent on finding the equaliser they felt they deserved, and it seemed as if it would take a little bit of luck to turn a fast-approaching tide back in our favour.

That came on 56 minutes when Bolton's tough-tackling midfielder was sent off for a second bookable offence, and we looked to capitalise immediately.

First, a nice one-two between Huddlestone a Modric resulted in the latter getting free on the left-hand side of the penalty area, and he should have done better with his shot which went straight at Jaaskelainen.

Then Jamie O'Hara took a leaf out of Huddlestone's book, side-stepping a couple of defenders on the edge of the box before hitting a fierce shot that was just too high.

Bolton's answer was to bombard Gomes with high balls at every opportunity, and it could have paid off for them on a couple of occasions.

On 62 minutes, a punch from the Brazilian goalkeeper fell to Kevin Nolan on the edge of the box, who fired over, and four minutes later a similar fist away from Gomes landed perfectly for Fabrice Muamba to attempt a volleyed lob, which fortunately dropped onto the roof of the net.

We needed some fresh impetus, and Harry duly delivered his first tactical manoeuvres as our new manager with a touch of renowned genius.

Pavlyuchenko had gone a touch quiet on his road back from an ankle injury, and he was replaced by Bent in a straight swap, while Aaron Lennon took over from Jamie O'Hara on the left flank.

Almost immediately, Bent was given the chance to put his fresh legs to use as Modric put him through, but his shot was well saved by Jaaskelainen.

Lennon also got a piece of the action soon after his introduction, but he failed to convert after another Jaaskelainen save from Huddlestone fell to him 10 yards out.

But it was Bent who was to have the defining say in this match, as his awareness and determination to chase down a loose ball after a Modric shot had been saved drew a foul out of the Finnish goalkeeper and resulted in a penalty.

There was only one man who was going to take it, as our top scorer grabbed the ball and didn't let go until he had placed it on the spot and slammed home his fifth goal of the season - in the process sealing our first league win of it.

As the final whistle blew and the crowd let out their biggest cheer of the season so far, it was clear the players had embraced this brave new era for the Club as much as anyone, giving Harry plenty to be encouraged about before he takes office on Monday.

Spurs (4-4-1-1): Gomes; Hutton, Corluka, King, Assou-Ekotto; Bentley, Jenas, Huddlestone, O'Hara (Lennon, 71); Modric; Pavlyuchenko (Bent, 67)
Subs not used: Cesar, Zokora, Gunter, Giovani, Campbell
Bolton (4-1-4-1) Jaaskelainen; Steinsson, Cahill, A O'Brien, Samuel; McCann; Davies, Nolan, Muamba (Gardner, 85), Taylor; Elmander (Riga, 85)
Subs not used: Al Habsi, Hunt, Smolarek, Helguson, Shittu

Linked here.

Team News, Loan Extensions: Oct 26, 2008

2008-10-26T10:44:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Tom Huddlestone, Vedran Corluka and Roman Pavlyuchenko are back in contention for Sunday's match with Bolton Wanderers.

Tom has returned to full training after missing the trip to Udinese with a knee injury, while Roman and Vedran are available again after being cup-tied for Thursday's UEFA Cup tie.

Gareth Bale and Michael Dawson will miss the visit of Gary Megson's side due to suspension.

LOANS EXTENDED
Andy Barcham and David Button have had their loans, at Gillingham and Grays Athletic respectively, extended by one month.

Linked here.

Open Letter form the Chairman, Oct 2008

2008-10-26T09:17:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Dear Supporter,

How quickly things change in football. Our pre-season form, our start to the transfer window and early summer signings had everyone optimistic for the season ahead. The last few days of that window and our poor start to the season has seen all that change. This has been a difficult period for the Club and many questions are being asked and much criticism levelled. I should like to update you on some important developments announced a short while ago, to answer some of your questions and also to outline our thinking as we look to improve our current position going forward.

We have faced many key challenges as we have progressed over the last few seasons and we have had to take important decisions at crucial times - without the wonderful benefit of hindsight and always under full public scrutiny. As such, they have been judgement calls. Some of our decisions and judgements may at times be unpopular with our fans but we always take decisions we believe to be in the best interests of our Club, at the time we make them, and for the right reasons. In many cases, it is simply not possible or practical for all of the factors involved to enter the public domain and I do understand that this can alter or impair the perception of why something has or hasn't been done.

Today, as formally announced by the Club, I have made one such important judgement call and in doing so I have taken some very difficult decisions. Relieving Juande Ramos, our Head Coach, and Juande's assistants, Gus Poyet and Marcos Alvarez, of their posts is not something I have undertaken lightly.

Unfortunately, our record of just three League wins since our memorable Carling Cup victory against Chelsea last February, combined with our extremely poor start to the season, led the Board and I to determine that significant change was necessary as a matter of urgency. We are grateful to Juande, Gus and Marcos for all their hard work - they are incredibly professional, committed individuals and I regret that their time in the Premier League has not gone as well as we had all hoped..

The English Premier League is an unforgiving competition - time was no longer on our side and was a luxury we simply could not afford. We have quite clearly not performed to the best of our ability for many months now and our poor run of form is not something we could allow to continue unchecked.

In appointing Harry Redknapp as our new manager, we are delighted to have secured the services of someone we have long since admired and whose track record and knowledge of all levels of football, including importantly the Premier League, is outstanding. I know Harry is relishing the opportunity of managing a Club he knows well, not least from his son Jamie's time here as a player and Captain, and of re-invigorating and restoring confidence to a squad of highly talented international players. With his great knowledge of the game and his excellent motivational skills, Harry has inspired his teams to consistently over-perform, whilst his preferred attacking style of playing the game sits comfortably with our Club's history, heritage and the type of entertaining football our fans want and expect to see.

We have spent around £175m on new players over the last 3 years. The purchasing of players is a critical aspect of our Club and, given our current position, it is essential that we go into the January transfer window with absolute confidence in the advice being offered to the Board. Following a meeting of the Directors and a full review of our football management structure, I can also inform you that Damien Comolli has left the Club with immediate effect. Damien will not be directly replaced.

In my opinion, and with the benefit that comes with running our Club with and without a Sporting Director in the past seven years, the successful management of a football club is not about structures or job titles. As in most businessess, it's about people: their personal qualities, their knowledge, their experience, their relationships, communication skills, interaction with colleagues, leadership and, of course, their ability.

In Harry, we are also accepting with his appointment that now is the right time for us to move back to a more traditional style of football management at our Club. one which we believe will be capable of initiating our climb back up the Premier League table and to maintaining our challenge in the UEFA, Carling and FA Cup competitions.

However, I should stress that we are not in this current position because of any single factor or any one individual. Human nature often dictates the need to find someone or something to blame, but in these circumstances we need all our energies to be directed instead to supporting the team and improving our League position. Nothing else matters at this time.

That said, and without dwelling too much on last summer, I do also want to take this opportunity to address some of the other concerns you have raised. Many of the questions I have been asked and much of the reasoning for our poor start to the season has centred on our striker options. I do not believe this to be the sole reason, but I do feel it is important to set out the facts once again regarding the sale of two popular and talented strikers: Keane and Berbatov.

Robbie Keane's departure was undoubtedly the shock of the summer. I personally had an excellent relationship with Robbie and he was one player that I always thought would end his career at the Club. I know you all felt the same. I was as disappointed as any of you when he informed me that he wanted to join what he described as his favourite boyhood club. Against this background and despite his obvious professionalism, our coaching staff felt that it would be very difficult to expect Robbie to continue to be such a positive influence in our dressing room when he so clearly wanted to leave us. The decision to sell Robbie was therefore not a financial one, although in such circumstances it was vital for our Club to secure the maximum possible value for a player of Robbie's ability.

The sale of Dimitar was an entirely different matter. Dimitar first intimated to Martin Jol that he wanted to join Manchester United after just one season at our Club - and just 10 days before the end of the summer 2007 transfer window. At that time, the coaching staff's preference was to let Dimitar go and for us to replace him. This was not something I would allow - at any price - as I felt that Dimitar's request was completely unreasonable. From that moment on, we obviously knew we had an issue and we spent many hours over the course of the season that followed trying to persuade Dimitar to stay. I rebuffed a number of approaches from clubs , including Manchester United, this May and again in early July. Despite press stories to the contrary, there was no extended period of negotiation with Manchester United and their July offer of £20m was not increased until they contacted us again in the last few days of the transfer window.

The internal decision to sell Dimitar at the beginning of the window was premised on a suitable replacement being found and on the assumption that Dimitar couldn't be persuaded to change his mind. Under FIFA regulations, if a players signs a contract before his 28th birthday, he has only to serve 3 years of that contract before he can terminate it and join a new club. Whilst some compensation is payable under such circumstances the level of compensation is set by a third party body in accordance with predeteremined factors, and in Dimitar's case would have been but a small fraction of the fee we received from Manchester United. But even this was not the final determining factor in our decision to part company with him. Despite the potential cost to the Club and knowing that our efforts to sign an additional, experienced striker had failed, the final decision on whether or not to sell Dimitar was not a financial decision but a footballing one. It was felt that he had not been a positive influence on the pitch or in the dressing room and that this would continue.

The timing of the actual transfer of Dimitar was completely immaterial and unconnected to our bringing in a replacement for him. We had been aware for a long period that he was likely to leave and our negotiations to get the best fee for him was independent of our work to replace both him (as we did with Pavyluchenko) and Robbie, with experienced strikers.

The ultimate failure - as I have said before - of our dealings in this summer's transfer window was not about the departure of two good strikers, or because we have operated a structure that happens to have had a Sporting Director and a Head Coach, or because our financial parameters are too rigid - after all, let´s not forget that we did bring in much quality to enhance our current squad. Quite simply, we failed because we were not as decisive or as successful in identifying or replacing the two strikers as early as we should have been. Perhaps these insights will help once and for all to de-bunk the myths that have been perpetuated around these transfers.

There is also an inaccurate perception that our Club is run entirely for profit and that football is secondary. Success on the pitch is the sole determinant to the future of the Club and its financial stability, so it would be entirely counter-productive to have anything other than football as our first and foremost priority and it is ridiculous to suggest otherwise. At a time when football clubs are criticised for losing money and for their debt levels, I am surprised that we should be criticised for running our Club on a sound commercial basis and for making a profit. Thank goodness we do make a profit because it has significantly supported the progress we have made over the last seven years and has helped to make us one of Europe's most secure Clubs. I make no apologies for the fact that we reinvest the Club's positive cash flow in both players and infrastructure.

And so back to looking ahead and to redress our current position.

Firstly, in Harry, we have secured the services of an excellent Manager of proven Premier League quality. Harry will be working with a squad of quality internationals. We must not forget that this team, without the benefit of three additional players at the time (Pavlyuchenko, Corluka, Campbell), gave a more than creditable performance against the current League leaders. I have spoken to the senior players in recent days and I know the players share our frustration and I know they will dig deep to produce the performances we know they are capable of - they have our full support - and support for the team is absolutely critical at this time.

We have all been subjected to much criticism - myself, the Board, coaching staff and players - having now made what I considered to be necessary, sweeping changes to our football management team, we must re-assert ourselves, regain our focus, and answer our critics in the best way possible - by winning games again.

Secondly, we must prepare ourselves to take advantage of the January transfer window. Harry's experience of the UK and international transfer market will be of critical importance and I shall be looking to Harry for clarity on our priorities. As Chairman, and as previously in our former structure, I must, ultimately, rely on the knowledge and judgement of my technical staff to give me a clear football-based view and recommendation on our transfer targets.

I can assure you that everyone here, from the Board to our most junior staff member, shares the frustration and disappointment of the season so far, but I can also assure you that all of us in every area of the Club are doing what we can to help the players to produce the level of performance and the consistent good results our fans expect and all of us crave.

We have achieved too much over the last seven years - three successive qualifications for Europe, a League Cup win, Training Centre planning permission - and still more to announce - to allow this to be overtaken and thrown away overnight. We have suffered a set back and we have taken strong action.

I have received numerous e-mails and letters from supporters offering advice and suggestions on how the Club should be run and what we should and should not do. I do appreciate the time people take to write to me and when the e-mails or letters are constructive and not abusive, I can assure you that I read as many as I can. And I do take notice of your views. Indeed, I have been heartened by the fact that the over-riding response from our supporters has been one of determination to get behind the team. Too often in difficult times supporters can forget that their support is needed even more than ever. The team will tell you how much of a difference it can make to them on the pitch. White Hart Lane needs to once again become the fortress it was, not so very long ago. With your tremendous support it can.

Finally, I know I am sometimes criticised for appearing too business-focused, too uncommunicative, or simply for not being emotional enough when it concerns our team. The majority of our fans know that it's simply not my way to seek a high profile. I do not crave publicity, neither do I believe it is necessary to do my job. I would prefer our team to make the headlines, for the right reasons. We now have a manager who is a great communicator to players, fans and the media alike and I shall also, personally, look to keep you all informed and your questions answered as we progress through the season.

Your support has never been more important - and we are grateful to so many of you for the messages of support and encouragement the Club has received during this difficult period. Now's the time for all of us to pull together and to get behind Harry and the team.

Yours, Daniel

Lined here.

Club Announcement: Confirmed

2008-10-26T09:15:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

The Club is delighted to announce that it has appointed Harry Redknapp as Manager.

A full announcement and statement from the Chairman, Daniel Levy, will follow shortly.

Linked here.

Club Announcement: Redknapp?

2008-10-26T00:25:00.002-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

The Club has requested permission to hold discussions with Harry Redknapp and Portsmouth FC has reluctantly agreed.

Linked here.

Club Announcement: Ramos out

2008-10-26T00:23:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

The Club can announce that Damien Comolli, Sporting Director, Juande Ramos, Head Coach and First Team Coaches, Marcos Alvarez and Gus Poyet, have left the Club, with immediate effect. We wish them well.

Clive Allen, Development Squad Coach, and Alex Inglethorpe, Youth Team Manager, will take charge for Sunday's League match against Bolton.

An announcement will be made on First Team coaching staff in due course.

Linked here.

UEFA Cup Match report: Udinese 2 Spurs 0

2008-10-23T18:19:00.002-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

TEAM NEWS - Juande Ramos makes three changes from Sunday's loss at Stoke, the most notable the return of skipper Ledley King in place of cup-tied Vedran Corluka. Jamie O'Hara and Benoit Assou-Ekotto also return for Luka Modric and David Bentley.

FULL TIME: UDINESE 2, SPURS 0
85.14: GOAL-UDINESE Classic counter-attack, De Agostino angled pass to Quagliarella, he unselfishly rolled to Pepe who finished off the post from 12 yards.
84.30: CHANCE - SPURS/SAVE - HANDANOVIC. Giovani broke down the right flank, managed to dig out a cross from byline for Bent to power header at goal from six yards, unbelievable reactions from Handanovic to tip over.
83.10: King glanced header straight at Handanovic, but whistle already blown for foul.
81.42: YELLOW CARD - UDINESE. Isla.
78.26: SUB - UDINESE. Pepe for Sanchez.
76.50: Gomes out sharply to save at feet of Quagliarella.
73.27: YELLOW CARD - UDINESE. D'Agostino.
70.39: Jenas chipped a free-kick in looking for King, half-cleared, bits and pieces not falling to us at the moment.
63mins: Formation is now Bale at left-back, Zokora at centre-back, Giovani has come on and gone to right midfield with Lennon on the left. Playing a 4-4-1 with Hutton pushing on.
62.57: SUB - SPURS. Giovani for Woodgate.
62.43: YELLOW CARD - SPURS. Bale.
62.20: SAVE - GOMES. Sanchez superb crossfield pass from right to left to pick out Di Natale's run, Di Natale clipped the ball over Gomes but the keeper managed to track back and tip aside diving backwards.
57.12: SAVE - GOMES. Save of the game - D'Agostino swung in free-kick from right touchline that found its way through to Domizzi at far post, six yards out, Gomes threw himself at it to block.
56.20: YELLOW CARD/RED CARD - SPURS. O'Hara for foul on Sanchez.
55.16: YELLOW CARD - SPURS. O'Hara.
53.55: D'Agostino angled shot wide from 25 yards.
51.30: Lennon involved down the right again, inside to Modric, shooting chance but crowded out. Corner punched away by Handanovic.
50.17: SAVE - GOMES. Hutton robbed as he tried to break forward, Sanchez played into Quagliarella, aimed low shot to near post from the edge of the box that Gomes did well to get down to.
48.50: Bale curled free-kick from 30 yards a couple of yards over.
O'Hara has switched to left-back, Modric in usual midfield role.
2ND HALF KICKS OFF
Half-time: SUB - SPURS. Modric for Assou-Ekotto.
7.09pm UK: Teams on their way back out.
HALF-TIME: UDINESE 1, SPURS 0
39.04: CHANCE - SPURS. Handanovic completed missed Bale's inswinging corner, ball fell to Hutton who couldn't get a clear sight of goal, eventually laid back to O'Hara who blazed over from 20 yards.
37.32: Hutton clipped ball up to Bent, who controlled but was then fouled by Domizzi. Good position for free-kick but Bale curled into the wall.
31.19: Gomes flew out to punch away a corner, didn't really get it, ball fell to Quagliarella but two efforts blocked well by King.
30.37: SAVE - GOMES. Keeper had to be alert to turn aside a D'Agostino's 25-yarder.
23.45: YELLOW CARD - UDINESE. Lukovic.
23.45: YELLOW CARD - SPURS. Gomes.
23.37: GOAL - UDINESE. Di Natale drilled the penalty home to Gomes' right, keeper guessed the right way but too much power. Udinese 1, Spurs 0	Udinese 1, Spurs 0" src="http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/images/matchtracker/goal.gif">
22.39: PENALTY - UDINESE. Gomes miscontrolled a backpass stumbled slightly and that allowed Quagliarella to nip in. Gomes tried to shift the ball around him and clear, Quagliarella got in front of him and Gomes was adjudged to have brought him down.
19.37: Lennon looks to have measure of left-back Lukovic and beat him again, drilled in cross that Handanovic spilled, ball out to Zokora who smashed high and wide from 30 yards.
18.27: O'Hara took aim from fully 30 yards after a free-kick was half-cleared, effort always going over but had Handanovic scurrying back towards his line.
16.58: Di Natale beat offside down the left, time to pick his cross but hit tame ball into near post, collected by Gomes.
14.34: CHANCE - SPURS. Jenas drove into the box from the inside right channel, got to the byline and clipped perfect cross to the back post for Bent, looked like he had a bit more time but elected for header, didn't get enough on it to trouble Handanovic.
12.23: Great spot from O'Hara to pick out Bale's run behind Motta, controlled on chest but ball ran away from Bale and Coda cleared.
9.58: Jenas and Lennon combined down the right, Lennon low cross took a nasty skip in front of Handanovic, who claimed anyway.
8.50: Assou-Ekotto did well to clear from Sanchez.
5.44: King forced into spectacular diving header away as Inler crossed from the right. Gomes flying punch to clear the corner.
3.52: CLOSE - UDINESE. Quagliarella stooped to flick D'Agostino's whipped free-kick from the left just wide with Gomes scrambling to his left.
1.30: Gomes out to claim as Quagliarella chased a long ball, no danger.
1.05: Bright start, Bent won a throw down the left, Bale crossed twice, the second just over the head of Jenas and hacked away by Lukovic.
1ST HALF KICKS OFF
6.08pm: Captains Ledley King and Di Natale to centre for coin toss. Udinese to kick-off, we attack the end where our fans are congregated.
6.07pm UK: Teams on their way out.
5.59pm UK time: Welcome to the Stadio Friuli! Bit of a breezy night, a breeze felt in an open stadium. Flags waving everywhere at the moment. Both teams have been out, warmed up and gone back to the changing rooms.

Linked here.

Match Report: Stoke 2 Spurs 1

2008-10-20T22:51:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of the Official Site-

Juande Ramos felt the second goal did the damage as we suffered a 2-1 reverse at Stoke on Sunday.
Stoke grabbed that vital goal when Rory Delap rammed home Mamady Sidibe's cross in the 53rd minute of a bruising encounter at the Britannia Stadium.
The home side were handed an advantage after just 17 minutes when Gareth Bale felled Tom Soares as he was through on goal. Bale was sent off, Danny Higginbotham drilled home from the penalty and we were left with 10 men for the final 70-plus minutes.
However, the 10 men responded by taking the game by the scruff of the neck, dictating play and deservingly equalising when Darren Bent finished well from close range.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis later admitted his side needed half-time and they returned for the second half a different team - Delap scored and Ricardo Fuller missed a penalty before rattling the woodwork in the final seconds.
Vedran Corluka was stretchered off after being clattered by Heurelho Gomes - see update below - and to add insult to injury, we picked up a second straight red of the afternoon when Michael Dawson was sent off for a tackle on Fuller.
Three players went off injured - Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen and defender Ibrahima Sonka alongside Corluka - and that was reflected in 11 minutes of added time.
"It's difficult to explain games like this," reflected Head Coach Juande afterwards. "We had two penalties against us and two men sent off.
"The first was a penalty but perhaps the red card was a little harsh, it should have been a yellow card.
"It was difficult with 10 men but the team played well for the rest of the first half. The team played correctly, we drew level and we created chances
"The second goal for Stoke made it difficult for us but I thought the attitude of the players was very good."
CORLUKA UPDATE
Vedran Corluka was stretchered off in the second half after being knocked out after a collision with Heurelho Gomes. He regained consciousness later, has had head and neck X-rays and everything appears to be okay.

Linked here.

THFC Launces Partnership with San Jose Earthquakes

2008-10-11T17:31:00.002-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

The Club is delighted to announce the formation of an extensive partnership with MLS team San Jose Earthquakes.

The agreement will focus on football and commercial development that will see the implementation of a best practice exchange programme, with the objective of creating a lasting bond between the two clubs.

Tottenham Hotspur will invest time and resources into the development of San Jose Earthquakes on and off the pitch as well as working across charity and community based initiatives.

Our Development Coach Clive Allen, who was one of very few players ever to make the crossover into gridiron football, said: "The relationship will provide us with the opportunity to exchange coaches and methodology as well as providing a base for the Club in any future US tours. Our aim is to support the development of MLS by using our wealth of experience in the game on a number of levels. Football development will certainly be an integral part of the partnership, but other areas of our infrastructure will be beneficial models such as the work we do in the community with the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation."

Lew Wolff, co-owner of the San Jose Earthquakes, said: "The Earthquakes and Major League Soccer are delighted and excited with the creation of this professional soccer relationship with Tottenham Hotspur. We believe our partnership with a club of such great football tradition unites the Premier League in England with the soccer league in the US."

One of the clear objectives of the alliance is to provide Spurs fans abroad with the opportunity to engage with the Club, with both senior and youth team visits to the US envisaged in the near future.

Paul Barber, Tottenham Hotspur Executive Director, highlighted the commercial benefits for the Club: "This agreement with San Jose Earthquakes will provide us with an excellent opportunity to access a key region in a global market. As a Club we are continually looking for innovative ways to evolve and our partnership with the Earthquakes will enable us to market Tottenham Hotspur to a wider audience. We already have a fanbase within the state of California and the opportunity to grow the brand in the US is very appealing."

The Club has already capitalised on previous tours of the US and benefit from an existing presence stateside with supporters clubs located in San Francisco, LA, New York, Chicago and Canada.

Tottenham Hotspur first visited the US in 1951 to play Manchester United at Yankee Stadium, New York. The match ended with a 7-1 scoreline in favour of Spurs. In 1966 the Club toured the US for the first time and played matches in numerous locations including Chicago, Detroit, Hartford, Jersey City and San Francisco. Tottenham Hotspur last visited the US in 2003 to play DC United in the Capital Cup, which resulted in a defeat against the Washington-based team.
We are currently one year into a successful partnership with South African league champions SuperSport United. The relationship was announced in 2007 and has seen the introduction of a coach exchange programme, as well as the launch of the Tottenham Hotspur SuperSport Academy.

Linked here.

Uefa Cup Seedings, 2008-2009

2008-10-06T19:02:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

We have been seeded in Pot One for Tuesday's draw for the group stages of this season's UEFA Cup.

Other teams in our Pot include AC Milan, Sevilla, Valencia and Benfica.

We will be drawn in a group of five teams with the other four teams being drawn out of each of the four remaining Pots.

Juande Ramos' side will therefore avoid all other teams in Pot One at this stage, as well as the three other English sides remaining in the competition.

The draw will take place at 11am on Tuesday (October 7) in Nyon.

Here are the seedings in full...

POT 1
AC Milan (ITA), Sevilla (ESP), Valencia (ESP), Benfica (POR), Schalke 04 (GER), CSKA Moscow (RUS), Tottenham Hotspur (ENG), Hamburg (GER)

POT 2
VfB Stuttgart (GER), Ajax (NED), Olympiacos (GRE), Deportivo La Coruna (ESP), Club Brugge (BEL), Spartak Moscow (RUS), Paris Saint-Germain (FRA), SC Heerenveen (NED)

POT 3
Rosenborg (NOR), Udinese (ITA), Feyenoord (NED), SC Braga (POR), Slavia Prague (CZE), Manchester City (ENG), Galatasaray (TUR), Sampdoria (ITA)

POT 4
Hertha Berlin (GER), Partizan Belgrade (SRB), AS Nancy (FRA), Portsmouth (ENG), Aston Villa (ENG), Racing Santander (ESP), FC Copenhagen (DEN), Dinamo Zagreb (CRO)

POT 5
Saint-Etienne (FRA), VfL Wolfsburg (GER), Standard Liege (BEL), FC Twente (NED), NEC Nijmegen (NED), FC Metalist Kharkiv (UKR), Lech Poznan (POL), MSK Zilina (SVK)

Linked here.

Match: Spurs 0 Hull 1

2008-10-06T19:01:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Juande Ramos insisted he couldn't fault the players after Sunday's 1-0 reverse against Hull City at the Lane.
The Head Coach left the Lane convinced that fortunes will turn if the players reproduce the type of performance that went unrewarded against the Tigers.
Match statistics later showed 19 efforts on goal to Hull's nine and 12 corners to nil in our favour but the key note arrived in the eighth minute when Geovanni brilliantly curled home a free-kick from 30 yards for what turned out to be the winner.
We struck the woodwork twice in the first half - Dean Marney did the same for the visitors - and the second half was one-way traffic but Hull's goal remained intact.
"I thought the players gave a big effort and we had many opportunities to score but it wasn't to be," reflected Juande. "The opposition scored in the early minutes again but after that we hit the post twice, had clear-cut chances and spent the second half attacking, attacking and attacking.
"In football, sometimes it's very difficult to explain things.
"We wanted to win, we played to win and I think if we play in a similar way we will change this situation."
Asked why he was convinced things would change, Juande responded: "The attitude of the players is very positive in training and when I speak with them my feeling is that they want to finish this situation quickly.
"They are unhappy because it wasn't a good scoreline but I'm sure if they have the same attitude in the next match it will be possible to win."
Meanwhile, Juande confirmed that Roman Pavlyuchenko was substituted in the first half because of an ankle injury. The striker will undergo scans on Monday.

Linked here.

Match: Pompey 2 Spurs 0

2008-10-01T21:25:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Portsmouth clinched victory by a 2-0 margin at Fratton Park, a goal in each half leaving us still awaiting a first Premier League victory this term.

It was a case of perfect timing for Pompey, a penalty given for handball against Jermain Jenas lifted the home gloom after successive heavy defeats, while the second from a counter-attack came when a leveller appeared most likely.

The restored David Bentley served up some early notice of intent with an arrowing set piece from the right inside the first couple minutes that Jonathan Woodgate headed goalwards, but there was also a signal of the danger at the other end when a Peter Crouch flick-on landed in the path of Jermain Defoe, who proceeded to steer past Heurelho Gomes. Thankfully the flag of the assistant saw to it that Pompey were not given an early cause for celebration.

Richard Hughes then took Gomes slightly by surprise by packing some considerable power into a shot on the slide, but the goalkeeper did well to parry. A Vedran Corluka charge down the right, moments later, resulted in Jamie O'Hara just arriving a fraction too late to record his second goal in two games.

Gomes made a superb reaction save from a Hughes smash just after 20 minutes and ended up on the receiving end of a boot in the eye from Crouch. Pompey were picking up a bit of momentum, although the pressure point was mostly a direct route up to Crouch and seizing on the second ball.

On 33 minutes the home side took the lead from the spot after Jenas lead with his arm when attempting to clear a high ball from the right. Defoe did the honours with Gomes coming pretty close to getting his hands to his strike to the keeper's right.

Portsmouth now held an advantage in a game where there was not much in it, although Roman Pavlyuchenko being isolated in attack was an issue that needed addressing during half-time and the introduction of Aaron Lennon appeared likely.

It proved to be the case and Lennon replaced Gilberto after the break, no doubt to inject some pace in support of the Russian.

There was greater urgency in the approach play of the team, with Lennon seeking to attack Glen Johnson at every opportunity and, from one such sortie, Pavlyuchenko headed just wide. A dash from Nadir Belhadj led to Gomes making another smart reaction save at his near post before a Lennon cross struck the arm of Lassana Diara but, on this occasion, referee Mr Dean deemed that the ball hitting arm was not a penalty awarding offence.

Giovani was next on for Didier Zokora with 57 minutes on the clock and he quickly began to cause problems with his tricky running. From him being illegally halted on one such run, a Bentley free-kick dipped into the area and the outstretched leg of Pavlyuchenko could not quite guide the ball towards goal.

A two-goal deficit was inflicted on 67 minutes when, from a speedy counter, Armand Traore drilled a shot in that Gomes blocked, but the loose ball looped up towards the head of Crouch and the England striker applied the nod to double the advantage for the home side.

The goal was against the run of the play and the scoreline not in tune with the course of events. Darren Bent came off the bench to try and provide some thrust up front, with Pavlyuchenko withdrawn.

A Woodgate chip forward did set Bent in motion but, while he went wide to avoid David James, he could not keep his effort from flying high. Lennon did force a fine save out of the England keeper before Pompey were reduced to ten following Diarra's lunge on Benoit Assou-Ekotto.

It came too late to really have any effect on the outcome and it is now off to Poland on a mission to book UEFA Cup group stage football for the next few months.

Linked here.

Carling Cup: Newcastle 1 Spurs 2

2008-09-24T22:14:00.002-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

A place in Saturday's draw for the fourth round of the Carling Cup was booked as our defence of the trophy began with victory at Newcastle by a 2-0 margin.

It represented our first win in domestic competition this season and will surely prove the perfect tonic to take into Sunday's Premier League contest against Portsmouth.

Roman Pavlyuchenko opened his account in a Spurs shirt to get us underway before Jamie O'Hara extended the advantage, seeing to it that a certain degree of confidence was restored to the ranks.

There were two changes from the side that started the eventual stalemate against Wigan last time out, with Ledley King and Aaron Lennon returning to the fold from the off.

Pavlyuchenko was provided with the opportunity to present his case for running solo in attack when the occasion next demands, this time in a cavernous arena that the locals opted to not populate in numbers on the night.

Both Pavlyuchenko and Heurelho Gomes took hefty bumps in the line of duty early on before our first threat on the home goal on 19 minutes. A Gareth Bale free-kick from left - a result of a hack by Geremi on Benoit Assou-Ekotto - was swung in and met by the shin of Jonathan Woodgate in front of goal. The defender's shin did not prove accurate in directing the ball goalwards.

A Jamie O'Hara corner was met cleverly by the head of Pavlyuchenko just after the half hour mark, before Woodgate threw his head at a set piece centre eight minutes before the break.

The pressing and more opportunist play was coming from the team in light blue and the Magpies were flapping a little, especially when Lennon sent Shay Given scurrying sideways unsure of whether his shot was going inside or outside of the upright.

In stoppage time Geremi tried his luck from a long-range free-kick that was diverted off the head of Cacapa and gave Gomes an anxious second as he watched it skid past his left hand post.

It was not an inspiring first half with both sides a little tentative in their attacking play, the result of which was probably more yellow cards than genuine goalscoring chances.

There was a real one shortly after the break when Damien Duff stole through and shot across Gomes and, as the home crowd rose to salute an opener, Woodgate slid in and scooped off the line.

Giovani was introduced with 52 minutes on the clock to replace the tiring Bale and the Mexican international instantly added some fizz to proceedings with a couple of darting runs deep into opposition territory. Assou-Ekotto then warmed up Given with a shot from distance on an increasingly chilly night.

Michael Owen then spun Woodgate and Gomes was forced to foil.

On 61 minutes the deadlock was broken and Pavlyuchenko was off the mark. A superbly flighted cross from the left by Lennon flew onto the grateful head of the Russian, who propelled the ball powerfully past Given.

The joy was doubled five minutes later - during which time Fraizer Campbell replaced Lennon - when Jamie O'Hara charged down Steven Taylor and broke through on goal. Bearing down on Given, he remained cool and applied a left-foot finish.

Pavlyuchenko was given a breather to allow for the return of Luka Modric after his knee injury. Gomes protected his clean sheet with a smart block from a powerful drive from Obafemi Martins, looking more and more a complete, composed and athletic goalkeeper.

He could do little about Michael Owen netting a consolation just before stoppage time, the Brazilian lurching out bravely to knock a Geremi cross off course, but the predator that is Owen was waiting to smash home the loose ball and offer some hope to the home side in the added three minutes.

It may not be points on the board in the Premier League, but it could well be a signpost towards improved fortunes ahead.

Linked here.

I realize the article says the score was Newcastle 0 Spurs 2. It was actually Newcastle 1 Spurs 2.

Match: Spurs o Wigan 0

2008-09-21T21:59:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Juande Ramos felt we deserved a penalty in the second half of Sunday's draw against Wigan - and was confident we would have gone on to win the match if it had been converted.

The controversial incident came in the 65th minute of the goalless draw in the Barclays Premier League encounter at the Lane.

Aaron Lennon snapped straight into form after his arrival from the bench and he'd only been on two minutes when a quick-footed turn in the box saw Wigan defender Maynor Figueroa stick out a leg and appear to bring the winger down.

That was certainly the opinion of 35,000 Spurs fans in the stadium but unfortunately not the man that mattered as referee Steve Tanner waved appeals away.

"It would have been possible to win the match with this penalty but the referee didn't blow the whistle and we could do nothing," said Head Coach Juande.

"We wanted to win, we wanted the three points but it wasn't to be.

"I've seen the incident - I was shown a replay of it after the match and I'm sure it was a penalty."

Nevertheless, it was a frustrating day at the Lane as we struggled to break down a well-drilled Wigan outfit.

Chances were few and far between but Lennon's arrival triggered our best spell. As well as the penalty claim, the winger drilled a volley just wide and in the same spell Fraizer Campbell was inches away from Gareth Bale's shot and the impressive Jamie O'Hara lashed another effort a yard wide.

"The pressure is very high because we all know we need to get a win," added Juande. "I understand the situation and that pressure in football is normal.

"Hopefully we can go to Newcastl

e (in the Carling Cup on Wednesday) and get that win and that will help the confidence of the team."

Linked here.

UEFA Cup: Spurs 2 Wisla Krakow 1

2008-09-19T20:35:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Darren Bent's winner proved to be the difference in a closely-fought UEFA Cup first round first leg tie against Wisla Krakow at White Hart Lane.

Debutant Fraizer Campbell's cross set up the striker for his third goal of the season, which gives us a vital lead going into the return leg in Poland in a fortnight's time.

David Bentley had given us a first half lead before Tomas Jirsak instantly hit back for the visitors - but the most important thing is a first victory of the 2008/09 campaign for Juande Ramos' side.

From the very first minute, Bentley seemed the man most likely to make something happen for us when he put in a teasing cross from the right that was cut out by goalkeeper Mariusz Pawelek.

The England midfielder was then the provider of two Spurs openings. On 24 minutes, he found Jonathan Woodgate at the back post with an in-swinging corner, but the defender's towering header was saved.

Bentley then released Bent one-on-one with the keeper on 31 minutes, but Pawelek was brave to come off his line and cut out the danger.

However, it seemed only a matter of time before Bentley himself did the damage, and he broke the deadlock two minutes later, sweeping home-left footed from 12 yards having been found by Aaron Lennon.

Prior to this, Wisla had created very little, with only Radoslaw Sobolewski and Rafal Boguski having attempts at goal, neither of which troubled Heurelho Gomes.

So it certainly came as somewhat of a shock when the visitors responded almost instantly to our opener.

Boguski beat Gareth Bale on the right-hand side and crossed for Pawel Brozek, who delicately touched into the path of the on-running Jirsak to finish.

However, it was us who took the momentum into the second half and both Bentley and Giovani Dos Santos went close before Bent had a goal wrongly disallowed.

Bale played in Jermaine Jenas down the left-hand side, and his ball across the face of goal was easily tapped in by the striker.

But the flag had already been raised for offside against JJ, even though replays clearly showed he had timed his run to perfection.

We needed fresh impetus, and Juande Ramos found it in the form of new boy Campbell, who he introduced from the bench on 57 minutes.

Straight away the young striker showed his determination, charging down goal-kicks and tracking back to win possession.

Then, on 73 minutes, he beautifully controlled a long ball, beat his marker and put in an inch perfect cross for strike partner Bent to head home.

On loan from Manchester United for the season, he certainly had the desired impact on this encounter, and could have even had one himself on 77 minutes when Bale's shot was so nearly parried back out to him.

Nonetheless, it was job done for the night, although it will undoubtedly be a tough challenge in Krakow in a fortnight's time as we look to seal our places in the group stages of the competition.

But there can be no doubting the confidence boost a first win of the season could provide going into Sunday's Premier League clash with Wigan Athletic at The Lane.

Spurs (4-4-1-1): Gomes; Gunter (O'Hara, 57), Woodgate, King, Bale; Bentley, Zokora, Jenas, Lennon (Campbell, 57); Giovani (Assou-Ekotto, 70); Bent
Subs not used: Cesar, Huddlestone, Gilberto, Dawson
Wisla (4-4-1-1): Pawelek; Singlar, Baszczynski, Cleber, Diaz; Boguski (Malecki, 73), Sobolewski, Cantoro, Zienczuk; Jirsak (Lobodzinski, 61); Brozek (Niedzielan, 79)
Subs not used: Juszczyk, Marcelo, Glowacki, Barreto

Linked here.

Match: Spurs 1 Villa 2

2008-09-15T23:17:00.002-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Juande Ramos' men are still looking for their first victory of the season after a third defeat of the campaign, this time at the hands of Aston Villa.

An early strike from Nigel Reo-Coker was doubled by Ashley Young in the second half, sending the Midlands side home with all three points despite Darren Bent's late consolation.

Transfer window signings Vedran Corluka and Roman Pavlyuchenko were handed their Spurs debuts, but the visitors had by far the better of the first half and they started as they meant to go on.

Good work down the left from Young set up Gabriel Agonlahor for the cross, which fizzed across the face of goal and was touched on towards the back post where Reo-Coker was on-hand to side-foot home after just four minutes.

Beyond this, much praise must go to Heurelho Gomes for keeping the scores at 1-0 until half-time came.

Reo-Coker was again involved on 22 minutes when his cross was met by Gareth Barry at the back post, and although the Brazilian stopper appeared to be wrong-footed with the ball rolling in, he somehow managed to scramble back and claw the ball to safety.

Just a moment later, Gomes came to the rescue again. Having punched clear Ashley Young's in-swinging corner, the former PSV man had to track back and make a spectacular save from a goal-bound Agbonlahor header after Nicky Shorey had helped the ball back into the danger zone.

To their credit, Juande Ramos' side had a relatively strong finish to the half, but it wasn't until the 35th minute that Brad Friedel was finally tested by a 30-yard Tom Huddlestone effort.

Aside from this, Pavlyuchenko was looking lively on his Spurs debut, and had a goal-bound effort blocked by the head of Curtis Davies on 21 minutes.

As the second half began, it looked as though we were going to take some of the impetus forward, especially when Aaron Lennon forced Friedel into a wonderful save to deny his 20-yard effort on 49 minutes.

But it wasn't to be, and four minutes later Villa were 2-0 up. England midfielder Young ran at our defence and hit a speculative 25-yard effort straight at Gomes. But unfortunately for the Brazilian, the ball slipped beneath him and into the net in a real horror moment.

Substitutes David Bentley and Giovani Dos Santos, along with Lennon and Bent, all had efforts on goal before the latter finally deflected home Jermaine Jenas' effort four minutes from time.

JJ was instrumental at the other end to keep the scores down in the dying seconds, making a brave block to deny Marlon Harewood with the goal gaping.

But despite a late rally, we now go into Thursday's UEFA Cup opener with Wisla Krakow at The Lane desperately needing to kick-start our campaign.

Spurs (4-4-2): Gomes; Corluka, Dawson (Giovani, 61), Woodgate, Bale; Lennon, Zokora (Bentley, 45), Huddlestone, Modric (Jenas, 29); Pavlyuchenko, Bent
Subs not used: Cesar, Gilberto, O'Hara, Campbell
Villa (4-4-2): Friedel; L Young, Davies, Laursen, Shorey (Gardner, 87); Reo-Coker, Petrov, Barry, A Young; Agbonlahor (Harewood, 84), Carew (Milner, 62)
Subs not used: Guzan, Knight, Cuellar, Routledge

Linked here.

9/15/08 - Spurs vs Aston Villa

2008-09-11T11:06:00.002-04:00

Game listed to be televised live by Setanta. Setanta has it listed at 2 pm EST, while ESPN has it listed at 3 m EST for Gamecast. I will probably be at work in the West End and may swing by Bailey's on Broad St. Baileys, Mulligans, and Penny Lane are the only places in Richmond listed for Setanta. Let me know if anyone will be in the West End for the game.

Berba out, Fraizer Campbell loan + £30.75m

2008-09-01T20:37:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Manchester United deal

The Club can announce that it has reached agreement with Manchester United for the permanent transfer of Dimitar Berbatov for a fee of £30.75m. As part of the settlement the Club has agreed not to pursue its official complaint to the Premier League.

The deal sees Fraizer Campbell coming the other way on a season long loan. Campbell, 20, spent last season on loan at Hull City where his goals played a pivotal role in the Tiger's promotion to the Premier League.

Linked here.

Corluka deal agreed

2008-09-01T20:34:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Corluka deal agreed

We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Manchester City for the transfer of Vedran Corluka to the Club.

The defender, 22, is an international team-mate of Luka Modric and has been capped 24 times by Croatia, playing in every match of the recent European Championships.

Corluka came through the ranks at Dynamo Zagreb and after a season on loan at NK Inter Zapresic, won successive titles with Dynamo in 2006 and 2007.

He left for the Premier League and Manchester City in August 2007, where he featured at right-back, centre-back and in midfield, making 41 appearances in all competitions.

Corluka said: "I am delighted to be here because I am coming to a big club with great players, great ambition and also my best friend [Luka Modric] is here so it is a very happy day for me."

Linked here.

Pavlyuchenko deal agreed

2008-09-01T20:33:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Pavlyuchenko deal agreed

We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Spartak Moscow for the transfer of Roman Pavlyuchenko to the Club.

The striker, 26, has been capped 22 times by Russia and scored nine goals.

Roman hit the headlines in October, 2007 when he scored both goals as Russia beat England 2-1 in European Championship qualifying.

He followed that up with three goals in five games in this summer's finals - including goals against Holland and eventual winners Spain - as Russia reached the semi-finals.

Born in Mostovskoy, Roman started with local club FC Dinamo Stavropol before moving to FC Rotor Volgograd in the top flight in 2000. He switched to Spartak Moscow in 2003 and topped the goalscoring charts in Russia's Premier League in 2006 and 2007.

Linked here.

Chlesea 1 - Spurs 1 8/31/08

2008-09-01T20:29:00.002-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

A first point of the season was recorded at Stamford Bridge courtesy of Darren Bent's first goal of the new campaign.

The striker struck on the stroke of half-time with a clinical finish in response to Juliano Belletti's opening.

It was a hard fought point and in no way undeserved. The team were spirited and resolute in equal measure and competitive in every department against Luiz Felipe Scolari's side. It was a point won and point made against last season's Premier League runners up.

There were two changes to the starting line-up from last week's reverse against Sunderland, with Chris Gunter slotting in at right-back and Giovani dos Santos returning to the first XI fold.

Luka Modric tucked in behind Darren Bent in attack, Giovani to the left of midfield, while Didier Zokora was restored to central midfield duties.

Five minutes in Heurelho Gomes got caught in no-man's land on the edge of his six-yard box when Frank Lampard was shaping to shoot from outside the area, the England man floating in a dipping that the Brazilian did brilliantly to stoop back and tip over. At the other end a Giovani cutback was diverted towards goal by Bent, but a deflection sent the ball wide of Petr Cech's goal.

The signs were encouraging possession-wise, but goalmouth activity at either end was of a premium before, on 25 minutes, a sumptious ball from Juliano Belletti saw Nicolas Anelka steal in behind Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate, although the pair troubled him enough to force a shot over the bar.

Michael Essien then rattled the crossbar and the deadlock was broken with 28 minutes on the clock. A Deco corner was connected with by the unmarked Belletti who reacted smartly to steer past Gomes.

The game became a little disjointed following the goal with attacking intent stumbling at the last third and Chelsea also not making a further impression after the little purple patch that saw them take the lead.

Then, just before half-time, Lampard made a hash of an attempted clearance from his rearguard and helped the ball back into the danger zone. It fell kindly for Bent, who zipped in on goal and placed a perfect finish past Cech to level the score with his first of the season.

The creation might have been fortunate, but the execution was precise and a foothold was placed firmly back in the game ahead of the second 45 minutes.

Ashley Cole fired across goal in the first salvo of the half after a clever leave from Lampard and the latter also chipped over with Gomes in retreat, as the tempo increased from the somewhat pedestrian nature of the first half exchanges.

Just before the hour Aaron Lennon was introduced in place of Giovani and Tom Huddlestone was also called upon, with Gunter making way after a strong performance at the back. Jermaine Jenas dropped in at right-back with Huddlestone moving in alongside Zokora in the heart of midfield.

Superb link up play between Huddlestone and Bent led to the midfielder having a powerful drive deflected wide of the post.

The balance of power was in the balance and this was reflected in the subdued atmosphere inside the stadium as we approached the final third of the half with neither side making significant in-roads into opposition territory.

Huddlestone was making an impact and adding a greater presence in central areas, with Lennon tasked with getting up in support of Bent in a speedier fashion. Jamie O'Hara by this point had been added to the mix, with Bentley withdrawn.

The energy levels of the team in white cranked up ten or so per cent in the final ten minutes and it took a crude trip to halt a lung-busting run from Bale as he closed in on goal. The seconds ticked by and the furstrations of the home crowd were becoming more and more audible. The words of the excitable on-pitch announcer at the start when he proclaimed 'welcome to the top of the league' were sounding a little hollow, not to mention it being far too early to be reading into league positions.

Linked here.

Chavski hosting Spurs, Sunday Aug 31st, 2008

2008-08-28T18:09:00.002-04:00

Game is on Setanta at 8:30 am Eastern. Liverpool plays at 11 am so Penny Lane may be open for the game. I know a bartender there is a Chelsea Supporter from England and may be there. I'll call and check even though I will be out of town this weekend. Hopefully some of you can make it to the pub and watch the game. Hopefully better results though.

Penny Lane is closed for the Labour Day weekend.

Lee transfer to Dortmund

2008-08-27T18:55:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

The Club can announce that we have reached agreement for the permanent transfer of Young-Pyo Lee to Borussia Dortmund.

The South Korean international full-back played 93 times for us following his move from PSV Eindhoven in August 2005.

We wish Young-Pyo well for the future.

Linked here.

Recent Loan Activity

2008-08-26T16:33:00.002-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Leigh Mills' loan spell at Gillingham has been extended until January.
The young defender initially joined the League Two side for a month and made his debut against Luton Town on August 16.

Linked here.

Charlie Daniels has joined League Two side Gillingham on a one-month loan deal.
The left-sided defender/midfielder, now 21, enjoyed a successful season-long loan spell at Leyton Orient in 2007-08.
In doing so, he built on his previous loan experience at Chesterfield with 37 appearances in all competitions for the Os, scoring twice.

Linked here.

The Club can announce that we have reached agreement for the loan of Tomas Pekhart to Championship side Southampton until January.

The young striker, 19, was top scorer for our reserves last season.

Tomas joined us from Slavia Prague during the summer of 2006 and is now a regular in the Czech Republic Under-21 squad.

Linked here.

Spurs 1 - Sunderland 2

2008-08-26T00:13:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Juande Ramos was left to rue missed opportunities as Sunderland snatched a 2-1 victory at the Lane on Saturday.
The visitors took the lead 10 minutes into the second half via Kieran Richardson's rocket but the tide turned in our favour after that and it was no surprise when JJ slotted home after Luka Modric's shot was parried by Craig Gordon.
A host of chances came and went both before and after that goal - Gordon saved twice from David Bentley and once from Darren Bent, Gareth Bale headed over and Jonathan Woodgate and Modric somehow combined to miss from six yards - so it came as quite a shock when substitute Djibril Cisse nodded home the winner for the Black Cats with eight minutes left.
"We knew it would be difficult," Juande told us exclusively afterwards. "We tried to play the best football we could to get the victory but unfortunately it was Sunderland who scored the second goal.
"At 1-1, I thought we would win. We had a good spell and created some clear goalscoring chances but it wasn't to be on this occasion."
Meanwhile, Juande insisted that defeat was not down to Dimitar Berbatov's omission from the squad. "It's not about individuals," he stated. "The blame is with the team and we accept that blame together. He wasn't in the squad because he wasn't in the right condition to play."

Linked here.

Gardner Loan made Permanent

2008-08-22T17:00:00.002-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

The Club can announce that Anthony Gardner has today completed a permanent transfer to Hull City.

The defender, who had initially moved to the KC Stadium on loan earlier this summer, joined us from Port Vale in January 2000 and made 144 appearances during his time at the Club scoring three goals.

We wish Anthony all the best.

Linked here.

Report: Boro 2 Spurs 1 8/16/08

2008-08-16T13:46:00.003-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Two second half goals saw to it that Middlesbrough claimed the points in our first Premier League outing of season 2008-09.
Once again it was not a happy away day on day one as David Wheater and former Spur Mido netted the goals that sent the home fans home happy. It was a Boro head that contributed our injury time consolation.
The sun was out to welcome in the new season in the north east on a humid afternoon in front of close to a full house at the Riverside Stadium. The Spurs thousands were grouped behind the goal defended by Heurelho Gomes in the first half - clearly the noisiest area of the stadium.
It was the team sporting white shirts that made the more enterprising beginning, with Luka Modric and Giovani dos Santos dipping their toes in Premier League waters for the first time, while David Bentley and Heurelho Gomes were also making competitive first starts.
The more cohesive football was coming from Spurs in the opening ten minutes or so before Boro asserted themselves a little and began to rouse their bumper opening day crowd, with Afonso Alves attempting to impose himself.
The nimble feet of Giovani were dancing to their own beat at the other end, the Mexican international - also of Brazilian stock - was probing for creative openings and twice early on provided Bentley with half-chances that were pinged wide.
There were gasps of disbelief from the Boro fans 18 minutes in when Tuncay cleverly lofted the ball over Benoit Assou-Ekotto and darted into the area before unselfishly squaring to the unmarked Alves in front of goal. The Riverside was ready to rock to their celebratory tune before Assou-Ekotto propelled himself in front of the Brazilian striker, doing enough to deflect over the bar.
There was a bigger scare just after the half hour point when a Stewart Downing corner was powerfully headed into the net by David Wheater. There was a bit of tugging between him and Michael Dawson, but it was hard to tell why referee Mr Atkinson ruled out the effort.
Downing and Alves combined moments later as Middlesbrough established themselves as the game's aggressors, the England man's low centre being fizzed just over by the tall striker.
The team needed a shot in the arm and no doubt a few wise words were imparted at the break, where there were no changes made on the day when the choice from seven substitutes was available to managers for the first time in the Premier League.
A swirling shot from Bentley tested Brad Jones via a deflection after the re-start, Aaron Lennon and Giovani persisted in trying to pick a way through Boro's defences before Alves sprinted away on the counter-attack and Assou-Ekotto rode to the rescue once again.
Jonathan Woodgate threw himself in the way of a Tuncay blast just after the hour, which proved the cue for changes and the entry of Dimitar Berbatov and Gareth Bale. Giovani and Lennon made way.
Berbatov made an impact straight away by playing Jenas through, but Jones advanced and blocked the captain's effort when a lead looked almost inevitable.
The balance of power in the game remained difficult to detect until Boro struck with 20 minutes left on the clock. A low centre from Downing was diverted onto goal by Alves, which bought out a superb reaction from Gomes, but the the ball flew up onto the bar and landed at the feet of Wheater, who joyfully slammed home.
Darren Bent flashed a shot narrowly wide as the response was mounted, before third sub Jamie O'Hara attempted to capitalise on hesitation between Wheater and the goalkeeper - hurting himself in the process.
Four minutes from time defeat was confirmed when Mido was on hand to re-direct a miscued shot from Didier Digard past Gomes to make it 2-0.
Robert Huth reduced the deficit via an own goal from Bentley's free-kick in stoppage time, but it was too late to affect the destination of the points.

Linked here.

On another note, while the result sucked. Many thanks to Dan and Laura for coming out on such short notice. Hopefully we can make larger group meetings for the games more frequent than in the past.

Squad Numbers

2008-08-15T21:45:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

David Bentley will wear number five next season with Luka Modric taking 14 and 17 for Giovani dos Santos.
As expected, goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes is number one with latest signing and fellow keeper Cesar Sanchez taking 21.
Here is the list...
1 - Heurelho Gomes
2 - Alan Hutton
3 - Gareth Bale
4 - Didier Zokora
5 - David Bentley
6 - Tom Huddlestone
7 - Aaron Lennon
8 - Jermaine Jenas
9 - Dimitar Berbatov
10 - Darren Bent
11 - Gilberto
14 - Luka Modric
16 - Chris Gunter
17 - Giovani dos Santos
20 - Michael Dawson
21 - Cesar Sanchez
24 - Jamie O'Hara
26 - Ledley King
32 - Benoit Assou-Ekotto
39 - Jonathan Woodgate

Linked here.

Bale commits to 2012

2008-08-13T17:05:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

We are delighted to announce that Gareth Bale has signed a new contract that will see him commit his future to the Club until 2012.

Capped 11 times by Wales and still only 19, Gareth signed from Southampton in May, 2007 and made a fantastic start to his Spurs career with goals against Fulham, Arsenal and Middlesbrough in 12 appearances last season.

Linked here.

Fair Play Trophy

2008-08-13T00:56:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

Ledley King was presented with the Barclays Premier League's 2007-08 Fair Play trophy at the launch of the league's 'Get On With The Game' campaign on Tuesday.
We finished top of the Fair Play League last term with an 8.56-point average out of 10 from 38 games putting us ahead of Liverpool and Manchester United on 8.41 and Arsenal on 8.38.
Points are awarded for positive play, respect towards opponents and referees and the behaviour of club officials with red and yellow cards counting against the total.
The league winners are rewarded with a place in the UEFA Cup but as we'd already qualified by winning the Carling Cup, the place went all the way down to sixth and Manchester City.
Captain Ledley said: "Fair play is something we take very seriously and it's great for the club to pick us this award. Red and yellow cards are part of it and as a team, you don't want to see players sent off or pick up needless suspensions.
"We want to play hard but fair, show respect and this award shows we've done that."

Linked here.

Sanchez Signs

2008-08-13T00:52:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

We are delighted to announce that we have signed goalkeeper Cesar Sanchez from Real Zaragoza.
The Spaniard joined Zaragoza in 2005, making in excess of 100 appearances, having previously spent five years at Real Madrid where he earned a Champions League winners medal in 2002 after starting the final against Bayer Leverkusen.
Cesar, 36, began his playing career with Real Valladolid, earning an international cap for his country against Germany in August, 2000.

Linked here.

Opening day of the EPL, Aug 16th

2008-08-11T13:11:00.002-04:00

Tottenham vs Middlesborough will be shown on Setanta with coverage starting at 9:45 am.

Penny Lane, Mulligan's, and Bailey's have Setanta Sports. The question is who is open at 10 am on Saturday morning. I will update this when I find out.

Kaboul to Pompey

2008-08-11T11:07:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Official Site-

The Club can announce that we have reached agreement for the permanent transfer of Younes Kaboul to Portsmouth.
The French centre-back played 29 games for us last season following his move from Auxerre and scored four goals.
We wish Younes well for the future.

Linked here.