Ramos thoughts on Berbatov in Jan Transfer Window

Courtesy of SportingLife.com-

Juande Ramos has asked Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy to do everything possible
to keep Dimitar Berbatov at White Hart Lane after the striker's four-goal haul
against Reading on Saturday.
Berbatov, who proved the difference in a crazy
game that Spurs edged 6-4, has always insisted he is happy at the club but ha
persistently been linked with a move.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex
Ferguson is a known admirer of the 26-year-old, who arrived at the start of last
season from Bayer Leverkusen for £10.9million.
Ramos cannot guarantee that
Berbatov will stay when the January transfer window opens but he wants the
striker in his plans.
"He made a great contribution against Reading.
Magnificent," said the Spurs head coach. "He is a very valuable player for
us.
"But I cannot assure that he is going to stay at the club because the
chairman has to decide that.
"The chairman knows I want Berbatov to stay. If
it was up to me we would not lose him but there are different circumstances and
factors that we have to take into account such as the player's opinion and
feelings.
"If it was up to me he would continue with us."

Linked here: http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/12/29/manual_185225.html&TEAMHD=soccer

Match Report Spurs 6 Reading 4

Courtesy of SkySports-

Dimitar Berbatov scored four times as Tottenham defeated Reading 6-4 in an
incredible encounter at White Hart Lane.
Tottenham began the game where they
had left off against Fulham on Boxing Day and took the lead after just seven
minutes through Berbatov, only for Kalifa Cisse to equalise on 16 minutes after
a howler by Paul Robinson.
The real drama was to come in the second half,
and is started in the 53rd minute when Ivar Ingimarsson headed Reading back in
front.
Juande Ramos reacted to the setback by replacing Ledley King with
Jermain Defoe, and from that moment on there was barely a second that passed by
without incident as seven more goals were scored in the space of 20 minutes.
Berbatov capitalised on a dreadful clearance from Graeme Murty to bring
Tottenham level at 2-2, before Dave Kitson glanced in Nicky Shorey's corner.
Berbatov showed good strength to complete his hat-trick, but Kitson struck
again on the break to put Reading 4-3 ahead.
Steed Malbranque equalised
again for Tottenham and Keane then won a penalty after being tripped by Sonko.
Keane's spot-kick was saved by Hahnemann but Defoe headed in the rebound,
and Berbatov made the points safe seven minutes from time with another powerful
strike.
More to follow.

Linked here: http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_2848104,00.html

Chris Gunter to Sign

Courtesy of Official Site-

We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Cardiff
City for the signing of Welsh international defender Chris Gunter.
The
transfer will be completed upon the opening of the January transfer window. The
18-year-old full-back graduated through the ranks at Ninian Park and made his
First Team debut in August of last year a month after his 17th birthday. He has
since clocked up 33 appearances for the Championship club, while he has won
three full international caps. He made his debut for Wales in May when he faced
New Zealand and has since impressed in the Euro 2008 qualification games against
the Republic of Ireland and Germany.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/guntertosign.html

Match Report: Boxing Day 07, Spurs 5 Fulham 1

Courtesy of Official Site:

The team marked Boxing Day 2007 with a 5-1 victory over Fulham at the
Lane.
Two goals each from Robbie Keane and Tom Huddlestone, plus one for
Jermain Defoe provided the margin in what was a comfortable win despite
Fulham halving the deficit at one point. The game got underway on a crisp early
afternoon and the early exchanges were not as crisp as the weather. It was
warming, however, to see Ledley King striding across the pitch looking like he
had never been away, just his presence having a calming influence on those
around him. Jamie O'Hara retained his place in the side for his full home debut,
Huddlestone partnering him in the heart of midfield and it was Tom pulling the
midfield strings and providing what creative spark there was in the first third
of the half. Dimitar Berbatov gave Antti Niemi his first work of the afternoon
on 24 minutes when he nodded a Steed Malbranque centre goalwards and the Finn
sprung to his right and saved well. Two minutes later Malbranque came so close
to marking the occasion of playing against his old club with a goal, latching
onto a Pascal Chimbonda knock-down with a rasping drive that crashed off the
inside of the post. Thankfully, Keane was there right on cue to steer home the
rebound. While the boys were not exactly clicking through the gears on a slick
performance level, they were coping with challenge presented by Fulham with
ease. Defensively it was comfortable as the visitors were not bristling with
ambition in the first half and the goal did not change things much. Another goal
should probably have been added before the break but a swift break resulting
from Berbatov dispossessing Danny Murphy was perhaps overplayed a little and
Keane was left with too much to do in the end. It was two in stoppage, a dash
down the left by Malbranque leading to Berbatov teeing up Huddlestone for a
drive. The midfielder's effort completely wrong-footed Niemi in what was a class
piece of finishing. The football remained attack-minded in the second half,
Keane flashing in a shot that Niemi did well to grab and hold. There was a twist
on the hour when Clint Dempsey snatched on back for Fulham from a Hameur Bouazza
cross, but the response was swift - just two minutes later. Berbatov thrust his
head onto an O'Hara corner and nodded towards the post where the knees of Keane
were waiting to divert past Niemi. The chances of a Keane hat-trick were ended
with 22 minutes left when he was withdrawn in favour of Jermain Defoe but, for
Huddlestone, there was still time to make another big impression. Given the ball
by Aaron Lennon around 20 yards out on 70 minutes, the midfielder flicked the
ball up before driving a placed shot that escaped the clutches of Niemi and had
those at the Lane purring in admiration. The was another huge ovation three
minutes later when Juande Ramos decided the time was right for the skipper to
make his exit. The sum up Ledley's performance best you would just say he was
his usual self. Adel Taarabt replaced him and, in a defensive shuffle, Chimbonda
moved centrally, Lee Young-Pyo to the right and Jamie O'Hara slotted in at left
back. Taarabt added a few party tricks to go with the festive mood, while the
substitute Moritz Volz saw a second yellow then red for a barge on
Malbraque. There was still time for Defoe to add to his account -seizing on
a surge from Huddlestone in the final minute to prod past Niemi.This was a case
of job done, three points in the bank and a Merry Christmas.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/matchreport261207.html

Ramos Interview in The Sun

Courtesy of the Sun-

JUANDE RAMOS is a man on a mission. In his first and only interview, the new
Tottenham manager exclusively tells SunSport’s ANTONY KASTRINAKIS how he arrived
to find despondency in the White Hart Lane dressing room; about the futures of
his key players ... and of his long-term plan to eventually take Spurs ABOVE
arch-rivals Arsenal.
Q FIRST, the question that all Tottenham fans will want
answering this morning: Can Spurs win at Arsenal today?
A WE’VE played some
very difficult games. Man City had won all their home games until Tuesday.
Portsmouth hadn’t lost at home, either. The team showed they could cope. Now we
have our most difficult game as we’re playing the leaders. A lot will depend on
the way we play.
Q CAN Spurs take over from Arsenal as kings of North
London?
A THIS is our ambition and dream. But I don’t want to talk long-term
instead of concentrating on the next game.
I want us to take giant leaps.
Our club deserves to fight against the best and challenge for the Premier League
and the Champions League. That’s what I will try to do with all my energy and
strength.
We have the potential to do it. But it doesn’t just depend on one
person, it’s not all about the coach. The manager has to have the collaboration
and the support of the club.
Q WHAT do you think of the job Arsene Wenger
has done at Arsenal?
A HE has done very well — and achieved some magnificent
results. It took him years to achieve that.
This is the basis of it all — to
have faith in one person and let him work. In time, good results will come.
Q SO you are saying if you are given the same backing Wenger has received
from Arsenal, you can bring the same sort of success to Spurs?
Fight with
the best
A I HAVE no doubt about that. The English model is very much like
that and with these conditions I aim to bring success. But it’s not just
Tottenham. Any team that has patience and thinks they’ve found the right person
to carry out a project like that will achieve results.
Q SO how long do you
want to stay as manager at White Hart Lane?
A I’VE signed a five-year
contract, knowing there’s a lot of work ahead of me — beautiful work.
Would
I like to stay here for a long time? Without a doubt. I would love to finish my
five years and sign another one as long as this one. But the most important
thing is that the club are satisfied with my work. I don’t like staying at a
club just because I have a contract. I want the club to be proud of the work I’m
doing.
It’s my dream to stay here for many years and I think it’s highly
likely.
If we are able to improve little by little and fight with the best
in the Premier League it will be a dream for all of us and that is what I am
working towards.
Q WHAT are your long-term plans for Tottenham?
A
LONG-TERM plans are achieved in the short-term. We have to improve things day by
day.
We must fix things tomorrow, then in January — and then in June. This
way, with successive improvements, we will gradually become better. We cannot
lose ourselves by thinking of long-term objectives but find solutions in the
short-term.
Q YOU have been at the Lane since October. What are your early
impressions of the club?
A SINCE my arrival there’s been an enormous change
— especially in the table. Good results have restored the confidence of the
players.
Q SO are you saying Tottenham’s big troubles are behind you after
three wins in a row?
A NO. Three consecutive wins against important teams
re-enforce the confidence and the morale of the team. But we can’t think our
troubles have gone. We still have huge room for improvement. There was an urgent
need to restore the players’ belief in themselves. And we had to rebuild the
faith of the fans.
We couldn’t be a team that leaks as many goals as we did.
In the last three games this situation seems to have come under control.
But
this is something we have to turn into a regular thing. We have to be a solid
outfit in every game.
Q WHAT was your gut feeling when you first walked into
the Tottenham dressing room?
A I was taking charge of a great club but there
was a despondency and a tremendous lack of motivation. There was no hope or
ambition. There was so much self-doubt in the dressing room. That was the most
critical thing we had to change.
Q ARE you saying that you could see that in
the faces of the players at the club?

HE'S GOT THE WHOLE CLUB INHIS
HANDS ... Ramos plots future glory
A YES, yes. I noted an air of abandonment
and resignation like it didn’t really matter. It was a worrying situation as I
realised my players were resigned to losing and to disaster. They got used to
defeats and looked to be in a daze. This alarmed me enormously as we had to
change it radically.
I was worried if we’d be able to change this dynamic,
this is logical. But I have to say the collaboration of the players has been
superb and they’ve made a tremendous effort to change this situation.
Q
TOTTENHAM have placed tremendous faith in you. That must give you an immense
sense of pride and responsibility?
A TOTALLY. I hope I will repay the faith
of the club with good results but I also think we’re just at the start. There’s
a lot left to do and a lot of work awaits us. Little by little, we will try to
change the situation and the mentality of the club.
Q TOTTENHAM have a
shortage of defenders. Can we expect you to make signings in January?
A
UNTIL the window opens we can’t do something so I don’t want to speculate. But
defence is the area where we have the most limitations. We will evaluate what we
need.
Q WHAT about Paul Robinson’s future? There were rumours that you were
looking to replace him?
A HIS future is very good. We’re very happy with
him. The other day against Manchester City he helped us a lot to win the game
and we hope he’ll continue like that.
Q HOW worried are you that Jermain
Defoe might want to leave the club? And is it important that he stays?
A A
PROFESSIONAL has to accept a squad does not have just 11 footballers. There are
20-odd players and only 11 can play. So the others have to wait for their
moment. I think yes. He’s a very good player for us. It would be great if he
continues here.
Q FINALLY, what is your message to Tottenham fans ahead of
today’s big derby?
A OUR fans must let themselves dream. They must feel
confident that we will do everything to beat Arsenal. In any case, we’re going
to continue on the path we’ve taken in the last games where we played well and
got great results.

Linked here: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article611872.ece

'Paying the Penalty' NLD Arse 2 Spurs 1 - 12/22/07

Courtesy of Official Site-

There were no surprises as Juande Ramos reflected a disappointed away dressing
room after the 2-1 defeat at the Emirates.
The game turned when Robbie
Keane's penalty was saved by Manuel Almunia in the 72nd minute.
Having gone
1-0 down just three minutes into the second half, Robbie hit the crossbar after
66 minutes and seconds later, Dimitar Berbatov made it 1-1 from a tight
angle.
We were on top and the penalty gave us the opportunity to take
control but just a few minutes after Almunia's save, the tide had turned
back to the home side as Nicklas Bendtner headed home from Cesc Fabregas' corner
for what turned out to be the winner.
"Robbie's upset about the
penalty and we're all disappointed," said Head Coach Juande. "He's normally
certain with penalties but today he missed when we needed a goal - but these
things happen.
"The game was very evenly balanced and we had that chance at
1-1, we didn't take it and Arsenal went on to win the game.
"To
concede a goal from a corner when all 10 outfield players are in the penalty
area isn't normal either and that mistake cost us, we shouldn't concede goals
like that."

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/payingthepenalty221207.html

North London Derby 12/22/07 TV in the US

Tottenham at Arsenal, 12/22/07

Live on Setanta Sports TV coverage beginning at 7:30 am EST.

Live on Sirius Radio Channel 125 starting at 7:40 am EST

Uefa Cup draw Round of 32

Courtesy of Official Site-

We have been drawn against Slavia Prague in the round of 32 of
the UEFA Cup, with the first leg to be played away from home.
We progressed
from our qualifying group with seven points while the Czech side finished third
in their Champions League group, which included Arsenal.
The tie will be a
repeat of last season's qualifying round clash, which we won 2-0 on aggregate.
The first leg is scheduled to be played on Thursday February 14, with the
return leg the following week.
Should we progress from the round of 32, we
will face the winners of the tie between PSV Eindhoven and Helsingborgs IF in
the last 16, with the first leg to be played at White Hart Lane.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/slaviapragueinuefacup.html

UEFA cup Group Stage Results

Courtesy of Official Site-

We have finished second in Group G of the UEFA Cup after the final round of
matches played on Wednesday night.
Getafe beat Anderlecht 2-1 at the Coliseam
Alfonso Perez to top the group. Anderlecht finish third on five points and go
through to the Round of 32 ahead of Danish side Aalborg, who beat
Hapoel Tel Aviv 3-1 on Wednesday night.
Finishing second means we will face
one of the eight third-placed sides from the UEFA Champions League groups -
Olympique de Marseille, Rosenborg BK, Werder Bremen, SL Benfica, Rangers,
Sporting Clube de Portugal, PSV Eindhoven and SK Slavia Prague - with home
advantage in the second leg.
UEFA Cup group winners will be drawn against
teams finishing third.
The draw for both the Round of 32 and Round of 16 of
the UEFA Cup takes place in Nyon, Switzerland at noon on Friday.
The
first leg of the Round of 32 will be played on February 13/14 with the return on
February 21.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/uefacupupdate191207.html

League Cup Draw

Courtesy of Official Site-

We have been drawn against Arsenal in the semi-final of the Carling Cup.
We
will travel to the Emirates Stadium in the first leg, week commencing January 7.
The return leg at the Lane follows on the week commencing January 21.
We will
publicise exact dates, kick-off times and ticket news for these semi-final
legs as soon as we have them.
Chelsea face Everton in the other
semi-final with Chelsea at home first.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/arsenalinsemifinal.html

'Best Yet' Carling Cup ManCity 0 - Spurs 2

Courtesy of Official Site-

Juande Ramos had no hesitation in describing our Carling Cup quarter-final win
at City as the best display under his charge so far.
Tuesday night's 2-0
triumph was a display full of character, determination and no little skill
as we overcame losing Didier Zokora as early as the 21st minute to a
controversial red card, forcing Juande into a tactical switch and leaving us
with the prospect of facing a City side with a home record of played 10, won 10
going into the game with 10 men for 70 minutes. Thankfully, we were already 1-0
up by then as Jermain Defoe converted Aaron Lennon’s cross in the fifth minute.
JD had to be sacrificed following the sending off with Teemu Tainio coming in at
right-back and Pascal Chimbonda switching to central defence. The lads relished
the challenge and appeared determined that nothing was going to stand between
them and another shot at a Wembley final. When we were breached, Paul Robinson
stood firm. He produced arguably his best save of the season to tip over Darius
Vassell’s point-blank header and, with the score still 1-0, matched that with
another reaction stop to palm away Rolando Bianchi’s header, Younes Kaboul
hacking the rebound off the line. We wrapped it up in the 82nd minute when the
outstanding Dimitar Berbatov found Jamie O’Hara, he picked out Steed Malbranque
and the Frenchman slotted provided the finish. The victory – our third on the
trot – booked a place in the semi-finals of the competition for the
second-successive year and made it one defeat in 11 games since Juande took
up his Head Coach role.“It’s a positive result and sets us up for the rest of
the season,” said Juande. “To win away from home in a cup tie against a team
like Manchester City, who are up there in the league at the moment and on a good
run of form at home, having been one man down after 20 minutes, it’s something
really positive. “We had to work extra hard after being down to 10 men to make
up for having that inferior number. We ended up with just rewards for our
efforts and the result will stand us in good stead in terms of the mindset of
the lads. “Paul Robinson did his job and I’d like to give credit to the rest of
the side. The players who are meant to score goals found the net and everyone
else on the pitch worked so hard, particularly the midfield.” As for the red
card – a decision that was at the least harsh, as Didier appeared to win the
ball and make very little contact with Elano – Juande made clear his thoughts.
“It was absolutely undeserved, unjust and it wasn’t a sending off, no way. We
then had to pay the penalty of being a man down.”

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/bestyet.html

'JJ - Cup hurt will drive us'

Courtesy of Official Site-

Jermaine Jenas believes the agony of near misses in cup competitions last season will drive the lads to succeed this time around.
It really was a case of so near, so far in all three competitions.
We led 2-0 in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against Arsenal only to go out after extra time in the second leg, we led 3-1 at Chelsea in the FA Cup only to go out in a replay and then led 1-0 at Juande Ramos' Sevilla in the first leg of the UEFA Cup quarter-final only to go out 4-3 on aggregate.
With a place in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup already in the bag, we turn our attention to the Carling Cup tonight (Tuesday December 18) and a quarter-final against Manchester City at Eastlands.
Wembley is three steps away and JJ - pictured crestfallen after the exit against Sevilla - is determined to help take us there. "We were so close last season, ended up getting beaten and we all know what that feels like," he stated. "It wasn't nice and we're all desperate for silverware - we keep saying it and it's the truth.
"Everyone connected with Spurs knows how much it hurt last season. You could see the reaction of the lads, everyone was upset and we need to reflect on that, remember how we felt and use it to drive us forward.
"City away isn't an easy game but we intend to go there and win."
JJ expects this match to take a different pattern to our 2-1 league win over Sven Goran Eriksson's men a little over a week ago at the Lane.
"It will, I'm sure," he added. "When we played at home we did all the attacking, they camped in, made it diffucult for us, frustrated us and tried to turn the crowd. They are at home now and have to come out and attack, so it will be a different game."
Everton are already in the hat for the semi-finals after beating West Ham last week. Blackburn face Arsenal at Ewood Park tonight while Chelsea host Liverpool in the final tie of the last eight on Wednesday night.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/jjhurtwilldriveus.html

'Instant Impact'

Courtesy of Official Site-

Juande Ramos was impressed with Jamie O'Hara's cameo role at Portsmouth as the
young midfielder made an impact on his debut at Fratton Park.
Recently back
from a loan spell at Millwall, Jamie, 21, entered the fray for Kevin-Prince
Boateng with 13 minutes remaining and the match finely balanced at
0-0.
It took less than a minute for his first contribution, a cross-field
pass into the path of Jermain Defoe, who controlled and lifted a tricky chance
over David James but over the bar.
Then, two minutes later, Jamie's most
telling contribution as he led a counter-attack from the left and carried
the ball some distance before picking out Aaron Lennon on the right,
Aaron's cross turned home for the winner by Dimitar Berbatov.
"It was
his debut and he had 15 very good minutes," said Head Coach Juande. "He
understood perfectly what I asked of him when he came on.
"He played very
well and I'm very happy with him."

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/instantimpact171207.html

Match Report: Pompey vs Spurs 12/15/07

Courtesy of Official Site-

Dimitar Berbatov scored the goal that secured us a first Premier League away win
of the season against Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Saturday.
It was fifth
goal of the season for the striker in all competitions and it provided the
perfect pre-Christmas tonic of three points banked.In what felt like sub-zero
temperatures on the South Coast, Juande Ramos handed a second Premiership start
to Kevin Prince Boateng in central midfield alongside Jermaine Jenas, while
Darren Bent got the nod to begin up front in tandem with Dimitar Berbatov.
Michael Dawson was unavailable due to illness, so Didier Zokora once again
occupied a central defensive berth alongside Younes Kaboul. Pompey had four
former Spurs in their 16 on duty - Sol Campbell, Noe Pamarot, Pedro Mendes and
Sean Davis. It was John Utaka who made the first purposeful surge, one that it
took Jenas to speed back and repel. Utaka was looking the principal threat for
the home side, while there was a good tempo and some crisp passing from the team
in white, with Bent dispatching the first shot that flew a foot or so wide of
the top corner. Steed Malbranque thought he was on the scoresheet for the second
time in as many seasons at this venue in the 16th minute when, from an Aaron
Lennon cross, Boateng struck in on goal and was foiled by David James.
Malbranque poked home the rebound, but the flag of the assistant was aloft. Papa
Bouba Diop attempted to muscle his way through at the other end and had his
effort diverted away by Zokora, before Berbatov flicked just over the bar from
an offside position. A Sulley Muntari free-kick was, moments later, smothered
well by Paul Robinson. Bent then evaded his marker and worked himself a shooting
position but failed to generate enough power to trouble James. Lennon and Bent
combined to create an opening for Berbatov in front of goal, with only a late
Campbell intervention preventing the Bulgarian stroking home. Malbranque buzzed
into the box at the start of the second half but clipped a cross-shot to the
unoccupied far post, while Lennon and Bent both had opportunities to stretch the
home defences with their pace. Lennon fizzed in a cross with 53 minutes on the
clock that James attempted to prevent making a connection with the head of Bent.
What he did do was ensure the ball struck the back of Glen Johnson, but Bent had
already advanced and was unable to seize on the loose ball. Neither side was
really establishing superiority in the game, one which was a little frenetic and
lacking some poise from individual playmakers. It was punctuated with fouls,
which was not helping the flow of the contest, but the home crowd were voicing a
degree of frustration - something that is normally a good sign. Berbatov strode
goalwards at the midway point in the half but the on-rushing James got just
about enough on the ball to prevent him making capital before the substitute
David Nugent headed narrowly over at the other end. On 74 minutes Berbatov was
joined by Jermain Defoe with Bent making way and he was quickly followed by
Jamie O'Hara, who got to make his Premier League debut in place of Boateng. He
made a quick impression with an angled ball that picked out Defoe, who proceeded
to ping it over James but also over the bar. The changes breathed new life into
attacking intent and the deadlock was broken on 81 minutes. Lennon zipped a
cross off the back of his marker Hermann Hreidarsson and the deviation in flight
deceived the defenders and Berbatov was waiting at the back post to steer past
James before joining the Spurs fans for a celebration.
O'Hara might have
netted were it not for the head of Niko Kranjcar getting in the way but it
mattered little when the referee sounded the whistle to send us home happy.
Cold, but very happy.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/matchreport151207.html

Bale out 3 months

Gareth Bale out 3 months due to foot injury.

League Cup draw for Quarterfinal round

Fifth Round (Quarterfinal)

Matches will be played in the week beginning 17
December 2007, with the exception of West Ham United vs Everton, which will be
played on 12 December due to Everton's European commitments.

Home team Away team

Blackburn Rovers vs Arsenal
DateKick offStadium
18 December 200720:00Ewood Park, Blackburn

Chelsea vs Liverpool
DateKick offStadium
19 December 200719:45Stamford Bridge, London

Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur
DateKick offStadium
18 December 200719:45City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester

West Ham United vs Everton
DateKick offStadium
12 December 200719:45Boleyn Ground, London

'Supre-Sub Defoe' Spurs 2 - Man City 1

Courtesy of Sky Sports-

Super-sub Jermain Defoe stepped off the bench to secure a vital three
points for Tottenham and continue Manchester City's away-day blues.
The
England international was on hand to drill home the rebound after Steed
Malbranque's curling cross-shot had hit the base of the post seven minutes from
time.
City had been reduced to 10 men just seconds earlier with Stephen
Ireland shown a straight red card for a late two-footed lunge on Lee Young-pyo,
and the visitors never fully cleared their lines from the resulting free-kick.
It had looked as though it would be Sven-Goran Eriksson celebrating an
inspired change after Rolando Bianchi had headed City level in the 61st minute,
powering home Martin Petrov's corner just minutes after coming on.
Pascal
Chimbonda had given Spurs the lead in controversial circumstances seconds before
the interval, deflecting Dimitar Berbatov's cheeky flick from Jermaine Jenas'
low free-kick beyond Andreas Isaksson with his arm when stood in an offside
position.
But it was left to Defoe to grab the headlines with his goal just
six minutes after coming on as City, who boast a 100 per cent record at home,
suffered a fourth defeat on their travels and a seventh in succession against
Spurs.
With Spurs' top scorer Robbie Keane out for another two matches
through suspension, he also offered head coach Juande Ramos an indication he is
ready to step in.
Elano absent
City were without the influence of Elano,
the Brazil playmaker having failed to recover from a hamstring complaint, so
their creativity came from Martin Petrov on the left wing.
Petrov's delivery
from the flank went some way to explain why Dimitar Berbatov wanted his Bulgaria
team-mate at White Hart Lane this summer.
However, with £8.8million striker
Bianchi on the bench, Petrov only had Darius Vassell to aim for initially,
giving Younes Kaboul time to settle after getting dropped for the midweek UEFA
Cup clash against Anderlecht.
However, the young French defender's passing
range was awful, and he was nowhere to be seen for City's equaliser.
Bent
wasteful
At the other end, Darren Bent was wasteful. Berbatov's silky touches
sent Bent through on goal in the ninth minute but Andreas Isaksson rushed out to
save with his feet.
Javier Garrido picked up a booking for tripping Aaron
Lennon, and from the resulting attack Berbatov was on the floor but managed to
clip the ball through to Bent. He snatched at his shot with Jermaine Jenas
waiting with an open goal in front of him.
Berbatov was full of invention,
drilling a cross for Malbranque to sweep a shot towards goal but Richard Dunne
got himself in the way of the effort.
City showed pace on the break when
Kelvin Etuhu, making his first start for the club, smashed into the
side-netting, while Michael Johnson was patrolling the midfield area with
authority on his return to action.
The opener came on the stroke of
half-time, with Berbatov getting fouled on the touchline by a combination of
Gelson Fernandes and Vedran Corluka. Jenas drilled the ball across, Berbatov
flicked and Chimbonda angered City with the finish off his arm - he also
appeared to be standing in an offside position.
Eriksson responded by
bringing on Bianchi for Etuhu just before the hour mark, with the substitute
making an instant impact.
Robinson
Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson would
have been braced for a busy spell but he also had time to banter with the City
fans, who dubbed him "England's number four" after his recent troubles at
international level.
He could do nothing about Bianchi's equaliser, the
Italian striker rising to thump home a header from Petrov's corner.
City
were putting Spurs under intense pressure and Lee had to make a last-ditch
clearance from another Petrov cross. Petrov also fizzed a long-range effort just
wide.
The game turned when Ireland was given his straight red card by Mark
Halsey for a slide on Lee.
Defoe grabbed the winner from the free-kick, with
Malbranque hitting the post and the substitute smashing the rebound between
Micah Richards' legs.

Linked here: http://origin.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_2908997,00.html

Anderlecht under Disciplinary Proceedings

Source: Sporting Life

UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Anderlecht after objects
appeared to be thrown from the crowd during the tie with Tottenham.Spurs' Didier
Zokora appeared to be struck by lighter thrown from the crowd and goalkeeper
Paul Robinson also picked up a metal rod which he handed to the fourth official
after the final whistle of the 1-1 draw at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium in
Brussels."UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Anderlecht for the
throwing of objects by spectators," said a UEFA spokesman.The Belgian side have
already been fined for crowd disturbances during a Champions League qualifier
earlier in the season against Fenerbahce and UEFA officials will take previous
cases into consideration when they meet.The punishments range from a fine to
expulsion from the tournament."The control and disciplinary body will meet on
December 13 to make a decision on this case," the spokesman added.Zokora claimed
afterwards that he was targeted as he used to play for Anderlecht's rivals Genk
at the start of his career, yet he also had cause for celebration as the point
earned Spurs a place in the knockout stages of the competition.Spurs head coach
Juande Ramos was hit by Real Betis fans when he was at Sevilla and although he
did not see Zokora struck, the Spaniard said: "This is very bad for the players
and those who work in football."We have to be left in peace on the pitch and you
can't have objects thrown because somebody could get hurt."

MATCH REPORT: ANDERLECHT 1, SPURS 1

Courtesy of Official Site-

Dimitar Berbatov provided the cool head needed to book our place in the last 32
of the UEFA Cup with the penalty to secure a 1-1 draw at Anderlecht on Thursday
night.
On as a second half substitute, Berba calmy slotted home the spot
kick won by Jermaine Jenas as keeper Daniel Zitka dived the other way in
the 71st minute. The point means we'll finish second place at worst in Group H
with the final round of matches to follow on December 19.
It was just what
the doctor ordered on a rain-soaked night in Belgium as the home side took the
lead two minutes earlier, Bart Goor slotting home from 16
yards.
There were a couple of changes to the starting line-up from the team
that took on Birmingham on Sunday, with Lee Young-Pyo drafted in for the injured
Gareth Bale and Tom Huddlestone taking the place of Younes Kaboul. It was
naturally not a straight swap as it was Didier Zokora who took up position at
centre half. Darren Bent retained his place in the side, this time in a
two-pronged attack alongside Robbie Keane - featuring in his final game before
serving a three-match suspension. There was not a huge amount of meaningful
activity in the opening 15 minutes as the teams sized each other up, as well as
attempting to get used to the new UEFA ball - which seemed to fly around a bit.
Mbo Mpenza nearly stole a march on Lee midway through the half, but his touch
was heavy and Paul Robinson was able to advance and collect before Jermaine
Jenas issued Daniel Zitka with his first assignment of the game with a low drive
that the goalkeeper foiled. Robinson denied Roland Jahasz with a similar smother
at the other end ten minutes before the break as Anderlecht increased the
intensity slightly, although it was Jermaine Jenas who received the first
caution of the evening after 41 minutes. The home side did manage to rouse their
supporters just ahead of half-time when Martin Wasilewski forced Robinson into
action and Nicolas Frutos looked set to profit from the rebound but failed to
capitalise and shot wide. In truth, it was a poor half in which both sides
displayed little creativity or, apart from late on, looked like altering the
scoreboard. Keane did test Zitka in the opening moments of the second half and
Pascal Chimbonda seized on the loose ball but could not break the deadlock.
Robinson then ensured parity remained with a smart block to deny the rampaging
threat of Frutos, who made a powerful run into the area. An Mpenza surge
followed and this time it was an excellent challenge from Zokora that quelled
the potential danger. Berbatov entered the stage in the 58th minute, taking the
place of Keane, and it was the Bulgarian who stepped up to take charge of a
free-kick 66 minutes in after the felling of Steed Malbranque. Zitko, however,
was equal to the challenge. Just two minutes later though, Anderlecht snatched
the lead when an Mpenza cross from the right was not dealt with by Michael
Dawson or Jenas and Bart Goor was able to steer past Robinson. A quick
response was called for and we didn't have to wait too long - just a couple of
minutes. Jenas was bought down in the area and the referee pointed spot-wards to
the despair of the home support and Berbatov, cool as you like, slotted his
penalty past Zitka. Jermain Defoe came on for Bent but it was Robinson who made
the next significant contribution with a superb stop to deny the substitute
Cyril Thereau.
Typically sharp off the bench, JD then tested Zitka twice, the
home keeper producing a smart save to tip the second effort over.
That was
just about that - our last moment of concern as a corner bobbled around - and
the whistle signalled further progress in the competition. The only worrying
note Young-Pyo Lee's departure on a stretcher after a clash of heads.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/matchreport061207.html

Ledley King on his return (Reserve action)

Courtesy of Official Site-

Ledley King admits he did not anticipate beginning his season on a cold December
night by the River Thames.
That's how it turned out though with his first
window of opportunity for some match minutes coming in a reserve team contest
against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Tuesday. Ledley was pencilled in for a 45
minute work-out after recovering from knee surgery carried out in May and the
Club skipper eased through the examination with his usual cool before
contemplating the next step on his comeback trail. "I suppose not, but it was in
June when I had the operation and I knew there was a lot of work to do to get
back," said Ledley when the setting of his seasonal opener was mentioned. "I am
now just thinking about trying to get as many minutes under my belt as I can
before trying to get back into the First Team squad. "It was nice just to come
through 45, my first in six months or so, and it feels good," added Ledley, who
pointed out that nerves still play a part for him no matter what the game.
"Every time I go on the pitch they are there, it is the pressure I put on myself
to perform. Even at school, where I was the best player, I felt them and that is
the way it should be when you go on the pitch." Even though he suffered a few
match night nerves, what Ledley did have was confidence in his knee standing up
to the test. "That is the main thing. The medical staff have been brilliant and
have helped me to get to where I am now. I had confidence in the knee going out
there and that is a good feeling. "I feel fine, it was good to come through it.
As long as the knee is fine I am happy. "I've had my fair share of injuries, but
this has been the longest one. They are all as frustrating as each other, but
this has been the one I've had to be most careful with and I had to make sure I
was right before coming back so that I don't have any more problems. I feel I
have done that and hopefully I will get the rewards from it."

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/ledleyonreturn041207.html

FA Cup Third Round tie

Courtesy of Official Site-

Our FA Cup Third Round tie at home to Reading is now confirmed for Saturday
January 5, kick-off 3.00pm.
If a replay is required this will take place on
Tuesday January 15, kick-off 8.00pm.
Please note that the date and kick-off
time of the replay are still subject to change in the event of it being selected
for live TV coverage.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/facupdate041207.html

Keane appeal Rejected

Courtesy of Official Site-

The Club can confirm that the appeal against Robbie Keane's red card for
serious foul play has been rejected.
Robbie will now serve a three-match
domestic suspension as a result of his dismissal in our Premier League fixture
against Birmingham City on Sunday.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/keaneupdate.html

Match Report Spurs v Birmingham City

Courtesy of Official Site-

It turned out to be an afternoon of conflicting emotions for Robbie Keane at the
Lane, his two goals against Birmingham turning the contest on its head before a
red card cut short his contribution and the visitors went on to grab the
initiative and snatch a late winner.
Keane struck twice - once
from the spot - to overturn a first half deficit and it appeared that three
points would be making a happy deposit in our account. However, Birmingham
struck again out of the Blue and then the skipper was given his marching orders
following a decision that is likely to be debated for a little while yet.
Sebastian Larsson had the last and dramatic say in the encounter.Younes Kaboul
and Darren Bent were restored to the side in place of Lee Young-Pyo and the
injured Jermaine Jenas. It was certainly an attacking hand played by Juande
Ramos, with Keane and Steed Malbranque occupying a central midfield anchored by
Didier Zokora. Dimitar Berbatov was first to cause concern to the Birmingham
bench of newly appointed manager Alex McLeish and his assistant Jim Aitken when
he seized on defensive uncertainty and worked Maik Taylor for the first time of
the afternoon. Keane should then have worked him further after Bent slotted him
through on goal, but his effort was slashed high and wide. It was a lively
affair though under lights in the late afternoon winter darkness and drizzling
rain. You knew we are now well into the winter programme when news of the FA Cup
Third Round draw filtered through - Reading to visit the Lane in early January.
There was a blast from the past working with a Belgian TV crew on the Press Box,
one Nico Clausen, no doubt gathering preview material for our UEFA Cup clash
with Anderlecht on Thursday. Watch this space for Nico's thoughts. Berbatov and
Keane combined to create half a chance through the Bulgarian's header before the
same player dispatched a superb cutting throughball for Bent to pounce on. Bent
went for it first time and the legs of Taylor were enough to divert wide.
Completely against the run of play, Gary McSheffrey darted into the area and
Kaboul came across to deal, but ended up making more contact with the man than
the ball and referee Mr Dowd instantly pointed to the spot. McSheffrey did the
honours himself and drove down the middle to make it 1-0 to Birmingham on 23
minutes. The pressure continued to head in one direction only, with Lennon
posing the biggest threat, but Taylor really had to be at his best to keep out a
Gareth Bale free-kick that was arrowing into the top corner in the 36th minute.
There was some resolute defending in front of goal by the visitors, who managed
to slide in and apply a block to just about every low cross in the first period.
Like on Thursday it was the whistle for the beginning of the second half that
provided the spark. Zokora sped forward and linked up with Berbatov, who was
felled in the area by Johan Djourou. Again Mr Dowd showed no hesitation in
pointing spot-wards. Despite a delay due to Pascal Chimbonda receiving
treatment, Keane stayed cool and hit his penalty high into the net. There were
changes again at the resumption of play after the interval, Tom Huddlestone
being drafted in along with Jermain Defoe in place of Kaboul and Bent. The
introduction of Huddlestone once more paid dividends when a delicious chip into
the area was gobbled up by Keane, who hit his shot downwards and the bounce of
the ball beat Taylor and it was 2-1 with 53 minutes on the clock. It should then
have been three when Berbatov hit the post rather than the back of the net after
a stray defensive header fell to him in front of goal. The crowd of 35,635, bar
700 in the top corner, were stunned into silence just after the hour when
Cameron Jerome ventured forward and escaped Zokora before pinging in a low shot
between two defenders and beyond the reach of Paul Robinson's outstretched left
hand to make it an unlikely 2-2. Berbatov peeled away to connect with a Bale
corner a few minutes later and it took Stephen Kelly to chest away off the line.
There was a twist in the tale on 67 minutes when Keane challenged Fabrice Muamba
and Mr Dowd showed the skipper a red card. Replays showed there was contact, but
no way did it look a sending off offence and Keane looked suitably bemused as he
was leaving the field. Bale then had to be withdrawn following a hefty challenge
from Muamba and, with Lee now on the pitch, it was a case of seeing whether the
ten men could net the three points. It was Birmingham who next came closest to
winning the day with two minutes left on the clock when Mikael Forssell grazed
the bar from all of a few yards out when he connected with a low Olivier Kapo
delivery. Kapo went on to test Robinson with a fierce drive before, in stoppage
time, Larsson picked up the ball some thirty yards out and fizzed the ball past
Robinson and into the top corner.
If you needed a game to sum up
the term 'smash and grab' then this was it.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/matchreport021207.html

Uefa Cup Spurs v Aalborg

Courtesy of Official Site-

It didn't quite go according to the preferred script, but a second win of the
UEFA Cup Group Stage was recorded by beating Aalborg 3-2 on Thursday
night.
It really wasn't going to plan at half-time when the team trooped in
two goals down and a little shell-shocked before a couple of changes at the
break galvanised affairs and we were back level six minutes into the second
period. The party was then over for Aalborg and their vocal band of followers.
There was one change to the side that began proceedings at West Ham on Sunday -
Lee Young-Pyo drafted in for the injured Younes Kaboul, with Pascal Chimbonda
making the switch to central defence. With under two minutes on the clock a tale
of the unexpected unfolded when Thomas Enevoldsen scambered forward towards the
18 yard line and then tried his luck from outside the area and the flight of his
shot beat Paul Robinson and 1,300 Danes started an unlikely celebration. Their
side responded by maintaining the momentum and zipping the ball about with
considerable conviction. It wasn't until the 14th minute and a brilliant darting
run from Jermaine Jenas that a threat from our attacking sorties emerged.
Aalborg claimed a penalty midway through the half when Rade Prica went down in a
tumble with Lee, but the claim was dubious and replays showed the forward to be
offside anyway. Pressure was being applied in the direction of the Park Lane
end, but goalkeeper Karim Zaza was not being tested as moves broke down at the
final ball. Punishment for this was dished out in the 37th minute when a low
cross cum shot from Prica was bundled into the back of the net by Kasper
Risgard, despite the attentions of two defenders. It was time to regroup and
make a battle of this tie. Jenas was just beaten to the ball by Zaza after being
cleverly set through on goal by Robbie Keane before a Gareth Bale free-kick
caused a degree of panic in the visiting defences. Juande Ramos reacted to the
deficit at half-time by replacing Jenas with Tom Huddlestone and Lee with Darren
Bent. The change paid almost instant dividends when a low Huddlestone ball
literally dissected the defence, allowing Berbatov to steer past Zaza and half
the Aalborg advantage. Huddlestone set the ball rolling again in the 51st minute
when he picked out Lennon who in turn sent Berbatov gliding away down the right
flank. Berbatov centred and Bent was denied by a brave block from Zaza, with the
ball running loose and for Keane to tee up Steed Malbranque to drive high into
the net to make it level pegging. A cranking up of the pressure followed with no
further reward before Enevoldsen wa about a foot away from netting a second from
a similar distance as his first just after the hour mark. On 66 minutes the lead
taken after a Bale free-kick was parried away by Zaza and Lennon was quickest to
react by drilling back across goal. Bent was on hand to tap home at the far post
and from two goals down, an advantage was created. A fourth was sought in front
of a gate of 29,758, with varying degrees of closeness, the best being Lennon's
that forced a superb stop from Zaza in injury time, then Malbranque scooping
wide at the death - until the whistle sounded on a night of
contrasts. Something along the lines of that old saying about two halves...

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/matchreport_aalborg_h.html

Spurs US TV Schedule for 11/26/07-12/2/07

Courtesy of FSC TV-


Thu. Nov. 29, 2007
UEFA Cup - Matchday 3
Tottenham Hotspur v. Aalborg BK
2:30 p.m. EST


Sun. Dec. 2, 2007
Premier League
Tottenham v. Birmingham
11:00 a.m. EST


Linked here: http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/fsctv/soccermatches

Chairman's Address

Courtesy of Official Site-

The Chairman's address to the EGM at White Hart Lane at 2pm this afternoon,
Monday November 26.
Before we start on the official business I should like to
say a few words to the meeting.
We have much to be optimistic about going
forward and that is what I wish to concentrate on today. We have made changes
recently in order to strengthen our position in several areas. This is a dynamic
business and as such we have to constantly respond to changing circumstances,
some within, but many outside, of our control.
As a result, these last three
months have been testing times for us all. Both the Club and I personally have
endured much criticism. We have absorbed much blame – very little of which was
justified with facts. But we elected not to respond and rather to hold our
counsel. We took the clear decision that we would not discuss private matters in
public and we did this in the long-term interests of the Club and all parties
involved.
I should now like to take this opportunity to once again thank
Martin Jol, Chris Hughton and Hans Segers and wish them well in their future
careers.
We have a new and respected coaching team and I look forward to
introducing Juande to you after the formal proceedings today and for you to hear
his thoughts on the remainder of the season.
The performance of the business
means that we retain the ability to invest and, in respect of players on long
contracts, we have no need to sell. It is noteworthy that all key players are on
long-term contracts with the exception of Jermain Defoe, who has expressed
publicly that he wants to remain at the club and I put it on record that we want
him to stay.
I should also like to correct newspaper reports that have
existed, despite my denials, that ENIC has agreed to sell its shareholding in
the Club. For nearly 7 years we have, I believe, moved this Club forward, but
have had to endure constant speculation from those who would seek to detract
from what we are achieving. For the record yet again, no offer has been made for
the Club during my time here, not even by Roman Abramovich as was so incorrectly
reported.
This year sees us report record financial results. TV, sponsorship,
retail, ticket and corporate hospitality revenues have all contributed to an
increase of 39% in turnover and good management of the business has seen profits
rise to 31% of turnover. We have continued to upgrade the Ticket Office and this
has now been relocated to Paxton Road. Service levels are critical in this area
of the business and it is important that we continuously evaluate and raise
standards of delivery. We have centralised customer service and this has been
well received – we shall, however, continue to seek further
improvements.
Investment and work on valuable community-based projects
through the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation continues to go from strength to
strength. In conjunction with our application for the Training Centre at Bulls
Cross is a commitment to deliver a 10 year outreach programme within the local
community worth in excess of £2.3m.
We currently have a minimum of one player
per week attending a community event in areas local to the club and our
facilities. It is a tremendous commitment not only by your club, but also by the
First Team and Academy players who derive a genuine benefit and enjoyment from
this aspect of their footballing lives. It is also a much valued and appreciated
service to the communities.
Earlier this month we also launched our Spurs
Learning Zone – a dedicated state of the art facility located here at the
stadium, that will host daily classes of up to 30 local children, providing them
with access to cutting edge information, communication, podcasting and digital
editing technologies - a resource much welcomed by our local council.
Not
only as a football club, but as a business in general, the level, quality and
effect of our contribution to communities and good causes, is outstanding and
sets us apart. We should recognise this and be rightly proud.
Looking to our
capital expenditure projects - In respect of the stadium I can report, as
promised in January, that we have refined our options. At this stage, as I am
sure you will understand, it would be commercially inappropriate to discuss
these in further detail. To date, Matthew Collecott and I have directed the
project and we are making substantial progress. Last week we added to our
project team with the appointment of Paul Phillips, who will be the project
manager on a day-to-day basis. Paul has a proven track record in delivering
complex stadium solutions and was the project leader on the Emirates
Stadium.
We should all be conscious of the fact that we face significant
hurdles and disadvantages in our search for an optimum solution to increased
capacity. For example, with our current location, we do not have inherent land
values in Tottenham that could drive enabling development and regeneration.
Additionally, the Olympics is taking significant public funds out of the public
purse which could assist with any major schemes. There is no easy option for us
but we are determined to find a solution. We shall announce our preferred option
in the first half of 2008.
Please be assured that your Board is applying the
same vigour and determination towards achieving a successful outcome on this
capital project as we did for the Training facility and I am pleased to be able
to report good news on that now.
We achieved a terrific step forward with
future plans when earlier this month Enfield Council Planning Committee voted to
grant planning permission for our Football Training Centre – a combined First
Team and Academy facility - at Bulls Cross, Enfield. We were absolutely
delighted with this outcome, the culmination of years of hard work and
determination by a dedicated in house team and external consultants. The
application will now pass to the Mayor of London and the Government Office for
London for final approval.

I shall now ask James Budd of architects KSS to
make a brief presentation on an overview of the scheme.
Thank you
James.
As you can see it is an outstanding facility – the creation of a world
class First Team and Academy training facility set on over 60 acres and we have
now achieved an important first step towards realising this vital project for
the Club. It will be instrumental in attracting the best young talent and afford
our current squad state of the art facilities in which to train over the
season.
Our Academy is already home to some of the most outstanding young
talent in the country. When much has been said about the need to nurture young
home grown English talent, you can be proud that your Club boasts no fewer than
8 academy players in the England youth teams. Additional to this are a further 8
players who represent their countries at youth international level. The Club now
has a total of 34 international players and 7 full England internationals.
We
shall keep you informed as we progress the Training Centre project – our current
timetable aims for completion in the summer of 2010 but I would stress once
again that there are still further stages to be passed in the next few months
and we should also expect opposition to continue. I would ask that you continue
to give it your support as we progress through those stages.
In closing, I
should like to thank everyone at the Club for their contribution to last
season's success and to the Club's supporters for their magnificent support.
This year we celebrated our 125th Anniversary – a notable landmark for a great
football club – but equally important that we now look ahead with confidence and
ensure that glory is not a term used only to recall events from the past. We
have much happening now that will impact greatly on our future.
Thank you

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/chairmansaddress261107.html

Gus Poyet's take on the London Derby v. Wet Spam

Courtesy of Official Site-

Gus Poyet was left in no doubt that we deserved to win Sunday's derby at West
Ham.
After a bright start, West Ham capitalised on a mistake by Younes Kaboul
to take the lead but a change of formation 10 minutes into the second half
(three at the back, Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon as wing-backs) saw us take
control and equalise when Michael Dawson headed home Jermaine Jenas'
free-kick.
Both teams had opportunities in a frantic final few minutes.
Paul Robinson saved well from Scott Parker and Carlton Cole and we had a golden
chance to win it in injury time when Jermain Defoe was fouled by Lucas Neill and
took the penalty himself, Robert Green saving well.
"We're disappointed
because we didn't win, we wanted to win from the outset," reflected first team
coach Gus, back at the Lodge and preparing for Aalborg in the UEFA Cup.
"We
thought we were doing alright until we made a mistake and that mistake made us a
little nervous for 10 minutes or so, then came the big penalty decision at the
end of the first half.
"We had a good meeting at half-time, the lads reacted
well and knew we would change it within a few minutes if we hadn't come back.
From the moment we went with the different shape we were in control, in fact, we
looked like the home team.
"At the end, because of the penalty, there was a
little sadness because we'd done everything to win.
"Now we have to win our
next game and that starts in the UEFA Cup, then Birmingham in the Premier
League."

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/guswedeservedwin271107.html

Match Report vs Wigan at home

Courtesy of Official Site-

Jermaine Jenas marked a new arrival with a return to his goalscoring habit
against Wigan Athletic on Sunday afternoon.
The speedy midfielder netted two
first half goals, added to by Aaron Lennon before the break and Darren Bent
afterwards as three Premiership points were banked for the first time since the
visit of Derby County to this arena back in August. Lennon's curling shot after
a Keane-Berbatov combination just failed to result in a shooting chance in the
opening stages, before a period of slick interchange had the Wigan defence
marking shadows and only a couple of fortunate deflections prevented likely
profit. It took until only the 13th minute for the deadlock to be broken and it
was Keane who brilliantly skipped past Andreas Granqvist on the left before
dispatching a low centre that evaded Chris Kirkland and was prodded home by
Jenas. Cue the baby rocking celebration, since the goalscorer last week became
father to a baby girl. A long ball from Michael Dawson was then nodded into the
path of Keane by Berbatov, but the leading scorer has not quite found his range
at that point. Dawson was later not too far wide with a big flick on from a
Jenas corner. JJ doubled the advantage with the clock showing 25 minutes.
Berbatov superb threaded throughball was left by the offside Keane and the
midfielder sped onto the pass, rounded Kirkland and applied a finishing touch in
front of goal. It was goal No.3 of the season for the athletic middleman.
Fatherhood clearly suits. Berbatov was the class act of the half and none more
so then when he plucked Paul Robinson's long clearance out of the air in the
Wigan area and calmly laid the ball back into the path of Lennon. Not known for
trying his luck from distance, the winger took a touch before steering firmly
past Kirkland from around 20 yards. The spark was well and truly back in the
side, they were hunting in packs, defending in numbers, while the football was
slick and efficient. Wigan, by contrast, looked all at sea. Just before the
break Jenas should have completed his hat-trick. Brilliant approach play from
Berbatov and Lennon set him off and running into the area before beating a
couple of defenders and looking like the easy bit was to come. The net did
rattle, but it was the side netting. It remained one-way traffic at the
beginning of the second half, one which saw an early entry for Teemu Tainio as a
replacement for the injured Malbranque. Wigan attempted to rally but were being
consistently picked off by the poise of Berbatov, the pace of Lennon and the
waspish attentions of Keane. To try and address the balance, caretaker boss
Frank Barlow introduced the tenacious Michael Brown. Jenas then thought he had
his third with a superb lift over Kirkland from Keane's supply line, but was
offside along with Berbatov. Shortly after the applause were huge when Keane
made was for Darren Bent. Lennon forced Kirkland into a stooping low save after
a darting run, but we didn't have to wait too much longer for the score to be
added to. Berbatov again was in creative mode, picking out the run of Jenas who,
in turn, located Bent on the run. The sub took the ball to the right of the area
before firing across Kirkland and in off the post. Bent later went for power and
was too far adrift when Berbatov once more set up a chance. It was that sort of
afternoon, you even suspected Didier Zokora might just get in on the scoring act
and he nearly did - his surging run and shot forcing a fine save out of
Kirkland. Berbatov next hit the underside of the bar and Younes Kaboul did
likewise with the follow-up in a game that saw confidence restored to the
mindset of seemingly each and every player.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/matchreport111107.html

Match Report UEFA cup vs Hapoel Tel Aviv

Courtesy of Official Site-

Robbie Keane made it 25 goals in 33 games when he set us on the way to UEFA Cup
victory against Hapoel Tel Aviv on Thursday evening
Robbie's strike, coupled
with another from his strike partner Dimitar Berbatov, was enough to record our
first win of the UEFA Cup Group Stage, as well as it being a first victory on
our travels this season. Juande Ramos made four changes to the team that started
up at Middlesbrough on Saturday, restoring the strike partnership of Keane and
Berbatov and also Didier Zokora to the central midfield axis with Jermaine
Jenas. Pascal Chimbonda was switched to centre half, with Paul Stalteri drafted
in at right back. It was a sultry evening, weather-wise, at the compact
Bloomfield Stadium, with the home team decked out in all red and supported
vocally by a sizeable pocket of fans behind the goal protected by Vincent
Enyeama in the first half. It was colourful and atmospheric and you imagine that
a Tel Aviv derby must be quite an event. The first attempt on goal came when
Bebars Natcho dragged an effort wide of the upright in the eighth minute. The
game was not quick to get going and both teams were struggling to establish a
foothold or to dominate territorially. It carried on in much the same fashion
until the first decisive move was made in the 26th minute when Keane sent Steed
Malbranque scurrying down the left of the Hapoel penalty area and the Frenchman
did well to bundle his way through and deliver a cross back into the path of
Keane, who smacked the ball home with precision from around penalty spot
distance. The advantage was doubled just four minutes later, the first phase of
play being an Aaron Lennon centre that led to a Berbatov shot being blocked in
front of goal. The ball found its way out to the left and Malbranque again
turned provider with a cross that was calmly nodded into the net past Enyeama by
Berbatov. Keane could have helped himself to a double seven minutes before the
break, only denied by a desperate late block by Gabriel Do Santos. Hapoel were
rattled and their noisy pocket sat down and went quiet. Chimbonda then headed
narrowly over from a Jenas free-kick. The battling spirit of the home side
evaporated as half-time was reached, but they nearly enjoyed a slice of fortune
at the beginning of the second period when Bakukh Dego mishit a cross and the
flight of it came close to deceiving Paul Robinson and causing a few problems.
Hopes of mounting a comeback were dented five minutes into the half when Gal
Shish was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Lennon, having earned the
first for an offence against the same player in the first half. Lennon, moments
later, chipped a crossfield pass into the area occupied by Malbranque, who
flashed a shot across goal. It was his final contribution to the game as he was
subsequently replaced by Jermain Defoe. The contest again became very disjointed
before being sparked by a neat combination between Jenas and Keane that led to
the latter drilling just wide. A double change was next with Darren Bent and
Kevin-Prince Boateng being introduced to the mix - Jenas and Keane being
withdrawn. The swaps enlivened proceedings, but the game was won and urgency was
not an ingredient particularly in evidence. Robinson had to be alert to save at
the feet of Fabio Junior Pereira and we finished the stronger with Bent closest
toa third, his effort coming back off the upright after being threaded through
by Defoe. All in all, job done.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/matchreport081107.html

To Whom It May Concern (an Open Letter from PageVee)

A friend of mine has established a non-profit at the University of Virginia, Bridging the Gap, that is devoted to mentoring and tutoring refugee children resettled in the Charlottesville-Albemarle, Virginia area. BTG has developed a successful soccer program, Fugee Soccer, that is partnered with the Soccer Organization of Charlottesville-Albermarle (SOCA) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC)'s Family Support division to register and provide transportation for 37 children on soccer teams this fall (2007).

I have a few motivations for this post.

1st: I want to contact THFC and other THFC Supporter groups and get them involved with this program if possible.

2nd: My friend is an Arsenal fan (one of his highschool buddy's is from London and got to him years ago) and has told me he will switch allegiance in order to raise help/support for the kids.

3rd: I want to do what I can to help the kids I have grown to know over the past few years.

My "friend" is my girlfriend's younger brother, Clay. UVA's Chancellor mentioned him during his graduation ceremony last spring because of his work with the foundation of "Bridging the Gap." The Chancellor only mentioned 10 graduates during UVA's main ceremony and Clay was singled out among the thousands of graduates.

I am currently just looking for ideas about how to move this project forward and hope to get THFC involved along the way. Please let me know if anyone has ideas or information that I can pass to Clay about contacting specific individuals at THFC. I have already contacted Customer Service and hope to get some information directly from the club.

Thanks for your time and any help you can offer.

PageVee

Linked Article here: http://www.virginia.edu/uvatoday/finals2007/finals-broga.html

7 Subs?

Courtesy of Official Site-

Damien Comolli has added his voice to the calls for seven substitutes
to feature on the bench in Premier League fixtures, as opposed to the
present limit of five.The Sporting Director is fully behind the idea of
expanding substitute benches for domestic top-flight league games and argues
that it would allow for greater variety of options, as well as giving
younger players more opportunity to pick up valuable first-team experience.
"It is something that we as a club totally agree with and Juande Ramos
raised it in his first week in charge when he named his squads for the first
two games against Blackpool and Middlesbrough," reported Damien. "We think
it is the right thing to do in the Premier League as all the big leagues in
Europe are doing it now. It is the same in European competition as well, we
can have 18 players involved when we go to Israel this week, but only 16
when we play Wigan on Sunday. "It would also offer opportunities to some of
the younger players to step into the First Team group on a far more regular
basis than they do now. This can only be a good thing."

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/damienbacksmoresubscall.html

Press Speculation 10/6/07

Courtesy of Official Site-

Damien Comolli has spoken out after a Sunday newspaper suggested Paul Robinson
was to be moved on during the January transfer window following comments
attributed to him while on England duty.
"To suggest that Paul would be
transfer-listed for something he said and that he has fallen out with the
chairman as a result is utter nonsense," commented Damien. "Firstly, there was
no row to talk about and Paul went out of his way to clarify his position
immediately after and secondly something of this nature would never affect a
player’s future at this Club. "Normally we don't wish to react to such stories
concerning the Club or our players but there are occasions when we believe it is
right to set the record straight - and this is one of them." Similarly Darren
Bent has refuted a claim in another Sunday newspaper that he is looking to leave
the Club. "I am happy and settled at Spurs and stories that are saying otherwise
could not be further from the truth," said Darren. "I am determined to establish
myself in this team - that is the only thing I am focused on. I want to make an
impact and do what I was brought here to do, which is score goals."

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/pressspeculation041107.html

'Poyet makes Point'

Courtesy of Official Site-

Gus Poyet admitted that he wasn't happy to simply settle for a point after the
1-1 draw against Middlesbrough.
Luke Young's spectacular strike in the 54th
minute cancelled out Darren Bent's first half effort and that's how it stayed
after a scrappy encounter at the Riverside. We certainly pushed for the winner
and dominated territorially in the latter stages but couldn't carve out that one
golden chance to take maximum points. "We need to win games," said first team
coach Gus. "We came here wanting to win and one point isn't enough for us, but
after the game and that unbelievable goal, we have to take it. "If you ask me if
I'm happy with a point though, I'd say 'no'." Gus described ex-Spur Young's
thunderbolt into the top corner as a 'goal from a different game'. "It wasn't
the best of games and there were few opportunities," he added. "We scored from
an individual effort from Darren Bent and thought maybe that might be enough but
Young's goal gave them confidence." As for Juande Ramos' decision to go with
Jermain Defoe and Darren Bent up front, Gus added: "It's just a decision you
have to make in football, we thought it they were the best strikers for this
game with their speed and ability to get in behind (the defence). There was
nothing else behind it."

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/poyetmakespoint041107.html

'Keeping it Clean'

Courtesy of Official Site-

Paul Robinson, perhaps naturally given his position on the pitch, viewed a clean
sheet as the most important aspect of the performance against Blackpool at the
Lane.
The team progressed through to the last eight of the Carling Cup on
Wednesday night by a 2-0 scoreline courtesy of goals from Robbie Keane and
Pascal Chimbonda. It was an encouraging start to the reign of Juande Ramos, the
Head Coach who began working with the players on Monday. The goalkeeper believes
the message of the new man is quickly getting over to the players. "I thought we
did reasonably well," reflected Robbo after the game. "He has given us a lot of
information in the last couple of days and the important thing we wanted tonight
was a clean sheet - and we got that. "The Head Coach's communication has been
excellent, we've trained very hard over the last three days and he has tried to
get his message across as quickly as possible. There is a lot he wants to get
across and I'm sure that in time we will get better. "There is still work that
can be done and will be done. "Results bring confidence, the Head Coach with the
aura and presence he has about him, has also generated confidence. If we keep
winning you will see a very confident Tottenham team getting great results," he
continued, adding that players always have to start anew and prove themselves
when there is a change at the top. "That is how it is when a new man comes in -
it is like your first day at a new club. Everyone is on trial again, it is a new
start for everybody and we've got to start our season from tonight." It is on to
Middlesbrough and a bid for a first away win of the season at the Riverside
Stadium on Saturday against a side just above ourselves in the table. "We are
only a quarter of the way through and we certainly didn't want to be where we
are at this stage of the season. Middlesbrough are down there with us so it is
big game for both teams. "It is a very tough league and anybody could be down
there, there are the teams right at the top and outside of that everyone is
doing damage to each other."

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/keepingitclean011107.html

Carling Cup Victory and Clean Sheet!

Courtesy of Official Site-

Juande Ramos stressed that the result was all important as his reign as Head
Coach kicked-off with a Carling Cup win against Blackpool.
Another
impressive 30,000-plus crowd was at the Lane to herald in the new era and goals
from Robbie Keane and Pascal Chimbonda ensured a safe passage into the
quarter-finals.
The game wasn't without scares though as Blackpool missed a
golden chance before Keane's 18th-minute opener and then struck the crossbar and
forced Paul Robinson into his best save of the season at 1-0 before Chimbonda's
header gave us breathing space in the second half.
"The most important thing
was the victory," reflected Juande. "I thought the team played well,
we had spells of good football and now we have to look forward to the next
round. "On the positive side the players showed great willingness to play
and fought hard for the victory, it was physically very hard
especially as it was only three days since the last game.
"I suppose the
negative side is that Blackpool had three or four chances to score and we
shouldn't allow those chances.
"The game was how we expected, Blackpool are
from a lower league but they tried as hard as they could and gave
everything.
"It was very important to get a victory to give us more security,
to calm the players down a bit and give us confidence. The last results have
been quite negative and we needed to stop that run of results, so to get this
result was vital."
Victory means we take our place in a strong quarter-final
line-up alongisde Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Everton, West
Ham and Blackburn.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/winforstarters.html

Club Announcement 10/29/07

Courtesy of Official Site-

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Gus Poyet to our coaching staff.
The 39-year-old will join the Club as one of two first-team coaches alongside Marcos Alvarez, working under Head Coach Juande Ramos. Poyet enjoyed three seasons as a player at White Hart Lane, after winning major honours with former clubs Chelsea and Real Zaragoza. Following the conclusion of his playing career the former Uruguay international became Assistant Manager at Swindon Town and, more recently, Leeds United.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/clubannouncement291007.html

Match Report 10/28/07

Courtesy of Official Site-

Robbie Keane made it 23 goals in his last 30 games but the spoils went to
Blackburn Rovers at White Hart Lane on Sunday afternoon.
Keane's second half
penalty put us in pole position to secure a first Premier League win since
August, but a deflected strike from Benni McCarthy and a late one from
Christopher Samba dashed such hopes.Before we were ready to usher in a new era
at the Club there was the matter of a contest to deal with against in-form
Blackburn under the leadership of Clive Allen and Alex Inglethorpe. The Lane was
packed to the rafters - the Spurs areas, at least - as very-soon-to-be Head
Coach Juande Ramos stepped out into the Directors' Box to soak up the atmosphere
in his new environment. He will get to work on Monday morning, there were three
points to be fought for before that time. Clive did not make too many
alterations, Michael Dawson returned in place of the injured Anthony Gardner,
while Robbie Keane was back in the fold instead of Jermain Defoe. First up
though, Dawson did the honours when it came to receiving our cheque for winning
last season's Fair Play League, while the team warmed up for the game sporting
Kick it Out T-shirts bearing the message 'One Game, One Community' in support of
the week of action. There was a lively enough beginning to the encounter without
too much being carved out in the way of chances. Dimitar Berbatov took a little
too long when presented with a shooting chance from the edge of the area, with
David Bentley a bit wide with his angled effort at the Park Lane end. Just
before the 20 minute mark a Tom Huddlestone free-kick presented itself to Dawson
around eight yards out, the defender not letting it bounce, but not making a
decent enough connection to trouble Brad Friedel. Berbatov the Steed MNalbranque
then combined to set a darting Aaron Lennon through on goal and it took an
advancing Friedel to deny him a first of the season. Friedel was exercised again
when the flight of a deep ball from Lee Young-Pyo caught the visiting defenders
out and a Keane header forced the goalkeeper into tipping over the bar. Rovers
were in retreat for a good spell leading up to the half-hour mark, Berbatov shot
into the side netting, Robbie Savage went off injured and no further clear cut
openings were carved out before the break. The picture changed almost straight
after the interval when Keane sent Lennon scurrying into the area where he was
chopped down by Stephen Warnock. Referee Mr Styles pointed to the spot and Keane
struck his kick high past Friedel on 47 minutes. Friedel did brilliantly in
stopping the advantage being doubled when he shovelled away a Lee blast at his
near post after the full-back had been slotted through by Berbatov. The plot
took a twist just before the hour when Bentley picked out Benni McCarthy just
outside the area and the South African turned and dispatched a shot that flew up
off the lunging Dawson and looped into the top corner and in off the inside of
the crossbar. Cruel. Berbatov should have regained the lead with a header in
front of goal from Keane's cross, but did not generate enough power or direction
and Friedel was able to save. Lennon was thrilling yet frustrating with his
final ball as the team wrestled the initiative back from Blackburn after the
leveller. Keane was just beaten to the punch by Friedel when played in by
Huddlestone before change was made with Darren Bent replacing Malbranque. The
next incident was a horrible challenge by Morten Gamst Pederson on Dawson as the
defender was attempting to apply a thumping clearance.There were a few nerves
around the ground as both teams were cautiously seeking the win as we entered
the final moments, strikers were coming on, but neither side was going to gamble
on too big a number ahead of the ball.The bolt from the blue came in stoppage
time when the ball was not cleared efficiently and Samba struck a curling effort
from the edge of the area beyond Radek Cerny to silence the Lane.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/matchreport281007.html

'Rover and Out'

Courtesy of Official Site-

Clive Allen felt the nature of Blackburn's equaliser followed by more late agony
summed up how things are going for us at the moment.
Robbie Keane handed us
the lead three minutes into the second half only for Rovers to level on the hour
when Benni McCarthy's shot deflected off Michael Dawson, looped over Radek Cerny
and in off the post.
With Brad Friedel making saves at key times, it was left
to Christopher Samba to provide another late dagger to all Spurs' hearts with a
curling finish after Morten Gamst Pedersen won a header from Brett Emerton's
free-kick and Roque Santa Cruz rolled it back for Samba to strike.
It
was the fourth time we've been hit late after Sunderland, Fulham and
Liverpool.
"The effort and performance we put in deserved more than
we got," reflected caretaker boss Clive, who overlooked this game and saw
Friedel deny Aaron Lennon, Dimitar Berbatov and Young-Pyo Lee.
"The
unfortunate thing is that when we took the lead, we lost our way a
bit.
"Blackburn made their changes and their equaliser was very
fortunate, but it sums up how things are going for us at the moment. The shot
was going straight at Radek, got deflected and went in off the post.
"We then
conceded a late goal and that's been a problem for us."
For Clive, defeat
overshadowed much of the personal pride at taking charge of the first team. "It
was a fantastic experience for me, a dream come true, but we didn't get the
result and that's what mattered. I love winning and I'm a terrible loser."

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/roverandout281007.html

Juande Ramos appointed as Head Coach

Courtesy of Official Site-

The Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Juande Ramos as Head Coach.
The contract period runs until the end of the 2010/11 season.
The 53-year-old
joins us from Spanish side Sevilla, where he has been the club's most successful
manager, lifting back-to-back UEFA Cups, a European Super Cup, a Copa del Rey
and a Spanish Super Cup, as well as guiding the Club into the Champions League
for the first time in its history. Sporting Director Damien Comolli said:
“Juande’s arrival is great news for Tottenham Hotspur. He brings with him a
wealth of experience, a proven track record and a winning pedigree. Now is the
time for us to regroup and look to deliver the results and performances that
everyone associated with the Club wants to see. “By making the appointment at
this stage of the season, with our current, talented group of players, we have
given ourselves the opportunity to compete well in all four competitions.
"Juande is a highly respected coach and his agreement to join us is excellent
news. I know he is eager to get started.” Commenting on his appointment, Juande
Ramos said: "I greatly appreciate the opportunity to work as Head Coach at
Tottenham Hotspur, a club with a great tradition and history. Ever since I
started my coaching career I have wanted to work in England. It is my sincere
hope that I can repay the faith the Spurs Board has shown in me. "I am looking
forward to meeting the players; it is a squad any coach would be excited to work
with . I genuinely believe that there is the potential to achieve great things
together. "I was hugely impressed with the Spurs fans both home and away when
Sevilla played Spurs last season and it will be a privilege to be the coach of
this club with the huge support it enjoys both at White Hart Lane and throughout
the world."Marcos Alvarez also joins the Club's coaching staff. Alvarez worked
with Ramos's coaching team at Sevilla. The 36-year-old's association with the
Andalusia club began in the 2005/06 season, having previously held coaching
roles at Elche and Malaga. We have requested permission from Leeds United to
speak to Gus Poyet in order to invite him to join the Club to work with Ramos
alongside Alvarez. Juande Ramos and Marcos Alvarez will take the team for
Wednesday night's fixture against Blackpool in the Carling Cup 4th Round. They
will be guests of the Chairman and the Board for Sunday's League game against
Blackburn Rovers.

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/tottenhamhotspurappointsnewheadcoach.html

Open Letter by Daniel Levy

Courtesy of Official Site-

An open letter to supporters from Chairman Daniel Levy.
Dear
Supporter,
Today we welcome members of our new coaching team to the Lane - Juande
Ramos and Marcos Alvarez and, in doing so, we bring to an end an unsettled two
months for our Club. Much has been written and speculated about the Club in the
past few weeks. Quite clearly there are always two sides to every story but, in
the interests of the Club, we have endured much criticism without responding or
retaliating. We have instead issued statements, when appropriate, containing
accurate and relevant information. For you, the supporters, there are two
particular issues on which I would now like to comment:

Firstly regarding
reports about Thursday evening - the first time Martin and I met to discuss his
position was after the match, there were no discussions prior and there were
none of the reported disagreements. We would not have, in any case, asked Martin
to take charge of the match under those circumstances. Media speculation which
preceded the game, inaccurately reporting Martin as having resigned, was in no
way a deliberate measure by this Club, in no way served our purposes and we have
resented any suggestion that this was the case. Leaks (which are wholly
unacceptable) and speculation accompanied the game and it is a sad and
regrettable aspect that individuals get caught in their midst. Several events
clearly did not happen as we all would have wished and I am the first to admit
that things could have been handled differently and better.

Secondly, I should like to once again outline how the acquisition and disposal of players works at the club. We have a Football Management Group which meets on a regular basis – this is constituted by myself, Damien Comolli (Sporting Director), John Alexander (Club Secretary) and the Head Coach, now Juande Ramos. This group meets to discuss, identify and acquire players in targeted positions and to
consider possible disposals. No player is brought into the Club or sold who is
not approved by the coaching staff – it would be counter-productive to buy
players that won’t be played. It is a system that Juande has worked with for
years, which allows him to specify his needs and to concentrate on coaching the
team whilst Damien and his scouting network seek options. This process clearly
relies on accurate briefing and good decision making. It has a collective
responsibility.

In conclusion, you, our supporters, should know that your Board
has always had, and will always have, the long term interests of your Club as
its sole focus. In the past six years we have accommodated many changes, some of
our own instigation and some that were thrust upon us by circumstance. I
consider it the mark of the strength of an organisation as to how it deals with
change, realigns and moves forward. We have made the changes, popular or
unpopular as they may be, that we felt were necessary and right. New
possibilities now face us, please lend us your support as we move forward
together.

Yours,
Daniel

Linked here: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/openletterfromchairmandaniellevy.html