Hi all,
I'm afraid I'm being dragged away on holiday for the next week. Tough, I know. I can hear you all groaning with sympathy already. Unfortunately, it means I'll be unable to update on here, meaning I'll be missing out on the crucial game up at the grim north of Blackburn.
So do please keep the faith in this site and we'll be back up and running within seven short days. I'll even post holiday pictures if I'm feeling generous enough.
Come on you Spurs.
30 March 2009
29 March 2009
Tottenham's international(s) - the verdict
It's difficult to fully analyse Aaron Lennon's England performance at Wembley against Slovakia yesterday, given that he was only given 45 minutes and the opposition was turgid at best. But, only the most stubborn of Arsenal fans could deny that the boy played pretty well.
There was the expected pace and trickery, attributes that Tottenham fans have come to love in recent months. Everytime an expertly crafted Wayne Rooney pass or a Steven Gerrard flick found Lennon in space on the right, there was a buzz and an expectation reverberating around Wembley. His crossing, which will never be his strongest feature, was generally good and a few teasing balls into the middle were wasted by England's attacking hordes.
The papers this morning were complimentary regarding Lennon's performance - no doubt, a relief given that the traditional Beckham love-in took all the headlines. England's favourite son replaced Lennon for the second half and had a pretty decent game, setting up Rooney's first goal; naturally, the hacks creamed over this point and chose to emphasise Beckham's class and contribution over most other aspects of the game, including Rooney's own sublime display.
Still, there was enough about little Lennon last night that suggests Fabio Capello will seriously consider giving him the starting position on Wednesday night against Ukraine. Shaun Wright-Phillips is available after injury but he is not in the sort of electrifying form that Lennon is displaying. Beckham is definately a handy player to have but I think Capello is of the opinion that he's an impact player, who should, nine times out of ten, be summoned from the bench, depending on the match situation. Lennon, on the back of yesterday and most of this season, deserves to get a gig on Wednesday and hopefully he can continue the stellar progress he has been achieving in weeks gone by.
Oh, and Roman Pavlyuchenko scored for Russia - a peach, apparently.
There was the expected pace and trickery, attributes that Tottenham fans have come to love in recent months. Everytime an expertly crafted Wayne Rooney pass or a Steven Gerrard flick found Lennon in space on the right, there was a buzz and an expectation reverberating around Wembley. His crossing, which will never be his strongest feature, was generally good and a few teasing balls into the middle were wasted by England's attacking hordes.
The papers this morning were complimentary regarding Lennon's performance - no doubt, a relief given that the traditional Beckham love-in took all the headlines. England's favourite son replaced Lennon for the second half and had a pretty decent game, setting up Rooney's first goal; naturally, the hacks creamed over this point and chose to emphasise Beckham's class and contribution over most other aspects of the game, including Rooney's own sublime display.
Still, there was enough about little Lennon last night that suggests Fabio Capello will seriously consider giving him the starting position on Wednesday night against Ukraine. Shaun Wright-Phillips is available after injury but he is not in the sort of electrifying form that Lennon is displaying. Beckham is definately a handy player to have but I think Capello is of the opinion that he's an impact player, who should, nine times out of ten, be summoned from the bench, depending on the match situation. Lennon, on the back of yesterday and most of this season, deserves to get a gig on Wednesday and hopefully he can continue the stellar progress he has been achieving in weeks gone by.
Oh, and Roman Pavlyuchenko scored for Russia - a peach, apparently.
26 March 2009
An unenthusiasm towards England
I hate international breaks. They steal precious time between me and Tottenham, and thats time that I simply cannot get back.
Okay, scratch that. I hate international breaks when Spurs are in this kind of form. Six games on the bounce unbeaten, including two staggering wins over Aston Villa and Chelsea, and, to be honest, it's quite selfish of international sides to deprive me of watching my beloved Tottenham. Of course, there have been times, most recently this season, where an international hiatus can come at the perfect time - think Spurs' early season form and you'll understand.
It's only been five or so days since the final whistle went at the Lane to signal another win for the boys and it feels like bloody ages. Add to that the fact that we're going to be forced to wait another week - it's downright annoying. Especially having to sit through the mind-numbing pain of watching England play. Don't get me wrong, I'm full of respect for what Fabio has done for England and I hope we continue the progress he has engineered in the year he's been in charge. But, watching them play sometimes, especially in friendlies, can be akin to a session of listening to Arsene Wenger's latest excuses for his player's misdemeanors.
Still, I'll soldier on. The idea of Aaron Lennon tearing it up on the right of England's midfield does a great deal to ease the pain. However, I'm forced to worry about whether he will even get on the pitch? England managers have an innate hatred towards all Tottenham players, I'm convinced. Paranoid, much? How long has it taken Lennon to get called up? Why isn't Woody in the squad? Why did Jermain Defoe suddenly start playing regularly for the Three Lions after he left us? Don't use that starting place at Portsmouth as an argument - he had chance after chance at Spurs. It's likely Capello will favour good old reliable Goldenballs or David Beckham, as you and me should refer to him.
So, we've got a while before we get to see our born again heroes play for Spurs again. In the time between now and that game up at Blackburn, I'll be trying my darnedest to garner some enthusiasm for watching England. And there's always the cricket too - we're good at that, aren't we?
Oh.
Okay, scratch that. I hate international breaks when Spurs are in this kind of form. Six games on the bounce unbeaten, including two staggering wins over Aston Villa and Chelsea, and, to be honest, it's quite selfish of international sides to deprive me of watching my beloved Tottenham. Of course, there have been times, most recently this season, where an international hiatus can come at the perfect time - think Spurs' early season form and you'll understand.
It's only been five or so days since the final whistle went at the Lane to signal another win for the boys and it feels like bloody ages. Add to that the fact that we're going to be forced to wait another week - it's downright annoying. Especially having to sit through the mind-numbing pain of watching England play. Don't get me wrong, I'm full of respect for what Fabio has done for England and I hope we continue the progress he has engineered in the year he's been in charge. But, watching them play sometimes, especially in friendlies, can be akin to a session of listening to Arsene Wenger's latest excuses for his player's misdemeanors.
Still, I'll soldier on. The idea of Aaron Lennon tearing it up on the right of England's midfield does a great deal to ease the pain. However, I'm forced to worry about whether he will even get on the pitch? England managers have an innate hatred towards all Tottenham players, I'm convinced. Paranoid, much? How long has it taken Lennon to get called up? Why isn't Woody in the squad? Why did Jermain Defoe suddenly start playing regularly for the Three Lions after he left us? Don't use that starting place at Portsmouth as an argument - he had chance after chance at Spurs. It's likely Capello will favour good old reliable Goldenballs or David Beckham, as you and me should refer to him.
So, we've got a while before we get to see our born again heroes play for Spurs again. In the time between now and that game up at Blackburn, I'll be trying my darnedest to garner some enthusiasm for watching England. And there's always the cricket too - we're good at that, aren't we?
Oh.
24 March 2009
Sorry Ledley, not this time
So much for that then.
Ledley King has subsequently withdrawn from the England squad. An FA statement read: 'Both parties agreed the best interests of the player are served by continuing his individual training programme at the club.' I suppose it was inevitable really. For all my championing of King's return to England colours, it was a risk and, for Capello, the risk has not payed off.
Still, I, and I suspect Fabio Capello too, stick to my decision that it his call up was a good thing. King really is one of the outstanding centre-backs England have at their disposal, when fit, and even if he could just play one game, it would be worth it. Still, England's loss is Tottenham's gain as it means he can now continue his steady progression of games in a Spurs shirt.
A by-product of this decision could and should be that Jonathan Woodgate is called up as a replacement. As usual, we'll wait and see, more in vain hope than actual belief.
Ledley King has subsequently withdrawn from the England squad. An FA statement read: 'Both parties agreed the best interests of the player are served by continuing his individual training programme at the club.' I suppose it was inevitable really. For all my championing of King's return to England colours, it was a risk and, for Capello, the risk has not payed off.
Still, I, and I suspect Fabio Capello too, stick to my decision that it his call up was a good thing. King really is one of the outstanding centre-backs England have at their disposal, when fit, and even if he could just play one game, it would be worth it. Still, England's loss is Tottenham's gain as it means he can now continue his steady progression of games in a Spurs shirt.
A by-product of this decision could and should be that Jonathan Woodgate is called up as a replacement. As usual, we'll wait and see, more in vain hope than actual belief.
22 March 2009
Return of the King
Ledley King is back for England! Possibly something of a premature decision from Mr Capello but a welcome one nonetheless. King has been outstanding in recent weeks for Tottenham, particularly in the Carling Cup Final, where he dealt impressively with the combined threat of Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo.
King's career has been plagued with injuries and misfortune so to see him finally reclaim his England place back is excellant to see and heartwarming for fans of the big centre back. Some may still remember the hazy days of 2004 where King, called into the team at the last minute to replace the injured John Terry, marked a then world class Thierry Henry out of the game in England's crucial Euro 2004 clash with France. Oh for the days when Ledley was fit and firing every game.
The only puzzling thing to ask about his call up is why the hell is poor Jonathan Woodgate still not in the squad, especially when the piss-poor players Matthew Upson and Phil Jagielka are? Woodgate has been superb this year, especially recently, both in the absence of King and when partnering him. Between them, they make up a formidable defensive partnership and for Woodgate to be ignored in favour of these inferior players refeclts unfairly on the man.
But for now lets celebrate King's return and hope he doesn't further injure that troublesome knee of his, for Tottenham's sake. Bet you won't see Harry Redknapp making a last minute fitness related excuse for why King can't play, ala Benitez, Ferguson, Wenger et al? Here at Spurs, we're proud to see our players play for England.
King's career has been plagued with injuries and misfortune so to see him finally reclaim his England place back is excellant to see and heartwarming for fans of the big centre back. Some may still remember the hazy days of 2004 where King, called into the team at the last minute to replace the injured John Terry, marked a then world class Thierry Henry out of the game in England's crucial Euro 2004 clash with France. Oh for the days when Ledley was fit and firing every game.
The only puzzling thing to ask about his call up is why the hell is poor Jonathan Woodgate still not in the squad, especially when the piss-poor players Matthew Upson and Phil Jagielka are? Woodgate has been superb this year, especially recently, both in the absence of King and when partnering him. Between them, they make up a formidable defensive partnership and for Woodgate to be ignored in favour of these inferior players refeclts unfairly on the man.
But for now lets celebrate King's return and hope he doesn't further injure that troublesome knee of his, for Tottenham's sake. Bet you won't see Harry Redknapp making a last minute fitness related excuse for why King can't play, ala Benitez, Ferguson, Wenger et al? Here at Spurs, we're proud to see our players play for England.
The dog days are over
Well, I didn't see that one coming.
A quite brilliant performance from the beleagured and battle hardened Spurs and the Chelsea jinx that hung over Tottenham for so much of the last decade or so has been well and truly put to bed. Luka Modric's goal will live long in the memory; Aaron Lennon's pull back was beautifully dispatched into the corner of Petr Cech's goal and he celebrated with genuine exuberance in front of the home fans.
In fact, Modric's display was top class from first to last. He has attracted slight criticism this season for not having the impact many predicted he may have but Tottenham's early season plight would have made it extremely difficult for him to stand out, especially with the sometimes tough transition into English football. In recent months, he really has upped his game. From the neat flicks to the laser guided passes, Modric is a playmaker extraordinaire. Able to read the game better than most in the top flight, he is a real gem of a player and it is imperative that Spurs hold on to him.
Spurs are now more than likely out of the relegation battle and should be looking up the table rather than the opposite. The team are playing as a unit and the individual excellance of players like Modric, Lennon and Robbie Keane has been unlocked and allowed to flourish. Even Ledley King has managed to play more games than we would expect and he has performed superbly in them, like an injured warrior trying to reclaim his reputation.
The thing that impresses and pleases me the most about watching Tottenham these days is the buzz around the team. Watching the game yesterday, there was a genuine thrill in the stands when Lennon picked up the ball on his right flank. It was as if the whole crowd were feeding off his skill and they roared and urged him forward, willing him to create some more magic. A similar thing happened everytime Modric was fed the ball; those two players really are in scintillating form at the moment and I would not want to be the defender who faces them next.
The dog days are over at White Hart Lane. We've suffered all this season, through the relegation threat, through the lack of goals, through the ignominy of The Guardian publishing a whole page of jokes about the plight of our once great team. Those days are gone for now. Long live the future.
Well, until the start of next season at least.
21 March 2009
How to beat Chelsea
It's going to be a toughie. Chelsea are in that annyoing, late season resurgence phase that they've become accustomed to in the last few seasons and with the wily old Guus Hiddink in charge, they have bags more team spirit and belief than they did under Avram Grant and Luis Filipe Scolari. Add the fact that they're still mathematically chasing the title, you can bet that they won't take this game lightly.
But enough about the enemy, lets enthuse over Spurs for a bit. Unbeaten in five Premier League games, Harry Redknapp's side have seemingly dragged themsleves out of the relegation mire and into the unthinkable heights of the upper mid table. Phil Cornwell on popular podcast 'The Spurs Show' mentioned the other day that watching Spurs these days really makes you think they're becoming a team again, a well gelled unit that are comfortable with each other and have bags of self belief.
Whether the same will be said after todays game is another issue. The corresponding fixture last year saw Spurs fight back all night to earn a thrilling 4-4 draw. In fact Tottenham haven't lost to Chelsea in three game, encompassing a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge this season and the Carling Cup Final victory at Wembley last year. Still, today should prove a tougher challenge for Redknapp's men as Chelsea have desire about them. Didier Drogba is rejuvenated under Hiddink and Tottenham will rely heavily on the colossal centre back pairing of Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate to stop the Ivorian.
Going forward, Tottenham could have some success as Robbie Keane continues to lead the attack with distinction since his return to the club. Luka Modric and Aaron Lennon offer a considerable threat coming from midfield and with Wilson Palacios sitting in midfield to plug any gaps, Jermaine Jenas will again have licence to roam. Darren Bent has been confirmed in the starting line-up once more - not necessarily an awful situation given that he is quick and can pop up with a goal but he doesn't set the world alight when he plays and I, for one, would rather see Roman Pavyluchenko given a chance.
But, who am I to argue with Harry? I'm just reading now that kick-off has been delayed until 15.30 due to 'unforseen circumstances'. I can only guess that means there was trouble before the game between the fans; if it was traffic problems then it would have been announced.
My prediction? A tight, battling 2-2 draw and that's the optimist inside me talking. Normally I'd predict a defeat but something has made me believe in Tottenham again and I genuinley think that we could take something from the game if we show the same level of skill, application and belief that we managed against Villa last week.
Tottenham could theoretically leap to 8th place in the league with victory today. Any more progress and Harry's boys will be finding it difficult to breathe being so high up!
But enough about the enemy, lets enthuse over Spurs for a bit. Unbeaten in five Premier League games, Harry Redknapp's side have seemingly dragged themsleves out of the relegation mire and into the unthinkable heights of the upper mid table. Phil Cornwell on popular podcast 'The Spurs Show' mentioned the other day that watching Spurs these days really makes you think they're becoming a team again, a well gelled unit that are comfortable with each other and have bags of self belief.
Whether the same will be said after todays game is another issue. The corresponding fixture last year saw Spurs fight back all night to earn a thrilling 4-4 draw. In fact Tottenham haven't lost to Chelsea in three game, encompassing a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge this season and the Carling Cup Final victory at Wembley last year. Still, today should prove a tougher challenge for Redknapp's men as Chelsea have desire about them. Didier Drogba is rejuvenated under Hiddink and Tottenham will rely heavily on the colossal centre back pairing of Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate to stop the Ivorian.
Going forward, Tottenham could have some success as Robbie Keane continues to lead the attack with distinction since his return to the club. Luka Modric and Aaron Lennon offer a considerable threat coming from midfield and with Wilson Palacios sitting in midfield to plug any gaps, Jermaine Jenas will again have licence to roam. Darren Bent has been confirmed in the starting line-up once more - not necessarily an awful situation given that he is quick and can pop up with a goal but he doesn't set the world alight when he plays and I, for one, would rather see Roman Pavyluchenko given a chance.
But, who am I to argue with Harry? I'm just reading now that kick-off has been delayed until 15.30 due to 'unforseen circumstances'. I can only guess that means there was trouble before the game between the fans; if it was traffic problems then it would have been announced.
My prediction? A tight, battling 2-2 draw and that's the optimist inside me talking. Normally I'd predict a defeat but something has made me believe in Tottenham again and I genuinley think that we could take something from the game if we show the same level of skill, application and belief that we managed against Villa last week.
Tottenham could theoretically leap to 8th place in the league with victory today. Any more progress and Harry's boys will be finding it difficult to breathe being so high up!
20 March 2009
Rich reward for Lennon
Fantastic to see that Aaron Lennon has been awarded for his brilliant form this season with a new contract that will keep him with Tottenham until 2014.
Lennon's progress since his remarkable debut year has fluctuated; bursting onto the scene in 2006, he lit up the Premier League with his pace and trickery, even earning a spot in England's World Cup team. Since then, however, some would say he had gone backwards. Bereft of pace and idea's, it seemed as though defences had wised up to Lennon's weaknesses and were stopping him from becoming an influence on the game.
Harry Redknapp's arrival, though, coincided with Lennon's return to something like his best. One of Tottenham's most regular players this year, he has played 41 of the 45 games Spurs have played and scored five goals. His flair appears to have returned - during the Villa game, he mesmerised his opposing full-backs and he was one of the best players on display in the Carling Cup Final defeat to Manchester United.
One could still argue that his lack of a final ball or decent cross is still holding him back. But Lennon is still only 21 and has a long career ahead of him. If he continues his stellar form for Spurs of late then it is hard to imagine him not being reselected for the England side. He has been confined to the Under-21's for far too long now and it's time for Fabio Capello to give the boy another shot.
He is very much a symbol of Tottenham's future and here's hoping he enjoys more success in the years to come.
Lennon's progress since his remarkable debut year has fluctuated; bursting onto the scene in 2006, he lit up the Premier League with his pace and trickery, even earning a spot in England's World Cup team. Since then, however, some would say he had gone backwards. Bereft of pace and idea's, it seemed as though defences had wised up to Lennon's weaknesses and were stopping him from becoming an influence on the game.
Harry Redknapp's arrival, though, coincided with Lennon's return to something like his best. One of Tottenham's most regular players this year, he has played 41 of the 45 games Spurs have played and scored five goals. His flair appears to have returned - during the Villa game, he mesmerised his opposing full-backs and he was one of the best players on display in the Carling Cup Final defeat to Manchester United.
One could still argue that his lack of a final ball or decent cross is still holding him back. But Lennon is still only 21 and has a long career ahead of him. If he continues his stellar form for Spurs of late then it is hard to imagine him not being reselected for the England side. He has been confined to the Under-21's for far too long now and it's time for Fabio Capello to give the boy another shot.
He is very much a symbol of Tottenham's future and here's hoping he enjoys more success in the years to come.
19 March 2009
Cesc Fabregas
Full of sympathy for Hull, after their midweek cup defeat to the Gooners. Especially so in the wake of the Fabregas spitting incident, in which Hull claimed the injured Arsenal captain, on the pitch to celebrate with his players, spat at assistant boss Brian Horton.
To be honest, assuming that the allegations are true, it is symbolic of the sort of attitude that top four clubs have towards the smaller fish of the Premier League. The general feeling that they're not good enough or big enough to even be on the same pitch as the esteemed members of the Premier League's elite. It's downright disgusting and hardly endears anyone to them.
Fabregas may just need to learn to watch his mouth a little, now he has been made captain of that divided dressing room. His comments made before the first North London Derby only served to backfire hilariously in his face and he may soon gain a repuatation as being a player whose mouth writes cheques that his actions cannot cash.
Regardless of what each party is saying in this incident, the picture at the top of this BBC article tells a thousand stories. That look on Fabregas' face really does sum up his attitude in the situation; smug, arrogant and with an undeserved sense of accomplishment.
To be honest, assuming that the allegations are true, it is symbolic of the sort of attitude that top four clubs have towards the smaller fish of the Premier League. The general feeling that they're not good enough or big enough to even be on the same pitch as the esteemed members of the Premier League's elite. It's downright disgusting and hardly endears anyone to them.
Fabregas may just need to learn to watch his mouth a little, now he has been made captain of that divided dressing room. His comments made before the first North London Derby only served to backfire hilariously in his face and he may soon gain a repuatation as being a player whose mouth writes cheques that his actions cannot cash.
Regardless of what each party is saying in this incident, the picture at the top of this BBC article tells a thousand stories. That look on Fabregas' face really does sum up his attitude in the situation; smug, arrogant and with an undeserved sense of accomplishment.
16 March 2009
4-0 to the Tottenham (Reserves)
Look look, we've only gone and beaten Chelsea 4-0!
Before any bragging takes place, bear in mind this was a reserve game. Shame. Also, a gander at the Spurs side is quite revealing: Chimbonda, Bale, Bentley, Huddlestone, Campbell, Pavyluchenko - they may as well have played Ledley King and his dodgy knee.
Oh well, at least Bentley is getting some much needed match practice before he leaves in the summer.
Before any bragging takes place, bear in mind this was a reserve game. Shame. Also, a gander at the Spurs side is quite revealing: Chimbonda, Bale, Bentley, Huddlestone, Campbell, Pavyluchenko - they may as well have played Ledley King and his dodgy knee.
Oh well, at least Bentley is getting some much needed match practice before he leaves in the summer.
The annoying reality of the Villa victory
What are Spurs playing at?
In a season of bitter and record breaking disappointment thus far, Tottenham have only gone and strung together a rich vein of form. Wins against Hull and Middlesborough were both comforting and emphatic and we even managed to snatch a point up at Sunderland in a game we dominated and yet found ourselves behind for most of it.
Still, prior to the trip to Villa Park to take on Martin O'Neill's pioneering, top-four gatecrashing Aston Villa, we were being written off. And, after a hugely impressive performance, we only went and beat them, didn't we? A great performance and result, credited largely to the defensive rocks that are Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate, although Darren Bent's right peg may have helped too.
So why am I bitching? We picked up a crucial three points, moved ever closer to the top half of the table, strengthened the notional European challenge and grabbed a rare away win. Surely an outcome full of positives and nowt else?
It was. Just a shame we managed to aid the Gooners and their quest to prove they're still top four material in the process. Life, it seems, is never perfect.
In a season of bitter and record breaking disappointment thus far, Tottenham have only gone and strung together a rich vein of form. Wins against Hull and Middlesborough were both comforting and emphatic and we even managed to snatch a point up at Sunderland in a game we dominated and yet found ourselves behind for most of it.
Still, prior to the trip to Villa Park to take on Martin O'Neill's pioneering, top-four gatecrashing Aston Villa, we were being written off. And, after a hugely impressive performance, we only went and beat them, didn't we? A great performance and result, credited largely to the defensive rocks that are Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate, although Darren Bent's right peg may have helped too.
So why am I bitching? We picked up a crucial three points, moved ever closer to the top half of the table, strengthened the notional European challenge and grabbed a rare away win. Surely an outcome full of positives and nowt else?
It was. Just a shame we managed to aid the Gooners and their quest to prove they're still top four material in the process. Life, it seems, is never perfect.
Hello and welcome
Evening all,
Welcome to my new Tottenham Hotspur FC blog, bringing you the very best and, of course, subjective opinions on the fortunes of the famous old club. I'm a student who dabbles in a bit of journalism from time to time and felt inspired to create this blog as I searched the web for decent alternatives and found precious little. There are some excellent ones, however, and you'll be able to access them from this site should my delirious ramblings not be your cup of tea.
I've supported Tottenham since I was a young boy, brought up on the stories and the traditions by my father. Seeing as my older brother also followed this path, it made more sense to support Spurs than anything else. Little did I know the pain, suffering and occasional fleeting joy I would have ahead of me over the next 15 of so years.
My first game was a 1-0 win over Leeds at the Lane. If memory serves, Darren Anderton scored the winner and on the journey home, a kind lady asked me if I had been at the game, no doubt due to the oversized 1996 Hewlett Packard home jersey I had on. I informed her that I had and that Teddy Sheringham had scored the winner in a 1-0 victory. At this point my dad stepped in and corrected both her and myself - my love with perennially injured right wingers then began; think Anderton, Ruel Fox, Simon Davies, etc.
There have been many highs and significantlly more lows during my time so far as an ardent Tottenham supporter. The depressing defeats to the Arsenal spring to mind when thinking negatively and there's that 4-3 reverse to Man City in the Cup that just sometimes doesn't bare thinking about.
But it's not all bad, is it? The two Wembley final victories will stay with me forever, especially last years. There's nothing more beautiful in this world that seeing a slow motion replay of the ball rebounding into Jonathan Woodgate's face on its way into the net. Beating Chelsea for the first time in donkeys years was also a particular highlight. When a large majority of your friends support the Mercenaries, then it's refreshingly satisfying to get one over on them finally.
When people ask me why I support Tottenham, it's hard to give them a definative answer. I think it's a born in thing; the years of hardship and unfulfilled potential can hardly be chosen my someone of sound mind and judgement. I was raised into the Tottenham world and I wouldn't want it any other way. The sometimes crushing underachievement just makes it all the more spectacular when things go right. Tottenham do things to right way - they entertain, they thrill, they keep their fans on the furthest edge of a seat possible. The joy of supporting Spurs is the relief and surprise when things go to plan, the satisfaction that hardly any other football fans can experience such highs and lows simultaneously and in such extreme fashion.
As the great Danny Blanchflower once said, “Football is about glory, it is about doing things in style and with a flourish, about going out and beating the lot, not waiting for them to die of boredom.”
Never a truer word spoken.
Enjoy.
Welcome to my new Tottenham Hotspur FC blog, bringing you the very best and, of course, subjective opinions on the fortunes of the famous old club. I'm a student who dabbles in a bit of journalism from time to time and felt inspired to create this blog as I searched the web for decent alternatives and found precious little. There are some excellent ones, however, and you'll be able to access them from this site should my delirious ramblings not be your cup of tea.
I've supported Tottenham since I was a young boy, brought up on the stories and the traditions by my father. Seeing as my older brother also followed this path, it made more sense to support Spurs than anything else. Little did I know the pain, suffering and occasional fleeting joy I would have ahead of me over the next 15 of so years.
My first game was a 1-0 win over Leeds at the Lane. If memory serves, Darren Anderton scored the winner and on the journey home, a kind lady asked me if I had been at the game, no doubt due to the oversized 1996 Hewlett Packard home jersey I had on. I informed her that I had and that Teddy Sheringham had scored the winner in a 1-0 victory. At this point my dad stepped in and corrected both her and myself - my love with perennially injured right wingers then began; think Anderton, Ruel Fox, Simon Davies, etc.
There have been many highs and significantlly more lows during my time so far as an ardent Tottenham supporter. The depressing defeats to the Arsenal spring to mind when thinking negatively and there's that 4-3 reverse to Man City in the Cup that just sometimes doesn't bare thinking about.
But it's not all bad, is it? The two Wembley final victories will stay with me forever, especially last years. There's nothing more beautiful in this world that seeing a slow motion replay of the ball rebounding into Jonathan Woodgate's face on its way into the net. Beating Chelsea for the first time in donkeys years was also a particular highlight. When a large majority of your friends support the Mercenaries, then it's refreshingly satisfying to get one over on them finally.
When people ask me why I support Tottenham, it's hard to give them a definative answer. I think it's a born in thing; the years of hardship and unfulfilled potential can hardly be chosen my someone of sound mind and judgement. I was raised into the Tottenham world and I wouldn't want it any other way. The sometimes crushing underachievement just makes it all the more spectacular when things go right. Tottenham do things to right way - they entertain, they thrill, they keep their fans on the furthest edge of a seat possible. The joy of supporting Spurs is the relief and surprise when things go to plan, the satisfaction that hardly any other football fans can experience such highs and lows simultaneously and in such extreme fashion.
As the great Danny Blanchflower once said, “Football is about glory, it is about doing things in style and with a flourish, about going out and beating the lot, not waiting for them to die of boredom.”
Never a truer word spoken.
Enjoy.
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