Tottenham in the News

As usual rumours about Tottenham surface in the Sunday papers.

News of the World:

Martin Jol is reportedly interested in signing Jermaine Pennant (Pic: right) from Birmingham City at the end of the season. They are said to be prearing a £3 million bid in the summer. Jol is supposed to rate the winger as the best crosser of a ball after David Beckham and sees him as a player to provide more opportunities for the strikers.

Such a signing would raise questions about Wayne Routledge's position at the club. He is currently on loan at Portsmouth. Routledge was signed from Crystal Palace last summer and had a good pre-season, starting in the team for the opening game against Portsmouth. However, an injury kept him out for a number of months and when he returned to fitness, Aaron had had to opportunity to take the right side of midfield with some outstanding performances.

Comment: Concerns would surround Pennant's suitability at Spurs. As a former Arsenal player, supporters may be reluctant to support him fully and his record of misdemeanours is well documented, including being in prison for drink-driving while banned. He is certainly a skilful player but his attitude and self-discipline may be called into question. Jol could have his hands full with Mido and Pennant to keep under control.

Jol for England?

The News of the World has Paul Robinson suggesting that Martin Jol should be considered for the position of England manager. He is surprised that with all the names that have been put forward, that his club manager has not been mentioned.

He gives Jol the credit for the success and progress that has been made at Tottenham and admits that the club will be devastated if they fail to qualify for Europe's elite. Robinson would regard finishing in the top four as like winning the F.A.Cup.

Comment: Spurs should be gald that Jol's name is not among the list of candidated for the England post, allowing him to concentrate on the work to be done at Tottenham without any distractions. He stil has a major amount of work to do at the club and it is good that he has decline dto show any interest in positions that have become available in his native country, Holland.

The supporters would, like Robinson, be very disappointed if the club fail to achieve Eurooean qualification this year. It has been in their grasp for so long and it is worrying that as the finish approaches, they seem unable to raise their game to show real commitment in an effort to gain the points necessary for a place in Europe. The Champions League position, while still within their grasp, is looking decidedly difficult and may require a win at Highbury to overcome the renewed challenge of Arsenal. However, to miss out on both European competitions would be a real body blow to all associated with the club - management, players and supporters alike.

Sunday People:

The White Hart Lane club will make a £6m double bid for Chelsea defenders Wayne Bridge and Glen Johnson. Bridge joined Chelsea from Southampton and has played a number of times for England. Johnson was signed from West Ham and has also appeared for England.

Comment: There has been considerable talk of Spurs signing players from Chelsea as part of the deal brokered last summer went Frank Arnesen moved to Stamford Bridge. Spurs tried to sign Bridge, on loan, in the January transfer window but it reportedly fell through with Bridge demanding guaranteed first team football. Fulham signed him on loan. Wayne Bridge would be a good signing for the left side of defence or midfield and would provide competition for Lee.

Glen Johnson was a huge prospect when he left West Ham for Chelsea but he has suffered there due to so much competition for places. He has had very few opportunities and when called upon has ben unable to perform at the required level. For Spurs to sign Johnson would be a considerable gamble that he could regain the form that brought him into the England squad. There are probably better signing options available for the right back position.

Various Papers:

It has been reported that Frank Arnesen and Jose Mourhino have fallen out and that Arnesen is not welcome at the club's training ground. The manager does not like interference from any quarter, he is his own man and makes all the decisions.