Scott Parker on his time at Spurs

Scott Parker was a signing which not only caused disagreement between the manager and Chairman but one which did not find total approval among supporters.  However, since his arrival at the end of August Spurs have gone on an undefeated Premier League run which has lifted the club to third place and Parker is rightly receiving credit for his part in that transformation.

Scott Parker - leading by example

Harry Redknapp was adamant that he wanted to sign Scott Parker last summer but the season started with Parker turning out for West Ham in the Championship.  It was only as the transfer period drew to  close that the two clubs came to an arrangement and Spurs signed last season's Footballer of the Year for a fee of £5 million.  Many fans were not overly enthusiastic about the signing as Parker, now aged thirty one, had had previous opportunities to sign for the club but had always ended up elsewhere.  Many, like the Chairman, thought he was too old and that his best days were past him.  Parker, has however, proved all the doubters wrong with midfield performances that had Harry Redknapp recalling the 1960s when that Spurs legend, Dave Mackay reigned supreme at White Hart Lane.

Many new players arriving at Tottenham take a long time to settle but Parker managed to settle from day one as was shown in his debut against Wolves and has gone on to develop a very effective partnership with Luka Modric which has brought a control and strength to Tottenham's midfield.

Speaking after Saturday's win over Bolton, Parker acknowledged that he has settled quickly into his new club.

Parker who captained the side in the absence of the injured Ledley King said, "I needed to hit the floor running when I came here in the summer.  I needed to make a good impression and feel I have done that."

Since his arrival Spurs have enjoyed an unbeaten sequence in the Premier League, winning a record sixth consecutive Premier League game and equalling their best run, undefeated in eleven matches.  Parker, like Emmanuel Adebayor, have yet to experience defeat since arriving at White Hart Lane and Spurs are now third, only two points behind Manchester United with a match in hand.

Parker continued, "I don't think I've played in a team that plays better football than this one.  There are some very good players, not just in the team but in the squad.  There is a lot of pace and we have got a consistency to our game.  When you are up there you need to grind out results even when you are not playing well.  We have done that, especially last week at West Brom and before that at Fulham where we didn't play well but got three points."

"On our day we can beat anyone.  Confidence is the key."

Parker is a combative midfielder who enjoys a battle and reminds many older observers of a cross between Mackay and Alan Mullery.  He is a presence in the centre of the field, covering for other players, winning the ball and passing it on to Modric but also prepared to get forward himself.  He harries players, putting them under pressure and forcing mistakes as happened with Gary Cahill on Saturday.  He also inspires those around him to follow his example and work harder as has been witnessed by Adebayor's willingness to come back and fight for the ball, especially helping out in the away matches where Spurs have found themselves under pressure.

Scott Parker has proved a very important part of Harry Redknapp's plan for this Tottenham team and while he may not always lead the team out on to the field, his performances have been as of a captain.