Kyle Walker Wins PFA Young Player of the Year Award

Kyle Walker

Congratulations to Kyle Walker on winning the Young Player of the Year award at the Professional Footballers' Association ceremony.  He is thoroughly deserving of the award in this his first full season playing in the Premier League.  He has made the right back position his own in the Spurs team with exciting performances through the year.  He scored his first goal for Tottenham in the North London derby at White Hart Lane and was unfortunate that his goal against Bolton had to be ruled out when the FA Cup tie was abandoned.  He also made his full England debut and was named Man of th eMatch fo rhis performance against Sweden in November.

Walker is in good company with Glenn Hoddle a past winner.  Other previous winners with Spurs connections who won it while with other clubs include, Paul Gascoigne and Jermaine Jenas (at Newcastle), Scott Parker (Charlton & Chelsea) and Paul Walsh (Luton Town).

Congratulations, also, to Scott Parker and Gareth Bale who join Walker in the PFA Team of the Year.  Bale and Parker were the winners of the Player of the Year awards last season, awarded by the PFA and the Football Writers Association.

Scott Parker to Captain England against Holland

Tottenham's Scott Parker has been selected by Stuart Pearce to captain England in the friendly international against Holland at Wembley.  He is the tenth Tottenham player to have led the England team, following in the footsteps of such payers as Alf Ramsey, Alan Mullery, Martin Peters, Gary Lineker and Ray Clemence.

Scott Parker, the new England Captain

Scott Parker has deservedly been selected by England's caretaker manager, Stuart Pearce, to captain the team in the international friendly against Holland at Wembley.  Parker who joined Spurs from West Ham United won last year's Sportswriters' Player of the Year award and he has carried on in similar fashion since joining Tottenham.  Parker who has won ten England caps is the tenth Tottenham Hotspur player to captain England.

His all action, robust style of play has been instrumental in Tottenham's rise to third place in the Premier League.  He was seen at his fully committed best against Liverpool at Anfield as an understrength Spurs held on in the final minutes to earn a scoreless draw.  He was everywhere in those closing minutes - blocking shots, putting in last minute tackles while withstanding the midfield rigours of playing against Suarez.  It is his total commitment which has given Luka Modric and Gareth Bale the freedom to play their more expressive, creative game knowing that Parker is there to cover in defence.

It has been a strange few days for Parker - sent off against Arsenal for a second bookable offence in the final minutes as Spurs unexpectedly let slip a two goal lead to their closest rivals, named as the Vauxhall England Player of the Year and now named captain of his country.

So, the naming of Parker as England captain has brought to an end a saga that commenced with the FA deposing John Terry of the position which led to the removal of Fabio Capello as England manager, leaving the way open for Harry Redknapp to manage his country in the near future.

Other articles about Scott Parker:

Parker Joins Spurs: Here

Parker - Born to Play for Tottenham: Here

Parker - the new 'Dave Mackay': Here

Parker - on his Time at Spurs: Here

Liverpool 0 Tottenham 0

Spurs, without their manager and a number of first choice players took a hard-earned point from Liverpool at Anfield and having defended for much of the  game could have won it late on with the best chance of the match.

Pre-order: Use Code LH1

Liverpool 0 Tottenham Hotspur 0

Team: Friedel; Walker, Dawson, King, Assou-Ekotto; Kranjcar (Rose), Livermore, Parker, Modric, Bale; Adebayor (Saha). Subs (unused): Cudicini, Nelsen, Khumalo, Fredericks, Luongo, Lancaster

Brad Friedel

Spurs were satisified with a point at Anfield considering the injuries to crucial players which greatly weakened the team.  Without manager, Harry Redknapp, stranded in London due to fog causing the postponement of his flight to Liverpool, Spurs had also lost Younes Kaboul, Rafael Van der Vaart, Aaron Lennon, Jermain Defoe and Sandro to injury.  The players who came in as replacements gave their all as the whole team battled to take a deserved point, led by Scott Parker who was everywhere especially during the last fifteen minutes when Liverpool increased the tempo and their efforts to snatch the win. 

In the first half Spurs comfortably repelled Liverpool's attacking threat which mostly involved hoisting high balls towards Andy Carroll.  Michael Dawson stood up well to this test and it was Spurs who had the first shot on target after thirty minutes - a Niko Kranjcar effort which the goalkeeper saved at the second attempt.  

The final fifteen minutes of the half brought a number of attempts on goal without causing either goalkeeper any great difficulty.  A couple of minutes later Liverpool caused their first major threat when a shot from Spearing curled wide with the former Liverpool goalkeeper, Brad Friedel at full stretch.  

As the commentator said, to this point, 'Spurs were coping impressively' and then Friedel had to scramble across his goal to deal with a cross from Johnson.  At the other end, a good run by Emmanuel Adebayor released Kyle Walker on the right and his cross was flicked towards goal by Gareth Bale.  After a long series of passes, Spurs again found Walker whose run and shot was blocked for a corner and in the last action of the half Friedel saved well from Johnson.

In the first half Spurs had been content to sit back and deny Liverpool but after the interval they came under increasing pressure and were finding it difficult to make any forward progress, with Adebayor isolated, and as they looked to threaten Bale was booked for diving.  This seemed to spark Bale and Adebayor into action as Spurs looked more purposeful for a few moments but then Liverpool regained the ascendancy with Friedel being called into action.

With an hour gone, Friedel made a good save, for a corner, from a shot by Kelly and then Agger headed wide from a corner.  Carroll had a header from a corner saved by Friedel.  

Liverpool brought on Luis Suarez with twenty five minutes to play and his introduction lifted the crowd and he was immediately in the action dispossessing Benoit Assou-Ekotto and heading towards goal.  He was then booked for kicking Parker in the stomach, having been on the pitch for only five minutes.

With twenty minutes to go Louis Saha made his Spurs debut replacing Adebayor and he played a good ball to Bale whose shot went wide.  Carroll had a shot over from a cross from the right.  Friedel again bravely punched clear from a dangerous free-kick and earned a free-kick for dangerous play.  

As Liverpool increased their efforts, with six minutes to play, the best chance of the evening fell to Spurs when Bale was put through by a lovely pass from Kranjcar.  Bale had got behind the home defence for the only time in the night to be one on one against Reina but the goalkeeper got a foot to block the shot and the ball was cleared. 

Spurs withstood Liverpool's final efforts to score with Scott Parker putting himself on the line time and time again - to block shots, put in a tackle or get the ball cleared.  As is often said in these circumstances, that was a game Spurs would have lost in the past but it's also a game other 'top' teams would have won, given that late goal scoring opportunity.

Overall, it was a well won point by Spurs, taking into account all the circumstances, and it keeps them just behind United and City but ahead of the chasing pack.  Brad Friedel, Michael Dawson, Scott Parker, Niko Kranjcar and Jake Livermore worked tirelessly throughout the game to deny Liverpool while Ledley King was his usual calming influence, organising those around him in defence.

Scott Parker

The stats from last night show Scott Parker's contribution to Spurs earning a point at Anfield, with many of the blocks and clearances coming in the final minutes at a time in the match when Liverpool were making a fianl effort to take the three points and  and when traditionally Spurs would have wilted under the pressure:

2 tackles
5 interceptions
7 clearances
3 shots blocked
89% passing accuracy

If Tottenham are to put in a challenge for the title then they need to win against Newcastle United on Saturday evening at White Hart Lane and then put together a winning sequence that really threatens the Manchester teams.

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.

Friedel, Parker and Adebayor Boost Spurs

Brad Friedel

On Saturday Spurs will look to set aside the disappointment of the second team’s Europa League defeat to PAOK Salonika and focus on the main objective for the season, the Premier League.  By five o’clock, Tottenham with a win over Bolton at White Hart Lane would be sitting in the giddy heights of second as Manchester United have a late kick-off against Aston Villa.  It would probably only be a short sojourn there but who in their right mind at the end of August could have seen Spurs with such an opportunity by the beginning of December, especially after the disastrous start they had to the season.

The August transfer deadline at the end of the month is often criticised as a distraction with three matches of the season already gone and on many occasions players signed in those late, late deals take considerable time to settle into their new team.

Tottenham’s summer transfer activities, however, provided a boost to the team that has seen them recover from the most difficult of starts and commentators and supporters are now asking the inevitable question, ‘Can Spurs actually win the Premier League?’  That such a question is doing the rounds is down to the impact of the three players, including two who joined in last minute deals, who signed last summer.

Brad Friedel
Brad Friedel at forty years of age continues to defy his age and uses all that experience to bring a calming presence and authority to the goalkeeping role which in turn brings order to the defence.  He got off to the worst possible starts, particularly for a goalkeeper, by conceding eight goals in his opening two games but he knew not to dwell on such setbacks and kept a clean sheet in the next two games.  His true value was seen in the hard earned victory over Fulham where Spurs spent the entire half defending but he produced outstanding saves when required and remained unflappable throughout, having the time to smile at some of the things that were going on around him.  He was equally unbothered last weekend when West Brom’s Gareth McAuley tried to nudge him over the line as he caught a high ball under the crossbar.  He’d had to deal with that sort of activity before and wasn’t phased by it.  It’s not often that signing a forty year old is seen as strengthening a team but in this case it has and if he keeps going to the end of his two year contract with the club he will overtake Jimmy Cantrell as the oldest player to appear in League football for Spurs.

Scott Parker
Scott Parker has brought a work ethic to central midfield that has been absent for some time.  He goes about his work, up and down the pitch, winning the ball, carrying it forward when necessary or simply passing it on to someone else.  This has been very effective and even in his debut it was evident that he was going to be an important part of the team, giving Luka Modric the freedom to express himself creatively, knowing that there was cover behind him.  Parker has been likened to Dave Mackay, quite an accolade to receive from your manager but he is probably more a combination of Mackay and Alan Mullery as he bustles around in midfield like a throwback to the1960s.  The ‘bargain of the season’ is a label that he has already been given and certainly he has justified Harry Redknapp’s determination to sign him even when the Chairman seemed reluctant.

Emmanuel Adebayor
Emmanuel Adebayor’s arrival on loan from Manchester City has provided the team with a focal point in attack and it has been used very effectively as Spurs undefeated run takes them up the Premier League table and into serious contention for a Champions League place.  Last Monday week, Adebayor’s two goals took Spurs up to third and the two against West Brom ensured that they retained that position.  If Adebayor had been clinical in his finishing in those two games, his goal tally could easily have reached double figures.  He had nine shots on target last Saturday against Albion, more than any other player in a Premier League match in the past five and a half seasons.  His contribution to the win at The Hawthorns didn’t just centre on those goals scoring opportunities as he worked very hard for the team, tracking back to win the ball on many occasions.  He was also the provider for Jermain Defoe’s goal with a deft back heel to release him into the Albion half and strike for goal. 

Unlike Friedel, Adebayor got off to the best possible start with a debut goal and then scoring twice in the home win over Liverpool which would ensure that he won over the Tottenham support. He then went six games without scoring but he contributed to the team’s success with ‘assists’ in a number of the matches.  He has played with a smile and certainly seems to be enjoying his time at Tottenham.  It was a bold move by the manager to take on a player of obvious talent but who in the past has had his temperamental side which would have made some managers wary, but Redknapp’s has previous for that sort of enterprising transfer.

Luka Modric
One further ‘non-transfer’ piece of business during the summer has also played it’s part in Spurs rejuvenation and it is Daniel Levy who must receive the plaudits for that.  His obstinate refusal to sell Luka Modric to Chelsea even in the face of constant media stories and doubts by his manager, has shown that Spurs are no longer a selling club and was an encouraging message for the likes of Gareth Bale and Rafael Van der Vaart who have been able to display their full range of skills knowing that they have the strongest possible team around them.  While Modric may not have performed at his best so far, his very presence at the club has been an encouragement to everyone.

It’s exciting times at White Hart Lane with every player wanting to be part of the successful team that even when someone is out injured, they appear to be recovering more quickly in order to reclaim their place in what has been the best start to a season in fifty years. 

Scott Parker the 'New' Dave Mackay

Scott Parker had high praise lavished on him after Tottenham's victory over Queen's Park Rangers when his manager compared his display with that of the Spurs' legend from the successful era of the 1960s, Dave Mackay.  Parker was thoroughly deserving of his 'Man of the Match' award for an all round performance that allowed Spurs to showcase all their skills as they overcame their west London rivals.

Scott Parker - the 'new' Mackay

Since joining Tottenham at the end of the summer transfer window, Scott Parker has played in seven Premier League games and helped Spurs to six wins and a draw.  That sequence of results followed on from the two heavy defeats by the Manchester clubs when they conceded eight goals.  At the end of the home loss to City, Spurs looked a thoroughly demoralised and dispirited side.

Throughout the summer, Harry Redknapp made it clear that Parker was the player he really wanted to sign but the transfer saga dragged on to the bitter end with neither Spurs or West Ham willing to come to an agreement.  Then  other teams became interested and it looked as if Parker would once again complete a transfer but not to White Hart Lane.  Coming from West Ham, Parker was not every Spurs supporters favourite player and even though he'd won the Player of the Year award last season, many weren't convinced about this thirty year old.  However, he signed on the last day of August and has brought experience and an authority to central midfield.  With his style of play, Parker's presence in midfield has granted Luka Modric a greater freedom to use his sublime creative skills further up the pitch to the benefit of the attacking force of Rafael Van der Vaart, Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon.

Composed on the ball, determined when not in possession, tough in the tackle and careful in his distribution, Parker has brought a decade of Premier League experience to White Hart Lane and the team has a much better balance in its play.  Parker captained the side at Blackburn in the absence of the injured Ledley King and even without the armband he leads by example, going in where it hurts and not afraid to hold back when looking to win the ball.  His reading of the game enables him to intercept passes that could have led to dangerous situations if the move  had been completed and his energy throughout is such that he appears 'out on his feet' before the end of a gruelling match.

On Saturday, Tottenham displayed all their attacking skills and freedom of movement, especially in the first half, as they took a two goal interval lead against QPR.  The second half was less swashbuckling as Rangers greatly increased their efforts but at the end while people discussed Tottenham's exciting, intricate and pacy attacking play, the excellent goals they scored and Gareth Bale's and Rafael Van der Vaart's contribution to the victory, there was a universal acknowledgement that it was Scott Parker's display which deserved the 'Man of the Match' award.

It's unusual after an exciting attacking performance with a player scoring twice, for the central, holding midfield player to be receiving such praise.  Even in the first half when Spurs were totally dominant Parker was putting in a hard working performance to win the ball, pass it on to an attacking player and then be there to disrupt any thoughts Rangers might have had on putting pressure on the Tottenham defence.  It was his endeavours throughout the game which allowed Spurs the freedom to attack on all fronts and he gave his best display in a Tottenham shirt, allowing everyone to see why Harry Redknapp was so insistent on signing him for Spurs.  If Tottenham had been more clinical in their finishing, Rangers could have suffered another heavy defeat.

Dave Mackay 'Legend'

To have been compared with the legendary Dave Mackay is an incredible accolade.  Spurs supporters are only too aware of the tremendous influence Mackay brought to the 'Double' team and he received a tremendous reception when presented to the crowd at White Hart Lane in the Europa League game against Hearts.  The success achieved during the 1960s was greatly dependent on his 'never say die' approach, his total commitment and his amazing skills.  Such praise from his manager will give Parker something to live up to but if he goes anywhere near achieving the standards of the great Scot, Spurs will have spent the £5 million they gave to West Ham United very wisely.

So often Spurs supporters think, 'If only we had Dave Mackay in the present team.'  If Harry Redknapp is correct we might have the next best thing, another Scott - Scott Parker.

Tottenham - A Winning Mentality

Do Spurs have that desire to win at any cost which the top clubs possess?  Those clubs have players who don't know what it is to be beaten and when they are, they don't like it.  That makes them stand out from all the other clubs around them but do the players at Tottenham have that same desire and winning mentality?

Is Scott Parker a Leader for Spurs?

Tottenham have always been regarded as a soft touch - a team who won't perform on a cold wet night in the north west.  Players will go missing and won't take responsibility when the going gets tough.  Do the current players have the desire to turn such opinions around?

Last year the team managed to gain 22 points from losing positions but they gained only 11 points out of a possible thirty from the bottom five teams in the Premier League which affected their final position dramatically.

The team has won their last two Premier League games but went out of the Carling Cup on penalties at Stoke.  The weakened team contained eight international players but they were unable to score in two hours of football and when it came to penalties their defeat was the sixth consecutive penalty shoot-out loss. When it came to the pressure of the shoot-out, it was an international striker, Roman Pavlyuchenko, who missed a crucial early strike so transferring the pressure to other less experienced players.  Similarly, the defeats in the Carling Cup Final and UEFA Cup match against PSV Eindhoven saw seasoned Premier League players with international experience miss vital kicks at a crucial time in the shoot-out, David Bentley and Jermaine Jenas.

Top teams regularly play under-strength sides in the early rounds of the domestic Cup competitions and have progressed to the latter stages, even going on to lift the Cup.  Tottenham's squad players aided by some talented youngsters weren't able to produce a similar result this week.

The victory at Wolves suggested greater application from the team against opposition who have proved difficult opponents since returning to the Premier League.  The win over Liverpool was pleasing in the energy that the players showed from the start taking the game to their visitors and not giving them a chance to control the game.  The four goal success was their largest win over Liverpool since 1963, so we shouldn't be too critical. However, the one question that has lingered in my mind since last Sunday is - should it have been more?

If things had been the other way round - Spurs at Anfield, reduced to nine men and three down with twenty five minutes remaining, would Liverpool have settled for four?  I suggest that they would have gone for the jugular and it would have been an even greater embarrassment than Liverpool felt last weekend.  Manchester United didn't settle for 5 - 1 or 6 - 2 against Arsenal they went for it and left the visitors totally shell-shocked.  Spurs, however, having gone three up and with Liverpool offering nothing, settled for playing 'keep ball' with pass after pass in midfield, not looking to create anything and Liverpool were content to let them do that as they weren't under any threat.  A team  with a winning mentality would have benn looking to create more chances, score more goals and make their opponents really suffer, as frequently happens to Spurs.  As it was Tottenham's fourth goal didn't come until the last kick of added time with Emmanuel Adebayor putting away Benoit Assou-Ekotto's cross.

Successful teams have players who lead by example and never know when they're beaten.  Steven Gerrard is the perfect example of that special type of player when he is wearing the 'red' of Liverpool.  He has pulled them through many 'lost' causes to success and they have an outstanding penalty-shoot record in vital European and Cup games.  Last season's defeat to Northampton Town at Anfield when Tottenham's Oscar Janssen was in goal for the visitors was an amazing 'blip' on an incredible record.  Manchester United had Roy Keane and Brian Robson who led by example, Livwerpool also had former Spur, Graeme Souness, but it is some time since Spurs had such a player in the team.

Graham Robers - a Leader

The most notable example is Dave Mackay from the 1960s with Graham Roberts and Paul Miller created from the same mould.  In Tottenham's UEFA Cup Final success in 1984, Roberts scored the equalising goal against Anderlecht and then led by example as captain on the night, by scoring the first penalty in the successful shoot-out.  Alan Mullery and Steve Perryman had similar qualities and were prepared to roll up their sleeves and get on with it when the going was difficult.  Who of recent Tottenham experience has had such a presence in the team?  William Gallas is certainly a 'winner' who doesn't take kindly to losing and on a number of occasions last year he showed that spirit when battling on with minor knocks and injuries bandaged or strapped up, rather than be substituted.

Harry Redknapp has often lamented the lack of a player with such character and qualities and the experience of Scott Parker was something that the manager felt would be of benefit to the current team.  A player prepared to fight for the right to play and not afraid to battle when things get tough.  He showed such leadership qualities while battling with West Ham last season.

The match against Wigan won't provide any conclusive answers but a defeat would further strengthen the argument that the Spurs players still lack a winning mentality while success would provide an indication that they might just be moving away from that 'soft' Londoners tag.

Scott Parker - Born to Play for Tottenham

Parker Joins Tottenham for £5 million

Throughout every transfer period players are linked with Tottenham Hotspur.  There are a number of players who are constantly connected with the club and are expected to sign for Spurs 'any day now'.  In most cases none of these players join the club but on this occasion one of them has finally been transferred to Spurs.  That player is Scott Parker - it has taken a long time for him to get to White Hart Lane but he has finally made it.

Scott Parker

Scott Parker has become a Tottenham Hotspur player at last.  On Tuesday, 31st August, 2011 after months of speculation and newspaper stories that he would be leaving West Ham United following their relegation and that he was more than likely going to sign for Spurs, it was confirmed by the club at 14.10, less than nine hours before the end of the summer transfer period, that a deal had been concluded.

This is not the first occasion that rumours were rife about Parker coming to White Hart Lane.  It has happened every time that he has moved club.  In January, 2004, after speculation over some years that he would leave Charlton Athletic, he signed for Chelsea.  Eighteen months later, having had little playing time at Stamford Bridge, he moved to Newcastle United.  After two years on Tyneside, he returned to London but not to Tottenham, instead, he signed for West Ham United.  On each occasion that he was transferred during that three and a half year period, the Tottenham manager at the time, Martin Jol, was very keen to get the signature of Scott Parker but to no avail.

Tottenham Hotspur have history for this - trying to sign the same player, transfer window after window.  In the past it has not always been successful.  In the mid-1990s, Gerry Francis pursued the transfer of Ramon Vega who clearly stated he didn't want to come to Tottenham.  However, in January, 1997, less than eight months later he was signed from Cagliari for £3.75million.  Vega wasn't the greatest player to pull on the white shirt of Tottenham although he did appear in the 1999 Worthington Cup Final.

Stewart Downing is another player who has often been linked with Spurs but has never signed.  While at Middlesbrough, there was such speculation of a transfer that when he played at White Hart Lane in an early season fixture, it was widely regarded by fans and media that that game would be his last for Boro before he signed for Tottenham during the final days of the August transfer period.  It didn't happen but the speculation was accurate enough because in an interview in the Sunday Times ahead of the match against Liverpool, he confirmed that there had been discussions that August, the following January and again the next summer, although by that time he was injured and Tottenham were reluctant to conclude a deal under such circumstances so he joined Aston Villa.

During recent transfer periods the names of many strikers have been in Tottenham's sights with reported offers having been made and rejected - the same names over and over again - Diego Forlan, Klass-Jan Huntelaar, Giuseppe Rossi - but none of them have signed.  At least this summer's deal for Scott Parker was completed  and on the evidence of his first two games for the club, he seems to be exactly what the team needs in midfield. 

Parker - the Midfield General

Scott Parker is very much the type of player Harry Redknapp likes to sign - a player he knows, someone with experience, a reliable player who will fit into the team, a player of character, a leader on the field and one who is combative but skilful as well.  Parker fits all of those categories and on the evidence of his first two matches for Spurs he looks as if he has been playing in the team for a lifetime.  He has linked very well with Luka Modric and has brought composure to central midfield where previous occupants have on occasions tended towards the 'headless chicken' approach - here, there and everywhere but not very effective or productive.  Didier Zakora brought a great deal of energy to midfield but much of it was wasted and while Wilson Palacios was combative, too often he gave away free-kicks or lost the ball with a poor pass.  Others, like Jermaine Jenas could on occasions go missing and the game passed him by and while Tom Huddlestone's great strength is his array of passing but his lack of pace and mobility were a handicap.

Parker appears to read the game well and can intercept passes before they reach their destination, he is combative without being over committed in the tackle which can lead to unnecessary tackles in dangerous positions and conceding unwanted free-kicks.  Parker's passing is controlled and while not the fastest player he is quite mobile around the pitch and links up well with the players around him.  Modric and he have have developed a good understanding of their combined role in the team and worked well together, giving Modric the freedom to go forward and be more creative in hi slink up play.

John White

Watching Parker in his first two games, his style of running reminds me of seeing football played in the mid-1960s and someone else suggested that he reminded them of the late, great John White who graced the 'Double' winning team before his tragic loss in 1964.  If Parker were to contribute half of what White brought to Tottenham, he would indeed be a great signing.  It is still early days in Parker's Spurs' career and only time will tell.

Captain Material?

Danny Blanchflower

It is many years since Tottenham have been captained by a player in midfield.  Many of the best Spurs teams have had midfield players as their captain - Ron Burgess, Danny Blanchflower, Dave Mackay, Alan Mullery, Martin Peters and Steve Perryman in his early days.  The more recent captains have been defenders or strikers and the great Bill Nicholson always thought that it was best to have a side with a captain in midfield where they were in contact with all the players and could lead by example.

Gary Mabbutt and Ledley king have been two captains who have led by example and set very high standards for themselves but King, in particular, is a quiet, undemonstrative player who is an excellent example of total commitment for the team in defence but he is isolated from the rest of the team by nature of his position.  In a similar way, strikers tend to be greedy looking for the scoring chance for themselves and have quite enough to focus and can't be so involved when the team is under pressure.

In midfield, Parker would look to be an ideal candidate to replace King if he is absent through injury.  he has fulfilled that role previously to good effect, leading by example in a weak West Ham team who were struggling in their battle against relegation.  He has the experience to take on such a role and command the respect of the players around him.  Although in a struggling side last year he maintained his own standards to win the Football Writers' Player of the Year award - a rarity as the winner of such awards usually comes from one of the more successful teams.

Scott Parker has settled in the Spurs team with ease and as someone suggested, if only he had come sooner he might have become a Spurs' legend. 

Adebayor Scores on his Tottenham Debut

Adebayor - No: 11

Adebayor celebrates his debut goal

In the 67th minute of his debut for Tottenham against Wolves at Molineux, Emmanuel Adebayor collected a through ball from Scott Parker and coolly scored his first goal for his new club.  This set Spurs up for their first Premier League win of the season and made him the eleventh Tottenham player to score on their Premier League debut.

Who else is on that list?

Sol Campbell: (Dec. 1992) In the first season of the Premiership Campbell made his debut as a late substitute against Chelsea at White Hart Lane. His goal was a late consolation in a 2-1 defeat. Campbell went on to captain Spurs to a Worthington Cup success at Wembley against Leicester City in 1999 but he will forever be despised by Spurs fans for the way he left the club in 2001 on a Bosman free to sign for the club's near neighbours and greatest rivals, Arsenal.

Ronnie Rosenthal: (Feb. 1994) Battling against relegation Ossie Ardiles signed Rosenthal to bring some experience to the team which was struggling to score goals. In his debut at home to Sheffield Wednesday Rosenthal scored but it didn't prevent Spurs losing 1-3. the highlight of Rosenthal's career with Spurs was the hat-trick he scored against Southampton in the FA Cup in 1995. Spurs were two down at half-time but Rosenthal came on as a substitute and scored twice to take the game to extra time. He completed his hat-trick (three tremendous goals) to give Spurs an improbable 6-2 victory.

Jurgen Klinsmann: (Aug. 1994) (pictured) Spurs were in deep trouble having been severely punished by the Football Association for financial irregularities. Chairman, Alan Sugar had managed to persuade Klinsmann to join Spurs and his presence gave Spurs an immediate boost and an opening day success against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. Klinsmann scored in a 4-3 victory, introduced his 'dive' celebration and was carried off injured on his debut. Klinsmann formed an exciting goal scoring partnership with teddy Sheringham but unfortunately it didn't produce any silverware for the club and he departed at the end of the season. His later return was not as effective although he scored four vital goals against Wimbledon to save spurs from relegation under Christian Gross.

Dean Richards: (Sept. 2004) Signed from Southampton by Glenn Hoddle, defender Richards scored against Manchester United as Spurs took a three goal lead in the first half. However, that was as good as it got as after half-time United stormed back at White Hart Lane to win 5-3. Richards career at spurs was blighted by injury.

Fredi Kanoute: (Aug. 2003) Signed from West Ham United during the summer he made his debut at home to Leeds United. His substitute appearance in the first home game of the season ensured Spurs' 2-1 victory. A player of great technique, Kanoute's languid style divided supporters but he scored many important goals before his departure to Seville in 2005. After his departure some supporters came to realise what he brought to the team.

Mbulelo Mabizela: (Oct. 2003) Signed by Spurs following their summer tour to South Africa Mabizela made his debut as a late substitute at Leicester City. He scored the winning goal in the 2-1 success but failed to build on that promising start to his Spurs career.

Jermain Defoe: (Feb. 2004) Signed from West Ham United, Defoe was an instant hit scoring early on his debut against Portsmouth at White Hart Lane as Spurs won 4-3. A regular goal scorer he left for Portsmouth in January, 2008 but returned a year later.

Mido: (Feb. 2005) A loan signing Mido made an impressive debut against portsmouth, scoring twice. He became an important member of Martin Jol's team which just missed out on a Champions League place. When his application and effort were right he was good and scored vital goals but he struggled to maintain this endeavour.

Gilberto: (Mar. 2008) A disappointing signing, the Brazilian rarely showed his true ability but scored in a 4-0 victory, having come on as a substitute against West Ham United at White Hart Lane. He had played his first game for Spurs in a UEFA Cup tie against PSV Eindhoven in mid-week but it was his error which had given the visitors the only goal of the game.

Sebastien Bassong: (Aug. 2009)  The opening day of the new season and scored with a header from a corner against Liverpool at White Hart Lane.  This set Tottenham up for a 2 - 1 win and a run that was to be their best start to the season since the famous 'Double' season of 1960 - 61.

Pre-Premier League Goal Scoring Debuts

Many players have scored on their debut prior to the creation of the Premier League. That list of players include many legends:

• Jimmy Greaves (a hat-trick against Blackpool (h))
• Martin Chivers (2 at Sheffield Wednesday)
• Colin Lee (4 in a 9-0 demolition of Bristol Rovers at White Hart Lane in Spurs last season in the old Second Division)
• Richy Villa at Nottingham Forest
• Garth Crooks against Nottingham Forest

Wolves 0 Tottenham 2

Spurs get their season up and running with two second half goals against undefeated Wolves at Molineux, their first win there since the home side's return to the Premier League.  

Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 Tottenham Hotspur 2
Scorers: Adebayor, Defoe

Team: Friedel; Walker, King, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto; Kranjcar, Parker (Livermore), Modric, Bale, Adebayor, Defoe (Dos Santos) Subs (unused): Cudicini, Bassong, Townsend, Falque, Pavlyuchenko

Adebayor - debut goal

Emmanuel Adebayor started his Tottenham career with a debut goal with his striking partner Jermain Defoe getting the second to ensure Tottenham gained their first win of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Ledley king made a surprise return to the Spurs' team in place of the injured Michael Dawson, while new signings, Adebayor and Scott Parker made their debuts.  Nico Kranjcar started in place of Aaron Lennon who was injured.  Spurs faced two former players in the Wolves team - Jamie O'Hara and Michael Kightly who replaced the injured Matt Jarvis.

Defoe scored second goal

For an hour the match was competitive and evenly balanced match both teams made mistakes and found themselves caught in possession.  However, once Adebayor put Spurs ahead after a pass from Kranjcar found Parker who poked the ball into the area, the debutant finishing coolly, Spurs' confidence grew and they were in completed control.  Adebayor is the eleventh Tottenham player to score on their debut in the Premier League for the club.  Defoe secured the points when he finished a lovely move following a free-kick, scoring from Kranjcar's pass.

Tottenham now have three points which after the disappointing start to the season, is in one point more than they collected from the games against the same opposition last season.

The positives from this game are that Adebayor and Defoe both scored, Parker made an impression in midfield, Luka Modric played and King was fit enough for the whole game.  The win will lift the confidence of the whole team while a clean sheet is a major bonus for the defence after the previous traumatic games.  On the downside is the question of why Gareth Bale is playing on the right - it nullifies the strength of the team's most dangerous player.

Tottenham's season started here and now they head off to Greece for their Europa League game on Thursday, with Liverpool at White Hart Lane on Sunday week.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur Preview

Spurs Enter the Wolves' Den

After the mauling they've taken in their opening two League games against the strength of Manchester, Tottenham have to prepare for a trip to Molineux and the combative side that Mick McCarthy will have lying in wait for them.

Of the four matches that these two teams have played since Wolves returned to the Premier League, Spurs have won only one, when three late goals at White Hart Lane last September retrieved a difficult situation for them - a penalty, 13 minutes from time and two goals in the last three minutes gave Spurs the three points.

Mick McCarthy's side have started well this season with two wins and a draw and sit fifth in the early Premier League table.  They defeated Blackburn Rovers 2 - 1 at Ewood and followed that with a 2 - 0 home victory over Fulham who had returned from their Europa League game in Ukraine the previous Thursday.  They played a scoreless draw against Midlands rivals, Aston Villa in their last League match and progressed in the Carling Cup with a comprehensive four goal win at Northampton Town.

Confidence will be high in the Wolves camp where the manager strengthened his side during the summer with the acquisition of Roger Johnson from Birmingham and Spurs will face former player, Jamie O'Hara, for the first time as his loan deal was made permanent for £5 million.  Spurs know what to expect from Wolves - they will be hard-working, denying Spurs time and space to play the ball and they will be looking to hit them quickly to prevent them from settling into the game and with a striker who will work tirelessly constantly looking to keep the Tottenham defence on high alert.   This is exactly how Wolves have played it in the past two seasons and it has been very effective.  Another player with Tottenham connections who was among the Wolves substitutes for their last game is Michael Kightly who was a schoolboy at Spurs but was released.  He worked his was back with Southend United and Gray's Athletic before joining Wolves in 2008 and helping them to promotion two years ago.

Last Season's Results:
Last season's visit to Molineux in March was full of emotion and controversy as both set of fans paid tribute to the late Dean Richards who had passed away and then the match turned up a number of interesting issues.  Wolves showed their never give up spirit, twice coming back to level the score and earn a 3 - 3 draw with a late goal.  This was quite a fortuitous point for Spurs, who could easily have lost.  Wolves went ahead from a penalty but Alan Hutton could easily have been dismissed, having committed the foul.  Later, as Wolves chased an equaliser, they had a goal disallowed for a foul on Gomes which was a decision that went in Spurs' favour.

Defoe - scored twice last year

The match saw two strikers who had a very poor goal scoring record last year, suddenly find their touch.  Spurs were content with Jermain Defoe's two goal strike but disappointed that Kevin Doyle's two goals helped secure Wolves' point.  Doyle and Matt Jarvis who both scored against Fulham always cause Spurs problems.  Pavlyuchenko restored Tottenham's lead just after half-time while substitute Stephen Fletcher headed a late equaliser.

Spurs' home win saw Rafael Van der Vaart score his first goal for Spurs from the penalty spot following a foul on Hutton as he ran into the penalty area.  The other goals came from Pavlyuchenko and Hutton who again, went on a run into the area and his blocked shot, rebounded against him and into the net.

Team News
Tottenham need a good result from this game and after their poor start have ground to make up.  They will be looking to give debuts to their latest signings, Scott Parker and Emmanuel Adebayor.  Parker will give the team a greater solidity and combative presence in midfield alongside Luka Modric who scored for Croatia in midweek.  However, the Modric may have an 'injury'.  Adebayor will look to lead the line either as a lone striker or in partnership with Defoe and as Van der Vaart is injured Harry Redknapp may resort to the 4 - 4 - 2 formation which was the basis of the success in the season before last when they qualified for the Champions League.

In defence, could Ledley King be about to make a surprise appearance.  After playing in the final two matches of last season, he underwent more surgery during the summer and missed pre-season.  He is reported to have played in a behind closed doors match and Tuesday and didn't play for the Spurs XI on Wednesday, so the question arises is he fit to play or injured again?

Last win at Molineux
Tottenham have found Wolves a difficult side since their return to the Premier League two season ago.  However, prior to that they were quite successful on their travels there.

Mar. 2011 PL Draw 3 - 3 Defoe (2), Pavlyuchenko
Feb. 2010 PL Lost 0 - 1
May, 2004 PL Won 2 - 0 Keane, Defoe
Feb. 1996 FA Cup Replay Won 2 - 0 Rosenthal, Sheringham
Oct. 1983 1st Div Won 3 - 2 Archibald (2), Falco
Sept. 1981 1st Div Won 1 - 0  Galvin

Players Who Have Played for Both Clubs
Jamie O'Hara, Robbie Keane, Dean Richards, Steffan Iversen, Alan Nielsen, Andy Sinton, Hans Segers, Steve Sedgley, Vinny Samways, Paul Stewart, Gordon Smith and Mark Kendall.

Glenn Hoddle is a past manager of both clubs.

Memorable Matches
2003 - 04 PL (h) Won 5 - 1 Keane (3), Kanoute, Dalmat
1981 - 82 (1st Div) Won 6 - 1 Villa (3), Falco, Hoddle (p), Crooks Official opening of the West Stand
1971 - 72 UEFA Cup Final (1st Leg) Won 2 - 1  Martin Chivers scored two great goals to put Spurs on road to glory.
1920 - 21 FA Cup Final @ Stamford Bridge Won 1 - 0 Dimmock
1908 - 09 (2nd Div) (h) Won 3 - 0 Morris, Woodward (2)  Tottenham's first game in the Football League, Vivian Woodward scored Spurs' first goal in League football - it all started with Wolves 

Tottenham Hotspur Sign Scott Parker

At the Fourth Attempt

Scott Parker - signed by Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Scott Parker from West Ham United on the final afternoon of the Transfer Window after months of speculation.  Since West Ham's relegation at the end of last season Parker has been one of a number of players the Upton Park club has been trying to sell in order to reduce their wage bill ahead of their first season back in the Championship.

The England midfield player is someone that Harry Redknapp has been keen to sign but Chairman, Daniel Levy, has been reluctant to buy a thirty year old on a long contract with a high salary who would have little sell on value.  He has held off negotiations with the east London club, with whom relations are not good after their run-in over the Olympic Stadium bid and subsequent legal challenges, until the last days of the transfer window.

Scott Parker made his name at Charlton Athletic where he played for seven years.  He was consistently linked with a move from Charlton and Tottenham was one of the clubs linked with him but Parker decided to go to Chelsea in January, 2004 for £10 million.  In eighteen months at Stamford Bridge he had few opportunities to show his worth and played only fifteen League games, scoring one goal.

In the summer of 2005 Parker was again linked with a transfer to White Hart Lane but he opted to travel north to join Newcastle United for £6.5 million.   Two years later he was part of transfer speculation again with Spurs touted as an option but on returning to London he signed for West Ham United.

Parker made his International debut for England in 2003 but has made only six appearances over eight years, with three coming last season.  After 113 appearances for West Ham, Parker has left the club for a fee of £5 million having had his best season which lead to him winning the Football Writers' Player of the Year award.

Parker was aware of the need to play in the Premier League to strengthen his claims for a place in the England team and Spurs would appear to bean ideal choice for him as he will be assured of a place in their midfield alongside Luka Modric who appears to be remaining in north London.  Tottenham need a presence in midfield and Parker can be the leader that Spurs have needed for some time.