Tottenham 2 Blackburn Rovers 0

Spurs comfortable win over relegation fearing Blackburn restored their grip on fourth place in the Premier League having slipped to sixth after Chelsea's win over Queen's Park Rangers earlier in the day.  A goal in each half secured the points with Kyle Walker's strike from a free-kick the outstanding memory from one of Spurs' easiest and most one-sided Premier League victories.

Tottenham Hotspur 2 Blackburn Rovers 0

Scorers: Van der Vaart, Walker

Team: Friedel; Walker, Gallas, Kaboul, Rose; Lennon (Giovanni), Sandro (Livermore), Modric, Bale; Van der Vaart (Defoe); Adebayor  Subs: (unused) Cudicini, King, Nelsen, Saha

Spurs won a game which they totally dominated with Blackburn unable to make even one attempt on goal during the ninety minutes.  Spurs controlled the game and were given the time to pass the ball around at will and the only disappointment was that they failed to capitalise on the visitor's lack of ambition and score some more goals.

Younes Kaboul, Danny Rose, Aaron Lennon and Emmanuel Adebayor started in place of Ledley King, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Scott Parker and Jermain Defoe who had played against Queen's Park Rangers.  King and Defoe were on the bench while Assou-Ekotto and Parker were injured.  

Spurs started  quickly and could have scored inside a minute when Luka Modric's cross found its way to the back post but Lennon put his shot into the side netting.  A few minutes later Sandro made a powerful run into the penalty area but was unfortunate that as he fell after being tackled, the ball struck him and went out for a goal kick.  After seven minutes good play between Modric and Adebayor found Sandro whose powerful shot from the edge of the box struck the bar. 

Blackburn were posing no threat and Spurs continued to dominate but without creating any clear goal scoring opportunities.  After twenty two minutes, the breakthrough came when Lennon's cross from the right was headed against the bar by Bale and while Adebayor and Rafael Van der Vaart seemed to get in each other's way, Van der Vaart managed to give Spurs the lead.

Almost immediately, Spurs had the opportunity to increase their lead with a quick break in a three against three situation but Lennon who carried the ball from his own half shot over instead of putting Bale or Adebayor into a scoring position.

After half an hour the stats showed Spurs to have had 71% possession and 6 attempts on goal to the visitors none.  This total Tottenham possession continued and a good move on the left between Modric and Rose ended with the full back through on goal but Paul Robinson was out quickly at Rose's feet to smother the danger.  William Gallas struck the bar with a header from a corner, three minutes before the interval.

The second half continued with the same pattern of Rovers pulling eleven men back into defence and Spurs passing the ball about as if it were a practice match.  Brad Friedel had a very comfortable afternoon and was untroubled in his 301st consecutive Premier League match.  With such dominance the match lacked urgency and Spurs didn't really threaten Robinson's goal but with fifteen minutes remaining Kyle Walker brought White Hart Lane to life.

Spurs were awarded a free-kick in the centre of the pitch about thirty yards out.  Rovers lined up a wall with Van der Vaart looking as if he was once again taking responsibility for the set-piece.  Then, Walker stepped up and curled a shot around the wall and past Robinson, giving the former Spurs goalkeeper no chance.  It was Walker's second goal for Spurs - the PFA Young Player of the Year doesn't go in for ordinary run of the mill goals, with his first having been the winner against Arsenal earlier in the season.  This goal gave Spurs the comfort zone they needed to see out the rest of the game without any trouble.

In ninety plus minutes Rovers had one corner and no attempts on goal, a very strange performance from a team needing the points to avoid relegation.  Spurs had 71% possession with 17 goal attempts and five on target.  Spurs have now won their last six matches against Blackburn.

Now its on to the Reebox Stadium on Wednesday evening where Spurs will face another team with relegation worries but it will be a much sterner test against Bolton.

Spurs Home Record Against Blackburn Rovers

A record stating that Tottenham have won their last five matches against Blackburn Rovers is always a worrying statistic for a Spurs fan.  For most clubs that would be something to build on and boost confidence but for Spurs in their current fragile state it could become another burden too heavy to carry even against a relegation threatened Blackburn team who have  only won once in their last six Premier League matches.  Spurs, of course, have only one win in their last nine games.

Spurs Home League Record against Blackburn Rovers (inc PL)

P  47  W  30  D  7  L  10  For  110  Ag  60

Home Premier League Record

P  17  W  9  D  3  L  5  For  25  Ag  22

Spurs have won the last five games against Blackburn.

22nd Oct. 2011  PL  (a)  Won 2 - 1  Van der Vaart (2)

A goal in each half from Rafael Van der Vaary secured the points for Spurs at Ewood Park as they extended their unbeaten run to six matches.  Match Report

2nd Feb. 2011  PL  (a)  Won 1 - 0  Crouch

A headed goal by Peter Crouch after three minutes from a long diagonal cross by  Rafael Van der Vaart brought Spurs the win which enabled Spurs to complete the 'double' over their northern opponents.

Last Match at White Hart Lane

13th Nov. 2010  PL  (h)  Won 4 - 2  Bale (2), Pavlyuchenko, Crouch

Spurs were two ahead at the interval, having missed a penalty, and had added another two in the opening half hour of the second half.  Blackburn's late goals with one from current Spurs player, Ryan Nelsen, brought some respectability to the scoreline, although Spurs contributed to the goals with poor defensive play.

13th Mar. 2010  PL  (h)  Won 3 - 1  Defoe, Pavlyuchenko (2)

Jermain Defoe gave Spurs the lead on the interval.  Roman Pavlyuchenko scored a second ten minutes into the second half.  With ten minutes to go Rovers pulled one back through their former captain, Samba, but Pavlyuchenko restored Spurs' advantage five minutes later.

19th Dec. 2009  PL  (a)  Won 2 - 0  Crouch (2)

After a difficult first half, Crouch gave Spurs the lead on half-time.  Spurs battled in the second half to maintain their lead which Crouch increased with a good goal, with seven minutes remaining.

23rd Nov. 2008  PL  (h)  Won 1 - 0  Pavlyuchenko

A goal after ten minutes was sufficient for Spurs to take the three points as they recovered from the previous week's defeat at Fulham, their first defeat under Harry Redknapp.

28th Oct. 2007  PL  (h)  Lost 1 - 2  Keane (pen)

Martin Jol's sacking in midweek with Clive Allen in temporary charge and Juande Ramos waiting in the wings was the background to Rovers last win at White Hart Lane.  Robbie Keane had given Spurs an early second half lead from the penalty spot.  Blackburn drew level on the hour and took the points with a late goal from Samba.

10th May, 2007  PL  (h)  Draw 1 - 1  Defoe

The penultimate match of the season was played on a Thursday evening and the point took Spurs closer to European qualification.  Rovers went ahead in the first half but Defoe equalised with over twenty minutes remaining.  Spurs ended the season in fifth and a Europa League place.

5th Mar. 2006  PL  (h)  Won 3 - 2  Keane (2), Mido

Spurs were battling to take fourth place in the Premier League and two goals by Keane gave them the advantage in the first half but Rovers pulled a goal back before the interval.  They drew level as Spurs withstood a second half onslaught but took the points with a goal by Mido.  The match is remembered for Keane's first goal as he juggled the ball as he made his way in along the touch line before scoring.

14th May, 2005  PL  (h)  Draw 0 - 0

Spurs' hopes of a UEFA Cup place were dashed as they failed to beat a stubborn Blackburn side in the final match of the season.

8th May, 2004  PL  (h)  Won 1 - 0  Defoe

In what had been a difficult season with Spurs at one point fearing relegation, they won their last home match through an early Defoe goal.  David Pleat's spell as caretaker manager was coming to an end with Spurs having searched for a new manager from September when Glenn Hoddle was sacked.

11th May, 2003  PL  (h)  Lost 0 - 4

The final game of the season ended a poor period for Spurs who lost three of their last four matches, conceding 11 goals.  It was Teddy Sheringham's farewell game but disappointed fans showed their frustrations against Glenn Hoddle, the team and the Board with many throwing their season tickets on to the pitch at the end.

Memorable Home Match against Blackburn

16th April, 1964 1st Div.  (h)  Won 5 - 2  Greaves (2), Gilzean (3)

The first of the three Easter fixtures on Good Friday, saw Spurs win comfortably with the 'G'-men at their very best.  Jimmy Greaves and Alan Gilzean sharing the goals as Gilzean, signed the previous December, scoring his first hat-trick for the club.  Match report from the Daily Express.

This match was the fourth in a remarkable run of five home games at the end of the 1964 - 65 season when Spurs scored 25 goals, conceding 9.  They were undefeated at home throughout the season but won only once away from home.  In the final five matches they defeated Blackpool 4 - 1, Wolves 7 - 4, Liverpool 3 - 0, Blackburn 5 - 2 and Leicester 6 - 2.

In the third of the Easter games at Ewood Park on Easter Monday, Spurs lost 1 - 3, having lost by a single goal at Sheffield Wednesday on the Saturday - and the current players are feeling fatigue?

Tottenham 1 Norwich City 2

Tottenham's defeat at home to Norwich City has left their aspirations of qualification for next season's Champions League competition hanging by a thread.  Ahead of the match, it was in their own hands but defeat has left them looking for Chelsea and Newcastle to slip up in their final games.

Tottenham Hotspur 1 Norwich City 2

Scorers: Defoe            Pilkington, Bennett

Team: Friedel; Walker, Kaboul (Nelsen), King, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Livermore (Va der Vaart), Modric, Bale; Saha (Adebayor), Defoe  Subs: (unused) Cudicini, Sandro, Kranjcar, Rose

Tottenham's objective, going into this game, was to take three points from a Norwich team who were comfortable in mid-table and sure of a second season in the Premier League having gained forty points.  Harry Redknapp made a number of changes to the team which struggled to break down a defensive minded Sunderland on Saturday.  Ledley King replaced William Gallas in central defence with Jake Livermore in central midfield with Luka Modric - Sandro dropping to the bench and Scott Parker not included.  Aaron Lennon started on the right wing with Louis Saha and Jermain Defoe as strikers.  Rafael Van der Vaart and Emmanuel Adebayor were among the substitutes.

In the opening minutes Norwich showed more attacking intention than Sunderland had in the ninety minutes at the Stadium of Light at the weekend.  They put the Spurs players under immediate pressure and looked to get forward quickly themselves.  Early attacks by Spurs saw Gareth Bale receive the ball from Luka Modric on the edge of the area but he was crowded out and then a good pass by Benoit Assou-Ekotto released Saha but his attempted cross was blocked.  This was followed by a shot from Saha following a pass from Defoe, which the goalkeeper saved with difficulty and a defender hacked clear.

On ten minutes, a slip by Ledley King let Norwich in but it was cleared with difficulty through the combined effort of Assou-Ekotto, Kyle Walker and Brad Friedel.  Spurs had been warned that the visitors attack would provide a threat but it was one they didn't take note of as three minutes later they were behind.  Poor defending again caused confusion and rushed attempts to clear.  Younes Kaboul and King didn't deal with the early danger and then Walker's hacked clearance ricochetted off King into the path of Pilkington who scored.

King was having a difficult time coping with the strength of Holt who was putting the defence under constant pressure.  Following the goal Norwich were quite comfortable and Spurs early impetus had gone.  It was not until the midway point of the half that Spurs started to make a greater impression as Bale ran from his own half and had a shot blocked for a corner.  Then good work on the right between Livermore and Walker saw a cross miss handled by the goalkeeper but no-one was on hand to take advantage.

Another quick break by Norwich caused danger for Spurs with a free-kick awarded against them which Friedel clawed away for a corner.  Norwich then threatened from a free-kick following the corner.  Central, on the edge of the area, the shot was blocked and Bale collected the ball and ran the length of the pitch to put in a dangerous cross which Defoe just failed to reach.

After half an hour Norwich made strong claims for a penalty as King struggled to cope with Holt - the referee possibly feeling that Holt was leaning on King as they fell.  Immediately, Spurs gathered the ball on halfway and Livermore's pass released Defoe who took the ball on and lifted it over the goalkeeper.

Norwich responded at once and Friedel had to save a shot at his back post following a free-kick.  The game was played at a furious pace as both teams tried to establish their supremacy.  In the final moments of the half, Kaboul had a header over from a free-kick but then was taken off, having injured himself as he landed, with Ryan Nelsen replacing him.

Adebayor replaced Saha at half-time but it was Norwich who started the brighter.  An early run by Lennon nearly created an opening for Bale but it was the visitors who were quicker to the ball and their strong running was continuing to cause the Spurs defence problems.

After fifty two minutes Spurs nearly went ahead.  A good passing movement brought Assou-Ekotto into the game, he linked well with Adebayor to get through on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat. As he tried to lift his shot over the goalkeeper, Ruddy managed to get a hand to it and away for a corner.  Bale then saw a shot blocked for a corner after a good run by Lennon but Norwich again caused confusion in the Spurs defence as they broke forward quickly and Johnston shot past with the open goal at this mercy.

Only rarely were Spurs threatening the Norwich goal but a good run by Modric  ended with Bale shooting against the bar after sixty three minutes.  Three minutes later Norwich were ahead and Spurs again paid the penalty for failing to stop Norwich's forward movement.  As the defence again back pedalled, Bennett was allowed time to run and shoot powerfully from the edge of the box, giving Friedel no chance.

For the rest of the match, Norwich had good possession and when they lost the ball they harried the Spurs player in possession so that they had no time on the ball to make a positive pass.  Only rarely did Spurs threaten with a Assou-Ekotto cross headed over by Bale being one of few highlights.  Ruddy was rarely troubled and it would have been no surprise if Norwich had added to their lead, so shaky was the Totenham defence.

Spurs lacked inspiration and any sign of fight to get back into the match and no player could impose themselves on it to make a difference or find a way of rescuing the situation.

Tottenham's Champions League aspirations lie almost in tatters - from a position a few weeks ago where they were in total control, so bad has been their recent performances and results that they are no longer assured of making the top four.  This result now gives Arsenal the advantage and provides encouragement to Chelsea and Newcastle that they can also move ahead of us.  Spurs' season has tailed off badly at a time when Arsenal and Newcastle have gained a momentum through an excellent run of result while Chelsea have progressed with an abundance of good fortune.

The consequences of failing to achieve the objective of Champions League qualification are far reaching for the club - the best players, Modric, Bale, Van der Vaart and Lennon are going to be tempted by other clubs with the guarantee of playing at the highest level while prospective signings will shun Tottenham's advances due to their inability to provide that opportunity.  With Harry Redknapp the obvious appointment for the England manager's post, White Hart Lane might have a number of new faces next season, if Spurs don't find a way to turn around this disappointing end to the season.  From a season of such promise, it is in danger of turning into a repeat of 1986-87 when it was a matter of so near yet so far from success.  Even FA Cup success, which at the present time is looking very unlikely, would not be any compensation for the lack of Champions League which for much of the season had appeared to be a nailed on certainty.

The coming weeks will tell if the Spurs players can find  a motivation to drive them on to a greater effort to make it become a reality.

Norwich City's Last Match at White Hart Lane

It was in September, 2004 that Spurs last played Norwich City at White Hart Lane in the Premier League.  Since then Norwich have been down in League One where they spent one season before winning successive promotions in the last two years - winners of League One in 2009-10 and as runners-up in the Championship last season. 

12th September, 2004
Spurs under Jacques Santini were undefeated after four matches at the start of the season.  Ahead of this game they had drawn 1 - 1 with Liverpool at White Hart Lane and then earned a single goal victory at Newcastle.  Their next match saw them draw 1 - 1 at West Bromwich Albion before defeating Birmingham City at home.  Jermain Defoe had scored three of Spurs four goals with Atouba getting the winner at St. James' Park.

Tottenham Hotspur 0  Norwich City 0

Team: Robinson; Pamarot, Naybet, King, Edman; Brown (Davies), Redknapp (Capt.), Mendes, Atouba (Jackson); Kanoute (Keane), Defoe  Subs: (used) Keller, Gardner

A game which Spurs were expected to win turned out more difficult than expected and the result was regarded as two points lost rather than one point gained.  Spurs had the better of the match without taking their chances and in the end Norwich did create opportunities to score in the second half. 

A lack of goals was a serious concern under the new manager who was obviously very well versed in creating a strong defensive unit as he again displayed in the next match at Stamford Bridge when they earned a scoreless draw and Jose Mourinho famously complained that Spurs had parked the bus in front of their goal.

On This Day 19 Years Ago

9th April, 1993  PL   

 Tottenham Hotspur 5  Norwich City 1

                   Scorers: Sheringham (2), Allen, Nayim, Ruddock       Ekoku

Team: Thorstvedt; Austin, Edinburgh; Barmby (Turner), Mabbutt, Ruddock; Sedgley, Nayim, Anderton (Nethercott), Sheringham, Allen Subs: (unused) Dearden

The first of the Easter matches gave Spurs a convincing win over Norwich City on Good Friday.  The win lifted Spurs to fifth place in the League with 52 points, their highest position in the League that season.  With a further seven games to play they only accumulated another seven points to finish in eighth.


Norwich had spent most of the season in a position to challenge for the Premier League title bu tthe defeat at White Hart Lane brought an end to those ambitions.  They were to finish in third place, twelve points behind Manchester United and two behind runners-up, Aston Villa.  A week earlier Spurs had lost at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final to Arsenal.

After 27 minutes, a thunderous free-kick by Neil Ruddock lifted a subdued White Hart Lane and three minutes later they witnessed an even better goal when Darren Anderton's cross was met by Teddy Sheringham.  In the second half, Sheringham's header on 54 minutes allowed Nicky Barmby to head the third.  Barmby returned the favour by starting the move which brought Sheringham's second and Spurs' fourth after 77 minutes.  With seven minutes to go, Nayim scored the fifth with a solo run before Norwich managed to get on the score sheet three minutes later.

Nayim's transfer to Real Zaragoza was confirmed the following week.

Tottenham 3 Swansea City 1

Spurs moved level on points with Arsenal following their win over Swansea.  In an entertaining game, Swansea drew level in the second half but Spurs regained control with two headed goals from Emmanuel Adebayor.

Tottenham Hotspur 3  Swansea City 1

                       Scorers: Van der Vaart, Adebayor (2)               Sigurdsson

Team: Friedel; Walker, Kaboul, Gallas, Assou-Ekotto (Rose); Van der Vaart (Livermore), Parker, Sandro (Lennon), Modric, Bale; Adebayor  Subs: (unused) Cudicini, Saha, Defoe, Nelsen 

Spurs were comfortable winners over a Swansea side who have been impressive in recent away matches, winning four times in the League since January.  Both sides looked to play passing football but Spurs worked hard and often the visitors gave the ball away in dangerous positions, putting themselves under additional pressure.  Gareth Bale was a constant problem to Swansea and especially in the second half after they had equalised.  It was from a period of sustained pressure led by Bale that Spurs went ahead and added a third.

Harry Redknapp sent out the same team which had been so impressive in their draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend.  Brad Friedel returned, as did Younes Kaboul and William Gallas in central defence while Sandro replaced Jake Livermore who had played in midweek against Bolton in the FA Cup.  Aaron Lennon returned to the bench after a period out through injury.   

Swansea started brightly with good possession but Spurs worked hard to close them down and restricted them in any serious attacking threat.  Gradually, Spurs started to make greater use of their possession with their passing being more accurate.  Luka Modric linked well with Emmanuel Adebayor who set up Rafael Van der Vaart but his shot was deflected wide.  Swansea responded well with the former Spurs player, Wayne Routledge, shooting wide.  Gareth Bale was beginning to cause problems on the left and his cross to the near post was touched wide by Adebayor.

 On nineteen minutes,  Modric sent Bale free on the left and his cross to Adebayor was cut out by a defender but it fell to Van der Vaart to shoot from the edge of the penalty area giving Vorm no chance.  Spurs continued to be the more dangerous in attack and from a corner Kaboul's header was well saved by the goalkeeper.  Again Swansea responded with a header over from a corner, showing that they could pose a threat if Spurs lowered their standards.

In the final quarter of an hour to the interval, Spurs had a number of attempts on goal without troubling the goalkeeper - twice Bale shot over after good link up play and then in the last minute Modric shot past the post.

Early in the second half, Sigurdssen warned Spurs with a great shot that forced Friedel into a wonderful save at full stretch.  Then after fifty four minutes he did score, his sixth goal in Swansea's last five away matches.  Swansea deserved their goal for their hard work and passing and for a time they took a measure of control but then Spurs regained their momentum with Bale creating problems for the visitors' defence.  Following patient work and passing by Spurs, Bale put in a cross to the near post but Van der Vaart's header was saved by Vorm.  Then Bale had a shot saved from twenty yards and following a good forward run by Kaboul, Adebayor's weak shot was saved.

Spurs were gradually building up the pressure as Bale, on the left, took the opportunity to run at the defence and put in a number of dangerous crosses.  From one, as Adebayor waited, a defender cleared for a corner which Bale headed towards goal but it was cleared for another corner.  Again, Van der Vaart took the corner, and this time he found Adebayor who rose above the defence to head home and Spurs were ahead after seventy three minutes.  It was the first goal Spurs had scored from 134 corners in the League - an amazing statistic.

Spurs continued to be the more threatening and could have added further goals but it wasn't until four minutes from time that following a run and shot by Bale, that was saved, the ball went out to Aaron Lennon and his cross was headed home by Adebayor.  In added time Kaboul put in two blocking tackles to deny Swansea but Spurs had secured their first win in six Premier League games.

Spurs maintained their undefeated home record against Swansea, having won the last fourteen matches between the clubs at White Hart Lane.  More importantly, for the current team, they are level on points with Arsenal and five points clear of both Chelsea and Newcastle United.  Sunderland await at the Stadium of Light next weekend.
 

Tottenham's Home Record against Newcastle United

Newcastle United have maintained their early season form and have moved into fifth place in the Premier League with 42 points.  Since the beginning of January they have won four out of five League matches, including a home success over Manchester United.  Their only defeat was in their last visit to London, going down 2 - 5 at Craven Cottage.

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Last Season's Match:
Dec. 2010  PL  Won 2 - 0  Lennon, Bale
Spurs had a relatively comfortable win last season in the final match of 2010, winning with second half goals from Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale, despite finishing the game with ten men, Younes Kaboul having been sent off a few minutes after the opening goal. 

2011 - 11: Spurs 5 Newcastle 0  Match Report

Home League Record against Newcastle United:

P  66  W  35  D  11  L  20  For  122  Ag  76

Home Record in Premier League:  

P  17  W  10  D  1  L  6  For  29  Ag  21

Recent Games against Newcastle at White Hart Lane:  

Apr. 2009  PL  Won 1 - 0  Bent

As Newcastle battled to avoid relegation, Darren Bent's goal midway through the first half didn't help their cause.  Spurs, kept their second successive clean sheet and after their early season problems had climbed to ninth. 

Mar. 2008  PL  Lost 1 - 4  Bent

The euphoria of the previous month's Carling Cup win was starting to wane as Spurs conceded four goals for the third time in six League games.  Bent gave Spurs the lead, midway through the half but once Newcastle equalised on the stroke of half-time, the visitors showed a greater desire to win.  

Jan. 2007  PL  Lost 2 - 3  Defoe, Berbatov 

Jermain Defoe put Spurs ahead after fourteen minutes but Newcastle were level two minutes later.  Dimitar Berbatov restored Spurs lead in the second half but two goals in a minute gave Newcastle the points.  The visitors' second goal was a stunning strike from Martins. 

Dec. 2005  PL  Won 2 - 0  Tainio, Mido 

Spurs were fourth and making a concerted attempt to attain a Champions League place and another comfortable win kept them on target.  Teemu Tainio scored his first goal for Spurs, just before the interval, and Mido made victory secure midway through the second half.

Apr. 2005  PL  Won 1 - 0  Defoe 

Spurs won comfortably but had only a late first half goal from Defoe to show for their effort and had to withstand late pressure from Newcastle as they tried to snatch a point.

Mar. 2004  PL  Won 1 - 0  O'Brien o.g. 

The match which looked to be heading for a scoreless draw was settled in the final minutes when the Newcastle central defender, Andy O'Brien, put through his own goal. 

Prior to 2004 Spurs lost both home matches in January, 2002 (1 - 3) and 2003 (0 - 1).  Iversen scored the goal in 2002 and was also among the scorers in the 3 - 1 success in August, 1999 along with Ferdinand and Tim Sherwood.

Memorable Matches:

1st January, 2001  PL  Won 4 - 2  Doherty, Anderton (p), Rebrov, Ferdinand 

Newcastle took the lead midway through the first half but Spurs were level with a Gary Doherty header within five minutes.  Darren Anderton put them ahead with a penalty three minutes later but missed another within two as Newcastle were reduced to ten men.  Sergei Rebrov increased the lead five minutes later.  Shortly after half-time, Neil Sullivan was sent off, having conceded a penalty from which the visitors scored.  Newcastle were then reduced to nine men a few minutes later.  Les Ferdinand scored a fourth with over ten minutes remaining as Spurs secured their first win in seven games.

18th November, 1950  1st Div.  Won 7 - 0  Ramsey (p), Walters, Bennett, Baily, Medley (3)

Spurs had just returned to the 1st Division for the first time since before the 2nd World War and were on their way to winning their first League title.  Arthur Rowe's 'Push and Run' side were at their very best and completely overran Newcastle that day in what has been described as 'one of the finest displays ever put on by a Tottenham team.'

At the start of the day, Newcastle were second in the table with Spurs fourth but Tottenham had won their last seven League matches.  The visitors were three down at half-time,  Les Bennett, Eddie Baily and Les Medley having scored for Spurs.  Medley scored the fourth, Sonny Walters added a fifth, before Medley completed his hat-trick.  Alf Ramsey added to the visitors' misery with a penalty.

At the end of the season Spurs were League Champions for the first time and Newcastle won the FA Cup.

**In true Spurs fashion, however, they went out the next weekend and lost 2 - 3 at Huddersfield Town.

Spurs will be looking to return to winning ways as they proceeded through a tricky series of matches in February.  They saw victory snatched from them at Newcastle in October by a late goal but will hope to improve on what hasn't been a great home record against Newcastle in the past decade.

 They Played for Spurs and Newcastle: Here

Full details of Results can be found at www.topspurs.com 

with Match Reports on spursodyssey.comhttp://www.spursodyssey.com/

Tottenham 1 Chelsea 1

Spurs remain in third place, two points above Chelsea, after their draw at White Hart Lane.  Tottenham started the better and took an early lead but a loss of concentration defensively gifted the visitors a goal which revitalised them and Spurs could never regain the control and momentum with which they had started the match.

Tottenham Hotspur 1 Chelsea 1

Scorers: Adebayor                  Sturridge 

Team: Friedel; Walker, Gallas, King, Assou-Ekotto; Van der Vaart (Pavlyuchenko),Sandro, Parker, Modric, Bale; Adebayor  Subs (unused): Gomes, Bassong, Kaboul, Livermore, Rose, Kranjcar

Harry Redknapp had Gareth Bale and Ledley King available to start but Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe were out through injury.  Younes Kaboul returned to the substitutes bench following his one match suspension.

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Tottenham started the brighter with a good pace and touch to their passing and movement while Chelsea sat deep trying to stifle Spurs' game.  Spurs had the early control and took the lead when a burst of pace from Bale on the left gave him the space to put in a dangerous cross which Emmanuel Adebayor met ahead of John Terry and Petr Cech to put Spurs ahead after 8 minutes.

Tottenham continued to play the better football but almost immediately had a warning of how dangerous Chelsea could be.  When Brad Friedel failed to hold a long range shot from Juan Mata, Daniel Sturridge's shot was deflected over an empty net.

After twenty three minutes Tottenham conceded a free-kick near halfway but were caught out when the visitors took it quickly.  That lack of concentration cost them dearly as Ashley Cole, having been given the benefit of a handball decision in the build up, put in a cross which Sturridge accepted to level the scores.  Assou-Ekotto was badly out of position, having failed to track back to mark Sturridge as the move developed and generally Spurs had been caught out by a lack of awareness of what was happening following the award of the free-kick and were slow to respond defensively to the situation with players querying the initial decision and then appealing for the handball offence.

The goal lifted Chelsea who could have gone ahead within five minutes when a Didier Drogba shot came off the post.  Tottenham had now lost their early control and impetus and were finding it difficult to make inroads through Chelsea's well organised defence.  Chelsea were preventing Spurs from playing out from the back as players were closed down quickly which prevented Spurs from picking the pass to set Bale, Rafael Van der Vaart and Modric free.

At half-time, Roman Pavlyuchenko replaced Van der Vaart who was injured but the Russian was unable to contribute anything to the game.  Through the second half Chelsea managed to keep control and on occasions looked dangerous but only in flashes were Spurs able to create a really threatening move.  From one Adebayor had the ball in the net but was ruled offside, another dubious decision from the officials.  Later Matu scored for Chelsea but was clearly offside and Cech saved well from a deflected shot from Sandro who had worked tirelessly both in defence and going forward in an effort to lift Spurs.

In the closing minutes Ramires was left unmarked at a free-kick but headed wide.  Tottenham put in a final drive to take the three points but Cech saved from Adebayor, Cole blocked a King shot and with almost the last kick of added time, Bale went on a run and fed the ball to Adebayor whose shot beat Cech but Terry sliding in at the back post prevented the shot from crossing the line.

For Tottenham it was disappointing to take only a point after the way they started the game but it was all they deserved - while Chelsea celebrated the point as if it was a win - changed days for the 'Blues' at White Hart Lane.

The injury to Lennon meant that Tottenham had to change their style of play from the system which has been so effective this season.  In the first half Van der Vaart had had little influence in the game while Modric and Bale were closed down quickly at every opportunity.  Sandro had a growing influence on the match with his tireless running and endeavour.  

Tottenham are beginning to encounter difficulties with injuries as Van der Vaart is to be out for a period at what is a very busy time in the football calendar.  With two away games at the promoted sides leading up to 2012, Spurs will be looking for good points at Norwich and Swansea in the week ahead to retain their hold on third place going into the new year.

Tottenham 3 QPR 1

Tottenham maintained their unbeaten run as they defeated Queen's Park Rangers at White Hart Lane.  Two goals from Gareth Bale and one from Rafael Van der Vaart secured the three points as Spurs return to fifth in the Premier League, level on points with Chelsea and Newcastle United.

Tottenham Hotspur 3 Queen's Park Rangers 1

                            Scorers: Bale (2), Van der Vaart          Bothroyd 

Team: Friedel; Walker, King, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Parker (Sandro), Modric, Bale; Van der Vaart, Adebayor.  Subs: (unused) Cudicini, Gallas, Bassong, Livermore, Defoe, Pavlyuchenko.

Tottenham opened with an obvious intent to score an early goal against their London neighbours.  The team showed one change from last week's success with Ledley King restored to central defence in place of Sebastien Bassong.  William Gallas was on the bench for the first time this season.  

Two goal hero - Gareth Bale

Rafael Van der Vaart could have scored in the opening moments but Kenny saved as the Dutchman looked to score for the fifth successive game.  Spurs were playing fluent football, creating more chances which came and went as they dominating possession and chances.  Emmanuel Adebayor headed narrowly wide but in the twentieth minute Gareth Bale scored his first goal at White Hart Lane since New Year's day in the one goal defeat of Tottenham's next opponents, Fulham.  It followed a Friedel goal-kick, flicked on by Adebayor to Van der Vaart who passed to Aaron Lennon coming infield to find Gareth Bale free on the left to shot past Kenny.

Spurs continued to enjoy their football and created patterns of passing and movement all round the pitch.  Such a passage of possession ended with Van der Vaart unmarked and in front of goal as a shot from Ledley King was deflected to him.  He scored with ease from the edge of the area.  That goal was Van der Vaart's sixth in the last five Premier League games.  Two goals up and cruising to such an extent that Spurs should have had four goals and could easily have had six if they hadn't spurned so many of the chances they created. 

In the second half it all changed.  Neil Warnock introduced two substitutes with former Spur Adel Taarabt being substituted and Queen's Park Rangers came out fired up to put Spurs under pressure.  This they did and gradually came into the game - no longer were Spurs able to play their intricate passing game and after an hour they scored a well deserved goal.  Jay Bothroyd who had made a nuisance of himself since coming on at half-time was on hand to head in from a corner which Spurs failed to clear.

Tottenham took five minutes to regain their composure and then created a couple of chances to add a third when Kenny denied van der Vaart.  Then on 72 minutes Bale received the ball from Lennon to shoot past Kenny from the edge of the box.  The goal drained Rangers confidence as Spurs started to control the game again.  They failed to add to the score and it took two goal line clearances by Lennon and Bale in injury time to preserve the three points as QPR made a late effort to snatch a point.


if Rangers had succeeded in that late final surge Spurs would have been thoroughly down-hearted as they had so dominated the game in the first half and failed to make the most of it before relinquishing the advantage to QPR in the second period.


Another win takes Tottenham to fifth place, level on points with Chelsea and Newcastle United.  Undefeated Newcastle visit Stoke tomorrow night and a defeat by two goals would see Spurs move above them on goals scored and with a game in hand.

             

Tottenham V Shamrock Rovers Team News

Tottenham are expected to field a more experienced team for their first home match in the Europa League Group Stages.  To date, Harry Redknapp has used a combination of squad players and young players who have come through the youth system at Spurs.

Harry Redknapp has some senior players on their way back from injury and they may be used for the game against Shamrock Rovers.  Tottenham are looking to secure three points against the Dublin side to put pressure on Rubin Kazan who are the next visitors to White Hart Lane.

Aaron Lennon is now available after recovering from the injury sustained against Manchester City at the end of August.  He will some pace to the midfield and is always a handful for defenders.  The return of Danny Rose will also provide some options at left back while Steven Pieneer is also on his way back to fitness and may play some part in the game.

William Gallas has had a set-back and Tom Huddlestone requires an ankle operation.

Harry Redknapp who has used his younger players in the last two ties of the Europa League, to good effect, says that he will be fielding a stronger team tomorrow.  He will be wanting to avoid any slip-ups and ensure there's no 'giant-killing' act from Rovers.

Possible Team:                                                  Cudicini or Gomes
                                                               Corluka, Kaboul, Bassong, Rose
                                                           Lennon,        Carroll,     Livermore,   Townsend
                                                                       Pavlyuchenko     Kane
                  Subs:  Falque, Parrett, Fredericks, Pieneer, Giovani, 

I hope that Harry Kane gets an opportunity to start the game although Giovani dos Santos may start ahead of him.  If Roman Pavlychenko hasn't recovered from the injury which stopped him travelling to Wigan last weekend, I like to see Jermain Defoe play for an hour to support Kane.

Shamrock Rovers Coming to White Hart Lane

Tottenham's second Europa League game in the Group stages pits them against League of Ireland Champions, Shamrock Rovers.  This will be the third time that Spurs have met opposition from the Republic of Ireland in a European competition but the first time that they have played against the Dublin side.

Europa League: Tottenham v  Shamrock Rovers

Shamrock Rovers are the first team from the Irish Republic to reach the Group stage in any European competition.  They reached this stage of the Europa League through qualification for the Champions League and defeated Flora of Estonia in the 2nd Qualifying Round.  a 1 - 0 win at their Tallaght Stadium in Dublin was followed by a scoreless draw in the away leg.  In the next round they faced Kobenhavn (Denmark) but lost both matches to be eliminated 0 - 3 on aggregate.  They lost by a single goal in the first leg in Copenhagen and were defeated by two goals at home.

They dropped into the Europa League and a tough draw against experienced side, Partizan Belgrade.  the first match ended 1 - 1 in Dublin but a magnificent performance in the second leg saw Rovers come from behind to qualify, after extra time, for the Group stages with a 3 - 2 aggregate win.  They were a goal down at half-time in Belgrade but full-back Pat Sullivan equalised early in the second half.  The game went to extra time and with seven minutes remaining Stephen O'Donnell scored the historic winner.

Their first Group A match was at home to Rubin Kazan.  A goal from Obafemi Martins after three minutes gave Rubin the initiative which they held throughout.  Ryan Thompson saved a first half penalty but Rubin scored twice inside the first fifteen minutes of the second half.  Immediately after the third goal, Rovers missed a penalty, the hero of the previous round, O'Donnell, being the culprit when his penalty was saved.  Rohan Ricketts, formerly of Spurs, who signed for Rovers at the end of the transfer window played in the match, having made his debut at the beginning of September in the away win at Dundalk.

The League of Ireland started in February and runs through to the end of October with Shamrock Rovers currently in second place, level with leaders, Sligo Rovers, but with one game in hand.  They won on Sunday, a convincing 5 - 2 home win over Bray Wanderers.  Coming from a goal down, Ricketts scored his first goal for the club with Gary McCabe scoring two and the others coming from Ronan Finn and Gary Twigg.

Shamrock Rovers are managed by Michael O'Neill who played for Newcastle United at the same time as Paul Gascoigne.  He also played for Dundee United, Hibernian and Wigan Athletic.  He was a Northern Ireland international winning 33 caps.  When he retired he turned to management at Brechin City and went to Shamrock Rovers in 2008.

The assistant manager is Jim Magilton who made 52 appearances for Northern Ireland and played for Oxford United, Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich Town.  He has management experience at Ipswich and Q.P.R.

Most of the Shamrock Rovers squad are from the Airtricity League although some have had experience in both Scotland or England and some were juniors with English clubs.  Ricketts is one of four new signings made after qualifying for the Europa League group stages.

Goal keeper, Ryan Thompson is a Jamaican international who has played in America.
Jim Patterson is an experienced defender who has played for Dundee United and Plymouth Argyle.  Defender, Craig Sives has played for a number of Scottish clubs.
Striker, Gary Twigg joined O'Neill at Shamrock Rovers from his former club Brechin City.
Conor McCormick was an apprentice at Old  Trafford before going to Italy.
Stephen O'Donnell was at Arsenal before going to clubs in Scotland.

Tottenham v Liverpool preview

Tottenham Look to Build on last Weekend's Success

Having sent a young squad to Greece for Thursday's Europa league game, Harry Redknapp will be expecting his senior players to repay him with the first home win of the season and add to Kenny Dalglish's agitation after last's week's defeat at Stoke.

Emmanuel Adebayor

Tottenham enjoyed their first League win of the season at Wolves last weekend with the new signings, Emmanuel Adebayor and Scott Parker, having an immediate influence on the team while Liverpool experienced their first defeat.  Tottenham have Michael Dawson, Aaron Lennon, Steven Pienaar and Tom Huddlestone out with injury but will be hoping that Ledley King will again be available after last week's return.  However, Sandro and Rafael Van der Vaart while returning to fitness after injury will probably still be missing.  Redknapp will probably play the team which won at Wolves if everyone is fit although he will have to make a difficult decision whether to include Van der Vaart ahead of Defoe, if the Dutchman recovers in time.

Liverpool are not expecting Steven Gerrard to have fully recovered from his injury although his return to the team can not be far away.

Liverpool who added to their squad during the summer with Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing and the late signing of Craig Bellamy opened the season with a home draw against Sunderland.  They then won at Arsenal with two late goals before a 3 - 1 home win over Bolton.  These players and the January signings - Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll have strengthened their squad and with Dirk Kuyt there is the potential for Liverpool to become a strong attacking force once all the new players have settled into the team.

Last Meeting
Spurs ended the Anfield jinx with a two goal win in the penultimate game of last season guaranteeing their participation in the Europa League.  Goals from Luka Modric and Van der Vaart secured Tottenham's first win there since August, 1993.

Last 6 Visits to White Hart Lane
28th Nov. 2010 PL Won 2 - 1  Opp. o.g., Lennon 
A late goal from Aaron Lennon secured the points for Spurs after Skrtel had given Liverpool a half-time lead.  He then conceded an own goal midway through the second half after Jermain Defoe had missed a penalty.  Jamie Carragher going off injured late in the game helped Spurs' cause as Lennon scored the late winner.

16th Aug. 2009 PL Won 2 - 1 Assou-Ekotto, Bassong
The opening game of the season and two players scoring their first goals for Spurs secured the points, Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Sebastien Bassong on his debut.  Assou-Ekotto scored with a great shot following a Spurs free-kick just before the interval.  Gerrard equalised early in the second half but Bassong headed the winner from a corner on the hour.

12th Nov. 2008 CC Won 4 - 2 Pavlyuchenko (2), Campbell (2)
Roman Pavlyuchenko and Frazer Campbell enjoyed this match both scoring twice.  Tottenham took a 3 - 0 half-time lead and never looked like relinquishing it as they took another step towards a return to Wembley.

1st Nov. 2008 PL Won 2 - 1 Opp. o.g., Pavlyuchenko
Tottenham's '2 points form 8 games' season and Harry Redknapp had just been appointed manager in place of Juande Ramos.  A late goal had earned Tottenham a point at Arsenal in midweek and a late goal from Pavlyuchenko brought to an end Liverpool's unbeaten start to the season.  Kuyt had scored an early goal and Liverpool were dominant.  An own goal from Carragher, his third for Spurs, levelled the score and set Spurs up to snatch the three points with Pavlyuchenko's late strike.


11th May, 2008 PL Lost 0 - 2
Two second half goals gave Liverpool victory in the final game of a season which had seen Tottenham lose focus following their Carling Cup success over Chelsea.

30th Dec. 2006 PL Lost 0 - 1
Tottenham ended their attempt on their record run of successive home victories and Liverpool won their first game at White Hart Lane since 2003.  Spurs conceded a soft goal on half-time and the injury weakened team couldn't find a response in the second half.

They Played for Both Clubs
Ray Clemence, Neil Ruddock, Ronnie Rosenthal, John Scales, Robbie Keane, Paul Walsh, Paul Stewart, Nick Barmby, Oyvind Leonhardsen, Christian Ziege, Jamie Redknapp and Graeme Souness.

Souness who captained Liverpool during one of their most successful periods started out at Tottenham as a youth player, making one appearance for the team as a substitute in a UEFA Cup game in Iceland.  Homesick and impatient for progress, Bill Nicholson sold him to Middlesbrough.

Memorable Matches
Over Easter of 1963, Tottenham and Liverpool met twice in four days.  
Liverpool won 5 - 2 at Anfield but Spurs got revenge winning 7 - 2 at home.  Jimmy Greaves (4, 1pen), Cliff Jones (2), Frank Saul were the scorers.

The young players played their part for Tottenham in midweek, now it is up to the senior players to show their ability and face up to the challenge from Liverpool and take three points to put Spurs' season on a more secure footing.

Why Does the Tottenham Academy Produce So Few Successful Players?

The Tottenham Hotspur Academy spends vast sums of money annually in the search for talented youngsters who will develop into successful players at the club.  Why do they have such a low success rate?

New Training facilities at Bulls' Cross, Enfield

The evidence in the previous blog, 'Where Have All the Tottenham Academy Players Gone?' suggests that in the past twenty years only six players who have passed through the Academy/youth system at the club have developed into a regular member of the Premier League team at White Hart Lane.  While hundreds of youngsters can claim to have played for Spurs, a very small percentage have managed to make a career even in football's lower Leagues after leaving the club.  Why have there been so few success stories over the past two decades at Tottenham while other top clubs have produced players through their youth scheme?  Manchester United built the foundation of their Premier League successes on the young players who developed through the exceptional youth team which produced a list of international stars - David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Gary and Phil Neville.  Even smaller clubs who have slipped out of the Premier League in recent years  have seen their youth system produce players of a very high calibre.   Southampton have brought on Gareth Bale, Thoe Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.  Leeds United had to sell a number of their best youngsters to ensure their survival, including Aaron Lennon and Danny Rose while Nottingham Forest's youth system has seen players like Michael Dawson and Jermaine Jenas be sold on to clubs in the Premier League.

What is Wrong at Tottenham?
The young players in the Tottenham Academy are expected to play their football in the 'Tottenham' way - being able to pass and move, being confident on the ball and prepared to play football from the back.  The youth teams are required to play in a fashion similar to the senior team with the coaches aiming to develop their skills to play football as it should be played.

These players are given top class coaching and play for the Academy teams against other Premier League clubs.  They also have the opportunity to participate in tournaments around Europe so that they can compare and test themselves against the very best young players and teams. The recent success at the Eurofoot tournament and in other competitions in the past shows that the Spurs Academy is producing quality players at their level.  Spurs often include under-age players in their squad for these tournaments so as to broaden the experience of the players and the level of competition they are facing. For the club, the winning of such tournaments is not the chief goal, rather it is the experience that the young players gain from the competition although developing a winning mentality is also important.

Tottenham Hotspur have excellent facilities at Spurs Lodge and are developing a new training complex at Bull's Cross, Enfield for the first team and the Academy.

The club employs qualified and experienced coaches to oversee the development of the young players and have a nationwide scouting network.  The scope of the scouting operation is no longer restricted to these shores as the introduction of young players from oversees in to the Academy is becoming an important aspect of their work.

Everything would appear to be in place for Tottenham to produce high quality young players for the first team but why do these highly regarded 'prospects' who do so well at schoolboy and youth football not make those final steps up to the next level?

The answer, perhaps, lies with some of these considerations:

• Tottenham Hotspur as a club are too impatient for success to wait for the final development of their Academy players.  They require instant success so choose to purchase a player from another club rather than put their trust in one of the youth team. 

This has always been an issue for Spurs.  Even in the successful era of Bill Nicholson, the FA Youth Cup winning team of 1970 produced only one long-term player for the first team - Steve Perryman.  Other members of that team made some appearances for the first before leaving for other clubs, including Graeme Souness, Barry Daines, Phil Holder, Mike Dillon.  Others left without any first team experience but had successful careers - Mike Flanaghan and Ray Clarke.

• While the Academy players are provided with numerous opportunities to play competitive football up to the age of eighteen, their chances of  games after that become more limited as the club no longer has a team in the Premier League Reserve competition.  Young players now play in 'friendly' matches arranged for the Spurs XI or go out on loan to clubs in the lower Leagues.

The use of a Spurs XI, rather than having a reserve team, with young players going out on loan is a recent innovation so it will be interesting to see if it is any more productive that the previous system.

• Over the past two decades, Tottenham has been a club which has changed their manager every few years.  Every new manager brings his own ideas and requirements so their has been no element of stability within the club and this would have an effect even at youth level.  Each new manager has been aware that he is required to bring success to the first team and so that has been the focus of his attention to the detriment of players coming through from the Academy and so  restricting their opportunity for development in to the first team squad.  If the manager is under threat he doesn't have time to wait on young players and can't afford to put his confidence in them as they learn their trade in the first team, as mistakes could cost him his job.

It is widely speculated that Harry Redknapp will become the next England manager when Fabio Capello steps down next summer.  If that is the case then Tottenham's recent history of manager changes will continue.  There has also been the move away from the Director of Football role which the club had implemented for a number of years with David  Pleat,  Frank Arnesen and Daniel Comelli who each brought a different perspective to the position. David Pleat concentrated on bringing young players from other English clubs which saw the likes of Matthew Etherington, Michael Dawson, Simon Davies and Gary Doherty come to the club.  Frank Arnesen had wide contacts across Europe concerning youth football while Comelli brought in players from the Continent like Adel Taarabt.

• During the Premier League years Spurs have been a team which has been struggling to free itself from mid-table mediocrity.  A club which constantly feels it should be doing better but finding it difficult to break out of the constraints it finds itself in.  The senior players, in the many cases, have been under pressure to perform at a higher level than they've been capable of and so have not been in a position to nurture and support a young prospect taking their first tentative steps in the first team.  Ideally, a young player making his debut wants to go into a team that is playing confidently with senior players who are able to support and give them advise during a game.  Unfortunately, Tottenham Hotspur have not had a team like that - they have on occasions been more concerned with trying to avoid relegation or struggling to achieve a place in Europe, constantly playing catch up - nearly there but falling short.  Even with the improvement in recent years, it has never been easy, nothing has been guaranteed and there's been no room for a mistake.  Every match has been vital in the race for a Champions League place and the manager has relied on his experienced players.

The senior team has lacked a dominant leader, an inspirational player who in times of adversity has taken the game by the scruff of the neck and turned it round for Tottenham.  The role that Dave Mackay thrived on and that Steven Gerrard does so well for Liverpool.  Younger players need a player like that to look up to and follow their example. It is a long time since Spurs have had such a player.

• The Premier League teams have so many players in their squads that rarely is their an opportunity for a young player to get in to the team.  A top team can have seven internationals sitting on the bench as substitutes and some may not even have been included in the full match squad.  Both Spurs and Manchester City struggled last season with surplus players - David Bentley, Alan Hutton, Robbie Keane, Wayne Bridges and Emmanuel Adebayor.  This greatly restricts the playing opportunities for all young players. 

seven named substitutes, three to be used but no young players make it on to the bench.  Spurs have off-loaded some of their surplus players in the last transfer window, players who were taking up those positions but were very unlikely to be in the team on a regular basis.  Some younger players may now be given an opportunity late in a game to experience the pace and intensity of Premier League football as part of their development. Too many experienced players seeing out their contracts, leaves young players frustrated and feeling that they will never be given a chance to show their worth.  It was this sense of frustration that led to Spurs losing one of their brightest prospects in the early 70s.  Graeme Souness faced with Alan Mullery, Martin Peters and Steve Perryman ahead of him couldn't wait to be given a chance and created such a nuisance of himself that Bill Nicholson lost patience and sold him to Middlesbrough and the rest is history - Scottish international, captain of Liverpool's successful team of that period and winner of five League titles, three European Cups and four League Cups.

• The increasing number of overseas players in all divisions of English football is restricting the opportunity for young players to develop.  Prior to the arrival of Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa clubs in England had players from the four home countries and  Ireland.  The introduction of players from overseas developed slowly from that point but now it has taken over and  fewer 'home' players are playing in any of the Leagues. 

Young players from overseas are now being courted by the major clubs in England and this tendency will only increase in the years ahead.  The problem for these young players is being able to settle in England without feeling home-sick and clubs have lost promising youngsters for this reason with Paul-Jose M'Poku returning to Standard Liege during the summer after two seasons with Spurs and a promising period on loan with Leyton Orient last season.

• Tottenham tend to look for a particular type of player for their youth Academy.  Players who are highly skilled but many of them are lightly built and their stature and physique may be a hindrance when it comes to that final step up in professional football.

Good players will show through whatever their build - as the old saying goes, 'If you're good enough, you're big enough.'

• The expectations placed on the young players are very high and any player who is rated highly through international representation at their age-level and outstanding performances for the Academy teams will come under the spotlight even more which will fuel the supporters expectations even more.  Of the current group of young players at Spurs, Harry Kane who is only 18 years old has received high level recognition among fans because of his great goal scoring record for the youth teams.  This has brought him into consideration for the first team in the Europa League with his debut coming against Hearts.

Great things were expected of Steve Perryman when he arrived at Spurs in 1967, similarly with Glenn Hoddle and both went on to make it and fulfil their outstanding potential.  Today with the internet, messageboards, twitter and media fans are so much more aware of young players.  Previously, if a young player were doing well in the youth team or reserves, it would only have been those who attended matches and read the programme who would have an inkling of this young players success.  However, fans are now more aware of the young players at the club and how they are progressing.  The arrival of the young players who were signed during the summer may take the spotlight off Harry Kane and allow him to continue his development at an appropriate pace.

• Young players who are taken on by top clubs are footballer with natural ability are the outstanding players in schools' football.  Playing football has always been easy to them and they were confident in their ability, winning trophies with their school and on a personal level.  For some the step up to the Academy and professional football will come a s a shock to them.  For some they will no longer be the best player around and it will become a struggle and they may not be prepared for the application that is required to meet that situation.  These players may discover players who have had to work much harder in their younger days overtaking them through their hard work and endeavour.  Also players who mature early will be taller and stronger than those they are playing against at school level but when others catch up, the difference in level of ability may even itself out. 

As the young players are growing up they have the support of their parents and family who take them to training and attend matches each week.  However, as they get older they have to make decisions for themselves, especially if they are away from home and have a greater freedom.  Will they continue to show the discipline which earned them the opportunity at the football academy?  If they don't then their progress may be compromised. 

• Everything is laid on to help the Academy players in their development and some come to take this for granted and so lose the desire to push on and make the further sacrifices and effort that are needed to reach the highest level.

Even the best players can find things too comfortable and need to guard against complacency.

Hopefully, the current group of players coming through the Academy and the young professionals who are highly regarded will be able to overcome the many obstacles which stand in their way to becoming a top class footballer with Spurs.  With the required application and endeavour and the good fortune that is essential some of them must have an opportunity to have lengthy careers in football.  To the outsider, it looks and seems glamorous but for those young men who are working their way through the system, there will be uncertainty and many disappointments but in the end if they achieve their life long ambition, it will all have been worth it.