Shamrock Rovers v Tottenham Preview

Spurs know that qualification to the knock-out stages of the Europa League is out of their hands.  Even if they gain a five goal advantage over Shamrock Rovers in Dublin, they must rely on PAOK Salonika defeating Rubin Kazan in Greece.  The question is will Harry Redknapp set out to achieve that big win and hope that PAOK can assist Spurs or has he accepted that elimination is inevitable.

Harry Redknapp to Send a Team to Win by Five?

Shamrock Rovers have put up a gallant fight throughout their European campaign this season and done the League of Ireland proud.  Unfortunately, they have failed to gain any points from their five matches but they created a few scares alomg the way.  They took the lead early in the second half at White Hart Lane and only three goals in five minutes after an hour saw Spurs take the three points.  In their games in Greece and Russia, they drew level after conceding an early goal and at no time were they outclassed and always showed total commitment.  Rovers were backed by an enthusiastic group of supporters and the team will be ensured of their full support on Thursday evening in their Tallaght Stadium in Dublin.

Shamrock Rovers record in Group A of the Europa League:

v Rubin Kazan (h) Lost 0 - 3

v Tottenham Hotspur (a) Lost 1 - 3

v PAOK Salonika (a) Lost 1 - 2

v PAOK Salonika (h) Lost 1 - 3

v Rubin Kazan (a) Lost 1 - 4

Pre-Order: Code LH1

Only in the last match where defensive laps cost them dearly have Rovers struggled to make a match of it.  In their first match at home to Rubin Kazan, they were stunned by an early goal which gave the visitors control of the match.  Two second hald goal secured the victory with Rovers unable to take advantage of a penalty awarded to them.

In Greece, they conceded another goal early in the first half but drew level at the start of the second half before PAOK secured the points with the winner on the hour.  In the return match in Dublin, PAOK scored early and added two more before half time but Rovers early second half response wasn't enough to spark a revival.

In Russia, Rubin scored early but Rovers equalised immediately.  The home side scored ten minutes before half time and two goals in the first fifteen minutes of the second secured victory which puts them in a strong position to qualify at the expense of Spurs.

Shamrock Rovers finished their season as Champions and this match against Spurs could be manager, Michael O'Neill's last in charge as he is one of the front runners for the vacant Northern Ireland managerial post.  The manager and the players will want to bring their European campaign to a close on a high and the scalp of Tottenham would be some prize.

Tottenham's View?

What will Tottenham's position be with regards to this game?  Have they accepted elimination from the competition and are they relieved as they chase the greater goal of Champions League football?  The unfortunate defeat at Stoke will have added to Redknapp's concern as will Chelsea's victory over Manchester City, making Sunday's match against Sunderland another must win game.

Redknapp has been able to justify sending out weakened teams throughout the Europa League by pointing to the amazing League run the club has achieved since the end of August.  He rested his first choice players and relied on the young players and squad members - a situation which worked successfully as the youngsters showed great composure and endeavour in those earlier matches.  Unfortunately, a defensive error in Russia saw them fall to defeat and that was compounded by a home loss to PAOK who have now qualified for the latter stages of the competition.

I know many will differ from my view on this and suggest that Harry should send out a young team with no thought of trying to qualify as the chase for league position and Champions League football is all that counts.  I would like, however, to see the strongest possible team sent out looking to gain that five goal advantage and then see what happens in Greece.  The cynics will say that PAOK and Rubin will play out a no chances taken draw to allow both clubs to progress.  I would rather that we give it a go and try to put ourselves into a position to qualify should PAOK deny Rubin the point they require.  At least that would show a respect for the competition and that we're not a club who has given up on all Cup competitions.


A strong team is available to the manager.  Brad Friedel, Rafael Van der Vaart and Emmanuel Adebayor are obvious absentees as they haven't been registered for the competition.  They can be replaced with squad and younger players.  Younes Kaboul is also available as he is suspended for Sunday's game after last weekend's dismissal.  Along with either Sebastien Bassong or Jake Livermore, he could play in central defence.  Jermaine Defoe and a motivated Roman Pavlyuchenko should start but it is in the selection of players for the other positions which will indicate the team's intent.

If the team are to score goals then players like Kyle Walker, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Aaron Lennon need to be in the team from the start.  If they were to start, it would show the team's intent - that they are looking to score goals.  If, however, the team consists mainly of the squad players, Harry Redknapp is taking the decision to forego any opportunity of reaching the next stage as such a team is very unlikely to have the creativity or firepower to achieve the required result.  


Some will say that the players need to be rested in preparation for the weekend's game but on this occasion they should be able to cope with the additional match, having had such a light match load since the start of the season with most having exemption from most of the Cup games.  There is a busy schedule ahead in the coming weeks but continued participation in this competition should be the goal in Dublin on Thursday.


On previous visits to Ireland Spurs have recorded high scores in European competitions and the team which scored five against Hearts in Scotland in August could give a repeat performance in Dublin.  Then, it depends on what happens in Greece but at least Spurs could say they had done all that they could to ensure qualification but it wasn't enough on this occasion because of matters that weren't in their control.

Tottenham 3 Shamrock Rovers 1 (Europa League)

Tottenham avoided the embarrassment that at one point looked to be awaiting them in their Europa League game against Shamrock Rovers at White Hart Lane.  Rovers went ahead early in the second half but three goals in six minutes restored order.

Rovers Give Spurs a Fright

Tottenham Hotspur 3 Shamrock Rovers 1

Scorers: Pavlyuchenko, Defoe, Dos Santos

Team: Cudicini; Walker, Corluka, Bassong, Rose (Kane); Lennon (Townsend), Carroll, Livermore, Dos Santos; Pavlyuchenko, Defoe (Falque). Subs (unused): Gomes, Bale, Kaboul, Modric


Tottenham again, fielded a weakened team to face League of Ireland, part-time team, Shamrock Rovers.  It did, however, include six players with international experience but only Kyle Walker had played in Saturday's win at Wigan in the Premier League.  Aaron Lennon and Danny Rose returned after injury and Jermaine Defoe and Roman Pavlyuchenko who were unable to play last weekend both started.  Tom Carroll retained his place in the Europa 'mid-week' team having excelled in his previous appearances.  While Harry Redknapp may have had 'both eyes on the North London derby', he was not taking any chances of there being an upset in this match - his list of substitutes included Gareth Bale, Younes Kaboul and Luka Modric, rather than the youngsters who have appeared in the last two Europa games.  This distinguished bench available to firefight any unexpected developments in the game.

Giovani dos Santos

Shamrock Rovers started in a very positive manner - they were well organised, very committed and comfortable on the ball, not allowing Spurs to settle into the game or dominate the play.  It was even for the first fifteen minutes with neither side really troubling the other.  Spurs were content to pass the ball around, only Dos Santos and Rose looking to bring pace into the game and be positive and creative.  When Spurs didn't have possession they were content to allow Shamrock Rovers to pass it around as they waited to pick off a pass or for Rovers to make a mistake.

Gradually, Tottenham with the bulk of possession had Rovers pinned in their own half but not really causing them any problems, Rovers always had a man available to make a timely tackle or block.  Then in the space of three minutes, Spurs had two opportunities to go ahead but goalkeeper Richard Brush came to the rescue.  First he deflected a Defoe shot onto the bar and then he saved from Pavlyuchenko.  Brush was only playing because of injury to Ryan Thompson but he was putting in a sterling performance.  Before half-time Rose hit the bar when a cross was cleared to him on the edge of the box.  Then Pavlyuchenko's header from a corner was blocked off the line.  

Tottenham had the greater share of possession but had seen chances go begging while Rovers had worked hard and hadn't been overawed, they had played their part in making it an entertaining first half.

Andros Townsend replaced Lennon for the second half and playing on the left he brought added pace to the game and immediately caused the Rovers defence some problems.  However, the match continued much as it had done until in the fiftieth minute Rovers were awarded a free-kick thirty yards from goal.  Gary McCabe smashed the kick past the wall, Cudicini parried it out of the box but it fell to Pat Sullivan who shot for goal but Stephen Rice flicked the ball past Cudicini and into the net.  Rovers' players, management and supporters went delirious - Spurs fans were bemused.


The Rovers support increased their volume even more as they celebrated the goal and urged their team to even greater effort to hold on to the dream.  This wasn't going to plan for Tottenham but Harry Redknapp didn't panic - he let the players get on with it and the combination of Rose and Townsend on the left was creating added problems.


For ten minutes Rovers continue to match Spurs, put in tackles and ease the pressure.  Then Spurs built up a momentum and pinned Rovers back, they probed right and left, eventually getting Giovani dos Santos free on the left and his cross was headed powerfully past Brush.  Level but Spurs weren't finished - two minutes later it was Townsend who made it into the area and crossed.  Pavlyuchenko left the ball for Defoe to head into the net.  


Even after going behind Rovers looked to take the game to Spurs but four minutes later, Defoe went back into the Spurs half and showing great determination, he battled to keep a ball in that was simply going out for a throw.  He set off up the left, past a defender, as others back-pedalled, he cut in towards the centre of the area and as he drew defenders to him he passed to his right and set up the chance for Giovani to score.  3 - 1 to Spurs - Six fateful minutes to shatter a dream and a sigh of relief from Spurs supporters. 

The match was now over, Spurs hadn't had to call for re-inforcements from the bench but Rovers continued to give their all.  They can all be very proud of their effort and style of play and have been great ambassadors for the League of Ireland.


Shamrock Rovers took all the credit and praise for their performance at White Hart Lane but Tottenham took the three points.  Harry Redknapp will be quite happy with that scenario in the run up to their clash with Arsenal on Sunday.

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.

Tottenham v Shamrock Rovers Europa League Preview

A first meeting between Spurs and Shamrock Rovers at White Hart Lane on Thursday evening in the second Group stage match of the Europa League.  Tottenham will be looking for their first win in the competition following a draw in Greece two weeks ago.

Tottenham Look to Shatter the Rovers' Dream

On qualifying for the Group stages of the Europa League, the Shamrock Rovers' manager, Michael O'Neill, had only one team in mind for his ideal draw - Tottenham Hotspur.  This game at White Hart Lane and the return in Dublin in December will be 'living the dream' for everyone involved with Shamrock Rovers.  It is their opportunity to play on the big stage, in front of the television cameras and they will give it everything to make it a memorable evening for the 4,000 Rovers fans who are crossing the Irish Sea.  There will be considerable support in the ground for Rovers with many Irish people who now live in England being drawn to the game.

Michael O'Neill has done a remarkable job at Shamrock Rovers since taking over in 2008.  Both he and his assistant, Jim Magilton have considerable experience as players at the highest level and O'Neill has managed in Scotland while Magilton managed both Ipswich Town and Queen's Park Rangers.  The team will be well prepared and O'Neill has called for great concentration from his players to help then deal with the occasion.  He has also signed four players to strengthen his squad since reaching the group stages, including Jim Patterson who has experience in Scotland with Dundee United and has played for Plymouth Argyle.  Rohan Ricketts has also joined and since leaving Tottenham in 2005 for Wolverhampton Wanderers he has played for numerous clubs in a number of different countries.

European Competitions
On two previous occasions Spurs have faced opponents from the League of Ireland in European competition.  In 1981-82 in the Cup Winners' Cup, Tottenham overcame Dundalk 2 - 1 on aggregate.  They were relieved to leave Ireland with a 1 - 1 draw and won the home leg by a single goal from Garth Crooks who scored both Spurs goals in the tie.

Two years later it was so much easier as Spurs won the away game against Drogheda United by six goals, Gary Mabbutt (2), Mark Falco (2), Tony Galvin and Garth Crooks scoring.  The return game was a formality but a full strength team was fielded at White Hart Lane and scored eight without reply for a 14 - 0 aggregate win.  Chris Hughton, Graham Roberts (2), Steve Archibald, Mark Falco (2) and Alan Brazil (2) getting on the scoresheet.

Friendly Matches
Other meetings with teams from Ireland have usually been games played as part of preparations for a new season.  For a number of years Tottenham were regular visitors where they have a large following and in the late 1980s/early 1990s Terry Venables liked to take his team to Ireland to play their first couple of pre-season games.

Ardiles and Villa

Aug. 1978 v Bohemians Won 4 - 0  Hoddle, Armstrong, Moores, Taylor
This match was one of the early games in which Spurs two new signings played - Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa.  Their presence in the match added to the anticipation of the local supporters.

Aug. 1981 v Limerick Won 6 - 2  Archibald, Hoddle (4), Falco

FA Cup holders, Tottenham paraded the trophy around the ground prior to kick-off.
July, 1989 v Bohemians Won 2 - 0  Stewart, Walsh
                 v Cork City Won 3 - 0 Mabbutt, Gascoigne, Lineker
Aug. 1990 v Shelbourne Won 3 - 0 Gascoigne (2), Lineker

July, 1993 v Shelbourne XI Won 4 - 2 Barmby, Sheringham, Turner, Opp. o.g.

                 v Drogheda United Won 3 - 1 Anderton, Sheringham (2)

Oct. 1988 v Home Farm Won 4 - 0 Fenwick(p), Howells, Stewart, Opp.o.g.

Aug. 1994 v Shelbourne Won 1 - 0 Klinsmann
Having signed for Spurs, Jurgen Klinsmann made his debut a few days earlier at Watford and scored his first goal of a memorable season in Ireland.
Mar. 2002 v Bohemians Lost 1 - 3 Doherty

Rohan Ricketts

Rohan Ricketts

Rohan Ricketts is a former Tottenham player and probably the only 'known' name in the squad made up mainly of players who have played most of their football in Ireland.  O'Neill has brought in some experienced players from Scotland, using his knowledge of the Scottish game to good effect.  Ricketts started in the Arsenal youth system but moved to Tottenham in 2002 having made one appearance in the League Cup.

In season 2003-04, he became a regular member of the team under Glenn Hoddle.  He made 28 League and Cup appearances, scoring twice.  The following season he made only 6 appearances after the sacking of Hoddle and after a time out on loan he joined Wolves in 2005.  After two years there he went to Barnsley and moved on the following year to Toronto FC.  After a good first season he fell out of favour with the arrival of home-grown players so he left to play in Hungary, Moldova and Germany.  In his travels he has expereinced many difficulties but is hoping that his spell with Rovers will be an opportunity to show that he is still capable of playing in English football.

He has made an impressive start with Rovers, creating the two goals on his debut at the beginning of September and scoring his first goal last weekend against Bray Wanderers.

Tottenham will turn to their squad and young players for this game with the North London derby looming on Sunday.  The young players have shown excellent ability and application in the games they've played so far, the  one thing lacking has been goals - three scoreless draws against Hearts, PAOK Salonika and Stoke.  If Roman Pavlyuchenko doesn't recover from the injury which caused him to miss the game at Wigan, Jermain Defoe may be called upon to play alongside Harry Kane.  Otherwise the team will be made up of the players who didn't play at the weekend.

Harry Redknapp has put a lot of faith in the youngsters for the Europa League so that the senior players can sit out the mid-week games and be fully prepared for the Premier League challenges.  He needs them to find a goal scoring touch as he is relying on winning at home to ensure qualification for the knock-out stages in 2012.  Shamrock Rovers are the weakest team in the group so Tottenham will be looking for a commanding performance and goals to ease their passage to the next stage.

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.

It's the Europa League NOT the Champions League

Tottenham Fans Face Up to Reality of Europa League

After the heady excitement and the unforgettable Champions League campaign that took in such places as the San Siro Stadium in Milan (twice) and the Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid with many outstanding performances from their team, Spurs fans are now facing up to the reality of this season's Europa League competition.

It was on Saturday after the win at Molineux that the reality of this season's European competition started to come into focus.  At his after match interview, the manager took up his anti-Europa League agenda once again, pointing out that not many of those who played on Saturday would be making the trip to Greece to play PAOK Salonika.  The competition was a 'nuisance' and he was more concerned with next Sunday's game against Liverpool.

He had, of course, made his views known very clearly during the summer, calling the competition a 'killer', having to play Thursday and Sunday and so the young players would get plenty of experience. (Out of interest - What's the difference between playing Wednesday and Saturday and Thursday and Sunday?)

The younger players at the club get little opportunity to get experience so there's no problem with playing some of them in the Europa League as long as it's a balanced team with experienced players who can support them.

However, the tone for the week had been set by the manager's comments - not the excited anticipation of the week ahead with the match as the climax.  Rather, a dread and a fear about how Spurs might look at the end of this youthful 'adventure'.  Any defeat goes into the record books and remains there as part of the club's history including the failed Intertoto campaign in the the summer of 1995 and the humiliating 8 - 0 defeat in Cologne with a 'non-team' comprised of reserves, youth team players and 'guests' including Alan Pardew, the current Newcastle manager.  As much as Spurs might try to delete the result from the club's history it's still there as part of UEFA's record of Tottenham's involvement in European competitions.  There'll be no footnote to explain that it was 'a young team' or 'Tottenham weren't interested in the competition that year'.  A team like Tottenham with a great history of success in European competition not really bothered about how they do in a European competition.  What would Bill Nicholson say about such an attitude?

The Sunday papers gave the next indication that it was going to be so different from last year.  No full page articles on Europa League games to peruse as there was for the Champions League matches.  The reality was  that in most papers they didn't get a mention although one did manage to include the date and time of kick-off.  Through the week this trend continued, with Thursday morning the only time there'll be a brief mention of each of the matches, if there's any room left after the match reports and analysis of the Champions League games.

Tuesday brought the possible team news delivered to a supporters messageboard - 'Youth team day out! Very weakened squad travelling.'  It would appear that Harry has kept to his intention of sending out a young squad to Greece - too many injuries and more important matches ahead is the excuse.

Tuesday evening and Wednesday evening and we're not on the television on high profile channels at 7.45pm - no, you might find us somewhere on Freeview on Thursday at 6pm - that's no time to play football.

Going to a European home game this season - well, that'll be no problem.  The Europa League has done away with queuing for tickets from early morning to make sure you're on-line before everyone else.  A quick visit to the ticket website, job done but at least the tickets are cheaper.

Then there's the away trips - no Milan this time to watch from the vast extent of the San Siro - rather it's a trip to Dublin and Shamrock Rovers' compact Tallaght Stadium - for those few who'll get a ticket.

Many supporters agree with the stance that Harry Redknapp has taken over the Europa League.  They regard all competitions, except the Premier League, as distractions from the main goal of getting into the Champions League.  However, for others, they feel that the club should be endeavouring to win every competition that take part in.  These supporters remember the 'glory' nights at White Hart Lane when Tottenham entertained European clubs enroute to success in the Cup Winners Cup and the UEFA Cup.

European Nights to Remember:
20th Sept. 1961 v Gornik Zabreze (h) European Cup Won 8 - 1 (Blanchflower, Jones (3), White, Smith (2), Dyson)

5th Apr. 1962 v Benefica (h) EC Won 2 - 1 (Blanchflower (p), Smith)

31st Oct. 1962 v Glasgow Rangers (h) European Cup Winners' Cup Won 5 - 2 (Norman, White (2), Allen, Opp.o.g.)

15th May, 1963 v Atletico Madrid (Rotterdam) ECWC Won 5 - 1 (Greaves (2), Dyson (2), White)

5th Apr. 1972 v AC Milan (h) UEFA Cup Won 2 - 1 (Perryman (2))

19th Apr. 1972 v AC Milan (a) UEFA Cup Draw 1 - 1 (Mullery)

3rd May, 1972 v Wolverhampton Wanderers (a) UEFA Cup Final (1st leg) Won 2 - 1 (Chivers (2))

12th Dec. 1973 v Dinamo Tbilisi (h) UEFA Cup Won 5 - 1 (McGrath, Chivers (2), Peters (2))

7th Apr. 1982 v Barcelona (h) ECWC Draw 1 - 1 Roberts

23rd May, 1984 v Anderlecht (h) UEFA Cup Final Draw 1 - 1 (Won 4 - 3 on pens) (Roberts)

2nd Nov. 2010 v Inter Milan (h)  CL Won 3 - 1 (Van der Vaart, Crouch, Pavlyuchenko)

Van der Vaart annoyed at being omitted from squad

At least one member of the playing staff considers playing in European competition important.  Rafael Van der Vaart was very annoyed yesterday to discover he was not included in the club's Europa League 25-man squad.  When it was submitted, Van der Vaart was expected to be out unjured for six weeks so missing much of the group stages and the club omitted him so that he could concentrate on keeping fit for the League.  if the club were to progress to the knock-out stages after Christmas, then he could have been introduced into the squad.  At the time this appeared a responsible decision to take but unfortunately, firstly, the manager didn't discuss the matter with the player and, secondly, Van der Vaart has recovered quicker than anticipated and targeting the game against Liverpool this weekend for his return. 

Tottenham - Europa League Group Stage

The draw for the group stages of the Europa League was made in Monaco this morning.  Having successfully, negotiated the qualifying round against Hearts with an aggregate win of 5 - 0, Spurs were among the top seeds and were placed in Group A.

The second seeded team in the group was Rubin Kazan from Russia, the Greek team PAOK FC were in the third group with Shamrock Rovers from Ireland as the minnows when they became the first Irish team to reach the Group stages of any UEFA competition. The meetings between these teams will be Spurs first encounter with any of them.

Fixtures:

Thursday, 15th September: v PAOK (a)

Thursday, 29th September: v Shamrock Rovers (h)

Thursday, 20th October: v Rubin Kazan (h)
Thursday, 3rd November: v Rubin Kazan (a)

Wednesday, 30th November: v PAOK (h)

Thursday, 15th December: v Shamrock Rovers (a)