Rubin Kazan v Tottenham Hotspur (Europa League)

The fourth match in Group A of the Europa League tales Tottenham to Russia for the return game with Rubin Kazan.  Tottenham head the group with seven points while Rubin Kazan have four points, one behind PAOK Salonika in second place.  Tottenham who have used squad members and young players for the Europa League campaign will be looking to get something from this match while the rest of the squad remain in London to prepare for Sunday's London derby against Fulham.

Tottenham's Russian striker, Roman Pavlyuchenko scored the all important goal against his compatriots at White Hart Lane to earn the three points for Spurs.  It was a hard earned success with the visitors unfortunate to leave without any reward so Spurs are well aware that they face a very difficult game on Thursday evening.  Qualification for the knock-out stages is very much on both teams' mind as they know that PAOK are waiting to take over top spot if they win in Dublin and Spurs lose in Russia.  In a very close group all three teams will be hoping to take one of those qualification places and preferably first place which improves the prospects for the draw by avoiding teams who have dropped out of the Champions League.

Not Travelling to Russia
Tottenham have announced that Harry Redknapp will not be going with the team as he has to undergo a minor op.  Kevin Bond and Joe Jordan will take charge of the team for the Europa League game.

Brad Friedel and Rafael Van der Vaart have not been registered for the Europa League competition so can't play unless they are included in the revised list after January.  Few, if any, of the first team regulars will be making the long journey - Ledley King needs his week to recover while the rest will be focused on preparing for the game against Fulham.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto, according to Twitter, isn't making the trip - 'spending the week training at Chigwell'.

Sandro has not travelled, neither has Assou-Ekotto, Walker, Bale or Modric. (plus other first team players).  Giovani is also out, having picked up an injury.



It was a very young Spurs XI side which lost 1 - 2 to Crystal Palace at Spurs Lodge so presumable some of the players who normally turn out for that team will be on the flight to Russia.  may not play but could be on the bench or just travelling for the experience.

Travelling in the Tottenham party
Jake Nicholson has announced on Twitter that he is included in the party to travel to Russia as has Dean Parrett.  

Defoe, Pavlyuchenko and Bassong have also been included in the party.

Latest Squad News:

 Gomes, Cudicini, Gallas, Bassong, Waller-Lassen, Stewart, Barthram, Livermore, Townsend, Pienaar, Fredericks, Carroll, Nicholson, Parrett, Pavlyuchenko, Defoe, Falque, Kane, Lancaster, Pritchard. 

None of Saturday's team have travelled to Russia.

A young team with experience coming from squad players who haven't played many matches or are returning from injury can be expected to make the long journey to Kazan.  Heurelho Gomes who starred in the game at White Hart Lane or Carlo Cudicini who put in an excellent performance in the draw in Greece with crucial saves in the final moments of the game will take up position in goal.  It is worth noting that in the three matches Gomes has played this season, at Hearts, against the Russians and at Stoke in the Carling Cup, he has not conceded a goal in normal play.  The defeat on penalties has been their only loss since the disastrous start to the Premier League season.  With the rotation of the goalkeepers it would be Cudicini's 'turn' but I feel he could possibly get selected for the calm he brings to the defence over the spectacular of Gomes, especially in a potentially hostile environment.

Injury has caused problems in defence with first team players having to make up the numbers.  Ledley King having returned on Sunday will again rest. The return of William Gallas is a possibility although they may not want him to travel so far after being out with a long term injury.  However, it is expected that he will make the trip and will start beside Bassong.   With Vedran Corluka injured.  Danny Rose who played well in the first game is apparently out, Andros Townsend will presumably be his replacement at left back while a younger player could make his debut at right back.  Ryan Fredericks who played against Hears or Kevin Stewart is a possibility as is Jack Barthram who has played in that position for the Spurs XI team and in the NextGen series competition.  Whoever is called upon, it will be a real test of their character and footballing ability.

As Sandro is not included in the party, Jake Livermore could be in central midfield with Tom Carroll deservedly getting another game.  He has been the outstanding player from among the inexperienced players who have come into the team for the Europa League campaign and has gained recognition for these pwerformances by being called up for the England Under-21 side.  Steven Pienaar has also recovered from injury and is expected to make his first appearance of the season and will bring much needed experience to the starting line-up.  Either Yago Falque or Harry Kane could play on the left of midfield in th eabsence of a more experienced alternative.  Falque would bring pace and skill whilwe Kane would work hard for the team in what will be a testing game.  Jermain Defoe and Pavlyuchenko who can not get into the first team because of the play and goal scoring form of Emmanuel Adebayor and Rafael Van der Vaart in recent weeks, will start and again try to impress on the manager that they should start every game. 

This will be a very difficult game as Spurs found out in the home match.  Then Harry Redknapp had to bolster up the team with the introduction of Kaboul, Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Luka Modric to ensure they held out to take the three points.  It is unlikely that such experienced back-up will be available on Thursday.   The bench will consist of  a number of young players like Dean Parrett and Jake Nicholson but if they perform as others have done before them, they will display great composure, endeavour and application in the Europa League with no shortage of skill.  The one area where their game has been lacking has been in scoring goals so if that continues to be the case in Russia it could be a very long and difficult night for the inexperienced team, especially if Rubin are more clinical in front of goal than they were in London.

Tottenham's Young Players Earn Their Spurs

Young Players Do Themselves Proud in Europa League

Tottenham's first Europa League game was only three days before a crucial Premier League game against Liverpool at White Hart Lane on Sunday.  With injury worries, Harry Redknapp was determined to keep his senior players focused on that match without the distraction of travelling to Greece to play PAOK Salonika.  He sent out a squad with a number of young players who did themselves and the club proud in a hard earned scoreless draw.

18-man Match Day Squad
The eighteen players in the match day squad for the Europa League game consisted of  four players with international experience - Vedran Corluka (Croatia), Sebastien Bassong (Cameroon), Roman Pavlyuchenko (Russia) and Giovani Dos Santos (Mexico), and Premier League experience from Carlo Cudicini, Kyle Walker and Jake Livermore, although the latter two have limited appearances in League football for Spurs.  The other players were young players who were looking to gain from the experience of playing for the first team in an important, competitive European match.

Young Players

Kyle Walker

Kyle Walker (21) has only returned to Spurs having spent last season on loan with QPR and Aston Villa where he impressed with his attacking play from full back.  He has been called into the full England squad but has yet to make an appearance.  He is vying with experienced Vedran Corluka for the right back spot but has made a positive start in the games he has played this season.  Very quick when attacking on the right, he scored two goals for Villa last season, but needs to learn how to play with Aaron Lennon to get the best from him and also to improve defensively, especially that he isn't too cavalier in his attacking play, forgetting about his defensive duties.

Jake Livermore (21) made his League debut for Spurs in the game at Old Trafford.  It was a testing game for him in central midfield but he acquitted himself well and plays with confidence and has progressed well in the past year.  The arrival of Scott Parker meant he was a substitute against Wolves but he has become a part of the Tottenham squad and the European and Cup matches will provide him with excellent experience and opportunities to show his ability.

Andros Townsend (20) has played at full back in the last two European matches.  It is not his natural position, being an attacking winger, but he brings those qualities to the team and is constantly looking to take on his man and create attacking chances for the team.  He worked hard, covering a lot of ground during a game and wasn't found wanting in the defensive role.  When attacking he can run into dead-ends so needs to learn to release the ball earlier when his way is blocked.

Tom Carroll (19) went on loan to Leyton Orient last season.  He impressed in their League One team and made his debut in the home game against Hearts.  he is a busy player who looks for the ball and is constantly available to take a pass from a colleague.  His passing is good and for a lightly made up player he can cope with all the activity of midfield.  He tired towards the end of last night's game but that was only to be expected in such a competitive match.

Yago Falque (21) made his Tottenham debut in Greece and showed cleaver touches on the ball.  He had a good shot cleared off the line early on and a curling shot in the second half went just wide.  He is at the club on loan from Juventus for the coming season and looks a very promising player who will benefit from this experience.

Harry Kane (18) made his debut against Hearts and is the young player most tottenham supporters know about because of his goal scoring in the Academy teams and with Leyton Orient last season.  He is a strong lad and very competitive, he works hard and can play as a striker or drop back into midfield.  In the first half he played alongside Roman Pavlyuchenko where he had a header saved by the PAOK keeper and was unfortunate to be booked for diving when he should have had a penalty. After half-time he played wide on the left where he didn't contribute as much but he worked hard and covered back in defence as required.  Late on he had the confidence to take a free-kick which he hit with power but went just over the bar.  He, again, didn't receive much support from his striking partner so he would benefit from time in the team with a player who is more inclined to link up and play wit him as a striking partnership.

Substitutes:
Ryan Fredericks (18) who made  his debut in the previous Europa league match replaced Falque on the right.  A very pacy winger, he needs to improve his decision making for the final ball.

Dean Parrett (19) made a return to first team football for the last few seconds of the game when replacing Giovani.  He had appeared in the previous Europa League campaign in 2008 - 09 but has been out on loan since then.  Just returning from injury, he played for the England U-20s team in the World Cup in Columbia during the summer.  A midfield player of whom much is expected he works hard and is skilful on the ball.  Needs match practice in the coming months to show his value to the club.

Jack Barthram (17) The youngest player in the squad, he is an attacking full-back and was a member of the Academy NextGen Series team which defeated Inter Milan 7 - 1 at Leyton Orient last month.

Kevin Stewart (17) A defender who can play at full back or in central defence, he captained the Academy team which won the Eurofoot tournament in Belgium during the summer.

Jake Nicholson (19) He made his debut as a substitute against Hearts and was very composed in midfield.

Alex Pritchard (18) An attacking midfield player,  he scored twice in the win over Inter Milan, including a great free-kick in the second half.

The team had an average age of 23 years and that included 38 year old goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini.  Leave out 38 year old Cuducini from the calculations and it is reduced to 21 years 6 months.  These games are an excellent experience for the young players and some will be hoping for another game on Tuesday at Stoke City in the Carling Cup and against Shamrock Rovers in the next Europa league game.  The manager sent out a balanced team with the experience in defence to support the younger players.  With a more experienced midfield player or a striker more inclined to work with his team mates, they might even have managed a win to reward their hard work and enthusiasm.  A good night for the young players who brought credit to the club for their disciplined performance against a difficult team with considerable experience in European competition.

Europa League PAOK Salonika 0 Tottenham Hotspur 0

Tottenham's  Young Team Earn a Point

Spurs managed to gain a point in their first Europa League Group game against PAOK Salonika in Greece.  Numerous injuries and an important Premier League game against Liverpool on Sunday meant Harry Redknapp used a number of young players for this game.

Team: Cudicini; Walker, Corluka, Bassong, Townsend; Falque (Fredericks), Livermore, Carroll, Giovani (Parrett), Kane; Pavlycchenko.  Subs: Gomes, Nicholson, Stewart, Barthram, Prichard

Tottenham's young players aided by a number of senior players acquitted themselves very well in the intimidating atmosphere in Greece.  They played with confidence and effort against a team with considerable European experience and thoroughly deserved their point.  It was only in the last ten minutes that they started to come under pressure from the home side and Carlo Cudicini came to their rescue with three magnificent saves.

Only Kyle Walker played from the team which won at Wolves on Saturday while Tottenham had international experience from Vedran Corluka, Sebastien Bassong, Giovani Dos Santos and Roman Pavlyuchenko to support the young players.  Yago Falque, on loan from Juventus, made his debut for Spurs while the other young players had experienced European football against Hearts in the Qualifying Round.

Tottenham started well and passed the ball about with some style and composure.  The home team gave then room to play and Spurs made the most of it.  Their best moment came when Dos Santos had a shot cleared off the line but shortly after this they were denied a clear penalty for a trip on Harry Kane who was incorrectly booked for diving.  Almost immediately PAOK were awarded a penalty when Cudicini rushed out  and dived at the incoming forward's feet and tripped him.  Lino scored from the penalty high into the net but as he celebrated the referee ordered a retake as a home player had encroached into the penalty area.  This time he tried to deceive Cudicini by putting it low to his left but hit the ball wide.  Justice was done, even if two wrongs don't make a right.

Harry Kane had a header from a Falque cross saved easily by the goalkeeper.  Tottenham were dealing well with any home pressure and causing some problems as they moved forward.

The second half was similar to the first with Spurs quite comfortable although as the younger players tired the passing of the team wasn't so accurate.  In the final fifteen minutes the home team increased the pressure but Cudicini was up to the task and made three good saves - a double save followed by a vital save in added time.

All of the young players played well, they worked hard and will have gained valuable experience.  Harry Kane did well in the first half but having been moved wide after half-time was less effective although he worked very hard.  Falque had good control but needs to get that final pass in as does Townsend who often lost the ball by running into a dead end.  Carroll was composed on the ball but tired late on and Jake Livermore worked very hard in midfield.  Dos Santos had little opportunity to show the skills he displays when with Mexico but the experienced players worked to support the youngsters.

Harry Redknapp's insistence on playing a young team in this Europa League group game brought its due reward so let's hope that the rested senior players can earn three points at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

Tottenham's next Europa League game is at home to Shamrock Rovers on Thursday, 29th September.  Rovers lost their opening game to Rubin Kazan by three goals to nil in Dublin.

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.

Totenham Progress to Europa League Group Stages

Tottenham Hotspur 0 Heart of Midlothian  0 (Agg. Won 5 - 0)

As expected Spurs reached the Group Stages of the Europa League as a youthful side saw out a scoreless draw against Hearts.  Both managers made numerous changes to the teams who played last week and by the end Tottenham were glad to reach the next stage without overly exerting themselves while Hearts was satisfied to have restored some pride with this performance.

Hearts had an early strike against the bar and Tottenham's opening attempt on goal saw Roman Pavlyuchenko bring a save from the Hearts keeper following good work from Harry Kane.  The young striker had brought the ball across the edge of the penalty and was just preparing to shoot when Pavlyuchenko pulled rank and fired in the shot.  A further run from Kane brought a shot across goal and then came his big moment.  He received a lovely pass from Tom Carroll in the penalty area and when  the goalkeeper brought him down the referee awarded a penalty.  Kane stepped up to take it himself but his shot was saved as McDonald dived to his right.  I hope in years to come young Mr Kane will not be thinking, 'If only.'

Both teams played out the second half without creating too much danger, although Carlo Cudicini had to be alert on a couple of occassions.

Team: Cudicini; Corluka, Dawson (Kaboul), Bassong, Townsend; Fredericks (Krankjar), Huddlestone, Livermore (Nicholson), Carroll; Kane, Pavlyuchenko.

Making an Impression

Tom Carroll made his debt and worked tirelessly throughout and was always wanting the ball and was the outstanding performer of the young players on view.  He seems to be quite pacy and played with confidence throughout, dropping deep to collect the ball and looking to make forward passes.  His passing and movement were good and he covered a lot a ground.

Andros Towsend played at full back with a freedom to attack down the left which he did willingly.  He started brightly and caused problems for the Hearts defence but he faded as the game went on as defenders frequentlty dispossessed him before he could do any damage or his cross failed to reach a white shirt.  He needs to improve his final ball although it was difficult for him last night in trying to play in two positions.

Ryan Fredericks also making his debut, showed good pace on the right side of midfield and looked dangerous when running with the ball.

Jake Livermore had another composed game in central midfield with younger players around him.

Jake Nicholson in his first senior appearance, played for the last fifteen minutes in midfield and seemed comfortable in possession and willing to work for the team.

Harry Kane was the player many were wanting to see, having heard good reports of his goal scoring for youth and Spurs XI sides.  In his debut, he worked hard and showed a willingness to cover back to help in defence.  Even in the final minutes of added time he came back to help out and having won the ball in the penalty area, he set off up the field.  He had little support from Pavlyuchenko and few chances on goal.  He created more for Pavlyuchenko than the Russian international did for him.  He seems willing to learn as he showed early in the game.  Corluka bawled him out for not moving onto a through ball but after that he made himself available with runs into space to receive the pass and from one he got behind the defence to shoot across goal.  He also looked to Cudicini for guidance when he went back in defence to defend at a corner, ascertaining where the keeper wanted him to stand for his defensive duties.  After that at every free-kick and corner he took up his delegated position.  He should benefit from this experience and be stronger the next time.

Tottenham can now look forward to the draw to see who they will meet in the next stage of the Europa League.

Harry Redknapp Confirms Youth to Get Chance Against Hearts

At his press conference ahead of the Europa League game against Hearts at White Hart Lane, Harry Redknapp has confirmed his intention to give some of the younger players an opportunity to gain some experience in competitive football for the first team.  Supporters will be pleased to hear that Harry Kane and Tom Carroll who were on loan with Leyton Orient last season will make their debut at some point in the game.  Andros Townsend is also set to get an opportunity to build on last season's goal scoring debut FA Cup appearance against Charlton Athletic.

Andros Townsend
Townsend is a speedy wide player who had loan spells at Millwall, Watford and Ipswich Town under Roy Keane last season.  Previously he had turned out for Yeovil, Leyton Orient and MK Dons.  He is a confident player who was a member of Tottenham's strong Academy side two seasons ago.  He is prepared to take on defenders and can deliver good crosses into the box and is confident enough to shoot with both feet.  In total he has 75 League and Cup appearances during his loan spells, scoring 8 goals.  He has the FA Cup appearance and goal for Spurs and a substitute appearnace against Hearts at Tynecastle to his name as well.

Tom Carroll
Carroll had an impressive season with Orient and was a member of their team which progressed in the FA Cup before losing to Arsenal in a replay at the Emirates.  A hard working midfield player, although lightly made up, he has good distribution and wasn't out of place in the hustle and bustle of League 1 last year when he played 14 times.

Harry Kane

Kane turned eighteen in July but spent part of last year with Orient and was also a member of their successful Cup team although he missed the Cup game at the Emirates through suspension having been sent off in a previous match.  He scored scored five goals from eighteen appearances and has already scored a number of goals for the Spurs XI this season, including a hat-trick against Chris Hughton's strong reserve side.

Supporters will be keen to see these young players in a game that is almost a 'dead' rubber with Tottenham taking a five goal advantage to White Hart Lane.  Sadly, it is one of Tottenham's failings that so few young players come through the Academy/youth set-up to amke a mark in the senior team.  the last player to come into the team and make a telling contribution to the club's fortunes is Ledley king who is so badly missed in central defence due to his on-going injury problems.

Europa League - Tottenham Hotspur v Hearts

Opportunity for Young Players and Squad Members
 

With a five goal advantage going into the second leg of their Europa Cup tie at White Hart Lane against Heart of Midlothian, Harry Redknapp should have the opportunity to rest some of his first team squad and replace them with younger players and those members of the squad who haven't played so far this season.  It was his stated intention to use the Europa League for this purpose and this would seem to be the ideal opportunity.  Development Squad manager, Tim Sherwood, also indicated that some of his players would be used in these games.

Following the draw which paired Spurs and Hearts, a journalist based in Edinburgh who covers the Scottish club's matches was speaking on Talksport and he indicated that Hearts aimed to put in a good performance but realistically regarded the tie as an opportunity to make some money as they knew that there was a difference in class between the two clubs.  He couldn't have expected his words to be proved so accurate in the first game where Spurs were so in control for all but the opening minutes of the second half.

Hearts will come into the second game determined to make up for their lacklustre performance at Tynecastle and as they play for their pride they will give Spurs neither the time nor the space they afforded them in the opening match.  Redknapp will look to put out a balanced team with younger players supported by some of the experienced members of the squad.

Possible Team Selection
Having lost out to Brad Friedel at Old Trafford, Heurelho Gomes could return in goal behind a back four which could include Michael Dawson as captain.  Sebastien Bassong who looks set to leave the club before the end of the transfer window will probably partner him.  Danny Rose could replace Benoit Assou-Ekotto at left back and look to build on his promising performances in that position at the end of last season.  At right back, depending on Kyle Walker's recovery from sickness which required him to be substituted at half-time on Monday evening, Vedran Corluka or Alan Hutton could come in to replace him.  Hutton who is likely to leave would have the opportunity to play against his fellow countrymen.  Unfortunately, on the team news on the official THFC site, Rose is listed as injured with an ankle problem.

In midfield Jermaine Jenas and Tom Huddlestone may get some time as well as Jake Livermore who has looked comfortable in the team and may look to add to his experience with another game against Hearts.  Dean Parrett, the England Under-20 player who ended last season on loan at Charlton Athletic may make another European appearance to add to his two games in 2009 against Shakhtar Donetsk.  Andros Townsend who scored on his debut for Spurs in the FA Cup against Charlton Athletic will probably replace either Gareth Bale or Aaron Lennon in the team.  John Bostock and Tom Carroll will hope to get some game time having been on loan during recent seasons.

Bostock, has made three substitute appearances for Spurs in UEFA Cup games and when he made his debut in November, 2008,  against Dinamo Zagreb at White Hart Lane he became the youngest ever First Team player in a competitive match.  At the age of 16 years, 295 days, he beat the previous record held by Ally Dick since 1982.

Harry Kane

Roman Pavlychenko will probably be given his first start of the season and many hope that young Academy player, Harry Kane will get some time in this game.  Kane has just turned eighteen and has been a prolific goal scorer at every level of youth football.  He has had experience on loan with Leyton Orient and has scored regularly for the Development squad and Spurs XI teams this season.

Spurs look sure to progress to the Group stages of the Europa League and the young players will want to take this opportunity to show their ability and to impress so they will want to do it in style by winning the second leg and not limping there on the back of a defeat to their Scottish visitors.  A win would lift morale following the disappointing defeat against Manchester United and prepare everyone for more difficult games in the next few weeks.

Tottenham U-17s Finish 5th in NI Milk Cup 2011

The last week of July is the traditional date for the Northern Ireland Milk Cup to be held in venues in the towns around the North Antrim coast - Coleraine, Ballymoney, Portrush, Portstewart, Limavady and Ballymena.   It is a youth tournament which has grown dramatically since its early days and now attracts teams from all across the world.

Spurs sent a young squad to play in the Premier Section (Under - 17s) of the Northern Ireland Milk Cup competition.  Spurs have won the competition twice - in 1990 and 1996, but last year was the first time they had competed for a number of years.  Last year's team won their opening two games to qualify for the Q/F which they lost.    In the play-offs they lost to Porto on penalties but won their final game to finish 7th.

As always the competition started with a parade of participating teams through the town of Coleraine.

The draw was made today by that 'legendary' former Spurs 'star' Gerry Armstrong decreed that Spurs would play:
Mon. 25th July: v Otago (NZ) at Limavady Showgrounds.
Tues. 26th July: v Co. Fermanagh at Ballymoney
Wed. 27th July: v South Coast Strikers (USA) at Ballymena Showgrounds.

Tottenham Hotspur U-17 Squad:
1. Billy Grainger (g/k)
2. Grant Ward
3. Reuben Lameires
4. Dominic Ball
5. Kodi Lyons-Foster
6. Oliver Modeste
7. Freddie Champion (Capt)
8. Emmanuel Sonupe
9. Victor Zapata - Caicedo
10. Leeroy Maguaraushe
11. Kenneth McEvoy
12. Daniel Akindayini
13. Liam Priestly (g/k)
14. Samuel Smith
15. Thomas Gardiner
16. Roman Michael-Percil
17. Kolade Nathan Oduwa
18. Connor Ogilvie

Five of the players included in the squad, were part of last year's team in the competition - Freddie Champion, Oliver Modeste, Samuel Smith, Victor Zapata-Caideco and Kenneth McEvoy.


Monday, 25th July v Otago (NZ) at Limavady Showgrounds (7pm KO)

Won 4 - 0 Scorers:   Ball(2) (1 pen), Oduwa, Opp. o.g.

Spurs made an impressive start to the competition.  Dominic Ball scored twice in the first half - the first a shot into the roof of the net following a cross by Zapata-Caidedo and the second from the penalty after he was brought down following a good pass into the box from Lameires.  In the second half, a defender turned a cross from McEvoy into his own net and Oduwa scored the fourth after more good work from Lameires, left him to knock the ball home.

Team: Grainger, Michael-Precil (Sonupe), Gardiner, Modeste, Ward (Ogilvie); McEvoy (Oduwa), Smith, Champion, Ball, Lameires; Zapata-Caidedo (Akindayini)


Goals v Otaga at 5.35 (from BBC website)

Tuesday, 26th July v Co. Fermanagh at Ballymoney (8pm KO)

Won 2 - 1 Scorer: McEvoy(2)

Spurs came from a goal down at half-time to win with two goals from half-time substitute Kenneth McEvoy in the last ten minutes against the local County side.  The first was a strong header from a free-kick on the right taken by Ruben Lameires while the second was a solo effort as he cut in from the right to beat three men and score with a powerful shot.

Team:  Priestley, Lyons-Foster (Michael-Precil), Modeste, Ogilvie, Ward, Maguraushe (McEvoy), Champion, Ball, Oduwa (Lameiras), Zapata-Caidedo (Akindayini), Sanoupe (Smith).

Goals v Co. Fermanagh at 5.40 (from BBC Milk Cup website)

After the opening 2 matches of the Milk Cup, Spurs were one of 7 teams on 6 points.  Spurs were 4th with a goal difference of +4 and in a position to qualify for the Milk Cup semi-finals.

Wednesday, 27th July v South Coast Strikers (USA) at Ballymena Showgrounds (6pm KO)

Lost 1-2 Scorer: Lameires (pen)

Going into this match Spurs were 4th in the league standings after two wins and needed a win with some goals to be certain of qualification for the semi-finals if the top Milk Cup competition. South Coast Strikers had 4 points following a draw and a win.

After a lovely, warm sunny day the rain arrived as forecast at 6pm just in time for the kick-off and so was played in a typical wet Northern Ireland evening under grey skies and constant light rain. Fortunately for us, Ballymena Showgrounds is one of the few grounds used for this tournament which has a stand to provide cover for all spectators. Prior to the game the local 'unbiased' announcer treated us to his record collection of Spurs favourites - 'Nice One Cyril', 'Tottenham Tottenham' and 'Glory, Glory Tottenham Hotspur'.

Team: Grainger; Michael-Percil(Akindayini), Gardiner (Modeste), Ogilvie, Ward; McEvoy, Champion (Capt), Ball(Sonupe), Smith(Lyons-Foster), Lameires; Zapata-Caidedo(Oduwa)

South Coast Strikers started the more quickly, denying Spurs time and space and the pressure paid off early as the Spurs defence struggled to play the ball out from the back, gave it away and SCS went ahead with a powerful shot after a few minutes. This encouraged the team from USA and they maintained the pressure on the Spurs players who were looking to play McEvoy into a dangerous position but the ball was often misplaced or cut out by the quick American players who often threatened on the break. Shortly after the goal, Zapata-Caidedo had a chance to get clear but a poor first touch let him down. The Spurs defence was often vulnerable to a ball down the centre with no-one taking responsibility.

Play continued in a similar vein with Spurs struggling to get into their opponent's half but after about 20 minutes Spurs came more into the game - Lameires had a shot straight at the goalkeeper and then McEvoy ran at pace into the area and was brought down. Penalty awarded and Lameires showed great self-confidence and stepped forward to score from the spot. Lameires was causing difficulties for SCS with his quick footwork and pace as well as his eagerness to be involved. Just before half-time Ward had a shot saved by the goalkeeper when with more power he might have scored.

Spurs were much sharper in the second half and with increasing pressure were often playing with the two full backs pushing forward and only leaving the two central defenders at the back. Lameiras was a constant threat and both he and McEvoy were being treated harshly by the strong SCS defenders. From one free-kick for a foul on himself, Lameires had his shot save by the goalkeeper. Then Ball picked up a poor clearance in central midfield but shot wide when through on goal.

After this constant Spurs pressure SCS suddenly came into the game and had a shot over on the break. Oduwa replaced Zapata-Caidedo who had offered little threat and immediately had a good shot on the turn, saved by the goalkeeper. In quick succession SCS had a goal disallowed for off-side, a shot over and a goal. Spurs had been doing so much attacking that they had got dis-organised at the back and got caught again with too few defenders back as SCS picked up a poor clearance and attacked at pace to score after an hour.

Spurs tried to get a goal back but couldn't get the break they needed - Ward moved into midfield and had a couple of shots, one over and one against the bar, but the goal wouldn't come. Defenders managed to get a block at a vital moment and in a final late effort Oduwa shot over.

Spurs have missed out in qualifying for the Milk Cup semi-finals but will be in the 5th-8th play-offs where their goal will be to improve on last year's 7th place finish.

McEvoy and Champion who played in this competition last year have grown in confidence and ability in the past twelve months. Ball looks a strong, capable player and Lameiras is a lightly built player with quick feet and pace who is keen to be involved. Ward was busy throughout, especially going forward.

Like the Tottenham PL team, they play passing football from the back to create space and to release their Gareth Bale lookalike Kenneth McEvoy who has good pace, strength and ability.

Goals from Match vSCS at 5.20 (from BBC NI milk Cup website)

After this round of matches Spurs had slipped to 8th in the Premier Section.  With 6 points and a positive goal difference of 4 they would compete in the Globe Section play-offs for 5th - 8th position.

Thursday, 28th July  v Cherry Orchard (Ire) at Broughshane (7pm KO)

Won 4 - 3  Scorers: Lameires, Gardiner, Akindayini, Opp. o.g.

What a game! After going two goals up in the first five minutes, it looked as if it was going to be a matter of counting the goals against the team who had been thumped 7-0 by Bolton in the previous game. A third followed late in the half but Orchard from Dublin scored just before half-time with a header from a corner.

In the second half Spurs scored a fourth - game over, but it wasn't as Orchard playing with a strengthening wind on their backs built up the pressure on the Tottenham defence with a sequence of high balls, corners and free-kicks. Spurs succumbed and conceded two in two minutes, game on again with about ten minutes remaining. Fortunately, Spurs re-organised and held out under a constant barrage of high balls into the box. Spurs now play tomorrow in the play-off for 5th and 6th in a re-match with last night's victors, South Coast Strikers from USA at the Coleraine Showgrounds at 1.30pm.

Team: Grainger; Lyons-Foster, Gardiner, Modeste, Ogilvie; McEvoy (Smith), Sonupe (Zapata-Caicedo), Lameires (Capt), Ball, Oduwa (Ward); Akindaylini (Michael-Percil)

In the picturesque setting of Broughshane, the Best Kept Large Village in Northern Ireland, it was a cool summer evening as Spurs kicked off, playing up the slope with the slight breeze behind them. It was a completely different game from last night when Spurs took time to get into the game - this time they were two ahead after five minutes as Cherry Orchard stood back and let them pass the ball around. The first came from Lameires who was playing in a central midfield role and was much more influential in the game. He picked up the ball outside the penalty area, beat a couple of men and scored with a fierce shot from the edge of the box.

Two minutes later, Oduwa played in a dangerous cross which missed the waiting Akindayini but an Orchard defender, under no pressure, sliced it into his own goal. It all looked too easy as Cherry Orchard seemed overwhelmed. Spurs continued to enjoy the majority of the play but gradually Cherry Orchard worked their way into the came with dangerous high balls into the box from free-kicks and corners. Spurs survived and Grainger made a good save from a free-kick, pushing the strong shot up and catching it on the way down. Spurs continued to create chances with Akindayini looking dangerous and they went further ahead after being awarded a free-kick as McEvoy was brought down. The ball was played into the box but as the goalkeeper was challenged for the high ball he dropped it and Gardiner bundled it home after 33 minutes.

Just before half-time Cherry Orchard managed to get on the score-sheet heading in from a corner.

in the second half Orchard were more assertive and looked more dangerous putting the Spurs defence under pressure using the strengthening wind to their advantage. A header was cleared off the line for a corner and then a dangerous ball from the corner had to be cleared to safety. Spurs re-gained their composure and continued to be controlled in their play but were finding it more difficult to clear their lines because of the wind. However, they worked their way forward and Ward had a good long range shot just wide. A long free-kick in to the box by Modeste was headed down and Akindayini scored, a goal he deserved for his hard work as the lone striker.

Surely, that would give Spurs a comfortable win but Orchard threw everything into the game and went for it. They had shots over and wide but then they got a cross in from the left, Granger blocked the shot with his legs but had no chance from the rebound. Two minutes later a curling cross from the right was headed home and with ten minutes left it was looking as if penalties could be a possibility. However, Spurs held out without too much difficulty although Grainger was booked for time wasting and an indirect free-kick awarded inside the box but it was cleared.

Victory ensured that the Spurs' team would finish higher than their counterparts did last year as they take on South Coast Strikers in the Globe Section Final to decide 5th/6th places.


Friday, 29th July v South Coast Strikers at Coleraine Showgrounds (1.30pm KO)

Draw 1 - 1 (Won 4 - 2 on penalties)  Scorer: Ball

Team: Grainger; Michael-Percil, Gardiner, Modeste, Ogilvie; McEvoy (Oduwa), Champion, Ward, Lameiras, Ball; Zapata-Caicedo (Akindayini)

Spurs fielded what would appear to have been their strongest team knowing that they would have to put in a good performance against a hard-working and pacy American team. As usual they played with a lone striker although McEvoy did play further up to support Zapata-Caicedo today. The midfield 4/5 is a very flexible formation will all of the players inter-changing and playing right across the pitch. The central defence is much more secure with Modeste playing and both full-backs got forward on the wings.

On a sunny afternoon in Coleraine Spurs started strongly and took the game to the South Coast Strikers not giving them the time to close them down as they had been able to do in the previous encounter on Wednesday evening. Spurs were obviously up for the game and determined not to be dominated by the other side's pressure. Today, it was the SCS players who were struggling to get to grips with the game. Spurs were lively and having most of the play but had to be alert to speedy counter-attacks from SCS. Zapata-Caicedo was working hard and had a shot over, Ward was working hard in midfield and looking to get forward to shoot at goal.

it was a close game with Spurs edging the possession and control but failing to get a break-through with SCS defenders managing to get in important tackles. Spurs almost went ahead with a fluke goal when a SCS defender sliced a clearance back towards his own goal, his keeper tried to kick it but missed completely but the ball bounced over the bar for a corner. Spurs were keeping the SCS goalkeeper busy but Grainger was also active coming for crosses and through balls.

Spurs finally got their reward when awarded a free kick on the left centre of the box, Ball curled a lovely shot into the net after 27 minutes. Spurs continued to press to half-time.

SCS started brighter in the second half, determined to pull back the goal. They started to run at Spurs and the defenders had to be alert. Modeste was cool under pressure and midfield worked hard to cover. Both sides were working hard to create goal scoring chances but the final pass was cut out or shots blocked. SCS final drew level after 45 minutes with a run and shot from midfield giving Grainger no chance. Chances at both ends with Spurs working hard in defence - Grainger made a good save when a cross was headed back across him towards the goal. SCS had a goal disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper and as time wore on both sides were looking for the winner - Ward and Oduwa had shots but no goals came, so the game went to penalties.

Ball scored first for Spurs, SCS missed, shot over (1-0)
Modeste had good shot saved, SCS scored (1-1)
Champion scored, SCS scored (2-2)
Lameires scored, Grainger saved SCS penalty (3-2)
Oduwa scored - (Spurs won 4-2 on penalties)

Spurs deserved the win as they had endeavoured to play a passing game throughout the competition.

A young team, they worked hard and showed a high level of skill and composure even under pressure.

Grainger played confidently and made a couple of important saves, including in the penalty shoot-out.
Modeste played with composure in central defence and had good control and passing.
Champion worked hard and has progressed since last year.
Lameires is an exciting player with quick feet and skills but will work hard to defend as well. Not as influential in the game today but has great confidence.
Ball is a strong player, works hard and has an eye for goal - lovely free-kick and three goals in the week.
McEvoy has good pace and control, is dangerous but often had to cope with three defenders around him.
Ward is a hard-working midfielder/full back with a powerful shot and an eye for goal.

The players were a credit to Tottenham Hotspur, finishing a very worthy 5th in the Milk Cup with the Globe trophy in the White Hart Lane trophy cabinet.