Where have All Tottenham's Academy Players Gone?

The Failure of Spurs' Youth System

Tottenham Hotspur spends vast sums of money each year to discover, train and support young players through their Academy system but their 25-man squad for this season includes only two players who have progressed to the first team by that route - Ledley King and Jake Livermore. 

The publication of every Premier League clubs' 25-man squad for this season has identified a serious question about the success or failure of the Tottenham Hotspur Academy Youth system.  In their squad they have only two 'home-grown' players who have actually progressed through the club's youth system - Ledley King and Jake Livermore.  The other 'home-grown' players have been bought by Spurs after they developed and gained experience at other League clubs.  Michael Dawson came through the Nottingham Forest system, Aaron Lennon developed with Leeds United, Gareth Bale was first discovered by Southampton, new signing Scott Parker and Jermain Defoe were part of the Chartlton Athletic youth system, Ben Alnwick developed with Sunderland and Tom Huddlestone was introduced to League football at Derby County.

Ledley King

Ledley King and Jake Livermore are at opposite ends of their footballing careers.  King is the last player from the Tottenham Academy to have played at the highest levels of English football after progressing through the youth ranks and becoming a first team regular at White Hart Lane.  He made his debut at Anfield in May, 1999 and is the Club captain.  He was part of the the Carling Cup success over Chelsea in 2008 and has also represented England.  If through his career he had not been plagued by injury he would have made many more appearances for Spurs and added to his international caps.  The Tottenham defence has certainly missed his commanding, assured performances in recent seasons and he is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in English football.


Jake Livermore has just started out on his footballing career, making his first Premier League start in the opening game of the season at Old Trafford, having previously appeared as a substitute against Stoke in March, 2010.  He also played in last season's Carling Cup and this year in the Europa League game against Hearts in Edinburgh.  He is looking to build on those early opportunities and establish himself in the Tottenham squad and as a regular in the team.


Two true 'home-grown' players in the 2011-12 squad represents a very poor return for the finances invested in the Academy each year.  However, some of the young players listed in the Under-21 group will have an opportunity this year to show their worth in Cup games and in the European matches - especially Andros Townsend, while Tom Carroll, Harry Kane, Ryan Fredericks, and Jake Nicholson appeared in the recent home game against Hearts.  Other players from the Academy are currently out on loan gaining League experience at clubs in the lower divisions - Adam Smith who has just been selected for the England U-21 team coming on as a substitute is with MK Dons, Jonathan Obika has returned to Yeovil Town and David Button was with Leyton Orient until injury required him to return to Tottenham.

Danny Rose, Dean Parrett and John Bostock are included in the Under-21 squad and would be regarded as 'home-grown' players.  They have some first team experience having been members of the Academy but all were identified by other clubs at a young age and Tottenham paid a fee to Leeds United, Queen's Park Rangers and Crystal Palace respectively, to acquire each of them.

Scanning through the lists submitted by the other nineteen clubs, looking for players who have developed with Tottenham is not much more fruitful.  The obvious exception is Steven Caulker who is on a season long loan with newly promoted, Swansea City.  He is a product of the Tottenham Academy and a player in whom many have high hopes.  He has made excellent progress in the past two seasons while on loan with Yeovil Town and Bristol City, winning awards at both clubs, showing that they appreciated his talent and endeavour on their behalf.  He made his first Spurs' appearance in the Carling Cup last year and has played in Swansea's first three Premier League games.  He has now represented England at Under-19 and Under-21 level and it is thought that Caulker will be challenging for a place in the Tottenham squad next season.

Former Tottenham Youth Players
Recently departed England international, Peter Crouch, of course, started his career in the Tottenham Academy but had to leave White Hart Lane in order to get a chance to develop and gain experience.  He came through the system a year behind Ledley King but was sold to Queen's Park Rangers in July, 2000 for £60,000.  He later played for Portsmouth, Aston Villa, Southampton, Liverpool and Portsmouth again before returning to Tottenham for a fee of £ 10 million in July, 2009.  He has scored 22 goals in 42 appearances for England.  In his two seasons with Spurs his best goal scoring performances were in European games and he is best remembered for the goal he scored against Manchester City which secured the club's place in the Champions League at the end of his first season with the club.  In all competitions he made 88 appearances, scoring 24 goals before his £10 million transfer to Stoke City.

Stephen Kelly is a Republic of Ireland international with Fulham who as part of his development with the Tottenham Academy had loan spells with Southend United, Queen's Park Rangers and Watford in 2003.  He was highly regarded at each of those clubs and he made his Tottenham debut in 2003 but remained as understudy to Stephen Carr and Paul Stalteri.  He made 37 appearances, scoring twice, before transferring to Birmingham City for a fee of £750,000 in the summer of 2006.  He has subsequently played for Stoke City on loan and joined Fulham in 2009.


Luke Young who has just signed for QPR from Aston Villa made 76 League and Cup appearances for Tottenham following his debut in season 1998-99.  He was sold to  Charlton Athletic for £4 million pounds in the summer of 2001.  He has also played for Middlesbrough and has made 7 appearances for England.

Mark Gower playing against Tottenham

Mark Gower, a midfielder, was with Spurs for five years but failed to break into the first team and left to join Barnet in January, 2001 for a small fee.  He also played for Southend United for five seasons, returning to the Lane with them for Cup games in 2006-07 before joining Swansea City in 2008.  He has made over 400 appearances in lower League football and is now a member of Swansea's squad having played 42 games for them in their promotion season.  He has scored 60 goals in all competitions through his career.


Michael Kightly, a winger, had a season at Tottenham as a schoolboy but on being rejected by them has had to work his way back with Southend United and Gray's Athletic before joining Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan in November, 2006, signing permanently the following January.  He helped Wolves in their failed promotion bid from the Championship that season and was attracting the attention of other clubs, including Tottenham.  However, injury has hindered Kightly during his career but he was part of the Wolves squad that was promoted in 2009 and has appeared in the Premier League for them.


Wolves also have Jamie O'Hara in their squad, having signed him in the summer from Spurs for £5 million.  His final years in youth football were with the Spurs Academy but he had been a product of Arsenal's youth system having spent five years with them.


Playing in the Lower Divisions

It is often assumed that young players who fail to make the grade at a club like Tottenham will go on to have a good career elsewhere in English football but from the evidence of the Premier League squads few have progressed to the highest level.  It is, however, true that a number of young players who left Spurs without appearing in a competitive game for the senior team at White Hart Lane have had lengthy careers in the lower divisions of the Football League.

Mark Yeates came through the Spurs youth system and made his first team debut in the final game of 2004 against Wolves.  However, he only made another two League appearances as a substitute and left White Hart Lane in 2007 after five years with the club.  He joined Colchester United and in two seasons made 72 appearances which attracted the attention of Middlesbrough for whom he signed for £500,000 in July, 2009.  A year later he went to Sheffield United where after finding himself surplus for the second time with the arrival of a new manager, he joined Watford last summer.

Speaking ahead of the FA Cup 4th Round tie between Watford and Spurs in January, 2012, Yeates commented on his time at Spurs,  

" Tottenham was a big part of my life ...... so I've got a lot of fond memories.  I've still got a lot of pals there.  Martin Jol gave me a few run-outs, but Spurs are such a big club and at the time in every transfer window they were bringing in three or four new players.  It was hard for the likes of myself, Dean Marney and Johnnie Jackson, we were on the fringes.  Eventually we had to move on but there are no hard feelings."

Charlie Lee left Tottenham in 2007 and signed for Peterborough United where he played regularly in midfield and at full-back for four seasons.  He played for Peterborough at White Hart Lane in the FA Cup 3rd Round in 2010 and joined Gillingham during the summer.

Kevin Maher was a young midfield player with Tottenham who left on a free transfer in January, 1998 to join Southend United where he spent ten seasons as a regular in the team making over 380 appearances, including the Cup games against Spurs in 2006-07.  He joined Oldham for a season in 2008 and the following year joined Gillingham where he played for two seasons.  He is now with Dagenham and Redbridge.
 
The Dagenham and Redbridge squad also includes their captain, Mark Arber, a defender, who left Spurs in 1998 to join Barnet for £75,000.  He has had twelve seasons in League football making over 500 appearances for five different clubs, including Peterborough, Oldham and Stevenage Borough. 


Peter Gain was a midfield player with Spurs at the end of 1999s who joined Lincoln City for a fee of £15,000 in March, 1999 after working his way through the youth system.  He made 200 appearances in almost six years before moving to Peterborough where he played for three seasons and moved on to Dagenham and Redbridge in 2008. 


Two players who are regulars with Stevenage are goalkeeper, Chris Day and defender Ronnie Henry.  They failed to make the grade with Spurs but have furthered their careers away from the club. 


Now aged 36, Chris Day sat on the bench for Spurs on many occasions as substitute goalkeeper but never got on to the pitch.  He joined Crystal Palace for £225,000 in 1996 and has made over 300 appearances at eight League clubs including Queen's Park Rangers, Watford where he appeared in the Premier League, Lincoln City, Oldham, Millwall and Preston North End.  His greatest achievement was helping Stevenage gain League status and promotion to League 1.


Ronnie Henry is the grandson of Spurs 'Double' winning full back, Ron Henry.  He was released by Tottenham in November, 2003 but was unable to find a club.  He eventually signed for Dublin City but was released due to shortage of funds.  In January, 2004 he joined non-league Stevenage Borough, was made captain and led them into the Football League and further promotion.  He was the first player to raise a competitive trophy at the new Wembley, captaining Stevenage to FA Trophy success. 

Johnny Jackson left Spurs in 2006 after seven years, having made 20 appearances and scoring one goal.  He joined Colchester United where he made over 100 appearance in three seasons before joining Notts County in 2009.  The following summer he signed for his current club, Charlton Athletic.

Lee Barnard

Lee Barnard made three substitute appearances for Tottenham before his transfer to Southend United.  A regular scorer for the reserves, his opportunities were seriously limited at Spurs.  After six years with the club and several spells out on loan, he moved to Roots Hall on a free transfer in January, 2008 and scored 37 goals in 75 appearances before a transfer to Southampton two years later for an undisclosed fee.  He has scored 23 goals in 56 appearances and helped them to promotion to the Championship last year.


Rob Burch waited for five years for an opportunity to appear in goals for Tottenham after turning professional in 2002 having come through the youth scheme.  He had periods on loan at various clubs but in July, 2007, having been released by Spurs, he signed for Sheffield Wednesday but played only three games for them.  The following year he joined Lincoln City and made over 90 appearances in two seasons.  In the summer of 2010 he went to Notts County on a free transfer after turning down a new contract with Lincoln.

Another Tottenham junior goalkeeper was Simon Brown who left the club in 1999 to join Colchester United.  He spent five season there, making 140 appearances before moving to Scotland to play for Hibernian.  Under fifty appearances in three seasons, saw him join Brentford for two years.  This was followed by a season with Northampton Town and a move to non-league football with Cambridge United.


Charlie Daniels is a defender/midfielder who joined the Tottenham Academy from Norwich and progressed to the reserves but in January, 2009 he joined Leyton Orient and has over 100 appearances for the club.


A young youth player of whom much was expected was Phil Ifil.  He made his League debut for Spurs in Jacques Santini's first game in 2004, played the next game but then made only one more appearance before leaving for Colchester United in January, 2008 for an undisclosed six-figure fee.  He spent thirty months there making 40 appearances before making 13 appearances in a season with Dagenham and Redbridge.  He is now in non-League football with Kettering Town.


Another Kettering signing this summer was Jamie Clapham who had progressed through the Tottenham youth system in the early 1990s.  He made one substitute appearance for Spurs in 1997 but after being out on loan he joined Ipswich Town for £300,000 in March, 1998.  There, he made over 200 appearances, including playing in European competition, in five years.  He signed for Birmingham City in January, 2003 for a fee of £1,300,000 where he played for three years.  He also played for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leicester City, Notts County and Lincoln City.  He joined Kettering Town during the summer but in a career stretching over seventeen years from his youth days, he has made over 400 appearances in League and Cup football. 


Young Players Starting Out
More recently some former Academy players have taken their first tentative steps to re-establish their careers after getting over the disappointment of not making it with Spurs.  Lee Butcher is a goalkeeper with Leyton Orient having joined in July, 2010.  He had been with Norwich and Arsenal before joining the Spurs Academy in 2007 but after being out on loan he was released.

Troy Archibald-Henville is a young defender who came through the Academy with Tottenham and was an unused substitute on two occasions.  However, after a loan spell with Exeter City he signed for them in January, 2010 and now has over 40 appearances for the club, playing either in defence or midfield.

Sam Cox can play in defence or midfield but after coming through the Academy teams and going out on loan he was released in June, 2010.  He joined Barnet and has played for them in League Two.

Jacques Maghoma progressed through the Tottenham Academy but was released in June, 2009.  After trials at Burton Albion and Hereford United, he agreed to sign for Burton where he has made over 80 appearances.  An attacking midfield player, he is establishing himself in lower League football.


Long-term Problem at Tottenham

Even a famous footballing relation doesn't guarantee success as Ronnie Henry demonstrates and the recent Europa League game at Hearts brought forward another example - John Sutton, the younger brother of Chris Sutton who formed an important goal scoring partnership with Alan Shearer in Blackburn Rover's Premier League success in 1994-95.  The younger Sutton started his football career at Tottenham but on leaving in 2003 he joined Raith Rovers.  He has played for a number of Scottish clubs but ventures into English football were less successful and he returned to Motherwell and then signed for Hearts in the summer.


Going back through the years, even sons of famous fathers who have been associated with Tottenham have had to be satisfied with playing at a lower level than their fathers.  Danny Greaves, son of Jimmy, left Spurs for Southend United in 1981 but made less than fifty appearances there.  Ian Gilzean the son of Alan, left Tottenham for Dundee in 1992 and has played for many clubs around the British Isles.  Pat Jennings Junior followed his father into goal but his playing career after Tottenham was limited to playing in Ireland.

Having joined the Tottenham Academy there is no guarantee that a young player is destined to a successful football career and even after signing a professional contract there is a long way to go before stepping out as a regular member of the first team.  On the evidence provided by former graduates of the Tottenham Academy, only a very small proportion will make it in any form of senior professional League football in England.  For all the money expended each year, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club sees a very small return on their investments but where the fault lies, it is hard to identify because there have been many managers, coaches and scouts involves in this process over many years but the results are very similar.  

In the past twenty years the only Academy/youth players to have established themselves at the club are Nick Barmby, Sol Campbell, Ian Walker, Steven Clemence, Stephen Carr and Ledley King.  Perhaps, some of the current 'hopefuls' with the Academy will change that situation in the coming years.

Tottenham Hotspur's 25 - Man Premier League Squad

The Premier League requires each club to submit a list of 25 players by 2nd September who will be their squad for the coming season although changes can be made during the January transfer period.  Of these 25 players, no more than 17 can be overseas players (not 'home grown') with the other eight being players who have been registered with clubs associated with the FA and FA of wales for three seasons prior to their 21st birthday.

Players at the club who are Under 21 can also be registered and are eligible to play.

The players included in these two lists are available to play in the Premier League, the Carling Cup and FA Cup competitions.  The decision was taken to cover the situation where clubs were playing weakened teams in the Cups and in some selected League games and in the past two seasons both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Blackpool were fined for this offence.  However, from this season that problem will not occur as a manager can decide what is their best team for each game according to the needs of the club.

Tottenham Hotspur - 25 squad players (Home grown players in blue)

1 Friedel, Brad
2 Gomes, Heurelho
3 Cudicini, Carlo
4 Assou-Ekotto, Benoit
5 Dawson, Michael
6 Gallas, William
7 King, Ledley
8 Kaboul, Younes
9 Bassong Sebastian
10 Corluka, Vedran
11 Lennon, Aaron
12 Livermore, Jake
13 Huddlestone, Tom
14 Modric, Luka
15 Kranjcar, Niko
16 Bale, Gareth
17 Pavlyuchenko, Roman
18 Defoe, Jermain
19 Van Der Vaart, Rafael
20 Cordiero, Sandro
21 Adebayor, Emmanuel
22 Pienaar, Steven
23 Dos Santos, Giovanni 
24 Alnwick, Ben
25 Parker, Scott 

Of the nine players listed as 'home grown', only Ledley King and more recently, Jake Livermore have come through the Tottenham youth Academy.

Tottenham Hotspur - Under 21 players (Contract and Scholars)
Angol, Lee(M)
Archer, Jordan (G/k)
Ball, Dominic (M)
Barthram, Jack (D)
Bostock, John (M)
Bush, Mason (M)
Byrne, Nathan (D/M)
Carroll, Tom (M)
Caulker, Steven (D)
Champion, Frederick (M)
Coulthirst, Shaquile (S)
Day, Daniel (D)
Ekong, William Paul (D)
Falque, Yago (M)
Fredericks, Ryan (M)
Gardiner, Thomas (D)
Granger, Billy (G/k)
Hawkins, Ronnie (M)
Jansson, Oscar (G/k)
Kane, Harry (S)
Lameiras, Ruben (M)
Lancaster, Cameron (M)
Lassen, Jesse Waller (M)
Luongo, Massimo(M)
Mason, Ryan (M)
McBride, Paul
McEvoy, Kenneth (M/S)
McQueen, Darren
McQueen, Alexander Luke
Michael-Percil, Roman (D)
Miles, Jonathan (G/k)
Modeste, Oliver (D)
Munns, Jack (M)
Nicholson, Jake (M)
Obika, Jonathan (S)
Oyenuga, Kudus(S)
Parrett, Dean (M)
Pritchard, Alex (M)
Ranieri, Mirko (G/k)
Rose, Daniel (M/Fb)
Sheriff, Ramil (D)
Smith, Adam (D)
Smith, Sam (M)
Stewart, Kevin (D)
Townsend, Andros (M)
Walker, Kyle  (D)
Ward, Grant (D/M)
Yeboah, James (D)
Zapata-Caicedo, Victor(S)

The list includes the latest signings - Brad Friedel, Scott Parker and Emmanuel Adebayor but one surprising name included in the 25-man squad is goalkeeper Ben Alnwick.  He is the fourth goalkeeper in the squad behind Friedel, Gomes and Cudicini and his last appearance in the team was in the final game of season 2009-10 against Burnley in the 2 - 4 defeat.  Since then he has been out on loan at lower League clubs.

Of the players listed in the Under - 21 group, Kyle Walker would be expected to play a major part in the 1st team this year, with many expecting him to oust Vedran Corluka from the full back spot.  Also Andros Townsend has had a few appearances in the Cup competitions while Ryan Fredericks, Tom Carroll and Harry Kane made their debut in the Europa League game against Hearts at White Hart Lane last month.

Some of the players are already out on loan, Steven Caulker at Swansea City, Ryan Mason at Doncaster Rovers, Jonathan Obika with Yeovil Town,  Nathan Byrne at Bournemouth, Adam Smith at MK Dons, Oscar Jansson at Bradford and Mirko Ranieri in Italy.  For that reason it is surprising that Caulker is included in the Tottenham list as he will also be listed with Swansea where he is on a season long loan and clubs can not recall a loanee from a Premier League club.

Some names have been omitted, Souleymane Coulibaly signed from Siena, Cristian Ceballos who had been with Barcelona and Laste Dombaxe.  The first two have been highly rated young signings while Dombaxe made an impressive start with the Academy team last year before sustaining a serious injury which kept him out for the last weeks of the season.

Tottenham Transfer Window Verdict

Spurs Could Have Done Better

Emmanuel Adebayor - Spurs new signing

The teacher in me reckons that an end of transfer window report on the transfer dealings of Tottenham Hotspur's Messrs. Levy and Redknapp must record, 'Could have done better.'

Three months of reported negotiations to strengthen the team while retaining our best players and releasing some of those who have for some time been surplus to requirement, have resulted in the signing of a forty year old goalkeeper on a free transfer, the acquisition of a striker on loan who has the potential be a great success at the club or rather troublesome and the final day signature of a midfield player whom we could have signed at the very start of the summer for more or less the same fee.

Retaining Players
The club has done exceptionally well to retain the best players  - Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Rafael Van der Vaart, but in particular Modric in whom there has been summer-long speculation that he would eventually join Chelsea who persisted with offers right up to the end when they made an exceptional offer of £40 million.  In spite of Daniel Levy's statement to rebuff the first enquiry from Chelsea, by clearly spelling out that he was not for sale at any price, many in the media and among fans felt it was the usual strategy to try to push up the price and that when an acceptable offer was made that like Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov before him, Modric would be off to the club of his choice.

Matters became more difficult with Modric not playing at Old Trafford or in the Europa League games and according to manager, Harry Redknapp, he requested that he should not play against Manchester City.  This was refused although it is questionable how effective the player actually was during the hour he was on the pitch.  Having retained Modric, it is up to the management to do whatever it takes to ensure that he is a fully committed member to the team in the coming weeks and that he isn't a dissatisfied player going through the motions until the transfer saga can recommence in January.

The club has made a statement on behalf of football that a player who has signed a long contract is expected to fulfil it and that he can't just leave as soon as a 'bigger' club comes knocking.  Certainly Modric has played a major part in assisting the club reach the level they achieved last season with their Champions League experience but the club had invested heavily in the player and helped to raise his profile - a two way self-help arrangement.  To sell Modric would have immediately unsettled the other 'star' players who would have started to think about joining a Champions League club rather than remaining at White Heart Lane with the intention of Tottenham reclaiming that position.

Releasing Players
The departure of a number of squad players was essential as many of them had become 'outsiders' at the club - getting an occasional 'bit' part or going out on loan knowing that they were never going  to achieve anything at Spurs.  Robbie Keane, Alan Hutton, Wilson Palacios and Peter Crouch (sold) and Jermaine Jenas  and David Bentley (on loan) have all seen new players arrive at the club to play in their positions so they knew that the opportunity of them getting into the team was even more unlikely.  For their own professional standing it was time to move on and have a fresh start at a club where they would be given an opportunity to play regularly and advance their careers.  This now frees up more places in the 25-man squad for younger players to gain experience and develop their careers.

Signing Players
For the past three Transfer Windows, Spurs have reportedly been after a goal scoring striker but have again failed to achieve this aim.  Many names have been mooted - Forlan, Rossi, Huntelaar among them with reported interest and offers refused - and once again come the end of the window none of these players has come to the club and in all reality never looked likely to either.  Emmanuel Adebayor has been acquired on loan from Manchester City for the season to replace Peter Crouch as a striker who can lead the line and link effectively with the other players.  He certainly can score goals as he has often shown when playing against Spurs but another proven striker would have been a great asset to the club as Jeramin Defoe and Roman Pavlyuchenko were so out of sorts last year where goal scoring was concerned.  Lack of goals was the one reason why Spurs failed to hold on to fourth place in the Premier League last season and so relinquished the coveted Champions League place.  In early spring they were in a very strong position to capture that spot but failed dismally in the final months of the season through lack of goals.  One can take the view that international standard strikers can not be as bad this year as they were last but we had that hope throughout last season and unfortunately they didn't show any improvement.

This season has started disappointingly with defensive frailties surfacing and with the continued absence of Ledley King and William Gallas through injury which is now affecting both of them on a regular basis, the reasons for attempting to sign Gary Cahill from Bolton in the final days of August were obvious.  However, it wasn't completed as the clubs couldn't agree on a fee.  With the lack of spending in the transfer window, along with the bonus from last season's Champions League and the fees acquired from the sale of four players and reduced salary bill, surely Tottenham could have gone that extra bit to sign a player with Premier League experience who undoubtedly would have strengthened the team.

The constant attempt to strike a last minute bargain signing is not always the best for the well-being of the team and on this occasion too many deals were left to the final day for completion, when we were told that work had been on-going throughout the summer to bring in the players who were needed at the club.  Sometimes a last minute signing can be a success but on other occasions it can simply be a panic acquisition to appease everyone.

Tottenham could come to regret their reluctance to spend big on even one player especially when both Manchester clubs, Chelsea, Liverpool and belatedly Arsenal have used the summer to strengthen their teams, while a number of other clubs, Stoke and Queen's park Rangers, have invested in the transfer market in the final days.  Tottenham have not really shown the ambition required to achieve great things this season, it's more a case of playing it safe which could lead to another year outside Champions League qualification and another window focused on retaining players rather than improvement and advancement.

Tottenham Hotspur Sign Scott Parker

At the Fourth Attempt

Scott Parker - signed by Tottenham Hotspur

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pat Jennings to be Honoured

Pat Jennings with his UEFA award at Windsor Park, Belfast

Tottenham Hotspur's legendary goalkeeper, Pat Jennings, is to be honoured by UEFA at Friday night's Euro2012 match between Northern Ireland and Serbia at Windsor Park, Belfast.  Jennings is among a number of players to be honoured by UEFA in recognition of winning over one hundred international caps for their country.

Jennings who signed for Spurs in June, 1964 from Watford for £27,000 had already made his International debut for Northern Ireland against Wales, the previous April.  At the age of eighteen he made his debut in the same team as George Best and helped Northern Ireland to a 3 - 2 victory in the Home International Championships.  He made 119 appearances for his country and played in two World Cup Finals in Spain in 1982 and in Mexico four years later.  In Spain, Northern Ireland memorably defeated the home country to top their group and progress to the next stage.  He retired from club football in 1985 but continued to play for Northern Ireland until the completion of their participation in the 1986 World Cup finals.  His last match was on his 41st birthday against Brazil.

Jennings played for Tottenham for thirteen years and made 472 League appearances for the club and 118 in Cup competitions.  He made his debut in August, 1964 against Sheffield United at White Hart Lane on the opening day of the season in a 2 - 0 win.  He won the FA Cup in 1967, the League Cup in 1971 and 1973 and was a member of the successful UEFA Cup winning team of 1972.  He is remembered for his ability to go out to catch the ball with one hand and for his numerous match winning saves.  He saved two penalties at Anfield to earn Spurs a point and won the Football Writers' Player of the Year Award in 1973 and the PFA award in 1976.  In the 1967 Charity Shield game at Old Trafford he scored for Spurs with a long kick down field which deceived Alex Stepney.  Spurs and United drew 3 - 3.  He was out through injury in season 1976-77 when Spurs were relegated and at the end of the season manager, Keith Burkinshaw, inexplicably decided to release Jennings who went to Arsenal where he performed heroically for another eight years.  He returned to Spurs in 1985 as cover for Ray Clemence but primarily to stay fit for Northern Ireland's World Cup campaign.

Pat Jennings

Since retiring he has worked at Tottenham as a goalkeeping coach/consultant and on the hospitality side on match days.

Jennings has been a great ambassador for Tottenham Hotspur and Northern Ireland and thoroughly deserving of this award from UEFA.

It was a great disappointment to Spurs fans that he was released back in 1977, made worse by joining Arsenal, but he was such a hero and so highly regarded by everyone at Tottenham that he has always been respected and was welcomed back warmly at the end of his career.

Thank you Pat Jennings and congratulations on receiving this award.

What a Difference a Few months Makes for Spurs and City

Tottenham and City Moving in Opposite Directions

Look back over the  past twenty months and it is clear to see that Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are two clubs moving in opposite directions.

December, 2009  Tottenham Hotspur 3 Manchester City 0 

Spurs came back from a disappointing home defeat against Wolves the previous Saturday to comprehensively defeat City and take the upper hand in the race for fourth place and a Champions League spot.  Roberto Mancini had only recently taken over as City manager from Mark Hughes who many thought had been harshly treated by the mega-rich City owners.

May, 2010  Manchester City 0 Tottenham Hotspur 1
Tottenham continue to maintain their dominance over City in what amounted to a play-off for the Champions League with a goal from Peter Crouch giving Spurs the coveted prize and the opportunity to play at the highest level for the first time in fifty years.

August, 2010  Tottenham Hotspur 0 Manchester City 0
With the two clubs having battled it out for the Champions League throughout the previous season, the fixture computer decreed that they should meet again on the opening day of the season at White Hart Lane.  City introduced a number of their new signings but it was Spurs who dominated the game and City were relieved to leave with a point thanks mainly to the performance of Joe Hart in goal.  Spurs created the chances but couldn't score while City were happy to play defensively as they did for most of the season.  Spurs were less satisfied with the result, knowing they deserved to start the season with a win and three points.

May, 2011  Manchester City 1 Tottenham Hotspur 0

Another Champions League play-off but it was City who took the spoils thanks to a Peter Crouch own goal.  City deserved the success but Spurs battled bravely in their quest for another opportunity in the Champions League.  In spite of their many expensive signings, City were a team who had relied heavily on their talisman and leading scorer, Carlos Tevez, for inspiration throughout the season.

August, 2011  Tottenham Hotspur 1 Manchester City 5
FA Cup winners Manchester City played with confidence and produced a display of flowing, passing football with clinical finishing from their start striker.  It was a team performance that brought them their first League victory at White Hart Lane since 2003 and left Spurs looking outclassed.  For half an hour Spurs had competed and created their own chances but City always looked the more dangerous and once the second goal went in just before half-time, the writing was on the wall for Spurs.  No longer were City a team reliant on one player, Tevez was now relegated to the substitutes bench wondering if he would get into the team, they had a team of players working together who had shaken off their defensive shackles and had free rein to attack with pace and their high class signings were displaying their full range of talent and skills.  

Manchester City are joint top of the Premier League with nine points from three games, Spurs are bottom with no points from two matches.  How things have changed in a short period of time.  City with millions to spend on transfers have paid top prices and high wages for quality players to ensure success, Tottenham have signed a forty year old goalkeeper on a free transfer, have finally taken Emmanuel Adebayor on loan from City as long as the Manchester club continue to pay a high proportion of his salary and are still negotiating on a number of fronts trying to winkle a bargain or two for a top player at a knock down price in the final hours of the transfer window. 

Unhappy Players
Both clubs have experienced similar problems this summer.  They have had to deal with a player who has been looking to leave.  Carlos Tevez stated his desire to return to his home country for family reasons while Luka Modric indicated that he wanted to go to Chelsea to play Champions League football.  The clubs due to their different financial situation dealt with the matter in opposite ways - City went on strengthening their team, regardless of the unhappy player but Spurs have had to spend the summer fending off offers from Chelsea repeating their intention not to sell Modric who has become less and less inclined to turn out for the club with whom he signed a six year contract last year.  Spurs have been unable to sign any quality players, uncertain what the final outcome would be with Modric.

Unwanted Players 
They have both had a number of players who have been surplus to their manager's requirements for some time and have been trying to sell them on but with limited success.  City have agreed to allow Adebayor to join Spurs on loan for the season but at a cost - they are continuing to pay a portion of his salary.  Other players have not been easy to move out because of their high salaries - any interested clubs have just not been able to reach agreement on terms with the player.  A similar problem exists for Spurs who have a number of players who are have been on loan and do not figure in Harry Redknapp's future plans.  Alan Hutton, David Bentley and Giovani Dos Santos have all been on loan and the club is trying to move them on while Wilson Palacios, Jermaine Jenas, Peter Crouch, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Sebastien Bassong and Heurelho Gomes are all players who could be sold if an acceptable offer were received.  Spurs have been trying to reduce the size of their squad and wage bill ahead of making any new signings but with little movement from White Hart Lane, they have been reluctant to complete the much needed new signings to strengthen the team.  The only significant departures have been Jonathan Woodgate who left on a free having only played for fifteen minutes in his last eighteen months at Tottenham and Robbie Keane who went to LA Galaxy. 

Lack of signings at Tottenham
On first impressions at the start of the new season, the two clubs have moved poles apart.  Since December, 2009 when Spurs were in the ascendancy, City have used their financial strengthen to improve their team with the goal of challenging at the highest level and winning trophies on a regular basis.  Spurs, having qualified for last season's Champions League, failed to strengthen their team last summer.  When the club was not  in the Champions League, fans were told that top players were unwilling to sign without the opportunity to play at that level.  However, it didn't prove an incentive to top stars last year when Spurs were linked with numerous players but no signing transpired.  The only signing of note was the very,very late acquisition of Rafael Van der Vaart from Real Madrid in a cut price deal.

Distractions
Since January, 2011 when Spurs were in a strong position for a top four finish the club seems to have been distracted by other issues and failed to push on to advance themselves in the highest echelons of Premier League football.  The early part of the transfer window was dominated by the David Beckham, 'would he, wouldn't he sign for the club?' only for the club to be pleased to announce that he was going to train for a few weeks ahead of returning to America.  The transfer window closed again without any key signings, especially a goal scorer who was required with the Tottenham strikers so lacking in goals throughout last season.  The attempt to acquire the Olympic Stadium rather than continue with the Northumberland Park Development was another unnecessary distraction at transfer time and the subsequent rows and legal challenges must have taken time and attention from the main purpose of the club - winning football matches.  This window has again been full of names and rumours about top class players whom the club has been trying to acquire but nothing has happened yet.  Other clubs completed their transfer business early, particularly Manchester United and Liverpool, along with City, and the benefits have been obvious as these three clubs currently occupy the top three positions in the Premier League with Chelsea in fourth.

Missing Out Again, Spurs
It has always been preferable to do transfer business early to enable the manager to work with his new acquisitions and to allow the players to settle into their new team but this is a policy which Daniel Levy, always with an eye for a bargain, has failed to achieve once again.  As City and Tottenham at present appear to be moving in opposite directions Spurs may rue missing the opportunity to firmly establish themselves as a club at the top table of English football.  Their precarious financial position in the early nineties prevented them from getting established as a top club at the introduction of the wealth associated with the Premier League, surely they are not going to miss out again.

 

Tottenham Hotspur 1 Manchester City 5

Sunday, 28th August, 2011

Spurs Discover a Difference in Class

A disappointing start to the new season - two consecutive defeats to the two Manchester clubs who would appear to be the teams who have set their sights on dominating English football this season.  Both have strengthened their team and have shown clinical finishing to round off their confident, passing football.

Team: Friedel; Corluka, Dawson, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon (Defoe), Modric (Livermore), Kranjcar (Huddlestone), Bale, Van der Vaart; Crouch.

Tottenham started brightly and for half an hour were competing with City although their passing and movement was looking much slicker.  Then City scored two excellent goals inside twelve minutes but immediately prior to both Spurs had a good opportunity to score but spurned the chance.

After thirty minutes Aaron Lennon's cross was flicked on by Peter Crouch to Gareth Bale, unmarked at the back post, but his volley across goal went past the far post.  Almost immediately, Nasri, making his debut, confused Vedran Corluka and Lennon to deliver a cross which Dzeko got to ahead of Younnis Kaboul.

Ten minutes later, Bale delivered a wonderful cross but the diving Crouch's header shaved the far post - chance gone.  In less than thirty seconds, City had the ball at the other end and Nasri's hanging cross found Kaboul flat-footed but Dzeko managed to rise to meet the ball and put back past Brad Friedel.

Two down, Tom Huddlestone replaced Niko Kranjcar at half-time but it made little difference as City were in total control.  Lennon who had taken a knock went off and was replaced by Jermain Defoe.  Two minutes later Dzeko completed his hat-trick, knocking in a cross from close range and on the hour Aguero out-paced, out-witted and out-powered Michael Dawson to hit the fourth past Friedel who had made it easy by going down early.  From a corner Kaboul headed in for Spurs.

 Spurs then went down to ten men for the last fifteen minutes, Rafael Van der Vaart going off injured as Jake Livermore had come on for Luka Modric.  With the final kick of the game Dzeko hammered the final nail in the Tottenham coffin with a thunderous shot from the corner of the box after Spurs had lost possession in midfield.

How things have changed in twelve months - in the opening match of last season City defended in depth and only the heroics of Hart earned them a point.  Spurs were unfortunate that day not to take all three points while todat they got nothing and deserved nothing.  The only consolation from a Spurs' perspective is that they've played two of the strongest teams in the Premier League and that they are only one point down on the the same two games last year but the nature of the capitulation is a major concern.

Spurs 'Lost XI'

Tottenham's Missing Players

Concerns are mounting over the number of highly paid international players who have been lost at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club for some considerable time.  These players continue to receive their highly exorbitant salaries without having to kick a football in anger - we'd all be up for a job like that.

Before the announcement of today's team, a few words of thanks to some former members of the Spurs 'Lost XI' who have gone off to pastures new.  First, the captain and founder member of this illustrious team, Robbie Keane who after many years of service and goals took off to his 'boyhood team', Liverpool, where they destroyed him and returned him six months later, as damaged goods.  His days became numbered when he masterminded the infamous Christmas 'golf' trip to Dublin.  Harry Redknapp was not best pleased so Robbie went off to his other favourite team Celtic on loan, became a Hammer but with even less success and is now plying his trade with David Beckham for LA Galaxy.

Vice-Captain, Jonathan Woodgate has been an outstanding member of the 'Lost XI' for much of his time with Tottenham.  Most consistently over the last eighteen months when he managed to play for only fifteen minutes in Milan in the Champions League.  Having travelled the world, possibly at Tottenham's expense, in search of a remedy for his numerous injury problems, he has now taken up service with Stoke City in both the Premier League and Europa League.  In a short period of time he has managed appearances at such exciting places as Aldershot, Stoke, Split and Norwich.  Perhaps he'll appear at a ground near you, any day soon.

Team News:
Heurelho Gomes is a recent recruit for the 'Lost XI'.  Last seen sitting on the bench at Old Trafford following his uncertain display in the Europa League game at Hearts.  Not seen for the return match when Carlo Cudicini played with Brad Friedel who had made his debut in the defeat to Manchester United, among the substitutes. One wonders, nay speculates, if Gomes is to be long with us or is he destined to return to Holland where his idiocincracies are less problematic.

Alan Hutton, a combative defender, is a long standing member of this squad.  He first appeared surplus in early 2010 when he went off to Sunderland but returned and while making an impression with a couple of goals, all was not well.  A few appearances for Scotland later, rumours persist of his imminent departure but he's still 'lost' at Spurs.

Ledley King

Ledley King has been part of this team for long periods of his Tottenham career.  For the past number of years he has struggled to play regularly due to numerous injury problems and operations but he did manage to captain Spurs to their Carling Cup success against Chelsea at Wembley in 2008.  Unexpected appearances in the final two games of last season saw Spurs win at Liverpool and against Birmingham to claim a Euopa League place.  Another operation and he has gone missing again but is the newly appointed captain of Spurs 'Lost XI'.

William Gallas is a new recruit for this team.  Having signed from Arsenal last year he put in many stirring performances in the face of seeming injury difficulties.  Hardly a game passed without Gallas limping off for running repairs only to return a few minutes later,  bandaged and strapped up ready for action.  Many commendable performances followed and they were greatly appreciated by the Spurs faithful.  Eventually, the injuries caught up with him and he missed the final two matches of a long season.  Now missing at the start of the new season, he takes his place in the 'Lost XI'.

Sebastien Bassong had a commendable debut season for Tottenham but on occasions last year he looked lost all over the pitch, especially on a cold evening in Blackpool last February when Tottenham's claims for a top 4 finish started to unravel.  Still looking unsure and uncomfortable, it looks as if his future at Spurs could be short as talk continues of a central defender arriving at White Hart Lane.

David Bentley has been a member of the Spurs 'Lost XI' for most of his Tottenham career.  A few short periods of action on the pitch have been followed by spells of inactivity.  Last season spent on loan at Birmingham didn't help and talk of inauspicious performances for the Spurs XI seems to guarantee his regular availability for our little team.

Jermaine Jenas

Jermaine Jenas is a happy member of our team who is frequently absent through injury for some time each year.  He failed to impress on-lookers when given a sudden opportunity on the big-stage against Real Madrid last April.  Injury once again has reduced him to sitting on the bench as the new season starts with younger players eager to show their worth.

Wilson Palacios, like Bassong made a commendable start to his time at Tottenham but in recent seasons he has found it more difficult to hold down a place in the team.  Even the intervention of his mother failed to inspire him and he has become more isolated as Sandro has become accustomed to Premier League football. With limited opportunities, he may prefer to forgo the pleasure of appearing for the 'Lost XI' to turn out in the Potteries.

Luka Modric, the recipient of the members Player of the Year award in May, has become an unexpected member of the 'Lost XI'.  He has either had his turned by Chelsea or has sustained a convenient injury, depending on which story you believe, as Tottenham's season has got off to an unconvincing start.  How long he will remain part of the squad is uncertain.

Giovani Dos Santos was last seen starring for Mexico with wonder goals in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the summer.  He had a half season on loan with Racing Santander last year but has seen little action for Spurs in spite of his fine credentials on signing from Barcelona.  A move away to a team in Europa may be more may appropriate for his talent.

Peter Crouch is another newcomer to this select squad.  After making a goal scoring appearance in pre-season against Athetic Bilbao and with his understanding with Van der Vaart and his usefulness against Continental defenders, it appeared that he would continue to play a part at Tottenham for the foreseeable future.  However, after three games he has failed to appear and speculation of future dalliances with the Potteries continues.

Substitutes:
Ben Alnwick signed from Sunderland in a swap for Marton Fulop - Spurs didn't do well in that transaction.  He has spent most time on loan around the lower divisions of the Football League and will probably be off again on his travels very soon.

John Bostock came as a young player from Crystal Palace but has failed, to date, to live up to his early hype.  He became Spurs' youngest player when appearing in a European game in 2008 but has failed to impress in subsequent spells on loan at League clubs.  A young player who at present seems to have lost his way.

All clubs are facing the problem of players who are surplus to requirements, but for top clubs with big squads paying high salaries it is becoming more difficult to move players on as they see out their long contracts.  Tottenham have a squad of players who are earning high salaries but are not having to give anything to the club in return - it must be a great life for them, as long as they don't mind not playing football regularly.  It's something Tottenham have been trying to remedy in this current Transfer Window by removing some of them but now into the final few days of August, it would appear that there will be quite a number of them still available for selection for the Spurs 'Lost XI' in the coming months.

What To Do With a Player Like Roman Pavlyuchenko?

Roman Pavlyuchenko - 'Super SuperPav!'

Roman Pavlyuchenko

On reflection, you've got to fell sympathy for Birmingham City - that Tottenham's inconsistent, unpredictable striker, Roman Pavlyuchenko would choose that afternoon, the final day of the 2010 - 11 season to score two stunning goals which would play their part in the club's relegation.
 
The Russian signed for Tottenham from Spartak Moscow in September, 2008 for £14 million but he had first come to the notice of fans in England a year earlier when he scored the two goals, past Paul Robinson, for Russia in the qualifying game against England for Euro 2008.  He then scored three goals and produced some worthy performances in the Finals as Russia progressed to the semi-finals before losing to eventual winners, Spain.

Early Difficulties
So when Tottenham signed him, they were recruiting a player with international experience who had scored goals at the highest level of international competition.  However, Pavluchenko found it difficult to settle into the demands of Premier League football.  He scored his first goal in a Carling Cup win over Newcastle United in late September and his first league goal was against Bolton Wanderers at the end of October, Harry Redknapp's first game in charge.  A week later he scored a late, unexpected winner against Liverpool at White Hart Lane to end the visitors undefeated start to the season.  He continued to score in Cup games and was at his best against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup 3rd Round game.  He scored twice and he showed a level of performance not previously seen from him during the early months of his time at Tottenham.  His link up play and distribution was good and it seemed that finally Spurs fans were seeing the true player in Pavlyuchenko.  They responded with their 'Super, Super Pav, Super, Super Pav, Super, Super Pav, Super Pavlyuchenko' song from the stands.

However, it was not to last and his inconsistency became apparent as he only scored another five goals before the end of the season, two in League games and three Cup goals.  Which was the true Pavlyuchenko?  Harry Redknapp seemed confused and uncertain.

The following season Pavlyuchenko had difficulty getting into the team with Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane appearing to be selected ahead of him for the striker's positions.  In the first half of the season he was restricted to appearances mainly in Cup games but was given an opportunity as a substitute against Wigan Athletic in February.  He scored twice and scored again in subsequent games over the next few weeks which helped Spurs to end the season in fourth.  Many fans regarded him as the best striker at the club but the management still had issues over his overall contribution.  He had again only scored 5 League goals from 16 appearances with another 5 from 8 Cup appearances.  At each transfer window there was talk of him leaving the club and returning to Russia but nothing materialised.

With Tottenham's strikers have a collective difficulty with finding the net in season 2010 -11, Pavlyuchenko produced his best League return with 10 goals from 28 appearances and another 4 goals in Champions League games.  However, he was never certain of his position in the team with Crouch preferred in the European games and Defoe and Pavlyuchenko vying for a starting place in the team alongside Rafael Van der Vaart who had signed from Real Madrid at the end of August.  This signing brought a change in formation, as Van der Vaart was more suited to playing a support role to a lone striker rather than with two strikers, the system which Spurs had previously employed.

Striking Partnerships
Pavlyuchenko seemed unsuited for this role as his link up play was poor and he often looked lazy through an apparent lack of effort.  He is very much his own player and while other strikers have developed understandings with those around them, this was alien to the Russian and at no time has he developed such an understanding with another striker at Spurs.  Keane linked well with Dimitar Berbatov and Defoe, Crouch and Defoe had worked well at Portsmouth and Spurs' history is littered with examples of a striking partnership which was mutually beneficial - Bobby Smith and Les Allen in the 'Double' team, Jimmy Greaves and Smith, Greaves and Alan Gilzean, Gilzean and Martin Chivers, Steve Archibald and Garth Crooks, Teddy Sheringham and Jurgen Klinsmann were all fine examples of how the team prospered with two strikers working together.  In the current squad Cruoch seemed to quickly develop and understanding with Van der Vaart and many of the Dutch man's goals are due to Crouch heading the ball down to him to finish off.  This lack of understanding with those around him in the team has made it difficult for Pavlyuchenko to get a regular starting position in the team.

Europa League 2011 - 12
This has proved to be the same again this year as he appears to remain fourth choice.  Even with Keane having left and Crouch injured, Defoe and Van der Vaart have been entrusted with the strikers role.  Pavlychenko in pre-season games was described by commentators as being 'disinterested' and in the Europa League game at home to Hearts when he started with young Academy player, Harry Kane, he proved less than successful.  His best effort which brought an early save from the Hearts keeper, came after good work by Kane.  It was mostly downhill from that point - he did little to support the young player making his debut - Kane actually created more for him than he did for the youngster.  His first touch was so poor it was like playing to a barn door.  His link up play with team mates was poor and little understanding has been developed with them as to where to move for a pass.  His shooting was wayward.  When he gets the ball near goal he has only one thought, a shot, but on these occasions the fans high up in the stands were in greater danger than the Hearts goalkeeper.  Or, as on one occasion in the second half, the shot was so poor and was sliced so wide that it became an excellent pass to Ryan Fredericks on the right wing.  It was not a good night for Pavlyuchenko and with the signing of Emmanuel Adebayor announced, it will be even more difficult for him to claim a starting place in the team.

Making the Most of Pavlyuchenko's talent
Pavlyuchenko is player with talent but it is so rarely seen that he is often on the fringes of the team to be used as third or fourth choice.  Throughout his time at Tottenham, Harry Redknapp has been unable to find a way of using his ability to best purpose and the club has constantly been looking to sign new strikers over the past two seasons - a search which continues.  In contrast, Guus Hiddink, during his time as manager of the Russia football team, appeared to coax or cajole Pavlyuchenko into producing his best performances in international football.  

So as another season commences the Tottenham manager is left asking the same question, 'What to do with a player like Roman Pavlyuchenko?' and going on the evidence of past times, it'll be more  of the same - the occasional flash of the player he can be, shown by a stunning strike for goal, surrounded with mediocrity of poor passing, limited link up play and the impression of being disinterested.  Confidence in Pavlychenko's ability to produce regularly is low at Tottenham and so the player's confidence has taken a knock which never helps in these situations.  Fans have tried with their 'SuperPav' song but it's not made any lasting impression on Pavlyuchenko's performances.

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)

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.

Tottenham Continue to Talk Tough Over Modric

Luka Modric is NOT for Sale!

Luka Modric - Transfer Struggle

The Luka Modric saga has dragged on all summer since he made it known in a newspaper interview just before the end of the season that he might be open to a transfer for the advancement of his career by playing Champions League football.  It wasn't a direct, forceful comment about wanting to leave Tottenham but it had the desired effect among interested clubs.  From the outset Tottenham have made it clear that the player is NOT for sale but that has not put off either the player, his agent or interested clubs, particularly Chelsea. 
  
However, Tottenham have previous in this field so this has probably encouraged continuing interest in Modric.  Daniel Levy, the club Chairman, issued a very strong statement of his intent to keep Modric at the club but he has also done this before with Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov who eventually left the club and joined Manchester United when an acceptable offer was made.  Many thought he was employing the same tactic to increase the transfer fee and would then succomb when it became obvious that the player was becoming a distraction at the club.  However, this year knowing that Modric signed a six year contract with the club last summer he as rejected increasing offers from Chelsea and maintained his stance that he will not sell the player. 

So with the new season two weeks old there is an increasing impasse - Modric has not played in either of the club's competitive matches - he was either injured with a slight strain or in the words of Harry Redknapp, 'His head wasn't in it.'

Tottenham play Hearts in the Europa League but he is unlikely to play in that as they have a five goal lead and it would cup-tie him for other Europen competitions so they are looking to introduce him to the team for the vital game on Sunday against Manchester City.  Spurs can't afford another heavy defeat on top of their loss at Old Trafford so they are increasing the pressure on Modric by taking a tough stance on his availability for international duty with Croatia next week.

They are quite correctly taking the view that if Modric isn't fit enough to play against City then he certainly won't be able to play for his country in the European Championship qualifying games.

With Spurs increasing injury problems in midfield it is vital that they have every available player on the field.  It is only ten days ago that Redknapp when commenting on the injuries to Wilson Palacios, Sandro, Tom Huddlestone  and Jermaine Jenas - he was contemplating devising a system with only one midfield player as Luka Modric was the only one who was fit at the time.  Now that the season has started Modric has developed a convenient 'injury'.

Tottenham have taken a firm stance on this throughout and with a week to go to the close of the 'Transfer Window' they are hoping to sign a number of new players but they are also hoping to retain the services of their most skilful midfield player, Luka Modric.  Most fans will support the club in this matter, fearing that if the player goes the club will once again be regarded as a selling club or a 'feeder' club for the 'top 4' teams.  To sell the player at this late time would do a dis-service to Harry Redknapp because there would be no time to replace a quality player like Modric.  Such a move is unthinkable and Danile Levy would lose ace on this matter and any credibility that he had and his future comments  would never be taken seriously.

An interesting few days lie ahead to see who holds firm the Chairman or the player.

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.