Has our dreams slowly turning into a reality?

[TURKISH]

Have we saved English football?

Of course not, well not by ourselves anyway. Man City, Aston Villa and Everton along with ourselfs have slowly (some quicker than others) assembled squads that have been able to challenge the top teams more.

Every year it was the same four and always winning the major trophies. No one was even stupid enough to believe they could gate crash the party, but now?

For once a team managed to finish in the top four and deservedly so. Luckily for us it was our beloved Tottenham Hotspur. A club who has suffered in the doldrums for many years now which we have witness many false dawns. We became laughing stock of the league and always wiping boys for the media.

What have helped us get fourth were the ongoing improvements that Man City, Everton and Aston Villa have all achieved. In fact most clubs in the league are not rolling over to the big teams anymore, Chelsea, Man Utd, Arsenal and especially Liverpool are all dropping more and more points now.

With the stability that Harry has installed into the club and the ongoing financial and commercial side improvements that Mr Levy has brought to the club. Could we be slowly building our beloved club into one of the elite in Europe?

Let’s be realistic over the last 10 years we have managed major funding, which has been down to our revenue and astute chairman. Very impressive considering how unsuccessful he have been up until Jol took over. Mr Levy has made many mistakes but overall, money wise he has done more good than bad.

So what’s our foundation? A rich history, sell-out crowds week in week out and has assembled a fantastic young team. But what if we add a new world class training ground, a top academy, a 55,000 new stadium, 11m a year sponsors, CL football?

We have dreamed of success since we were all little lads, but over the last 20years success has been hard to come by. My early memorys of Spurs are very dark, I always had to cling onto the rare talented players we had Anderton, Sheringham, Campbell, Ginola, Carr, King and Keane.

New goals will be set, more questions will be raised. Many will wonder can we compete for the title. Can we still compete whilst playing CL football? Is this one last hurray for one of the great old dogs of the British game?

I look at this squad, the manager, the coaching staff, the fans, the new developments that will come into place in the next five years and I can't see how we can't start competing with the big boys.

Liverpool’s in dire trouble, City looking at there squad are a not as close as people think. Arsenal are not what they once were. Man Utd have an ageing squad and Chelsea are also not as dominate as they once were.

Bold statements which could be a kneejerk assumption from myself.

But who has the best young talent in this league? We have Bale, Dawson, Bassong, Lennon, Hudd, Modric, Sandro, Palacios all young lads who will keep improving with plenty more coming through the ranks.

With plenty of money to spend in the summer, with a squad that doesn't need many new faces surely we could better this league campaign?

Has a new generation begun in the league? One day it was bound to happen, but could we be that club that breaks the mould by winning the league through natural progression in a league that money and corruption seems to prevail?

I'm sure many in football will be hoping so. I once dreamt of Champions League football, to my surprised we managed it. So I'm now dreaming of winning the Premier League title.

"It is better to fail aiming high than to succeed aiming low. And we of Spurs have set our sights very high, so high in fact that even failure will have in it an echo of glory."

[hastingsyid]

Have we saved English football?

Of course not, well not by ourselves anyway. Man City, Aston Villa and Everton along with ourselfs have slowly (some quicker than others) assembled squads that have been able to challenge the top teams more.

Every year it was the same four and always winning the major trophies. No one was even stupid enough to believe they could gate crash the party, but now?

For once a team managed to finish in the top four and deservedly so. Luckily for us it was our beloved Tottenham Hotspur. A club who has suffered in the doldrums for many years now which we have witness many false dawns. We became laughing stock of the league and always wiping boys for the media.

What have helped us get fourth were the ongoing improvements that Man City, Everton and Aston Villa have all achieved. In fact most clubs in the league are not rolling over to the big teams anymore, Chelsea, Man Utd, Arsenal and especially Liverpool are all dropping more and more points now.

With the stability that Harry has installed into the club and the ongoing financial and commercial side improvements that Mr Levy has brought to the club. Could we be slowly building our beloved club into one of the elite in Europe?

Let’s be realistic over the last 10 years we have managed major funding, which has been down to our revenue and astute chairman. Very impressive considering how unsuccessful he have been up until Jol took over. Mr Levy has made many mistakes but overall, money wise he has done more good than bad.

So what’s our foundation? A rich history, sell-out crowds week in week out and has assembled a fantastic young team. But what if we add a new world class training ground, a top academy, a 55,000 new stadium, 11m a year sponsors, CL football?

We have dreamed of success since we were all little lads, but over the last 20years success has been hard to come by. My early memorys of Spurs are very dark, I always had to cling onto the rare talented players we had Anderton, Sheringham, Campbell, Ginola, Carr, King and Keane.

New goals will be set, more questions will be raised. Many will wonder can we compete for the title. Can we still compete whilst playing CL football? Is this one last hurray for one of the great old dogs of the British game?

I look at this squad, the manager, the coaching staff, the fans, the new developments that will come into place in the next five years and I can't see how we can't start competing with the big boys.

Liverpool’s in dire trouble, City looking at there squad are a not as close as people think. Arsenal are not what they once were. Man Utd have an ageing squad and Chelsea are also not as dominate as they once were.

Bold statements which could be a kneejerk assumption from myself.

But who has the best young talent in this league? We have Bale, Dawson, Bassong, Lennon, Hudd, Modric, Sandro, Palacios all young lads who will keep improving with plenty more coming through the ranks.

With plenty of money to spend in the summer, with a squad that doesn't need many new faces surely we could better this league campaign?

Has a new generation begun in the league? One day it was bound to happen, but could we be that club that breaks the mould by winning the league through natural progression in a league that money and corruption seems to prevail?

I'm sure many in football will be hoping so. I once dreamt of Champions League football, to my surprised we managed it. So I'm now dreaming of winning the Premier League title.

"It is better to fail aiming high than to succeed aiming low. And we of Spurs have set our sights very high, so high in fact that even failure will have in it an echo of glory."

all have the ability to become even better imo

[choda]

Make no mistake this is the best bunch of younger players in the league and they are only going to get better. That was the plan set in place years ago, and now we have the manager to make it happen.

If you take a look at the other teams at the top and ours which future is more exciting? We've a serious chance of competing with Chelsea and ManU next year and over the next they are going to have to build new sides to a large degree. We don't, it's already there, it just needs one or two more big signings and very little else as the rest of them are just going to get better.

I honestly look at every squad in the league bar Chelsea and think, 'that's nothing special'. And even Chelsea are coming to the end with this team. Many of the players are gone past their best, Cech, Terry, Carvalho and some are close to the end, like Ballack and Deco. Even Frank is not really performing that well apart from his set pieces and goals. Drogba is still awesome but no spring chicken and soon enough he won't be the same player either.

I'd be looking for one awesome signing up front and really I think everything else is already there. If Woody is gone then replace him with another good centre half.

There will probably be some ins and outs with the squad men and more coming in to keep the depth, but I've no worries about that.

Jenas, Bentley and one of the strikers will probably go, but we will get players in. Sandro is already coming to replace Jenas. And I'm sure he has someone lined up for Bentley if he goes. And I'd say he is going to really go for a worldy striker if he can.

[TURKISH]

I look at our squad and I worry about Woodgate, Corluka and that pace when lennons not there.

For me I think we need a top draw right back, a 20 goal striker, maybe another cb if woodys finished and a number two.

Bentley shouldn't be sold, he did a good solid job when Lennon was injured. I think we should keep him because Lennon will always get groin and hamstring injurys.

JJ, JOH, Keane and maybe Pav should go in the summer. With EG as fourth choice striker.

[choda]

I look at our squad and I worry about Woodgate, Corluka and that pace when lennons not there.

For me I think we need a top draw right back, a 20 goal striker, maybe another cb if woodys finished and a number two.

Bentley shouldn't be sold, he did a good solid job when Lennon was injured. I think we should keep him because Lennon will always get groin and hamstring injurys.

JJ, JOH, Keane and maybe Pav should go in the summer. With EG as fourth choice striker.

Sorry, you are right, I forgot about right back. Yea, we need a natural top quality right back with pace. Thought that man was Hutton, he was excellent for me to begin with, but injuries and stop start ruined him. Having said that Kaboul was sensational in the last two games at right back. Like the football version of Jonah Lomu and his crossing is beautiful!

We've always known how talented he is. He's also two footed! One of three in our team with Hudd and King!

I'd keep JoH, smashing lad who will only get better for me. I don't think Keane feels welcomed by the fans, and may not reach top form on returning like last time, so I'd probably sell but then to who? He'd probably make Villa far more quality and composed in their possession, same with Everton and make them better. Sell him to Wolves or Celtic if you can.

We have quality players to bring the play together in Pav and Eidur. But I'd like another really really top striker and sell Crouch and have those four. I don't think you can have five. I think Pav/Eidur and Keane will both leave though and that will prob mean Crouch will stay, which is no bad thing either if he doesn't start with Defoe. Very good for some games and as an impact sub.

[rodkralik]

Let us play -

Our Big Nich who art in Heaven,
Hoddle be your name,
Your Klinsmann come, Your Wilson Palacios be done,
On our turf as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day a passing thread,
And forgive us our Sol Campells,
As we forgive those who Sol Campbell against us - (optional clause)
Lead us not into relegation
But deliver us from Arsenal,
For Your's is the Perryman and the Glory! Glory!
Forever and ever.
Ardilles.

(And please remember, I'm a good Judaeo-Christian Yiddo, with a Theology degree, so it's all okay with the Almighty).

[Ginola's Son]

I'd keep JoH, smashing lad who will only get better for me

Nah, he can **** OFF! I don't the snivelling little shit to be a part of this. We acheived it without him. He can stick with his precious FA cup finalists.

[deadleyledley]

jj is a mixed bag. i have seen him perform very well for us, especially on the big occasions. i think he needs man management and harry should be able to get the best out of him. sandro seems more like a palacios to me.

think we have 4 quality strikers, and another might be what we need. dont think that eidur will stay, but i would love it if he does.

bentley should stay. he played well and consistenly made amends for his actions when he first came. he filled in some massive boots in the abscence of lennon.

a second goalkeeper will need to be recruited as cuda will not be the same keeper as he was before his accident.

finally at right back, think charlie will be very good in europe as he will provide stability, a calmness on the ball. he seems to link very well with lennon, but without lennon, we are suspect to some speed on the right.

overall we have a brilliant squad. think woody might retire soon and so we will need cover or right back as kaboul is more than capable to fill in for woody. younes needs to work on his defensive play and concentration.

p.s great first post on this thread.:santaclaus:

[malc123]

What about No2 GK. Will cudicini or Alnwick going to be good enough?

[TURKISH]

What about No2 GK. Will cudicini or Alnwick going to be good enough?

Cuda no, we haven't seen much of Alnwick but chances are he isn't good enough either.

[Ginola's Son]

May as well close this silly overly sentimental thread - we lost to Burnley 4-2 - AFTER BEING 2-0 UP!! HOW CAN ANY OF US GO ON SUPPORTING THIS CLUB???

Close please.

[Gino Ginelli]

Cuda was keeping Gomes out of the team until his accident. Able No. 2 for me.

[choda]

Cuda was keeping Gomes out of the team until his accident. Able No. 2 for me.

And he was SHITE. Finished even before he broke his pelvis as a 36 year old. He doesn't fill me with any confidence.

[Gino Ginelli]

And he was SHITE. Finished even before he broke his pelvis as a 36 year old. He doesn't fill me with any confidence.

Very harsh on a good goalkeeper.

I've suggested before on adjusting your scale of goalkeeper atrociousness. Kasey Keller = Apalling. Neil Sullivan = Mediocre. Gomes = Excellent. Cudicini = Very good.

[Gino Ginelli]

May as well close this silly overly sentimental thread - we lost to Burnley 4-2 - AFTER BEING 2-0 UP!! HOW CAN ANY OF US GO ON SUPPORTING THIS CLUB???

Close please.

How about I just rename to "Spurs dreams slowly turning to shite as per"?

[choda]

Very harsh on a good goalkeeper.

I've suggested before on adjusting your scale of goalkeeper atrociousness. Kasey Keller = Apalling. Neil Sullivan = Mediocre. Gomes = Excellent. Cudicini = Very good.

Cuda was very good, now he is shite. Did you not think he was muck this year? I did, thought he was a nightmare. He's all washed up from six years on the bench, 36, and now he's even broken his pelvis! Okay at least professional standard unlike Alnwick but not prem standard anymore for me, or barely so for a bottom club.

I think we'd be mad to not buy another good back up keeper. Actually have we bought Schmeichal? Or was that just strong speculation? I like him a lot.

[TURKISH]

Cuda was keeping Gomes out of the team until his accident. Able No. 2 for me.

Was he? I remember him being given a chance but having the same luck as Gomes. Its been so long I just can't remember.

[Rojoknapp]

And he was SHITE. Finished even before he broke his pelvis as a 36 year old. He doesn't fill me with any confidence.

Yeah. He really was horrendous.

[olly27]

Bring back Martin Fulop! To be honest he's good enough to be a number one.

[choda]

Gomes was injured btw Gino, that's the only reason Cudacini was playing.

[choda]

Bring back Martin Fulop! To be honest he's good enough to be a number one.

Well, not better than Gomes but yea he looks the business and a great prospect. Why on earth did we let him go for fecking Alnwick!

[olly27]

Well, not better than Gomes but yea he looks the business and a great prospect. Why on earth did we let him go for fecking Alnwick!

Oh yeah not better than Gomes, I meant he is good enough to be a number one for another premiership outfit.

[TURKISH]

But can we start to challenge for the league guys?

With everything in place off the field does that mean we have a head start on the likes of Villa, Everton, Liverpool and Chelsea?

[Ginola's Son]

We will be a force next season - same as this

But City will come back in triplicate next year...

[olly27]

I believe we can Turk - realistically keep up with the top 3 anyway. I have forgotten about yesterday and in a way it shows Harry that he can never rest on his laurels with anything concerning Spurs. I was annoyed yesterday but its done now and we are fourth!!!!! Brillant.

The prospect of Bale on the left and a fit Lennon on the right is going to be orgasmic. I would not swap are wide man for anybody and these two are going to cause absolute havoc next season - its scary just thinking about it.

In my honest opinion I think Harry is bang on with what he said. We need one special player and its a world class striker. Could you imagine if we had a Torres or a Tevez. We would be bang in a title challenge with that. Infact we could be in a title challenge anyway but one super addition could see us break the 80 point barrier next season.

We dont need 4 or 5 players coming in providing we keep the squad together, which we will now that we have achieved fourth.

25 million on one superstar will do nicely. A few trimmings to raise some of the money and get a decent number 2 goalie in.

Berbatov and Keane up top for next season!!!!!! lol...:santaclaus:

[Gino Ginelli]

I believe we can Turk - realistically keep up with the top 3 anyway. I have forgotten about yesterday and in a way it shows Harry that he can never rest on his laurels with anything concerning Spurs. I was annoyed yesterday but its done now and we are fourth!!!!! Brillant.

The prospect of Bale on the left and a fit Lennon on the right is going to be orgasmic. I would not swap are wide man for anybody and these two are going to cause absolute havoc next season - its scary just thinking about it.

In my honest opinion I think Harry is bang on with what he said. We need one special player and its a world class striker. Could you imagine if we had a Torres or a Tevez. We would be bang in a title challenge with that. Infact we could be in a title challenge anyway but one super addition could see us break the 80 point barrier next season.

We dont need 4 or 5 players coming in providing we keep the squad together, which we will now that we have achieved fourth.

25 million on one superstar will do nicely. A few trimmings to raise some of the money and get a decent number 2 goalie in.

Berbatov and Keane up top for next season!!!!!! lol...:santaclaus:

LOL! :lol:

Don't joke... :hmpf:




Seriously though, if they could bring what they did together last time, I wouldn't complain. They got something like 50 goals between them that last season didn't they?!

[choda]

LOL! :lol:

Don't joke... :hmpf:




Seriously though, if they could bring what they did together last time, I wouldn't complain. They got something like 50 goals between them that last season didn't they?!

Not just the goals by a long shot, with Berba and Keane the other 50% was immense as well. The hold up, link up and bringing others in was majestic as well as the goals they scored. Pity we had so many problems in central midfield and at the back in them days.

[olly27]

Not just the goals by a long shot, with Berba and Keane the other 50% was immense as well. The hold up, link up and bringing others in was majestic as well as the goals they scored. Pity we had so many problems in central midfield and at the back in them days.

It is. I would love to see how Berba/Keane would do with a midfield of Lennon, Hudd, Modric, and Bale. WOW.

I tell you what, hypothetically, if those 2 rekindled that partnership I certainly wouldn't complain either.

But there you go, no point in thinking about that I guess.

[Rojoknapp]

It's funny how we all know it's ridiculous, but none of us can help dreaming about having Keane and Berbatov in this team :drool: They were sooooooooooooooooooo damn good! And with Bale, Lennon and Modders behind them.... just the thought has me smiling :001_smile:

Back on planet Earth though, it would be a huge gamble to spend a lot of money getting Berbatov back and just to hope that he and Keane would pick up where they left off - neither have done well since going their separate ways. Also I can't imagine a certain Jermain Defoe being too happy at the arrival of Berbatov, not to mention Pav. Probably best for morale not to bring in someone like Berbatov. And let's not forget that Berbatov is a c*nt who essentially refused to play for us at one point.

[olly27]

It's funny how we all know it's ridiculous, but none of us can help dreaming about having Keane and Berbatov in this team :drool: They were sooooooooooooooooooo damn good! And with Bale, Lennon and Modders behind them.... just the thought has me smiling :001_smilie:

Back on planet Earth though, it would be a huge gamble to spend a lot of money getting Berbatov back and just to hope that he and Keane would pick up where they left off - neither have done well since going their separate ways. Also I can't imagine a certain Jermain Defoe being too happy at the arrival of Berbatov, not to mention Pav. Probably best for morale not to bring in someone like Berbatov. And let's not forget that Berbatov is a c*nt who essentially refused to play for us at one point.

Yeah that sums up my feelings Rojo.

[TURKISH]

It's funny how we all know it's ridiculous, but none of us can help dreaming about having Keane and Berbatov in this team :drool: They were sooooooooooooooooooo damn good! And with Bale, Lennon and Modders behind them.... just the thought has me smiling :001_smilie:

Back on planet Earth though, it would be a huge gamble to spend a lot of money getting Berbatov back and just to hope that he and Keane would pick up where they left off - neither have done well since going their separate ways. Also I can't imagine a certain Jermain Defoe being too happy at the arrival of Berbatov, not to mention Pav. Probably best for morale not to bring in someone like Berbatov. And let's not forget that Berbatov is a c*nt who essentially refused to play for us at one point.

Robbie Keane also refused to play for us so he could get his transfer to his one of his 10 boyhood clubs.

[Gino Ginelli]

Robbie Keane also refused to play for us so he could get his transfer to his one of his 10 boyhood clubs.

I thought he was sold in the summer before pre-season got going?

[TURKISH]

I thought he was sold in the summer before pre-season got going?

He refused to play in friendly games and refused to play for the club if Levy didn't sell him.

[Gino Ginelli]

He refused to play in friendly games and refused to play for the club if Levy didn't sell him.


Really?! I'm very suprised at that. How pathetic.

[choda]

He refused to play in friendly games and refused to play for the club if Levy didn't sell him.

How do you know that? I don't remember that at all, and I think I would have because I was really wondering about what was going on.

He played a few mickey mouse friendlies in July after the pool advances started, and those are the really early ones where half the kids play instead of seniors anyway, and then there were negotiations where most likely Levy had already decided to sell and he doesn't let players play in friendlies, they never do, while a potential sale can happen.

In fact, they often won't even be let play in competitive matches if a sale is about to happen.

Berbatov was different because United were also playing hardball. They only offered really late thinking they could bully us and Levy then wanted to keep Berbatov unless they met the asking price. It was all so late and then the player forced the issue as well. He DID refuse to play in real matches.

What you are saying about Keane doesn't sound right and is probably a fabrication. Don't believe anything unless you see the deeds. And the deeds are he never refused to play and always gave 100% so that is probably really out of order.

[TURKISH]

How do you know that? I don't remember that at all, and I think I would have because I was really wondering about what was going on.

He played a few mickey mouse friendlies in July after the pool advances started, and those are the really early ones where half the kids play instead of seniors anyway, and then there were negotiations where most likely Levy had already decided to sell and he doesn't let players play in friendlies, they never do, while a potential sale can happen.

In fact, they often won't even be let play in competitive matches if a sale is about to happen.

Berbatov was different because United were also playing hardball. They only offered really late thinking they could bully us and Levy then wanted to keep Berbatov unless they met the asking price. It was all so late and then the player forced the issue as well. He DID refuse to play in real matches.

What you are saying about Keane doesn't sound right and is probably a fabrication. Don't believe anything unless you see the deeds. And the deeds are he never refused to play and always gave 100% so that is probably really out of order.

Remember Levy's letter to the spurs fan which he pointed out Keane refused to play for the club? Which lead to him putting in a transfer request?

[choda]

You wouldn't though would you. Remember Levy's letter to the spurs fan which he pointed out Keane refused to play for the club?

I wouldn't remember? What is that supposed to mean? I always gave a rational point of view on both players and on Carrick leaving.

While everyone was calling Carrick and Keane c*nts, I was saying that's nonsense.

I agreed about Berbatov because his work rate was shoddy second season and then he point blank refused to play at the start of the prem.

If Levy wasn't lying, and many thought he was playing politics, then okay fair enough. But it was only friendlies anyway and they matter dick. It's not refusing to play for me. I don't care who it is.

Plus I remember him playing in as many friendlies as other first teamers anyway!

[choda]

He played in the first two friendlies, that second of which was the 19th of July. Then he was sold a week later on the 28th of July. Hardly shocking stuff, that happens on every transfer.

It's on the official site under fixtures if you check it.

[olly27]

If I remember correctly Spur put up the info...which basically related to Keane, apparently, throwing his toys ouf of the pram, in a pre season friendly...marching off to the changing rooms etc..

[Gino Ginelli]

If I remember correctly Spur put up the info...which basically related to Keane, apparently, throwing his toys ouf of the pram, in a pre season friendly...marching off to the changing rooms etc..

Yeah I remember that going round the ITK's at the time actually.

Why is Carrick and Berbatov getting brought up?

[TURKISH]

If I remember correctly Spur put up the info...which basically related to Keane, apparently, throwing his toys ouf of the pram, in a pre season friendly...marching off to the changing rooms etc..

Thank you also Keane putting in a transfer request pretty much sums it all up. But he can't do no wrong in some peoples eyes.

[olly27]

Yeah I remember that going round the ITK's at the time actually.

Why is Carrick and Berbatov getting brought up?

Not sure mate.

[choda]

If I remember correctly Spur put up the info...which basically related to Keane, apparently, throwing his toys ouf of the pram, in a pre season friendly...marching off to the changing rooms etc..

Is that totally reliable? People see things and make big deals of it at times when it's not really.

I'm after being told he refused to play in friendlies and yet when I checked it he played two and was gone a week later.

You often here this pointy shouty crap as well when he's just very vocal. People often remark that he's a bad influence, which is total crap as well. Everyone who's worked with him says he is a very positive influence. People see things and often put their own interpretation on it even when its not what really happened.

I judge characters by actions and his actions on the pitch were always giving 100% for six years. Who's actually seen him not trying for spurs? Or not being a good determined player and captain?

Anything else is meaningless. He left because at the time he had done all he could here and we were going nowhere under the current coaches. And he got a big offer and a shot at titles at 28.

[choda]

Yeah I remember that going round the ITK's at the time actually.

Why is Carrick and Berbatov getting brought up?

ITK is often such a load of bollocks. Very unreliable.

Carrick and Berbatov left and were criticised too. Relevent to compare in the way Carrick went. He behaved better than Keane, but Keane didn't really do anything wrong. Berbatov definitely did wrong and only turned up when he felt like it on the pitch as well.

[olly27]

Is that totally reliable? People see things and make big deals of it at times when it's not really.

I'm after being told he refused to play in friendlies and yet when I checked it he played two and was gone a week later.

You often here this pointy shouty crap as well when he's just very vocal. People often remark that he's a bad influence, which is total crap as well. Everyone who's worked with him says he is a very positive influence. People see things and often put their own interpretation on it even when its not what really happened.

I judge characters by actions and his actions on the pitch were always giving 100% for six years. Who's actually seen him not trying for spurs? Or not being a good determined player and captain?

Anything else is meaningless. He left because at the time he had done all he could here and we were going nowhere under the current coaches. And he got a big offer and a shot at titles at 28.

Mate, thats why I said 'apparently'. Who knows what goes on. But there was definitely something happening in those friendlies as it spread like willd fire, and everybody was on it. No smoke without fire and all that - so most likely something happend, but chinese whispers and all that makes hard to tell exactly what happened.

But he moved like a week or two later, so the timing kind of fits with those order of events.