Robben's dad is not the Real problem
Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 2:19PM There are moments, dark moments, when we Spurs fans get a little too giddy for our own good. We forget where we are momentarily and start to drool uncontrollably, talking in tongue, blacking out and awaking to find a tattoo of the latest transfer target on our backside. We become delirious, confused and say and do things we don't mean just to feed an addiction. Cold turkey is not an option. We just need a really big fix to sort us out.
And it's happening again at the moment thanks to the Real Madrid second coming of the Galacticos. Several Dutch players are apparently surplus to requirement which obviously automatically means that we are going to be interested regardless of whether we actually are or not but in all likelihood we will be, because that's us. People can point and laugh at Spurs fans claiming we are not a big club but outside of the Top 4 (and I guess Man City) we can show an interest in players of a certain quality because there is a chance they may consider joining. If Levy sells the idea of joining a non-Champions League side to the player (which is a difficult task considering how we are the perpetual 'next season' club) then they are quite willing to sign on. Players of the quality of Modric and Berbatov, for example, have no issues signing for us. Both probably won't go anywhere near the rest of the non-Top 4 clubs (except for that pesky Eastland's club) and as seen by Berbatov, when they move on they move upwards. Modric, no doubt will do the same if we stagnate again.
We do have pulling power. The question is whether the players we are currently courting are willing to take a hefty vanity hit. Even if they seem to ignore the fact that for pure footballing reasons if we are offering them first team football then its surely better than earning millions sitting on the bench. But the delusion we suffer is that we assume that just because a player is suddenly available then Spurs must be their only viable destination and how dare they not join. Usually we are simply used as a tool in the bidding war the agents orchestrate. We are forever ambitious and I hope we always are. Not everyone is going to feel comfortable joining a club in a state of continued flux. At least not the high-end players who believe they've already made it big.
Levy is (or was or still is) out in Spain. Ruud was the first target, apparently now pushed aside for the younger version (Huntelaar) and Henize (hasn't been any good for a few years now) has been added to the must have list according to the ITKs, message board slaves to transfer news and the trustworthy tabloids.
The 'target' that is making us break out in a cold sweat is Arjen Robben. His dad, informing all, that his son will almost certainly not be joining Tottenham. Injuries aside, on form, he's an immense talent. Which is why some fans are drooling. But if you can't remember allow me to remind you that the last time he played at WHL he spent most of his time diving and falling over and deservedly getting abused for it. A detestable, insufferable little man.
It's at this point you might find yourself asking - who cares if he's a hate figure? All the top sides have two or three (Chelsea have 11), although that's probably by virtue of being successful. But to be a winner, shouldn't we be signing winners? Regardless if they are c***s? But I guess the fundamental problem is, why would a winner join a team of losers? Which is what we are in their eyes.
Ironically, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him join Man City much in the same way he joined Chelsea. Both us and City want the same things, but we can't afford to offer anyone 100K + a week. Seems our history means little, with it sitting in the distant past of the early 80's and the almost mythical black and white 60's.
Robben's dad (and the player) will see Spurs as a downwards step. The challenge of being part of (yet another) re-vamped side that has a remote chance of making it into the Champs League is way too much effort for players who believe to be at the top of their game. You can't blame them. For the money they are on, why take a pay cut or a status-drop? Unless nobody else out there wants to take a gamble - which means that if Spurs are the only interested party then the player would need to decide on whether Madrid on the bench is still a better option than Spurs fighting for 5th spot. Fact is, players - in the modern game - are bigger than the clubs they play for. At least in their heads they are. It's a subjective argument this, but nobody can deny that in this day and age with football being fragmented the way it is, players have no patience. Why would they when they are offered riches to play for the biggest clubs in the world? Isn't that the whole point? People banged on about the G-14 and how it was going to have a detrimental effect on the game but the Champions League (what we all hope to get our feet in) has made it nigh impossible to challenge domestically, let alone bully our way into the monopoly.
Christ, it's depressing.
Money wise, we can’t compete, but I guess scrapping the reserve team allows Levy a little more room to manoeuvre on the bargaining table with more money now available. Robben's dad might be saying what he's saying just make sure Spurs come back with a more beefy offer.
But after a hot drink, and the giddy shakes under control, reality bites.
It's great we are in for players of this ilk, even if some of the players are completely unlikeable. Robben is no doubt one of the best left-wingers on the planet. He's had problems at Madrid, possibly of a disruptive nature in the dressing room as he appears to have fallen out with one or two of the players there. But considering his quality, he's not going to help out a side that wants to be challenging for the Top 4. He'll wait for a side big and bad enough for him to make a bid that already sits with the elite.
But don't fret. There's always Downing.
One thing being underlined by all these verbal shenanigans played out in the press is that the supposed club insiders only claim to know what's happening behind the scenes only react with information after a development has been made known in the newspapers first. It's almost July, and nobody knows nothing. No big fix in sight. Maybe cold turkey is the only option. I need a distraction that won't pull me apart emotionally and have me worried about what way we might turn as we attempt to build-up on swagger in time for the next challenge that awaits us.
When do The Ashes start?
Oh, and in case I was too subtle...it's time for a salary cap on player wages.
Reader Comments (47)
A wage cap would even the playing field in a big way. The likes of Madrid, Barca, Utd would still dominate in the way that a player would be more likely to join them but it would make it easier to compete because the quality of the second-tier 'class' players would not all run along to Man City or other billionaire clubs. Jimmy Hill I'm sure did not ever think it would get this ridiculous.
god after the season we just had we need you like a whole in the head.talk about a gloomy post.youve really got me fired up for next season,ever thought of being a motivational coach for down and out fans.......i mean how dare levy try and buy players better than what weve got,if you were in charge we would probably target kitson..hunt..nolan etc mate get a life and chillout abit
Considering how far ahead the 'top elite clubs' are we are not in a bad place. Money wise, new ground and the fact (as Spooky states) we can attract class players (sure we do buy duffs too) we are not that bad of a place for a hungry player to come to. Except they seem to use us as a stepping stone. The only way to break this cycle of buying and losing top class players is to break into the top 4. It's as simple as that. It's a shame that players of Robbens quality do not look at the bigger picture. Come to a club, allowing others of similar quality to follow and become legends by dragging the club onwards to glory. It's fantasy stuff when you read it back but it's not that impossible. It can be done. We just need to gel faster than Man City. Signign players of lesser quality of Robben means that time isn;t on our hands. And that's where the cycle repeats itself. We sign them, they improve, the team fails, and the players move onto a top 4 club.
Jewish club, Greek tragedy.
Great stuff mmllg. Maybe next time you'll read the fucking thing you miserable mug.
Do people not see irony when it's being pissed into their faces?
Good work Spooks. I reckon Levy has a massive fix set up for us. Roll up your sleeves buddy..
Who cares about Robben? Does he have the right mind set for a club like Spurs? He seems like a big billy bollocks type to me.
Would we really compete with a wage cap in place? Arsenal don't pay their players that much in comparison to others and..oh yeah, they aint won jack for 5 years.
Its true, but summer wouldn't be summer if Tottenham were'nt linked with a couple of players out of our league.
The good news? Historically they have been a smokescreen before *BAM* someone you've never heard of comes out of nowhere.
Excellent article.
We've been linked to around 75 players so far.
75 sodding players! That's some smoke-screen ;)
I hate Robben. Hate him.
Still have him at the club. Hopefully Levy can sell the 'Spurs project' to the player and his dad. But I doubt it. Players like Arjen have their heads up in the clouds. He wont take that vanity hit. No chance.
July 8th is when ashes start, this year I promised myself not to get caught up in the hype of who is coming to the Lane and wait and see what actually happens as 99% is made up. just to respond to mmllg, Stephen Hunt is a good player way better than Downing
From Spurs transfer dealings to the Ashes! You are one sucker for punishment.
mmllg, Spooky isn't saying we shouldn't bid for top class players. He's saying we should but I guess not be too surprised when it doesn't happen. IMO all this 'we are Tottenham we have a history' is redundant nowadays. Players care only for the present. And the article nails this.
Glen, Arsenal have the third highest wage bill in the Premier League. Strange I know considering the average age of their squad is about 12. That's a lot of pocket money. There was an interesting article in The Times recently that ranked a club based on performance compared to wage bill. Arse were mid-table, we were about fourth. *sigh* If only Mr Blatter would instigate this as a new initiative.
Does anyone else think Royston Drenthe would be a half decent signing, being young and having a good U21's before going to Madrid, he can play on the left too? And surely if we're out there talking about players, Sniejder should be considered after his injury a fantastic creative spark to add to Modric and the bullishness of Palacios?
god after the season we just had we need you like a whole in the head.talk about a gloomy post.youve really got me fired up for next season,ever thought of being a motivational coach for down and out fans.......i mean how dare levy try and buy players better than what weve got,if you were in charge we would probably target kitson..hunt..nolan etc mate get a life and chillout abit
Jun 18, 2009 at 3:26 PM | mmllg
You'll be happy to know not all my articles and ramblings are miserable. But I'm not exactly going to start blowing rainbows out of my arse to appease the more fragile amongst you. If want motivational propaganda make your way across to the official Spurs website. I've blurted out the above article as they happen to be a few thoughts I have on the subject of all this Real Madrid nonsense. Not trying to re-invent the wheel. Get the impression you disagreed with me prior to even reading the article. I do not slate Levy in the above. Believe me, when I slate him, there won't be any doubt.
Long time reader, first time poster.
Don't always enjoy your work Spooky. Prefer these type of journals than the other satirical pieces of work that have me mostly headscratching. If Levy can persuade RvN or Huntelaar and Henize (who I do rate and just think he needs to be refreshed by a move away from La Liga) then Robben might think that what Spurs are trying to do is work the effort. He know the Prem. He also knows that if he's on one wing and Lennons on the other Spurs will have a rather devastating midfield with a quality forward line-up. It's a shame this sort of ambition isn't matched by the players we target. Isn't football also about making a name for yourself and cementing your place in forklore?
This sums up Robben perfectly:
* Footballing ability ✔
* Attitude X
* Ego X
* Sportsmanship X
* Gamesmanship X
Thanks but no thanks.
Goude, I'm afraid Royston has been a disaster for Madrid. Has really struggled to make the grade from U21 football and into the big league. Type of player who might end up at Bolton.
Legend at the Lane, earning 3 times in a week what the average guy earns per annum, or warming a bench at Real earning 50% more. You have to ask yourself if football is important to him at all. Chump.
And we are dreaming about signing Sniejder. He is world class and reckon he could play for anyone. He'll wait for someone like Utd. Really don't think Madrid needed to splash the money they did on Kaka. The game has gone crazy. Sniejder is sublime. Remember when we were linked to him when Jol was still here?
Players like Robben do not have the time to waste worrying about a club like Spurs that is attempting to build and push on to great things. Why should he carry the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.
We should concentrate on plucking out players who are at Modrics level. Class but not yet in the radar of the Madrids and Manchesters of this world. Then its up to the manager to get us some glory.
I just jhope we make some good signings, and I don't mean Ken Jones, Stew Downing, Dib Cisse, Nidge Reo-c, or others like this. I want Spurs to be thought about as a possible destination for the likes of these dutch fellas. Frankly if we signed half of them I think a little bit of white wee might come out in the excitement.
Spooky would burn the whole of Tottenham down if we signed Nolan or Kitson.
Rest easy.
Great article!
I do agree to a certain degree (wow that rhymes) that there is a need for some sort of a salary cap... but it needs to be thought out well otherwise it could very well hinder the quality of the league if not implemented correctly. It's not like we can just "plug and play" the current salary cap formats being utilized in the USA. They have it down to an art form but it also took years and years of modifying and amending.
KEEP THE ARTICLES COMING SPOOKY!!!! I need me some reading and this dead transfer market is killing me slowly!
COYS!!!!!!!!!!!
Robben would be an unmitigated disaster for us, his attitude stinks and his injury record is atrocious. He wouldn't put 50% in during training for us as he clearly thinks he's bigger than the club which would result in him spending time more time in the treatment room than getting minutes on the pitch.The guy is a jerk, leave him to it. Far more likely is Huntelaar who we should put everything into signing, he's already far too good for us but we could sell the club to him using the "look what happened to Berbatov scenario". His attitude is great, a model pro and hopefully in 2 years time he wouldn't even have to leave because after he'd banged in 30 plus goals for us he'd already be playing Champs League football, the guy is that good.
Incidentally a salary cap would be too hard to implement, it works in the U.S.A as there's only one currency involved, for football it'd be ridiculous what with the exchange rates and all. Even if you were to say that wages must take up a maximum of x% of a clubs annual turnover comparison without factoring in all sorts of valuations of the clubs in Euro's and sterling etc. This is why UEFA seem to be pursuing the 6 + 5 route. COYS!
Also I meant to say loving your work Spooky, the satirical stuff as well as the gritty realism.
"Players of the quality of Modric and Berbatov, for example, have no issues signing for us."
Berbatov came from Bayer Leverkuson. Modric came from Dinamo Zagreb. Two teams in leagues rightly regarded as inferior to our own, La Liga and Serie A. There is no comparison to those signing and that of the likes of Sneijder, Robben, Van Nistelrooy and Heinze who have played the bulk of their career in elite European competition for the biggest clubs in world football. You cannot even offer them Europa League football with your biggest achievement and selling point being the fact that you finished above West Ham on goal difference. As much as West Ham are known around the world for that World Cup win I'm not so sure that will persuade Arjen and Co. to up sticks.
"Christ, it's depressing. Money wise, we can’t compete."
I would very much think that there are few clubs in world football let alone the Premier League who have spent as much as Tottenham in the past decade. What is depressing is that despite that, you have done fuck all.
Great article spooky and spot on. You have just echoed my very own sentiments. By the way i had a cat called spooky...
"As much as West Ham are known around the world for that World Cup win"- are you on crack?
Also, what is it with West Ham's obsession with all things Spurs? It's bizarre and a bit sad.
They just annoyed we dont give a toss about them.
You'd have thought he'd visit a Blog purely dedicated to West Ham, such as The Game's Gone Crazy.
Oh.
i am happy with our club , we are the 12th richest football team in the world, without champions league, and yet we make profits every year, and spend quite big on players, and yet gatecrashers man city , portsmouth (possibly) , think that they will spend millions on players transfers and wages, and get top 4 , when in real footballing circles, they literally run their clubs into the ground with bad footballing financial sense, and what when they dont get top cl, are their owners gonna keep pumping more millions, to get into top 4, if they do theyre mad, because theyre just wasting their money, trying to build average clubs, into big clubs, and their players are only going to them because of one thing , big money, and thats it, mark hughes just talks rubbish, and what when the oilmen dont get the glory cl, they will leave, and leave the clubs with players and massive contracts to fulfill, which they wont be able to do, and then you could see them in administration, and their fans having no football club ,which i do not want to happen, but it certainly could, and dont forget our cl places could be going down to 3 places, instead of 4, so its even more possible, tottenham is how football clubs should be run, financialy sound and not operating beyond our means, not like all the top 4 and wannabees, so we will get there to cl football , because our club deserves it, not getting in debt like all the other clubs to achieve.
In regard to a salary cap. As much as this would level the playing field amongst the premier leagues of europe i dont think in reality this can be acheived. I works well when you take into account how american sports have been able to impliment it. Those who go above the treshold will be charged a fee and so forth. But the difference at hand is that there is no impending threat of relegation in american leagues. Hence why they have a draft which gives the weakest teams a chance to get a new elite player with ease. Relegation from a top league has financial ramifications as we've seen with clubs suchs as Leeds, Charlton, Southampton. Yes, it makes it more equal but it's not in the right direction. If any other club was as lucky to have won a billionaire lottery such as the likes of Chelsea and Mancity, if that was your club, would you want the salary cap that would hinder your chances at league superiority and glory?
Forget about a wage cap. We need a Dutch cap and the Horse, the Hunter, the (Wesley) Sniper and the Vart Man are all acceptable to be children of the new era at Spurs. Arjen Robben...is an abortion, let the poor thing rest in peace.
I have to say though that your article was really well written and I appreciate level thinking at a time when my nerves are shot waiting for something, anything (no...not you stewpot) to happen.
Mind you, I'll be even more happy if we sign a whole bunch of unknowns and they give the team the right type of balance and unity - in fact I'd probably prefer a bunch of hungry individuals without an associated ego to cater for (yet...because footballers are what they are and at some stage the id is altogether lost).
It's a World Cup year, and these players need to guarantee first team football - so we could be on for a couple of big names.
Problem is we need about four - this phrase that has emerged over the past four years of the "Top 4" is a major irritant of an empathet, and needs instant dismantling before people forget the youth of the reference.
Last year we thought that Liverpool were catchable.
I still think that they are off the pace of Chelsea, and it was only the determination of trying to hold onto their record of 18 title wins that got them through a number of close call last-gasp rescues against lowly opposition - the likes of Portsmouth et al. I also still hold that Arsenal are a team in decline, despite their unbeaten run last season.
Arsene's declining ability to spot genuine young talent and to subsequently mold to potent fashion is clear for all to see (yes it is!)
The Champions League is a frightening force when you're outside it.
Don't worry about stadium rights, though.
The Premier League is far more popular than the Champions League in Asia. That's because with the time difference, it's rare that you get to watch Champions League games live in China or Japan. And the CL is not televised by the Middle East "Sky equivalent" SHOWTIMEARABIA.
Surely a wage cap would just result in the richer clubs having more money available to spend on transfers and signing on fees. Ergo they'll still be able to attract the best players and the status quo remains intact. Another idea would be to enforce a basic salary which is supplemented by various performance related extras the bulk of which are appearance fees. Maybe then players wont be content to sit on the bench and would be happier to play for a 'smaller' club. This should lead to a wider dispersal of talent and a depth of squad that will have to rely on the promotion of cheap youth team talent, so benefiting the national game too.
It'll never happen.
No... thanks for writing though :)
Excellent blog... Like you and many other Spurs fans I also find myself waking up in a cold sweat, Jonesing for a fix of fantasy tranfers, only to find myself curled up in the corner afterwards with a smile on my dial and a headspace full of regret, trying to figure out how I got so carried away with it all. No matter how hard I try I just help but believe the bulls#*t.
can we please go for sneijder instead of robben... he's the man we need to replace jenas if he goes to aston villa.
Excellent article mate, couldn't agree more. Robben is a tremendous talent but he is a jumped up little prick and we don't need disruptions like that in the dressing room. We need a really solid leader-type player who's been there and done it at the highest level, maybe someone around 31-32, a bit like Davids. It's no co-incidence that we finished 5th twice with him in the dressing room lads. We need someone like Clarrence Seedorf or Gennaro Gattusso or Guti, someone who's seen it all, got every T-Shirt available and is willing to be part of something and try something new. I'm not saying we need to now JUST sign all old-boys but let's face it, experienced players are worth their weight in gold and if you get the right blend of youth and experience, you have a top 4 side
Steve< problem with signing one of those veterans is that they usually come for the money and if they had anything left in the tank, they wouldn't be leaving where they are.
i give you one thing i didnt read your article properly,got abit boring.....but your wrong calling me a miserable mug....im quite a larf if you say somthing funny...i still say you should chill abit ....i mean i didnt call u a wnwkre or cnut mate.......gave you article a second reading...hands up suss it now.....off to read official threads and cheer myself up.............kitson for spurs............
I'm glad we could kiss and make up. Miserable mug is what I call all Spurs fans.
Robben's dad said exactly the same thing before he went to Chelsea: 'over my dead body'. Order the flowers.