The blog has moved. Just browse to www.dearmrlevy.com

1882

the fighting cock podcast
blog best viewed on

Firefox, Safari, Chrome and IE8+.

Powered by Squarespace
« Wigan 0 Spurs 3: From Russia with a smile | Main | 'Bring me the head of Harry Redknapp' »
Friday
Feb192010

That was the week that was

So, according to Harry we need a goal-scoring midfielder like Lampard. No shit. That's why we tried our utmost to sign one in the last transfer window and ended up with Kaboul.

/tumbleweed

Pav is once more mouthing off. Although it's tiresome, it's equally so to hear Redknapp bang on about the player as though he was an integral part of the squad and yet hardly ever gets a chance, forever warming the bench. Okay, so it's doubtful he's even half the player we wished he would be based on what we've seen, but considering we've seen very little its impossible to truly gauge if he could possibly fit into the side. Perhaps he should turn up to training on a pogo-stick. If he did he'll be a shoe-in to partner JD.

Lawro is predicating us to lose away on Sunday. Looking at the state of their pitch I wouldn't be surprised, considering we struggle to score on grass that's green Christ only knows how we plan to play on the savaged mud marshes of Wigan. We tonked them 9-1 and since that day we've managed to lose our mojo which has seen us hiccup our way to where we are now. Still within touching distance. So perhaps rather than attempting to turn it on like Brazil 1970, we should simply be forced to dig deep and win. Otherwise we sink in the mud taking any hope of 4th down with us. Maybe Harry can mix it up a little with some long balls.

/tumbleweed coming through again

Still on the subject of Lawro and his opinions, he's apparently been telling everyone that Theo Walcott has to go to the World Cup. What the same player who's always injured and hardly does anything other than working on looking and acting like a glossed over arrogant twat so people can lay claim that he's possibly the next Henry? That Theo? Yeah, okay Lawro. Let's take someone to the World Cup based on potential. Jenas, if you're reading this, pack your suitcase.  If he (Theo) played for anyone other than Arsenal, he'd be out on loan to a Championship club right about now. Pace with no direction, and no end product. But he looks good with facial hair, so it's not all bad.

Carlton Cole to Spurs. Yep. When you thought it was safe to browse through the seedy underbelly of the internet (Spurs message boards) the ITK's are saying this is done and dusted for August. Rivaldo  also scheduled to finally complete his medical and sign for Spurs this summer.

Talking of West Ham, can I just say congratulations to Terry Dixon who has been called up to the Eire U21 squad. Two years out with a serious injury at a critical stage of his development, Spurs were amazingly patient, working to get him back to fitness - but then advised by specialists that he would have to retire. If any Irons are reading this, please get in touch. Would like to know how well he's doing in reserve team football. Considering Dixon was told he would never play professional football after his continued injury problems, I'm chuffed for the lad who seems to have unlimited determination and fight in him. Of course, he probably won't be half the player he was on course to becoming, but the kid is earning a living from kicking a ball, so that deserves a massive round of applause.

Seriously though. Carlton Cole?

Devastated to hear this week that Darren Bent has quit Twitter to concentrate on aiding Sunderland out of their slump. No, seriously, heart-broken. He's scored 16 goals this season so not sure how logging onto the internet and typing one sentence messages can quite possibly distract him from what happens out on the training pitch and during games. Obviously it doesn't because he's been scoring plenty. Perhaps the gap left in the world wide web can be filled by Peter Crouch. Would love to read his tweets about waking up next to Abbey Clancy.  Every morning. Does she wear panties in bed? PJs? Or perhaps just Chanel No5? I think these are important and vital questions. Questions that require answers (with accompanying photos for definitive clarity).

Final word saved for the enemy. Excellent back-pass, expertly touched with toe. Instinctive pick-up by the keeper. Superb release of the ball to the opposition and additional groan towards the linesman. Quick free-kick taken. Inspired blocking of the defender by the ref. Clever goal scored. Perfectly legal. Magical spasm on the touchline. David Lynch scripted excuse from the manager. Made me laugh out loud. With all the depression relating to our current dip in form, it's nice of them to provide everyone with a bit of comedy. Good work fellas. Keep it up.

Reader Comments (70)

Carlton Cole? Now that's just lazy.

Feb 19, 2010 at 11:35 AM | Unregistered CommenterGeneral Brickhouse

Spooky, any news on Lennon? Is he fit for Sunday? Not the best place for his return thanks to the pitch.

Feb 19, 2010 at 11:36 AM | Unregistered Commenter8182

Dixons recovery is solely down to him. Considering the lack of miracles bestowed on Dyer and Ashton I can only concluded that the lad has been blessed by the Gods.

Feb 19, 2010 at 11:40 AM | Unregistered CommenterAuthor of Comment

Playing Lennon on Sunday would be premature. No need to put him at risk and rush him back. Bolton in the cup is a better stage for his return.

Feb 19, 2010 at 11:49 AM | Unregistered CommenterMMN

I really don't think laughing about l'arse losing in the CL is gonna get us anywhere other than being laughed at but it's okay cos we're gonna come really close to almost being allowed to participate in the qualifying round of the CL next season, that is until we hoof our way to 7th spot.

Lawro saying Walcott is better than Lennon is as stupid as mocking l'arse for losing in the knockout round of the CL. (as funny as the goals were, I can't see porto getting a result in Dubai and knocking them out).

I fully expect a win this weeked, we will kick it long but it will be justified and it will work.

Feb 19, 2010 at 11:56 AM | Unregistered CommenterDan

I don't usually advocate Crouch starting but he'll be in his element on Sunday thanks to the pitch.

Feb 19, 2010 at 11:57 AM | Unregistered CommenterHawke

As usual, nice one Spooky. Just a comment, did Venga actually 'see' it?

Feb 19, 2010 at 11:58 AM | Unregistered Commentersinger

I'd rather we went for Carlton Banks! And as for us needing a goalscoring midfielder? No shirt shitlock, we've only had 27 windows to find one Arry.
Agree, Azza not to be risked please, Bale for MOTM again? He has been pretty much the only decent player in the last 4/5 games.....but I'm wondering.....I know the curse is now 'lifted' but does playing Bale (Bale bale bale) mean everyone else plays like a plonker allowing him to shine on his own? A variation on a curse if you will.
Theo? pah! ha ha ha

Feb 19, 2010 at 12:00 PM | Unregistered CommenterWinterWeekend61

If drop points on Sunday I'll cry.

Feb 19, 2010 at 12:13 PM | Unregistered CommenterJep

1-10 on sunday and not a goal less!

Rugby scoreline in favour of the yids on a shitty rugby pitch.

COYS.

Feb 19, 2010 at 12:26 PM | Unregistered CommenterCEJ

Carlton Cole will move onto bigger and better things than Tottenham if he continues to progress in the manner that he has in the last year and a half.

Feb 19, 2010 at 12:28 PM | Unregistered CommenterChazza

That the same Lawro who two months ago was telling anyone who would listen that Michael Owen MUST go to the World Cup?

Wigan away on that pitch calls for Sgt and O'Hara in central midfield. Oh, hang on...

Feb 19, 2010 at 12:29 PM | Unregistered CommenterMike England's Knee Cap

tottenham blog just started
http://notouryearagain.blogspot.com/

Feb 19, 2010 at 12:29 PM | Unregistered Commenteryoungyid

Well written Spooney but our form is a mystery that only therumourman has the answer ,you are a man of many words some wise and some clouded by a new breed of Football . This football has increased in its shock result since the new year not because teams have bought some tasty new players on the country the window was only open a little bit because of another contributory factor to this shock energized football .Clubs have massive dept the thing that made me laugh was most of my fans blamed Kaboul and Harrys Selection for our defeat yet Wolves had most of there best players missing and a new 20 year old loaned player making is full debut .So both of these excuses dont had up and blaming Kaboul is madness Wolves prouced 18 passes to score there goal yes Kaboul let Jarvis get is cross in and Jones went between Dawson and Bassong and hit is shot beyond a startled Gomes.The remarkable thing was up to Wolves scoring we where in charge and had some guilt edge chances to go in front. Moderic for one.I have said all season against these championship teams and teams in Dept you need to score first or its all uphill to score. The one thing in all these games is defending is all energy and blocks and saves every defence even if the names change through suspension the performance levels against Spurs stays the same yet our fans moan if Harry changes is team.We have all forgot we lost at home with Lennon and No Kaboul and never scored then the best defence is Villa and we breached it yet Wolves Defense is one of the worse and we never scored twice. The teams who have beaten Spurs have this in Common Stoke Hull Wolves twice had weakened teams on paper but they where not missed these teams where in or Hovering near relegation and all have managers from the division where the only Energy abuser a goalkeeper was caught and its Funny every goalkeeper in these games was outstanding and fast even 15 stone Hammeman These where the others Stokes reserve Keeper Howard Myhill so why have they got the worse defense in the league the other team to nil us Liverpool have all the ingredients to play like these three teams dept desperation and a manager and backroom staff on death row they also beat Spurs with most of the players who make them tick this footbal is easy to spot after 10 to 15 mins these teams suddenly move up to top gear and stay there unless testers are on site then second half games can change dramatically otherwise its staggering defending and saves in these teams intensity and results in a shock win even with ten men Mancini started off with smiles now is head is in his hands in disbelieve in these teams defending . So carry on Calling Spurs if we get another shock like on Sunday but please leave some of your anger for these three UK Sport the FA and the people making loads of money out of this shock season the Bookmakers. If you keep savaging Harry and our players we will fail cheats will prosper and we will lose one of our most exciting teams for a long time .

Feb 19, 2010 at 12:38 PM | Unregistered CommenterDAVSPURS

All abord the Venger bus, please pick up your blindfold upon entry.

And Dan, we laugh at the the goons not becuase we know hat it is to play in a CL game, but because it is the right and proper thing to do. It also conveniently provides a midweek distraction from the inevitable doom of the weekend's game.

Feb 19, 2010 at 12:39 PM | Unregistered CommenterTricky

I saw the arsenal goal and pissed myself, it was even funnier watching wenger say the quick free kick should have been disallowed when arsenal did the exact same thing in the past. What a hypocrite! Delicious!

As for this weekend. It will be tough, lennon will get a cameo me thinks. But ultimately I wouldn't expect to win, although with city and pool playing each other, its a prime opportunity to gain points on one if not both of them. I think the long ball approach might actually work in this instance due to the deterioration of the pitch. I just hope if we don't win I don't have to endure seeing posts about how harry should be sacked for another week. Its just big, hairy, veiny, bollocks, is what it is.

Oh and Lawro's comments just prove how clueless and stupid he really is.

Feb 19, 2010 at 12:40 PM | Unregistered CommenterSheffSpur

Spooky, i admit....for once Arsenal looked like Spuds in that game, unlike you Spuds, its one off.

Feb 19, 2010 at 12:45 PM | Unregistered CommenterBrook

i think carlton cole would be better than crouch upfront with defoe

Feb 19, 2010 at 12:46 PM | Unregistered Commenteryoungyid

Dammit, DAVE your monologue has just made my eye's hurt!

Please try separating sentances and paragraphs, make's it easier to read, and I'm fairly sure you want to be understood given the girth of your arguement.

Feb 19, 2010 at 12:51 PM | Unregistered CommenterTricky

For those of you who bum pav and hate redknapp for leaving him out:

“If he wants to say things, that's up to him. His job is to come in, work hard and show that he wants to play for the club. How can I refuse to sell him?

“The chairman [Daniel Levy] would ask my opinion but we're not in a situation where we want to sell him. He scored a terrific goal in the FA Cup against Leeds and he would have started the next game, but he picked up an injury. He is fit again, we have three games this week, and there is every chance that he will start at least one of them.”

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23807800-harry-redknapp-denies-freezing-out-roman-pavlyuchenko.do?

It also confirms that lennon will not play at wigan.

Feb 19, 2010 at 12:57 PM | Unregistered CommenterSheffSpur

Shit stirring Russian bastard! Arry for PM!

Feb 19, 2010 at 1:08 PM | Unregistered CommenterWinterWeekend61

we're having a dip in form. Every team does. Its how quick you over come it that determines how good you are. If we fail to beat Wigan, their our dip will have gone on too long.

If we do beat them then we'll be in 4th or 5th and still in the running.

Much our dip has been due to missing chances. As a result, the results we want have not happened and confidence takes a bit of a knock. Only a few performances have been poor - Wolves & LFC away, Wolves away. Other games where points have been dropped - Stoke, Villa, Everton, Hull - we have played well but missed chances. It is unfair to blame HR too much for this although he could be a bit more proactive in using subs. He made too many changes vs Wolves IMO. these are minor criticisms. He is not the rubbish manager that many are now calling him.

Feb 19, 2010 at 1:21 PM | Unregistered CommenterDevonshirespur

Spoony, lol.

Feb 19, 2010 at 1:22 PM | Registered Commenterspooky

Brook. Keep mugging it mate.

'I feel that it is an intelligent exploitation of the rules. The keeper has to adapt as well'
Wenger
12/12/2004

Feb 19, 2010 at 1:23 PM | Registered Commenterspooky

From the same Evening Standard article......
"Have I spoken to Pavlyuchenko about his comments? It's difficult, because he doesn't speak much English."
Ouchh!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23807800-harry-redknapp-denies-freezing-out-roman-pavlyuchenko.do?

Feb 19, 2010 at 1:55 PM | Unregistered Commentertonyblue

Pav has and never has had a chance at THFC.

Feb 19, 2010 at 1:57 PM | Unregistered CommenterThe Machine

Eee can talk!

Feb 19, 2010 at 2:01 PM | Unregistered CommenterWinterWeekend61

Lunch time pint to blame.

Feb 19, 2010 at 2:09 PM | Unregistered CommenterThe Machine

Shandy more like.

Feb 19, 2010 at 2:11 PM | Unregistered CommenterKilljoy

Shandy Bassong.

Feb 19, 2010 at 2:22 PM | Unregistered CommenterWinterWeekend61

talking of muddy pitches robbie is moaning in scotland that its hard to play football on their pitches.arry must check our pitch at the lane.robbie had the same problem there.

Feb 19, 2010 at 2:35 PM | Unregistered Commentertony

As ever, DAV, thank you for your wise words...

However, I feel your talents are being wasted and I'm just not sure that the internet is your best medium.

I would recommend the acquisition of a sturdy wooden box and a megaphone...

Feb 19, 2010 at 2:54 PM | Unregistered CommenterAlboy

Adel Hamza is in the house!

Feb 19, 2010 at 2:58 PM | Unregistered CommenterWinterWeekend61

To be honest I'm quite glad that Lawro has us down to lose this week. They last few games he's had us down to win and look what happened. Reverse psychology/karma, whatever you want to call it, could be our friend in this case because he usually gets it wrong.

Feb 19, 2010 at 2:59 PM | Unregistered CommenterCanada Yid

When Carrick was on the market manure paid £20m for him.

When Berba was on the market manure paid £30m for him.

When Pav was on the market birmingham offered £9m for him.

:)

Feb 19, 2010 at 4:22 PM | Unregistered CommenterTed

When Arry was on the market he sold jewellry, 'Ere are love, gold crosses, byootiful, do you want a plain one or one with a little bloke on it?'

(I actually overheard that for real in Pitsea Market)

Feb 19, 2010 at 4:30 PM | Unregistered CommenterWinterWeekend61

Is there a letter toLevy in the works for anytime in the near future Spooky?

Feb 19, 2010 at 4:52 PM | Unregistered CommenterSpursLA

Harry to go one better this week and make 6 changes. Expect to see Kaboul up-front with Crouch, Hudd in goal, Jenas at CB and some other surprise moves......yeah I know it's stupid but so is this whole season. Time to hibernate and then there's always next season!

Feb 19, 2010 at 5:48 PM | Unregistered CommenterDaveK

Re: Dixon

"He signed a three year deal in February last year, but actually hasn't been ripping up their reserves at all.... Not because of ability but because he's suffered from niggling injuries due to the difficulties he faces. He has got nowhere near the first team as yet"


Ho hum.

Feb 19, 2010 at 7:19 PM | Registered Commenterspooky

Is there a letter toLevy in the works for anytime in the near future Spooky?
Feb 19, 2010 at 4:52 PM | SpursLA

Let's wait to see how Sunday plays out first.

Feb 19, 2010 at 7:19 PM | Registered Commenterspooky

Loved the post about Robbie and the pitch Tony.

Feb 19, 2010 at 9:50 PM | Unregistered CommenterRoman's Interpreter

I was at Upton Park when Spammers came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with L'arse and I have to say Carlton Cole was outstanding that day.
He was basically a one man forward line and it was because of him they managed to get back in the game.
It could have been a one off but on that performance, I would have him at the Lane in a shot.

Feb 19, 2010 at 10:25 PM | Unregistered CommenterDAVID

How do you keep tarck of everything ? The wenger Quote of 2004 was brilliant.Got rid of the twat brook for a while . cat got your tongue Brook you jackass

Feb 19, 2010 at 11:18 PM | Unregistered CommenterSpurs LA

Good luck to Terry Nixon.
Number 31 made my week. Soppy looking, hands on hips twat.

Feb 19, 2010 at 11:26 PM | Unregistered CommenterDiaz

"Have I spoken to Pavlyuchenko about his comments? It's difficult, because he doesn't speak much English."

Remember hearing throw away comments like this from Redknapp before he came here. Remember thinking "God, what an asshole."

Now, I read comments like that and I'm increasingly furious that this fucking chancer is in charge of my club. Two points from eight games? How about one win in six league matches, Harry? Since he can't be arsed to stay awake for 90 minutes and pay attention to the match, why am I surprised he won't bother to have a word via Pav's interpreter?

For those 'arry apologists who keep bring up Ferguson's first seasons at manure, did any of you see the match against Milan? During the pause in play after united scored the equalized, Ferguson was on the touchline, launching an absolute bollocking at his team. When spurs scored the equalizer at Bolton, Harry resentfully hauled himself out of his chair for a moment, then turned his back, stuffed his hands in his pocket and quickly went back to his nap.

I've been cruising the different spurs sites and the consensus appears to be that no one seriously expects us to win on Sunday, for a variety of silly reasons: crap pitch, Wigan out for revenge for the 9-1 but fundamentally because we've been playing like shit for quite a while and no one has confidence that Harry will do anything about it.

I was prepared to give him to the end of the season, but, shit, if we're writing off the remainder of the season (cause it sure seems like redknapp has) then get the caretaker in and start the search for a replacement. Redknapp out. NOW!

Feb 20, 2010 at 2:59 AM | Unregistered Commenterziegemonster

Looks like a lot of the same arguments used to sell Ramos to Spurs fans against Jol are coming up now about Harry. Jol aside I think Harry is the best manager we have had for a generation. He is certainly streets ahead of the last great prospect we gambled on.

Ramos stuck with Jenas/Zokora in the middle - didn't even try to upgrade them. What kind of manager does that when you are getting overrun in the middle by even average sides. Hands up if you think that was a good idea. If Harry had done that his critics might have a point. But he didn't. Harry saw that we needed Palacios to add some steel in the middle and brought in Tom who has exceeded expectation too.

Ramos also sold three great strikers Defoe/Berbatov/Keane and replaced them with one sulky russian.Hands up if you think that was a good idea. Good for the clubs bank balance but selling off the silver leads to disaster in the end as we saw. If Harry had done that his critics might have a point. But he didn't.

This non stop managerial upheaval of the past ten years has to stop if the club is to progress. So no more changes is the answer you get from me. Give Harry a few years and try getting behind him rather than undermining him.

Feb 20, 2010 at 7:57 AM | Unregistered CommenterTed

I was gonna let fly with a post on Harry & Danny I've had tucked away for months but (point taken Ted) right now we need to get behind the "team".

So I'll keep me powder dry for a while..... But take note Messrs Byrite and Flash Harry..... You're being watched!

Feb 20, 2010 at 4:11 PM | Unregistered Commentertonyblue

The differences between Jol and Redknapp are freaking legion, not least is that no one presented Jol as the finished article i.e. an up and coming manager, not someone taking on his last gig before retirement. The similarities between Ramos and Redknapp, now, that's something disturbing to think about. The same sense of malaise, increasing distinctions between the in crowd and the those out of favor in the changing room, the inability to get a straight answer from the manager--Ramos because of language, Redknapp because it seems to be more important to maintain his cheeky-chappy rep with smart ass quotes than actually answer the question.

Give harry a few years? What, until he dies in harness? And if it happened during a match, would anyone notice before halftime? He's had a lifetime and has never been a top manager. He is a specialist who was brought in to do a job--keep us from getting relegated. He did that job. Thank you. Sincerely. It was very very scary for a while there. But he clearly does not have the skill set for the next step.

You will never hear/read me slagging individual players and I think the boo boys at the Lane are twisted pathetic assholes who neither love Spurs nor understand football. But supporting the team doesn't mean putting your head in the sand and pretending that we have a good manager when we don't.

Feb 20, 2010 at 4:30 PM | Unregistered Commenterziegemonster

I agree with ziegemonster, Levy should seriously be looking at other options for next season. It's clear that the job is a long way from what Redknapp is used to and capable of doing.

Feb 20, 2010 at 4:41 PM | Unregistered CommenterTMWNN

I dunno what a malaise is ziegemonster. I thought it was what you put on salad.

But we do have 66 points from our last 38 games.

So we are on target for our best ever Premier League finish and in the QF of the FA cup too.

If that is what a malaise is then I hope we have ten more years of malaise.

Feb 20, 2010 at 7:18 PM | Unregistered CommenterTed

PostPost a New Comment

Enter your information below to add a new comment.

My response is on my own website »
Author Email (optional):
Author URL (optional):
Post:
 
Some HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>