THFC Battle Cry
Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 4:46PM Dear Mr Levy,
Medusa. It's a bitch. I can smell her stench. It's a sickly smell, one that reminds me of Upton Park, 2006. We've been here before. It's a fate that grates me. One that has to be avoided. Turning to stone is the expected outcome that those who scorn us will no doubt be hoping to witness. Again.
Can we find the guile and courage and craft to severe her head from her neck and leave victorious? Are we prepared for the task ahead, this clash of titanic proportions? Us against the odds. Us against ourselves and our fears, our personal demons?
Do we have what it takes? Do we dare? When Perseus faced the Medusa he was prepared, but that guile and courage - that fearlessness - he had that in abundance. And without that self-belief you won't get far. You won't finish the job. Even if you think you have the right tools for it.
Winged sandals
We are without the devastating speed that Aaron Lennon provides us with, jinxing down the wing, crossing the ball with pace and precision (well, mostly) and sometimes even brave enough to have a go himself. But we do have Gareth Bale, altogether a different type of talent but equally impressive. A beast. Strong and yet wonderfully skillful, there is almost an ironic blessing here to see him shifted into left-midfield from left-back giving us a vital outlet of attack. Vital and consistent, driving and flying forwards with absolute determination. I want to kiss him, run my fingers through his lush thick hair, this man with the face of a monkey, this young powerhouse of a winger. Hoodoo? He eats hoodoo for breakfast with a sprinkling of sugar and a glass of orange juice to wash it down with.
Luka Modric is possibly our most esteemed creative force. But some may argue that he is tied to the restraints of central midfield, without the ability to cut in from the left hand side and dictate the tempo in a way that impacts the opposition far more than standing alongside Palacios. It can sometimes be a congested midfield where the ickle Croatian's wizardry is lost in the dirt and grit. His work rate is unquestionable and perhaps patience is required whilst he adjusts to this emergency position. We all know he is more than capable of getting his hands (feet) dirty and can deal with the physicality just fine. Huddlestone is still out so hopefully Luka can turn on the magic and control the game from the centre much like he does from the wing. We await for his resurgence. But patience is a virtue we do not have.
Niko has a role on the right as we continue to make-shift with so many absent players. Outside of his comfort zone perhaps, but with enough ability to aid us in our quest. As a unit there is enough there to allow us to craft and create and devastate. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Mirrored shield
If we lost Wilson Palacios to suspension we might find ourselves in a position that might leave us motionless. Unable to side-step any potential final fatal nightmare. Why look into her eyes when you can bite her ankles off? Wilson is imperative. He has re-discovered some of that mojo he had when he first arrived at the Lane. Enough to sprinkle his own brand of Patheresque dominance in his arena. You shall not pass, the message on the door that never opens because he's standing there cool as a cucumber, arms crossed, studs up.
The work he does, closing down and defending and generally shielding the area between defence and midfield allows the more creative players time to muster up some of that ye old Tottenham magic. If we get over-run in the centre, then Modric has no protection, neither does our defence and there is deterioration of structure and balance through the side. As if turned to stone, unable to move. It's a shame there is no understudy. Yet. The boy from Brazil has never been needed more, alas, he will have to wait and see if its Europa or Champions he'll be participating in next season (if he finally signs).
For now, we live on the edge. What two games will Wilson end up missing? I can think of a couple that will leave me a broken man if he isn't present. Otherwise, we are left with only one alternative. No not Jenas. We'll need to rush Wilson in for major cosmetic facial surgery to make him look like Jenas. A Jermaine Jenas who has put on some weight since being injured and allowed gravity to shorten his height and make him appear far more stocky than normal. And yet he's a better play for it. Sshh.
As for the defence. Gomes. Corluka. Bassong. Dawson. BAE. With King edging closer to a cameo. Even if people choose to highlight the plight of Ledley and Woodgate and continue to question our keeper who has 9 out-standing games but critics feel the need to highlight one game where he flapped a couple of times. The stats tell a story of consistency and unity at the back, even if on paper we have appeared to be fragmented and stretched. The injuries to our old trusted guard meant our young ones have grown in stature, and have gained worthy experience. It's Spurs, yet I'm not that worried about us defensively. Not half as much as yesteryear.
A sword
To sever the head with. Cutting edge is something that has deserted us once or twice this season, but we have remained consistent and have worked hard to escape out of the lulls that have tested our resilience. Jermain Defoe has been prolific. Crouch not so much in front of goal and the subject of much debate regarding his attacking credentials. Is he a Plan B but not good enough as a Plan A? When he doesn't score, does his selection allow for positives in the way of assists and team play? Or does his presence introduce negatives in the way of long balls and knock-downs which is not the most beautiful or even effective style of play available to us?
Enter Roman Pavlyuchenko. The forgotten man who can't stop scoring. Rejuvenated and confident. Not perfect but a striker who is capable of playing a part in build up play - the type that involves caressing the ball on the ground rather hoofing it up in the air. Something Peter is also capable of but alas sometimes we forget. But he (Roman) can go missing at times. But who can argue against his current goal-scoring ratio to games played? Not me.
Both Roman and JD still have to step it up another level. There are now no games left for us to look back on with regret. Chances must be taken otherwise we'll be taken down. Strike without remorse. No matter the opposition. Show no respect other for one's self.
Cap of invisibility
We are not alone in this quest for glory. There are others fighting to claim full ownership of this particular destiny. It's impossible to go unnoticed. Not when you sit in the position you wish to finish in. Every game is heavily scrutinised pre- and post- match. And if someone wins, expectations are with them, if someone loses they are practically written off. It's misleading, confusing and creates illusions of hope/false hope.
But rather than spend time looking at the enemies around us, predicting and calculating, and instead of showing interest in the battles they will head into and use their results as a means of validation, it is all rendered redundant if we take a different tact on proceedings. In the grand scheme of things if we simply win the games we have ahead of us - it's as much as we can ever do - and our destiny will be in our own hands, under our control. Rather than in the hands of others. It's obvious I know, but the distractions can and have caused us headaches before. It’s time to look away and only look forward.
You might think retaining a level where each game is played as though it was a Cup final is an unrealistic expectation considering our injury plight and the fact that the atmosphere on and off the pitch is different depending on the opposing side and its fans. However, having anchored ourselves up in the Gods - no matter what - remaining there is the sole objective. Regardless of the wounded on the sidelines. Regardless of the mistakes and lost points in the past. We are 4th at the moment. So if we've managed to get there and stay there and reclaim this position during the duration of this Premier League season, then why give it up now?
If we are out of sight the opposition won't be able to see us. If we can't be seen we can't be caught. Playing each game like a Cup final? If the players want Champions League football then they have no other option.
There is nowhere to hide. Regardless of the opposition, regardless of the battlefield. It's heart-on-sleeves or nothing. Speculate. Force the issue. Leave no room for excuses and take nothing for granted.
So step forward Perseus. All eleven of you. And every single one of you in the stands. We might not be facing a Medusa or a Kraken in each remaining week that passes us by, but we may as well be. Because failure is not a path I want us to walk down. Especially the ilk of apologetic failure.
It's time to rip that bitches head clean off her f**king neck.
No hanging of effigies. No burning of season tickets. No boycott of the Spurs shop. No kidnapping and shaving Chirpy. No throwing frozen shit pellets at the scandalously expensive sports cars the players own. And no stalking of you Daniel, hiding in the rose bush beneath your bathroom window watching and recording as you shower and shine your majestic head. I call a truce.
My heart and lungs belong to THFC unconditionally from now until the final day of the season, more so than ever.
Good luck to all of you. Good luck to us all. To Harry and the players. Let battle commence.
Yours sincerely and with eternal faith and belief,
Spooky
Reader Comments (49)
My sat-nav has packed up...
So good to have you back spooky. My prayers, songs and drinking ability will be pushed to the limit from now on. A night out in stoke beckons. Coys
First time poster, been reading this blog for a while now (by far the best spurs related site around) and finally decided to say something.
Despite all the chest pounding and war crying and praying we are all doing for the final run in - do we seriously believe we can finish fourth? Years and years of heartache have left me almost unwilling to even allow myself to dream as somehow, despite all the odds, the inevitable will happen and we will finish 6th or 7th.
And if thats not bad enough, we now have to accept the very very real (and odds on) possibility that those snot nosed arrogant toss pots from south london will win the title and, perhaps even worst, the champs league.
I know youve all thought about it and youve probably even asked yourselves that question over and over - spurs to finish 4th and them to win the title or both of us to finish empty handed? I honestly dont know which i'd prefer.
Remarkable how far Harry has taken us in such a short space of time. We were in such a hole when he arrived and despite many experts claiming he would fail he gets top marks for his work so far. We could end up playing decisive prem games v city+goons in the final week of the season before a wembley showdown with Jose's rejects. I think the injuries/depth in the squad will cost us but it is a good time to be a yido and see how it unfolds.
love it, great read Spooky!!!!
I too love our monkey faced assassin down the left, the little magician in the middle playing next to the immovable object. Our supremely outstanding window licking octopus in goal with the no nonsense Dawson winning more Arial battles than the Spitfires during the war
COYS, let’s do it this season!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would have no argument with Wilson getting a booking on Saturday up at Stoke or on Wednesday against Fulham, and I wouldn't be shocked if 'Arry said it would be a good idea.
He would miss 2 of Fulham, Portsmouth & Sunderland, but would be available again for the Man Utd, Arsenal/Portsmouth & Chelsea games. I would prefer him to be back for the Sunderland game as it's away.....
Destiny lies in the hands of the beholder.... We need to take maximum points from the games against Stoke, Portsmouth, Sunderland, Burnley & Bolton. In reality, Portsmouth are gone and will have given up any attempt to salvage something from the season. Bolton should be safe by 2nd May, and it's our last home game (Arsenal reschedule pending), so that should be 3 points. Likewise, Burnley will be long since relegated with Hull by the time we finish up the season. Again, 3 points expected. Sunderland would be the one we cock up against.......
If we get all 15 points, I'd say we can afford to only pick up 2 from the Big Three, leaving a MASSIVE game against City to decide who claims 4th.
Saying that, the City vs Villa game on 1st May could decide their fate before we play.....
You know what though..... If we don't manage to get it, I don't fault anyone except lady luck (well, and 6 points dropped against Wolves). We've lost 2 rocks in defence for most of the season, then lost our wing-man, all through long term injuries.
I'll be pissed if we don't get Europa League though - and as it stands, only 5th & 6th get it via the league...... meaning one of us, Liverpool, City & Villa is going to be finishing empty handed!
Quiet day at work today then ???
I'm living one long day dream this week about our plight for 4th, as much as experience says we should not get excited just yet there is something lingering in me that thinks we are on the verge of something great. My daydream is a consistant one and involves a home win against Bolton leaving us secure in 4th leading to a pure party at Burnley away safe in the knowledge that we have done it regardless of that final result.
COYS
i think if we win our next 4 league games or even win 3 and draw 1 we will have eliminated one or two of the competition if they drop enough points. By mid April I expect 4th place to be a 2 horse race. Hopefully involving us.
Thing is, if we find ourselves missing out but still getting to the FA cup final, this at least gives the players the opportunity to vent their frustration and push on for an historic cup win.
We all need to do our part though. Sing louder, longer and stronger than the opposition in every single game. No getting on players' backs. Just full blooded support. Save you criticisms for that bit between the season ending and the world cup starting.
We can do it
Stop Dreaming Spuddies....
You will finish 6th.
Arsenal will win the League and the Champions League.
More importantly....Arsenal will the have won the league 14 times to Spurs's 1?
All jokiing aside.....Great Blog and Good luck for the rest of the season....You can win both the Fa Cup and finish 4th as long as we win the League and the Champions League!!!
xxxx
Classic stuff, Spooky (quite literally). I can't see us finishing 4th but until it's a mathematical impossibility I'll be hoping and roaring the lads on. And I won't be calling for anyone's head if we fall short. What a season!
"...To Spurs 1"?
More chance of Wenger sticking his tongue in some young kids rectum then le scum winning the league and CL.
Oh wait...
Jesus that Pez cant be a Gooner, can he? Either way nice to read something from a goon which isnt pure rubbish (I'm assuming the first couple of lines we tounge in cheek)
Anyway, Spooky...bravo. This is why we come here.
I recently ordered both the oddysey and the iliad, don't need to bother readin either now. Just have to sit back and wait and see how it all pans out.
Now on order instead is 'one crash cart' from NHS direct.
Spooky, mental just mental.
Your rest has served you well young Spook!
To dare is to do, where have I heard that before?
Have to give you huge credit Spooky think that is your best yet. Genius.
We WILL win the FA cup and finish 4th. COME ON YOU SPURS!!!!!!!!
Work of genius Spooky. I'm buzzing just reading it! No doubt about it Wilson is the key for us, the boy is one hell of a player. Just watch him stalking the opposition, you have your heart in your mouth waiting for the inevitable booking to come and wallop, another superb tackle. Hope he can avoid bookings until April but can't see it!!!
Feel Niko has a massive part to play as he was on fire for a spell and he is due to come good again, I can feel it. And Luka's genius will come again I have no doubt. Pav's form is a real bonus, so long may it last. If he keeps on banging in a brace every other game, I think we'll be ok!!
Keep up the good work lads. It's been a good season so far, FA Cup and Champs League will make it fantastic!
COYS!
Brilliant. About time too you lazy good for nothing waster.
Loved this Spooky. I agree with everything you said. Best I've read in these couple of years that I've followed this blog.
It's chin up and forward, and don't stop before the last whistle of the season. COYS!
In the worlds before Monkey, primal chaos reigned.
Sky Sports sought order; but the Tottenham can fly only when its feathers are grown.
The Big Four worlds formed again and yet again, as endless aeons wheeled and passed. Time and the pure essences of Heaven, the moisture of Southampton, the powers of the Sun and the Moon all worked upon a certain rock, old as creation. And it became magically fertile.
That first egg was named "Thought". Tathagata Buddha, the Father Buddha, said, "With our thoughts we make the world". Elemental forces caused the egg to hatch. From it then came a stone monkey.
The nature of monkey was irrepressible!
Born from an egg on a mountain top
The punkiest monkey that ever popped
He knew every magic trick under the sun
To tease the Gods
And everyone and have some fun
Monkey magic, Bale magic (repeat 4 times)
What a cocky saucy monkey this one is
The FA Gods were angered
And they punished him
Until he was saved by a bald chairman
And that was the start
Of their EPL pilgrimage
Monkey magic, Bale magic (repeat 4 times)
With a little bit of Monkey magic
There'll be fireworks tonight
With a little bit of Bale magic
Every thing will be all right
Crossing from deep on a left sided wing
The punkiest monkey that ever popped
He knew every step-over trick under the sun
To tease the Gods
And everyone and have some fun
Monkey magic, Bale magic (repeat 4 times)
Fantastic. 4th is still a possibility. Belief, courage, all that Spook talks about is what's been lacking in the past. I'm not sure we'll manage it this year but I'd take 6th and a cup final and they're both very possible outcomes, let's not forget, this is Spurs we're talking about. Every match day I'll have butterflies from now until the end of the season. If we lose the butterflies will be rained on, fall to the ground in the pit of my stomach and i'll feel that oh so familiar sinking feeling. If we win the butterflies will hide under a leaf until the next matchday comes around, either way it's gonna be a wild ride, COYS
Dr Oyvind - that's ace.
'Cry ‘God for Harry, England, and Saint George!' - from Henry V by Shakespeare on the eve of a famous victory (defeat of the taxman)
Class. Don't wait so long for the next one and keep it short next time.
;)
Tour de force Spooks.
I think davspurs has been amongst you all sprinkling his little gold dust samples.
Its games of football, people. What are you all on?
I've been telling you for ages we can and will do it.
At first you howled me down, accused me of bringing down the wrath of the Gods to ruin our season, tempting fate (or The Fates as Spooky would have it)
Now the open top bus is dangerously overcrowded
But you are all most welcome.
Oy that's my seat.
Good stuff, you should get guest spot on the Phil Cornwell podcast.
Man what a motivational piece that was ! Majestic !
Although Chirpy being shaved conjures up disturbing images.
tears are rolling down my cheeks!
COYS
Genius
Great article as usual Spooky.
What grates me more anything is that at the end of the season regardless of where we finish, Levy will not improve the squad by 50m that it needs to make us a top 4 team.He might spend 50m, but he will sell at least half of that if not more, hence we imrpove slower than every one else and our top players lose faith and leave.
As for top 4, well we simply are dreaming. We won't win any of the games against man u, scum or chelsea and Wilson will get booked in our draw against Stoke and miss key games..I say key games as we will not get anything out of the games against the top so better he misses them.
I love spurs..always will...but its a bit like having a hot bird who hates sex....looks great but you never realize your dirty dreams, though occassionally u get a little haha...
Spooky, are you related to a certain Mr W. Chuchill by any chance?
Pure genius.
I think I'm at all the home games. All I can pledge to do is sing my heart out.
Destiny is in our hands, get behind the players. It matters.
Yid Army!
Whoa, I'm inspired. Just surfed in from a website about the Mexican/American labor leader César Estrada Chávez. He had a motto, ideal for our Wilson "si se puede", translates from Spanish as "yes it is possible". Do it big fella!!
PS another incentive for beating Fulham is getting the Woolwich Vermin game moved to midweek - the atmosphere will be even more claustrophobic for the nonce's "kids". COYS!
Like the way you managed to squeeze in a Jenas cameo.
Wilson Palacios is Honduran and hardly "The boy from Brazil"
They should paste this article in the team dressing room or maybe even invite you for a pregame pep talk
Wilson Palacios is Honduran and hardly "The boy from Brazil"
Mar 18, 2010 at 1:17 AM | SEPA Spurs
Which makes even more sense when you finally work out I was referring to Sandro.
;)
Great work Spooky and Dr oyvind , that was quite impressive man.
I m getting all worked up now , normally i am a true cynic never believing in the chances of Spurs not caving in but this time i can see a glimmer of hope without being drunk or delusional
This letter should be sent to Harry and posted in the dressing room !
Great read you brilliant bastard!!!!! A pint later today to celebrate your return!
COYS!
i fear our beloved clan of footballers would not be able to read some of the multi-syllable words contained above, let alone grasp the mythological references.
Love it though.
PLEEEEEASE bat stoke on Saturday. It's not a lot to ask for is it?
If the Dr doesn't mind, I might re-jig that Monkey Magic song at some point. Far too good an idea to pass up.
(credits will of course be provided)
I stand with Spurs & look to the future and see many hard & arduous battles, men will fall but others will return to take their place...
Our destination is not a possibility it is our destiny & am I the only one looking at other demons battles ahead and thinking why not aim higher rather than settle for our chosen destiny.... a nine point gap and the ability to strike down 3 with our own fair hands with other fierce rivals yet to take on our nemesis.. maybee our time has come to be strong and it is anothers time to choke and fall prey to the WOLVES......
I sing the hearty war cry and emplore you all to join me as negativity will not help us. Why are we fans? we are fans to dream the dream not to predict negativity and bemoan our ability, look forwards remember the positives and remember this our destiny......................
I belive, Pav belives Dawson is packing for the champs league allready. let us look at The age of Chelsea, The one man crew that is Man U & the children that run around in red and say yes we are equal if not better and his is our time.
And did those feet in ancient time.
Do the double in Nicholson’s dream:
And was the holy Lamb of Ghod,
On Englands pleasant pastures seen!
And did the glare off Levy’s head,
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was the Lane builded here,
Near Arsenal’s dark Satanic Mill?
Bring me my Defoe of burning goals;
Bring me my Wilson of desire:
Bring me my Crouch: O clouds unfold!
Bring me my Champions League of fire!
We will not cease from Mental Fight,
Nor shall our Swords sleep in our hands:
Till we have rebuilt Tottenham,
In Englands green & pleasant Land
Or words to that effect.
Awesome write, Spooky.
Remember the "We'll take more care of you..." chant, way back? Just add Gareth Bale to the end of it and my hairs will stand on end yet again just listening to it.
Smash it Spooks. If you take the best tv theme ever and apply it to the greatest football club on earth, how could you fail. I like to think it was a song ringing out from TVs around the world at the same time Ricky Villa was making his name at Wembly in '81.
Monkey is beyond classic.
Monkey + Bale = teh win
Hellyeah Spooks! That was awesome.
This is a great blog, written by someone who can actually write.
Truly starting to think we can do this - and I think it's all because of your epic post.
Thanks!