Forward thinking the only way
Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 3:08PM It's the calm before the storm, right? Reading the tabloids, watching Sky Sports News or trying to decipher the cryptic inside knowledge from the 'In the Know' community is proving to be as enjoyable as an England World Cup performance. That's not very enjoyable. Pockets of my brain are haemorrhaging from the boredom. It's not exactly exciting, but then arguably, there is no Klinsmann type of signing out there in these rather lacklustre modern days. And no yoof either, it would seem as the kids with potential prefer to completely bypass the stepping stone clubs* and move straight into the elite. Surely there's a younger version of Berbatov out there? Well, one that won't want to move on a season later. If that's okay. Not asking for much here, just some hunger and loyalty.
*What's that? We're not a stepping stone club anyone?
I'm half jesting. We signed Modric a couple of years back, so there is plenty of hope, no doubt festering in the shadows ready to jump out and scream in our face when the time is right. Marquee signings are over-rated anyways.
Obviously, we as football fans, are selfish creatures we simply want want want, all of the time. And we want NOW.
We shift around uncomfortably like Gollum, obsessed with every single comment or alleged movement or sound-bite made, moaning and sighing. And then analysing and theorising how said player would fit into our first eleven if signed and whether they will aid our progression. All of this from a couple of newspaper articles, hearsay, guess work, agent talk. It's the scraps we feed on because, usually, one of the scraps out of the many turns out to be a genuine link.
Gollum to be signed by ITV soon.
We've had very little this summer that we could possibly tag in the 'Levy and Harry were seriously looking at spending cash there' bracket. Joe Cole being the obvious one thanks to Harry telling us that we had offered him a contract. No massive surprise there. We knew the moment he became available that HR would want one of his former 'sons' on board the THFC Express.
Cole rejected a continued stay in London and opted for a central midfield role up at Liverpool, something Harry did nod towards when he flirted with Cole via the media (saying Cole's best position is central). How that would have worked out for us - I don't know. And if 'football reasons' means guaranteed first team football, then so be it. I'm not crying my eyes out over here. And regardless of Liverpool's current plight (it's a mess at Anfield no matter how their fans wish to dress up the truth) there is opportunity for Cole to shine there.
Good player is Cole on his day, and would have been a diamond signing if he arrived and accepted a little squad rotation. Whether the Chelsea fans prove to be right (Joe Slow according to them), we'll have to tune into the Hodgson Show to find out. 90k a week is a lot of money for a player who has hardly played in recent seasons thanks to injuries. I'd have accepted the risk if he had agreed our alleged 65k. And marginalising the likes of Huddlestone would have been just plain silly just for the sake of beefing up a position we don't have too much trouble with.
(Although a free-scoring midfielder would be nice, but don't think it's essential - at least not to Harry).
Still, this area (central mid or even left mid) is not the area we should be concerned about. I doubt very much both our gaffer and our manager are ignoring say the following must-haves:
- Another CB (because King and Woody are bit-part players for us, the latter someone who might not even return) for cover (Bassong and Dawson are in for another big season)
- A Forward
We've got Sandro on the way. We've got players who can adapt and play two positions (Modric, Bale) and we've got one or two who perhaps might just get an opportunity (dos Santos and dare I say The Rat).
But some of this will depend on who we finally get rid of, because with the new season approaching, we've yet to see the back of the deadwood.
Deadwood, is defined I guess by last season and personal opinion along with once more reading between the line. Keane. Hutton - are two players probably on their way. Pav is always linked with a departure.
It all comes down to this: Who and when we sign a forward. We can dream about one of the new kids on the block as much as we like (Dzeko, Suarez) or others of the ilk of long-term proven players like Fabiano and Raul (LOL). But might well end up with seasoned English based terrier such as Bellamy. Who happens to be a **** of a player. If he wasn't so injury prone (if I'm wrong, show me the stats, ta) then perhaps I'd swallow my pride and sort of half-admit and say 'okay then, he might be able to do a job for us'. But he does pick up knocks and although his off-the-field charity work is very commendable, his general persona in the dressing room is subject to far too much debate. Harry and him on the golf course? Happy days. Bellamy would show some tenacious bite we sometimes, on occasions bite. But then who knows what type of focus he'll have if he moves to N17. It's a risk. Cheap one probably. But still.
It's fairly imperative we get the signing for the forward position spot on. Someone who can hit the ground running, score and create. What? Did you say Bellamy? Oh ffs. Anyways, whether a Suarez could do that is altogether another discussion. 49 goals in the Dutch League means very little to me. No offence to them over there, but Kuyt was knocking in goals for fun and over here he's a defensive forward.
We do need a striker right? Defoe, Crouch, Pav...that's not enough. Keane staying would surprise me about us much as walking into my bedroom to find Jessica Alba there with the words 'I'm all yours' written across her waist in lip stick. And the three we do have, to expect them to handle the League and the CL and the cups? Nah. We need depth. Need quality. Because if we make the CL group stages, we need someone who can unlock those hefty seasoned doors. Otherwise, it's Defoe getting flagged offside all night long on Sky Sports.
So, as far as being all quiet on the transfer front, I don't care too much as long as we get a couple of tasty press conferences in the next few weeks. The papers can continue to link us to everyone and anyone, as long as the end result is more pieces for our Lilywhite jigsaw puzzle. The right pieces.
But even with everyone being so cautious nowadays, you'd think it would be near suicidal NOT to spend well this transfer window. What with the potentially hectic calender year ahead of us. Key game being that qualifier.
How many times around Christmas time have we wanted to see us sign players to consolidate our position and push forward only to be left disappointed? Then again, perhaps more trust for the gaffer is required. Considering what he achieved last season without the need to go loopy with Levy's transfer fund at that critical mid-way point.
In Harry we trust then. Right?
Reader Comments (55)
"Otherwise, it's Defoe getting flagged offside all night long on Sky Sports."
Never a truer word spoken Spooks!
I expect us to sign one major signing. That's my prediction. There's at least one superstar youngster out there with the balls to come to us rather than go to an obvious destination.
Just don't ask me who! I just have a gut feeling Levy will pull it out of the bag again.
Jessica Alba available then?
The big names being cited by the papers won't be signing. 2-5 years ago Suarez might have signed. I think even if we are still lagging behind the big big clubs, there appears to be only two tiers of players now for clubs like us and the clubs above us. Suarez - good enough for Spurs but then also good enough for Utd.
Am I making sense? Probably not, lol
Suarez is an option. When the dust settles I don't think Utd can afford him and City are probably looking at bigger fish. Ajax have to sell so you never know.
"Otherwise, it's Defoe getting flagged offside all night long on Sky Sports."
And soon we get to watch it on freeview without having to pay through the nose, hopefully just in time!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-10711711.
Plus its even more likely that he'll be caught:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8842414.stm
go all out for Suarez I reckon. Guy is class.
I'm always a little dubious about new signings for positions that we are pretty strong in (by most clubs standards). A new forward would be good provided it's the right player. I'd rather have Raul or Klose on a small fee than take a risk on Suarez and spend big. Klose scored most of his goals in the world cup by simply getting on the end of good balls, and the number of excellent deliveries from Bale and Lennon that go wasted is very frustrating. That cunning from Raul or Klose could make the difference in the champions league, while the current crop will do fine in the premier league. I certainly can't think of a premier league striker that would be a guaranteed starter and would come to us, because we would need someone new to adjust straight away, not take a few months to bed in since the Champions league qualifier is probably the most important game of our season. Bellamy offers something different but I wouldn't say he was a better player than any of our strikers. Dare I say it - Berbatov?
Really not bothered by Joe Cole not coming to us... has a few nice tricks, rates himself highly, likes an attacking central mid role, alternative option from the bench... isn't that what we have already in Taarabt? Agree would be nice to have a new Berba or Klinsmann to add intelligence as well as goals to the front line.
I'm all for Suarez, I think he will be a quality signing. Then another CB and I'd be happy enough with that, as long as we were planning to give Gio and some other youngsters a chance
We've already made the best signing we could possibly make: Consistency.
Let's not ruin things.
Can Consistency play right-back? We don't have enough right-backs.
Good article, just about sums up how this summer is. I don't think we need to do too much. Out: Jenas, Keane, Taraabt and Hutton. In: Saurez, Richards, Turan and Bellend (if we really have to). That would be pretty decent business.
Can't see there being any big money signings until the CL qualifier is played. Only then will we know who we need (for CL campaign or not) who we can afford and who we can attract. Only leaves us a week to finalise business.
Has Eider re-signed on loan?
"Has Eider re-signed on loan?" - Not yet.....it doesn't look likely from "reports".
I think it is imperative that the striker we buy is capable of playing as a lone striker, so that we can have the option of 451/433 with a proper goal scorer, not just a lanky non-scoring target man. They also need to be a proper goal scorer because if Defoe got injured we are left with 3 occasional scores.
Devnshirespur - In fairness, Defoe is also usually an occasional scorer - APART from last season, and that season at Bournemouth. I am hoping he has even better season than last one where he finally scored many goals in a top flight season
Agree - it's got to be a striker who can play on his own up top if needed. And if someone could sit down with Defoe for half an hour and genuinely explain to him how to look along the line and stay onside, that would be really useful. He's got to realise he's a yard quicker than most defenders, so when he's in space in the middle why not stay half a yard ONSIDE and make the linesman's job really easy - as he's going to rinse the defender for pace anyway.
I love these sites but never post anything as reading all the rubbish comments and opinions really makes me laugh! Do all football fans play Championship manager and pick names rather than a team!!! Suarez looked at best OK in the World Cup but because his name is "Suarez" evrybody wants him! If Defoe played in Holland he would score 60 goals a season the standard is poor at best! Dont get me wrong there is some really talented players there and Suarez might turn out to be a top class player but 15-20m for a Uruguayan plus probably £3m a season is at best a big risk. This is why we havent signed anyone yet getting players is not about just buying a name and putting him in your team, then winning the league if it was you would all be premiership managers!
Daniel is trying to do good business for the club long term whilst also making sure the quality is proven if big fees are involved. The Joe Cole saga was a bit embarrassing but in my opinion diddnt make much sense I wanted Joe cole proven and Quality but at the same time it appears the club is trying to offload players like GDS and Taarabt who would benefit most from his qualities! plus when Redknapp came he thought we were a bit small and needed to beeef up and harden up a bit to compete away from home. Joe cole Modric and Lennon in the Midfield even with 2 of Hudd Palacios and Sandro to bulk them up we would be rather small again!I do Thnk one of GDS and Taarabt should be nurtured, both have severe mental problems but the talent to be as good as Cole (took a long time to sort out his final ball or end product IF he really has) there's no wages problems and both young enough to achieve for us in the future! If all 3 are gone/going then we do need to replace this kind of quality and my suggestion would be Sessegnon seen him a few times and is just so comfortable on the ball and real class. I fear he will go to Arsenal if he leaves PSG but is perfect age and ability to play in the hole. If its best value for money I would want Riquelme age a bit of a risk and can be a bit volatile but a TOP CLASS MATCH WINNER and with his ability players like Bale Hudd Sandro Lennon Rose Bostock and Parret would only benefit!
Forwards Huntelaar if Pav goes (both very similar but Huntelaar is a better finisher and has something to prove! and get Eidur signed as soon as Keane goes (he is an all round better player and is a good team player!!!)
Bentley Pav Hutton Jenas(only if another midfielder comes in) Keane out!
we sud have raul is a good player
if money is no object, and in an ideal world...Dzeko
more realistically... Klose
more than likely... Bellamy
all players that would add a great deal to our team (bellamy, for all his faults, strikes me as Keane before the red-shirt chapter and loss of his hunger)
If we wait untill after the cl qualifier would we run into players already being registered with other clubs? Wont suarez for example be registered with ajax already?
It's become the cliché of all our posts. We need a striker who really strikes. 66% of the time.
Not that he's the answer, but is it too late to teach Crouchie how to use his head. Get him in front of goal and fire the crosses in, dozens of them, say 200 in a two hour session.
While we are on the subject, one wonders whether 'Arry's head is entirely involved with football matters when there's that court business to attend to. It's not so far away. Can't he just cop a plea, pay the fine, and get his plate cleaned once and for all?
If there really still is a best to be got out of Bellamy, then Harry's the one to do it. He''d be a great squad signing.
This is what I think the reality is:
Suarez - Going somewhere, but will go to more established European name
Huntelaar - I think he'll stay, but it is possible he'll come here
Fabiano - staying
Forlan - staying
Dzeko - staying
Bellamy - staying, he peaked 2005-2006 anyway.
Raul -staying - possibly moving within Spain.
Durbspur = moron.
Suarez is class. His 35 goals in the Dutch League were bloated not because of the poor opposition, but because he was the penalty taker for Ajax so probably 7-10 of those goals were penalties. He is a very good player, and scores very good goals, but hes probably not a good choice for Spurs. In fact, I don't think he would do very well in England at all with the pace/physicality of the game. He tends to go to ground very easily, and certainly is NOT a lone striker.
He is a very versatile forward and creates as much as he finishes, but he likes a lot of free reign and usually plays off of a main striker (Huntelaar, then Pantelic).
Huntelaar, on the other hand, would be brilliant at Spurs. He is one of the best finishers in Europe and hasn't been given a chance at all at Milan thanks to the idiotic manager. He got 8 goals in 13 starts in Madrid, given almost no time to adapt to the system/league. He's hardly had a start for Milan but still managed seven. Certainly not great off the bench as he is not an impact player though.
A forward player or two I believe is needed- our front line doesn't instil me with confidence- especially in the big games- both Defoe, Pav are useless- Keano used 2 be good & Crouch is hit & miss. Really these guys need to show more in the Top games- they have been letting team down big time. I think we need 2 bring in two & get rid of two. But we have to sell first- the market is particularly slow!!
I would have taken Cole. I would take Bellamy. Suarez might struggle. Forlan would be a blessing. Raul would be... hmm... not so sure. Loic I've never heard of. Arda Turan would be a great addition. Pav shouldn't go. Keane needs to leave because he obviously doesn't believe in the cause anymore. I miss Eidur and hope he comes back. CB is desperately needed at the Lane. Give Gio a fucking chance.
Wrote this with one eye open and drooling. All for you Spooky.
Spooky please ban people who say Huntelaar is one of the best goal scorers in Europe, Durbspur and Skelter you're wasting your time writing here coz Milan and Real need your footbaling brain, obviously their current people don't know much
"The Rat"?
A quality piece of journalism right there.
"Gollum to be signed by ITV soon."
I thought Manure were in the lead to sign him from Werder Bremen to replace Carrick? Personally I always thought him more Peter Lorre or that Stingy bloke from Lazytown.
No one seems to question BAE. I have a feeling he has played his last Spurs match. He is simply not good enough defensively and he doesnt really contribute that much offensively.
My guess is that the nigerian left back can be our Next signing. As a backup for bale.
Trembly.
Ozil is a spit of Buster Keaton.
http://tejiendoelmundo.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/buster_keaton.jpg
Harry out!
just kidding :)
BAE?
Much improved but still makes me nervous. Mentalist.
Let's get Mido back in on a season long loan!!!!!!!
.....fine tune an already good squad ....
high octane ......tarabt !..... etc
as far as signings go............. bellamy ..is a good signing
still a strong bench how ever you see the ......alternatives
Dirk Kuyt, Mateja Kezman, Afonso Alves - it just makes you wary of the latest top scorer in the Dutch league.
You are probably right Spurs LA. Afterall, they spent hundreds of millions of euros buying useless players like Karim Benzema, and sold Huntelaar, Sneijder and Robben. You're right, genius management skills over at Real Madrid. Meanwhile, we all know how well Leonardo managed AC Milan this season, right?
Watch the goals Huntelaar scores, they are class, and come in all types. He is also fantastic at holding the ball up and bringing others into the attack. Look at his goalscoring record (even if you say the Dutch league is 'easy', he still scored a lot of goals and has a very good record in the Champions League). What are you smoking, he is a fantastic player.
Hilarios, checkwi:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gaICf6cxZo
Hilarious, d'oh!!
According to the Daily Mail, the Mexican left back Salcido is supposed to be available for 2 million, having fallen out with the PSV coach. Wigan are interested.
Although he is 30, I have to say he was the best left back I saw in the World cup. Ideal BAE replacement.
Afraid BAE limitations were all to obvious in the World Cup, even allowing for the fact he was in a poor team.
Stelket, people at Real and Milan maybe stupid but I still don't see top teams ala Barca who are looking for a forward or Inter or for that matter United or who ever lining up to sign him or sorry forgot to mention City who's looming to sign Donavan. Have you seen the goals Benzema scored? I can score goals in the French and Dutch leagues
Huntelaar has to be worth a punt and it looks as though he's available at a reasonable price. Who else is?
It's a gamble, but all of the strikers that have been linked with us haven't proven anything in the PL either.
I make Stelket right. Suarez is no target man and Huntelaar, although slower, has great technique and is also very good with his head. I reckon with Bale, Bellamy, Modric, Lennon etc. supplying the bullets, Huntelaar could be lethal.
People mention Kuyt, Kezman and Alves (they forget) Babel, but don't talk about van Baston, Bergkamp, van Nistelrooy. Kluivert, Gullit etc. who all did well outside of Holland.
I'm not saying Huntelaar is anywhere near as good as those above, but there's a good chance he would be a success if given a proper chance. Something he hasn't been given in Madrid or Milan.
Great post spooky as always.
couldn't agree more with the jigsaw analogy. something that makes us all tear our hair out is when we buy a player for a position we seemingly already have a queue for.
CM has always been a swollen position (though it wud be nice to see Jenas finally shoved on)
I think we do need a marquee signing of sorts, but as you say i don't want us to spend 20mill on some 30 year old who once had a reputation.
having just said that tho, what a superb moment it would be if one our 'talented' youth finally burst out of their goddamn cages
Just watched newly minted MLS star Henry score against us in New York, after 20 minutes of Spurs being kept on the back foot by what has historically been one of the worst teams in the league. Who, by the way, are winless in their last four matches, including a cup match against a division 2 side.
How optimistic am I feeling at the moment? I know it's preseason, but jesus, this isn't good.
Reasons to be cheerful would be welcome.
I wouldn't put too much stock in that game ziegemonster. I was there. Some key players including the Croatians played but a lot of key WC players resting.
We did have a lot of younguns who shouldn't be allowed anywhere near the pitch. Hutten was rubbish, Naughton useless, Jenas crap. Cudicini had a few howlers. But I don't think we can expect to see too much of any of them this year.
Was fun to watch Thudd at center back.
Keane looked about right on the pitch which made me think that a team like Red Bulls would probably wind up mid-table in Scotland.
Supermug
Curious who you think those super yoof might be ...
Townsend? Mason?....... Obika?! (stop laughing at the back)