Return from exile
Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 9:58PM
I've been going to the Lane for years. Recently? Not so much.
I started around 86/87. The few years before the late 80s I wasn't living in England and in the early 80s I was a mere kid (although I remember one game at home to Ipswich, witnessing John Wark scoring at both ends, via the penalty spot. Hardly the stuff of dreams).
I've always found a way to get to Spurs. Tickets on the day through the turnstiles (remember?), membership, generous friends who couldn't go and shared the wealth. It meant if I wanted too I'd be there. And I always wanted to be there.
I was mostly East Stand lower. Towards the Park Lane end, which once upon a time was populated with away support, so it was nice and moody down in the corner. Talking terrace days. I slowly gravitated to the Park Lane post-all seater stadia. Then around 2004 I got a season ticket in the Park Lane Lower. Timing was as perfect as a Sheringham quick-step in the box. In the season that followed, tickets were about to become impossible to get hold off thanks to everyone wanting one. The waiting list was birthed.
It's a ticket (card these days) I'll never give up no matter what (hopefully when we move, the club will consider moving blocks of fans where they currently 'sit' to the new stand in the new stadium keeping everyone together). Would be a fine way to retain the Park Lane faithful. Just a thought.
I went to as many away games as my loyalty points would allow. Although was not keen on travelling on the official coach service the club provided. It was like a collection of odd balls and depressive fans pulled together from various message boards. 'Lifers' I called them. Most of them were seasoned travellers, people who will spend the rest of their days doing so. Still an odd bunch. The 1940's woman a stand-out, she looked like someone had plucked her out of her time and transported her to a confusing future.
"This isn't a time-machine, it's a coach and its only going up North...which technically can be deemed as travelling back in time"
...I whispered to her once. I was standing several feet away so she never heard my banter.
I kept with it before deciding a car or train was a safer bet and would usually travel with the same group making it a far more lively affair.
My life was Tottenham. Everything else revolved around it. Women and social life included.
Then real life drama kicked in. One or two things began to happen. Although it did not interfere with the football, it actually acted as a means of escape, anchoring me to routine - one that could not possibly let me down - win draw or lose. Because the Lane, it was always there. No matter what I was going through, football was always there. When I got over the 'one or two things' I then quite unexpectedly found myself in a relationship. Schoolboy error. Out of the frying pan into the fire.
I only jest.
"Sorry I'm late meeting you. Was watching us against Bolton"
"What's Bolton?"
First date slick vocal moves from me. Bless her, why did I expect her to have a clue about what I was talking about? We lost. But the date went well.
The missus is as good as gold. Except she still doesn't get the football lark, which is okay. I hardly have time for handbags and Choos. But she understands I will never change. It's in my blood. Its actually the one thing that has consumed my life more than anything else. Probably on par with music.
I was still able to get to games whilst our relationship blossomed. That's until my self-inflicted exile. The ultimate sacrifice. The one you're never meant to suffer from because you know it will be all-consuming more so than football or music. The one where the football Gods frown at you for being so naive, then laugh as you walk away leaving behind that treasured season ticket.
She got pregnant. Damn you bareback.
Then I went from a screaming yob in the stands to a considered slave and dogsbody as I was ever-present during nine gruelling difficult months. Yes, its a pain for the woman, but I still firmly believe:
Kicked in the balls > Labour
So whilst I was missing out on Tottenham's gradual evolution with some of you spending it having a beer and a cheeky song, I would enjoy most evenings at her beck and call. Ordering pillows, finding cures for nausea, mixing Marmite with ice cream...you know, rock'n'roll past-times a bloke has to do in the build up to the waters breaking.
I never missed a game thanks to television and internet streaming. But it's not quite the some thing. Emotionally, it is. There's no denying you can be up a hill in Nepal listening to the wireless and still get all mental about the Lilywhites. Spurs has a habit of doing that to you. But I've always found tv and radio and the internet more of a struggle with the nerves than when experiencing the game live. The buzz you get from the ones around you, it's special. At least it can be special. Especially if what gets played out on the field is. Even in defeat, in abject defeat, there is a sense of cleansing as you watch the debacle and make your way home. Alone or with friends.
If you're at the game, you can gauge a genuine feel for things - even if it's subjective. It can be as bad as any blog or message board, with the knee-jerking. Or as funny as one with the biting off the cuff humour. Everybody seems to see something different from you. At half time, you get a beer. Spend twenty minutes queing for the bog. Then you do it again for forty-five minutes and still disagree with the loudmouth three rows behind you who is slagging off a player who isn't even on the pitch.
There are plenty of Spurs fans the world over with little chance of getting to the Lane. There are plenty in London/UK with much the same problem (our waiting list illustrates that point perfectly). I was now one of them. Alone.
With the podcast I work on we've got a huge bulk of American listeners, many have never travelled to the UK. Fans across Europe, Africa and Asia. Australia, Japan and South America. Even Napal. Essex too (me). We're a pretty fragmented fanbase as it is but as fans we are all staunch in spirit. The yanks are particularity fanatical and impressive (early morning breakfast and pub meet-ups to watch Spurs games live). It's fantastic. You simply have to make the most of what you've got.
Alone or with friends, we all share one thing in common. Them lot in the shorts and the cockerel on the shirt. They'll end up playing no matter where you happen to watch the game from. Or you can do is sing or bite your nails. At the ground, in the living room, in the pub or in another time zone.
If you live abroad or simply can't get to games you're pretty much stuck with technology (if the pub is not an option or if we're not on tv). Although it beats the days of just having the back pages of the tabloids, teletext and Capital Gold. Ha, teletext and those Club Call numbers, back in the days when you had to pay for ITK. Now we've got the BBC, Sky, Twitter, forums, blogs, streams. So perhaps I'm not truly alone when I can instantly read the reactions of hundred + Spurs fans who also share the same predicament. Although you still can't get away from the knee-jerks, although it's slightly easier to stick two fingers up at the monitor than turn around at shout down the bloke three rows behind you (who happens to be three times your size and has a tattooed face).
Having seen my baby daughter born (she's two years of age in May) and have endured the hellish first three months and then witnessed her personality grow and more or less cause havoc once she began to walk...I'd hardly swap it all for football. If you haven't and you do you'll agree. It's a stunning, staggering experience. Ironic that ten years ago I said I'd never stop going to games even when I've got kids. I guess pragmatically its just not possible. It is for others (the bloke who has the seat almost directly in front of me has two kids and still gets there). You're either lucky or you're not.
It's not just the home games, away games are missed too. Even the trip up to Blackburn Rovers sitting next to Burnley supporters in the away end. Singing songs to Billy No Mates at Wigan. Out with the binoculars at Newcastle. Then there's Fulham away. Everyone loves Fulham away. Still, as good as any away trip can be, it's not half as good as White Hart Lane when White Hart Lane is rocking.
I was/I am absolutely fine with missing all the games I've missed (knowing my season ticket was in good hands - one set of hands, not being shared either...so please don't slap me on the wrist THFC ticket office please). As far as I was concerned, as long as we win, I could also be sat in Nepal if it meant we kept getting better. That's what I've kept telling myself.
So here I am. Everton at home is when I get to see my treasured seat again.
I'm back home for the golden game in hand. Back in my block where I hope to spend most of the ninety minutes standing and hugging those around me. It's tribal. You feed off each others joy and misery. You experience a mood, vibe...whatever you wish to tag the atmosphere with that you can't quite grasp when switching internet streams or listening to Alan Smith or Ray Wilkins delighting us with words of wonder.
Infinitely better than spending it with dirty nappies and wet wipes. It's a complicated strategy, attempting to organise your Saturday or Sunday around whatever kick-off time Spurs are privileged with and making it look like you haven't even considered there's a football game on.
Hopefully this wont be a cameo appearance. Equally so, I'm hoping it wont be a 0-0 either. Working to get an extended license on my day pass. I don't intend to disappear into exile for such a long stretch again.
On Wednesday I'll be making the journey from the forest I live in, connecting trains until I'm on the Victoria Line and then making the customary walk up the High Road (because I've always hated buses) and prefer to avoid the Liverpool St to White Hart Lane route. Pre-match drink (almost all The Fighing Cocks will be present). A possible pre-match kebab from that Turkish place a brisk skip from the Paxton that does the naan-sized pita bread wrap-up. Then a sing-song. A roar. Game kicks off. Another sing-song and plenty of joyous moments to applaud and drown in one and others ecstasy.
I'm looking forward to seeing a few faces I've not seen for while.
That's hopefully how things will play out.
It's a big game points wise. We've been banging on about this game in hand all season like it's a magical key that might open a door to treasures. In this case, the treasure is of a psychological nature. Potentially, equal pegging on points for 2nd spot. I'm thankful I changed my mind from WBA at home to this. Wolves follows. Then it's the title showdown at Eastlands. Yes, I really did say the 'T' word just then. Might as well play along with it. We need all the points leading up to that game against City. Feb will be a test of mental strength and belief.
So all things considered, I'm grateful to be under the floodlights again. For now, it will have to do.
Who am I kidding. I can't live without it. I need this fix every other week. I need N17. I need the hustle and bustle of match-days. The pre-match bottle or pint. The lack of a constant 3G connection inside the stadium. Raw, live football...without the agenda of television coverage. I need that rush that comes with thousands singing the same words over and over again. That belief the ref is having a stinker based on your view from behind the goal and that every decision is going against us. The stewards asking you to sit down, to which you do for a moment, standing again when a player runs towards goal. The celebrations, the night sky over the Lane, the long journey home. I want it all back.
Anyone know if Angelina Jolie is looking to adopt again? Madonna in need for a new buba? The daughter is only olive skin, but she's still very cute. Will accept money to cover season ticket costs for the next forty years.
Actually scrap that. I can't. It's not a viable option, is it?
I also just remembered the first time my daughter happened to projectile vomit on me. Beautiful moment. She was looking at the tv at the time, then an Arsenal player appeared on screen, being interviewed. That's when it got messy.
I'll hold onto her. She has potential. If I work it properly, if I continue to sing 'Oh when the Spurs go marching in' at bedtime, she'll be my ticket to get to all home games in the future. That's got to be a better life than handbags and Choos. I'll be doing her a favour.
Onwards. COYS.
Love the shirt.
Reader Comments (51)
"Kicked in the balls > Labour"
Oh my. Political talk on footy blogs? Mind you would the conservatives want to move into Haringey?
As for the little 'uns - first time I saw my son in his baby spurs kit, I was very proud. Love the shirt indeed.
Have you killed Glory Glory?
Ha, no. Server went dead. Might take a day or so to reappear.
Been confident all season since the new signings arrived and predicting wins every game.
But Everton are a side that if you give them a sniff they will come and kick you in the baws.So tomorrow we badly need to get that early goal. Do that and we are sorted.
Friedel
Walker Bull Daws BAE
Lennon Parker Modric Bale
Ade Defoe
Or VDV with Ade, anyway, a narrow victory is my bet for tomorrow, which would be sweeeeeeeet !!
They never use to beat us at the Lane, then our form against them turned to shit. No doubt Everton will sit deep like everyone does these days.
Great stuff Spooks. Just bought an International membership to start building up points....got a five year plan to make it to the Lane. When the place is rocking on the tv I can almost see myself there. Until then its 8 am starts on the couch with my daughter as she continually asks "Which one are the bad guys?" Feel like you guys are so lucky to have it so close to you.
BAE is gonna score tomorrow btw. I can feel it in my bones.
Really enjoyed that. I think it's the best piece of yours that i've read. You wrote some great stuff about what it's like being in the ground. Lower East has a great atmosphere and at the big games, you get to stand almost all the time, which is great. Everton at home is massive points wise and it should be kicking at the Lane tomorrow. Maybe the City game is a "Title Play Off", but we are just a little bit afraid to believe it?
Based on our first team with Ledley playing every match, I believe we really are the best team in the division. But, we don't have the depth of squad that City do, I could be wrong, but only have to wait for next week to find out. Massive couple of games, not the be all and end all, but massive all the same.
Is Parker fit for Wednesday? Really hope Daws is ready.
Where exactly is the place that does "naan-sized pita bread wrap-up". It sounds the business.
COME ON YOU SPURS!
Quality!
You do realise if your triumphant return coincides with a failure to collect all 3 points, you're going on the list with Judas,Chris Hoy and Hossam Ghaly right?
Really enjoyable post.
As a graduation present I flew across the pond and saw United v. Spurs at OT in Oct 2005. It was a shit game, Jenas scored with a great free kick, but the Spurs fans massed below me were awesome for the entire 90 minutes. For some reason they really liked telling Alan Smith that his mum was a "slag"... whatever the fuck that is. It was fantastic.
Please excuse the trip down memory lane
I'm one of those Yanks who gets up for 7:30am breakfasts with my cup of coffee in hand. Had a chance to visit a friend in Oxford last April for some backpacking, but we made a point to go to London to see the Stoke match at home. 3-2, two by Crouch and one-third of Modric's league goals that year. We scalped tickets, which is mildly illegal here but apparently very illegal over there, and joined the crowd in lower South. Incredible experience.
There are a number of Americans who grew up disliking soccer but are drawn to it later because of the history and raw passion of the fans. It's great to see.
Thanks Spooky, excellent read.
I am another Yank but I don't get up at 7:30a to watch the games. One five year old and a brand new 2 month baby, make sleep better then sex (for now). I use my DVR to record the game as soon as I am able I sit with my son and scream at the t.v. until the game ends and often after.
This is the first time I visit your blog and this post really transported me to The Lane even if just for a second. At first I was angry, jealous about the fact that I have never been to London. By the end of the post I was content. I have attended many great matches here in the US and in Mexico (my parents said they took me to the world cup of 86) I was only 4 but I am sure they did. The feeling of live matches can not compare to T.V. coverage.
On a side note. I can not stand US commentary its so boring! Maybe its because Spanish is my first language and I was used to GOOOOOOL over the TV or super fast commentary about the game. I listen to spanish commentary if possible.
I really appreciate the time you took to write the post and I thank for giving me a new experience in regards to my beloved Hot Spurs, not so beloved at times (stoke city anyone?) but its a love that hurts and I am ok with that.
Tomorrows game is too important, it will be difficult specially because we are missing key players at the back. Dawson might be back but he has been absent for so long I doubt he will be at his top form. Walker will run the side and might leave too much work for a player getting form back. In the middle we will be missing Parker. Not an easy game but it is at home. We should win it if we can avoid mistakes.
Fantastic article.
Tonight's game is very important indeed.
I hope Parker will play.
He is the barometer and the key player of Spurs.
If we play concentrated we'll win.
I hope we'll get a dominant and commanding CB in January as well Lacina Traore or a similar type of striker.
"It's a complicated strategy, attempting to organise your Saturday or Sunday around whatever kick-off time Spurs are privileged with and making it look like you haven't even considered there's a football game on."
This is so much the story of every weekend of mine!
Great read!
I can relate, got a little one the same age, so find it really hard to get to the lane, miss it even more after reading this. Hopefully back soon!
You do realise if your triumphant return coincides with a failure to collect all 3 points, you're going on the list with Judas,Chris Hoy and Hossam Ghaly right?
Jan 11, 2012 at 3:46 AM | Epic
I'm bricking it mate. If its 0-0 or a loss, I might actually cry.
Great post. Bang On. Can feel a lot of what you're saying (other than the whole baby thing - that's a little way off!)
I've had my ticket for 6 years but this season (and the end of last) it's been harder and harder to get to games with my work, the travel involved (40-odd quid journey by train or car) mainly and being, generally, pretty skint. Almost didn't renew in May, couldn't not do it!!!
Had to give up my seat for tonight (again) at the last minute due to work but will be there on Saturday. Trawling the internet/twitter for a live stream is a pain in the arse but it's what the majority have to do most games and it's made me more appreciative of both the fact I've got a seat when I can make it but also the commitment that it takes supporting Spurs from afar. It makes me laugh even more now when people try to validate their opinions with the old "well I go to every game" line as if they're somehow more dedicated or important.
Enjoy the evening tonight. I'm envying you already.
Oh, and I also have to walk down the High Road - can't be doing with buses or the train to WHL. It's my pre-match routine. 15-20 minutes of "alone time" before the beers or the banter or the singing. Time to think. Time to prepare.
3 points tonight, don't care how. COYS
"It's a complicated strategy, attempting to organise your Saturday or Sunday around whatever kick-off time Spurs are privileged with and making it look like you haven't even considered there's a football game on." This quote sums up my life, I spend 75% of my time trying to get out of premade plans to ensure I get my fix of spurs.
Great Post, Love the shirt, Love the blog
Great read, being an ex-english, currently Israeli fan. I rememmber looking forward like crazy to the Tottenham games I'd go to as a kid when we flew to london.I haven't been for quite some time now and i miss it like crazy.When I was in the army I rememmber my commander talking and me refreshing sky commentary like mad every second.Or standing guard outside in the snow watching a game on my tiny mobile screen with a fellow soldier me supporting spurs and my friend manu because there was no reception in the bunker.DAMN I miss the lane.COYS
"hopefully when we move, the club will consider moving blocks of fans where they currently 'sit' to the new stand in the new stadium keeping everyone together). Would be a fine way to retain the Park Lane faithful. Just a thought."
If the club has any sense, this should be a given.
Wonderful post, Spooky, absolutely wonderful ........
and a great reminder to those who CAN be there that the rest of us are no less dedicated for not. I also lost it with the birth of my daughter, got her into going for a few years in the 80s, lost it in the break-up of my marriage and have long been on the waiting list. In the meantime I watch every game I can in a local pub that shows all the Spurs games (usually on Albanian TV .....). There are loads of us there, and it's just like being back on the shelf in the 60s, except you have a pint in your hand. You can hear the singing all the way to the Lane (about 3 miles) and everyone agrees that this is the best side of them all. Bearing in mind that I saw the 50s side once, at 6 yo, and the Double side as a 17 yo, that says buckets about how we're going. COYS!!
Yes expect Everton to sit deep. A bit like the baggies but Moyes does have some good players and they can be up for the big games so there will be some adventure from them too at times.
Neville kept Bale under wraps before so interesting to see that tussle if it happens tonight. Can't play Rafa on the right as Everton will keep shape and Rafa will not so we will be wide open on that side. So it is JD vs VDV for who partners Ade.
Parker would be a huge miss especially when we have both Sandro and Hudd are unavailable so fingers crossed for Scotty. Before Kaboom and Dawson would have been a worry but I am not as concerned about the defence tonight.
1-0 to the Spurs (Defoe)
Regarding the window I hope Harry and Levy crack on getting a couple of players in. If we don't spend and then fall away due to injuries it would be a terrible waste of an opportunity that does not come around often.
Cheers Spooky, I've not been able to go to the Lane for a while now (for the same reasons you mentioned), I thought I was over it, my memories becoming less intense as time ticked by, but you've brought it all back...everything I've missed and have been missing, and as the glory days look like they are finally back in front of us. I'm going to miss it all a whole lot more.
All I can say is, roll on the new stadium...the kids will be bigger and the waiting list smaller! COYS!!
'Actually scrap that. I can't. It's not a viable option, is it?'
Now where have I heard that expression before?
Boring...................
Just kidding...great stuff
COYFS!
BRING BACK GLORY-GLORY.CO.UK
Great post again Spooky. Being a Spurs fan from Ireland I don’t get over that often it’s working out about once a season at the moment. The last few occasions ive seen Danny Rose stick one in on the volley (I think you might remember that one), Modric scoring the winner against Chelsea all brilliant memories. Reading the post I found myself nodding away to your points, listening to the radio and cheering like a mentalist even though your miles away from the ground and pretending not to know when we’re playing over the weekend etc. Im over this weekend for the Wolves game and im sure the atmosphere will be electric once again. Ive watched us at Anfield and there’s no comparison to the lane. Ive also been at Old Trafford and H***bury/Emirates (under duress by the way) these grounds just stink of corporate money and stifled supporters that’s why im glad of the 36k capacity and the excellent support we have. Granted we need to move in order to compete but while the lane is our home ill be happy to cheer us on even though its only once a season. COYS!!!
The walk from Seven Sisters down the High Rd is also synonymous with me when I get to go. I can't stand getting on the bus either and taking a very brisk walk down the High Rd, past the burned down Aldi, the packed pubs & the cafes is a great way to soak up the atmosphere.
There is always a story to tell.
When I went to Spurs vs Wigan (the 9-1) I was legging it down the High Rd to try and make kick off. It was a freezing Sunday November day & I saw an old dude with a leather coat on and nothing else. Walking down the High Rd with a beer in his hand and the rest hanging out. Legend.
Helped another old dude in a wheelchair to the bookies for Sunderland at home a few weeks ago. Nice old chap but he smelt like a bin.
great article and great posts.
excited about tonight now, we've been banging on about this 'game in hand' all season. it's time to stop talking and start walking.
west-upper for over 12 years now... so ok we dont sing as much, and maybe we never stand up to show that we hate arsenal, but look over in our direction when we score and then tell me we aren't as passionate!
coys!
Colbot - you're obviously a lucky talisman. Someone get that man a season ticket!
Fear a draw tonight if Parker doesn't start. I wonder what lacking a proper midfield enforcer is going to mean.
I can honestly say I can't remember a better time to be a Spurs fan (league wise) so am enjoying the ride. Shouldn't forget we're two bad results from being back in the scrap though....
Beautiful spooky, absolutely beautiful. I'm one of those God-forbidden, living-in-the-foreign, Tot-ten-hamm fans and you captured the emotion almost perfectly.
I'll be in my usual place at my usual sports BAR giving it LARGE tonight.... nice one!!
PS. This is THE one. Win this and IT'S serious.
PPS. Persevere with the nipper. My two kids spawned two apiece. We are now seven (plus my three brothers spawned between them another four - of which only one fell into the swamp, and she's a girl! Added together that's thirteen. Plus my three sisters had children....).
Long story short.. Irish immigrants hit London in the fifties with four kids. Three more are born in London. All seven kids grow up, get married, have children of their own. Those children have children. Ergo. Today, we could field two teams proudly wearing the "lillywhite"... COYSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
PPPS. You can tell I'm getting nervous... don't think I've written more in all the years following your adventures spooky.
If we are going to win the title then we beat teams like Everton at home. They should be worried not us. Looking forward to this one and a positive result. Hoping Parker makes it for the overall leadership he delivers and work ethic he shows to set the bar for the others.
This post made me ridiculously excited for when I can finally afford to get to the Lane. It's been 8 years since my last visit, would you believe it! Can't wait for a full-time job and just to be put on the waiting list.
As usual, another great read Spooky. For all those wishing for more fond memories of WHL, visit ohwhenthespurs.co.uk
God damn! BAE! BAE! BAE! Me bones were right. COYS
Big sky spur - he only has ever scored 2 for spurs and you predicted one of them. You are a legend. Livermore looks good tonight also.
"BAE is gonna score tomorrow btw. I can feel it in my bones.
Jan 11, 2012 at 12:40 AM | big sky spur"
Hope you put a bet on that!!!!!!
You beat me to it, Big Sky!. Came on special to congratulate you on you prescience.
All together now: Benoit, Benoit, Benoit! What a cracker! and what a great I'm so cool I can celebrate like loon reaction.
And Daws has slotted right back in.
It's too, too good.
"It's too, too good."
Jan 11, 2012 at 9:18 PM | ziegemonster
Stop it ziegemonster... after that performance, have faith. I know, habits of a lifetime, but this time... it's ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TonyBlue,
I didn't mean "too good to be true", more "too many good things to absorb all at once." I kind of agree with you. I thought that if we were going to crack, it would be under the pressure of this game in hand moment. Didn't happen, did it? We got the points and lots of lovely cherries on top!
Still, what with it being Spurs and all, I feel a gut level need to be wary of hubris here, lest the football gods strike us down. Doesn't make today's performances and results any less joyous.
BAE is a god. That is all there is to say.
Don't u wish your left back was BAE, dontcha?
Going to the lane is a once a year trip for me (costs to come over are ridiculous) and the whole trip always makes me feel like a little kid at christmas before opening the presents. Even taking an absurd amount of different public transports , seeing the gathering of other spurs fans on the tube and train makes me feel well like i belong amongst them. wish i was there yesterday though , that game had everything ...
I'm loving this. I'm loving that Jesus has ensured we get to have our revenge on that collosal wanker Henry on February 26th.
I took my children (5&7) to the Lane on Saturday for Cheltenham. It was the first time I'd been for a couple of years due to financial meltdown. Although unable to attend regularly, perhaps once a season for the last 10 years, I have worked on WHL and commuted through it on my bicycle since 2004 and have regularly spent evening kick offs in the bricklayers and wandering around soaking up the atmosphere. Sad isn't it? I love it though.
My Farv took me regularly from 78-82 and I went to all the cup finals at Wembley so I do consider myself one of the faithful. Thank God for illegal streams though.
I have to confess that due to sex, drugs, rocknroll and piss poor teams with ex Arsenal managers, I did lose interest in the 90's.
I have also noted that we have grown stronger every season since the red sponsorship logo's were removed from the kit. It was like Superman with a chain of kryptonite round his neck.
Someone said yesterday that Henry is not going to be available to face us.
The Goon squad is looking to extend the loan by 2 weeks to ensure Henry is available to play against us and also in their CL 1st leg.
Can only see him playing as an impact sub, which means he's probably going to score goals for them against weaker opposition. Which is a shame. Doubt they could risk him playing 90 minutes, mainly due to insurance reasons and the fact he's hardly Prem 'quality' in terms of match fitness.
special mention to Livermore who had his best game for us last night.
According to the stats that were being reporting, Livermore attempted 77 passes and completed 99% of them...... not bad going!
can i ask a question... when are we allowed to start talking about a t*tle challenge?
because everyone else is apart from us! if this isn't one then what the hell is?!!
we're all thinking it but no one dares to mention it!
are we all too scared to fail? whatever happened to the fail aiming high rather than succeed aiming low glory stuff!
f*ck it, im saying it.... TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR PREMIERSHIP CHAMPIONS 2011/2012!!!
http://www.3news.co.nz/VIDEO-Assou-Ekotto-goal-a-scorcher-2-0-Tottenham-Hotspur-Vs-Everton-Premier-League-2012/tabid/317/articleID/238966/Default.aspx
Hardly the celebration of someone who only does his job for the money (@0:57).
Not surprised by the Livermore stats. Apart from one slightly dodgy clearance, one bad pass, that put us under pressure was the only other time he put a foot wrong. Problem is, better teams might have punished us. Livermor's crossfield pass to Benny was sublime.
Great to see Benny score and come back into full form after his well-needed week off. Spot on to LemonadePockets - good call.
We're too frightened to mention the T word, but we are the form team. Outrageous stuff!
COYS!