Hot Shot Spurts
Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 8:23PM The Academy Award goes to...
The suggestion is we dropped out of the race to sign Oscar days back, leaving Chelsea with an alleged bid (reported by the English press, not reported by the Brazilian press, denied by Internacional). £25M the valuation. Expect confusion as Joorabchian is involved. Sure, he's (Oscar) 'unknown' in terms of adaptability to the Prem and a far bigger risk than the more well known Joao Moutinho - the more likely candidate to slot into the position of the departing Luka Modric.
With regards to Internacional themselves, more confusion from the stands over our partnership/relationship that was struck a while back. My understanding is we get first dibs on their academy produced players (like Sandro). Although I remember this would entail youth players coming to Spurs and acclimatising to European football before moving on to the continent. Whether this means we sign them and sell them on (profiting both us and Inter) or they are loaned and return back to Brazil is anyone's guess. Bruno Uvini came to us on loan. But he plays for Sao Paulo and not Inter. So unless I'm mistaken, I've yet to see anything play out between the two clubs, aside from the perpetual linkage to Leandro Damiao.
As for Moutinho? Best supporting actor? I'll be happy to see him take the plaudits in a Lilywhite shirt.
Let battle commence
Around 1:30pm - 2pm, Wed, live on Sky Sports News via the new Tottehnam Training centre...Villas-Boas and his first press conference. How many times will the press mention Harry Redknapp by name? I reckon eleven times. Villas-Boas looks sexy, speaks great English (more articulate than our previously soundbite ridden gaffer) but is not half as animated and stand-up comedianesque so expect a subtle backlash in the post-coverage.
Between the sticks
Villas-Boas stating everyone has the chance to impress him, clean slate all round. Great news right? Wrong, well, wrong if you believe the current stories that we are in talks with Hugo Lloris, Lyon and French international sweeper keeper. Somewhere, in a dark corner at The Lodge, Gomes wipes a single solitary tear off his cheek. Would be a cracking signing this. He'd be our number one. Confident, commanding and although Gomes might scream out about shot stopping and reflexes, he cant compare or compete with Lloris cool maturity and decision making. The latter an important ingredient in the high-line tactical planning Villas-Boas is planning on introducing to Spurs. Also, having signed Vertonghen (formally captain of Ajax) we'll be getting another leader in Lloris. This bodes well. Fingers at the ready...and cross them...NOW. Source of this story? This is no watery spurt of Ketchup. It's via L'equipe and negotiations have apparently started. He's twenty-five years of age. He fits the new age bill. Brad to slot into the number two role, Gomes to move on completley.
Defoe to Reading?
That's the rumour. Although I wouldn't expect that to happen unless we've got signings on the way. You get the feeling he's still going to be third inline to the throne at Spurs. Adebayor + another top class signing + potentially a young understudy (or a promoted Harry Kane). Meaning that JD might be better off at a club where he is guaranteed to start every game, up top with a partner and not as the lone man in a three tier attack. As an impact striker, I'd have no complaints in keeping him. He'd have a few. All theortical of course.
Le Luka
Via Le Parisien, PSG are interested in Luka Modric, so much so they've offered 40M Euros. French ITK? The vast majority of people claiming to know something would tell you he's already on his way to the Bernabeu. Although that's not to say such an offer from the mega-rich French wouldn't give Levy a nice little a bargaining tool if no offer from elsewhere has yet to be accepted.
Training Day
Everyone get all giddy when seeing the photos of Villas-Boas and the lads back in training? I'm having to change panties daily. Dean Parrett (youth player) was equally excited, tweeting:
"New gaffers quality knows what he's doing and speaks to everyone.. Everybody has a chance to impress"
I'm sure the first team players feel the same. To have someone astute and mindful and prepared can only make you (the professional footballer) better as an individual and as part of a collective. Completley different, I'd hazard a guess, to Redknapp patrolling the byline and letting Bond and Jordan drill the first team. Am I understating Harry's accountability there? Sure, yes. Much like the tabloid hacks built up this great exodus that was upon us post-Villas Boas appointment.
Photos and video footage of training sessions on official THFC Facebook page.
Jan Vertonghen joins the team tomorrow.
This is the best team, you've ever played for
Another 'worst kept secret' it would seem as everyone is waiting for official word on us making Emmanuel Adebayor a permanent signing giving us two forwards and still requiring a box office third. Adebayor give us a dimension to our play that we've lacked for a while. Not just the tracking back and the decent work ethos but also the ease he settled into the Tottenham way of linking with his team mates as opposed to some of the lesser effective strikers we've had in the past (Darren Bent) that required the team to support them rather than the player support the team. Under Villas-Boas I expect him to be more successful in front of goal, ironic that one of our best performers under-performed at times where it mattered most. Although he had his fair share of disallowed efforts and our general lack of discipline and fluidity from the flanks and support in the penalty area made for a frustrating lack of cutting edge. With Bale and Lennon on the wings and someone of Adebayor's calibre up front, we should have got more for our possession last season. I'll wager we will this time round.
What does it mean?
Continuing on from Adebayor - if he has signed then we're talking about the player agreeing to become our highest paid player. Possibly 100k? More? If so, does this nod approvingly to the direction Levy wants to take us in terms of now paying for players when its imperative to do so in order to capture their signature or is this a clue towards the rumour of a cash injection? Allowing us to be more ambitious in the transfer market and with our wage structure?
The hype continues to build.
Cycling 5000 miles across the USA for Cancer Research UK
Max Ricky Mills, Tottenham fan, is currently cycling 5000 miles across the United States. Since starting his journey he has been astonished by the generosity and kindness of those he has met so in turn has decided to try and link his trip to fundraise for Cancer Research UK. You can take a look at some of the photographs he has taken on his blog: http://maxrickymills.tumblr.com/page/2 and click here if you wish to donate.
Reader Comments (43)
Nice work Spooks....
Any word on Townsend? I would love to see him stay with the team for the entire season this year and back up an oft-injured Lennon.
Windy is the man to ask.
He just mentioned to me that supposedly, we've interviewed Freund for assistant manager?
Great article! I haven't been this excited in a while. It was nice to see AVB in training with the lads actually carrying around notes instead of the (Run Around A Bit) philosophy. Has also been wonderful seeing quality signings coming (thanks to Mr Levy note in the mail) and the whole club feels like its moving into a whole new level...a professional one. Appreciate what Harry did but Spurs deserve a better face on the club literally and physically :). I'm backing AVB and hope we can push on this season. New gaffer, New players, New Kit, New Era!! COPS
Things are really shaping up nicely... I do hope we get Lloris he is a class act to join our other new class act jan Verthongan in what would be an amazing back five, they would join Kaboom Benny boy & Kyle, build from the back that's what they say don't they ?
These really are exciting times at the Lane... can't wait for the new season to start COYS !!
I want to bagpipe AVB
I just hope that Daniel Levy doesn't read this article, because it gives the wrong signal when it mentions the departing Luka Modric. Levy said that none of our best players would be leaving, and both Modric and VDV happen to be in that class. We sound like Gooners, accepting that Modric leaving is already a foregone conclusion.
Hopefully top additions to the squad will convience Modric to stay put !
Cookie, I'd like to think that it's us selling him because we want to not because he has any say in it. Contract wise, Levy could be a complete bastard to Modric...again. Although contractually speaking, he's not truly being a bastard. Just believe prime time to sell if the player's heart really isn't in it.
On the execrable TalkSport there was a bloke spouting off about Adebayor getting to be our highest paid player, and this being an indication that we have 'new money'. There was a deal of chortling about out £5M-ish price for Ade giving Citeh the chance to buy RVP ..... which does amuse me, and a suggestion that we are paying out more for our new signings and in order to keep Bale. This may of course be the usual load of Bollox, but it is at least clear that the departure of 'Arry has unbuttoned the trouser pocket in which Dan keeps his readies. I find it difficult to understand why 'Arry was kept on so long if he was so mistrusted when there was money to spend.
Tommy; Levy knows that AvB isn't going to bugger off to the England job hence he's being backed with readies. That was always on the cards from the start of last season, it just ended up being brought forwards by Capello leaving. Redknapp was more than adequatly backed in previous seasons.
Strong article Spooks, if Freund returns as coach, his going on the back of the shirt for sure
Spooky, I know what your saying and I take your point. I'm hoping that Modric comes out and says he wants to play for AVB. On the other hand, if he throws a huff I'd like to see him off to Spain. Danny Boy deserves credit for the way he has handled the Rosie sacking and the appointment of AVB as well as the exciting new era he is creating.
i couldnt be happier than the departure of rednapp and signing of avb.
addybyor- he loved his time at spurs and on a personal level got himself in a good place. great character round the squad and great for moral (completely the opposite to how hes been at previous clubs inc scum) im hoping avb can get the best out of him, he has potential to be good, but in all honesty all we have had out of ade so far is no upgrade from crouch!! his first touch is dreadful! . . avb, sort him out, could be great!
modric- good riddance, dont want the guy in a spurs shirt again, didnt even want him last season either! lets have some pride people, this guy doesnt fit in and im serious when i say someone a bit more sturdy who gets in the box more rather than passing sideways will be a better acquisition! i admit if you had 11 modrics on the pitch, the other team wouldn't get a touch of the ball, but the score would be 0-0. cash in now!!!!!
Oh Spooky babeeeeeeeeee! Have you changed gender? I had cum by `between the sticks` but you had to keep bobbing your head in those torturous excessive vinegar strokes - as only a female would. However, thank god you came up for that post blow kiss, to finally quosh my ecstacy. This talk of Adebayor becoming our biggest earner is where it all falls down for me.
How can this be justified with the talent in our dressing room? This looks as though it may cauuse major resentment and understandably so.
Lloris could be a key signing. Ideal for AVB`s preferred formation and as much as keeper/captains aren`t always ideal, playing the high line he would be in the perfect position to skipper the side.
997So fucking ecstatic about the new season.
I agree with you on that note about Levy being a "bastard" to Modders. Would be nice if he could open his eyes and see we've finally got wind in our sails (not sales) and we're finally serious - If sending 'arry on his way wasn't clear enough a sign of how serious we are. Ah well, so it goes. Fuckin chuffed though, roll on the friendlies!
Do we really want to get rid of Defoe? I hope not as he is always good for a goal or two when he plays, which wasn't enough last season. We will simply have to trust AVB's judgement and hope that everything works out OK. Must admit can't wait for the season to start. If he gets it right there is every reason to believe we should get a top 4 spot at least.
COYS ;-)
Like the majority of Tottenham fans on here.The new found optimism,is making me dizzy.And I certainly do not miss HH"s talkfest with the Journ'no,Most of whom,were gooner lovers and no Friends of Tottenham.As was very noticable ,on HH's departure.The Club seems to be heading in the right direction,just hope Levy has more patience with AVB,them some of the other mangers over recent years.Jol a nice guy,but taticly inept.Harry,well,he loved the old guys,When we really needed an injection of youth.Just hope its not all a dream and I wake up,having wet the bloody bed.Still it's better then being a misguided hateful type gooner.They really do,looking at other sites,hate just about every body.Mind you to fair,Im still waiting to meet one,with half a brain.
This is great, but somethings nagging away at me. New, exciting, continental coach, new signings every week, seemingly no end to our transfer budget...Sound familiar? I've not been this excited since the summer of 2008...
Surely that can't happen again?
I think we should sell Luka since he has no interest in playing for our club and buy someone whose heart is in THFC. But I am from Singapore so may not know enough to have my comment taken seriously. Coys.
Dear Spooky,
I'm daring to dream............is this a good thing?
btw I SO do Love The Shirt!
Playing the 'high line', caught on the break. The premiership teams around us will cop on to the high line defence very quickly. Just hope the opposition scout can sus out the opposing teams, on their home and away tactics and how they deal with different teams. Sounds much more different and refreshing than Harry's 'just fucking run around a bit', but lets be cautious. Remember Ramos !!
@cookiebun - properly executed high line football should suit us IF we enjoy as much possession as we did last season. The key is for that line to drop off a little when the opposition have the ball unlike T***y & co who just stood there rooted to the spot like a bunch of plums watching through balls going over round and through them.
Worthwhile read - sabotage times - Ajax fan writing on Vert. Seems we finally got us a new Mabs or Roberts. The link that`s been missing for so long, we`ve rediscovered our own `God Particle`.
Steffen Freund! <3
/\ great news!
And AVB, with a sideways one at the chavs - `there`s much more emotional warmth in this club`. Poetry, the man`s clearly a born yid.
I didn`t become a Spurs fan to get all this good news. One more positive and I`m off to support Glasgow Newco!
COYAVBS
Freunds reunited.
So Modric will be sold to the highest bidder. Knockback.
Nice stuff Spooky, your blog is superb reading as always, respect to all the other posters also, I'm really enjoying this general consensus among us, long may it continue. I envisage that it's all a precursor to the return of the glory glory days, can't wait. We are on the up and up fellas, and as the late godfather of soul James Brown used to say...."I Feel Good!!!" COYS.
@moe- AVB's comment regarding emotional warmth at the club, absolutely spot on I'd say.
I'd be interested to know if the spending on wages is something that is scheduled to increase as part of the stadium plan...sort of a push on the team side to try and secure regular CL to go with the nice shiny new ticket gates?
I'm with Neil. I'm as excited as I was when Ramos came in, so I'm just shutting it, smoking heroin and waiting forthe season to start.
I have unwelcome guests. Doom and gloom arrived in the dead of night some weeks back, and have been here scratching their nuts since. Doom reckons that giving Adebayor 170k a week, would be tantamount to fcuking a primed mouse trap! Surely, if our ceiling is now that high, we should be looking a little higher up the food chain. Oscar to Chelsea for 20 million? Why? Why not TOTTENHAM for 21 million, we made 5million on Nicko fgs!
Doom also pointed ominously at sound bites coming out of Bulls Lane yesterday:
"Last season the margin was there for Spurs to win the title. It was the first time they made it so public as well"
"But if we want to go for it, it’s something we have to assume from the start, not something you can say one week and then quit on the week after"
Totally agree, but surly, if you are going for it hook line and sinker, you're going to need a hook, a line and a sinker (Oscar, and various other type players)
“We are trying to put together a squad that makes us compete for the title"
Trying? What happened to 'we are' Give me the fcuking phone I'll buy him myself!
“Although the chairman didn’t ask me this about our objectives, it is something I would like to propose".
Really? So what did he ask? Who, apart from Oscar do you fancy then, and don't say Tevez!!
Vertongon said in an interview three days ago ' I know Harry Redknapp really wanted me to play for TOTTENHAM, but so does villas-Boas' Doom's ears pricked when he heard this recording. Fcuking hell, there was I thinking that Vertongon was on AVBs wish list, a wish list which was being subsiquently ticked off. No such luck. I was kind of hoping to go to bed at a sensible hour on Aug 31st, but I now fear another constipated affair. So we are back to training and off to the States within the next couple of weeks, with Defoe, and dross santos.... Happy days.
Gloom says hi....
Seen enough of AVB already to tell that this is some seious shit we have going down here.
Yesterday I swear he referred to `us` and `we` more than Redkrapp did during his entire tenure.
He looks far more relaxed and assured than he did at chavski.
His talk about winning the title is bang on - leave the players in no doubt as to their collective aspirations and individual responsibilities.
His talk of Modric - superb positive psychology that should spell out to Luka, the players and the fans that there is no doubt who the boss man is. This is so refreshing, my toes are finally beginning to straighten out after four years of curling them every time I saw a Range Rover with an open window.
Toes ya say, count yourself lucky, I gnawed those fcukers off long ago. In fact I write these words with the tip of a cocktail stick, stuck in my fOrhEaD.
moe - agree entirely!
@wisky Tom - good to see you`ve perked up a bit. Regarding your previous post, congrats on your new career as spots editor for the daily mail. I think AVB was saying that we are aiming to build a squad capable of winning the title whilst realising that we cannot compete with chavs and city in the transfer market. That`s fairly realistic, if those two go spending 100s of millions then we can`t say with hand on heart that we ARE going to win the league.
I`m reassured that he stated that ambition though, haven`t heard that kind of talk from wenger or fergie.
Why not Oscar? Chavs can afford to take a punt on an unknown, whereas we can`t and moutinho would be a safer bet with european experience and let`s face it none too shabby a player in his own right.
If all else fails at least steffan freund can take up a player/coach role (!)
People . This is the best site for followers of The Mighty Spurs . I have faith in AVB to produce a team capable of beating the Mancs , Scum , and Chavs . We must have a coach with the tactical nous to change our system , when required . I give you 2-0 up to the Scum but getting murdered . That result was the beginning of the end for Arry , he was shown up as a one trick pony .
If bale or Lennon were injured we were toothless , this will not happen under AVB . I have a warm feeling about this set up , a few more players in and out , and we can surely win the league .Why not? COYS
We got the boy from Amsterdam u know u know
We might score goals from corners now YIDO YIDO
And if a GOONA tries to pass he'll put the w***er on his arse
JAN VERTONGHEN Tottenhams number five
Da da da da da da da da. Dada dada Da da da da da da da da. Dada dada JAN VERTONGHEN Tottenhams number five
We got the boy from Amsterdam u know u know
We might score goals from corners now YIDO YIDO
And if a GOONA tries to pass he'll put the w***er on his arse
JAN VERTONGHEN Tottenhams number five
Da da da da da da da da. Dada dada Da da da da da da da da. Dada dada JAN VERTONGHEN Tottenhams number five
Still think we need another experienced Centre Half to build the defence around.
To the tune of LMFAO's "Sexy and I Know It":
Started at Porto, working with Jose Mourinho
I pimped out the team, won the treble when I was thirty-three, yeah
This is how I roll, slick football with neat passing control
Chelsea told me I had three years, but then Lamps and Terry got the fear
(Ahhh) Got scared I might change things
(Ahhh) Told Roman I hate them
(Ahhh) Although that might be true
I just wanted to win (Ahhh)
(Ahhh) Was full of ambition
(Ahhh) Abramovic listened
(Ahhh) No tactics could help them
I just wanted to win (Ahhh)
When I crouch on the line, this is what I see
All the papers start taking pictures of me
I got football in my blood and I ain't afraid to show it, show it, show it. show it...
I'm Andre Villas-Boas (x2)
Yo, so when the axe fell, it was the end of my Chelsea hell
So I'm at Spurs now, and I've got the backing of the crowd
Better younger team, with some passing skills supreme
We're all ready to go, with football that can flow
With Jan, the Sig, and maybe Damiao
(Ahhh) Blue scum never worked right
(Ahhh) I'm better off Lilywhite
(Ahhh) King makes Terry look shite
Even with one knee (Ahhh)
(Ahhh) I'll bring Spurs the title
(Ahhh) I won't be all spiteful
(Ahhh) When we beat them 5-0
I'll just smile and say
When you made me jobless, this is what occured
Now your team is trailing behind us in third
I got Tottenham in my heart and I ain't afraid to show it, show it, show it. show it...
I'm Andre Villas-Boas (x2)
Ayyy I'm Andre Villas-Boas
Check it out, check it out ...
1-0, 2-0, 3-0, 4-0, 5-0, yeah (x4)
(Ahhh) Modric might want to go
(Ahhh) We'll just get Moutinho
(Ahhh) Then sign Adebayor
On contract finally (Ahhh)
(Ahhh) Freund as my number two
(Ahhh) Shout "To dare is to do"
(Ahhh) Your arrogance cost you
I'll just smile and say:
I'M ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS
@ L+L productions- Very good chant that, you should start singing it the pubs on match days, I'm sure it'll soon catch on! COYS!!!
We got they boy from Amsterdam u know u know.
He loves a spliffy and a brass yido yido
And wen he smokes he starts to laugh grabs the brass and shags her arse
Jan Vertonghen Tottenhams number 5