(Midfield)

A stylish midfielder, who might have been cut from a template of Hoddle himself, Acimovic has a range of passing and can get forward to finish too.  He has tricks in his locker to lose his marker, but has found the Premier League a physical environment which is difficult to come to terms with.  In the Reserves, he has shown how he can glide over the grass with the ball and pick out a colleague with accurate passing to open up a game.  However, there has been little opportunity to show what he is capable of in the first XI.

When he has played, he has inevitably been introduced from the bench and played a bit part role.  His most notable contribution was a shot against Fulham, which hit the bar from about a yard out and go over the top.  The ball did bobble as he hit it, but in front of a live TV audience, he has had this to live down.

A long-standing shoulder injury had produced a difficulty in reaching full fitness, but even when 100%, he was still not included in Hoddle's team. When Hoddle was sacked, it looked as though he was not in David Pleat's plans and may be only called upon if injury hits the midfield.

This proved to be the case when he was allowed to go to Lille (France) on loan in January 2004 and the move was made permanent on a free transfer in April 2004

(Midfield)

His ability to go past opponents may have been diminished by the injuries he has suffered, but his regular presence in a Spurs shirt will be a bonus for all supporters and for Darren himself. He deserves some good fortune after all he has been through. His desire to play in the middle of midfield may be satisfied by Glenn's intentions and if needed he could provide the supply from the right side. His recent  contributions to the team are erratic and while he works hard, the quality of ball to the front men is what is really required of him. Having signed a new contract to keep him at the club for the rest of his career should help him settle down and play for Spurs now.

At the end of the 1999-2000 season, signing a one year extension to his contract at Tottenham wasn't exactly the level of commitment that fans were looking for, but then he didn't get the salary he wanted either. I still think his best role is out wide (even though he has lost the ability to go past players) rather than in the middle of midfield.

Season 2000-2001 started very well for him.  Pulling out of the England Euro 2000 squad to give himself a rest paid dividends, as he was doing well for Spurs and then got an England recall against France.  Then he was struck down by another injury, which effectively ruled him out for most of the season.  He played most of the 2001-2002 season and was one of the more consistent players, although he failed to make it to the World Cup.  He does lack the ability to go past players as he used to, but can still deliver a good pass/cross.  

At the start of 2002-03, he was being touted to link up with Terry Venables again at Leeds United, with Robbie Keane making the opposite journey to White Hart Lane.  However, Keane arrived and Anderton stayed, even through January, when he was linked to a move to his former club Portsmouth.  Injury hampered his season, but when he did play, he was reasonably effective.

Season 2003-04 started without him, but when he returned to the side, he was energetic and produced some good assists, especially when caretaker boss Pleat introduced the 4-4-2 system.

1972 Born in Southampton on March 3.
1988 Signs trainee forms with Portsmouth.
1990 Turns professional with Pompey. Makes senior debut as substitute at home to Cardiff on October 9 in the League Cup.
1992 Scores in 1-1 draw against Liverpool in FA Cup semi-final.
Moves to Tottenham for £1.75m. Scores winning goal on England Under-21 debut in Spain.
1994 Makes England senior debut against Denmark in a 1-0 win in March.
1995 Signs new four-year deal with Spurs.
1996 Plays a part in England's route to the Euro '96 semi-final before Hernia operation in September.
1997 Misses over two months of new season after sustaining hamstring injury.
1998 Named in Glenn Hoddle's squad for World Cup finals.
1999 Wins Worthington Cup as Spurs beat Leicester at Wembley.
2000 Signs one-year extension to his contract.
2001  July - agrees four-year deal at Spurs. November  - recalled to England squad for Swedish friendly.

On the positive side, he has said that he wants to win things and soon. When fully returned to fitness, he has pace to worry any defence and "Armo" will be vying with Steffen Iversen, Les Rebrov and Teddy up front. Found a vein of scoring form in 1998/99 and needs to produce this time or the rumours of his departure and other clubs interest in his services could become reality.

The 2000-2001 season, much like 1999-2000, has seen Armstrong again injured.  He did come good in the latter part of spring 2000, edging towards Iversen as top scorer.  Unfairly, he has taken the brunt of the criticism from the fans for a poor run of results after Christmas 1999, but his long-term future was hindered by injuries that saw him barely play for two years and he was released at the end of the 2001-02 season.

Chris was a player who never really showed Spurs fans what he was capable of through persistent injuries.  The abiding memory of many fans will be his unhappiness at scoring goals, when he was getting so much stick form the supporters.

(Goalkeeper)

A lack of opportunity this season has left Espen sounding out a move (initially on loan, but now looking likely to be a permanent move away from the Lane) to get first team action.  Some interested parties have mooted a move, but the Premiership rules forbid a loan to another club in that League, so a loan would have been to a Nationwide club.  He has plugged away in the reserves, but the summer saw the talented Norwegian move on to Watford.  As a big wage earner at Vicarage Road, he was a prime target to be moved off the payroll and he took up a short term deal with Everton, playing at White Hart Lane against Spurs (just a couple of weeks after he was in the crowd watching us play Arsenal).

Disillusioned with the game after being let go by the Toffees, he quit the game and went travelling around the world, with thoughts of going into university to gain financial qualifications for a future in the money world.

(Midfield)

However, he seemed to have settled down and at the start of 2003-04 was happily involved in pre-season games, where he was able to show his skill on the ball and his quick feet that move the ball past an opponent before they know it.  A tigerish tackler, he needs to be more aware of timing in the tackle, but he will surely be better utilised this season by the manager, in an area where Spurs are a bit light.

When David Pleat took over following Glenn Hoddle's removal from the manager's office, he introduced Jonathan for his first start in the League Cup tie at Coventry and he might feature further, as Pleat's reign continues.

(Right Back)

Some have suggested that he lacks pace, but as he becomes more experienced, he will cope with faster opponents. In 1998-99, he was one of the most consistent players and really developed into a quality defender. He should be a fixture in the side for some years to come and save Tottenham a small fortune in the process, if he stays.  Comments made in the summer of 2001 following Sol Campbell's departure, have cast doubt on his long term future at Spurs.

Another stunning season from Mr. Consistency in 1999-2000 was capped by his goal against Manchester United, which will live long in the memory and he combines the attacking wing-back play with solid defending.  He is establishing himself in the Republic of Ireland side and will be a valuable team player for them.

Having made a cracking start to 2000-2001, including scoring in the first match, Stephen  signed an extension to his contract until 2004.  He picked up a hamstring injury around Christmas which ruled him out until February, during which time Spurs desperately missed his marauding runs on the right wing.  When he returned, he showed exactly what Spurs had been missing and strengthened the right side noticeably.

With the ability Carr has, he would be an asset to any team, but Tottenham have to prove to him that they are the team who can realise his ambitions to retain his services.

Missing the whole of the 2001-02 season with a ligament injury in his knee, he returned fit again at the start of 2002-03, only to tear a hamstring after 44 minutes of the first match at Everton.  He came back into the side and looked unhappy, as he established himself in the side again, although he was unable to show his true form in the team's poor end to the season.

At the start of 2003-04, Stephen played more like his old self, linking well with Rohan Rickets in front of him and on the dismissal of Glenn Hoddle as manager, he was handed the captain's armband by caretaker manager David Pleat.

Seemingly unwilling to sign a new contract, the new management reluctantly allowed him to join Newcastle United for £2 million.

Born: 29 August 1976, Dublin.
Height: 5ft 9in.
Weight: 12st 2lb.
Position: Defender (right-back).
Club career: Tottenham Hotspur, September 1993-present (22.02.04)
                      Appearances:  League 214 (4 goals)
                      FA Cup 16 (1 goal)
                      League Cup 23
                      Other 4
International career: Republic of Ireland -  30 caps
                                   Republic of Ireland Under-21  -  6 caps, one goal.
Named in the PFA's Premiership team of the season 2002-03.
The downside: A knee (cruciate ligament) injury kept him out of much of the 2001-02 season and stopped him taking part in World Cup 2002.

(Midfield)

From initially looking too light-weight in midfield, Clem has filled out and has turned in some reliable performances for Tottenham.  He has also filled in at left-back and while not a natural there, he did a job, proving he can adapt within the team.  Has progressed well, but it was thought that the summer 2000 signings might push him back down the pecking order.  However, he has been on the bench regularly in 2000-2001 and adds a left footed presence to the midfield, which can prove very effective (Everton - home).

Having finally got another goal to add to his first in the League against Derby County in 1999, the one at Sunderland in April 2001, was well taken.  He needs to add regular scoring to his repertoire as league points often rest on important goals from midfield.  Seems to be settled at the club for a while after initial rumours at the turn of 2000 about a move away form the Lane.

Became a useful squad player under Graham and carried that on when Hoddle took over, but an early injury in 2001-02 kept him out for the bulk of the season and then an Achilles problem stopped him being involved at the start of 2002-03.  He made a couple of subs appearances in that season, before being allowed to leave to join Birmingham City.

(Midfield)

Unusually, Spurs have hit the loan trail and this perhaps shows the current state of the game.  Luckily for Spurs, they have been able to pick up a payer of Dalmat's quality without having to shell out big money on him.

Joining in September 2003, Stephane's arrangement was until the end of the 2003-04 season and he was brought in to add a little creativity to the midfield.  On the ball, he is strong and although left footed, prefers to play on the right side of midfield.  A silky dribbler, he has an edge to his game that sees him tackle back if required, although he has to get used to the English game itself and the physical demands that brings.

The Frenchman has a great passing range, knocking the ball effortlessly fifty yards to the feet of a team-mate and he likes to get forward to join in with the attack.  He could make the move permanently at the end of the season, but the main reason he came to Tottenham was because of Glenn Hoddle.  

When he had gone, Pleat used Dalmat and made comments about his head being right, but the temper flared in training and he was sent back to Inter earlier than he was due to go and the war of words about his attitude and how Tottenham treated him lingered long after his brief time at the club.

(Midfield)

Won plaudits for the Posh, got named in the Division Three team of the 1998-1999 season by his fellow professionals and also won Peterborough's "Player of the Year" award to add to his trophies.  Simon is a creative midfielder with an eye for goal, although his return of six goals from 75 appearances for the Third Division side may not reflect his true contribution.  A debutant at 17, he played three seasons for Peterborough and has broken into the Spurs first team already.  His distribution is excellent as he rarely wastes the ball and his work rate is second to none.  His slight build should not mislead about his ability to get tackles in and track back.

He started his career at Norwich City and followed youth coach Kit Carson to Peterborough.  Having two years on his colleague Etherington, Davies may be the first to make the breakthrough and he will be aiming to emulate his uncle, Ian Walsh (Crystal Palace and Wales), in making the grade in the top division.  He played for Wales Under 18 (7 caps) and Under 21 (6 caps), and now looks ready to make the step up to regular international competition in the full national side.

Came on at Anfield for his first appearance and nearly set up a goal. A hard working, ball winning and ball playing midfielder, who will be a favourite at White Hart Lane for a long time to come.  However, a broken hand playing for Wales Under-21's at the end of the 1999-2000 season saw him miss a fair chunk of pre-season training and he has been on the bench a couple of times, but has yet to break into the team.  With a dearth of midfielders at the club, the 2000-2001 season saw him make the breakthrough to first team football.

An unnecessary substitution when he had come on as a sub. against Birmingham City in the Worthington Cup defeat hit his confidence, but two goals against Stockport County in the FA Cup and a run in the side to the end of the season has seen Simon flower in the hothouse atmosphere of the Premiership.  

Following GG's dismissal, Simon has flowered under Glenn Hoddle's tuition.  Despite being left out of the Worthington Cup final against Blackburn Rovers (a move which might have cost Spurs the game), Davies has been a shining light in the Tottenham midfield and  his energy has added a new dimension to the side.

Started 2002-03 well with his first goal for Wales in Croatia - a run from the halfway line beating four players - and being instrumental in the early stages for Tottenham that saw them top the table after beating SCBC at home.  The season proved one of frustration with an undeserved sending off against Arsenal at Highbury and some poor displays by the team after Christmas that resulted in a 10th pace finish.  Rumours of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea surfaced, but the Welsh midfielder committed his future to Tottenham.  Meanwhile, he was instrumental in his country's surge towards the Euro 2004 finals with a good run in the qualifiers and Simon's midfield displays (and one at right back) won him deserved recognition as a fine footballer.

Simon suffered a hip problem at the start of the 2003-04 season and he admitted that he was going through a sticky time at Spurs, enjoying playing for Wales more.  This cast some doubt over his position at the club once more, but he seems to be willing to work his way back into the side and I am sure the dip in form will only be temporary.

A player who had a bright future, Simon signed an extension to his contract in 2002 to tie him to Spurs for another five years until 2007.  However, after a long standing shin injury was overcome, he then suffered a viral illness that deprived him of energy early in season 2004-05.  It took three months to get back to match fitness and was almost back to his former level of performance at the end of the season.

Rumours had circulated that Everton had come close to signing him in the January 2005 transfer window, but in May 2005, he moved to Goodison for £3.5 million (plus £500,000 on appearances) saying that his best years were ahead of him.

(Forward/Defender)

Within a week of completing his move to White Hart Lane, he was making his full Republic of Ireland debut, coming on as a substitute in the friendly match against Greece at Lansdowne Road.  He is still pretty raw at the moment, but David Pleat has obviously seen a lot of the player and believes that he can do a job for Spurs.  He is still young and will be a member of the new breed brought in by the Director of Football as the next wave of players who have broken through into the first team.  Having had some experience at Luton, Doherty had become a regular in the squad or on the bench, especially being awarded the squad number 12 - first sub.  Came on as a substitute against Manchester United on 6.5.2000 for his first appearance, having got permission from the opponents and the Premier League to play after deadline day (because there were no major issues to be influenced by the game).

Has moved into the squad in 2000-2001 and although he was offered the chance to go on loan, decided to work hard at getting it right in the reserves.  Did that and was brought into the side in attack, but settled in defence.  Shows a good awareness of where other players are (both his own and opponents) and is able to bring the ball out of defence with not a small amount of skill.  Doubles as a forward and this option can be used when chasing a game, with him chipping in useful goals through the latter part 0f 2000-2001.  He played a major part in helping Spurs' FA Cup cause in that season with a forward display that helped turn the game against Charlton Athletic and also added goals against Leyton Orient, West Ham United and Arsenal.

His 2001-02 season was blighted by the broken ankle he sustained in a League Cup tie against Torquay United, thus writing off most of that campaign.  Returned at the end of that season briefly and then started the next term on the bench, but has been played up front with Teddy, as well as coming on in defence. 

Doc suffered a mystery virus infection at the start of the 2003-04 season, which almost kept him out of the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2004 qualifiers, but he overcame this and rumours of a pre-season transfer to Cardiff City, to keep his place at Tottenham, albeit in the reserves defence.  It may be that Hoddle was willing to let him go, but with Pleat in temporary charge, the man who signed him was unlikely to let him leave.

However, under the new management set-up, before the August 2004 transfer window was closed, he had gone to Norwich City for £1 million.

(Winger)

Few chances to impress this season and like Fox, has been shut out of contention for a place in either the first or second elevens.  Another likely to go soon, but Tottenham are not allowing him to leave or playing him, thus leaving him in limbo, although he is just coming back from 5 weeks after an Achilles operation.

(Left Back)

Eventually left to join Portsmouth for first team football and struggled there with injury, before retiring.  Returned to WHL in the summer of 2002 as coach to the Academy Under-9s side, but in June 2003 he was appointed as manager of Billericay Town.

(Left Midfield/Winger)

A debut at 15 years and 261 days for Peterborough in the last game of the 1996-97 season (making him the seventh youngest League debutant) at Brentford and he had to ask his headmaster for permission to play as he was revising for his 6 GCSE's at the time. He subsequently played 58 games scoring six league goals. Has represented England at Under 16 (7 caps), 18 and 20 levels and looks to have the potential to go all the way for his country.  He was the youngest player to included in the PFA Division Three Team of the Season in 1998-99. Now 18, he can settle into the higher level of football and await his chance on the bigger stage.

Made his Spurs debut up at Anfield as a substitute and his direct wing-play, going at defenders, has livened up the Spurs fans.  He has tremendous pace and skill, which will be a potent weapon when he gets to play in the side regularly, which I do not doubt he will do.  A real talent, which will be introduced gradually into the Tottenham side.

Picked up an injury in a pre-season game, so  spent the first month of 2000-2001 on the sidelines, but now on the bench and in Anderton's absence might have got his chance. But he did not feature regularly under Graham and Glenn has given him a couple of run-outs.  Shows excellent skill and pace in the reserves, but needs to improve on his goal-scoring (especially when one-on-one with the keeper) and the accuracy of his crosses.  

Season 2001-02 didn't pan out as Matthew expected.  His spell on loan at Bradford City toughened him up and when he returned, he looked a better player for it.  Scored his first first team goal against Bolton and put in some good performances, but wasn't a regular; something that nagged away at him and made him put in a  transfer request.  It was refused by the club and he started 2002-03 in the side, but still hinted his future might be away from the Lane.

That became a reality when he managed some games during 2002-03, but failed to impress, being muscled out of the action too easily and in the final league game at home to Blackburn Rovers, getting embroiled with the crowd in an argument.  His part as a £1 million makeweight in the deal that brought Frederic Kanoute was somehow deliciously ironic in the circumstances.

(Forward)

Starting the 2000-2001 season fit (as usual), Les started to show some of his old attributes, heading in against Ipswich after coming on a sub.  However, while he appeared to be in better shape that previous years for Spurs, he suffered many injuries, including head clashes (a speciality), but did manage his first hat-trick for Spurs against Leicester City, he became only the second player (with Kevin Campbell) to score hat-tricks for three different Premier League sides (QPR, Newcastle and Spurs).  Ending the 2000-2001 season as Tottenham's top scorer (not a hard feat), he signed a new contract to (supposedly) see out his playing days at White Hart Lane.

As usual, a mixture f injuries hit him during 2001-02, leading to his 12 goals being his best return in the club's colours, but he missed a third of the season through absences of one form or another.  Went into 2002-03 with a broken wrist healing, but scored on the opening day to stake his claim for a place in the side, despite the club actively looking for new forwards.

Looking like he would be useful as a back-up striker, in January 2003, he was allowed to leave for a nominal fee to join relegation-haunted West Ham United.  Unfortunately, he could not keep them in the Premiership and went on to be made available at the end of the season, joining Leicester City on a one year contract.