John Piercy (Utility)

The solidly built East Londoner has the ability to lead the line and to make chances for his team-mates, by going wide and taking people on.  Some work may be needed on his first touch and his pace, but he is strong, direct and knows where the goal is. 

Under George Graham, he dropped put of the first team picture, but was sticking to his task in the reserves and when Glenn Hoddle arrive, found himself getting games (mainly as a substitute) at the end of the 2000-2001 season.  He has been used in a number of positions in the second team, with a wing back position seemingly one he is more at home in now.  Is keen to sign a new contract, now that he is not being pushed out of the first team squad.

Still a little raw and unlikely to feature regularly in the first team , but a good promising squad player at the moment and one who could make the grade at Tottenham.

(Forward)

Postiga had been playing for Porto for two seasons already and had earned a reputation as a young talent who scored regularly and played with fire in his belly.  That was shown when he picked up a second yellow card in the UEFA Cup and missed the final through suspension - a big disappointment as he had scored some crucial goals on the way to the semi.

Helder broke into the national side and has helped them forge a formidable forward line as they approach the Euro 2004 tournament in their home country.

Scoring in his first friendly appearance against Stevenage went down well with the Spurs fans and he is mobile, skilful and fast - all attributes that have been missing from some of our forwards of recent years.  Given a starting number, he was lined up to begin up front with Robbie Keane.  However, his failure to get off the mark in the first couple of games, even though he was showing good touch and skill, meant that Hoddle opted for fit-again Frederic Kanoute with Zamora alongside him, using Helder as a sub.  His relegation to the bench continued when Hoddle had gone and Robbie Keane's return to fitness saw him paired with Kanoute.

Postiga will come good and get his chance when other forwards are unavailable and I am sure his quality will add to the Spurs team.

Sergei Rebrov

(Forward)

At £11 million, Rebrov is the record signing for Tottenham Hotspur.  He is the forward that the fans have all been hoping for and his arrival sparked hopes that this would be the corner turned for Spurs, as he seems to be someone who can turn chances into goals on a consistent basis.

A prolific scorer alongside Andrei Shevchenko (now of AC Milan), both at club and international level, he sought to free himself from the comparisons with his team-mate by trying his luck in England.  Although short, he has good ability in the air, he has a real turn of pace and knows where the goal is.  In interviews so far, he has expressed his desire to work hard for the side and to ensure that he is a success with Tottenham.  Music to the ears of management and fans alike.  Having played in the Champions League for Dynamo Kiev, he should have nothing to fear in the Premier League and the only problem at the moment, is where the service will come from.

After arriving in May 2000, he made a quiet start.  His first goals came at the double with two against Everton.  His first touch is sublime and he appears to be a top class player, but how the rest of the team get on with him is yet to be seen.  Being an amateur radio enthusiast, I hope they can get on the same wavelength as him !!

Despite carrying an injury (not something that is unusual in the Spurs squad), he has battled away and scored more goals as the season moved into it's last few months, including two in the FA Cup 6th round tie against West Ham United.  

The best of the little Ukrainian is still to come, but whether that will be at Tottenham remains to be seen.  He was side-lined through non-selection for the majority of the 2001-02 season and failed to make the bench for the first match of 2002-03.  Rumours of a sale had been circulating during the summer, but nothing concrete happened, with Hoddle proclaiming that Sergei had a part to play in the Spurs season ahead. 

He returned to Tottenham when his loan spell ended at Fenerbache, but David Pleat did not want to play him and he left on a free transfer for West Ham United, losing Spurs millions in the process.

(Midfield)

When Glenn Hoddle brought in Jamie Redknapp on a cheap transfer before his contract ran out at Anfield, it looked a solid enough deal.  However, it is turned out as many Spurs fans feared.  Every so often, Jamie has suffered an injury that has kept him out for long periods, thus interrupting the flow in the team's progress.

Jamie had gone a long way around to get back to White Hart Lane, where he started as a junior, but moved to Bournemouth, as he said he was homesick.  Within months of a move to Dean Court, he was off to Liverpool !!  There he established himself as a midfielder of vision and recognised as a pass master.  He became one of the "Spice Boy" gang there, who took in modelling and the finer things in life, as well as a career in football.  His marriage to pop singer Louise Nurding, also brought them to the attention of the showbiz pages of the tabloids.

However, he has concentrated on his career and made the England team, but injuries disrupted his own progress and he fell out of favour for club and country, when he suffered a serious knee injury.

Hoddle obviously admired the passing ability of Redknapp and on installing him in the team, pre-season 2002-03, Spurs looked to pass the ball on the floor ... something that had not been seen for some time.  Everything revolved around Jamie, much as it had around Hoddle in his heyday, but when he was missing the wheels fell off the side's game somewhat.  A broken toe injury ruled him out for a huge slice of the second half of the season.

Into 2003-04, and with Sheringham packed off to Portsmouth, Jamie started the season as captain.  Again things started OK, but a knee injury put paid to his presence in the team and during his absence, Hoddle was sacked.  

Without doubt a useful player when fit, Jamie's legs might not have been up to the rigours of the Premiership for too much longer, although he could play a deeper midfield role for Spurs.  When selected, he kept the ball moving along with good passes, but his ability to stay with the pace was an obvious drawback and saw him pick up a number of bookings, as he could not chase back.

In January 2005, Martin Jol allowed him to leave to join SCBC on a free transfer, where his father was manager, in a vain attempt to try and keep them in the top flight.

Dean Richards

(Central Defender)

Tottenham's second biggest signing has had a hard trail to reach White Hart Lane.

He signed as a professional with his local club Bradford City in July 1992 and played 102 times for the Bantams in his time at Valley Parade, scoring six goals.

Richards left Bradford City in May 1995 becoming Wolverhampton Wanderers' record signing in the process.  It was £1.85million that took him to Molineux after a two month spell on loan at the First Division club.  While in the old gold, Richards plays a total of 145 games for the club getting eight goals in those games.

The central defender was getting a fair bit of recognition and has played four times for England Under-21s.

After four years at Wolves, his contract was up and he wanted to try his luck at a higher level, so after 122 league appearances he joined Southampton on a free transfer.

While at the Dell, he linked up with Norwegian Claus Lundekvam in the centre of the Saints' defence, giving them good finishes in his two seasons there, compared to previous seasons.  Under Glenn Hoddle, he flourished and he started to enjoy his game more.

At Southampton, he played 68 times with a record of two goals in that time.

In August 2001, Spurs make a £4 million bid for Dean, but his club reject it. This lead to Tottenham being reported to the League for improper approaches to the player and the club withdrawing their interest as they were given no encouragement to come back with a better bid.  But that was just what Spurs did and in late September, amid rancour and childish behaviour from the Saints' chairman, the player was signed on a four year deal (with an optional two years at the end of it) for £8.1 million - half to be paid on signing and the other 50% in 12 months time.

Deano's strengths are his strength and his aerial ability.  In a recent game for his former club against Spurs he won everything in the air that Spurs put his way.  With some youngsters in the heart of the defence, it was hoped his experience will add to their youth to blend a solid mixture into a formidable unit.

Spurs needed someone to bring in in this position who could dominate in the air and as Hoddle had worked extensively with Richards on the South Coast, he went for what he knew and signed Dean instead of taking a risk on a  foreign signing.  Richards showed some good qualities, but sometimes failed to live up to the reputation Hod had given him.  Started the 2002-03 season well alongside Anthony Gardner and they made a good central defensive pairing, when they were able to play together without injury.  It is hoped that the experience Richards has can be passed down to Gardner and there were signs of that happening until Christmas 2002, when the team's fortunes took a downturn.

Into 2003-04, things looked shaky at the start, until David Pleat took over and they looked a more solid pairing once the switch to the 4-4-2 formation was implemented.  Richards was always be plagued with a chronic back problem picked up in a car crash during his Wolves days, but when he did play (especially against an old fashioned English centre forward), he shows he can dominate the game.

He played few games in 2004-05 because of an injury and an ear problem, which at one stage was thought to be a brain tumour.  However, despite playing a few reserve matches, he had to retire from the game, as he was told that any further aggravation of his ear problem could have affected him for life.

(Midfield)

The move in summer 2002, when he was released by Arsenal, hasn't been without incident, as Ricketts wants to reach where he wants to quickly and he thought he should have made it before he did.  His performances in the Reserve side showed lots of potential and effort, as well as his dedication in training.  Rohan thought he might have got a look in at the end of the 2002-03 season, as many fans thought younger players might have been given some experience, but he had to wait until the start of 2003-04 before he made his bow.

Starting in the first team for the opening day fixture at St. Andrews, Rohan played very well and impressed both manager and fans alike.  The fact that he has stayed in the side following Glenn Hoddle's departure shows how well he has done and his goal against Coventry City in the Carling Cup exemplified his all-action style, which displays a desire to get in and around the box.

A willing worker in midfield, Ricketts also looks smooth when running with the ball and he picks out a pass well.  Perhaps he tries to over-embellish things with a trick or two, but that shows his confidence and it has won over the supposedly fickle Spurs crowd.  

Didn't get much of a chance under Santini, but Martin Jol gave him a game or two, but Rohan failed to sparkle, so went on loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers under Glenn Hoddle, who brought him to Spurs.  Did well enough to persuade the club to sign him when Tottenham released him at the end of the 2004-05 season.

(Central Defender)

Yet another injury ravaged season for John Scales, who when he did play early on looked sound.  Caught out for the goal at Watford, he looked set to depart in the close season, but shortly after a free move to Ipswich Town in summer 2000, he had to retire because of injury.

(Forward)

Starting his career at Millwall, Sheringham soon got a reputation as an ace goalscorer.  This tempted Brian Clough to spend £ million on his move to Nottingham Forest.  However, Spurs managed to take him from the Midlands in 1992.  He was a star among the side during his five years at White Hart Lane and it was a major blow to the club when he decided to move on following the Alan Sugar fiasco, when the Chairman sold Sheringham for just £3.5 million because he would not sign a new contract.

Teddy showed at Manchester United what an effective player he could be.  He won most domestic things with the club and the Champions League, before taking the PFA Player of the Year and the Sports Writer's Player of the Year trophies in the 2000-2001 season.

On the back of this, it was quite a coup for Spurs to sign him on a free Bosman transfer to bring experience to the young Spurs squad.  While he may not play every game, he will link play well and provide goals too.

During the 2001-02 season, he did notch double figures in terms of goals and laid on more, but after his sending off against Ipswich at Christmas time, he failed to reproduce his best form on his return from suspension.  Did enough to get a World Cup trip and played mainly as sub for England, but this season, he might have to sit out more Tottenham games than he played last season, especially if new strikers are brought in.

Season 2002-03 might have been one too far for Sheringham at Spurs.  He did come out with a fair number of goals making him top scorer again, but his touch was not there every week and his lack of pace was starting to be shown up.  Still a useful contributor, the uncertainty about a contract extension seemed to be playing on his mind and the reliance on a UEFA Cup placing to gain a new contract made it unlikely that it would happen.

Finishing tenth meant no European football for Spurs and the decision was made to let Teddy go.  He was much sought after here and on the continent and was the target for many clubs who could use a man of his experience.

(Midfield)

Started his career with his local side, Watford before moving on to Norwich City after only 32 first team appearances. Established a reputation there when the side was in the top flight, but was tempted away by Kenny Dalglish to be part of the Blackburn revival, which ended with him lifting the Premiership trophy in 1995. Won his first England caps after his move to White Hart Lane and was unlucky not to win something in his first season when Spurs lost to Newcastle in the FA Cup semi. Sherwood  added another option in midfield for George Graham and his Premiership experience was a useful addition to the squad, especially with a UEFA Cup campaign due in 1999-2000.

A driving force in midfield, the 1999-2000 season's campaign for him ended early with abdominal surgery for an injury he had been carrying for a long time.  Fell out of contention for a place in England's Euro 2000 squad and has did not return to his best form in 2000-2001, as his passing has been less than his usual best and he appears to have slowed visibly.  Took the captain's armband, but this gave him a licence to point and it was only in the last two games that he displayed some leadership.

What season 2001-2002 holds is a mystery.  The purchase of Poyet could be seen as a straight replacement for him, but despite rumours of moves to Watford, Blackburn and  Southampton, he was still at Spurs and came in as the holding midfielder when Freund got his cruciate injury at Chelsea in the first leg of the Worthington Cup semi-final. Scored in the return game, but didn't shine in the final and for the remainder of the season seemed to be going backwards.

At the start of the 2002-03 season, his criticism of Hoddle and the board in a Sunday newspaper seemed to have signalled the end of his time at White Hart Lane, but buyers were concerned about his wage demands.

After criticising Glenn Hoddle in a newspaper article prior to season 2002-03, he was effectively shut out of first team action, along with injuries that prevented him playing for the reserves.  It was no surprise that he moved on to Portsmouth in the January 2003 transfer window, helping them gain promotion to the Premiership.

(Forward)

A regular in the Under-19 side of that season, Slabber had played only a handful of reserve games when he made the step-up to the first team, but he is a player who is well aware of his physical attributes and makes the most of them.  he can use his height in the box and he holds the ball up well, as he has had to play the lone striker role in the reserves.

At only 19, his first team debut came as a bit of a shock, but Jamie has time to develop and will need to be patient, with Postiga, Keane, Kanoute and Zamora now in front of him in the pecking order.

Never got another chance in the first team and went out on loan to Swindon Town in 2004-05, but failed to impress manager Andy King and was released on his return to Tottenham.  Found a home at Aldershot Town in the Conference towards the end of that season before moving on to Grays Athletic in 2005-06.

(Goalkeeper)

He came through the ranks at Wimbledon and it had been his only club.  His strengths are shot stopping and dealing with crosses, but he also bosses his penalty area to make sure he knows where players should be.  As the 2000-2001 pre-season programme begun, there was no indication from the management that he will be first choice, but it was soon obvious that the Scot would be the person who would win the battle for the gloves.

Having started 2001-2002 as first choice, he did very well in goal for Spurs, winning over the fans quickly and producing some memorable displays (e.g. Arsenal - Home and the FA Cup semi-final).  So much so, that Ian Walker was not content to wait around as number two choice and moved to Leicester City.  This means that Sullivan might have been the Spurs glove-man for a long time and a sound rock on which Glenn Hoddle has to build the defence on.  The 2001-02 season saw him have a patchy time looking less sure in goal.

However, during that season, in came Kasey Keller and at times he has been chosen in preference to Sullivan, which has caused rumours that he might want to move on.  Wolverhampton Wanderers and Glasgow Rangers were interested, but it was a surprise when he moved across London for free to money-bags Chelsea in August 2003.

Mauricio Taricco

(Defender/Midfield)

Not a convincing first season.  Taricco has shown that he is inventive going forward, but doubts do remain.  His defending, which is what he is there for, looks shaky at times, with his positional sense needing to be more focused and the tackle on Parlour for the penalty at Highbury was rash.  Also his forward movement is good, but he is not willing to cross with his left foot - a major drawback for a left-back. 

 With the departure of Edinburgh in Spring 2000,  a replacement was sought who might give him a challenge for his place.  This arrived in the shape of Ben Thatcher in the summer of 2000.  The former Wimbledon man was first choice for the left-back position, but Taricco has fought his way back and despite rumours of Ipswich wanting to take him back to Suffolk, he wants to stay.

Hit by injuries that ruled him out of most of the 2000-2001 season, Mauricio will be hoping that is all behind him and now he has been having a run in the right back slot during Carr's absence, he will hope that his decent form continues.  However, he was involved in some controversial moments in the first month of the season, including a horror tackle on Thomas Gravesen at Everton, which was reviewed by the FA on video evidence.  He finished the season with a five match ban  after getting sent off in consecutive League games against Manchester United and Chelsea.  

The 2002-03 season was a lot better disciplinary wise and Taricco managed to play the majority of games without setting the world alight.  He gave some solid performances, with an uncanny knack for winding up the opposition.  Despite all that went on off the ball, he managed to establish himself in the left wing-back role, especially after Ziege's injury at Christmas 2002.

2003-04 started well for Taz, keeping his place in the side and scoring with a fierce shot from 25 yards against Leeds United.  Things even went well for him off the pitch, with USA international Bobby Convey failing to gain a work permit from the Home Office, when he was pencilled in to take Taricco's place.  His season was interrupted by injury and suspension, including some incidents with Scott Parker and Damien Duff in match against Chelsea at White Hart Lane, that earned him a three game ban in 2004-05.

Mauricio did not fit into Jacques Santini n or Martin Jol's plans and so he was allowed to leave to join West Ham United on a free transfer.

(Defender)

He first came to the public's attention during Millwall's FA cup runs of the early 1990's and he was touted as a target for the top clubs.  He moved to Wimbledon for £1.8 million in 1996 and established a reputation for hard tackling and "no nonsense" defending.  He has earned England Under-21 caps and was rumoured to be a target for Sunderland and Liverpool, before Spurs brought him to White Hart Lane.  The 24 year old hopes that this move will put him in the frame for the problem left-back spot in the national side.

He has started his Tottenham career nervously, being responsible for a poor back-pass against Everton that gave the visitors the lead.  However, he is fighting with Taricco to get a place in the side and needs to get his game together to feature regularly in the Spurs team.

A long term injury has set his Spurs career back and the summer of 2001 saw him break down again before the start of the season, necessitating surgery.  Out of the side until October 2001, he ha hadn't the chance to impress Hoddle since he arrived as manager.  

However, his return form injury at the end of the 2001-02 season showed he could maintain a high level of performance and he was a valuable player in the run-in to the end of the season.  Started the next season on the bench, but never became a first team regular.

After playing 46 games, he was transferred to Leicester City in July 2003 for a nominal sum.