|
The first day of the
season is a day away and how do we all feel about the coming campaign
?? Personally, I feel that we have done well over the close season
in bringing in tried and tested players, even though we were all hoping
for that really big money signing that would show that we could attract
top stars. There are still areas of concern to the manager - like
left back and centre half, but us fans are worried about the amount of
creativity in the middle of the park.
Darren Anderton can
pass the ball, although his injuries have robbed him of the ability to
go past players these days. Teddy should be able to pick the lock
of defences with astute passes through to the fellow forwards, while Gus
Poyet will not only be scoring but setting up chances as well. The
prime source of supply for the strikers could well come from the flanks,
where Carr (when fit) and Ziege will hopefully be flinging in crosses
onto the heads of Les, Ivo and Rebrov. What I think would really
round off the side nicely would be an Ardiles type player who can play
simple through balls to put Spurs players in on goal. I would have
thought that with all the international connections we have on board,
that they could tip the club off about some promising stars of the
future, although it might be hard to bring them in because of work
permit problems and not participating in European competition.
Which brings me to
the main aim of the season ahead. With the club aiming to make
strides to re-establish itself as a top team, the need for European
football becomes more crucial than ever. With top players only
interested in joining clubs involved in Europe (and even then preferring
those in the Champions League) and the money those clubs earn from their
participation, it is a must for any team who want to be a
contender. Realistically, the Champions League is out of the
question this season, but the UEFA Cup should be the aim. It will
be more achievable should some of the top teams win a domestic Cup or
two, if Spurs don't that is !! I think that compared to a lot of
teams who the club share the second strata of the Premier League with,
we have done well in bulking out the squad with players who can add to
what we have already. What money has been spent has been spent
wisely on players who are needed in particular places within the squad
and on players who can bring experience to the side.
I think that the
appointment of Sheringham as captain shows what Hoddle has in
mind. Poyet could easily have taken the armband as he leads by
example (although from the pre-season matches, not always the most
disciplined !!). Those two players will provide some class going
forward, as will Ziege, who I can see benefiting from playing
regularly. The unknown quantity is Bunjevcevic, who has come in
from Yugoslavia without a lot of fuss. He has proved so far that
he can pass the ball very well and that he also is a very god reader of
the game. How that is put into practice in the furious pace of the
Premiership is something we will find out.
With our holidays
behind us and the matches in front, the expectancy will be great, but
this is really the first step in Hoddle's brave new Tottenham.
Give the man a chance and I am sure he will improve the team we have and
take Spurs forward. Get behind the side and keep the faith.
MY EYES HAVE SEEN THE GLORY OF THE CUPS AT WHITE HART LANE
MY EYES HAVE SEEN THE GLORY OF THE CUPS AT WHITE HART LANE
MY EYES HAVE SEEN THE GLORY OF THE CUPS AT WHITE HART LANE
AND THE SPURS GO MARCHING ON.
BRUCE
CASTLE |
