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So here we are on the
brink of pre-season friendlies and what a short break it appears to have
been. And what has happened in those brief few weeks ?? Not
a lot really.
We have shed some
dead skin and attract a fresh new face ... singular. Sheringham,
Freund and Thelwell have gone, while our young Portuguese import Helder
Postiga is the only new arrival so far. In the last editorial, I
hoped we would go for a younger option than Kevin Phillips and I am
pleased that we have purchased a talented goalscorer who was sought by
some of the top clubs across the continent. The fact that we have
not brought anyone else in yet could signal a number of things.
One could be that the
amount splashed on Postiga has almost wiped out the transfer budget and
that Hoddle might have to sell before he can buy again. I think
that there is a bit more money available and believe that there are
players in the squad that Hoddle does not have a long term use for, so
will use to barter with other clubs. Among these I reckon will be
Etherington, Perry and Thatcher. Matty has failed to live up to
his billing when we signed him and Charlton have always fancied him, so
a swap plus cash for Scott Parker might be an option.
Alternatively, he and Perry might be used as make-weights in any deal
for West Ham's Frederic Kanoute - a player I am not sure about
personally, but one who has been constantly linked to Spurs over the
summer months. I would like to see Tottenham go for Millwall's
Steven Reid, as he would give the team more drive in midfield and he has
a defensive sensibility that has been lacking for a while at the heart
of the Spurs team. I am sure that Thatcher might relish a return
to his roots and although he might have to take a cut in wages, the
prospect of playing regularly might tempt him.
Another might be that
some deals are tied up, but Spurs have put a stipulation on the date of
transfer. This could be for a number of reasons. Firstly,
that they don't want to pay big bucks while players do nothing in the
summer, but now they are back in pre-season training, you would have
hoped that things might have moved on the signing of players.
Another might be that they have been awaiting the announcement of the
new TV deal to work out the possible transfer funds they would have to
dispose of. Furthermore, there are stories circulating that the
club are going out to financial institutions to try and raise some money
- said to be in the region of 15 million - for player purchases.
Having done that for the Academy and ground improvements, they might see
it as a reasonable way to raise funds without putting the club into
hock.
Thirdly, is the wages
situation. I am sure that the club have significantly lightened
that aspect on the outgoing side of things and there should be money in
the coffers to attract players if money is the sticking point.
This is especially important with free transfer options. We read
that Patrick Kluivert was willing to come to the first club to offer him
£100,000 a week and in a world where money is too tight to mention,
Spurs allegedly put together a £70,000 a week over four years deal
together for the Dutchman.
I am a bit
disappointed that we have not been able to attract a defensive
midfielder to replace Freund, with Frank de Boer released by Barcelona
on a free being the best option, but I guess the lack of European
football is still hindering the club in making these sort of signings.
I would hope that at
least two or three more players will be drafted in by the end of the
transfer window - in addition to getting Qu Bo here permanently. As we are all aware, we need another striker, a
creative midfielder, a defensive midfielder and another defender, if
Hoddle off-loads Perry or Thatcher. I would also hope to see some
of our youngsters make the breakthrough this season and the sounds
coming out of the club indicate this might be more of the case.
Jonathan Blondel would be the prime one to get more first team action
and seeing as how he was bemoaning the fact that he wasn't getting a
chance at the end of last season, but has been quiet since, indicates
that what he has been told might be more encouraging for his prospects.
Wednesday sees us
start our pre-season programme with a match at Stevenage, while the
games increase in quality until we finish up with two tough European
opponents in PSV Eindhoven and Sporting Lisbon. For many years it
was seemingly against club policy to only play pre-season games away
from home, but the return of home friendlies is welcome, as it gives a
home crowd the chance to see new players and with the opposition the
club has attracted, means it is more interesting than seeing the same
games against Arsenal and West Ham United in testimonials that we have
seen in the past. Of course, the real reason behind it, is to
bring in another £1 million in gate receipts. I am realistic
enough to
accept this, but can't work out why it has taken the club so long to
work that out !!
I hope that you all
have had a good summer, although in England (weather-wise), it is only
just beginning !! Refreshed an optimistic, we face a new
season. With a month to go before the real action kicks off, let
us hope that it is a busy one for the club.
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
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