White Hot Lines

Saturday   31.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham lost 1-2 to Fulham at Loftus Road today.  Robbie Keane scored from the penalty spot for Spurs.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction, click here.
  David Pleat said that the club were 'flurrying' behind the scenes in the last few hours of the transfer window to bring someone in, but there was no guarantee that deals would be able to be completed before the window closes.

  OTHER NEWS ... Leicester City keeper Ian Walker was involved in a brawl with a fan who came onto the pitch in their 0-5 defeat against Aston Villa today ...

Friday   30.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Newcastle United look likely to make a bid for Stephen Carr after receiving £4 million for selling Norberto Solano and Carl Cort.  Tottenham have denied that any offer has been received, but the Daily Mirror reckons Levy might sell to avoid losing him for free in 18 months time.
  Former Spurs midfielder Steffen Freund has joined Leicester City until the end of the season.
  TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS : -  Darren Anderton misses the trip to Loftus Road with tendonitis and Mauricio Taricco's foot injury rule shim out too.  Christian Ziege might be added to the squad for the match. 
  FULHAM TEAM NEWS : - Sylvain Legwinski could recover from his gashed shin to play in the derby match and new signing Brian McBride will probably start on the bench.  
   Frederic Kanoute scored in Mali's 3-1 win over Burkina Faso to take them through to the quarter finals of the African Nations Cup.
   Former Spurs reserve striker John Sutton has joined Millwall from Raith Rovers for £60,000.

  OTHER NEWS ... Chelsea pay £10 million to Charlton Athletic for Scott Parker ... Luis Boa Morte accuses Duncan Ferguson of racially abusing him in last Sunday's FA Cup Fourth round match at Goodison ... England will play a mini-tournament at the City of Manchester stadium against Japan and Iceland in the summer before Euro 2004 ...

Thursday   29.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham have offered £2.5 million to Leeds United for Paul Robinson and would allow him to stay at Elland Road until the end of the season according to the Daily Mirror.
  Stephen Carr is a £2 million target for Newcastle United.  The Magpies boss Bobby Robson is a long time admirer of the Spurs full back and would like to complete the transfer before the end of the January window, although Tottenham have told him that the Irishman is not for sale. Some reports reckon that the fee is nearer £4 million. 
  There are also stories circulating that Tottenham want Newcastle United's Portuguese midfielder Hugo Viana for £4 million.  Which would dovetail nicely with Carr going in the other direction, I suppose.
  Santos midfielder Diego has said he longs to play his football in the Premiership.  Tottenham were strongly linked with a move for the 18 year old, but the move broke down, although he says that he was very impressed with the professional nature of the club in talks and while he is not sure if White Hart Lane is where he will end up, but he is not far off getting his Italian passport to allow him to join an English club without needing a work permit.
  Spurs are reported to be ready to sign Brescia striker Andrea Caracciolo before the window closes.  The Italian club want to hang on to their 22 year old striker until the summer at least, so Tottenham might have to wait for the player.
  Roberto Mancini has said he will be at Lazio next season as their manager, thus ruling him out of the running for the Tottenham job.
  Premier League chairmen have voted in principle for a deduction on nine points should any Premiership team go into administration, but the move is to be confirmed at a later date.

  OTHER NEWS ... Ruud van Nistelrooy has signed a new contract at Old Trafford to keep him there until ... Leeds United players have offered to defer 25% of their wages in an attempt to stave off administration at the club ... 

Wednesday   28.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs might lose Frederic Kanoute to international calls for Mali with two qualifying fixtures for the Olympic Games scheduled in March and, if the country get through to the finals, Kanoute will be away with his new country when Spurs have pre-season training.  He will also miss the start of the 2004-05 season, as the Olympics in Greece start on 11 August, which is three days before the Premiership programme gets under way.
  The winners of the Spurs - Manchester City Fourth Round FA Cup replay next week will face Manchester United on Saturday 14th February with a 12.30 p.m. kick off, as the game has been chosen for coverage by Sky TV.  
  Jonathan Blondel is set to join Club Bruges after being unable to settle in England following his transfer to Tottenham in 2002.  Tottenham have announced that they have agreed terms with the Belgian club for the 19 year old midfielder, who is having talks about his personal terms.  He is expected to sing a three and a half year contract if he passes a medical.
  The club site also confirms that Milenko Acimovic will be joining Lille on a loan move until the end of the season.
  Johnnie Jackson has said he is not sure he will get a new contract in the summer.  Although he has returned form loan at Coventry City and is in the first team, he is still uncertain whether he will be kept on, but will try and persuade the management through his performances between now and then that he is worth keeping on.  
  OJ Mabizela played for South Africa against Benin in the African Nations Cup win.
  Tottenham's Reserve game against Fulham due to be played on Wednesday 4th February has been brought forward 24 hours to Tuesday 3rd February at Woking FC, with a 7.00 p.m. kick off.  This helps Spurs avoid the FA Cup Fourth Round replay against Manchester City.
  The Premier League members have voted on a two-year two week winter break experiment starting in 2004-05.
  Rumoured Spurs goalkeeping target Paul Smith of Brentford has joined SCBC for £500,000.

  OTHER NEWS ... Alex Ferguson signs a new one year rolling contract at Old Trafford ... Man U have paid £1.5 million to Leeds for the final payment on Rio Ferdinand, which gets the cash needy Yorkshire side the money they need to keep them afloat, while the Red Devils save a potential £1.75 million, which is what they might have had to shell out for the defender had the conditions in his contract kicked in ...

Tuesday   27.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Alan Pardew is upset that David Pleat has made his interest in Bobby Zamora public knowledge.  The West Ham United manager said that he had asked about Zamora, much in the way he had asked about Gary Doherty and other Spurs players not regularly featuring in the first team.  

  OTHER NEWS ... Bolton lost 0-2 at Aston Villa, who had Gavin McCann sent off, but go through to the Carling Cup Final 5-4 on aggregate ... Arsenal sign Jose Reyes from Sevilla for what could amount to a £20 million transfer fee ... 

Monday   26.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham or Manchester City have been drawn away to Manchester United in the FA Cup Fifth Round.
  The FA Cup Fourth Round replay with Manchester City will be covered live by Sky TV, but the match will still kick off at 7.45 p.m. on Wednesday 4th February.
  Bill Nicholson celebrated his 85th birthday today.  Congratulations "Sir Bill" !!
  Frederic Kanoute scored twice for Mali against Kenya in the African Nations Cup today.  
  David Pleat has denied that Tottenham have made a cash plus Bobby Zamora bid for West Ham United's Jermain Defoe.  West Ham claim Tottenham have made an approach, but Pleat said the Irons has shown some interest in the former Brighton striker, but there was no encouragement from Spurs.  Manager Alan Pardew has said on TeamTalk's site that there had been no approach from Tottenham.  Seems there are some wires crossed somewhere.
  Pleat explained how Darren Anderton had been suffering with Tendonitis before yesterday's match, that Mauricio Taricco left the field not because of the head injury he suffered, but because his foot injury caused him too much pain and that Michael Brown played most of the second half of the game with a dead leg.
  TeamTalk also reckon Spurs and Birmingham City are entering the race to sign Danny Mills from Leeds United for £1.5 million.  Middlesbrough are believed to be in pole position, but the new clubs coming in might interest Mills more.  Boro say their talks are ongoing about a permanent transfer to the Riverside Stadium.
  League Managers Association boss John Barnwell has praised Daniel Levy for the way he is going about hiring a new manager.  He said that it is key for the new boss to be able to get his message over tot he players and to speak English is a big advantage, while he thought Tottenham's approach in not rushing headlong into taking on a new manager should be commended.
  Stephane Dalmat would have preferred to stay with Internazionale, if he could, but as his chances there were limited, he chose Spurs and London as his next option because he wanted to try a different life and play in the Premiership. The Frenchman explained that "Middlesbrough wanted me too but, for me, Tottenham are a more ambitious club, rich in history. This is a big name in English football.  Nicolas Anelka told me that here, one could work with serenity. And then London, this is a city that is always moving.  Tottenham are an immense club. Nevertheless, if I had been able to stay at Milan, I would have done."
However, he said he is concentrating on his football at the moment and although the opportunity to stay at Tottenham is not closed, he said they would have to discuss the move with him.  Dalmat also hoped that his appearances at Spurs might have opened the door to Spanish and other Italian clubs offering him deals.
  Spurs reserves beat Portsmouth reserves tonight at Stevenage 2-0 thanks to a Bobby Zamora penalty and a goal from Mark Yeates.  For a match report, click here.

  OTHER NEWS ... Leeds have until 5.00 p.m. on 30th January to sort out a rescue package ... a 24-year old Hungarian striker Miklos Feher collapsed and died while playing for Benfica at the weekend ...

Sunday   25.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs drew 1-1 with Manchester City at the City of Manchester Stadium, with Gary Doherty scoring for Tottenham.  For a match report, click here.
  Tottenham is said to be the destination for Jay Jay Okocha in the summer, as he is stalling over signing a new contract at Bolton Wanderers and has bought a house in Hadley Wood, where a number of footballers live.  Arsenal are also included as a destination in the report in the News of the World.
  Daniel Levy has spoken on Radio Five Live to say that the new manager coming in the summer will speak English and will have the bulk of the £15 million to spend on transfers.  The Spurs chairman said communication is very important and the individual they have been speaking with is an English speaker and will be free to spend on players he needs in the summer transfer window.
  Sergei Rebrov has said he is ready to come back to England and fight to play in the Tottenham first team.  If he can't break into the Spurs first XI then he would like to join another English club.
  Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that there have been enquiries about Nicky Butt's availability from Birmingham City, Everton and Spurs, but as yet, no firm bids.
  West Ham United have  said that the offer of £4 million plus Bobby Zamora for striker Jermain Defoe was an "insult", because they rate Defoe at £8 million.
  Former Spurs midfielder Kazuyuki Toda has been loaned to ADO Den Haag from Shimizu S-Pulse.
  Click here for the latest match reports from the Tottenham Hotspur Ladies teams weekend matches.

  OTHER NEWS ... Carl Cort has joined Wolves from Newcastle for £2 million ...

Saturday   24.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The Independent carries a story saying that Tottenham will tie up the £6million signing of Jermain Defoe this weekend from West Ham United.  With Manchester United having gone for Louis Saha and Arsenal looking elsewhere, Defoe might make the move trod by Fredi Kanoute to White Hart Lane.  Such a move could lead to one of the forwards at the club being sold on, the article claiming either Keane, Kanoute or Postiga might be let go to recoup some of the money expended and to make the striking unit more efficient.
  Stephane Dalmat has said that he wants to prove himself in Serie A and therefore intends (and always has thought he would) to return to Italy with Internazionale at the end of his year's loan at Tottenham.  The Frenchman said he has enjoyed playing for Tottenham with the fans always being right behind him, but that Spurs might find it difficult to produce the money that Inter might require for him to sign permanently. 
  One player who was rumoured to be ready to come to Tottenham a year or more ago, Yegor Titov of Spartak Moscow, has been suspended for a year for testing positive for a banned substance.  
  Spurs Under-17s drew 1-1 with SCBC's side from that age group.
  Former Spur Stuart Nethercott scored for Wycombe Wanderers today, where he is on loan, in their 2-2 draw with Chesterfield.

  OTHER NEWS ... 

Friday   23.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham's offer for Leeds United pair Paul Robinson and James Milner was believed to include the proviso that the players would be allowed to stay at the Yorkshire club until the end of the season.  However, Leeds wanted to double their money on the sale of their stars and Tottenham are unlikely to go back at that price and might wait to snap up Robinson with Leeds just two weeks away from administration.
  Chris Hughton has implied that Tottenham might return with improved bids for the Leeds pair saying that sometimes you are priced out of the market and sometimes, other clubs come in to prevent you getting the man you want, but Spurs would try and improve the quality of the squad with moves to buy the best players.
  TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS : -  Stephane Dalmat has seen a specialist about his back injury and will be looked at late on Sunday before a decision is made on his participation.  Ledley King has had a scan on a muscle injury that ruled him out of the Liverpool game last week, but he is in the squad for Sunday, as is returning loan forward Mark Yeates.  Gus Poyet is still suspended and Fredi Kanoute is in Africa playing with Mali.
  MAN CITY TEAM NEWS : -  Steve McManaman and Shaun Wright-Phillips have been rested and might be back in the side on Sunday.  Claudio Reyna is set to return after injury and might come in for Barton, while Robbie Fowler's fit again to replace Jon Macken in attack.  Arni Gautur Arason, the Icelandic No1 keeper has signed on a short-term contract and could go straight in between the posts as David James is cup-tied.
  French club Bastia are supposed to be taking Goran Bunjevcevic on  trial with a view to a permanent move, but the Spurs website said he trained with the squad and will travel to Manchester for Sunday's FA Cup tie.
  Spurs Under-19s lost 0-3 to West Ham United's U19s at Spurs Lodge.

  OTHER NEWS ... Louis Saha completed his £12 million transfer to Old Trafford from Fulham today ...

Thursday   22.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Having raised £15 million from the successful vote for the share issue yesterday, chairman Daniel Levy has revealed that Tottenham are in talks with the incoming manager about how to spend it.  Levy said that the new boss, who is yet to be named, has been consulted on potential purchases and despite the fact that there is no guarantee that that person will be the one who might fill the hot seat in the summer, the buys will be quality players who any manager can work with.  With his comment about some clubs not wanting to let players to go until they can replace them in the summer and that will become clear at that time, indicates that some new arrivals will not be with Spurs before the end of the season.  Levy did day he hoped to sign two quality players before the end of the current transfer window though.
  Two targets who have hit the papers are Leeds United keeper Paul Robinson and young forward James Milner.  Tottenham were reported to have made a £5 million bid for the two players, but Leeds have hit back and say they want £10 million for the pair.  However, with the administrators at the door, they may be forced into selling one or both for nearer the amount Spurs want to pay (£2 million for Robinson and £3 million for Milner) if you believe the Daily Mirror.  Other reports claim that Tottenham are willing to raise their bid to £6 million, but will go nowhere near what Leeds are asking as no other club would either.
  The same club is named in a report in the Sun, but the players involved in the £5 million deal are Robinson and midfielder Erick Bakke.  Not sure where that one came from !!  
  The London Evening Standard claim it was a £5.5 million bid for Robinson and Milner, but also adds that Tottenham have denied that they are interested in Bakke.
  The Daily Star claim Spurs are set to up their bid for Nottingham Forest pair defender Michael Dawson and midfielder Andy Reid.
  Levy said in an article in the London Evening Standard that the negotiations for Edger Davids had been swayed by his Nike associations and that was why he went to Barcelona rather than join Spurs.
  The London Evening Standard, ever willing to run a bad news story on Tottenham, claim that as a result of the share issue, ENIC are now in a prime position to sell the club with a majority shareholding.  Either that or take the company private.  Daniel Levy has denied a move in either of those directions and said he wished that the "rebel" shareholders had chosen to have private conversations with him behind closed doors rather than make the whole matter public by going through the media.
  The Sky Sports website links Spurs with and interest in Internazionale midfielder Sabri Lamouchi.  Other clubs who are supposedly making enquiries are Paris Saint Germain, Perugia and Lazio, but the player does not want to leave during the winter transfer window.
  Our Slovenian midfielder Milenko Acimovic has joined Lille on loan for six months.
  Martin O'Neill has been to watch former Spurs reserve striker John Sutton playing for Raith Rovers.  He said "John Robertson and myself decided to go watch him and, although we actually left before his goal, we saw enough to confirm that he has some excellent attributes.  As to whether he can come in and displace some of our more established players, such as his brother, that would be another matter.  But he played well and I would imagine that he would be worth another look."  That man would worry me if he was Spurs boss and was going to spend money on John Sutton.  Well, that would worry me even if he wasn't Spurs manager.   Perhaps the Liverpool job might be more suited to him if he is into wasting money !!  The Standard claim that Millwall are about to sign Sutton for £50,000 anyway.
  Former Spurs reserve Simon Clist, now with Bristol City, has been the subject of interest from Barnet.

  OTHER NEWS ... Leeds will offload loan players Solomon Olembe, Lamine Sakho, Roque Junior, Zoumana Camara and Didi Domi to reduce their wage bill in the face of massive losses and no new investor yet coming forth, although Domi and Camara have failed to agree moves to new clubs and are refusing to sign contract release papers ... Scottish Premier League clubs who go into administration next season will have ten points deducted from their total ... 

Wednesday   21.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Dean Richards returned to training today after recovering from a tear of the calf muscle during the game against Charlton Athletic on December 28th.  He hopes to rejoin the squad for the game at Manchester City on Sunday.
  Jamie Redknapp's return to training has given him hope of being involved in the reserve game against Portsmouth on Monday at Stevenage.
  The London Evening Standard have revealed Cardiff City owner Sam Hammam as a shareholder of between 1% and 1.5% of the shares in the company and claim that his vote could have tipped the balance one way or the other in the success of the share issue, should he have decided to vote with the board or with the "rebel" shareholders.  However, the vote went through and the money raising share issue will go ahead.
  Tottenham have today been linked again with a £2 million move for Leeds United's goalkeeper Paul Robinson.
  The deal for Internazionale to sign Adriano from Parma has gone through, with money and players going the other way ... but Stephane Dalmat is not one of them.
  Former Spurs midfielder Steffen Freund has been told he should leave Kaiserslautern by coach Eric Gerets, who has said Freund and two other experienced players have no part to play in the second half of the season.
  Lawrie Sanchez has taken over the post of Northern Ireland manager and he has installed former Tottenham striker Gerry Armstrong as his assistant.

  OTHER NEWS ... Leeds players refuse to take a wage cut until the possibility of selling some of their colleagues has been explored ...

Tuesday   20.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Fulham want to spend £7 million of the £12 million they are to get from Manchester United for Louis Saha on Spurs striker Robbie Keane.  They failed to buy Jermain Defoe from West Ham United for less than £5 million and hope Tottenham will part with their Republic of Ireland striker, according to the Sun today.  This story might be a red herring as Fulham have signed USA international forward Brian McBride now.  David Pleat has said that none of the best players at the club will be leaving as a team was being built at Tottenham for a long-term future.
  Daniel Levy has said that "rebel shareholders" are trying to wreck his plans to raise money through the share issue to be discussed at Tuesday's Extraordinary AGM of the company.  The Spurs chairman reckons that these people (including Birmingham City owner David Sullivan, former director Howard Shore and two city millionaires John Green and Mike Sherwood) could damage the chances of Spurs being competitive in the transfer market and attracting a decent manager to take over from caretaker David Pleat.
One of the tactics employed is to prevent Paul Kemsley (a director close to Levy and ENIC) voting in the waiver that means ENIC will not have to make offers for all the shares if their shareholding goes above 30% as a result of the proposed share issue.  However, the "rebels" have blocked his vote as they showed he has been associated with property deals involving Levy and ENIC co-owner Joe Lewis.  ENIC are not allowed to vote and with the "rebels" trying to stop Alan Sugar voting too, because he has an interest in the company buying out the remainder of his shares, they hoped to torpedo the plans.  However, the Stock Exchange have allowed Sir Alan to vote in the matter.
  Spurs are reported to be ready to make a £2.5 million bid for Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson. 
  FC Porto's coach Jose Mourinho has said he would love to coach in the Premiership or in Serie A.  Tottenham are rumoured to have been a great admirer of the Portuguese coach, who at 40 was voted coach of the year last year. 
  Dwight Pezzarossi of CSD Communicacioes is supposedly being chased by Spurs, Bolton Wanderers and Queen's Park Rangers.  The 24 year old striker of the Guatemalan side is supposedly coming to Tottenham on Thursday, if he doesn't go to Bolton tomorrow, that is.  He holds an Italian passport and has played in SPain for the famous Racing Ferrero club !!
  It is reported in the London Evening Standard that Jamie Redknapp has returned to full time training after knee surgery.
  Former Spurs reserve striker John Sutton is being linked with Dundee today, after Celtic were supposedly watching him at the weekend.
  Former Spurs transfer target young midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker of Wimbledon, looks set to join West Ham United.
  Former Spurs transfer target young striker Craig Beattie of Celtic has signed a new three year deal with the Glasgow club.

  OTHER NEWS ... Leeds could sell Alan Smith to Newcastle for as little as £3 million because they need the cash... Sven Goran Eriksson wants Premiership chairmen to have a winter break from next season ... Ray Graydon has had his contract as manager of Bristol Rovers terminated by mutual consent ...

Monday   19.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs Reserves beat Leicester City reserves at Stevenage Borough tonight 2-1 with goals from Jamie Slabber and Rohan Ricketts.  Click here for a match report.
  Some websites carry a story that Parma have told Internazionale that to sign Adriano they must give them a player in return and the one they want is Stephane Dalmat.  Emre has been mentioned as a possible option, but this is unlikely.

  OTHER NEWS ... Leeds United have received a week's reprieve before the administers are called in ... Rio Ferdinand has appealed against his ban for missing a drugs test ...

Sunday   18.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham striker Helder Postiga has said that he will not get carried away by his goal yesterday.  Now he has broken his league duck, he knows he will have to work hard and says that he feels more at home every day.
  NOTE - Tomorrow's Spurs Reserve game against Leicester City will be held at Stevenage Borough FC with a 7.00 p.m. kick off.  The game was listed as being at White Hart Lane originally, but will now take place at Broadhall Way.
  The Sunday People report that Manchester United want £5 million for midfielder Nicky Butt, who wants wages of £45,000 a week that will take the overall price to £17 million over five years.  This could well price all English clubs out of the market for his services.  The likelihood of Tottenham signing him is minimal as the player has supposedly told friends he would definitively not move to London.  Let's hope he gets a move to Middlesbrough !!
  For the latest match reports from the Tottenham Hotspur Ladies sides, click here.

  OTHER NEWS ... Chelsea have been ordered to pay £215,000 compensation for poaching Man U chief Executive Peter Kenyon ... Leeds United might have to sell their Elland Road ground to survive ...

Saturday   17.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham beat Liverpool 2-1 at White Hart Lane this afternoon, with goals from a Robbie Keane penalty and a second from Helder Postiga.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction, click here.
  Tottenham Under-17s drew 1-1 with West Ham United Under-17s, with Charlie Lee scoring for Tottenham.
  Tottenham Under-19s beat Wimbledon Under-19s 1-0 thanks to David Hicks' goal.

  OTHER NEWS ... Manchester United chairman David Gill said Rio Ferdinand made a serious error of judgment when missing his drugs test ... Arsene Wenger is supposed to be saving his money so he has £20 million to spend in the summer ...

Friday   16.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Giovanni Trapattoni wants to stay on with the Italian FA past the Euro 2004 championships.  He said today that there will always be speculation at this time of year, but he sounded certain about the willingness of his FA to keep him on after this summer's tournament.  However, the London Evening Standard said he has agreed verbally, but has not signed a contract.  However, the story runs that Daniel Levy will have a younger number two at the club - such as Mark Hughes or Roberto Mancini to take over from the 64 year old eventually, who might become the man in charge if Trap decides he doesn't want to be Spurs manager after all.  
  TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS : - David Pleat has announced that Helder Postiga will play up front with Robbie Keane in tomorrow's match.  Michael Brown is in the squad and might take Gus Poyet's place in the side, as he starts a three match suspension for getting sent off against Crystal Palace.
  LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS : -  Salif Diao and El Hadji Diouf will miss tomorrow's match, as they are on African Nations Cup duty with Senegal.  Missing through injury are Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard, Steve Finnan, Milan Baros and Chris Kirkland.
  Kazuyuki Toda has officially returned to Japan with Shimizu S-Pulse.  His year long loan ended and Spurs have decided not to retain his services.  He made four appearances last seaosn in the Premier League.
  Sergei Rebrov claims Tottenham have ruined his career by failing to let him join another club.  He claims that Kuban - a Russian club - are willing to buy him, but not at the £3 million Spurs want.  Tottenham have said in the past that he is no longer their player, but it is believed that he is on loan at Fenerbahce and is due to return to White Hart Lane when the 18 months are up in the summer.  Rebrov says that he is unsure if he can stay in Turkey because his club have a large number of foreign internationals and hopes a German club can afford the money Spurs want, as Kuban cannot stump up that much.
  Dean Marney has gone on a month's loan at Queens Park Rangers.
  Fredi Kanoute was on the winning Mali side over Algeria in his first game for his new nation in a friendly international, which they won 2-0.

  OTHER NEWS ... Rio Ferdinand will appeal against his ban for missing a drugs test, but will start his suspension next week ... 

Thursday   15.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The Italian press are reporting that a deal has been done with Giovanni Trapattoni to make him Tottenham's manager next season.  The Il Messaggero paper says that a meeting on Wednesday saw the two parties agree terms and Trap will join Spurs after the European Championships in Portugal, where he will manager Italy.  Tottenham have said that no contract has been signed with any manager to come to Spurs next season.  That leaves plenty of room to read between the lines.
  Meanwhile, Roy Hodgson has said he has no intention of coming to Spurs as he hasn't decided his future yet, even though he has just been sacked as coach of the United Arab Emirates.
  Milenko Acimovic is being linked with a move to West Ham United, according to the Sky Sports website.  Although he has not decided where his future lies at the moment, he said everything would be revealed on Friday when negotiations are complete.
  Apparently, according to TeamTalk, Spurs have been linked with a move for Celtic's John Hartson, but breathe freely my friends.  The ginger hit-man has said he wants to stay in Scotland and at the moment that is far away enough for me.  Birmingham City, Newcastle United and Middlesbrough are also said to be watching the former West Ham United, Wimbledon and Arsenal striker.
  Tottenham are reported to be in the race with West ham United and Portsmouth to sign Brescia's Austrian midfielder Markus Schopp.  The 29 year old Austrian midfielder is contracted to summer 2005, but the player is considering the offers allegedly.  
  Wimbledon manager Stuart Murdoch revealed that there had been two bids of £500,000 from Premier League clubs for his midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker.  However, the administrators at the club value him much higher than this and the clubs, one of whom might be Spurs, bidding for him will have to up their offers.
  The London Evening Standard claims in an article that Tottenham telephoned West Ham United in the middle of the team's poor run of form in December to ask how they might be able to get through the tough pre-New Year programme.
  Former Spurs full back, Ben Thatcher, is thinking of becoming Welsh under the new FIFA laws that would allow him to adopt a new nationality aster having played at Uder-21 level for England.
  For a preview of Saturday's match against Liverpool, click here.

  OTHER NEWS ... Leeds players might have to take a 30% cut in wages to allow the club to stay alive ... Coventry City have announced that assistant manager Erik Black will take over as manager following Gary McAllister's resignation ... Man U have cut the price of tickets for their fans to visit Northampton Town in the FA Cup Fourth Round.  The Cobblers have hiked prices to cash in, but, after talks with the Man U Independent Supporters Association, United have lopped £10 off the ticket price in a move which will cost them around £10,000 ... Steve McMahon resigned and then withdrew his resignation as manager of Blackpool today ... South Africa have sacked their coach Ephraim Mashaba one day before they leave for the African Nations Cup ...

Wednesday   14.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham will face Manchester City at the City of Manchester Stadium on Sunday 25th January in the FA Cup Fourth Round.  Kevin Keegan's side beat Leicester City at the Walkers Stadium tonight 3-1, despite Les Ferdinand's goal giving the Foxes parity until the last minute, when City scored twice.  Meeting for the second time in a cup competition this season, the game will be televised live on BBC TV.
  Spurs have bid £5 million for Manchester United's Nicky Butt so says the London Evening Standard, but might not be unsuccessful in their attempt to buy the England midfielder.  Butt apparently wants to stay in the north and Middlesbrough and Newcastle United are both being linked with more likelihood of signing the 29 year old. Also Alex Ferguson might use the transfer to beef up his squad with a move to Boro allowing him the possibility of taking Gareth Southgate to Old Trafford.
  Tottenham's planning application for an extension to the East Stand has been refused and the club will now shelve the idea and look to move away from White Hart Lane.  An article in yesterday's Independent claims that the club might be looking to share a ground with Arsenal although this will only be if they cannot succeed in their attempt to get out of Highbury to Ashburton Grove.
  Newcastle United, Liverpool and Manchester City are said to be interested in taking Michael Bridge son loan until the end of the season.  The Leeds United striker is just coming back form injury and would welcome an opportunity to get some first team action before his contract expire sin July 2004.
  Spurs and Chelsea are said to be interested in Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who may have to be sold to raise funds for the financially bereft club.  Neither club has yet put in an offer for the England keeper.  
  Former Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle might be ready to take over at Nottingham Forest should the First Division club remove Paul Hart as their manager.
  Former Spurs striker Teddy Sheringham has acknowledged that his career may not have too much longer to run.  Sheringham admitted that he takes longer rests between matches and he is looking to go into coaching or management after hanging up his playing boots.
  Former Spurs transfer target Udinese and Denmark's Martin Jorgensen has signed a new three year deal with the Serie A club.

  OTHER NEWS ... Christophe Dugarry has been given a three match ban by the FA for violent conduct - an elbow to the face - against Craig Short of Blackburn Rovers in a recent match ... The PFA have held talks with Leeds United players and management about the consequences of the club going into administration ... 

Tuesday   13.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Giovanni Trappatoni was at Tottenham's game with Birmingham City last week David Pleat confirmed today and further talks were held with him, according to the London Evening Standard.
  David Pleat has expressed interest in Manchester United's Nicky Butt after he put in a transfer request today, which was accepted.  He made reference to a Premiership player who has been "displaced" from his team coming in on loan and ruled out a move for Muzzy Izzet.  29 year old Butt would cost around £5 million.
  Christian Ziege is OK after five stitches in a head wound after clashing heads in the reserve match with Coventry City reserves last night.  
  Spurs have denied that Helder Postiga is to be loaned out to Celta Vigo.
  Mark Yeates has returned from loan at Brighton and Hove Albion.

  OTHER NEWS ... Glasgow rangers are not planning to sell off Ibrox as part of a 3 year money raising scheme to reduce their debt ... Northampton beat Rotherham to claim the home tie in the FA Cup Fourth round against Man U ... Tranmere Rovers beat Bolton Wanderers in extra time of the FA Cup Third round replay ...  David Seaman has retired from the game with immediate effect ... Manchester City sign West Ham's David James to take his place ... Boris Zivkovic has had his Portsmouth contract terminated by mutual consent after just six months ... Wigan Athletic sign Jason Roberts from WBA for a club record £1.4 million ... 

Monday   12.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham's adventurous move for Juventus' Edgar Davids proved unsuccessful, after he opted to move to Barcelona now rather than at the end of the season.  The Dutch midfielder was pencilled in to fill a slot in the Spurs side until the end of the season.
  David Pleat scotched rumours of a move for West Bromwich Albion's Welsh international midfielder Jason Koumas, saying that he was looking to bring someone in on loan.
  Mali are demanding that Fredi Kanoute joins them sooner rather than after the Liverpool match this weekend.  They are requiring him to attend the pre-tournament training camp with the rest of the squad and he flew out last night to join up with his new team-mates in Tunisia, but will not be returning to play at White Hart Lane on Saturday.  Kanoute said he would like to play against the Reds and will try and persuade his national manager to allow him to fly back to England for the game.
  Spurs are one of seven clubs said to be ready to watch Celtic's Stephen McManus in Under-21 action for his club tonight.  Coventry City, Fulham., Portsmouth, Derby County and Cardiff City are also sending representatives to watch the young central defender.  
  LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS : - Steven Gerrard is unlikely to be fit for the match at White Hart Lane on Saturday.  It is more realistic that he will be fit after a thigh injury the week after.
  Scariest story of the day that proves it is silly season in the transfer window, John Sutton is interesting Valencia and the Spanish side have invited him to go there on trial.  His agent said that Sutton has options nearer home and may chose to avoid putting the moves to clubs in Great Britain in jeopardy by going to Spain on trial.  Millwall and Wolverhampton Wanderers are thought to be the other clubs interested in his services.
  Spurs Reserves won 5-0 against Coventry City with goals from Helder Postiga, Michael Brown 2, Jamie Slabber and Rohan Ricketts.
  Charlton Athletic are said to be ready to open contract talks to tie Alan Curbishley to the Valley with the manager being a target for Tottenham's vacant post .
  Chilean midfielder David Pizarro has agreed a new contract with his club Udinese.  He had been linked with a move to Tottenham.

  OTHER NEWS ... Gary McAllister has stepped down as Coventry City manager to spend more time with his wife, who is seriously ill ... 

Sunday   11.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham are allegedly chasing Leeds United's Mark Viduka with a £3.5 million bid backed by the manager-in-waiting Giovanni Trappatoni according to the People newspaper.
  Spurs are reported to be interested in Yeovil Town's midfielder Lee Johnson in the News of the World.  
  Millwall's Tim Cahill could be the next alternative for Tottenham to add to their midfield, if a fee cannot be agreed for Nottingham Forest's Irish international Andy Reid.
  For the latest Spurs Ladies match reports, click here.

  OTHER NEWS ... The FA are to investigate the transfers of Tim Howard to Man U ... 

Saturday   10.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs beat Leeds United 1-0 at Elland Road this afternoon, with their goal coming from Robbie Keane.  For a match report, click here.  Reaction will follow tomorrow.
  The Daily Star reports that Tottenham are close to arranging a six month loan of Juventus' Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids.  This is despite news yesterday that the player is due to move to Barcelona.
  Tottenham's Under-19s lost 0-1 to Norwich City.
  Tottenham's Under-17s lost 0-1 to Wimbeldon.

  OTHER NEWS ... 

Friday   9.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Giovanni Trappatoni appears to be the number one target at the moment for the Tottenham manager's post.  According to the London Evening Standard, negotiations have continued with representatives of the manager of the Italian national team, with Daniel Levy supposedly wanting to name Trap as coach, even if he cannot arrive until after Euro 2004.  Spurs are also reported to have dangled a £1 million carrot before him if he takes over soon and can keep the team up.  Trappatoni is believed to want sole control over who is signed
  In the Daily Mirror, Levy says that he is purely interested in hearing Trapattoni's views on the way clubs are structured and how he would take the club forward.  Levy is quoted as saying "The long-term goal of the project is to get Tottenham into Europe and we will pursue this until it happens."
  The Independent claims that Daniel Levy is trying to pair up Trappatoni with Wales manager Mark Hughes.  He might even try and appoint Hughes sooner than the summer should things turn bad for the Tottenham team.
  Gianluca Vialli has ruled himself out of managing Tottenham, having been in charge at Chelsea, he said he would fins it hard to be the Spurs boss.  However, he has offered his services as a translator if Tottenham took on an Italian manager.  However, his priority is to get back into coaching, but only wants to do so at a top club.  He said he wouldn't turn Juventus down if they asked him !!  
  Sky Sports report that former coach of Bologna Francesco Guidolin has been touted as a possibility for Tottenham according to the Italian press.
  Frederic Kanoute has blown away rumours of a divide between him and the club over the matter of his participation for Mali in the African Nations Cup.  He said that he has spoken to the chairman and manager, reassuring Spurs fans that everything is OK between them and that he did not want to leave the club in the situation they are in, although a win against Birmingham has settled his mind a bit.  This overturns previous stories that claimed that he thought the Spurs board were a shambles ... a tale that came from the French press.  Fredi said he had only spoken to one paper and that was a French one, who had put those words into his mouth.  Kanoute is also reported to have said that he had always wanted to play for the country of his father's birth and would not be interested in playing for France if they were "missing ten men through injury" !!
  Chris Hughton said in his press conference that there was no problem with Fredi going to play for Mali and he hoped that his new national team manager would allow him to stay with Spurs until after the Liverpool match.
  TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS : -  Spurs might be without Dean Richards again as he has not got over his calf injury, while there is some dispute over whether Anthony Gardner will play, as he is still carrying a thigh problem.  Mauricio Taricco returns from suspension.
  The Nottingham Forest midfielder Andy Reid is said to be close to signing for Tottenham, according to Football 365, but elsewhere he has asked for Forest to deal with his agent, as he has no wish to leave the First Division side.  Nice loyalty touch there !!  Sure to go down well with the Nottingham fans.
  Tottenham are rumoured to be ready to raid financially hard-up Gillingham for their young wing-back Nayron Nosworthy.  Having been a keen admirer of his for a couple of seasons now, the player has broken into the first team and impressed in the recent FA cup tie against Charlton Athletic.
  David Galbraith the reserve winger, has been released by the club.
  It is reported on Soccernet that Multi-Millionaire Phillip Green of high street chain BHS, Burton, Top Man and Dorothy Perkins fame is ready to aid a bid for Leeds United.  The big irony of this is that he is a Tottenham fan !!

  OTHER NEWS ... Gordon Strachan will leave SCBC at the end of the season when his contract ends.  he said this had been agreed with the club some time ago and he intends to leave for personal and health reasons ... Arsenal's Jens Lehmann and Kevin Phillips of SCBC have been charged by the FA with improper conduct after their spat in the recent match between the two sides ... Alex Ferguson has been named Barclaycard Manager of the Month and Paul Scholes Player of the Month ... Gary Mills has been appointed as the new Notts. County manager ... Gordon Gibb has stepped down as chairman of Bradford City ...

Thursday   8.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Giovanni Trappatoni's appointment as Spurs manager in the summer is subject to great confusion at the moment.  The Italian national manager is said to be in talks with Spurs according to his "advisor", while another source in Italy said that Trap was not aware of Tottenham's interest.  So we wait to see which "Spurs manager of the day" will turn up for the job.
  Fredi Kanoute has been cleared to play for Mali in the African Nations Cup in Tunisia.  Tottenham will be able to play him in Saturday's match at Leeds United, but they are in negotiations with the Malian FA to see if the striker can stay until after the Liverpool match on January 17th.
  PSV Eindhoven's Mark van Bommel has told any potential suitors will have to wait until the summer when he will consider his future.  
  Udinese midfielder David Pizarro has said he does not intend to sign a new contract at the Serie A club and will most likely leave in the summer.  Tottenham have been linked with the Chilean international.
  Former Spurs midfielder Oyvind Leonhardsen is on trial with Portsmouth for two weeks.

  OTHER NEWS ... Claudio Ranieri's job at Chelsea could be at risk after losing to Chelsea last night according to some newspaper reports ...

Wednesday   7.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham beat Birmingham City 4-1 tonight at White Hart Lane.  Stephane Dalmat scored twice, with Simon Davies and Robbie Keane chipping in with a goal apiece.  A match report is available here and reaction here.
  The Independent report that Giovanni Trappatoni has leapt to the top of Tottenham's wanted list for the vacant manager's post.  It is believed that "Trap", even at 65, might relish a last management experience in England after his three-year stint in charge of the Italian national team is over in the summer.
  The London Evening Standard have speculated that Daniel Levy's trip to PSV Eindhoven was three-fold.  Firstly to speak to the management there about continental training techniques and the set-up at the Dutch club.  The second reason was to try and get Guus Hiddink to come to Spurs as coach, although they indicate that this would not be possible until the summer and add the coach was in Turkey with his side at the time.  The last reason revived rumours of an interest in Mark van Bommel, but the 26 year old defensive midfielder is just returning to playing after a groin operation and he would not be allowed to leave until the summer either.
  The Standard claim that Spurs will return to Nottingham Forest with a £6 million bid for Andy Reid and team-mate and central defender Michael Dawson.  The Guardian report that Spurs are unlikely to succeed, especially as they are only prepared to make a £1 million down-payment now and the rest to be paid in installments over the next year.  Forest have denied that a bid of this nature has been made.
  The Guardian also report that Fredi Kanoute's inclusion in the Mali squad for the African Nations Cup is not a unanimously welcome choice.  He was asked to play for Mali in the 1998 World Cup qualifying games, but shunned the African nation to play for France Under-21s.  Some Malian fans were outraged that he was selected, but Tottenham's attitude about not wanting him to go to the competition have turned supporters right behind the striker.
  Tottenham have written to FIFA to try and get the date of Fredi Kanoute's departure to the African nations Cup delayed until after the Liverpool match on January 17th.  Seeing as how this is good enough for other clubs, there should be no objection from the governing body about the retention of the striker for the important games before he leaves for Tunisia.
  Alan Smith's two match ban handed down by the FA will start immediately, so he will miss Tottenham's visit to Leeds on Saturday.
  Former Spurs midfielder Paul Gascoigne has ruled out a move to Oldham Athletic to resurrect his career.
  Former Spurs youth defender Narada Bernard has been released by Torquay United.

  OTHER NEWS ... Fulham's Louis Saha has said is he Appalled that his club will not sell him for £8 million to Man U ... Notts. County's manager Billy Dearden left the post of manager at the club just before last night's game against Peterborough ... Brum's Christophe Dugarry will face a violent conduct charge after an incident in a game against Blackburn Rovers last month ... Fulham have been ordered to pay £3.2 million for the balance of Steve Marlet's transfer to Lyon, which could affect their ability to make transfer window signings ... 

Tuesday   6.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham's Fourth Round FA Cup tie against Manchester City or Leicester City will be screened live on BBC TV on Sunday 25th January 2004 with a 1.00 p.m. kick off.
  Newcastle United are interested in Spurs right back Stephen Carr and are reported to be willing to pay £5 million for him.
  Sky Sports website reckons Spurs will up their bid for Nottingham Forest midfielder Andy Reid in an attempt to prise the Republic of Ireland international away form the First Division side.  The bid can be expected after a meeting at the club later this week.
  Spurs are also looking to make a £1.5 million bid for Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson.  The Whites' goalie could be sold, as Leeds look to rationalise some of their debts with no investors coming forward to take the club over.
  Steve Bruce has laughed off the £6 million bid he is supposed to have made for Robbie Keane, which he admitted was far too much money for his club and that he could not afford the wages either.
  Lazio coach Roberto Mancini has dismissed the rumours of Tottenham's interest in taking him to White Hart Lane as manager as transfer window speculation.
  TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS : - David Pleat hopes that Darren Anderton will recover from calf injury and that Fredi Kanoute and Stephane Dalmat respond to treatment for their knocks.  Dean Richards misses the match with a calf injury.  
  BIRMINGHAM CITY TEAM NEWS : -  Matthew Upson and Stan Lazaridis are both missing after picking up injuries in Saturday's FA Cup tie.  Jamie Clapham is still hamstrung and Christophe Dugarry is a couple of weeks off being match-fit.  Aliou Cisse is missing with an ankle injury.
  Spurs played a friendly against a Luton Town XI at Spurs Lodge today to give Christian Ziege some more match practice.

  OTHER NEWS ... Alan Smith has been given a two-match ban for throwing a bottle into the Leeds crowd in their Carling Cup tie against Manchester United ... Man U have been accused of "tapping up" Arjen Robben of PSV Eindhoven ... 

Monday   5.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs were drawn away to Manchester City or Leicester City in the FA Cup Fourth round with the match to be played on the weekend of 24th/25th January.  The replay of the Third round tie will be played on 14th January to determine who will host Spurs.
  The Spurs website have clarified their position on the "Frederic Kanoute for Mali" saga.  They said when he was signed any player who had played in a competitive international for one country at any age group could not change his nationality, but since 1st January 2004, the rules had changed to allow players who were under 21 and had not taken part in such a match to swap countries.  Tottenham said they were seeking clarification to see if Kanoute is allowed to play for Mali, who they have the utmost respect for (as they do the African Cup of Nations).  If you are over 21, you have to send FIFA a letter substantiating why you want to change the country you play for.  As yet there is no decision, but some reports claim that it may come through on Wednesday afternoon and Spurs are left ruing the change in footballing legislation that could deprive them of our key striker for an important five weeks of the season.
  The manager's post is in the news again with UAE coach Roy Hodgson claiming he would like the job, while Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has been approached by a number of English clubs but wants to se out his contract at the Olympic Stadium, which runs out in 2005.
  One manager who won't be taking over at White Hart Lane is Ruud Gullit, who has taken the role of head coach at Feyenoord.
  The Evening Standard has a special section on Tottenham today and claims that there will be one more big signing after the acquisition of Michael Brown and the bid for Andy Reid of Nottingham Forest.  
  They also claim that Stephen Carr might be allowed to leave if the right offer comes in for him, but that it is more likely to be from Newcastle United than Arsenal, who are well covered in his position now.  
  Dougie Freedman has offered to give evidence to get Gus Poyet off his red card that was given to him in the Crystal Palace FA Cup tie.  The "head-butt" was described as half-hearted by Pleat and Tottenham may well ask the referee to look at it again (for what that is worth). 
  Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech had previously been linked with Spurs, but is now allegedly the subject of a bid by Chelsea.
  Following yesterday's news that Rivaldo had signed for a Saudi Arabian side, it is today reported on some websites that he has returned to Brazil with Cruzeiro.

  OTHER NEWS ... 

Sunday   4.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Daniel Levy has spoken to the Sunday People and has laid the blame of the team's current league situation on the players.  He said it was up to them to play better and put more effort into their performances between now and May.  The Tottenham chairman told the paper "We won't get relegated. I won't allow it to happen, simple as that.  We might be in the bottom three, but there's no way we will go down.  There is money available, but we won't just spend it on anyone. There are lots of average players out there but we only want players who are good enough to play for a club of this stature."  Let's hope he gets it right come May.
  The "Fredi Kanoute to play for Mali" story rolls on.  The forward would not comment after the match, but David Pleat said that the media are making a lot of the matter, while the club are just trying to establish whether Kanoute is eligible to play for Mali with FIFA.  Pleat said that agents are trying to cash in on the situation by touting Fredi around and he added that Tottenham do not intend to sell him or leave him out of games, they are just trying to do the best thing for the club and the player (who is believed to be carrying a groin injury).
  Tottenham are said to be chasing Wimbledon's midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker, after David Pleat watched the midweek match between the Dons and West Bromwich Albion.  The talented youngster was also watched buy Leicester City manager Micky Adams.
  It is also reported that Pleat was also watching West Bromwich Albion's Welsh midfielder Jason Koumas and although the First Division side have said he is not for sale, a £3 million bid might tempt them.
  Spurs are among six clubs interested in Preston North End's Jamaican striker Ricardo Fuller.  The prolific forward has attracted admiring glances from Manchester City, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Everton and  
  Kazuyuki Toda will not be staying at Tottenham beyond his year long loan.  The Japanese midfielder is set to return to his J-League club Shimizu S-Pulse, although he wants to remain in Europe to play his football.  David Pleat tactfully explained that Toda's loan runs out at the end of the month "and then that will be that" !!
  Spurs also are reported in the Daily Star on Sunday to be ready to prise Jay-Jay Okocha away from Bolton Wanderers.  It is said in the media that Tottenham have ear-marked him as a target for the summer ... but then where would that leave Stephane Dalmat, who fulfils the same role ?? Perhaps Pleat's comment about the Frenchman crying off before the Charlton game has put it in the caretaker manager's mind that he might not be up to the rigours of the Premiership.
  The People carry a piece claiming that Birmingham City have bid £6 million for Robbie Keane, which the Times claims Tottenham have not rejected.  The People claims that Pleat is not happy with Keane's scoring record this season and that he will use the money to buy Mark Viduka from Leeds United.  Viduka and Kanoute up front must be the stroppiest pairing you can imagine ... unless we sign Anelka.  
  Former Spurs manager Glenn Hoddle might soon be lining up as a pundit alongside Richard Keys as part of Sky Sports' Champions League panel.
  Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad have announced that they are to sign Brazilian star Rivaldo, thus putting an end to question marks hanging over the future of the former AC Milan striker.

  OTHER NEWS ... 

Saturday   3.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham beat Crystal Palace 3-0 in the FA Cup Third Round today at White Hart Lane with Frederic Kanoute scoring all three.  Click here for a match report and here for reaction.
  The Guardian today reported that Roy Hodgson has said he has not had any contact with Tottenham about the manager's job.  Phew !! Thank goodness for that.
  The paper also reports on Frederic Kanoute's deteriorating relationship with David Pleat.  The striker is galled by Pleat's insistence in going to FIFA about his eligibility to play for Mali and the story says he has little respect for Pleat's management style.  It claims that there is not truth that Newcastle United have made a £2.5 million bid for the former West Ham forward, but hinted that Manchester United might take an interest as they search for a striker ... especially if they get nowhere with Fulham's Louis Saha.

  OTHER NEWS ... Charlton crash out at Gillingham and Wolves are within a minute of losing to Kidderminster Harriers ... Crewe lose to non-league Telford United ...

Friday   2.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The speculation over the Spurs manager's job is getting more complex.  The London Evening Standard is quoted as saying that Lazio coach Roberto Mancini is not their first choice, but the more likely targets are United Arab Emirates coach and former Blackburn Rovers manager Roy Hodgson and manager of the Italian national side Giovanni Trapattoni.  The story claims that the former Bologna coach Francesco Guidolin has been ruled out as has PSV's Guus Hiddink.  Hodgson is reportedly an old mate of Pleat and would be able to work in the new set-up Levy has planned for the club, while it is not thought that Trapattoni would not leave the Italy job before 2004.  It is said that O'Neill, Souness and Curbishley have been ruled out because of the "continental" management structure the club intend to install.
  FIFA are being called in to determine if Fredi Kanoute is eligible to play for Mali.  The new ruling is to be decided on as Kanoute had played a competitive Under-21 match for France some years ago and he may not be within the rules to change his nation side.  There is some dispute in media reports about whether the striker will play tomorrow in the FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace.  The Standard reckon he will be omitted from the side, while radio reports indicate he will definitely play in the forward line.  He has been suffering with a groin strain and might be rested ahead of the Birmingham City game on Wednesday of next week.
  Things appear to have deteriorated between club and player so badly over his wish to lay for Mali that Sky Sports' website says that Tottenham are looking to sell him.  The story says that Tottenham have instructed an agent to find him a new club, although he could not move until the summer, UEFA rules preventing him moving clubs twice in twelve calendar months.
  Tottenham have revealed their new £500,000 signing Michael Brown from Sheffield United.  The 26 year old midfielder will not be available for selection until the match against Liverpool on 17th January because of suspension.  The player said that he was pleased to be joining the club and that was even after they had dropped a couple f places in the table.
  TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS : - Darren Anderton's calf injury might not improve enough to make the starting line-up for the FA Cup tie and Gus Poyet is suffering with an injury too.  Stephen Carr returns from suspension and Simon Davies can expect a place on the subs bench, while Stephane Dalmat is struggling with a back problem.  Dean Richards' calf injury rules him out of the tie, as well as the team being without Jonathan Blondel with a knee injury.
  CRYSTAL PALACE TEAM NEWS : - Darren Powell will miss out with a thigh injury and Thomas Myrhe cannot play as he will be cup-tied while on his loan to the Eagles, so Sunderland have refused permission.  Cedric Berthelin plays in goal.
  Spurs might return with an improved offer for Nottingham Forest's Andy Reid.  It is believed a bid of around £4 million is likely to be laid on the table, but Newcastle United are now interested in the Republic of Ireland international.  
  Sky Sports carry an article that Tottenham have made enquiries about Serbia and Montenegro Predrag Djordjevic, who is captain of his club Olympiakos.  The 30 year old former Red Star Belgrade winger is a demon from dead-ball situations and a hard worker in midfield too.
  Middlesbrough are reported to have had talks with Spurs transfer target Real Sociedad striker Javier De Pedro.
  Former Spurs central defender Stuart Nethercott has joined Wycombe Wanderers on a month's loan from Millwall.

  OTHER NEWS ... the FA have produced a 32 page explanation of Rio Ferdinand's sentencing for Manchester United ... Martin O'Neill has said he will not be taking over from Gerard Houllier at Liverpool in the summer ... Ginaluca Vialli believes he iwll return to have a second spell in charge at Chelsea in the future ...

Thursday   1.1.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR VISITORS - WISHING YOU A HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL 2004 !!
  It is being reported that Tottenham have picked Roberto Mancini as their new coach at White Hart Lane.  The Lazio coach is believed to be disillusioned with the Italian club and while Spurs might have to wait until the end of the season, the former Sampdoria and Lazio player faces a board meeting on January 17th when they will decide his future.  It is thought that the board had hoped to bring him in sooner rather than later.  However, Tottenham face a challenge from West Ham for the services of the Italian coach.
  It is rumoured on TeamTalk that Spurs are interested in Javier De Pedro, but he is concentrating on Real Sociedad's battle against relegation from La Liga in Spain.  Blackburn Rovers and SCBC are also interested in the player, but the Telegraph tells us that Spurs are favourites to capture his signature for £1 million, after a bid for Andy Reid of Nottingham Forest failed, although the Mirror claim it will be £1.5 million.  
  Again on TeamTalk, it is being speculated that Newcastle United might put in a £2 million bid for Charlton Athletic defender Paul Konchesky.  The story runs that Spurs might match this bid if it is made to tempt the England international back to the club where he has just finished a loan spell.
  Paul Gascoigne is thinking of making a comeback with Oldham Athletic.

  OTHER NEWS ...