White Hot Lines

February 2005

Monday   28.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs Head Coach Martin Jol is still being heavily linked with the manager's job at Ajax.  However, Edwin van der Sar reckons Jol will stay with Tottenham as the English Premier League is a superior competition to the Dutch Eredivise.  The BBC website claims that Johann Cruyff is a big admirer of the way Jol has turned Tottenham around in a short time and Ajax have asked the former Dutch midfielder to help recruit a new boss.  Some reports claim that Spurs will have to double Jol's wages to £2 million per annum to get him to stay at White Hart Lane.
  The Daily Express claim that Ajax only want Jol to take over at the end of the season.
  Reserve striker Michael Malcolm is being given a trial for Wycombe Wanderers Reserves against Luton Town reserves.

  OTHER NEWS ... David Prutton has been charged with two counts of improper behaviour after pushing the referee in Saturday's draw with Arsenal ...


Sunday   27.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Martin Jol's interest in Anderlecht's Swedish winger Christian Wilhelmsson is to be pursued in the summer according to the News of the World.  The initial enquiry in the January transfer window was rebuffed, but the paper believes that Jol might be back with another bid to add the wide-man to the Spurs squad in the close season.
  The Sunday People claim that the clubs negotiations with Jermain Defoe about a new contract are not going well and that this is alerting Chelsea to the situation.
  Michael Carrick has told the News of the World that he is determined to take Spurs all the way to Cardiff in the FA Cup Final to wipe out his miserable memory of the First Division play-off he had with West Ham United there last season, when they lost to Crystal Palace.

  OTHER NEWS ... Nuremburg played their reserve side last week with a ball that contained a transmitter in it and sensors behind the goal to indicate when the ball had crossed the goal-line.  The system will be trialed in the World Under-17s Championships in Peru later this year ... The moving forward 10 yards of free-kicks for dissent will be dumped because of the reluctance of it to be imposed outside England ... Chelsea beat Liverpool 3-2 after extra time with the 90 minute score 1-1.  Jose Mourinho was sent away from the bench for winding up the Liverpool supporters ... 

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... like something out of an episode of Sky TV's Dream Team, the Sunday Mirror run an expose about Leeds United today that involves one of the directors demanding backhanders of £1 million from prospective buyers, the drugging of Michael Duberry to get his £24,000 a week wages off the club's salary bill and the breaking of Gary Kelly's legs by hit-men outside a pub to further reduce the outgoings.  Added to this, manager Peter Reid was to have his meal laced with Ecstasy.  The claims have been denied as "outrageous", but more might come to light, as the dossier has been passed to the Fraud Office.


Saturday   26.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs beat Fulham 2-0 at White Hart Lane this afternoon.  For a match report, click here.  Reaction to follow.
  Ajax are said to want Martin Jol to be their new manager to replace Ronald Koeman, who was sacked after the Dutch side crashed out of the UEFA Cup.  However, the Spurs head coach has dismissed the story, saying he is now linked to any big job that come sup in Holland.
  Spurs Under-18s beat Reading 3-0 in a friendly with the goals coming from Jamie O'Hara, Jamie Davis and Charlie Daniels.

  OTHER NEWS ... Premiership referee Mike Dean has been suspended indefinitely for his involvement in a betting website to do with horse-racing ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... 


Friday   25.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham's match with Newcastle United on Saturday 9th April has been moved to Sunday 10th April to be covered by Sky TV.
  Former Livingston and Celtic keeper Javier Sanchez Broto has said that Tottenham will sign him in the summer.  The 33 year old Getafe goalie is currently out for two months after knee surgery, but is sure Spurs will take him to White Hart lane on a  free transfer in July when his contract expires.  He said they have watched him three times and he is keen to come to England because of the atmosphere in the grounds, which is far better than in Spain. 
  The Daily Express regurgitate the Paul Robinson to Manchester United story with a view that Alex Ferguson will step up his interest in the summer.  Maybe we will need that extra keeper then !!
  TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS : - Pedro Mendes is ready for selection after some injury problems, but Sean Davis is not going to be risked in this match, with another reserve outing planned next week.  Andy Reid is available after being cup-tied lastw eek and Thimothee Atouba and Anthony Gardner can expect to face late fitness tests on their knee injuries.
  FULHAM TEAM NEWS : - Steed Malbranque played for the reserves in midweek, but he will not be rushed back into first team action and with Mark Pembridge also out injured, the midfield might have a new look about it.  Luckily for Chris Coleman, Claus Jensen is fit again, but defender Ian Pearce is out with a back problem.
  Former Spurs reserve midfielder David Lee has moved from Stevenage Borough to Aldershot Town.

  OTHER NEWS ... Valencia coach Claudio Ranieri and Ajax coach Ronald Koeman were both sacked today after their clubs were knocked out of the UEFA Cup last night ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Leeds are reported to be ready to move out fifteen players in the summer to cut costs.  Just when they had a squad, it looks like they might have to start all over again ... or perhaps Ken Bates will be able to bring in some top quality players ???


Thursday   24.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Martin Jol has said that Andy Reid is not overweight after the Irish winger had been slammed by his former manager at Forest Gary Megson.  Jol said that after running tests on Reid, he proved to be one of the fittest players at the club and now that he has been sold by Megson, he has nothing to worry about concerning the player
  Arsenal are supposed to be ready to sell striker Jose Reyes to raise money to buy Ledley King from Spurs.
  TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS : - Thimothee Atouba might miss Saturday's match with Fulham with a knee ligament strain, but Anthony Gardner is likely to be ready for selection after overcoming a knee knock.  Sean Davis is not match fit for a return against his former club and Michael Dawson had been diagnosed as having a small fracture in his shin.

  OTHER NEWS ... Manager Brian Talbot has parted company with Oldham Athletic by mutual consent ... Denis Wise has been charged by the FA with improper conduct after the brawl in Millwall's game at Cardiff on Tuesday ... Chelsea will complain to UEFA after a tunnel bust-up in last night's loss at Barcelona ... Jose Reyes picked up a three match ban from the FA for his hand in the face of Andy Liddle in the FA Cup tie with Sheffield last weekend ... Newcastle beat Heerenveen 2-1 and 4-2 on aggregate, while Middlesbrough won 2-1 (4-3 agg) against Graz AK ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Former Gunner Frank McLintock says Arsenal defended "like a pub team" against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.  Didn't know Tony Adams was still playing for them !!
  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... one of Graz AK's substitutes was Sick.  Another was Six.


Wednesday   23.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Martin Jol is pleased with the position Spurs find themselves in at the moment, but believes that if they can get some good results, they may be able to push up the Premier League further.
  Former Spurs keeper Chris Day has joined Preston North End on loan from Queens Park Rangers.
  Former Spurs youth player Mario Noto has joined Canvey Island.

  OTHER NEWS ... Blackburn Rovers have admitted a charge of failing to control their players in their recent Premiership match against Chelsea ... Dennis Bergkamp's appeal against his sending off in Saturday's FA Cup tie against Sheffield United has been turned down by the FA and he will be banned for the next three matches ... Chelsea had Drogba sent off in their 1-2 defeat at Barcelona and Manchester United lost 0-1 to AC Milan in the Champions League tonight ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Newcastle United are keen to sign Michael Owen and persuade Alan Shearer to keep playing to spark a Tyne revival.  Don't forget Freddie Shepherd's track record ... it's about 15 minutes for the 400m. 


Tuesday   22.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Sean Davis came through 90 minutes of last night's reserve match and then said he is in no hurry to come back to first team action.  The former Fulham midfielder said he needs match fitness and the run out at Charlton last night was better than the training ground friendly against Wycombe, but he might still need more matches before he is ready to step up to the Premier League.
  Nottingham Forest manager Gary Megson says that the £5 million midfielder Andy Reid he sold to Spurs is overweight.  And he's ugly.  And he's got bad breath.  And he smells.  And there's not sour grapes then.  In fact, what he said was "When he gets himself fit, he will be a massive player." !!

  OTHER NEWS ... Rushden & Diamonds keeper Billy Turley has been banned for six months after being found guilty of testing positive for cocaine... Chelsea have withdrawn their appeal against the red card picked up by Carlo Cudicini in Sunday's FA Cup Fifth Round tie at Newcastle ... Arsenal lose 1-3 to Bayern Munich and Liverpool beat Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 in the Champions League...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... 


Monday   21.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs or Nottingham Forest have been drawn away at Newcastle United in the Sixth Round of the FA Cup.
  The Fifth Round replay at the City Ground will be shown live on Sky TV on Wednesday 2nd March.
  Jacques Santini has been raving about his time at Spurs in French newspaper Journal di Dimanche.  "They promised me a big apartment on the beach and I found myself 200m from the sea with a view of my neighbours," he told the reporter (!!) and claimed that he found out on the day of the team photo that Stephen Carr was being sold to Newcastle.  The former Spurs Head Coach said he wished he had waited until after the European Championships last year to sign for Tottenham, as it spoiled his relationship with the French players, who under-performed in the tournament.
  Watford have extended Johnnie Jackson's loan at Vicarage Road by another month until mid-March.
  Spurs reserves lost 1-2 at Charlton athletic tonight.  The Spurs goal was a penalty scored by Lee Barnard.

  OTHER NEWS ... Jose Reyes has been charged with violent conduct after pushing Andy Liddle in the FA Cup tie with Sheffield United at the weekend ... but Arsenal have lodged an appeal over the sending off of Dennis Bergkamp ... Chelsea will also appeal about the sending off of Carlo Cudicini in their FA Cup loss at Newcastle yesterday ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... 


Sunday   20.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest at White Hart Lane in the FA Cup Fifth Round tie.  For a match report, click here.  Reaction will follow tomorrow.
  The Fifth Round FA Cup replay will take place at the City Ground Nottingham on Wednesday 2nd March, with a 19.45 p.m. kick off.
  There is a rumour in the Daily Star that Manchester United are planning a bid for Spurs keeper Paul Robinson in the summer, but Tottenham have put a  £12 million price on his head.
  Martin O'Neill appears to be seriously targeting Robbie Keane for a move to Celtic in the summer.  He is willing to pay £6 million, but in some quarters, a price of £11 million is said to have been put on his head by Spurs.

  OTHER NEWS ... Chelsea were knocked out of the FA Cup 1-0 at Newcastle to end their hopes of a quadruple ... Burnley fans invaded the pitch in their match against Blackburn Rovers today; one confronting Robbie Savage ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... 


Saturday   19.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Martin Jol has been letting Chris Hughton explain what the FA Cup means to Spurs in his pre-match team-talks.  However, Jol said he would not let the past rule the thinking of the players and he wants them to go out and treat the game as they would a big match.
  Striker Mido has been the subject of comment by Jol too.  The Spurs coach urged the fans to give him time to settle in despite his mercurial start against Portsmouth.  Martin Jol told reporters that is Mido can do the business for Spurs over the 18 month loan spell, then he will have been a success for Spurs.  The Egyptian forward is already impressing him by coming in on his day off and wanting to do extra work to get fit and to play.
  Spurs Under-18s drew 2-2 at Aston Villa this afternoon.  Jamie Davis and Charlie Lee scored the goals.

  OTHER NEWS ... Charlton were knocked out of the FA Cup by Leicester today and Brentford earned a draw at SCBC, as did Sheffield United at Highbury... Roy Carroll was hit by a coin at Goodison Park in United's match with Everton and a mobile phone just missed him too ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Arsene Wenger has said he will appeal against Dennis Bergkamp's sending off in today's FA Cup draw with Sheffield United.  Did we expect him to accept a referee's decision ?? 


Friday   18.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS : -  Mido has overcome a hip knock to be ready for Sunday's game, but Anthony Gardner's knee injury will rule him out.  Sean Davis still needs match fitness and will be two weeks away from selection and Michael Dawson and Andy Reid are both cup-tied having played for our opponents in the earlier rounds.
  NOTTINGHAM FOREST TEAM NEWS : -  Former West Ham and Wimbledon midfielder Adam Nowland is out with a hamstring injury, while keeper Paul Gerrard is suspended.  Shaun Derry had been on loan from Crystal Palace, but the midfielder has been transferred by the South London club to Leeds United and therefore will not be available, nor will cup-tied striker David Friio.  Andy Melville on loan from West ham and recent signing John Curtis from Portsmouth will be available.
  Former Spurs reserve midfielder Diego Bortolozzo has joined Belgian Third Division club Franc Borains.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Arsene Wenger has said that it is all the fault of the grassroots game in this country for the last 10-15 years that he cannot put out a British player in his squad these days.  Yes, those foreign player don't come from the grassroots, they grow on trees, obviously.
  MEHSTG's no- spin story 2 ... Emmanuel Panther is set to jump at the chance to join Brechin City from Partick Thistle.


Thursday   17.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs have been named as the fourteenth richest club in Europe in the 2003-04 Deloitte Touche Football Rich List.  They are the highest placed club who are not playing in a European competition and have moved up one place since the previous year's list.  Manchester United top the list for the eighth year running and Spurs are now also behind Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United.
  The Daily Star claim that Wolverhampton Wanderers have given up on their attempt to sign defender Dean Richards until the end of the season.
  Spurs will play their FA Youth Cup Sixth Round tie at Watford's Vicarage Road ground on Thursday 17th March with a 7.00 p.m. kick off.
  Nice article about Jermain Defoe at the London Evening Standard site http://www.thisislondon.com/sport/football/articles/16677840.
  Former Spurs trialist Ronny Johnsen has joined Norwegian club Valerenga on a one year contract, a week after he said he was retiring.
  For a preview of Sunday's FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest, click here.

  OTHER NEWS ... Middlesbrough draw 2-2 with AK Graz in Austria and Newcastle United beat Heerenveen in Holland in the UEFA Cup ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Roy Keane has said that there should be "anti-diving" wrist bands to show contempt for the practice.  What there should be is anti-diving bans handed out by the FA !!


Wednesday   16.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Sean Davis played an hour in a training ground friendly match against Wycombe Wanderers that ended 0-0.  The midfielder was having his first run-out since recovering from knee surgery and hopes to play against Charlton Athletic reserves on Monday.
  If Celtic fail to sign Craig Bellamy in the summer, they might turn to Robbie Keane as their main transfer target.
  Spurs Youth will be away to Watford in the quarter finals of the FA Youth Cup.

  OTHER NEWS ... Bolton's Ben Haim has been cleared of improper conduct for his part in the Wayne Rooney incident when the Trotters met United on Boxing Day ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... SCBC chairman Rupert "The Bear" Lowe is confident that his club will avoid relegation.  He said they have the players and the manager to stay up.  Has he not seen Harry Redknapp's record with teams at the bottom of the league ??


Tuesday   15.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The Daily Mirror claims that Spurs offered Robbie Keane to Everton and Manchester City in the January transfer window and speculate that he might leave White Hart Lane in the summer.
  Spurs Youth team won 2-1 against Everton in the FA Youth Cup Fifth Round at White Hart Lane tonight with goals from Leigh Mills and Jamie O'Hara.
  Norwegian side Rosenborg have given a trial to former Spurs defender Mbulelo Mabizela.  OJ had previously been in Sweden with Djurgardens but hopes to get a chance to play for a permanent deal with Rosenborg.
  Reserve midfielder Mark Hughes' loan deal with Oldham Athletic has been made a permanent free transfer.

  OTHER NEWS ... John Terry won the Premiership Player of the month award and Chelsea manager
Jose Mourinho the Manager of the month award ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Paul Terry has told Jose Mourinho that Chelsea do not need Ashley Cole, but that will probably not stop Abramovich buying him anyway ... just to wind up M. Wenger.


Monday   14.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The Spurs website has announced the sad news of the death of former Spurs captain of the 1950s Ron Burgess.  The Welsh international was converted from a forward to half-back, where he lead Tottenham to the Second Division title and then the First Division Championship in successive seasons at the start of the 1950s.  Ron played from 1938 to 1954 for Tottenham and was 87 when he passed away.  Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
  Martin Jol has said that the club will sit down with Ledley King and Jermain Defoe in the next few weeks to discuss contract extensions.  The Daily Mirror claims that the talks with the Spurs captain are designed to ward off interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.
  Unfortunately, Sir Alan Sugar has been quoted in the press as saying that footballers are the total scum of the earth and they are self-interested, dishonest and disloyal.  He is said to have propounded the theory that they would all be in prison if they were not playing football.
  Spurs might be linked with a move for England midfielder Owen Hargreaves once more.  The Bayern Munich man has said that he is contracted to the Bundesliga side for four more years, but might review his situation again in the summer when Spurs are rumoured to be reigniting their interest in the right sided player.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Arsenal fielded an all-foreign side and had five non-English subs in their game against Crystal Palace tonight.  Arsene Wenger said he does not look at his players passports before picking them, although they must not include the whiff of a royal seal on them.


Sunday   13.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Martin Jol is watching the Ivory Coast and Auxerre striker Bonaventure Kalou, having enquired about him in the January transfer window and the Spurs Head Coach might return for him in the summer.  The player spent five seasons at Feyenoord and Jol will be familiar with his work.
  Steve Bruce has targeted midfielder Michael Brown as the replacement for Robbie Savage at Birmingham City.  He hopes that the signing of Tom Huddlestone will prompt Spurs to release Brown for £2.5 million.
  Martin Jol has told TeamTalk that the club are in no rush to negotiate new terms for Jermain Defoe's contract.  The Dutchman said the Spurs striker is happy at the club and that with four years to run on his current deal, they were not in a hurry to change things, but recognise that he is worth making "happier" and although the article hinted that Chelsea might try and prise him away in the summer, Jol stated that Jermain had made it clear that it is not merely the money that he is concerned about at the moment.
  The Sunday People newspaper runs a story claiming that Paul Robinson is to be the subject of a £6 million bid my Manchester United in the summer.
  Brian Talbot hopes to make the transfer of Spurs reserve midfielder Mark Hughes to Oldham Athletic permanent later this week.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...


Saturday   12.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs beat West Bromwich Albion in the Fourth Round FA Cup replay tonight at White Hart Lane.  Due to the timing of the game for coverage on BBC TV and the poor organisation to clear traffic form the area, the match report and reaction will appear tomorrow.  For a match report, click here.
  Tottenham will now be at home to Nottingham Forest in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup on Sunday 20th February with the kick off at 3.00 p.m.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...


Friday   11.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS : -  Mido is out of the FA Cup replay with West Bromwich Albion because he was not signed when the first game took place and therefore, under FA rules, cannot feature in the replay.  Sean Davis and Reto Ziegler both miss the game too.  Noe Pamarot (chest infection), Ledley King (groin), Frederic Kanoute (groin), Pedro Mendes (cheekbone) and Noureddine Naybet  (groin) will all have late fitness tests to see if they are able to play.
  Mido will hold a press conference on Sunday when it is believed that he will apologise to the Egyptian people and management for missing training when a Roma player, leading to his ban from international football.  The striker hopes that now that Marco Tardelli has been removed from the manager's post, his apology will see him restored to the national side.
  Unlikely transfer story of the day ... the Daily Mirror claims Spurs are amongst the teams tracking Arsenal's Ashley Cole.
  Steve Booth, who was looking to get in touch with Gary Baker and Soldier ... can you get in touch with MEHSTG please.

  OTHER NEWS ... Malcolm Glazier stepped closer to his takeover of Manchester United today when the club said they allowed him to inspect the books, but said they would not be able to recommend the offer as it might not be in the best interests of the buisness ...


Thursday   10.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The Daily Mirror have claimed that Spurs will loan Tom Huddlestone back to Derby County for the whole of the 2005-06 season, as long as the Rams do not achieve promotion to the Premier League.
  TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS : - Ledley King is a doubt for Saturday's FA Cup replay against West Bromwich Albion with a groin problem.  
  Both Martin Jol and Alan Pardew have said that there is no intention for Michael Dawson to go on loan to West Ham United.  Jol said on BBC Radio London that the player is still three or four weeks away from full fitness and therefore, there is no way he would leave the club at the moment.
  Spurs are said to have made clear their interest in 24 year old Canadian and Hannover 96 midfielder Julian Guzman.
  Dean Richards' ear infection has recurred and will keep him out of action and with his contract up in the summer, Martin Jol would not be draw on whether the club would discuss an extension.
  For a preview of Saturday's FA Cup Fourth Round replay against West Bromwich Albion, click here.

  OTHER NEWS ... The FA have said that is unlikely that the Home Internationals will be revived ... BBC intend to launch it's own Sports Channel to rival Sky Sports ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... 


Wednesday   09.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Paul Robinson played the whole of the England match with Holland that ended in a 0-0 draw.  Jermain Defoe was an unused substitute. 
  Simon Davies had a 90 minute run out in Wales' 2-0 friendly win over Hungary.
  Robbie Keane played 83 minutes of the Republic of Ireland's 1-0 win over Portugal and Andy Reid played the whole game.
  Erik Edman was in the Sweden side that drew 1-1 in France tonight.
  
Thimothee Atouba featured in Cameroon's 1-0 win against Senegal.
  
Fredi Kanoute was in the Mali side that drew 2-2 against Guinea.
  
Noureddine Naybet played for Moroccan in their 5-1 win over Kenya in a World Cup qualifying match to go top of their group.
  There is a good interview with Spurs striker Jermain Defoe on the Football 365 website at http://www.football365.com/teams/tottenham_hotspur/story_142992.shtml

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann has told the press that he came close to walking out after being dropped for Manuel Almunia.  Well, that will be like when he walked out to face any oncoming forward !!
  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Newcastle United will be staying in the Dubai Police Academy while they are in the Gulf on a training camp.  Do you think Souness does a good Tackleberry impression ??


Tuesday   08.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  With Alan Pardew denying that he was trying to take Spurs defender Michael Dawson on loan yesterday, the Daily Mirror claims that the ex-Forest man turned down the move as he wants to compete for a place in the Tottenham first team.
  It is also reported in the media that Tottenham will consider signing Real Madrid's Portuguese midfielder Luis Figo.
  News from the club indicates that Sean Davis, Noe Pamarot, Pedro Mendes, Reto Ziegler and Anthony Gardner should be fit for selection by Saturday, but Ledley King and Mido might miss out with groin problems.
  Dean Marney made his England Under-21 debut against Holland in the 1-2 defeat at Pride Park tonight as a second half substitute, while summer arrival Tom Huddlestone played the whole match.  Huddlestone was given the Man of the Match award, while Marney got booked within a minute of entering the play.
  Mark Yeates and Stephen Kelly were both in the Republic of Ireland Under-21 side that lost 0-2 in Portugal tonight.  Both were substituted in the second half.

  OTHER NEWS ... Birmingham City will not have to replay their win over SCBC because the signing of Walter Pandiani was all above board according to the FA ... Man U have refuted reports that they are trying to tempt young players as young a seven years old from abroad ... 


Monday   07.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Ledley King has been told by the England medical team that he will not be able to take part in the friendly international versus Holland on Wednesday due to his groin strain.
  Michael Dawson's shin injury has ruled hi out of the England Under-21 match against Holland tomorrow.
  England Under-21 manager Peter Taylor reckons Spurs have picked up a real bargain in Tom Huddlestone for £2.5 million.
  Andy Reid was the runaway winner of the FAI Young Player of the Year award and was presented with the trophy at last night's ceremony.
  Two goal hero from Saturday Mido has said
"I'm happy with the decision I took to play for Tottenham which my heart chose. My team-mates have helped me a lot since I came to London.  I practiced very well last week under coach Martin Jol and I thank God for the two goals.  I am glad to be part of this great team which is considered one of England's ancient clubs," said the Egyptian striker on the Sky Sports website.
  Spurs Reserves beat Leicester City Reserves 2-1 at Stevenage Borough FC tonight.  Click here for a match report.
  Secretary John Alexander is currently in Mauritius and has arranged a two match end-of-season tour in May, including a game against the Mauritius national team and an invitational team.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...


Sunday   06.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs are said to be considering a move to share Wembley stadium when it is completed.  The club are also investigating the possibility of moving to the Olympic Stadium at Stratford when built, as they feel that they may not be able to extend the White Hart Lane ground in it's current location, a story reports in the Sunday Mirror.
  Jermain Defoe has told the News of the World that he is happy to keep playing and scoring goals for Tottenham, as he believes he can realise his ambition at the club.  The England striker told the paper that he is not focusing on money and that his dreams of playing for England and in Europe will be possible with the club, as they have the players to reach a placing that will take them into Europe.
  The Sunday Star carry an item claiming that West Ham want to take new signing Michael Dawson on loan until the end of the season.  It is a move that the People claim will happen for definite.
  On Sky Sports, in a post-match interview, Mido claimed that the decision he made to come to Tottenham was not an easy one, as Roma did not want to let him go and that he had other offers.  However, he praised the fans for his reaction and hoped he would be able to continue to do well for Spurs.
  On Match of the Day, in a post-match interview, Mido claimed that he came to Tottenham because of the honest approach of Martin Jol and Frank Arnesen, which is something he did not receive at Roma.  I wonder if that will have burned his boats with the Italian club.
  Spurs Reserves are at home to Leicester City Reserves at Stevenage Borough FC with a 7.00 p.m. kick off tomorrow night.

  OTHER NEWS ... Walter Pandiani's move to Birmingham City has come under some scrutiny in the papers, as the paperwork was not received at the FA's headquarters until 12.30 a.m., but this was because Spurs were signing Michael Dawson at 11.58 p.m. and then the fax machine got jammed !!! ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... It appears that it is unlikely that Arsenal will report their Chelsea and other teams about illegal approaches to players for fear of being accused of tap-ups themselves.


Saturday   05.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs beat Portsmouth at home this afternoon 3-1.  For a match report, click here.  Reaction to follow.
  The England squad for the friendly with Holland next week contains three Spurs players - Paul Robinson, Ledley King and Jermain Defoe.

  OTHER NEWS ... the FA are to investigate allegations that Chelsea have tapped up Ashley Cole ...


Friday   04.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Martin Jol has said today that he is pleased that Spurs did not lose Noe Pamarot and Simon Davies in the January transfer window.  He regards both of them as important players for the team and although they had a good offer for Pamarot from SCBC, the defender decided to stay at White Hart Lane.
  Anthony Gardner's broken nose came in a collision with Stephen Kelly in the game at the Reebok Stadium on Tuesday.
  TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS : - Paul Robinson is doubtful after having X-rays on a knee injury picked up in the Bolton game in midweek.  Anthony Gardner (broken nose) and Fredi Kanoute (suspended) are definitely out, as are Reto Ziegler (hamstring), Pedro Mendes (groin), Noureddine Naybet (groin), Sean Davis (back) and Michael Dawson (shin).  Mido might miss out with a groin problem.
  PORTSMOUTH TEAM NEWS : - Andy Griffin and Diomansy Camara return to the side after injury and suspension, but Lua Lua misses out as he is still serving a ban.  Stone might be ruled out with a hamstring problem and that could leave the way open for Giannis Skopelitis to make his debut and Chalkias will continue in goal.
  Heerenveen have been ordered to pay Erik Edman €180,000 as part fo the deal that took him to Tottenham.  His former club had argued against the €307,905 the Swedish left back had claimed as part of his agreement to join Spurs
  UEFA have said that they want to introduce a rule in Europe to make squads for European competition limited to 25 players and by 2006, six of these must be homegrown, between the ages of 15 and 21.  This will rise to seven in 2007 and by 2008 it will be eight, with four (of any nationality) coming through the club's academy and four trained in the same country for three years or more.

  OTHER NEWS ... Chelsea and Blackburn Rovers have been charged by the FA with failing to control their players in the league match in midweek ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... The FA are thinking of moving the FA Cup final to a midweek date to accommodate Sven Goran Eriksson break before the 2006 World Cup Finals.  Let's hope that England reach the World Cup final and that it is at 11.55 p.m. on the day after the semi-final.


Thursday   03.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs are said to have been in touch with Valencia about Italian striker Bernado Corradi and the La Liga club have indicated that Tottenham might be back in for him in the summer, when he is likely to quit the club where he has struggled to settle in.
  Andy Reid has taken a side-swipe at SCBC in a comment about his joy at joining Spurs.  The Irish winger said
"It's a footballing club and it would be pointless my going to a club that just boot it long, there would be no point in it whatsoever.  New defender Michael Dawson has said he will face a fight to win a place in the Tottenham team.  "I'm a young lad coming here from a lower league, and the players that are here when I look around mean I'm not going to get straight into the team," said the ex-Forest man, acknowledging he will have to work hard and learn from the players at the club.
  Fredi Kanoute has slammed referee Mike Dean for his first booking in the game at Bolton on Tuesday, saying that he did not swear at or abuse the match official and although the second booking came from a bad looking tackle, he did not intend to hurt Anthony Barness.
  Dean Marney, Michael Dawson and Tom Huddlestone, who is due to arrive in the summer, have both been selected for England's Under-21 squad to play Holland in a friendly at Pride Park on Tuesday 8th February.
  Anthony Gardner broke his nose in the game at Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday, the Spurs website has revealed.
  They also tell of Sean Davis suffering a mid-back problem, which will keep him out longer after overcoming his knee surgery.
  And Reto Ziegler may be out for another week with his hamstring injury, which is not fully cleared up yet.
  Spurs' new singing Mido was unable to have his favourite 99 number on the back of his shirt, as the Premier League will not sanction the use of numbers out of the consecutive ones in the squad and thus the Egyptian has to settle for number 15.
  For a preview of the Pompey match, click here.

  OTHER NEWS ... England will wear anti-racist slogans on their shirts for the friendly with Holland next week and have the Kick It Out logo on their sleeves ... Terry McDermott has revealed that Craig Bellamy is the most hated person ever to be at St. James Park and indicated that he will never play for the club again after some of the things he has said ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... 


Wednesday   02.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Mounir El Hamdaoui scored both goals against Northampton Town in a 2-0 training ground friendly today, which also featured Mido and Radek Cerny.
  The FA Cup Fourth round replay has been selected for live coverage by BBC TV and will now kick off at 5.30 p.m. on Saturday 12th February at White Hart Lane.
  The game cancelled that was due to be played that day - away against Charlton Athletic - has now been rescheduled for Wednesday 16th March 2005 with an 8.00 p.m. kick off.
  Apparently, Spurs failed in a late bid to buy 18 year old winger Aaron Lennon from Leeds United for £70,000, according to the Daily Star.
  Spurs transfer target Christian Wilhelmsson of Sweden and Anderlecht will be offered a new deal at the Belgian club, thus quashing any move that might have taken place.
  Former Spurs goalkeeper and joint manager Ray Clemence has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.  We wish him all the best with his treatment for his condition.

  OTHER NEWS ... There will be no FA action over the tunnel confrontation before last night's Arsenal v Man U match at Highbury ... Alan Shearer scores his 250th Premier League goal in the 1-1 draw with Man. City ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Birmingham City's forward loan signing Walter Pandiani has said that he really wanted to join Fiorentina and not Brum and described it as "just the place he did not want to be."  Isn't that what strikers are NOT all about ... being in the wrong place at the wrong time ??


Tuesday   01.02.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs lost 1-3 to Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium tonight.  Click here for a match report.  Reaction to follow tomorrow.
  Tottenham confirmed that they have signed Derby County defender Tom Huddlestone and he will join up with the club in July.  The deal could rise to £2.5 million depending on appearances and conditions.
  Frank Arnesen hinted that more transfers will be coming in the summer and it could be quite a few !!  The Spurs Sporting Director said that 80% of transfer activity will take place in the summer transfer window.
  Johnnie Jackson has gone on another month's loan to Watford, after originally turning down the option.  However, with an injury in central midfield, Jackson can play in his preferred position and will stay at Vicarage Road for a further four weeks.

  OTHER NEWS ... Arsenal's chances of retaining their league title looks to have slipped away by losing 2-4 at home to Man U...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Jermaine Pennant has been told that he can expect a prison sentence for drunk driving while disqualified and giving a false name and address.  Some people will do anything to avoid a loan spell at Birmingham City !!

 

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