White Hot Lines

May 2004

Monday   31.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The latest manager to be linked with Spurs is the Dutch national manager Dick Advocaat.  He has said that he will step down from his post at the end of Euro 2004, so the Daily Record think that means Tottenham will be after him, as Frank Arnesen thinks highly of the former Glasgow Rangers boss.
  Spurs are being linked with a move for £2.5 million rated West Ham United midfielder Michael Carrick, along with Charlton Athletic and Newcastle United.  
  Claudio Ranieri was sacked today as manager of Chelsea and sparked speculation that he will take over at White Hart Lane.

  OTHER NEWS ... Huddersfield Town won the Third Division play-off against Mansfield Town on penalties this afternoon ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has revealed the club will make an announcement about their new manager in a fortnight.  The Anfield chief claimed in a radio interview at the weekend the decision on Gerard Houllier's replacement may not be made until mid to late June, but it would seem Liverpool are closer to sealing a deal than that, which suggests Rafael Benitez may be reviewing his position at Valencia.  However, they are a lot further away from securing the services of Sven Goran Eriksson.  And even further away from getting Jose Mourinho as their new boss.  They are a million miles away from announcing Alex Ferguson as the man to lead the Reds to glory.


Sunday   30.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The Sunday Mirror claims that former Celtic manager Wim Jansen will be asked to take over at White Hart Lane.  The Dutchman has been in Japan in charge or Urawa Red Diamonds and is currently back in Holland after completing his contract.
  The Sunday People run a story indicating that Tottenham will make a last attempt to get Martin O'Neill as their new manager by offering him a £2 million annual salary.
  Spurs are one of 30 clubs interested in taking on former Celtic goal-scorer Henrik Larsson.  
  Hull City are desperate to hold on to manager Peter Taylor in the face of rumours linking him with the FA's England Under-21 manager's position.  

  OTHER NEWS ... Brighton and Hove Albion beat Bristol City 1-0 to go through to Division One in the play-off final at Cardiff this afternoon ... Japan beat Iceland 3-2 in the three nation tournament involving England held in the City of Manchester stadium ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert has said he has "no intention of going to Middlesbrough.  I will not consider a move to a small club. I would like to go to one of the big London teams.  If that doesn't happen I will stay at Barcelona for the final year of my contract.''  There he will obtain some succour by drawing the biggest salary in football until he gets his move.


Saturday   29.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Jamie Slabber has returned to Tottenham after a loan spell at FC Copenhagen in Denmark.
  Gary Doherty played for the Republic of Ireland in their 0-3 defeat by Nigeria at the Valley this afternoon, as did Robbie Keane.  

  OTHER NEWS ... West Ham United were condemned to another year in the Nationwide First Division when they failed to beat Crystal Palace in the play-off final at the Millennium stadium today ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Celtic look to have failed in their bid to land Rivaldo with his agent claiming he is just days away from signing for Bolton.  Peter Harrison said: "I believe he will become a Bolton Wanderers player in days rather than weeks because he has accepted their deal and it's now just a matter of getting him to sign it.  "I don't think Rivaldo would go on trial with anybody because he is too big a player.  When he met Martin O'Neill he towered over him, but when he went to Bolton to see Sam Allardyce, he realised that he wasn't as big as "Big Sam", so would willingly sign up for them."


Friday   28.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs have signed Hungarian Under-21 international goalkeeper Marton Fulop after impressing the staff at the club while on a three day trial recently.  The 21 year old has signed from MTK Budapest and will hope to push Kasey Keller and Paul Robinson, with a Premier League debut his aim.  
  The official site has informed Tottenham supporters that the new home kit will only last for one year, as "our legal representatives and the FA Premier League have advised the Club that we should look to re-brand at the end of the 2004/05 season in an effort retain tighter control over our copyrights and trademarks."  
  One manager linked with Spurs, AS Roma boss Fabio Capello has been appointed as the new coach at Juventus.

  OTHER NEWS ... Russell Slade has been named as the new manager of Grimsby Town, leaving Scarborough behind him ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Arsenal want to sign Kaka !!


Thursday   27.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Speculation surrounds a story on the Sky Sports website that attributes a quote to Frank Arnesen saying that Tottenham were in talks with sacked Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz. The club's new Sporting Director is reported to have said that there will be two Portuguese staff on the team next season ... alluding to Postiga and Queiroz.  However, the Spurs website moved quickly to quash the rumour saying that any announcement will be made through the official site.
  One of the names mentioned in relation to Tottenham's manager's post is Mark Hughes, who today said that he would like to go into club management at some stage of his career, but he is proud and happy to manage Wales at the moment..
  Real Betis midfielder Benjamin is being linked with a possible transfer to Spurs or Charlton Athletic.  He would cost €5 million and he is also interesting a number of Spanish teams too.
  Robbie Keane made his 50th Republic of Ireland appearance tonight in their 1-0 friendly win over Romania in Dublin.   Gary Doherty was an unused substitute.
  Christian Ziege came on as a substitute for Germany in their 7-0 win over Malta in a friendly tonight.
  Wife of Tottenham captain Jamie, Louise Redknapp has been voted Sexiest woman of the decade by men's mag FHM.

  OTHER NEWS ... Non-league Telford United went into liquidation today and might soon go out of business altogether ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Alan Smith has vowed he is ready to win the doubters over after completing his "brave" £7m journey from Leeds to Manchester United.  Smith signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford that has succeeded in alienating him from supporters of both clubs.  Leeds fans are seething that the home-town boy they hailed a hero during a disastrous last 12 months has so actively sought a transfer to their bitterest rivals, although they will know how much it hurts when opposing fans sing "One Alan Smith" at them, like they sung "One Sol Campbell" to Tottenham fans !!
Smith added: "Manchester United is a team of winners. They play in every tournament going and I want to become a winner too," implying that would not have happened at Leeds.  Oh, it all sound so familiar to Spurs fans.


Wednesday   26.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham are reported in the London Evening Standard to have made a £6 million two-year deal offer to Barcelona's Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids.  It hints that the player's agent might be making this known to try and get Chelsea to come in for him, but Spurs did try and sign the player before he joined Barcelona in the January transfer window.  His salary works out at about £60,000 a week.
  Christian Ziege has been called into the German Euro 2004 squad, after Christian Rahn pulled out with an injury.  

  OTHER NEWS ... Porto won the Champions League final tonight beating Monaco 3-0 in Germany ... Leeds United sold Alan Smith to Manchester United for £7 million today ... And then appointed Kevin Blackwell as their new manager ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Studies of American footballers indicate that heading the ball damages the brain.  The researchers have worked out that the pointed end id not the best bit to head !!


Tuesday   25.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham are reported to want Carlos Quieroz, just sacked as Real Madrid coach, as their new manager, according to the Daily Mail, but they say Sporting Lisbon are also interested, although some reports claim that he will make a return to Manchester United as Sir Alex Ferguson's number two.  
  The BBC Sport website claims that Portuguese striker Helder Postiga has said that he will quit Spurs unless he gets a regular place in the first team at White Hart Lane.  
  Republic of Ireland Under-21s beat Scotland Under-21s 3-1 and they were captained by Spurs defender Stephen Kelly.
  Ledley King's father has been arrested after being in a siege at the house of his ex-girlfriend last week.

  OTHER NEWS ... Grimsby Town manager Nicky Law left the club, after the relegated side decided not to renew his contract ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has moved to end speculation over the future of manager Sir Bobby Robson.  In a move to secure any doubt in the mind of fans over the doubts in the mind of the Magpies boss, the club have said that in the future, Robson will be entirely responsible for the major task of getting the players names wrong and for producing barmy post-match TV interviews.


Monday   24.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs appear to be leading the chase for Racing Santander midfielder Yossi Benayoun.  Tottenham scouts are said to have watched the 24 year old Israeli five times in the last two months and although other Premier League sides are interested, Spurs appear to be the most keen.
  Simon Davies will miss Wales' friendlies against Norway and Canada next week, as he rests his shin injury.  
  The interest in Nottingham Forest's Republic of Ireland left winger Andy Reid is said to be diminishing, as the Sporting Director Frank Arnesen knows little about him and would be looking for a more established player.  
  Although, obviously, we all hope it is not Jesper Gronkjaer, who TeamTalk claim we have made a £5 million bid for !!  

  OTHER NEWS ... Gerard Houllier has left Liverpool as manager ... coach Carlos Quieroz has been sacked by Real Madrid ... Ipswich Town coach Tony Mowbray was announced as manager of Hibernian today ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Graeme Souness has revealed how Henrik Larsson turned down a move to Blackburn - because of the weather.  Souness told The Express: "It would have been a fantastic signing for us. But Henrik told me he wanted to go somewhere where it was sunny."  However, the real reason was because Larsson couldn't work out whether or not he wants to work with Souness !!


Sunday   23.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The Observer today rates Darius Vassell as 70-30 against being fit for Euro 2004 after his hamstring injury and they think Jermain Defoe will travel to Portugal as a member of the squad for the tournament.
  In the same paper, there are reports that Gerard Houllier will leave Liverpool by mutual consent soon and he may be a target for Celtic and Tottenham, who he has apparently turned down approaches from recently.  
  Jaap Stam has told Tottenham that they have got a great football man in Frank Arnesen. The Lazio central defender said that the new Sporting Director had a great understanding of what footballers want, having played at the very top level and if anyone could persuade players to join a club it was Arnesen, who he played under at PSV Eindhoven in 1996.
  Newcastle United are still keen on signing Stephen Carr.  
  Portuguese striker Helder Postiga will be seeking talks with Frank Arnesen on his return from Euro 2004, as he said that last season had not gone well for him and he wants to know if there is still a future for him at Spurs.
  Spurs are allegedly challenging Middlesbrough for the signing of West Ham United's Michael Carrick should they fail to gain promotion through the play-off system.
  Tottenham are also reported to be interested in buying Chelsea's erratic Danish winger Jesper Gronkjaer, according to the Sunday Express.
  Mark Yeates scored for the Republic of Ireland Under-19s who beat Norway 3-0 tonight.  However, it was not enough to progress in the competition as Belgium won all three of their games to top the group.

  OTHER NEWS ... England is considering making a bid for the 2018 World Cup finals ... Pierluigi Collina could referee in the Premiership over the next few years, as FA vice-chairman David Dein said foreign refs could be introduced three or four times a season until they reached the English retirement age for refs of 48.  Referring to nobody in particular, Dein said "I'd like to see them because I think certain players do get targeted because of familiarity." ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Danny Mills' agent has called on Newcastle and Middlesbrough to put their money on the table if they want to land the England full-back.  He also added that it better be a big table ... like a dining table that you see in banquets in films and not a coffee table, as any club who puts their money on a coffee table will not match his client's ambitions.


Saturday   22.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Then Telegraph reports that Jermain Defoe might be drafted into the England squad for Euro 2004 should Kieron Dyer's behaviour cause Sven Goran Eriksson doubts about his ability to blend with the rest of the squad. 
  Christian Ziege has said that he will remember the ovations the Spurs fans gave him at his last home game against Blackburn Rovers and the away game at Wolverhampton, as they almost brought tears to his eyes.  The German international said apart from the injuries it had been a great three years.

  OTHER NEWS ... Manchester United won the FA Cup with a 3-0 victory over Millwall in Cardiff this afternoon ... As they collected the trophy, the United players donned "Davis 36" shirts to remember Jimmy David, who was killed earlier this season in a car crash while on loan at Watford ... Celtic won the Scottish FA Cup with a 3-1 victory over Dunfermline Athletic ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... David O'Leary is adamant he will not be looking to Euro 2004 as an avenue to strengthen his Aston Villa squad.  "I don't watch players at international tournaments," the Villa boss said, "The danger of signing players on the evidence of what they have done at tournaments is that they might have the best three weeks of their lives and never be able to repeat that form.  And anyway, the club's finances do not stretch to letting me go."


Friday   21.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The Independent runs a story that claims Sporting Director Frank Arnesen has recommended Martin Jol to become the new Spurs coach.  
  Celtic boss Martin O'Neill has said that neither Tottenham nor Liverpool have approached him to take over at their clubs and therefore, he has not turned the jobs down.
  After yesterday's rumoured quote from Leeds United's James Milner that he didn't want to come to Tottenham because he was not guaranteed first team football, The Sun report that at the same time as the Paul Robinson deal, Tottenham agreed with the Yorkshire club that they would have a £3.5 million first option on the 18 year old midfielder-cum-striker.  However, with Leeds in need of the money and believing they can get a better price elsewhere in the Premiership, they are touting him around other clubs, but might come unstuck, as Spurs have a clause tapping into a percentage of any profit above the agreed price Leeds make by selling Milner on to another club.  Now that is shrewd.  However, Leeds have denied that such a deal exists with Tottenham or any other club ... but then they said Robinson would cost us £5 million !!
  Former Spurs transfer target Denmark and AC Milan defender Martin Laursen is set to sign for Aston Villa for £3 million.
  The London Evening Standard reports that Spurs are to make a £2 million move for Middlesbrough's Gareth Southgate.  Offering a three year contract, they believe that the England defender might choose to come back South to finish his playing days as the defensive general Tottenham are seeking instead of playing in Europe with Boro !!  Temporary Reserve Team coach Clive Allen has reached the end of his agreement with the club, but hopes to return in some coaching capacity in the future.  He has not been sacked as was reported in a number of other reports (BBC Sport, London Evening Standard)
  Released goalkeeper Shwan Jalal has joined Woking, where he was previously on loan.

  OTHER NEWS ... Cameroon's six point World Cup qualifying penalty for wearing an all-in-one kit at the African Nations Cup has been lifted by FIFA ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Roy Carroll has said he is ready to fight for his shirt at Manchester United.  The back-up keeper lent it to Fabien Barthez earlier in the season and is now throwing down the gauntlet to the kung-fu keeper in what should be quite a battle for the piece of polyester.


Thursday   20.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  New Sporting Director Frank Arnesen said that the club have not yet identified their new manager, but they are giving it consideration and have only a limited time to make the appointment.
  Having secured the services of Frank Arnesen, Tottenham now seem an interesting option for Mark van Bommel, who said that the Sporting Director is one of the best.  Aston Villa could not afford to buy the Dutch midfielder as they have to bring in about six players, but buying van Bommel would have left no money to bring anyone else in.
  The Daily Mirror claims that Tottenham chairman is making Martin O'Neill his number one target and will offer him whatever he wants to become the new Spurs manager.  A figure of £1.6 million has been mentioned as Daniel Levy hopes to convince the Celtic boss that he is the man to take Tottenham forward, after he has played out the Scottish FA Cup Final on Saturday.  
  Former youth team player Simon Wormull has joined Hornchurch.

  OTHER NEWS ... three Leicester City players have been cleared of all charges of sexual assault in Spain ... David Beckham will stay with Real Madrid next season ... Kenny Dalglish denies that he has been approached to take over at Liverpool ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Liverpool supporters are calling on the board to make a statement of intent about the future of manager Gerard Houllier.  With growing speculation that the Frenchman is on the verge of losing his job, the fans are keen to know exactly what is going on.  The club have said that they will make an official statement when they have worked out where the semi-colon should be placed in it.


Wednesday   19.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Further details of Frank Arnesen's post have been revealed today.  He is to be the club's Sporting Director and will be on a three years contract.  A statement from Daniel Levy said he "be in charge of all matters relating to the football side of the club and the recruitment of key personnel and have responsibility for developing and implementing youth, scouting, medical and international policy.  Additionally, he will oversee the trading of players in consultation with the first team management."  The 47 year old said on the Tottenham Hotspur website that "First of all I want to go deep into the club, I have to learn all about it. I know the club from the outside, it is big club and together we will try for big results and trophies.
  Meanwhile David Pleat has resigned and will step down as Director of Football and a director of the club on 1st July.  He wished Tottenham good fortune in the future and said he hoped that the young players at the club will provide a solid basis for success.  Pleat added that he was sad to be leaving and hoped to get back into football at the earliest opportunity.
  Pleat appeared to hint that an agreement with Giovanni Trapattoni in mid-season had fallen through and that the board were now nearer than back then in getting a top manager for the post at Spurs.
  The London Evening Standard clams that Tottenham have been snubbed by Martin O'Neill, who they still want as their first team coach.  It is alleged in the story that Spurs have offered a £1 million plus bonuses a year deal and that does not come close to the £2 million he is on at Celtic. 
  RKC Waalwijk's manager and former West Bromwich Albion defender Martin Jol is being tipped to take over at Tottenham as head coach.  A highly rated coach for his work at a small club producing excellent football on small budgets and working with young players, he is in demand, with Manchester United approaching him earlier this season.
  Also in the frame is Welsh national coach Mark Hughes.
  Spurs have supposedly had a £3.5 million bid for Nottingham Forest's Republic of Ireland midfielder Andy Reid turned down as the club value him at £10 million.
  Tottenham are reported in the French media as being in contact with free agent Bixente Lizarazu.  The former Bayern Munich defender has apparently been spoken to by Daniel Levy about a move to Tottenham and the 34 year old is said to want reassurances about the new manager to be at White Hart Lane. 
  Aston Villa have dropped out of the running for PSV midfielder Mark van Bommel, citing lack of cash as the reason, which might leave Tottenham back in for him, now Frank Arnesen is all but in place at White Hart Lane.

  OTHER NEWS ... Valencia beat ten man Marseille 2-0 in the UEFA Cup final tonight ... Bristol City struck late to score a 2-1 win over Hartlepool United to see them through to the play-off final 3-2 on aggregate ... Huddersfield Town drew 2-2 against Lincoln City tonight to go through to the final 4-3 on aggregate


Tuesday   18.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The Guardian claims that David Pleat is being eased out to Tottenham Hotspur and that the club have made an offer to former Danish international and PSV manager Frank Arnesen to become General Manager or Technical Director at White Hart Lane.  Arnesen is due to leave PSV on 1st July and Tottenham are set to make an announcement later this week, with the former PSV and Anderlecht player responsible for scouting, transfers, developing the youth system and working closely with the new coach.  On the Sky Sports website, Arnesen is said to have revealed he will be coming, being quoted as saying on the PSV site, "I am very happy to continue my work as technical director at one of the most traditional teams in England.  Tottenham is a club with much history and plays even maybe in the biggest league of the world."
  The name being linked with the team manager's post now is Real Madrid's coach Carlos Quieroz, although Giovanni Trapattoni is alleged to have said that he would be interested in the post after Euro 2004.  Trap revealed that he might have taken the job already if his wife had not expressed doubts about being "homesick" ... a bit different to an illness.  The 65 year old Italian national manager said in the London Evening Standard that he would regard it as "an honour and a great opportunity" to manage Tottenham.
  Striker Helder Postiga has been included in the Portugal squad for Euro 2004.  
  Former Spurs striker Steffen Iversen has been released by Wolverhampton Wanderers.
  To add to the release of Teddy Sheringham, Portsmouth have also let Tim Sherwood know he can leave the South Coast club.
  Daniel Levy has announced that the new club doctor Dr. Charlotte Cowie - has completed her review of the medical provisions at the club and states that the highest levels of care must be provided for Premier League players.  In line with the recommendations in her review, changes will be made in the medical set-up.

  OTHER NEWS ... Emile Heskey has left Liverpool to join Birmingham City for £6.25 million ... Liverpool sell 30% of their club to Thailand Prime Minister Thakshin Shinawatra for £60 million ... that is nearly ten Emile Heskeys ... Milan Fukal looks like signing for Borussia Moenchengladbach from Hamburg ... West Ham reached the play-off final with a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town giving them a 2-1 aggregate victory ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Forensic tests have shown there is no link between Leicester City players and the Premier League they were alleged to have played in. The club's chief executive Tim Davies said lawyers for the First Division side were pleased that they had been found not guilty.  They were accused of carrying out the drunken assault on the top flight in late 2003 and earlier this year.  Davies said: "There is nothing that links our players with the Premier League.  It doesn't appear that there is too much evidence any more.''


Monday   17.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Paul Robinson and Ledley King have been included in Sven Goran Eriksson's England squad for Euro 2004, while Jermain is on standby in the shadow squad if required.
  Former Spurs midfielder Steffen Freund has been released by Leicester City.

  OTHER NEWS ... Crystal Palace won through on penalties after losing 2-1 in their play-off second leg at Sunderland ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... France beat England 6-0 in Martin Keown's testimonial match at Highbury tonight.


Sunday   16.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  David Pleat's future at Tottenham will be announced this week according to a report in the Observer, which says that the board are reviewing the coaching setup at the club.  The story states that the Director of Football role will disappear and a new Technical Director position created, with a new man appointed to work independently of the manager/coach.  It is thought a continental name will be given the Technical Director's post.  With the new set-up radically changing things at Tottenham, the coaching arrangements at youth level will also be looked at, but the Observer suggest this might take place next year.
  At the end of the Observer piece, it suggest the likely candidates for the manager's job are PSV Eindhoven's Guus Hiddink, Claudio Ranieri and Raddy Antic, who is supposedly due to come to England to discuss two jobs with Premier League clubs.  
  Darren Anderton has hit out at David Pleat after being released by the club.  The Spurs midfielder said he had been offered a new contract in March, but has now been told that he is no longer required at Tottenham, presumably on Pleat's advice, although he has picked him every time he has been available.  Anderton was annoyed that he was not given the chance to say goodbye to the Spurs fans and that he hopes that the club appoint a new manager who has experience of winning trophies to bring the good times back to White Hart Lane.   Former England international said he loves Spurs and that he stayed, despite offers from Manchester United and other clubs, because he thought that he could win things with Tottenham.  
  Tottenham's French loan reject Stephane Dalmat has hit out at Tottenham in the Sunday People saying that the squad are split by cliques, do nothing in training where David Pleat lets his players get away with being lazy and that he did not get on with the English players in the squad, although he was on speaking terms with the foreign players.
  The Sunday Mirror claim that Anderton is in talks with West Ham United about a move there, now that he is a free agent.  
  The News of the World claim that Leeds United midfielder Erick Bakke is set to turn down a £4 million move to Tottenham, because he wants to stay at Elland Road to help the side back into the Premiership.
  The Sunday People claim that James Beattie might be ready to move away from SCBC and that Tottenham is his preferred destination.  The England striker is looking to move on to enhance his prospects and the paper reckons if Spurs can find a buyer for Helder Postiga, they will go for Beattie to add to their squad.  SCBC are alleged to want £6 million for the forward.
  Jamie Redknapp has signed a pay-as-you-play deal with Spurs to stay on for another year, having turned down deals at other clubs.  He said he understood the club's position and that he was happy to sign because the club mean a lot to him and he realises he has missed a lot of games through injury in his two years at the club, he told the Sunday People.
  Spurs Ladies beat the RAF Women's team in a friendly at White Hart Lane this afternoon by five goals to nil.  Click here for a match report.  

  OTHER NEWS ... Brighton won their play-off first leg at Swindon 1-0, while Mansfield beat Northampton 2-0 in their Third Division play-off first leg ... Shrewsbury regained their place in the Football League after a 3-0 penalty shoot-out win in the Conference play-off with Aldershot after a 1-1 draw ... Winchester City won the FA Vase with a 2-0 win over AFC Sudbury at St. Andrews today ... 


Saturday   15.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 at Molineux this afternoon, with Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe on the scoresheet.  Click here for a match report.  Reaction to follow.
  It was revealed today that Paul Robinson has taken a £5,000 a week pay cut to come to Tottenham and will earn about £21,000 a week.
  Tottenham Hotspur Ladies FC had two Herts. Girls Football League Cup Finals this morning.  The Under-10s lost out to Luton Belles, while the Under-11s completed the Double with a 4-1 win over QPR.  Click here for match reports on the games.

  OTHER NEWS ... South Africa won the right to stage the 2010 World Cup this morning ... Arsenal complete their Premiership campaign unbeaten ... Ipswich beat West Ham 1-0 in the play-off first leg ... Huddersfield won 2-1 against Lincoln City in their play-off first leg and Hartlepool drew 1-1 with Bristol City ... 


Friday   14.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Paul Robinson will complete his move to Tottenham on Monday after agreeing terms and passing a second medical today.  Stories report that Tottenham have had to stump up £200,000, which the goalkeeper was claiming from Leeds as a loyalty payment, because he did not request a transfer, but this is still cheaper than the price mentioned in talks in January.  The England keeper said "They showed me they wanted me. I had very positive meetings in the transfer window and things just went from there. They made me feel wanted and like it was home."  Robinson said he was willing to prove himself to any new manager and that the club was signing good talented youngsters, which gave him hope for boosting his international ambitions.
  The Leeds United chairman has said that none of the top four clubs were interested in Robinson and this was the best offer for him.  He also said Robinson was believed to be the best paid keeper in the Premiership at what is thought to be around £30,000 a week, although the London Evening Standard says that Tottenham were not likely to match that.  Robinson will not play against Chelsea tomorrow and the Standard believe his arrival might see Kasey Keller move on in the summer, as he does not relish sitting on the bench as understudy to the 24 year old signing.
  It is rumoured that Tottenham will shortly be firing David Pleat from his position as Director of Football.  
  Former Spurs striker Teddy Sheringham is being released by Portsmouth.
  TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS : - Stephen Carr's ankle injury rules him out of the last game of the season, along with Mauricio Taricco's calf problem.  Simon Davies will also be out of the squad as his shin injury is playing him up and Darren Anderton' Achilles injury rules him out of the game at Molineux.  Youngsters Mark Yeates and Dean Marney are added tot he squad with Mbulelo Mabizela, with Pleat saying in a press conference that Yeates will probably make his debut at some stage in the game.
Squad : - Keller, Hirschfeld, Kelly, King, Gardner, Doherty, Ziege, Brown, Redknapp, Ricketts, Poyet, Mabizela, Jackson, Marney, Yeates, Keane, Defoe, Kanoute
  WOLVES TEAM NEWS : -  Lee Naylor might be selected after recovering from a knee injury.
  Tottenham Hotspur Ladies FC will be staging a match against the RAF Women's side at White Hart Lane on Sunday 16th May.  Gates open at 12.15 p.m. and kick off will be at 13.00 p.m.  Entry is free and the Ladies would appreciate a large attendance to give them a fitting end to a very good season.  There will be a penalty prize competition at half-time, along with a prize draw with entry by buying a programme.
  Pictures of Tottenham's new kits for next season are circulating on the internet.
The new home kit is a plain white shirt (logo still red though despite me hearing that it was going to be blue), with navy shorts and white socks
The new away kit is a plain navy blue shirt, white shorts and navy socks
The new third kit is all yellow and is very plain.

  OTHER NEWS ... David Platt will step down from the role as manager of the England Under-21 team after this summer ... Steve McClaren will fill in for Brian Kidd as Sven Goran Eriksson's coach in Euro 2004 ...


Thursday   13.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Paul Robinson appears to be close to the move and he will have further talks with the club tomorrow.
  However, his young midfield team-mate at Leeds United will not be joining him at White Hart Lane, as he has decided to turn down a £4.5 million move to Spurs to stay at Elland Road for another year.  His agent said it was not the club who came in for him, just the player's desire to take the responsibility of playing another year with Leeds and develop into a better player in those familiar surroundings.
  Former Spurs transfer target defender Simon Downer and former Spurs reserve midfielder Ciaran Toner have been released by Leyton Orient.
  Keith Burkinshaw was this evening inducted into the Tottenham Hotspur Hall of Fame.
  With Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp looking to be on his way out at Fratton Park, he is being linked with a move to Tottenham.
  Darren Anderton said he is considering offers as he seeks a new challenge after being released by Tottenham.

  OTHER NEWS ... 


Wednesday   12.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham are close to completing the signing of Paul Robinson from Leeds United for £2 million.  The deal, which was brokered in the January transfer window, has continued with the 24 year old goalkeeper having talks with Spurs and Sky Sports report that the deal could  be tied up as soon as Sunday.  Spurs had been told by new Leeds United chairman Gerald Krasner that they would have to pay £5 million for the England keeper.
  Some sources feel that Tottenham may also be able to secure the services of Robinson's young team-mate - midfielder James Milner for £4.5 million.  
  The London Evening Standard rules out the Italian national coach Giovanni Trapattoni as the new Spurs manager, because his wife is ill.  It is believed that Trapattoni gave Tottenham a verbal undertaking to come to White hart Lane after Euro 2004, but the illness means he does not want to move abroad at this time.
  The Star reports that Tottenham have been alerted by Claudio Ranieri's comments about being ready to listen to advances from other London clubs after he has now said he does not expect to stay at Stamford Bridge.  

  OTHER NEWS ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... The Prime Minister of Thailand is hoping to buy a big stake in Liverpool and his reason for doing so is to raise the spirits of the Thai people.  Wouldn't he have been better off investing in Norwich City ???


Tuesday   11.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Peter Taylor ruled himself out of the running for a position at White Hart Lane by saying he sees his immediate future at promoted Hull City.
  The Spurs website has revealed that seven players have contracts that expire at the end of this season and they will release six of those players, while Jamie Redknapp has been offered a one year extension.  The ones not retained are Darren Anderton, Gus Poyet, Christian Ziege, Lars Hirschfeld, Shwan Jalal and Danny Foster.

  OTHER NEWS ... Paul Merson has been appointed player-manager of relegated Walsall ... Ray Parlour's wife wants 27% of his income and earnings in their divorce settlement ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Glasgow Rangers' Frank de Boer has confirmed that he will be leaving Ibrox in the summer.  He will join his brother Ronald in departing the SPL runners up.  A club spokesman said "We all thought he had gone already.  Was that Ronald ?  It looked like Frank.  Are you sure it wasn't Frank who has already said he was going ?  Really ?"


Monday   10.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Gus Poyet used the club's official website to thank fans for the send off he had in his last appearance at White Hart Lane and was realistic enough to say that after the season Spurs have had many would have expected boos for the players rather than the cheers they got.
  Simon Davies has been chosen in the Wales squad for friendlies against Canada and Norway.  
  Former Spurs midfielder Vinny Samways has been released from Walsall.

  OTHER NEWS ... Eddie Gray has left Leeds United as their manager with immediate effect ... 

  .MEHSTG's spin story ... Harry Redknapp has spoken of uncertainty over his future with the news that assistant Jim Smith might be sacked.  Bagpuss believes that Smith is making way for a new "European Super-coach" and doesn't see the need for one, as in his experience such a beast does not exist.  Chairman Milan Mandaric disagrees and having seen the Mercedes Benz 3560 executive team bus, he feels that with Smith making money available, the new coach can take Portsmouth further than the former QPR and Newcastle boss ever could.


Sunday   09.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham are being linked with a move for three Juventus players today in the Sunday Mirror.  Midfielder Antonio Conte and defenders Mark Iuliano and Paolo Montero are the Italian Serie A players Spurs are reportedly had meetings about with Juve Managing Director Roberto Bettega.  Nobody has said if this is linked to the appointment of a new manager from Italy.
  The News of the World run a story that Spurs are looking to sign Sunderland's Republic of Ireland midfielder (and David Beckham look-a-like) Sean Thornton.  The paper claims that the club see him as a replacement for Jamie Redknapp and as he has been a fringe member of Mick McCarthy's squad, he might be available for £2 million.
  While Spurs' interest in Leeds United's James Milner is well known, SCBC have now entered the hunt according to the News of the World, who indicate they might offer £3 million for the England Under-21 player. 

  OTHER NEWS ... After today's First Division matches, West Ham United will play Ipswich Town and Sunderland meet Crystal Palace in the play-offs for a place in the Premier League while Walsall got relegated to Division Two ...


Saturday   08.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs won 1-0 against Blackburn Rovers at White Hart Lane this afternoon.  For a match report, click here.  
  Chairman Daniel Levy's message to Spurs fans in the programme this afternoon hinted at major changes at Tottenham.  He said Tottenham's season w
as "unacceptable" and that the "appalling'' form at the end of the season had taken the club "unforgivably close to relegation."  Levy said he would wish to reward the loyalty of the fans and will be appointing a new manager in the summer and hoped to attract some new players.  In what will be seen as a nod to the role of David Pleat, he commented "I have set high standards for this club. I now need to deal with the areas that aren't meeting those standards. This will mean some tough decisions throughout several areas of the club, but I refuse to compromise."

  OTHER NEWS ... QPR gained automatic promotion to Division One today ... Torquay United gained automatic promotion to Division Two today ... Grimsby Town and Rushden & Diamonds were relegated to Division Three ... 

  .MEHSTG's spin story ... Newcastle have lined up Birmingham boss Steve Bruce to replace Sir Bobby Robson next season.  When asked about the story, Bruce said "I have had a great time at Burlington City and the lads have always given me everything, especially Robin Savage.  I shall be sorry to leave Kevin Brady, who has been a great Chief Exec, but times move on and I am not getting any younger, so to step into Bryan Robson's shoes is a great honour."  A like for like replacement MEHSTG reckons !!


Friday   07.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Giovanni Trapattoni has indicated that he may be ready to sign up as Spurs manager according to the London Evening Standard.  At the moment, his wife is ill and may not be up to travelling, but his previous concerns about  David Pleat's role at the club may have been rationalised to allow the Italian national manager to take over at White Hart Lane after Euro 2004.
  This news comes after stories claiming that AS Roma boss Fabio Capello had turned down the chance to be Spurs boss, so a story in the Daily Mirror claims.  
  Tottenham are believed to have made a further bid to sign Leeds United youngster James Milner, offering £3 million plus add-ons conditional on performances and achievements the Daily Star says.
  TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS : -  Stephen Carr may return after serving his three match ban for being sent off at Everton, although he got a kick on his ankle in training according to the Spurs website.  David Pleat confirmed that Ledley King might also return to put him in contention for a place in the side.  Christian Ziege and Daren Anderton may also make late claims for inclusion.
  BLACKBURN ROVERS TEAM NEWS : -  Brad Freidel is out of the Rovers side with a thigh injury and Peter Enkelmann is set to make his debut for the club.  Defenders Andy Todd and Craig Short return to the squad and young keeper David Yelldell is likely to be on the bench.
  The official website has announced more pre-season friendlies.  These will be against
Falkenbergs FF (Tuesday July 13th), Danish outfit FC Copenhagen (Thursday July 15th) and FC Trollhattan (Saturday July 24th).  Returning to England, Tottenham travel to Stevenage Borough on Tuesday July 20th, with kick off being 7.45 p.m.  and then to Hull City on Saturday July 17th, with kick off at 3.00 pm.
  There are also further Spurs XI friendlies at Chesham United on Wednesday 21st July with a 7.45 p.m. kick off, Leyton on Tuesday 27th July - kick off at 7.45 p.m. and Harlow Town on Saturday July 31st (3.00 p.m. kick off).  


  OTHER NEWS ... Harry Redknapp has been awarded the Barclaycard Premier League Manager of the Month trophy, while player of the month is Thierry Henry ... 


Thursday   06.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Jermain Defoe has told the London Evening Standard that he would love Claudio Ranieri to become Tottenham manager.
  Christian Ziege is speculatively being linked with a move to Newcastle United, the Mirror claims.  
  The official site has revealed that young defender Joe Watson has been released.
  It also announced that a Spurs XI will take on Hitchin Town on Saturday 13th July at the Rymans League club's Top Field ground.  The match against Kerry Dixon's side will kick off at 3.00 p.m.  

  OTHER NEWS ... Coventry City have appointed Peter Reid as their new manager ... Steve McMahon has left Blackpool as their manager by mutual consent ... Newcastle United lost 0-2 to Marseille in second leg of their UEFA Cup semi-final after a scoreless first game ...

  .MEHSTG's spin story ... Blackburn expect Barry Ferguson to play a full part in pre-season training after treatment which included wires being inserted in his knee cap.  The Scottish international will return to training with Rovers straight after he has had the wires removed from his arms and head following his appearance in the filming for the new "Thunderbirds" movie !!


Wednesday   05.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Today's candidate for the manager's job at White Hart Lane is Crystal Palace manager Iain Dowie.
  Birmingham City are alleged to have made a £4 million bid for Spurs striker Robbie Keane.  Ha !

  OTHER NEWS ... Chelsea lost their Champions League semi-final 5-3 despite drawing 2-2 on the night ...

  .MEHSTG's spin story ... Leicester City are ready to release midfielder Muzzy Izzet.  Held within the confines of a restrictive contract, the Foxes have had the Turkish international holed up in a secret location somewhere in the East Midlands.  The player is only allowed out for exercise once or twice a week for ninety minutes at a time, but following a drop in the club's fortunes, they are willing to let Izzet go for the sake of his family. 

  .MEHSTG's spin story 2 ... Goal-scoring floozie Mateja Kezman has said he would be thrilled to join Fulham, as speculation grows that the West London side are interested in him.  His ecstasy at this news was only matched by the wetness he felt last week when he told the media that Newcastle United were the club for him and that Liverpool were a marvelous club and it would be great to join them.  Expect him to be lifting his footballing skirt to any club that comes sniffing around the PSV and Serbia & Montenegro forward.


Tuesday   04.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Claudio Ranieri has confirmed that he is leaving Chelsea at the end of the season and reveled that he knew the name of his successor.  However, it was his comment that he wished to stay in London which might fire speculation in linking him with a move to Tottenham to take over the manager's position. 
  Jamie Redknapp has claimed that the club's poor form has been down to the board's failure to appoint a new manager to replace Glenn Hoddle, who was sacked six games into the season.  The Spurs captain has urged a quick appointment to allow the rebuilding of the squad to take place early in the summer.
  One player the London Evening Standard believe will not be part of that rebuilding is Mark van Bommel.  The paper claims Tottenham have dropped out of the chase for the Dutch midfielder. leaving Aston Villa and Schalke 04 as the sides who might stump up £5 million for the PSV player.  Tottenham are claimed to have believed that the player's injury hit season and high price tag made it better to look elsewhere for the midfielder they seek.
  Tottenham's hopes of signing Leeds United starlet James Milner took a nosedive with the news from a crisis meeting at Elland Road that he will not be sold as the team enter Division One.  However, the club did announce that approaches have been made for several of their players in the days after relegation was confirmed and this might include Tottenham making a move for goalkeeper Paul Robinson.  

  OTHER NEWS ... Henri Camara has avoided a ban from the FA after they reviewed a tackle he made on Jason Dodd in the Wolves game against SCBC ... Despite losing to Sunderland, Norwich City were crowned as champions of Division One ... FC Porto reached the final of the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna ... 

  .MEHSTG's spin story ... MPs will today question the FA about the fact that Rio Ferdinand is still receiving an enormous salary despite being banned for missing a drugs test.  MEHSTG imagines that legal representatives will be working on counter strategies to this argument by saying that such a lifestyle would not be sustainable on a low wage.  After all, Rio has a host of high maintenance girlfriends to keep in tow and all those fast cars he has bought won't pay for themselves.  Should his wages drop to a level where he cannot be kept in the luxury he has become accustomed to, MEHSTG reckons that he might slip into the murky underworld of having to do some work for a living !!


Monday   03.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Former Manchester United number two Carlos Queiroz wants to be a success at Real Madrid according to a friend of his, so is not interested in joining Spurs as their new manager according to the Sun.
  The Planet Football site links Spurs as one possible club who might be interested in Monaco's striker Shabani Nonda, who has said that three Premier League clubs are keen to sign him.
  There is speculation linking former Spurs defender and assistant manager John Gorman with the manager's job at Hibernian, the Daily Record reports.  

  OTHER NEWS ... Coventry City have sacked manager Eric Black and his assistants, saying they need fresh faces in charge ... Steve McClaren might step in to cover for England coach Brian Kidd, who is recovering from treatment for prostate cancer ... A major sporting club in Egypt are looking to buy out Brentford or Rushden & Diamonds ... 

  .MEHSTG's spin story ... Arsene Wenger is lobbying to have the date of the FA Cup semi-finals changed - to ensure English teams are not handicapped in Europe next term.  M. Wenger has lobbied the FA to have the game played at a time when there are not Champions League games a week before or after the semi-final, when all his players are fit, when Manchester United and Chelsea have the maximum number of players unavailable because on injury and suspension, when the weather is to his liking and when there is not a 'y' in the day.


Sunday   02.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs lost 0-1 against Aston Villa at Villa Park this afternoon.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction click here.
  Leeds United's 1-4 defeat at Bolton Wanderers means that they are unable to catch Spurs, who will still be in the Premier League next season.
  Tottenham are being linked in the News of the World with a move for Real Madrid coach Carlos Quieroz.  It is expected that he will be sacked at the end of the Spanish season and Spurs will wait until then to make an approach to save them having to pay a large compensation fee.  Claudio Ranieri is an alternative option, should be be sacked by Chelsea, but the report claims that Martin O'Neill has indicated that he will stay at Celtic with Spurs not being in Europe next season.
  The Sunday Mirror runs a story saying Tottenham are poised to make a formal approach to Celtic for Martin O'Neill's services. 
  Spurs are also being linked with a move for 53 year old former Marseille and Atletico Madrid and coach Javier Clemente, having asked for his CV to be considered, according to the People.
  Tottenham will vie with for the services of Michael Carrick, should West Ham United fail to regain their Premier League place.  The England Under-21 midfielder would be a prize target to replace Jamie Redknapp in midfield, should Spurs dispose of the club captain, but would be joined by Charlton Athletic, Everton and Newcastle United.
  David Pleat has hit out at suggestions that his role is hindering the club in their search for a new manager, saying in the Sunday Mirror that having a Director of Football can work if you wanted it to. 
  The News of the World claim that PSV officials will head for England next week to seal the transfer of Mark van Bommel to Aston Villa or Spurs, with the Midlands club ahead with the prospect of European football edging it for them.  However, the Sunday People claim that Villa boss David O'Deary has given up on the hope of signing the Dutch midfielder unless they get Champions League football.
  Spurs Ladies lost 1-2 in their League Cup Final at Wembley this afternoon.  For a report on that match and the others from this weekend, click here.  

  OTHER NEWS ... Leeds United were all but relegated from the Premiership this afternoon with their 1-4 loss at the hands of Bolton Wanderers ...

  .MEHSTG's spin story ... Frank Lampost is unhappy that he is not being offered a new contract which is equivalent to that of other players at Chelsea.  Lampost is unhappy that his deal is not in the same language as some of the other players at the club and that the numbers on it look wrong.  The England midfielder told the assembled press that he would be counting up the number of words in the contract just to make sure that nobody was getting more than him.


Saturday   01.05.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs fans who thought our new manager might be the current Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock can sleep easy, as he has stated today that he intends to stay at Bramall Lane.  
  Former Spurs winger Peter Taylor's Hull City side got promoted to Division Two today.

  OTHER NEWS ... Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers were both relegated from the Premier League this afternoon ... Doncaster Rovers won the Div. 3 championship title today ... Carlisle United were relegated to the Conference this afternoon ...

 

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