White Hot Lines

Wednesday  31.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Story of the century ... Spurs nearly signed Rivaldo !!!!!!!!  Yes, it's true, as Glenn Hoddle said today that Daniel Levy flew out to Spain to talk to the Brazilian star Rivaldo before he left Barcelona for AC Milan.  The Spurs manager said that the move for the midfielder on a free transfer shows the ambition of the club and Levy made a supreme effort to sign the player.  Remember when Spurs nearly signed Juninho ?????  Hoddle called it doing their business out of the limelight, but some might say it is doing it in the fantasy league.
  Tottenham beat Crystal Palace 4-0 in Simon Rodger's testimonial tonight.  Goals from Steffen Iversen 2, Simon Davies and a Darren Anderton penalty gave Spurs the win at Selhurst Park.  Acimovic was taken off after 44 minutes, while Stephen Carr finished the whole game for the first time in a year.  Jonathan Blondel made his first appearance in a  Spurs shirt too.
  Les Ferdinand will miss the first few weeks of the season as he requires further surgery on his wrist, which he fractured at the end of last season.
  According to the Daily Mirror, Spurs are in for Brazilian midfielder Kleberson, along with Newcastle United and Middlesbrough, but the £4 million rated World Cup winner has set his heart on joining Leeds United for some reason.
  The Chinese forward, Bo Qu, has arrived on trial at Tottenham and will stay for a few days at least.  Should Spurs decide that he is worth pursuing on a permanent deal, they will approach his club with a view to a £500,000 transfer.  David Pleat has said that Chinese trialist Qu Bo could offer Tottenham something in the striking department that they do not have in the squad ... that being pace.  Let's hope Hoddle agrees.  The Director of Football said he hoped that the forward would feature in the friendlies at Crystal Palace and Watford.
  Teddy Sheringham said that he hoped to continue his England career, but realises this is subject to Sven Goran Eriksson selecting him for the national squad.
  The manager imposed a fine of two weeks wages for Tim Sherwood's article in last Sunday's News of the World.  It is the maximum fine allowable and is estimated to be costing the Tottenham midfielder about £30,000, but Hoddle stopped short of transfer listing the out of favour player.
  Robbie Keane has said that he wants to stay with Leeds United and fight for a place there.  The Irish international told reporters that he had turned down Sunderland and as far as he was concerned, that was the end of the speculation about his future.
  With the transfer silly season upon us, Tottenham and Middlesbrough are supposedly chasing Lazio's Italian international midfielder Dino Baggio.
  Former Spurs striker Phil Gray has joined Chelmsford City.

Tuesday  30.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Midfielder Darren Anderton is said to be a £7 million target for Newcastle United in an article in the Daily Mirror.  Apparently, Hoddle has been told that he must sell the England man to raise funds for any new signings he might want.  The Spurs boss has said that Anderton is one of the players in a group he might be willing to part with.
  Spurs might have to fight for Bolton Wanderers forward Michael Ricketts, as Turkish club Galatasaray are thinking of buying him for £6 million.
  A Tottenham XI beat Southend United 4-1 at Roots Hall tonight.  Lee Barnard, Oyvind Leonhardsen, Rohan Ricketts and Johnnie Jackson scored for the second string side in this pre-season friendly.
  Gavin Kelly, who has been training with Spurs since being released by the club, will be given a couple of games on trial with Colchester United.

Monday  29.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Glenn Hoddle said he would not walk away from Tottenham despite recent rumours about his disaffection with the board's lack of funding for his transfer dealings.  
  He did say however that he might have to sacrifice some players as the way transfers were done these days were with player swaps.  Hoddle has drawn up a list of players he does not want to lose and might be ready to barter Darren Anderton as a part of a swap for either Kevin Phillips or Robbie Keane.
  The manager said that he was unhappy about the goals Tottenham conceded in the friendly at QPR yesterday.  He said that they were "sloppy".
  Stephen Kelly played for the Republic of Ireland Under-19s in their 1-2 defeat by Slovakia in the 3rd/4th place play off.
  Bologna denied any knowledge of Tottenham's interest in their Cameroon player, Pierre Wome.  While they acknowledge that he will probably leave the club, they said there had been no expression of interest in the 23 year old by Spurs.

Sunday  28.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham lost 2-3 to Queens Park Rangers this afternoon at Loftus Road.  Spurs' goals came from Matthew Etherington and Ronnie Henry.
  Tim Sherwood has shocked the world with his News of the World revelation that Glenn Hoddle has failed Spurs, leaving the club "a million miles from winning the League".  The midfielder who looks to be on his way out of the club, told the newspaper that he felt that manager Hoddle had not been strong enough to stand up to ENIC and demand the money to bring in world class players who would help Tottenham challenge for the title.  He went on to say that the club was happy to rely on past glories and were not willing to do anything to take the club forward, leaving them as a nursery club for the big teams.  Sherwood said he wanted to stay and fight for his position, he said that nobody could complain if other players leave for better teams.
  Tottenham are said to have had an £8 million bid for Sunderland's Kevin Phillips turned down.  The North-East club are looking for £12 million for their England forward, according to the Sunday Times.
  Tottenham are also rumoured to be looking at Glasgow Rangers' Norwegian forward Tore Andre Flo.  They are being joined by Sunderland.
  Further rumours link Tottenham with a move for Bologna's Cameroon international defender Pierre Wome.

Saturday  27.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham beat Gillingham 2-1 at Priestfield this afternoon, with two goals from Gus Poyet.
  Glenn Hoddle claimed that there is no division between him and the board, after newspaper reports indicated that he threatened to resign if he was not allowed to sign Kevin Phillips.  He said that he and the board are working together on all aspects of the club's development.
  Les Ferdinand, who still has a metal pin in his arm as a remnant of the broken wrist he suffered at the end of last season, says he is ready to play again and that he would welcome a new partner up front.  Les said that although he and Teddy were there last season, they did not always provide the finishing power expected of them.
  

Friday  26.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  MEHSTG will not be posting anything new for the next week, as we are trying to find out more about our on-trial midfielder Diego Bortolozzo.  However, why not take a chance to surf around the site and see some of the other features there.  We will be back on the web on Friday 2nd August.  
  The matter of the bringing of Robbie Keane to White Hart Lane appears to be causing not a little disruption to the normally smooth running of the Tottenham Hotspur ship.  Director of Football David Pleat says that Spurs are keeping abreast of the situation, while manager Glenn Hoddle says he is not interested in the striker and will not reveal players he intends to buy.  The rift is said to be opening by the minute.
  Meanwhile, however keen Terry Venables is to take Anderton as part of any prospective deal, the Spurs midfielder wants to stay with Spurs and does not want to move North, despite his admiration for the former Spurs and England boss.
  Former Spurs midfielder and manager Ossie Ardiles has become manager of Racing Club, the current league champions in his home country of Argentina.
  Stephen Kelly scored for the Republic of Ireland Under-19s as they  came from behind to beat England 3-2 and go through to the 3rd/4th place play off game.
  Les Ferdinand has donated £10,000 to Queens Park Rangers' transfer fund to buy new players !!  Bet he wouldn't do that for Spurs, as the incoming player would be to replace him.

Thursday  25.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The London Evening Standard are saying that Tottenham's signing of Robbie Keane form Leeds United is subject to Darren Anderton going to Yorkshire as part of the deal.  Always one of Terry Venables' favourites, Dazza could be allowed to leave so that Spurs can get their man.  The report says that Hoddle has also been interested by Bolton Wanderers' Michael Ricketts.
  The same paper contains an interview with Millwall manager Mark McGhee, who said that Keane would benefit from a move to Spurs, as they play the sort of football that would suit his style.  Having given him his debut at Wolverhampton Wanderers, McGhee described the Irish striker as something special and more than a straight forward finisher.
  Tottenham's old midfielder Paul Gascoigne looks like he will sign for DC United in the MSL in the united States of America.
  Glenn Hoddle said on the official website that he is pleased to be starting over again with Goran Bunjevcevic.  He said the player has great talent and hopes that he will be able to show Spurs fans what they missed last season.
  The Spurs site reports that Mauricio Taricco had suffered a twisted ankle, but came through the match at Colchester United without any reaction.
  Manager Hoddle praised young striker Lee Barnard and said he was pleased to able to give the younger players a chance in the first team.  Glenn told the Spurs website that he thought Lee had a bit of pace, good movement and a bit of aggression.  The young man himself was happy to celebrate his birthday a few days late with his first goal in the first team.
  Tottenham launched their new kit today.  The Home Kappa shirt was on sale for the first time for a limited time and will be on general release from 29th August.
  Tottenham have announced their squad numbers for the coming season ...

1	Neil Sullivan
2	Stephen Carr
3	Mauricio Taricco
4	Steffen Freund
5	Goran Bunjevcevic
6	Chris Perry
7	Darren Anderton
8	Tim Sherwood
9	Les Ferdinand
10	Teddy Sheringham
11	Sergei Rebrov
12	Gary Doherty
13	Kasey Keller
14	Gus Poyet
15	Jamie Redknapp
16	Steffen Iversen
17	Oyvind Leonhardsen
18	Ben Thatcher
19
20	Jonathan Blondel
21	Milenko Acimovic
22
23	Christian Ziege
24
25	Stephen Clemence
26	Ledley King
27
28	Matthew Etherington
29	Simon Davies
30	Anthony Gardner
31	Alton Thelwell
32
33
34
35
36	Dean Richards

Wednesday  24.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Soccernet are suggesting Tottenham could rival Arsenal for the signing of Lee Bowyer now his move to Liverpool is off.  The Leeds United midfielder looks keen to return to London, but it is said in the article that Spurs could not match the money that Liverpool were offering, so it is unlikely that he will come to White Hart Lane.  Phew !!
  Forward Sergei Rebrov has told BBC Online that he is desperate to move as he feels that Hoddle has no belief in him.  Saying that he wants to feel part of the team, Rebrov told reporters that he would rather be somewhere where he feels appreciated.  He did go on to add that he will give his all if called upon by Tottenham as he is under contract and can only leave if the club decide to sell him.
  Meanwhile Glenn Hoddle was telling the London Evening Standard that he has a list of strikers, but that it would be secret.
  England drew 1-1 with Belgium in the European Under-19 championships in Norway today.  Ben Bowditch played the whole game for England, while Jonathan Blondel had to retire injured in the second half.
  Young defender Stephen Kelly played for the Republic of Ireland against Germany in the same competition and ended up on the end of a 0-3 defeat.

Tuesday  23.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs beat Colchester United 3-1 tonight in Richard Wilkins' testimonial at Layer Road.  The goals were scored by Gary Doherty, Oyvind Leonhardsen and Lee Barnard.  For match report, click here.  For reaction, click here.
  Tottenham are considering an £8 million bid for Leeds United forward Robbie Keane.  David Pleat took a leaf out of the manager's book and said that the club were keeping abreast of the Robbie Keane situation.
  Milenko Acimovic said on the Spurs website that his first game was special and he was lucky to lay with such good players as Anderton and Poyet.
  According to TeamTalk, Spurs have taken two Bermudan youngsters on trial with a view to signing them full time, if they are considered good enough.  Raymond Beach and Dennis Russell are among a dozen players who are coming to England to try and get fixed up with clubs.
  In the European Under-19 championships in Norway, Jonathan Blondel scored for Belgium in their 1-2 defeat at the hands of the Republic of Ireland.  Spurs defender Stephen Kelly was an unused sub for the match.
Ben Bowditch stayed on the bench in England's 3-3 draw with Germany.
Bowditch and Blondel might face each other on Wednesday when Belgium play England.

Monday  22.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Glenn Hoddle was highly satisfied with the pre-season work-out against Stevenage Borough.  He was particularly taken by Milenko Acimovic, who he said reminded him of a young Trevor Brooking.
  The manager was also happy to see Stephen Carr back in action at Broadhall Way.  He revealed to the Spurs website that it would be a gradual process in getting him to full match fitness, but a close eye would be kept on his injury.  The same went for Jamie Redknapp, the boss explained and that the lessons learned with Darren Anderton and Les Ferdinand would be employed on these two players.
  Darren Anderton told the Spurs website that he was pleased to be at Tottenham and despite being there for ten years, he never considered leaving (injuries excepted).  In an interview with the official site, he said that he regarded the current squad as the strongest in his time at Spurs and thinks that with a bit of luck and avoiding injuries (!), the team can do well.
  "Just a clean out" was how Les Ferdinand described his Achilles operation to the Tottenham website.  He said that he thought he was ready for the season, although pre-season training got harder every year in the game.  TeamTalk report Les could feature in tomorrow night's match at Colchester United.
  Christian Ziege has said he will carry on in the German national team as long for as they want him, a she believes he can still help the side.
  Tottenham are being linked with Nikos Machlas of Ajax.  The 29 year old Greek goal machine is in the last year of his contract in Amsterdam and will be sold off if they can raise 5 million Euros (however much that is !!).  He has been a prolific scorer in Holland and Tottenham's lack of firepower has left the journalists to put two and two together.
  Media reports also link Spurs with Rivaldo, who has had his contract terminated at Barcelona.  His wages are thought to be a problem for Tottenham though !!
  Apparently, Glenn Hoddle is considering a £5 million offer for Fulham's England Under-21 midfielder Sean Davis.  Just what we need another midfielder !!
  Tottenham are to reveal plans for their new Academy site at Abridge to local people soon to get their views on the club's ides.

Sunday  21.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham won their first pre-season friendly 4-0 at Stevenage Borough this afternoon, with goals from Darren Anderton 2, Johnnie Jackson and Sergei Rebrov.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction, click here.
  Spurs old boys lost out in yesterday's Southern Masters event at the London Arena.  In their first group game, they lost 2-4 (Hazard, Clive Wilson) to Ipswich Town and then played Millwall, coming out 4-1 winners, thanks to goals from Kerslake 2, Brooke and Gibson.  
Ally Dick, Glenn Hoddle and Micky Hazard scored the goals that took Spurs past Arsenal 3-2 to secure a place in the final against Ipswich.  Despite leading twice, Spurs went down 4-3 although goals from Dick, Hoddle and Kerslake made it touch and go before Town sealed the victory with a minute left.  Former Spur Jason Dozzell scored for the Suffolk side in the final too.
   One report on the Internet says Spurs are ready to let Sergei Rebrov go for £3 million to make a bid to bring in Robbie Keane from Leeds United ...
  ... while another says that Tottenham and Charlton Athletic will battle it out to take Clinton Morrison away from Crystal Palace, who is going to join Birmingham in the News of the World.
  Rivaldo has been allowed to leave Barcelona a year before his contract was due to end.  No destination for his future has been mentioned, so Spurs could be one of the next stops in his career.
  and finally ... Teletext will not be featuring MEHSTG's contributions in the coming season.  Like all things football, they are streamlining their operation and we are one of their victims.

Saturday  20.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Goran Bunjevcevic has told the Spurs website that he believes that the arrival of Milenko Acimovic will bring the best out of both players.  The defender said the Slovenian midfielder will be able to talk to someone and so will his wife, making it easier to fit in and also that they both know each other's game, so assimilation into the team should be more seamless.
  A Tottenham XI consisting of mainly reserves, with some unusual names in there who might have been trialists, drew 0-0 at Cirencester today in a friendly.  Boss Colin Calderwood said that the newly laid pitch at the non-league ground did not help his team's play.

Friday  19.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham are planning to increase the capacity of the White Hart Lane stadium to 45,000 and will need £50 million to do it. The bigger ground expansion is a result of talks with the Greater London Assembly and their plans to improve the infrastructure of the area has persuaded the Tottenham board to stay in their present location.  They are hoping that an extension of the Victoria Line can be taken up to Northumberland Park to make access for fans easier.  Daniel Levy said that the planning application will start things off in about 12 months time (I thought that it had already been submitted and passed ?), while the project would be completed bit by bit.
  The Qingdao Daily newspaper in China has been telling the locals that Qu Bo will arrive at Tottenham on July 27th to start a trial lasting 10 days and they hope that the speedy winger will impress enough for a permanent deal to be sealed.
  Sergei Rebrov has allegedly put in a transfer request and Tottenham are looking to sell him for £3 million.  Or so the BBC, the London Evening Standard and Football 365 say.
  The Spurs official website carries an interview with Darren Anderton in which he says the new midfield recruits were needed to ensure that they did not fall away after Christmas like they did last season.  The former England midfielder told the site that he is willing to sit the odd game out if it means the team will benefit and he thinks that Redknapp and Acimovic will both add things to the side.
  Spurs stars will be rushing to the London Arena from all over the South-East on Saturday.  Glenn Hoddle, Hans Segers and Masters team manager John Gorman will make their way from a Colchester health farm, while Spurs' reserve team manager Colin Calderwood will travel up from Cirencester, where his team will have played that afternoon.
  Gus Poyet has spoken on the Spurs website about the need to impress the fans early on in the season and cast his mind back to last July's match at Stevenage Borough, when he scored a hat-trick.  The Uruguayan told the site that he enjoyed last season's game and it set him up for the season, but Steffen Freund is sad that he will miss the game through injury after scoring his only goal for Tottenham (so far !) in the corresponding fixture.
  Olympique Lyonnais' midfielder David Linares will go on trial at a Premiership club to try and gain a move to England.  His agent said that the "great" player would be happy to try out with English top flight clubs to show there is no catch in the 25 year olds availability on a free transfer.  Spurs, Middlesbrough, Everton, Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland are all watching the situation according to Planet Football.
  Tottenham's friendly at Colchester United on Tuesday 23rd July has now sold out.

Thursday  18.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Sergei Rebrov is reckoned to be desperate to leave Tottenham according to internet reports.  The Ukrainian striker told them he has had talks with the club, who do not seem that determined to stand in his way, but need money for him rather than let him go on a loan deal to Dynamo Kiev, even though the forward says his heart will always be there.  Some rumours say that Spurs will tout him to AC Milan and Udinese in Italy to try and find a buyer.
  According to Planet Football, Spurs will have to wait for Chinese forward Qu Bo.  Proving his experience for a visa should not be too much of a problem, but the paperwork will delay the player's arrival.  China manager Bora Milutinovic said he must take his chance when it comes and make the most of his explosive pace and youth.  Tottenham have faxed Qingdao Yizhong to let them know of the hold-up, but this means that Qu will be able too train with them before flying to England.
  New signing Milenko Acimovic has started training with the club and he feels at home already.  The Slovenian World Cup star said on the official site that after a month off, he felt good enough to get back to training and the players have made him feel so welcome that it is like he has been at the club years already.
  Apparently, West Ham United are ready to vie with Tottenham for American offensive player Landon Donovan.
  Simon Davies has revealed to the Spurs website that he thinks that the new playing surface might help Tottenham's style of play, as the pitch was heavy and bumpy from Christmas last season.
  Tottenham go into the Southern masters tournament on Saturday with a squad made up of Tony Parks, David Kerslake, Clive Wilson, Colin Calderwood, Mark Stimson, Mitchell Thomas, Micky Hazard, Terry Gibson, Clive Allen and Glenn Hoddle.  Spurs Old Boys will be managed, as always, by John Gorman and will face Arsenal, Millwall and Ipswich Town in the matches at the London Arena.
  A Peacehaven Town Council XI are to play against a Tottenham Hotspurs Veterans XI in an exhibition match as a curtain raiser to the new season.  This match is taking place on Sunday 1^st September, with the kick off at 4.00 p.m. 
Tickets are only £4.00. Money from the event will go towards the Council's Football Foundation Bid and Balls for Bhutan to provide football kit and equipment for the small Tibetan country, so if you have any old kits, or other donations please give generously.  The match will be staged at Peacehaven & Telscombe F. C's Piddinghoe Ground in Piddinghoe Avenue, East Sussex.  (For details of how to get there, click here)
For full details contact Steve Keogh at Peacehaven Town Council Offices telephone (01273) 585493.

Wednesday  17.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Glenn Hoddle has hit out at reports that bust-ups between the coaching staff and Stephen Carr and Steffen Iversen might lead to them leaving the club.  The Spurs boss said that it all had been fabricated as he wasn't even there the day that the Iversen row was suppose dot have taken place with him.
  Goran Bunjevcevic has told the Spurs website that he spent a lot of the summer alongside Stephen Carr at Spurs Lodge getting fit for the new season, which he is looking forward to.  The Yugoslav international said it was like starting afresh, but the time out had allowed him to see how the game is played in this country and given him time to settle in England with his family.

Tuesday  16.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham have finally announced that they will be playing Feyenoord in Rotterdam on Sunday 4th August, with the kick off at 4.00 p.m.
  Les Ferdinand has told the Spurs website that he will wait and see if he continues his career at White Hart Lane at the end of the season.  At the moment, he said that he was looking to get through this season doing as well as he can, before thinking about whether he wants to carry on beyond that.
  Canadian trialist Lars Hirschfeld has been invited back to Tottenham for a second opportunity to impress in pre-season training.  The 24 year old keeper returned to Calgary Storm for the summer, but Glenn Hoddle has asked him back with a lack of experienced cover beyond the top two goalies in the squad.  His home club have said that the deal is open ended and that the deal was done amicably between Hoddle and the chairman of Calgary.  Hirschfeld is keen to do well and tells the Planet Football site that he thinks he can do well to get a crack at a permanent deal. 
  TeamTalk's site reveals that Tottenham only have one injury worry as they approach their pre-season friendly programme.  With all last season's injured expected back, Steffen Freund is the only one who will be out for a little while longer, before the season ahead.
  The site also reports that despite stories to the contrary, Tottenham will not be signing Parma's French international defender Martin Djetou, as he will be teaming up with Fulham in a one year loan deal.
  Leyton Orient are taking the opportunity to try and steal supporters from their Premiership neighbours by advertising in Spurs, Arsenal and West Ham United's programmes.  They will let the season ticket holders of those clubs into the ground for free to one game for each club to attempt to garner a new generation of fans.

Monday  15.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Oyvind Leonhardsen does not have great faith in the rumour that Schalke 04 are interested in buying him, as he thinks that the £1.7 million fee quoted is too high and he was worried about the current economic crisis in the game to consider a move to Germany, although he would be keen on the move if there was any truth to it.
  Dynamo Kiev officials have slammed Tottenham for not letting Sergei Rebrov return to his former club on loan.  Their president said that Daniel Levy does not care about the human side of the player, but wanted to keep him on the sidelines at Spurs.
  Gary Doherty said he was grateful to the fans when they gave him a great ovation on his return to first team action against West Ham United at the end of last season. The Irishman told the Spurs website that he was looking forward to playing again in pre-season and for him, it would be like starting over ...
  The La Manga warm-up break will work wonders when it comes to the real pre-season work, the official site reveals in an interview with Simon Davies.  He said that when the hard work starts, the pre-pre season work out should reduce the pain associated with most sessions on their return to training.
  It was a view echoed by reserve team boss Colin Calderwood, who said that the science involved in training these days makes it much more beneficial to the players in a build up to the game.

Sunday  14.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  A report in the Sunday People claims that Stephen Carr had a blazing row with a member of the training staff while the players were in the pre-season training camp at La Manga.  Add to this is says they are set to sell him for £5 million.  Either this is a mis-print or someone has been having a bit too much sun methinks !!
  Tottenham are alleged to have turned down a bid from Dynamo Kiev to take Sergei Rebrov on loan, a story in The Observer tell us.  The player himself said that he needs to play to show the fans what he is capable of.  Rebrov said he desperately wants to do well in England and although he was not sold during the summer (for whatever reason), he will not be satisfied sitting on the subs bench, he told the Sunday Mirror.
  The club have been linked in the Daily Mirror with a £3 million move for USA World Cup star Landon Donovan.  West Ham United are also watching the situation of the 19 year old striker who is not keen to return to Bayer Laverkusen, but would be happy to play in the Premiership.
  Parma are said to be ready to sell French international defender Martin Djetou to Tottenham or Fulham, according to the Observer.
  Among others, Spurs are reported in the Sunday Mirror, to be looking at Millwall's 22 year old Australian midfielder Tim Cahill, along with Fulham, West Ham United and Aston Villa.
  Spurs are supposedly interested in Javier de Pedro of Real Sociedad along with Newcastle United.  The left winger played for Spain in the World Cup.
  Russian World Cup star, Valery Karpin is having talks with SCBC about a move from Celta Vigo, but he wants to speak to Tottenham before making a final decision on his future.
  Views are split on Qu Bo, with the People stating that he will be arriving on a seven day trial with a £500,000 deal already sorted with his club, but the News of the World and the Observer reckons that no details have been received by Qingdoa.
  Tim Sherwood has taken Glasgow Rangers' eye, as he seeks to get leave Tottenham, although the fee might be a sticking point according to the News of the World.
  Fellow midfielder Oyvind Leonhardsen is a reported target for German club Schalke 04, with a transfer fee of £1.5 million quoted in the Sunday Mirror.
  Youngster Philip Ifil starred at right back as England took the four nation Under-17 tournament trophy with a last day 1-1 draw with Brazil.  The Spurs Junior was voted man of the match too.

Saturday  13.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham today announced that they have signed Arsenal youth midfielder Rohan Ricketts.  The 19 year old is highly regarded in footballing circles and has represented England at levels up to Under-20 (at the recent Toulon tournament).  He has joined Spurs on a free transfer and is happy to be joining a club going places, with the emphasis on young players.
  Les Ferdinand has told the Sun that he might be about to embark in his last season of football.  The former England striker said he was not certain that he would hang up his boots next summer, but realises that he is not getting any younger, but he would like to have a last crack at scoring a lot of goals for Tottenham.
  Meanwhile, Keeper Neil Sullivan has expressed surprise that he has been linked with a move to Glasgow Rangers.  The Scotland keeper told the Spurs website that he knew nothing about the story, which broke yesterday and neither did assistant manager John Gorman.
  Chinese forward Qu Bo may not be coming to Tottenham after all.  His club manager said that he did not have firm details of any move for the player to come to England on trial and that the involvement of the media might affect any deal.  Planet Football also reports that the player has not been a regular in the China side for the last two years and therefore, he might not get a work permit to play in this country.
  Former Spurs midfielder Paul Gascoigne is linking up with MLS side DC United for the rest of the season with the possibility of a contract playing in America for a further season.
  Former Tottenham defender Danny Maddix has signed a new contract for Sheffield Wednesday.
  One player Tottenham looked at a long time ago, Tranmere Rovers goalkeeper Joe Murphy, has joined West Bromwich Albion.

Friday  12.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  There is a news article running on Ananova that says that there is a clause in Neil Sullivan's contract allowing him to leave should the club get a bid of £1 million or more for him.  It appears that Glasgow Rangers might be willing to take him off Tottenham's hands.
  Glenn Hoddle is hoping that he will have a bit more luck this season on the injury front to balance out losing so many players to that uncontrollable force in 2001-02, the Spurs boss said on the official website.
  Just to let all Spurs Fans know that Harrods are selling last season's home and away shirts for £9.95 (Kids to Adults sizes) and shorts for £4.95 in their July sale. What a great deal !!!  Thanks to Benjy for the information.

Thursday  11.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  New signing Jonathan Blondel has been talking about his transfer to Tottenham.  He described the club as "forward thinking" and said WHL was one of the biggest grounds he has ever been in.  The captain of the Belgian Under-19 side said he thinks the move will improve him as a player and a person, as he will have to come to terms with a new language and a new system, but he looks forward to mixing well with the players when he reports for training on July 28th.  He is also looking forward to breaking into the first team of Spurs, who he regards as a "big club", he told the official website.  While the fee is not being reveled, it is believed to be in the order of anywhere between £800,000 and £2.5 million.
  However, Hugo Broos, one of Jonathan's former coaches thinks he has gone to England too early and will not be able to handle the physical side of the game.  Broos (no relation to Springsteen) reckons Blondel should have stayed in Belgium for two more years.  How cruel would that be ??
  Oyvind Leonhardsen has said that h wants to continue his career away from White Hart Lane.  The 31 year old Norwegian midfielder said that he hoped to find a new club soon, but if that was not possible he would have to see out his contract at Tottenham.
  Olympique Lyonnais midfielder David Linares is a target for Tottenham and Middlesbrough according to Planet Football.  The 26 year old, who is seeking a move away from the French champions, has been linked with both English clubs in the French press, as the player looks to leave after six seasons at the club.
  Junichi Inamoto has joined Fulham after being returned to Osaka by Arsenal.  The Japanese international midfielder had been linked to Tottenham previously.
  Another tabloid rumour had Spurs linked with Alain Boghossian, but he has joined Espanyol  from Parma.
  Philip Ifil starred for England Under-17s in their 2-0 win over the Czech Republic tonight.  The goals were both scored by Ben Bowditch's younger brother who plays for Ipswich Town.

Wednesday  10.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs completed the signing of Jonathan Blondel today on a four year contract.
  Qu Bo's father has revealed that his son will train with Tottenham for eight days starting next week and hopes that this is just a formality before he signs permanently.  The 19 year old striker has apparently been watched by Spurs for a year, when they first saw him in the World Youth championships in Argentina.  Qu said he was amazed that Spurs arranged his travel in two days after talks with his club began.
  Ben Thatcher has praised the Tottenham reserve set-up and said that Colin Calderwood does a remarkable job, having to juggle those first team squad players as well as the youngsters on the way up.  He said that the current crop of Under-19s breaking through will benefit from his tuition and the fitness training, but says that there is a place for first-teamers to do their best in the second team and set an example to them.
  TeamTalk report that Glenn Hoddle could be in favour of a season long loan deal for Matthew Etherington rather than lose the left winger.  Talks are expected to be held next week between the 20 year old former Peterborough United player, who has put in a transfer request, and the Spurs manager.
  Luckily, the agent of 30 year old Ergun Penbe of Turkey and Galatasaray has said he will stay with the club and is looking for a three year deal.  Tottenham had been linked with a move for him, but with the number of midfielders already in the squad the odds on another looked pretty long, especially at that age.

Tuesday  9.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Glenn Hoddle has advised Spurs fans to take everything they read in the newspapers with a pinch of salt, as the club are looking at players to enhance the quality of the first team squad, but will not announce anything through any source other than the club's website.  He said the Maccarone and Nuno Gomes stories were not true, as there was no interest in either player.
  The London Evening Standard tells a different story, saying that Tottenham missed out on Massimo Maccarone as they would not pay the £7 million fee and Middlesbrough nipped in to pinch a player that Hoddle had marked out as one to fit into his plans.  Who's right ?? Who knows ??
  The paper also reckons that Hoddle has been told to sell Rebrov, Leonhardsen and Sherwood before he can spend on new players.
  Chinese club Quindao Yizhong has reported that their player Qu Bo, the China forward, is set to join Tottenham in a one year loan deal with an option on a £2 million transfer if successful.  TeamTalk state that the pacy 20 year old will make the move to England soon and it could be a coup for Tottenham, as he is regarded as one of Asia's top forwards.  Planet Football explore the sell-ability of the player in the Far East market, although add that he will have impressed the watching Tottenham staff foremost and state that the loan will cost £500,000 for the year.  They also add that there could be a lot of red tape (don't know if that was a gag or not), but say Spurs appear confident in overcoming it.
  Meanwhile, the Daily Star say that Spurs will make a £3 million bid for Fenerbache's Fatih Aykel, who can play in defence or midfield.
  Tottenham are also supposed to have made a £6.75 million bid for Parma's French international defender Martin Djetou.  The former Monaco man has been touted as moving to many top European clubs, but the transfer away from the Serie A side has not come about.
  Tottenham's pre-season friendly against Celtic will be shown live on Sky TV at 8.00 p.m. on Wednesday 7th August.
  Spurs have apparently been disappointed as Wolverhampton Wanderers' teenage defender Joleon Lescott has signed a five year deal to keep him at the First Division club.

Monday  8.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Glenn Hoddle was very pleased by a number of aspects of the club's play last season.  He said that the youngsters all did well and performed consistently, while 14 goals from Gus Poyet was an outstanding contribution.  Hoddle also said he thinks there is a lot more to come form Christian Ziege.
  Meanwhile, Director of Football David Pleat has revealed that Massimo Maccarone was offered to most London clubs, but was not a player that Glenn Hoddle "wanted to pursue".  The rumour linking Spurs with Nuno Gomes has also been shot down in flames, with the official website saying there is no truth in the story.  Expect his arrival within the week then !!  The London Evening Standard quotes that the club have been in long discussions with the player's agent about the £4 million move that will see him come to Tottenham on the cheap.
  Spurs are being linked with a move for Middlesbrough's Alen Boksic, who might make way for the said Maccarone.  The Croatian has a year left on his contract and if the Teeside club would let him go for a nominal fee, then Spurs might be interested.
  Apparently, a story in The Guardian mentions a possible £12.5 million move to Arsenal for Stephen Carr.
  Tottenham's Philip Ifil played well at right back for England in their 22 draw with Italy in the four team tournament played throughout grounds in the Midlands area.
  Former Spurs player and manager Terry Venables has been named as the new manager of Leeds United.

Sunday  7.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Stephen Carr is at the centre of a story in the Sunday Mirror, that says Spurs are ready to sell him for £15 million.  The article goes that they are willing to off-load the Republic of Ireland international as a source of income for other signings, but the price tag might frighten most buyers off.
  The News of the World has put a price of £10 million on Nuno Gomes' head, as the story about Tottenham's talks with Fiorentina was run again. Further to that, the Planet Football and Sky Sports sites carry features stating that the player says he wants to join Tottenham, with his agent saying he would love to play for the club.
  Teddy Sheringham has told the Sunday Mirror that he wishes to continue playing for England as long as the coach wants him to.
  Sunderland have said that they are keen to keep Kevin Phillips and pair him up with Leeds United's Robbie Keane.  This would deprive Tottenham of two of their possible forward targets.
  Tottenham reserve midfielder Ben Bowditch has been called up into the England Under-19 squad for the European Championships in Norway from July 21 to July 28.  There he might face Tottenham's intended signing from Belgium, Jonathan Blondel, who's country have been put in England's group with Germany and the Republic of Ireland.
  The Sunday People reveal that Tottenham are close to agreeing an eight-year deal with Simon Davies to tie him to the club until 2010 !!  This says it shows their aim to keep hold of their best young players.
  The Sunday Mirror reports that Tottenham are to open talks with Ledley King to sign him up for five more years to ward of approaches by other top clubs.
  The same paper also reports that West Ham United are considering a £3 million bid for Mauricio Taricco.
  Former Spurs winger, Garry Brady, is having a three week trial at Walsall.
  Former Spurs defender, Gudni Bergsson, is planning on signing another 12 month contract to keep him in the Premiership with Bolton Wanderers.
  The Sunday People reveal that the referees of this country will send off players for foul mouthed tirades against them this season.  There will also be a continuation of the campaign against cheating that was introduced in the World Cup with yellow cards for simulation and shirt pulling.

Saturday  6.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Jonathan Blondel is ready to sign his four year deal with Tottenham providing he passes his medical next week.  The player is opting for Spurs over Manchester United and Schalke 04 as they can offer him a place in the first team squad whereas the former Premier League champions wanted to put him in the Under-19 team, while the Germans would have stuck him in the reserves.  Onefootball.com reports that he will cost £800,000 initially and he is said to be ready to be on the bench at Tottenham, where he can begin his development.  The young midfielder has said that Spurs will know what they are getting as scouts watched him 15 times past season and he thinks that the fact that Hoddle speaks French will help him settle in, while he believes that the length of the contract shows that the club have confidence in him.  Should Spurs capture the signing of Blondel, he will not be available for the start of the Premiership campaign, as he will be required by his country for the European Under-19 championships.
  Another incoming player could be the red "fin" haired Japanese midfielder Kazuyuki Toda from Shimizu S-Pulse, according to the Japanese press.  The 24 year old played in four games in the World Cup for his country and made an impact with his "Beckhamesque" coiffure, which changes colour and style regularly.

Friday 5.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Jonathan Blondel, the 18 year old Mouscron Excelsior midfielder, has said that he has been offered a four year deal with Tottenham and a place in the first team squad.  He said that looking around White Hart Lane, he had found another world from what he was used to in Belgium.  He said he was satisfied with the terms offered and that he did not want to spend another season on the bench or in the reserves, so he was sure that he did not want to let an opportunity like this pass him by.  He did not sign there and then, but the deal could be concluded in the next few days.
  Onefootball.com has reported that Tottenham are in negotiations with Fiorentina about signing their Portuguese striker Nuno Gomes.  A deal for the 26 year old forward could be done in the next few days according to the Italian club who are in dire financial straits.  Birmingham City and Benfica are also interested in the Word Cup striker.
  Sky Sports site reveals that Tottenham have allegedly bid €4.5 million (however much that is !!) (£2.88 million - Financial Ed.) for Turkish international Fatih Arbuckle ... no, that should have read Fatih Akyel, the 24 year old defender who plays for Fenerbache and who started very Turkey match at the recent World Cup.
  Not content with that, Ergun Penbe is also supposedly in talks with Tottenham.  The wing back, 30, is alleged to have been contacted by Spurs via his agent.
  One player that Tottenham had been linked with in the past that has joined another club is Marc Bircham.  The Millwall defender has gone to Queens Park Rangers on a Bosman.
  Glenn Hoddle told the official club website that he was very pleased with the progress made by Ledley King and Simon Davies last season.  The Spurs boss is hopeful that they can both be brought on further this season and that they will be part of the side for the next two or three campaigns.
  Les Ferdinand has told the Spurs website that he is sure that if Jamie Redknapp can stay fit, then he will be a boon for Tottenham and the fans will see the best of him.  The Spurs striker believes that the midfielder was getting stale at Liverpool and the change could refresh his career.
  Former Spurs youth team player Des Walker, has rejoined his old club Nottingham Forest.

Thursday 4.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Dean Richards says that now he is installed in his own home, instead of a rented property, he feels mores settled and believes he will be stronger for Tottenham in the coming season, he told the Spurs website.
  Striker Chris Armstrong is interesting Bolton Wanderers.
  Jamaican referee Peter Prendergast, speaking about the allegation that Belgian midfielder Marc Wilmots had said that the official had apologised for disallowing his goal against Brazil in the World Cup second round match, said ... "Wilmots has put in my mouth something that I never said.  That puts me in an uncomfortable position." 

Wednesday 3.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The Daily Mirror has a story that tells of six Spurs players being up for sale, in a "clear the decks" scenario and raise money for the purchase of Kevin Phillips.  Biggest name on the list is Neil Sullivan, with Sergei Rebrov, Oyvind Leonhardsen, Chris Perry, Tim Sherwood and Steffen Iversen completing the line-up.  However, Director of Football David Pleat slapped down the rumours on the club website, saying there is no "movement outwards" planned at the moment.
  ENIC's share price today hit a low of 32p, compared to 382p at their height.

Tuesday 2.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham's home game against Chelsea has been moved from Saturday 2nd November to Sunday 3rd November and will be shown live on Pay per view TV.  Kick off will be 2.00 p.m.
  Robbie Keane has refused to join Sunderland after Leeds United had agreed an £8 million deal for his transfer.  Anyone think he would be worth a punt at that price ??
  This news has rekindled the "Spurs in for Kevin Phillips" rumours.  Whether Tottenham would go for him over Keane is questionable.  With re-sale values coming into the transfer equation, Tottenham might feel that Keane represents better value (and a better goalscorer) than Phillips.
  Spurs have been linked with Turkish midfielder Ergun Penbe, who starred in the World Cup.  The agent of the player claims that talks have already taken place with Tottenham and they will be in line for him if Galatasaray do not take up their interest in the 30 year old wing back.
  Apparently, Middlesbrough and another un-named Premier League club are interested in Senegal forward Henri Camara.  The 25 year old has been linked with a move to Tottenham, with his French club Sedan asking £4.5 million, which one of the clubs is willing to meet.  Interestingly, the player has the same agent as Samuel Eto'o.
  Les Ferdinand is ready to play for Spurs when selected even though he realises he might not play every game.  He told the Tottenham website that he has been running to keep fit after returning form La Manga and is awaiting the call when required.

Monday 1.7.2002   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham are reported in the London Evening Standard to have failed in an effort to bring Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o to White Hart Lane.  They are now, supposedly, looking at Senegal forward Henri Camara, who would cost around £5 million from Sedan.
  Simon Davies has told the Spurs website that he thinks that players breaking through into the first team should be ready to play in a variety of positions so that they can get as many games as possible.  Could he be referring to anyone in particular ??
  SCBC have denied that they are about to sign Matthew Etherington.  A big club like them wouldn't know what to do with a player like him !!
  Christian Ziege has said that he thought that Brazil deserved to win the World Cup, as they were the best team in the whole tournament.  Speaking on his own website, he said that Germany had done well too and could look forward to the European Championships in Portugal in 2004 and the 2006 World Cup on home soil.
  Tunisian forward, Slim Ben Achour, has pledged his immediate future to Paris Saint Germain and disappointed Spurs, who were rumoured to be looking at buying him.  However, if things do not urn out with him in the first team, he said a transfer might be an option to get him some top flight football. 
  Another former Spurs target, Christian Poulsen, of Copenhagen and Denmark, has joined Schalke 04.