White Hot Lines

July 2004

Saturday   31.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 at the City Ground this afternoon.  Goals from Fredi Kanoute and a Jermain Defoe penalty secured the win, in which both trialists - Silva Sousa and Dagui Bakari - featured.
  Erik Edman completed his transfer to Tottenham from FC Heerenveen yesterday after passing a medical and agreeing terms with the club.  The fee is believed to be in the region of £2 million.
  Sir Alex Ferguson has gone up in MEHSTG's estimation after saying that he thinks Tottenham will do well with the new set-up at the club this season.  The Manchester United manager told the Press that he thought that Jacques Santini had a good CV and would do well with the club, while Frank Arnesen is a great spotter of talent and Martin Jol a very organised coach.  Fergie reckons that Spurs could be the surprise package this season and thinks they can push into a top five finish.
  Former Spurs keeper Neil Sullivan completed a free transfer to Leeds United from Chelsea today.
  Former Spurs midfielder Paul Gascoigne has been admitted to hospital with food poisoning.
  Former Spurs youth striker Ian Stonebridge has left Plymouth Argyle and joined Wycombe Wanderers.

  OTHER NEWS ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Sometimes I wonder why I started this feature, when there are so many real stories out there that defy belief ... Everton, £40 million in debt, have bought out Spanish Third Division outfit UD San Pedro and installed former Blackpool boss Steve McMahon as director of football.  They will change the colours of the club to their own and have the same sponsors, while using San Pedro as a nursery club for their young players.


Friday   30.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  A busy day on the transfer front for Spurs as the season gets closer and the injuries pile up.  
  Swedish international left back Erik Edman will join Tottenham if he passes a medical and agree personal terms.  A fee has been negotiated with his Dutch club FC Heerenveen and the 25 year old will be a welcome addition having played in all three of Sweden's group matches in Euro 2004.
  PSV Eindhoven's Portuguese youth international striker Edson Rolando Silva Sousa has joined the club on trial and is in the squad travelling to Nottingham Forest for tomorrow's match.  The 19 year old from Cape Verde was expected to leave to play in Portugal,  but Frank Arnesen's knowledge of his talents may have persuaded him to come to Tottenham.
  One player who probably won't be coming to White Hart Lane is Olivier Thomert.  His French club
Lens want £9.3m for him compared to Tottenham's £2.6m bid.
  The estimate on Robbie Keane's ankle ligament injury is four to six weeks, so he will miss at least four Premiership matches in the new season.
  The club have hit by at the Guardian newspaper by issuing a statement on the official website denying that there was a row on the telephone between Frank Arnesen and Jacques Santini after the Glasgow Rangers match.  It was also claimed that Santini and Jol had a dressing room argument about tactics.  THFC deny this and say that the roles of the Sporting Director, Head Coach, First Assistant and other coaching assistants are well defined with everyone understanding what is expected of them. 
  Fredi Kanoute has said he is recovering from his viral chest infection and hopes to feature in the friendly at Forest tomorrow.  Having decided to opt out of the Mali squad for the Olympics, Fredi said his desire to play and score goals for Tottenham overcame the desire to represent his country in an UNder-21 tournament in which he would have been an over-age player.
  The Daily Express indicate that Egyptian striker Mido has shown an interest in going to SCBC on a season's loan and the newspaper believe that might release James Beattie to join Spurs.
  Czech 2004 defender Marek Januslovski has said he is keen to win the title in Italy with Internazionale an option, but he has said that he will start the season with Udinese and hope that some of the interest shown by clubs such as Tottenham become more concrete.

  OTHER NEWS ... Liverpool were given permission for a 60,000 all-seater stadium in Stanley Park by the City Council, but Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott will have to decide on the project because of it's size and the objections to it ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... West Ham United today announced plans to open a £70 million entertainment and leisure complex at the Boleyn Ground.  So that is why they have been selling all their best players ... to bring some much needed entertainment to Upton Park !!


Thursday   29.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham have announced the squad numbers for season 2004-05.  These are as follows ...

1 Paul Robinson
2 Stephen Carr
3 Mauricio Taricco
4 Sean Davis
5 Goran Bunjevcevic
6 Dean Richards
7 Simon Davies
8 Pedro Mendes
9 Frederic Kanoute
10 Robbie Keane
11 Michael Brown
12 Gary Doherty
13 Kasey Keller
15 Jamie Redknapp
18 Jermain Defoe
21 Mbulelo Mabizela
22 Lee Barnard
25 Marton Fulop
26 Ledley King
27 Rohan Ricketts
28 Mark Yeates
30 Anthony Gardner
31 Dean Marney
32 Johnnie Jackson
34 Stephen Kelly


  Sky Sports claim that Spurs are rumoured to be in negotiations for Lens attacking midfielder Olivier Thomert.  The 24 year old is highly rated, although has not had a great deal of experience, with Lens valuing him at £9.4 million, while Spurs are trying to arrange a deal nearer £6 million.
  However, the same Sky Sports site says that an offer for Thomert was rejected and Spurs have now taken Lens' 29 year old Ivory Coast forward Dagui Bakari on an eight day trial to try and win a place in the Tottenham squad.
  Frederic Kanoute has not been included in the Mali squad for the Olympic Games in Athens.
  Robbie Keane's injury does appear to be serious, with ligament damage the most likely diagnosis, meaning he will probably miss the first few Premiership matches of the new season.
  Former Spurs striker Steffen Iversen has signed for Norwegian side Valerenga from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

  OTHER NEWS ... Marco van Basten has been named the new coach of Holland ... Nicky Butt completed his move from Man U to Newcastle ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... No spin required here ... West Ham United manager Alan Pardew talking about enquiring about Darren Anderton ... "obviously I don't want to bring in too many Tottenham players because I won't get many West Ham fans patting me on the back for that."


Wednesday   28.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs played Glasgow Rangers for the Walter Tull Trophy tonight at Ibrox and lost 0-2.  For a match report click here.
  Tottenham's Kappa Cup match against Feyenoord on Tuesday 5th August will be screened live on Eurosport.  Kick off is at and coverage runs from 6.15 p.m. to 8.15 p.m.
  Nottingham Forest manager Joe Kinnear has hinted that his club might be willing to do business on the sale of Andy Reid ... if Spurs return with a bid equal to that of their initial £5 million.
  It has been reported that Simon Davies will miss four weeks of training after his shin operation yesterday.
  Former Spurs keeper Neil Sullivan has gone on trial at Leeds United, as he is available on a free transfer from Chelsea.
  Rumoured Spurs transfer target Bixente Lizarazu has signed for Marseille from Bayern Munich.
  Rumoured Spurs transfer target Mark van Bommel has turned down a move to Everton, as he wants to move to a bigger club.
  Former Spurs midfielder Paul Gascoigne has agreed to join Boston United as player-coach.

  OTHER NEWS ... Former Real Madrid favourite Fernando Hierro has signed for Bolton Wanderers ...


Tuesday   27.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Chelsea are rumoured in the Guardian newspaper to have made an approach for Ledley King, but were put off by the £20 million asking price.
  Midfielder Simon Davies has had an operation on his shin and will miss the opening stages of the Premiership season.
  Stephen Kelly's ankle injury, picked up at Sheffield United, is not a break, but the medical staff fear that he might have ligament damage.  Further clarity should be forthcoming on the nature of the injury later in the week following scans.
  The club have clarified the situation that Swindon Town manager Andy King was whipping up in recent days surrounding the loan of a player to the Robins. The Spurs website has issued a statement that the loan of a player is not in the contract involved in the signing of Leigh Mills from the Wiltshire club and that the squad is still being assessed by the management team, so when loan players are being decided on, Swindon will be the first to know.
  Former Spurs midfielder Darren Anderton is now interesting Fulham.
  Former Spurs forward Sergei Rebrov has signed for West Ham United on a free transfer.

  OTHER NEWS ... Chelsea spend another £20 million on Carvalho ... Real Madrid seem to have agreed terms with Patrick Vieira ... The FA will hold an inquiry into the Sven Affair on August 5th ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... The FA launched their new disciplinary code of conduct with matters.  Suspensions will begin immediately after the game they were incurred and if there are disputes about mistaken identity, they must be made by Noon on the next working day after the game.  These will be dealt with within four to five days.  So, one the same day, it is announced that it will take the FA nine days to set up the Sven hearing !!


Monday   26.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham's latest bid for Nottingham Forest's Republic of Ireland left winger Andy Reid has been rebuffed.  The £3million offer was rejected as Forest said they turned down a £5 million offer earlier this year and could not understand why Spurs were bidding less than that.  The approach comes after Reid slammed Forest at the weekend for not investing in the side and warning that unless that happens, the club face another relegation battle.
  Spurs have denied making a fresh bid for Reid though with a statement on the official website refuting the story coming out of Forest, although they do acknowledge that the Irishman is a player they admire.
  Jacques Santini has hit back at rumours that Arsene Wenger wants to sign Ledley King by saying that the Arsenal manager would have to "give me Thierry Henry and Sol Campbell." Santini added that Wenger "will not be able to give me Patrick Vieira as well because he is going to sign for Real Madrid." !!
  Michael Brown has told the Spurs website that he hopes to be back in match action next weekend.
  Newcastle United are again reported to be turning their attention to Stephen Carr, who's representative reckons he would love to move to St. James' Park.
  One time rumoured transfer target Thomas Helveg, has joined Norwich City from Internazionale.
  Former Spurs striker Jurgen Klinsmann was officially unveiled as the new coach of the German national side today.

  OTHER NEWS ... Barcelona's Dutch winger Mark Overmars has retired from football ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... 


Sunday   25.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs lost 1-2 to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane this afternoon in a pre-season friendly.  Robbie Keane scored an 19th minute goal  and United equalised in the next minute, winning the game with a 68th minute goal.  Stephen Kelly was stretchered off with an ankle injury.
Spurs team : - Keller; Kelly (Carr 81), King (Gardner 46), Richards, Bunjevcevic (McKie 46); Mabizela, Redknapp (Hughes 58), Davis, Jackson (Ricketts 68), Yeates; Keane (Malcolm 46). 
Subs: Fulop, Mendes, Doherty, Defoe
For a match report, click here.
  Jacques Santini said on the Spurs website that he will most probably field his strongest side against Glasgow Rangers on Wednesday for the friendly match at Ibrox.  This should give an indication of who will be his starting XI come August 14th.
  Ledley King has urged new head coach Jacques Santini to play him in the back four rather than in midfield.  The England international believes that he is better suited to a role in central defence rather than in central midfield and hopes that the new coach will prefer top play him there, where Ledley thinks his future lies.  The Sunday Express claim that Santini is set to make Ledley the new Spurs captain.
  The Sunday Mirror has a mass of Spurs rumour today.  They start with a back page story about Arsene Wenger using his friendship with Glenn Hoddle to take the former Spurs boss to Highbury on the coaching staff.
  Then they go on to try and infuriate Spurs fans further by reporting that Arsenal want Ledley King to fill the gap in their defence when Sol Campbell leaves them.  They seem to believe that the player will be willing to follow the path of his former team-mate and move along the Seven Sisters Road to fill in like he did when Campbell left Tottenham.
  Not content with trying to unsettle King, they report that Spurs captain Jamie Redknapp is a target for his Dad at Portsmouth, where they will offer him a one year pay-as-you-play contract.
  The Sunday Mirror also claims that Jacques Santini is after Fulham midfielder Steed Malbranque to play in midfield alongside his former team-mate Sean Davis. 
  Czech striker Jan Koller is a target for Spurs according to the same paper.  The Borussia Dortmund striker is in the last year of his contract and after a move to Marseille fell through, Santini might move in to snatch the lanky forward to play alongside Jermain Defoe. 
  The other striker Spurs are after is SCBC's James Beattie if you believe the News of the World.  Tottenham will have to vie with Charlton Athletic for the England forward and the fee might be less than the £7 million Newcastle United were believed to be ready to offer earlier this summer.  With former Spurs reserve striker Peter Crouch signed by the New Dell club, the hold on Beattie might be released a little if the right offer is made.
  The News of the World also report that Spurs are trying to sign Werder Bremen's Greek striker Angelos Charisteas.
  As Alan Pardew tries to build West Ham United in the image of Tottenham Hotspur, he is now eyeing Darren Anderton as a possible signing.  Released by Spurs, Anderton has been interesting a number of clubs and the only thing holding back the Irons is his wages.  
  Young Brazilian midfielder Diego of Santos, who Spurs were interested in signing, has moved to FC Porto on a four year deal.

  OTHER NEWS ... 


Saturday   24.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham drew 2-2 at the KC Stadium with Hull City this afternoon.  Both Spurs' goals were scored by Jermain Defoe.  For a match report, click here.
  Spurs are denying that Jamie Redknapp has further aggravated his injury and Chris Hughton has said that the .
  A veteran Spurs side (including Neil Ruddock, Mark Robson, Mitchell Thomas, Clive Wilson and Justin Edinburgh) won the Southern Masters competition at Milton Keynes tonight.  They triumphed in the final, beating Arsenal 6-1 to go through to the National Masters Grand Final on September 5th at Sheffield.

  OTHER NEWS ... 


Friday   23.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

 Jamie Redknapp hopes to play under Jacques Santini for the first time at Hull City tomorrow after being put on a special programme as he is suffering from a knee injury.
  
The Spurs XI fixture at Harlow Town has been moved to Wednesday August 11 (kick-off 7.30pm) from it's original date of Saturday July 31.

  OTHER NEWS ... 


Thursday   22.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The Daily Mirror state that Frank Arnesen has lined up the purchase of Grasshoppers Switzerland Under-19 international left-back Reto Ziegler in January, despite competition from some top European clubs, adding another young talent to the Spurs development squad.  The youngster will cost in the region of £600,000.
  Rumour in the Daily Mirror indicates that Spurs have pulled out of their intended transfer of DC United winger Bobby Convey and now Reading are reported to be ready to pay £550,000 for the USA international.
  A Spurs XI drew 1-1 with Chesham United tonight in a  friendly match, with the Spurs goal scored by Danny Stevens.  
  Former Spurs striker Jurgen Klinsmann has signed a six year deal as the new manager of Germany.  

  OTHER NEWS ... 


Wednesday   21.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs striker Sergei Rebrov had been interesting Queens Park Rangers until they found out the wages he was asking for, so even on a free transfer they could not afford him.
  Former Spurs midfielder Darren Anderton is interesting Birmingham City and may be offered a pay-as-you-play contract when the Midlands club return from their pre-season tour of Germany.  

  OTHER NEWS ... 


Tuesday   20.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs won the first game of their pre-season programme in this country at Stevenage Borough tonight at Broadhall Way by 2-1.  For a match report, click here.
  Tottenham's new Portuguese midfielder Pedro Mendes said today that he would not be a flop in England, like his countryman Helder Postiga.  Speaking to the Press in Sweden, where Tottenham are on tour, Mendes said he has the ability to adapt his game to be a success in the Premier League.
  Formerly linked with Spurs, Marseille striker Didier Drogba has joined Chelsea for £23 million.  

  OTHER NEWS ... 


Monday   19.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Rumoured Spurs transfer target Greek midfielder Theo Zagorakis has left AEK Athens on a free transfer and joined Bologna in Italy.
  Another player formerly linked with Tottenham, Middlesbrough defender Gareth Southgate is set to sign a new contract with the North-East club.

  OTHER NEWS ... 


Sunday   18.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs are looking at bringing Olivier Dacourt back to the Premier League, but Liverpool are also viewing the former Leeds United midfielder as a possible transfer target.  Unhappy at AS Roma, where he has received late payment of his wages, the Frenchman feels that England suits his game more and with Jacques Santini having picked him in the national side, Spurs might be favourites to secure the 29 year old's services.
  Bolton Wanderers are supposedly Spurs' rivals to sign Portuguese defender Nuno Valente, as they seek to fill another spot in the squad.
  New Spurs midfielder Sean Davis has been impressed with the set-up at the club.  The former Fulham man said he wished his old club well, but the new management structure at Tottenham make it clear what they want and although he doesn't say much, when Jacques Santini wants to get his point across, he puts it over very effectively.  
  The Sunday Mirror claims that Leeds United may want to take Michael Brown on a season long loan from Spurs.
  Spurs confirmed today that Lee Barnard has fractured his collar-bone and will probably be out of action for around six weeks.  
  Former Spurs midfielder Darren Anderton is being linked with a move to Birmingham City in the News of the World. 

  OTHER NEWS ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... MK Dons are sleeping seven to a room n a boarding school in Finland, where they are on tour.  Well, we know about the former "Crazy Gang" and what they say about boarding schools !!


Saturday   17.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  A young Spurs side lost 0-1 to Trollhattan in Gothenberg this afternoon.  Pedro Mendes and Marton Fulop made their Tottenham debuts.  In the game, Jamie Slabber picked up a stomach injury and Lee Barnard a suspected dislocated shoulder, as the Swedish side adopted a physical approach.
Spurs Team : - Fulop; Kelly (Carr 70), McKie, Mabizela, Doherty; Marney (Keane 70), Hughes (O'Hara 46), Davis (Mendes 56), Ricketts, Yeates; Barnard (Slabber 33, Malcolm 45)
Subs: Ifil, O'Donoghue, McKenna, Burch
  A Spurs XI won 1-0 against Hitchin Town in a friendly with the goal scored by Simon Dawkins.
  Jacques Santini has said that Jermain Defoe could be his Thierry Henry.  The new Spurs Head Coach told reporters that the pace and clinical finishing could make him a feared striker and take him and the club a long way. 

  OTHER NEWS ... 


Friday   16.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  AS Roma have confirmed that they have received offers from Spurs, Everton and FC Porto for their Greek centre half Traianos Dellas.
  According to the London Evening Standard, striker Sergei Rebrov has been training with West Ham United, although the Irons are not interested in signing him.  Rumours are that he is unlikely to have his work permit renewed and may be on his way out of the club.

  OTHER NEWS ... Everton's Chief Executive Trevor Birch has quit Goodison Park after just six weeks ...


Thursday   15.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs continued their pre-season programme with a friendly against FC Copenhagen in Gothenburg which they drew 2-2, with goals from a Dean Richards header from a Michael Brown corner and a solo Jermain Defoe effort.
Spurs team : - Keller, Carr, Taricco, Richards, Bunjevcevic, Davies (Marney 62), Brown, Davis, Jackson (Ricketts 69), Keane, Defoe. 
Subs: Doherty, Fulop, Kelly, Mabizela, McKie, Hughes, Yeates, Barnard
  Tottenham are being linked with an offer for AS Roma's Greek central defender Traianos Dellas, who is also interesting Everton and FC Porto.
  Moroccan defender Noureddine Naybet is also rumoured to be a target for Spurs.  Newspapers in Spain claim that a two-year deal has been offered to the 34 year old Deportivo La Coruna centre half  
  Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock has ruled out an immediate return to Bramall Lane for Michael Brown, although he did say that come Christmas, if the midfielder is not in the Tottenham team, he might reconsider a loan move to his old club.  
  Cagliari will be the guests as White Hart Lane stages a friendly on Saturday August 7th, with kick off at 3.00 p.m.  
  The London Evening Standard reports that Jacques Santini is to slim the Spurs squad down to 25 players, although with some more coming in, this might mean quite a few departures.  

  OTHER NEWS ... Owen Hargreaves has said that Bayern Munich have priced him out of a move to the Premiership ... Swiss striker Sebastian Frei received a three match ban from UEFA for spitting at Steven Gerrard in the Euro 2004 group match ...


Wednesday   14.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Paul Robinson is reported in the London Evening Standard to have said he is really pleased that there has been such a shake-up from top to bottom at Tottenham, as the new staff are new to everyone and not just him.  The former Leeds United keeper revealed that it was a good time for him to move and that Tottenham are on the up with the young talented English players they have bought to blend with the other players at the club.
  Martin Jol has confirmed to Sky Sports that the club will be looking to bring in more players before the start of the season with 3 or 4 on the cards.  The squad will be assessed over the next two weeks and Frank Arnesen is already busy on the phone every day making contact with likely recruits.  
  One of them could be an old target as Spurs seem keen to revive their interest in DC United's USA international winger Bobby Convey.  The 21 year old failed to gain a work permit when the deal was initially set up last summer, but he would now qualify under the Home Office's criteria.
  Former Spurs striker Teddy Sheringham has made a move to West Ham United ... a club he describes as one "that he supported as a youngster."  
  Alleged Spurs transfer target, Celta Vigo's French midfielder Peter Luccin has agreed terms with Atletico Madrid.

  OTHER NEWS ... Relax everybody - your side is safe from containing Robbie Savage, who has signed a new four year deal with Birmingham City ... 


Tuesday   13.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs started their pre-season friendlies with a 1-1 draw with Falkenbergs FF in Sweden.  A mainly second string side secured the draw when Lee Barnard's half volley after 21 minutes was equalised by Carlsson's chip on 68 minutes.
The Spurs line-up was : - Burch, Kelly (Ifil 46), McKie (Slabber 46), O'Donoghue, Bunjevcevic (Doherty 46), Hughes, Marney, Jackson, Ricketts (O'Hara 46), Yeates (Price 68), Barnard (Malcolm 68).
  A report on the Internet reveals that Tottenham's talks with Modena striker Diomansy Kamara have hit a stumbling block might have allowed Palermo to steal in for the French forward.  
  A report on Planet Football's website today claims that Ronaldo will not be signing a new contract at Real Madrid and so will leave the Bernabeu in 2006.  Having said he would love to join Spurs to link up with his "father" figure Frank Arnesen, who first brought him to Europe, could it possibly be on the cards that this time in two years hence, Ronaldo could be wearing a different type of white shirt ???

  OTHER NEWS ... FIFA have confirmed that the limit of six substitutes in friendlies does only apply to international matches and not club friendlies ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Norwich sign Charlton !!


Monday   12.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Portsmouth have turned down a deal of £2 million plus Dean Richards for left back Matthew Taylor.  However, Pompey said that every player has his price, indicating they might be willing to do business, but at what price ?
  Swindon Town have announced the terms of Leigh Mills' transfer to Tottenham.  The league One club will receive a five-figure sum now, with a player (to be agreed) on loan for the season, as well as clauses that will take the fee to over £1 million if Mills achieves a certain number of first team appearances for Spurs.  The Robins have also inserted a sell-on clause should Tottenham make a profit on the player at any time.
  The French Football Federation today announced that they had appointed Raymond Domenech, the
French Under-21 coach, as the new national manager ahead of former Spurs player and manager Glenn Hoddle.  

  OTHER NEWS ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Blackburn Rovers are hoping to trial Diego Maradona's son for their Academy side.  The North-West team are thought to want to add the son of the "Hand of God" to the "Gob Almighty" of their manager.


Sunday   11.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs have completed the signing of England Under-16 captain and defender Leigh Mills from Swindon Town.  It is rumoured that a Spurs player will be loaned to the Robins as part of the deal.  More details will be made public in the next few days. 
  The official website has broken news that defender Stephen Kelly has extended his contract at Tottenham.  
  New Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has said that he could not understand why Tottenham bought Helder Postiga last summer.  The striker's old manager at Porto said that Postiga did not have any fight in him and was hopeless in the air, with his goal against England in Euro 2004 about the only one he has scored with his head, although he went on to add that with the ball at his feet the 21 year old can do anything with it.  Mourinho thought that it was an odd purchase, as Postiga would not fit into English football and he was happy to take the money that Spurs were offering.  
  Postiga himself has said that he thought that players at Tottenham spent too much time concentrating on their golf rather than on their training, with 7 a.m. tee times set prior to morning sessions on the practice pitches at Spurs Lodge.  
  Barcelona midfielder Edgar Davids, who has been linked with a move to Spurs, has signed for Internazionale. 
  This might be why the Sunday Mirror claim that Spurs will try and secure the services of Internazionale's Argentinian midfielder Kily Gonzales for a season on loan.  Gonzales was brought to the San Siro by Hector Cuper, his former manager at Valencia, who has since been replaced.
  The People newspaper claim that Spurs are to try and land left back Matthew Taylor from Portsmouth for £2 million.  Spurs had the option to pick him up for less than this when he was a Luton Town player, but passed on the option.  They hint that although he will not be priced up, Dean Richards might be part of the deal to attract Harry Redknapp into parting with the impressive Taylor.
  Thomas Helveg appears to be one of Jacques Santini's key targets according to the News of the World.
  The Sunday Telegraph has revealed that it was David Pleat who introduced Frank Arnesen to Tottenham (which he should have done as he was trying to find a new manager) and the Sporting Director has been advised by Pleat on a number of occasions, as the Dane said it would be wrong not to use his knowledge. 
  The People claim that despite not winning a trophy for 13 years, Spurs have sold all their season ticket allocation.  I hope they are right about the sell-out, because they are well off with the last trophy we won !!
  The same paper reckons Newcastle United will persist with their interest in Stephen Carr, as he is still stalling on a new deal at White Hart Lane.  

  OTHER NEWS ... Referees have been instructed by the FA to clamp down on penalty area shirt-tuggers at free-kicks and corners.  They will receive one "public" warning and then the next offence will be punished with a penalty ... There is also a farcical situation developing over FIFA's ruling that teams cannot use more than  six substitutes in a  friendly match.  This was initially aimed at international sides, but was extended to club friendlies and if teams breach this ruling, then the referee should abandon the match !! ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... The Republic of Ireland are considering a joint bid with Scotland to host the 2012 European Championships ... 


Saturday   10.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Sean Davis completed his transfer to Tottenham on a four year contract last night after undergoing a medical and finalising the details of the deal.  He took part in his first training session today at Spurs Lodge, saying that he felt the move was just right for him and he looked forward to helping the side, who had underachieved in the last few seasons, up the league.
  The Guardian run a story claiming that Spurs are after Chelsea's Joe Cole and hint that they might be willing to let him go if they can obtain a replacement.  It is thought that Cole might not want to leave Chelsea, but if his chances at Stamford Bridge are limited, he might reconsider in the January transfer window.
  The paper also says that Spurs have approached Portuguese international left back Nuno Valente and Danish right sided defender Thomas Helveg.  The move for the latter indicating that Stephen Carr might be on the move, according to the journalist penning the piece.
  Just two days after returning to pre-season training, Spurs will fly out to Sweden for their pre-season training camp tomorrow (Sunday).  Both new midfield signings, Sean Davis and Pedro Mendes will be among the travelling group.

  OTHER NEWS ... Leeds United have confirmed that they are seeking a buyer for Elland Road with at least a 25 year leas eon the ground ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Veteran striker Brian Deane will be accompanied by fellow ageing trialists Steve Guppy and Craig Hignett as cash-strapped Leeds after travel to Sweden for their pre-season tour, which is to be sponsored by SAGA.


Friday   09.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham have completed two new signings today.  Midfielders Pedro Mendes has arrived from FC Porto while Sean Davis has made the trek across London from Fulham to join our midfield options.  Helder Postiga has left the club re-joining his old club Porto.  
  24 year old Davis has captained England Under-21s and will undergo a medical and discussions on a contract on Monday.  In return for him signing what is believed to be a four year contract, Spurs have paid the West London side an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £3 million.
  Portuguese striker Postiga is said on the Spurs website to have failed to settle at White Hart Lane and Tottenham released him for £5,025,000.  Sporting Director Frank Arnesen told the media that although Postiga had undoubted talent, he might have come to England too soon and he had expressed his desire to return to Portugal, with Spurs not wishing to keep him at the club when he was unhappy.
  Pedro Miguel da Silva Mendes has been signed from Porto for a fee of £2,010,000.  The 25 year old was an essential member of the Champions League winning side and has played for the national side.  A noted playmaker, he is also reputed to have a crunching tackle and he describes himself as "the complete midfielder".  He spent one season at Porto.
  Earlier it had been suggested in certain newspapers that Spurs would be taking Porto striker Edgaras Jankauskas, a 28-year-old Lithuanian who has played in Russia, Belgium and Spain previously.
  Young midfielder Mark Yeates has signed a three year extension to his current contract.
  Greek midfielder and captain Theo Zagorakis is being linked with Tottenham, along with Everton and Bolton Wanderers.  There is also interest from Spain, Italy and Qatar for the man who lifted the Henri Delauney trophy.
  Not to be deterred by Tottenham's rebuffing of their efforts to sign Stephen Carr, Newcastle United have returned with a reduced bid of £1 million for the Irish defender.  Do you think Robby Bobson has finally lost the plot ???  
  Dates for the matches in the Kappa Cup to be held in Seville have been announced by the club.  The first match on Tuesday 3rd August  (kick off at 7.15 p.m. local time) sees Spurs face Feyenoord. At 9.45 p.m. that night, Real Betis meet Partizan Belgrade. Two games will then be played on Thursday 5th August, with Real Betis' match being guaranteed to start at 9.45 p.m.  
  
Former Spurs reserve striker Peter Crouch has joined SCBC for a fee of £2 million from Aston Villa.  The fans at the New Dell are big enough to not be able to accept that he once played for Portsmouth and are unhappy at the great news for the South Coast's Biggest club.

  OTHER NEWS ... Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Mark Viduka join Boro ... Mario Melchiot joins Birmingham ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... No spin this time, just a story straight from the London Evening Standard.  "Most of us have experienced the frustration of forgetting where the car is parked. But when you earn £60,000 a week, why worry about mislaying the odd Vauxhall Vectra ?  So it was perhaps not surprising that Chelsea star Marcel Desailly failed to inform police when he mislaid his £20,000 car during a Kensington shopping trip.  Suspecting it had been towed away due to a parking infringement, the Frenchman gave up trying to find it and took a taxi home. He then appeared to forget about the Vectra completely for the next two months."


Thursday   08.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham players returned to training today in preparation for the new season.
  Spurs have announced that Dominique Cuperly has joined as assistant coach from FC Grenoble.  Formerly known to Jacques Santini at Lyon, the former Metz and Rhiems player also coached at Auxerre.
  Real Betis claim to have been offered Helder Postiga by Spurs.
  Spurs are reportedly in talks with Swindon Town to complete the signing of young teenage defender Leigh Mills.  The fee is the sticking point and the Robins might require a player as part of the deal on a permanent or loan basis.
  Former Spurs winger and Hull City manager Peter Taylor has been named as the England Under-21 manager on a part-time basis.
  Former Spurs midfielder Tim Sherwood has signed a two year deal with Coventry City.  
  Formerly linked with Tottenham, Millwall's Australian midfielder Tim Cahill has joined Crystal Palace.  
  Former Spurs manager and midfielder Terry Venables has landed a coaching job with Newcastle ... the Australian version.  

  OTHER NEWS ... 


Wednesday   07.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  New Head Coach Jacques Santini referred to Tottenham as a "beeg clob" and said that it was his job to make it successful again.  At his Press Conference this afternoon, Santini answered questions from the media (with the aid of an interpreter) and said that he was excited about working in England at a club with a magnificent stadium and a group of technically talented young players.  Santini said that there would be a period of assessment in the 6 weeks before the season starts, but that he and his staff would see the players in training and friendlies to make their decisions about where the squad needs to be strengthened.  During his unveiling to the media, Jacques told them that he would speak to all the players with Frank Arnesen about their part in the club's future and he would be very pleased if players such as Helder Postiga stayed with Tottenham.  He said that the faith that Daniel Levy has in him and his staff is very much appreciated and he sees the learning curve as steep, as he hopes to make a quick start to the league programme, as this would give them a "dynamic elan".  When asked if he, Arnesen and Jol knew much about English football, Santini told the assembled media men that he had seen a lot of English football as many of his French players played here and over his two years in charge, he had seen many matches.  He would not be pressed on objectives set for this season, but told Spurs fans that there would not be sudden success and to have patience.
  Sporting Director Frank Arnesen told the media that there are spaces in the squad left by those players who left at the end of last season, which will need to be addressed and First Assistant coach Martin Jol added that some players will be joining before the season starts.
  Chris Hughton is to stay with Spurs as assistant coach to Frank (?) Santini according to the Spurs website, as his knowledge of the English league will be invaluable to the new head coach.  Hughton said he was delighted to be kept on and was looking forward to the new era, that was accompanied by a swell of optimism around the club. 
  Daniel Levy confirmed that Sergei Rebrov was still a Spurs player after the end of his loan spell at Fenerbache.
  The London Evening Standard have a story claiming that Jacques Santini and Martin Jol will have a clear-out at Spurs with the team being built around the core of Jermain Defoe, Paul Robinson, Ledley King, Robbie Keane, Simon Davies and Michael Brown.  The likes of Anthony Gardner (and I guess Helder Postiga) will be given the opportunity to improve to a consistent level or they will be moved on.
  The article also claims that Santini will employ the rotation system to keep the players on their toes.
  F
ormer Spurs midfielder Tim Sherwood is training with Coventry City after being released by Portsmouth.
  F
ormer Spurs striker Teddy Sheringham's move to Hull City as a player-coach has been denied by the Tigers' chairman.
  F
ormer Spurs midfielder Steve Sedgley was arrested for assault and racial abuse in Bardabdos.
  
Today, the French Football Federation's Vice-Chairman said that former Spurs player and manager Glenn Hoddle had no chance of being appointed to the national manager's post, but other reports claim Hoddle is one of the favorites and will be interviewed for the job.

  OTHER NEWS ... England moved up to eighth in FIFA's world rankings after Euro 2004, with Greece the biggest movers - up 21 places to fourteenth ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Didier Drogba is on the verge of becoming Chelsea's biggest signing as a £24m deal was being thrashed out in Paris last night.  Drogba's price tag will put him above Damien Duff as the biggest buy in the club's history. Abramovich still has funds for two or three more captures.  With his wealth what are the two or three more captures he was thinking of ??  Fort Knox and the Bank of England !!


Tuesday   06.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Rumours are flying that Traianos Dellas is set to leave AS Roma for a Premiership club, which has been touted as being Tottenham.
  The Daily Mirror, The Sun and the Independent link Spurs with a £3 million bid for Fulham's England UNder-21 midfielder Sean Davis and reckons that he and his club could both go for it, with the deal being signed in the next few days.
  The Sky Sports website has revealed that Internazionale's Danish midfielder Thomas Helveg is considering a move to Spurs.  The 33 year old said he would be interested in playing for Frank Arnesen and that the team play a style that suits him.
  Blackburn Rovers' design agency has signed a deal with to promote Tottenham Hotspur replica kits and other merchandise.  Touch Communications will be responsible for producing a merchandise catalogue for Spurs items to be sold at the club shops and other outlets.
  Today, Edgar Davids will mostly be joining Internazionale of Milan.  
  Today, the French Football Federation said that they had received a fax from former Spurs player and manager Glenn Hoddle asking to be considered for the national manager's post .
  Former Spurs reserve midfielder Ben Bowditch has been offered a trial at Colchester United.  
  Former Spurs striker Nick Barmby has joined Hull City from Leeds United on a free transfer.
  Former Spurs defender Guy Butters has signed a one year deal to extend his time at Brighton and Hove Albion.

  OTHER NEWS ... Joe Royle has been awarded over £422,000 in damages from his former club Manchester City ... Dick Advocaat quit as Dutch national manager today ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Celtic have been warned the value of Marek Heinz has doubled following his success with the Czech Republic at Euro 2004.  Yes, because of his success, the amount of payable Beanz Meanz Heinz is worth twice what he was before the tournament.

  MEHSTG's spin story 2 ... Everton have confirmed they have offered striker Wayne Rooney a new five-year bumper deal to stay with the club.  Having got the hub-caps already, this means Wayne can now concentrate on his football for a while, instead of his car-dismantling activities.


Monday   05.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Helder Postiga has said that he would love to win the Olympic Games football tournament with Portugal.  This would probably involve him missing a good section of pre-season and some of the first games if he joined up with the under-23 squad (plus three over-age players) to take part in the tournament in Greece. 
  Edgar Davids has strongly been linked with a move to Chelsea today, despite the Blues manager Mourinho saying that eh could not speak about it.  After yesterday's link with Tottenham, it looks like the Dutchman's consideration of his future saw the Champions League swaying his judgment.
  Tottenham's away game against West Bromwich Albion has been moved back to Wednesday August 25th (kick-off 7.45 p.m.) from Tuesday 24th August.
  Former Sheffield United defender Traianos Dellas is wanted by ten European clubs after his performances in Greece's European Championship triumph.  However, despite Porto, Tottenham and Everton being among the chasing pack, he would rather stay with Roma.
  Relegated Celta Vigo's French midfielder Peter Luccin is being linked with a move to Spurs.  Jacques Santini is supposedly watching his situation and the 25 year old could be drafted into the Tottenham midfield as Santini goes about rebuilding the team.
  Newcastle United are planning another bid for Stephen Carr after being priced out of the running for Portuguese defender Miguel.  
  Apparently, David Pleat wants to stay at Tottenham in some capacity.  Although he was required to leave on 1st July, he has said that he is hopeful of being part of the new set-up somewhere, somehow.  
  Formerly linked with the Tottenham manager's post, Giovanni Trapattoni has joined Benfica as their new manager.  He didn't want to leave Italy because his wife wanted to be near her family.  So he has taken up a position in Portugal instead.
  Spurs have gone down under to recruit new medical staff in Australian Dean Keneally, who is the head physiotherapist of the British Olympic squad.  He has worked at the Australian Institute for Sport for many years and will join up after the Games have ended on September 23rd.  New Reserve Team physio Geoff Scott is joining Spurs from Fulham and the New Zealander will take charge of the first team until Keneally's arrival.
  Former Spurs striker Les Ferdinand has signed a one year deal with Bolton Wanderers.  
  Former Spurs reserve striker Yannick Kamanan is having a trial with Grimsby Town.  
  The French Football Federation today said that they had received no contact from former Spurs player and manager Glenn Hoddle in respect of the national manager's post and did not intend to interview him.  
  Former Spurs midfielder Paul Gascoigne is having talks with Boston United about joining their coaching staff.

  OTHER NEWS ... 


Sunday   04.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Frank Arnesen has said that he is confident that Edgar Davids will sign for Tottenham later this week.  The Spurs Sporting Director told the Press that talks had gone well and that he was sure the Dutch midfielder will come to Tottenham.  The player is reported as saying that he has not decided his future yet and it was rumoured that Arsenal and Manchester United might now enter the chase for the Barcelona man.
  The Sunday Mirror claims that Tottenham will try and sign Owen Hargreaves from Bayern Munich.  The £6 million rated midfielder has Middlesbrough as his most likely destination, but other clubs are also interested in his services.
  Sergei Rebrov is being linked with a £1 million move to Portsmouth in the News of the World.  
  Former Spurs player and manager Glenn Hoddle has made it onto a shortlist of three for the post of French national manager.  He might be an outsider as his French is limited, but his CV has caught the attention of the FFF and made it to the interview stage.
  Ex-Spurs loanee Stephane Dalmat is still crying to the media about his exit at Tottenham saying he did not get on with the Spurs directors, manager and players.  Wonder where the fault lies there then ?  
  Portugal's Helder Postiga was an unused substitute in the 0-1 defeat by Greece in last night's European Championship final in Lisbon.  
  Fredi Kanoute played for Mali in their 0-1 defeat at the hands of Congo in their World Cup qualifying match..  

  OTHER NEWS ... Man. Utd might use new signing Alan Smith to trade for Wayne Rooney of Everton ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... The Football Association claims on Sunday that a Winter break in the domestic calendar is vital for England's long-term well-being.  They confirmed in a press release that the referee Jeff Winter will be rested to give teams an opportunity to get on with the game without an egotistical official hogging the limelight.


Saturday   03.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Frederic Kanoute has said he wants to stay at Tottenham and fight for his place in the team even though there is a history between Santini and the Mali striker, with him being sold when Jacques was Lyon manager.
  The Sun reckons Les Ferdinand has been holding talks with Bolton Wanderers and looks set to sign for the Trotters next week.
  Mbulelo Mabizela played in South Africa's 2-0 win over Burkina Faso in the World Cup qualifying tournament today.

  OTHER NEWS ... 
UEFA are considering bringing in sweeping new rules about the number of foreign players eligible to be included in a squad.  Squads would be limited to 25 players, with four having come through the youth system and four more home based players.  It is thought that the number of imported players is affecting some countries' competitiveness on the international stage, so the measures, aimed at being in place for the 2006-07 season are designed to combat this.


Friday   02.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham have agreed the signing of Rodrigo Defendi, the 18 year old defender from Cruzeiro.  A £600,000 four year deal has been agreed with his Brazilian club and the highly sought after player will complete the formalities next week and join the squad for pre-season training.
  Spurs have announced that between August 3rd and 5th, the club will be taking part in the first Kappa Cup in Seville,
Spain.  The clubs all wear Kappa's kit will feature home side Real Betis, Serbia-Montenegrin club Partizan Belgrade and Feyenoord of Holland.
  Sky Sports website links 34 year old Barcelona's talismanic midfielder Luis Enrique with a move to Tottenham.  
  Juventus are the latest club to show interest in Helder Postiga according to the Daily Mirror.  
  Sky TV have announced the games that they intend to cover and Tottenham feature seven times before Christmas.  The games who's dates and kick off times have changed are ...
Saturday 14 August -        Liverpool (Home) 12.45 p.m. kick off
Sunday 12 September -    Norwich (Home)  4.05 p.m. kick off 
Sunday 19 September -    Chelsea (Away)   4.05 p.m. kick off
Monday 18 October -         Portsmouth (Away)  8.00 p.m. kick off
Saturday 13 November -   Arsenal (Home)  12 noon kick off
Monday 22 November -     Aston Villa (Away)  8.00 p.m. kick off
Saturday 4 December -     Blackburn (Away)  5.15 p.m. kick off
  Liverpool are believed to have joined the chase for Dutch Barcelona midfielder Edgar Davids, according to the Sun.  
  The previously linked Guingamp French midfielder Jerome Leroy looks set to join Lens.  
  Dennis Rommedahl, the Dutch and PSV Eindhoven winger, once linked with a move to Tottenham, has signed for Charlton Athletic. 
  Patrick Muller, the Swiss and Lyon central defender, once linked with a move to Tottenham, has signed for Real Mallorca.
  Serbia & Montenegro striker Mateja Kezman, once linked with a move to Tottenham, has signed for Chelsea.  

  OTHER NEWS ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Gabriel Batistuta's agent has claimed the 35-year-old striker is now close to joining Fulham from Qatar club Al-Arabi.  The forward nicknamed "Batigol" will surely become a Cottagers favourite.


Thursday   01.07.2004   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Helder Postiga said today that he is not willing to stay at Tottenham unless new head coach Jacques Santini is prepared to give the Portuguese striker a chance to prove himself.  Postiga was supposedly being used to tempt Porto to part with their defender Nuno Valente, but the Spurs website has denied this stating that Porto came in with a bid for the forward, but it has been rebuffed.  Despite the denial of interest on the official website, some other reports claim Spurs are still interested in Valente at €3 million and Birmingham City and Bolton Wanderers are also keen to sign the left back.
  Tottenham are being linked with a €5 million bid for Juventus' Croatian defender Igor Tudor.
  The Guardian reports that Edgar Davids has hinted that he wants to join Tottenham in the Premier League, having completed his contract at Barcelona.  The Dutch midfielder said he had two offers from England and he liked the Tottenham one best, but would not decide until he returns from holiday after his country's defeat at the hands of Portugal in Euro 2004.
  Spurs' friendly against Glasgow Celtic at Celtic Park has been moved from Monday 9th August to Tuesday 10th August with a 7.45 p.m. kick off, because the SPL champions have a televised match against Motherwell on Sunday 8th August.

  OTHER NEWS ... Greece reached the final of Euro 2004 tonight by dispatching the Czech Republic 1-0 on the silver goal ... 

 

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