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.
Former
Spurs midfielder Tim Sherwood is training with Coventry City after
being released by Portsmouth.
Former
Spurs striker Teddy Sheringham's
move to Hull City as a player-coach has been denied by the Tigers'
chairman.
Former
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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