White Hot Lines

   The Daily Star claims that Arsenal and Spurs will be keen to offer Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker a way out of Villa Park, should his career there be over in January.
   Harry Redknapp is hopeful of having broken leg victim midfielder Luka Modric back fir for Spurs when they meet Portsmouth on October 17th.
   On loan goalkeeper David Button has returned to White Hart Lane from Crewe Alexandra to assess the back injury he is suffering from.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Mick Wadsworth has left Chester City as their manager ... ... 

   The League Cup Fourth Round tie at home to Everton is to be played on Tuesday 27th October with an 8:00 p.m. kick off.
   Winger Danny Rose has joined Peterborough United on loan until January 2010.
   Goalkeeper Oscar Jansson has extended his loan at Exeter City until the end of October.
   Striker Jonthan Obika was in the England Under-20 team that lost 0-4 to Ghana in Egypt to exit the Under 20 World Cup.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Chris Sutton has been appointed as manager of Lincoln City ... ... 

   The Daily Mirror claims that Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is compiling a dossier on defender Alan Hutton with a view to moving for him in the January transfer window, as the rumour is that he has failed to settle at Spurs.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

   CRIMEWATCH ... West Ham and Millwall will face a number of charges each over the trouble before, during and after their League Cup tie earlier this month... ... 

   The News of the World claims that Harry Redknapp will move for West Ham United's England centre-half Matthew Upson in January.
   Over at the People, they reckon it will be Bolton Wanderers' Gary Cahill that Redknapp wants in the middle of Tottenham's defence, but it says he will need to stump up £20 million for him. 
   The Daily Star Sunday claims that the Brazilian Bordeaux winger Geraldo Wendel has dismissed the attentions of Tottenham for his services.
   Thanks to Tim Bailey who brought this Daily Mirror video interview with Gary Mabbutt about his career at http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/archive-blog/Tottenham-legend-Gary-Mabbutt-in-Tales-from-the-MirrorFootball-Archive-video-article169589.html to our attention.  Also, for those who wonder why Diego Maradona is on our "Where Are They Now" page ... http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/football-banter/Calling-all-Tottenham-fans-remember-this-Video-article168059.html

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   OTHER NEWS ... Colin Todd now says he was sacked as manager of Darlington ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Portsmouth are considering following Port Vale manager Micky Adams' idea of putting the whole squad up for sale, but not because they are rubbish, as in the Valiants case, but because they could raise enough to put a roof over the away fans' toilets.

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Revelations in the News of the World from Sol Campbell, who says the only thing he is guilty of is being too trusting in what the men in charge at Notts. County were promising him, so when it didn't happen, he walked out.  If this is his interpretation of the way things happened, then all the Spurs fans are guilty of is being too trusting in believing what Campbell said before he walked out on them ... "I'm not going anywhere" I think it was.

   Tottenham beat Burnley 5-0 at White Hart Lane this afternoon.  Click here for a match report and here for reaction.
   Spurs Under-18s beat Bristol City 4-1 at Spurs Lodge this morning, with goals from Kudos Oyenuga, Harry Kane, Paul McBride and Jesse Waller-Lassen.
   England Under-20s lost their first game of the World Cup in Egypt 0-1 to Uruguay and Spurs striker Jonathan Obika played as a 72nd minute substitute.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Colin Todd has left his post as Darlington manager ... ... 

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Both central defenders - Michael Dawson and Sebastien Bassong - will have late fitness tests to see if they will play against Burnley, while Giovani dos Santos' ankle injury picked up at Preston will rule him out.  Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate are still missing from the heart of the defence, with Luka Modric's broken leg ruling him out of consideration and Roman Pavlyuchenko's Achilles problem also puts him out of the squad. .
   BURNLEY TEAM NEWS : -  Without knee injury victims Chris McCann and Martin Paterson, Burnley are also missing Stephen Caldwell with a groin problem.  They will be hoping that Brian Jensen has overcome his dead leg in last weekend's match to take his place between the sticks. 
   For a preview of tomorrow's match against Burnley, click here.
   Gareth Bale has been picked for the Wales Under-21 squad to face Bosnia-Herzogovina in the UEFA U21 qualifying game on 10th October at Wrexham.
   Roman Pavlyuchenko has kept his place in the Russia squad to face Germany and Azerbaijan in World Cup qualifying games in October.
   Jonathan Woodgate had an injection into his groin and the area has felt easier and it is hopeful that this may resolve the matter and prevent the centre half undergoing further surgery the Spurs site said today.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

   CRIMEWATCH ... UEFA are to investigate around 40 cases of match fixing in the Champions League and the UEFA Cup/Europa League with most of the clubs involved being from Eastern Europe ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Manchester City Emanuel Adebayor has said he will not tone down his colourful wristbands.  "They are a part of me and I am a colourful character.  When you take the colour out of the game, you are going to have a big problem."

   Harry Redknapp told the Sun today that there is no way that he would sign Sol Campbell for Tottenham, although, if he was a manager anywhere else, he might.  The Spurs manager said that it would be too much trouble for him, the player and the club.
   The Sporting Director at Deportivo La Coruna has said that although they would like to take Giovani dos Santos to his club, the Spanish Football Association will not allow a foreign player to come in, only players who are already playing in Spain.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Ronnie Moore has been appointed as manager of Rotherham United ... ... 

   CRIMEWATCH ... Craig Bellamy confrontation with a Manchester united fan on the pitch at Sunday's derby game will not be investigated by the Police ... ... 

   Tottenham beat Preston North End 5-1 at Deepdale tonight in the Third Round of the League Cup tonight.  For a match report and reaction click here.
   The Daily Mirror claims that Giovani dos Santos is being offered a move to Deportivo La Coruna, as the midfielder aims to be in the Mexico squad for the World Cup finals.
   Former Tottenham defender Sol Campbell has walked out on Notts. County after just one game of a five year deal and will not be able to play for any other club in England until January.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Rumours are circulating that the lack of a full length mirror in the changing room (which wasn't fitted out by Kelly Hoppen) was the real reason why Sol Campbell felt he could no longer ply his trade in the bottom division.

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Michael Dawson might be a surprise inclusion in the Spurs team for the League Cup tie at Preston North End tomorrow night.  However, Jonathan Woodgate has suffered a setback in his recovery from his groin injury and will have an injection, but if this does not improve the situation, he may need to undergo more surgery.  Ledley King will be out of action for a while and Sebastien Bassong has been cleared with his head injury, but now has a knee problem which will probably rule him out of the trip to Deepdale.  Striker Roman Pavyluchenko is currently missing from the squad after suffering an Achilles injury, although he should be fit for Saturday, so Peter Crouch will lead the attack and the likes of Giovani dos Santos, Heurelho Gomes and David Bentley can expect to start the match.  Nico Kranjcar is cup-tied.
   PRESTON NORTH END TEAM NEWS : -  Neill Collins is cup-tied and will miss the game against Spurs, but central defender Youl Mawene returns to fill in.  Preston will also be without defender Callum Davidson, midfielder Barry Nicholson and winger Paul Parry.  Neil Mellor, who went off in the match at Coventry is expected to play.
   For a preview of tomorrow's Cup tie at Preston, click here.
   The Daily Mirror claim that Harry Redknapp will make Anton Ferdinand his number one January target, while the club are also watching Sampdoria's teenage midfielder Pedro Mba Obiang, who is also known as Perico.  However, the 17 year old attacking midfielder said he knew nothing of any interest from Spurs or any other club.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

   CRIMEWATCH ... Both Manchester United's Gary Neville and Manchester City's Craig Bellamy have been warned about their future conduct following improper conduct after United scored the winning goal on Sunday.  Bellamy pushed a fan, who had come onto the pitch, in the face, while Neville was an unused substitute and celebrated the goal in front of the away fans ... Police have said it is not worth investigating the claim in Matthew Le Tissier's auto-biography that he was involve din a betting scam in his playing days ... 

   Sebastien Bassong has been checked out by the medics and passed fit to resume training after hitting his head on the hard pitch in yesterdays match at Chelsea.
   Ledley King will need a scan on his hamstring to assess the damage he sustained when turning to chase the ball yesterday.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

   Tottenham lost 0-3 at Stamford Bridge to Chelsea this afternoon.  For a match report and reaction click here.
   The News of the World reckons Harry Redknapp will make a January move for Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker after he was sent home from training following a bust-up with manager Martin O'Neill and it now appears his career at Villa Park may be over.  The paper rate him at £6 million and Redknapp has been keen to buy his 25 year old former West Ham United player in the past.

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   CRIME WATCH ... El Hadj-Diouf has been accused of racially abusing a ball boy at Everton today ... Craig Bellamy is accused of hitting a supporter on the pitch after Manchester United's fourth goal in injury time at the end o their 43- win over Manchester City ... 

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Mark Hughes was furious about the amount of added time that allowed Manchester United to score their winning goal in the derby against City today.  He learned a lot from Alex Ferguson didn't he ??

   Tottenham's Academy side beat Fulham 6-1 at Spurs Lodge today with goals from Harry Kane, Adam Smith, Kudos Oyenuga, Jesse Waller-Lassen 2 and Ryan Fredericks.
   Harry Redknapp has revealed he was very keen to sign Internazionale midfielder Patrick Vieira in the summer transfer window and is dismayed he could not, as he needs cover for the ball-winner role held down by Wilson Palacios.
   Le Havre forward Kevin Anin hopes to play his football in England, but having turned a loan move to Tottenham down in the summer, as he thought it was too far away from his home club, it might be difficult to see who he will play for in the Premier league who are closer to France.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ... 

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Fears have been raised about the possibility of the Old Firm moving into the Premier League as plans to discuss the matter will be put before the PL clubs in October.  Having viewed the latest hoolie-themed film, Premier League bosses are concerned about hordes of Fila and Lyle & Scott clad wrinklies fighting in the English top flight grounds.

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Gareth Bale might be in contention for a place on the bench after completing a full game against QPR in mid-week, but definitely out are Jonathan Woodgate (groin), Michael Dawson (Achilles) and Luka Modric (broken leg).
   CHELSEA TEAM NEWS : -  Joe Cole is not expected to be risked after over-coming a knee injury, while Yuri Zhirkov and Paolo Ferreira are also out with knee knocks.  Dider Drogba and Jose Bosingwa are both back in the side after missing the mid-week Champions League game through suspension.
   The Daily Mail reckon that Zenit St. Petersburg will make an attempt to sign striker Roman Pavlyuchenko for £9 million in the January transfer window.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

   CRIMEWATCH  ... Nottingham Forest striker Nathan Tyson has pleaded guilty to a charge of improper conduct when he waved a corner flag with a Forest flag on it after scoring in front of the Derby County fans ... Manchester City are set to appeal against the charge of improper conduct by Emanuel Adebayor, who ran the length fo the field to celebrate his goal in front of the opposing fans last weekend ... 

   Spurs played a reserve friendly against a strong QPR side at Spurs Lodge today, with the Tottenham team featuring Giovani dos Santos, Heurelho Gomes and Gareth Bale.  Spurs won 3-2 with goals from Jesse Waller-Lassen, Harry Kane and dos Santos.
   Midfielder Dean Parrett has joined Aldershot on a month's loan.
   Stephen Caulker, Ryan Mason, Adam Smith and Dean Parrett have all been called up for the England Under-19 squad who will play Finland, Slovenia and Slovakia in Slovenia in early October.
   Tottenham's former Argentinian pair of Osvaldo Ardiles and Ricardo Villa are to be ambassadors for England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
   For a preview of Sunday's game against Chelsea, click here.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

   CRIMEWATCH ... Emanuel Adebayor has received a three match ban for violent conduct in the incident with Robin van Persie in last Saturday's match against Arsenal.  His charge of improper conduct for celebrating his goal in front of the Arsenal fans will be heard on 20th September  ... ... 

   On the day that work officially started on the training ground at Bulls Cross, The Guardian reports that Joe Lewis and Daniel Levy might need to put £100 million of their own money into building the new stadium and this might prompt them to sell up to people more able to fund such an investment.  Although Levy later denied this was the case, as the money for the training ground had been set aside for a few years and the new share issue was intended to make the building of the new ground "transfer-proof".

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   CRIMEWATCH ... Manchester City will not appeal against the charges being brought by the FA against Emanuel Adebayor following Saturday's meeting with Arsenal ... ... 

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Arsene Wenger has spoken about the challenge by Emanuel Adebayor on Robin van Persie in Saturday's match at Eastlands and he reckons, "I watched it when I got home and it looked very bad.  You ask 100 people, 99 will say it's very bad and the hundredth will be Mark Hughes."  Hmm, wonder where Hughes gets that from ??

   No real news today about Spurs, other than they are starting work on the new training ground and Academy at Bulls Cross.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

   CRIMEWATCH ... Emanuel Adebayor has been charged with violet conduct in his challenge on Robin van Persie and with improper conduct in his celebration of his goal in front of the Arsenal supporters at the game ... ... 

   The Daily Mirror report that Glasgow Celtic manager Tony Mowbray might make a January move for striker Robbie Keane for £7 million.
   Reserve striker Jon Obika, currently on loan at Yeovil Town, is in the England Under-20 squad to play in the World Cup for that age group in Egypt.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

   CRIME WATCH ... one of the Spurs fans accused of singing racist and homophobic songs at Portsmouth last season and his young son have been cleared of all charges at a re-trial hearing in Portsmouth Crown Court  ... Arsenal striker Eduardo has been cleared of diving against Glasgow Celtic in the Champions League match at Highbury and will not serve a two match ban initially handed down by UEFA ... 

   Amongst all the whingeing ands whining from Alex Ferguson about Scholes getting sent off, there is a more positive manager story, with Harry Redknapp being touted as the potential manager for the GB football team in the 2012 Olympics.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

   Tottenham lost 1-3 at home to Manchester United this evening.  Click here for a match report and reaction.
   Ex-Spurs midfielder Kevin Prince Boateng scored on his debut for Portsmouth against Bolton Wanderers today.
   The Spurs Academy side beat SCBC 3-0 today with Paul-Jose Mpoku, Kudos Oyenuga and Paul McBride scoring in the away win.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Emmanuel Adebayor is to be investigated by the FA after running the full length of the pitch to celebrate his goal in front of the Arsenal supporter sin Manchester City's 4-2 win at Eastlands.  Hmm ... I seem to remember Thierry Henry doing much the same at Highbury a few years back.  The biter bit me thinks !!

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -   Sebastien Bassong is expected to be fit to face Manchester United and both Jermaine Jenas and Heurelho Gomes are both fit enough to be included in the squad again.
   Harry Redknapp has won the Barclaycard Premier League manager of the month award, while Jermain Defoe won the Player award for August.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Ivan Klasnic has told on John Terry who he reckons punched him in the kidneys after John Terry had told on Klasnic for spitting at him. 

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Spurs are hopeful that the injuries to central defensive players Sebastien Bassong (knee) and Ledley King (groin) will clear up for them to play in Saturday's game against Manchester United.  Apart from them, Jonathan Woodgate (groin), Luka Modric (leg), Michael Dawson (Achilles), Gareth Bale (knee), Jermaine Jenas (calf) and Heurelho Gomes (thigh) are on the list of injured players, but none of these will take part in the match.
   MANCHESTER UNITED TEAM NEWS : - Rio Ferdinand could be fit to return the middle of the United defence, while John O'Shea will miss out after picking up an injury in the Republic of Ireland's match this week..
   For a preview of the match, click here.
   Giovani dos Santos won the penalty for Mexico that beat Honduras in their World Cup qualifying match this morning in Mexico City.  He was substituted in the 79th minute, while Wilson Palacios played the whole of the game for the opponents.
   Former Spurs striker Teddy Sheringham has signed for Beckenham Town for the FA Vase matches this season.
   Former Spurs Head Coach Juande Ramos has joined CSKA Moscow as their manager after being out of work since the end of last season, when he left Real Madrid.

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   OTHER NEWS ... England's women's side lost 2-6 to Germany in the women's European Championship final in Finland this evening ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... it is reported on the internet that Arsene Wenger is still keen on "teen talent".

   Aaron Lennon was man of the match in England's 5-1 win over Croatia at Wembley to secure their qualification for the finals in South Africa next year before hew as substituted in the 80th minute.  Jermain Defoe was a 60th minute substitute, while Peter Crouch was an unused substitute and Nico Kranjcar played the whole game for Croatia.
   Alan Hutton played all of Scotland's 0-1 home defeat to Holland that all but knocks them out of the World Cup finals.
   Roman Pavlyuchenko came on as a 70th minute substitute for Russia in their 3-1 win over Wales in Cardiff, scoring an injury time third for his country in the World Cup qualifier.
   Benoit Assou-Ekotto played for Cameroon in their 2-1 World Cup qualifying home win over Gabon this afternoon.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Mark Robins has been appointed as the new manager of Barnsley ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Manchester City have been reported to the Premier League by Manchester United for inducing a 12 year old boy to support them by the use of their new found wealth to make the attractive to youngsters in the area.  A United spokesman didn't say, "Manchester United find this particular practice abhorrent and feel that it should be stamped out.  How many young fans will be tempted to Eastlands, only to be let down like legions of generations before them.  United only take fans from the local area and would not enter into team's heartlands to make their supporters United followers."

   Danny Rose and Kyle Naughton both played all of the England Under-21s 1-1 draw away in Greece tonight.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Northampton Town have sacked manager Stuart Gray ... ... 

   Following the weekend's internationals, it is unsurprising that the papers are full of whether Jermain Defoe will play ahead of Emile Heskey in England's World Cup qualifier against Croatia.
   There's not a lot else in the papers as domestic football takes a back seat.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

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   CRIMEWATCH ... Paddy Kenny has received a nine month ban for being tested positive for ephadrine in the Championship play-off semi-final second leg match last season  ... ... 

   Giovani dos Santos scored one goal and made two more for Mexico in their 3-0 away win against Costa Rica in their World Cup qualifying group match this morning.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Arsenal are trembling in their boots about the FIFA crackdown on inducing young players away from their home countries.

   Jermain Defoe was a half-time substitute for England and his fellow Spurs team-mate Aaron Lennon entered play at the same time, setting him up for the second goal in the country's 2-0 win.  Peter Crouch was an unused sub.
   Alan Hutton played the 90 minutes of Scotland's 2-0 win over Macedonia in their World Cup qualifying match at Hampden Park today.
   Russia's 3-0 win over Liechtenstein saw Roman Pavlyuchenko score twice in six minutes, with both goals coming from the penalty spot, as his country edge closer to the World Cup Finals.
   Both Vedran Corluka and Nico Kranjcar played in Croatia's 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Belarus.  Corluka was sent off towards the end of the game for a second booking when he took too long over a free kick in the referees opinion.
   Captain Robbie Keane played the whole of the Republic Ireland's 2-1 win in Cyprus in the World Cup qualifying group match, scoring the winning goal in the 83rd minute.
   Both Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Sebastien Bassong started Cameroon's World Cup qualifying 2-0 win over Gabon, but Bassong was replaced after 24 minutes.
   Kevin Prince Boateng has revealed that he happily joined Spurs, but he was not wanted by Martin Jol, who told him so.  Having been snapped up by Sporting Director Damien Comolli, the midfielder felt he was played out of position by the Dutch coach and was relieved to get to Pompey, where he can play in his favourite role.
   Spurs Academy side beat West Ham United 5-2 at Spurs Lodge with Paul-Jose M'poku scoring a hat-trick, with Kudos Oyenuga grabbing two goals.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

   Goalkeeper Ben Alnwick had returned to Tottenham following a hip injury he picked up playing for Norwich City on loan coming hot on the heels of a facial gash he suffered in a collision with Frazier Campbell in their League Cup tie with Sunderland.
   In the Daily Mirror, Ruud van Nistelrooy claims he rejected a move to Tottenham as it was too much of a step down from Real Madrid.
   In the Daily Telegraph, a piece reflects on the club's participation in the 10:10 project to reduce CO₂ emissions by 10% by 2010.  It claims that the club intend to cut the wattage of the floodlights at the ground.
   Tottenham's intended new stadium is one being put forward for London's bid towards staging matches in the 2018 World Cup in the capital.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Chelsea have been banned from signing players for 12 months, effectively putting them out of the transfer market until January 2010, as they are said to have induced a youth player to break his contract so he could join the Pensioners ...

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Alex Ferguson says he agrees with Eduardo getting a two match ban for diving.  He probably thinks it is a great idea for Chelsea to be banned from transfers for two windows.  Will he think it is such a good idea when it comes back to bite him on the bum ??

   Tottenham today signed former West Ham United and Walsall goalkeeper Jimmy Walker on a free transfer after he was released by the Irons in the summer.  Walker will provide cover for the first choice keepers.
   The Daily Star reckon that Spartak Moscow dropped out of a deal to buy Roman Pavlyuchenko as Tottenham were asking for £4 million more than they paid for the striker when they bought them from Spartak last summer.  |this would have made a fee of £17.6 million.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Hull City in big name signing shocker ... they seal a deal for Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.

   The fall-out from the transfer window has started, with the Independent reporting that Daniel Levy wanted a £10 million permanent deal for David Bentley to go to Manchester City rather than him leave on loan and that he felt that a 30 year old recently recovered from a knee injury would not be a good player to bring in, so vetoed the move for Martin Petrov. 
   It also appears that the deal to swap Alan Hutton and Anton Ferdinand was not an option, as Alan Hutton did not ant to go to Sunderland and Steve Bruce did not want to let his central defender leave.
   The Daily Mail reports that the £15 million price for West Ham United defender Matthew Upson put Harry Redknapp off signing him.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Peter Jackson has been sacked as manager of Lincoln City ... Aidy Boothroyd has been appointed as manager of Colchester United ... 

   Transfer deadline day and it might be a busy one with some late comings and goings at White Hart Lane.

FACT : -
   Tottenham signed Portsmouth's Croatian midfielder Nico Kranjcar for around £2 million, with the player turning down Everton to move to White Hart Lane.
   Spurs confirmed midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has joined Portsmouth and the rumoured fee is around £4 million.
   The club also said that midfielder Jamie O'Hara will go on loan to Fratton Park until the end of January.
   Goalkeeper David Button has returned to Crewe Alexandra on loan until January.
   Goalkeeper Oscar Jansson has joined Exeter City on a one month loan deal.
   Goalkeeper Lee Butcher has joined Grays Athletic on loan for a month.
   Defender Sam Cox has joined Cheltenham Town on a one month loan deal.
   With Heurelho Gomes injured and now with Oscar Jansson, Lee Butcher and David Button going out on loan, Spurs only have one fit experienced goalkeeper in the squad.

RUMOURS : -
   The Sun claimed that Tottenham would beat Everton to the signing of Croatian midfielder Nico Kranjcar.
   In the Daily Mail, they claimed that Spurs would not be able to do a swap deal with Portsmouth involving Carlo Cudicini and David James, as the South Coast club were not interested in the offer.  The Times reports that chairman Daniel Levy and Harry Redknapp have differing opinions over the keeper, with Levy unsure about signing a 39 year old when the club already have two goalkeepers on the books.  Despite a lot of speculation, no offers for James were received by his club on the day and the Tottenham manger said later that he has two top keepers and would not need another one..
   Manchester City are set to finalise a £10 million transfer for David Bentley, which will re-unite the winger with his former manager Mark Hughes, while Bulgarian winger Martin Petrov will move to White Hart Lane as part of the deal.
   A move for Martin Petrov failed to be completed, as manager Mark Hughes did not want the winger to leave Manchester City, although the player is said to have wanted the move.
   Spurs appeared to have made a move for West Ham United defender Matthew Upson, with Sky Sports reporting that the player actually turned up at Spurs Lodge, but no deal wad done.
   Harry Redknapp said that there was no truth in Manchester City wanting David Bentley, although earlier in the day, Sky Sports News claimed that the boards at Spurs and Manchester City were discussing the deal.
   A late loan swap deal involving Alan Hutton and Sunderland's Anton Ferdinand failed to come off, although Harry Redknapp told Sky Sports News that it was never going to happen.

OTHER NEWS
   The President of the Croatian FA claims that there is an English conspiracy to injure his country's players after Luka Modric's broken leg followed the broken ankle of Arsenal striker Eduardo last season.
   The League Cup Fourth Round tie against Preston North End will take place at Deepdale on Wednesday 23rd September 2009 with a 7:45 p.m. kick off.
   Former Spurs midfielder Teemu Tainio has joined Birmingham City on a year long loan from Sunderland.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

   CRIMEWATCH  ... Eduardo has been banned for two games in the Champions League after diving against Glasgow Celtic in last week's qualifier ...  ... 

   Sunderland Stoke and Spurs are supposedly locked in a battle to sign goalkeeper David James from Portsmouth the Daily Mirror reports.
   The Daily Mail reckons Spurs will make an £8 million move for Portsmouth keeper David James and midfielder Niko Kranjcar.
   Tottenham are also in competition with Stoke City for the transfer of Manchester City's Bulgarian winger Martin Petrov, according to the Daily Star.
   Sky Sports claim that Tottenham are closing in on a deal to sign Portsmouth midfielder Nico Kranjcar and have also enquired about Manchester City winger Martin Petrov.
   Leyton Orient have extended the loan deal with Andros Townsend until the end of December.
   Former Spurs defender Graham Roberts said on Sky Sports TV today that he had heard that Spurs were going to sign Internazionale midfielder Sulley Muntari or Martin Petrov from Manchester City and he thought David Bentley would leave for Everton.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Arsene Wenger has hit out at Manchester United's anti-football tactics.  Alex Ferguson has hit back about Wenger's anti-football tactics claiming that kicking water bottles is not football.

   Harry Redknapp is set to make a last ditch £2 million offer for Portsmouth goalkeeper David James before the transfer deadline the News of the World reports.
   The paper also notes that Spurs might be planning a £2 million bid for SCBC's 20 year old midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, who has been told by the French Under-21 manager that he must move to progress his international career.
   Everton are willing to spend £10 million of the money they received for Joleon Leescott on Spurs winger David Bentley according to the Sunday Mirror.
   The News if the World also claim that Tottenham's move for Internacional midfielder Sandro for £12 million will not go through this transfer window, because of a hold-up over a work permit.  It is said that a new bid for the 20 year old will be planned for January.
   As a throw-away line in the same article, the paper mentions that David James will not be joining Spurs while Heurelho Gomes and Carlo Cudicini are still on the books as they are high earners.  Also, the NoTW reckons Spurs might be able to sign Internazionale midfielder Sulley Muntari.
   Derby County have extended the loan of Jake Livermore until the end of January.  The Spurs midfielder scored his first goal for the club yesterday in the 2-3 defeat at Nottingham Forest.
   Jermain Defoe, Aaron Lennon and Peter Crouch are included in the England squad for the country's friendly against Slovenia and the World Cup qualifier against Croatia on the 5th and 9th of September.
   Gareth Bale is out of Wales' last World Cup qualifier s he has not fully recovered from his ankle operation.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... 

   Tottenham beat Birmingham City 2-1 at White Hart Lane this afternoon.  For a match report, click here.
   Preston North End will be Spurs' next opponents in the League Cup after they were paired in the Third Round draw.
   The Daily Mail claim that Spurs have told Zenit St. Petersburg that they can buy Roman Pavlyuchenko for £10 million, although the Russian club are only ready to offer £9 million spread over two years.
   In the same paper they mention that Tottenham have enquired about Spartak Moscow's out of favour 30 year old Croatian goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa.
   Everton want to take Alan Hutton on a season long loan according to the Sun.
   The Under-18 Academy side lost 1-3 to Manchester United today, with Kudos Oyenuga scoring the Tottenham goal.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Manager Simon Davey has left Barnsley by mutual consent ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... The BBC Football website reports that the Daily Mirror says, "Everton will ask Tottenham about taking winger David Bentley after being quoted £15 for the former Blackburn winger last week."

   Midfielder Jamie O'Hara has signed a new contract that takes him through to 2013 at Spurs, but has gone out on loan to Portsmouth until December with the possibility of the spell being extended.  This was after the Mail said that Birmingham City were keen on signing him permanently.
   Midfielder Kevin Prince Boateng has left Spurs to join Portsmouth for £4 million on a three year deal.
   Spurs are said to be close to completing the signing of Brazilian defensive midfielder Sandro, despite having had a £14 million offer knocked back by Internacional.
   Tottenham have agreed a sporting link-up with Sport Club Internacional of Brazil.
   The Sun claims that Harry Redknapp is keen to sign Internazionale midfielder Sulley Muntari and he paper reckons that Jermaine Jenas might go in the opposite direction.
   Le Harve midfielder Kevin Anin will only join Spurs should they make a cash offer for him, the same paper tells us.
   Olympiakos are interested in taking Giovani Dos Santos on loan.
   Left back Gareth Bale is being looked at as a possible loan player by Newcastle United.
   David Bentley has been fined £600 and banned from driving for a year after appearing at St. Albans Magistrates Court following a crash earlier in the month when his Porsche hit a tree in Potters Bar.  Harry Redknapp said the club would be fining him the maximum amount possible.
   The Times have said that Everton are keen to sign David Bentley on loan until the end of the season, although Tottenham would prefer the majority of the £15 million spent on the winger last summer. 
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Benoit Assou-Ekotto might be the only absentee from the Spurs line up from the win over West Ham United.
   BIRMINGHAM CITY TEAM NEWS : -  Kevin Phillips and Keith Fahey could both return, as could defender Gregory Vignal, who could come in for ex-Spur Stephen Carr.
   Former Spurs midfielder Michael Brown has left Wigan Athletic to join Portsmouth for a nominal fee.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Arsene Wenger is furious as UEFA have better sight than him and could see Eduardo dive when he couldn't.

   Pascal Chimboda has joined Blackburn Rovers for a fee of over £2 million.
   French football paper L'Equipe claims that Tottenham's request to take Le Harve midfielder Kevin Anin on loan has been turned down, although the player has said he is keen to join Spurs.
   The club have also been unsuccessful in a £14 million bid for Internacional and young Brazil midfielder Sandro.
   For a preview of Saturday's game against Birmingham City, click here.
   Former Spurs striker Grzegorz Rasiak has left Southampton to join Reading.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

   Tottenham beat Doncaster Rovers 5-1 at the Keepmoat Stadium in the League Cup tonight.  For a match report, click here.
   Blackburn Rovers are said to be close to completing a deal to sign defender Pascal Chimbonda for a fee of over £2 million according to the BBC Sport website.
   The Press Association are reporting that Spartak Moscow are willing to re-sign their former striker Roman Pavlyuchenko for £10 million.
   In the Daily Mail they claim that Spurs are chasing the signatures of £15 million rated Internacional and Brazil midfielder Sandro, Dinamo Zagreb striker Mario Mandzukic and a loan deal for midfielder Kevin Anin of French side Le Havre .

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   OTHER NEWS ... Portsmouth's long-awaited take-over has finally been completed ... ... 

   In a Russian newspaper, Roman Pavyluchenko has said that he may need to leave Tottenham because of the lack of first team opportunities harming his chances of leading his country to the World Cup finals.
   French paper L'Equipe claims Spurs have made a bid for Le Havre midfielder Kevin Anin.
   The Sun reckons Burnley are trying to buy goalkeeper Ben Alnwick for £1 million.
   Harry Redknapp has said that he will not be making moves for Portsmouth goalkeeper David James or Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole during the summer transfer window
   The Guardian somewhat comically report that Harry Redknapp is interested in Sunderland's former Spurs winger Andy Reid.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Harry Redknapp will ring the changes to give the fringe players in the squad a chance of a game at Doncaster including Peter Crouch, David Bentley and Roman Pavyluchenko among others.
   DONCASTER ROVERS TEAM NEWS : -   Brian Stock (ankle) and James Coppinger (knee) are out of the running to be in the Rovers side against Spurs but midfielder Martin Woods returns after injury.
   For a brief preview of the game, click here.
   Former Spurs defender Sol Campbell as joined Notts. County after he had been released by Portsmouth.

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   OTHER NEWS ... In tonight's League Cup game between West Ham United and Millwall, one fan was stabbed in pre-match violence and their ere a number of times owing to pitch invasions by West Ham United fans ... in the game between Swansea City and Scunthorpe United, the Welsh side were reduced to seven players in extra time when one left the field injured after three substitutes had been used and three Swans players were sent off ... 

   Sky Sports website report that Tottenham are looking at Wilson Palacios' countryman Osman Chavez, a 26 year old central defender with the Platense club.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

   Tottenham won 2-1 against at Upton Park this afternoon.  For a match report, click here.
   The Sunday Mirror claims Harry Redknapp is hoping to be re-united with former West Ham United prodigy Joe Cole after the paper reckons Spurs will launch a £10 million bid for the midfielder.
   Jermaine Jenas is being considered by Aston Villa as a replacement for Gareth Barry the News of the World claim.
   The NoTW also report that Glasgow Celtic are considering a £10 million package from Tottenham for Aiden McGeady and Scott Brown.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

   The club have announced that a share issue of 30 million additional shares to raise £15 million to cover the professional fees and preparation costs to put the club in a position to make a planning application for the new stadium.  It is expected that the application will be submitted soon.
   Glasgow Celtic manager Tony Mowbray has told the Press that he does not think that Aiden McGeady will be leaving the club despite interest from Tottenham .
   Tottenham's under-18s lost 2-3 at Middlesbrough in their first Premier Academy League match of the season.  Anton Blackwood and Paul-Jose M'Poku were the Spurs scorers.
   Former Spurs defender Calum Davenport is in hospital in a serious condition after he and his mother were involved in a incident on Saturday morning where they were both stabbed, the West Ham player in both legs.  Two men have been arrested in Derby over the attack.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Harry Redknapp will once more be without Michael Dawson, Jonathan Woodgate, Gareth Bale and Jermaine Jenas, who have been joined on the sidelines by Heurelho Gomes, who sustained a thigh injury ay Hull on Wednesday.  Ledley King should be ready to play after being rested following the Liverpool game and David Button will be on the bench as over for Carlo Cudicini.
  WEST HAM UNITED TEAM NEWS : -   Long term ankle victim Dean Ashton is still out and is joined on the sick list by Luis Boa Morte and Valon Behrami (both knee), while Herita Ilunga may be out with a facial injury.  James Tomkins may be back in contention for the Irons following a foot injury.
   The Daily Mirror claims that Harry Redknapp is to make a £2 million bid for Portsmouth goalkeeper David James.
   The confirmation of former Spurs defender Ian Culverhouse as assistant manager at Norwich City has also been accompanied by news that former Tottenham midfielder Ian Crook will be remaining a the club as first team coach.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

   Depending which Scottish paper you read, either Harry Redknapp is set to try and batter down the £10 million asking price for Glasgow Celtic midfielder Scott Brown in the Scottish Daily Mail or to change tack and pay over £5 million for the same club's Irish winger Aiden McGeady according to the Scottish Sun.
  Following confirmation of Heurelho Gomes' groin injury, Spurs have recalled David Button from his loan spell at Crewe Alexandra.
  Sky Sports website have a story claiming that Tottenham have invited Le Havre midfielder Kevin Anin to have a trial and despite the 23 year-old being courted by a number of French clubs, he is keen on a move to the Premier League and his club are resigned to losing him after they were relegated to Ligue 2 last season .

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Ipswich Town goalkeeper Shane Supple is quitting football as he no longer enjoys it and says it is not what he though tit was going to be.  In a move similar to that of ex-Spurs keeper Espen Baardsen, he is going to pursue a career away from the game on his return to Ireland.

   Tottenham won 5-1 away at the KC Stadium against Hull City tonight.  For a match report, click here. 
   Benoit Assou-Ekotto has signed a new contract extension to take his contract to 2013.
   The Glasgow Celtic midfielder Scott Brown is the subject of speculation in the Daily Telegraph hinting an £8 million bid is being readied by Spurs.  After last night's showing against Arsenal, it still seems too much.
   The Independent claim that Harry Redknapp will not make a move for Portsmouth goalkeeper David James.
   Everton are being linked in the Daily Mirror with a £12 million move for David Bentley and Alan Hutton.
   The Daily Express carry an article in which Redknapp claims the rest of the Premier League are jealous as Spurs have Luka Modric.
   Former Spurs midfielder Johnnie Jackson has left Colchester United to join Notts. County for an undisclosed sum.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

   The Daily Star links David James with Spurs, as the goalkeeper is desperate to leave Fratton Park as the takeover of Portsmouth falters.  Harry Redknapp said he would be interested in the goalie, but he already has two good keepers.
   In the Daily Mail they report that Martin O'Neill is lining up bids for David Bentley and Jermaine Jenas.  it claims that David Bentley will bring in £6 million and a further £2 million if conditions are met, while Jenas will see Villa pay £7 million.  I am not sure that the fees are likely to please Daniel Levy, although the article reckons that the money from the deals is designed to fund a £10 million move for Glasgow Celtic midfielder Scott Brown, while I would not class the bids for the two Spurs players as ones the club could not refuse.  The Spurs boss said they are both in his plans and he had not heard from Martin O'Neill about any interest in the two midfielders.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Spurs central defender Ledley King will miss the trip to Hull City after playing against Liverpool on Sunday.  Midfielder Jermaine Jenas is still out with a calf injury and Gareth Bale's foot problem might rule him out.  Michael Dawson (Achilles) and Jonathan Woodgate (groin) will be out of the squad for a while yet.
   HULL CITY TEAM NEWS : -  Hull City captain Ian Ashbee will be out for eight of nine months after suffering a setback in his recovery from a knee injury, the same problem that keeps Jimmy Bullard on the side-lines with Richard Garcia.  Former Spur Dean Marney picked up a knee injury on Saturday at Chelsea to rule him out of the game, while Craig Fagan's hernia makes him a non-starter and Jozy Altidore is awaiting a work permit to allow him to feature for the Tigers.
   The Daily Star claims that Harry Redknapp has banned the drinking of alcoholic beverages after the accident suffered while under the influence last week.
   Former Spurs defender Ian Culverhouse will move to Carrow Road as assistant manager at Norwich City under Paul Lambert after leaving Colchester United.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Norwich City have appointed Colchester United boss Paul Lambert as their new manager ... ... 

   Spurs are reported in the Daily Mirror to be interested in buying Kieran Richardson of Sunderland and Manchester City winger Martin Petrov.
   The Daily Mail claim that Spurs have denied making a £10 million bid for Glasgow Celtic midfielder Scott Brown.  Thank goodness for that.
   Tottenham are among a clutch of clubs mentioned in connection with a move for West Bromwich Albion midfielder Robert Koren, who doesn't want to join Glasgow Celtic.
   Jermain Defoe has been stopped by the police in Essex again after visiting his mother on Sunday night following the win over Liverpool and his solicitor claims it is questionable as to why he was pulled over just days after saying he will sue the police for wrongful arrest.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Ledley King has been reported as saying, "It has been quiet here. There has not been too much talk about us and the top four.  For the last few seasons everyone has been talking about us doing this and that. Now it has been nice to say nothing and just work hard. With the quality we have got, we can break into the top four." 

   Tottenham beat Liverpool 2-1 at White Hart Lane this afternoon.  Click here for a match report.  For reaction, click here.
   The News of the World claim Spurs are going to spend £10 million on Glasgow Celtic's midfielder Scott Brown.
   David Bentley is wanted by Manchester City, but Everton are also keen, with the asking price about £9 million according to the Sunday Express.
   Spurs are accused of tapping up Peter Crouch and causing Portsmouth to accept a fee of £9 million, when Fulham and Sunderland were ready to pay £10 million says Pompey Chief Executive Peter Storrie in the News of the World.
   The Sunday People claim that Spurs may still be interested in Real Madrid winger Arjen Robben should his club cut the price being required for the ex-Chelsea man.
   A couple of days after MEHSTG's story about Spurs watching Gillingham striker Simeon Jackson, the News of the World run a piece saying Tottenham are planning a £1.5 million bid for the Canadian international.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... The Sunday Mirror report that Freddie Ljungberg missed Seattle Sounders' game against LA Galaxy as he was suffering from "disorientation and memory loss."

   The Times indicate that Aston Villa might move for winger David Bentley, but that he would only be a squad player at Villa Park.  The Sun report that Harry Redknapp says Bentley still has a future at Spurs, as long as he behaves himself.
   For a preview of tomorrow's game, click here.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Spurs will be without Michael Dawson and Jonathan Woodgate with Achilles and groin problems, while Jermaine Jenas misses out with a calf injury.  Gareth Bale is still sidelined with a knee problem
   LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS : -  Alberto Aquilani will be missing for a few weeks after undergoing an operation on his ankle, while Steven Gerrard is doubtful with a broken fist ... no sorry, a groin injury, but Jamie Carragher's ankle and Martin Skrtel's hamstring are not expected to stop them playing on Sunday at White Hart Lane.
   MEHSTG has received word that assistant manager Joe Jordan was rumoured to be at Priestfield on Tuesday, supposedly watching Gillingham striker Simeon Jackson.
   Ryan Mason and Steven Caulker have had their one month loan deals at Yeovil Town extended to three months.
   Former Spurs reserve winger Emil Hallfredsson has completed a deal for a season long loan at Barnsley.
   Former Spurs reserve keeper Tommy Forecast has moved to Grimsby Town on loan for one month from SCBC.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Norwich City has sacked Bryan Gunn as their manager after one week of the new season ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Arsene Wenger has said that when he said he didn't see it, he lied and he did really, but didn't want to implicate his own players.  I can't see it myself.

   Tottenham are today linked with a £5 million move for Crystal Palace forward Victor Moses according to the Daily Star.  That should please Simon Jordan !!.
   The Guardian reckon that Harry Redknapp might move for Glasgow Celtic's midfielder Scott Brown at £8 million as a cheaper alternative to Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko, who they want at least £15 million for.
   While there has been no hint of a rumour about Tottenham having any interest in Nadir Belhadj of Portsmouth ,the defender has said that if Harry Redknapp wanted to come in for him, he could not say no.  Perhaps this is tapping up in reverse ?
   The 17 year old brother of former Spurs defender Luke Young, Andre has been found dead in Crete.  MEHSTG's thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Chester City have received their affiliation to the Football League and can finally start their Conference season ... Livingston have failed in their appeal against relegation to the Scottish Third Division after going into administration ... 

   CRIMEWATCH ... David Bentley has been arrested and charged with drink driving after a car collided with a lamp post in Northaw, Potter Bar, Hertfordshire in the early hours of the morning.  He will be required to appear at St. Albans Magistrates Court on August 28th ... Bentley issued a statement on the club website apologising for his actions ... 

   Tottenham have been drawn away against Doncaster Rovers in the Carling Cup Second Round, with the game to be played the week starting August 24th.
   Jermaine Defoe came on for England as a substitute at the start of the second half to score twice to secure a 2-2 draw with Holland in a friendly in Amsterdam.
   Alan Hutton played the whole of Scotland 0-4 World Cup qualifier defeat in Norway tonight.
   Croatia included Luka Modric and Vedran Corluka in their side and both stayed on the pitch for the whole of their 3-1 win over Belarus away in the World Cup qualifier tonight.
   The Republic of Ireland were captained by Robbie Keane, as they went down 0-3 to Australia in their friendly match in Munster.
   Giovani Dos Santos was in the Mexico side that beat the USA 2-1 in their World Cup qualifying match today.
   Russia lost 2-3 to Argentina in a friendly match in Moscow tonight, but Roman Pavlyuchenko was on the score-sheet for the home side in this friendly.
   Wilson Palacios was a member of the Honduras team which beat Costa Rica 4-0 in their World Cup qualifying group tonight.
   Heurelho Gomes was an unused substitute as Brazil beat Estonia 1-0 in an international friendly tonight.
   Morocco's 1-1 draw with Congo featured Adel Taarabt in the home team.
   The Guardian claims that Aston Villa are interested in Spurs midfielders Jermaine Jenas and David Bentley.
   Jonathan Woodgate's absence after surgery might make Harry Redknapp plunge into the transfer market again, as the defender could be out for up to two months.
   In the Sun, they claim that Spurs are set to up their offer for Moussa Sissoko of Toulouse to £15.5 million from £12m million, but the French club are reportedly holding out for £25 million.
   The same paper runs a story that has appeared elsewhere about Manchester City winger Martin Petrov not being happy about sitting on the bench at Eastlands and thinking about a move, so the Sun link him with Spurs once again.
   Defender Dorian Dervite is keen to move away from White Hart Lane to progress his career and Montpelier and Lens have contact him from his home country, while Ajax are supposedly keen on the stopper, along with Villareal, who the Times claim are offering a four year deal to the Frenchman.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Martin Ling has been re-appointed as manager of Cambridge United following the resignation of the club's chairman.  Ling resigned after nine days in the job, nine days ago ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Grant Leadbitter, who is a midfielder at Sunderland appeared in court on a charge of speeding at 112 mph and his excuse was he thought the car following him was full of angry Newcastle United fans.  It was actually full of Police.

   Reserve striker Jon Obika has rejoined Yeovil Town on loan following a spell at Huish Park last season.
   Jonathan Woodgate has had a minor groin operation and will be back in rehabilitation soon, but no length of time has been specified for his recovery.
   Danny Rose played the whole 90 minutes of England Under-21s 0-0 draw in Holland tonight, while Kyle Naughton came on as a 58th minute substitute.
   A Spurs XI lost 1-2 at Sutton United tonight, with the Tottenham goal coming from Paul-Jose M'Poku.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

   Midfielder Jake Livermore has joined Derby County on a month's loan, but will not be able to play for the Rams until 22nd August, as he is serving a ban for getting sent off in the last two Spurs reserve games of the season.
   Spurs revealed that new signing Sebastien Bassong will be available to play against Liverpool on Sunday, as his suspension applied to Newcastle United matches and one at the end of last season against Aston Villa and one on Saturday against West Bromwich Albion serves the two game ban.
   The Spurs XI friendly at Sutton United is on tomorrow night with a 7:30 p.m. kick off.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... the SFA Chief Executive Gordon Smith failed to respond to comments made by Barry Ferguson regarding the termination of his Scotland career after he stayed up late drinking while on international duty and then sat on the bench at the country's game, flicking V-signs to the press.  Smith issued a "we will not respond to these comments" statement, which repeatedly said he would not be responding to the comments, as Scotland have an important game on Wednesday and that he wouldn't respond, because the comments have been timed to coincide with the game, which was an important one and that was why he wasn't going to respond to the comments, which Ferguson has waited for four months to make, so there was no point responding to them.

   Tottenham beat Olympiakos 3-0 in a friendly at White Hart Lane today.  For a match report, click here.
   The News of the World are linking Tottenham with a new £21 million bid for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young.
   In the Mail On Sunday, they claim that Aston Villa, Everton, Manchester City and Spurs are all after Real Madrid's Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart.
   AC Milan's interest in Gareth Bale is being reflected in his agent's quote to the Italian press that he would be interested in a move.  £12 million is rumoured to be the asking price for the Welsh full back.
   The Sunday People keeps banging on about Spurs wanting Glasgow Celtic midfielder Scott Brown for £7 million, but I am not sure he would be good value at that price.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... very sensibly, Theo Walcott has said that his priority is being involved in next summer's World Cup finals with England rather than winning silverware with Arsenal this season, so he told the Sunday Express.

   The Sun reckon that Everton and Spurs are chasing Victor Obinna of Internazionale and Nigeria for about £3 million.
   Jermain Defoe has been included in the England squad for their friendly against Holland on August 12th.
   Former Spurs midfielder Rohan Ricketts is having a trial at Aberdeen.
   Former Spurs transfer target, defender Dani Jarque of Espanyol has died of a heart attack in pre-season training in Italy aged just 26.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

   Tottenham are supposedly trying to nip in ahead of Luca Toni's move to West Ham United and take the Italian striker to White Hart Lane.  Having said he was not for sale, it now appears that the forward wants to play in England.
   Spurs are again linked with Lee Cattermole of Wigan Athletic after the Latics signed a midfielder from France.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... The whole of the Football League programme for the first day of the season had to be postponed after it was discovered that the FA don't know what they are doing.  This follows hard on the heels of the Scottish FA having to cancel the first day of the SPL and Scottish Football league season after so many teams had been moved between the leagues that the fixtures were being chosen by a 13 year old using the 'shuffle' feature on his iPod.

   Tottenham announced that they had signed Newcastle United central defender Sebastien Bassong for a figure believed to be about £8 million.  The 23 year old is suspended for the first two games of the season, which would not help Spurs who may be without Michael Dawson, Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King for the opening of the campaign. 
   Darren Bent thinks his "Twitter" message helped speed up his move to Sunderland, but it sounds as though he couldn't get there quick enough, with veiled criticism of the club saying "There's a lot of politics at Tottenham, but then that's Tottenham as a club."  Does he mean that there are late night discussions over Peel's repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846 and his views did not coincide with those of Pascal Chimbonda, who thinks Peel and Wellington should have stuck to their original position on the matter.
   A number of sources this morning claimed that Tottenham's bid of £12 million for Moussa Sissoko of Toulouse was rejected as it is half what the French club want for their young midfielder.
   The Guardian have Spurs down for also attracting the likes of Real Madrid winger Arjen Robben and Blackburn Rovers defender Stephen Warnock as well as Bassong and Beevers.
   Links that Spurs were about to return to Sheffield to sign Wednesday defender Mark Beevers have been rejected by manager Brian Laws, who said there have been no offers for the talented 19 year old, despite the Daily Mail claiming Tottenham had bid £2 million for him.
   Ipswich Town are keen to take midfielder Giovani Dos Santos on loan from Spurs for the coming season after his successful spell there at the end of the last campaign.
   Black burn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce said Tottenham's interest in giant defender Christian Samba was complete nonsense.  He said he had spoken to Harry Redknapp who thought the same.  Nice to know that Spurs fans are probably thinking along the same lines as the manager.
   Leyton Orient have signed up winger Andros Townsend on a one month loan from Spurs.
   Former Spurs winger Peter Taylor has signed reserve team full back Adam Smith on a one month loan from Tottenham.
   Unfortunately, we have been notified that the 25 intrepid Spurs fans who travelled to China to see Spurs take part in the Asia Trophy were caught up in crowd trouble within the Tottenham section of the ground before the final against Hull City on the Friday.  This was caused by West Ham "supporters" who had seemingly bought tickets from touts in the Spurs end of the ground, where they displayed their ICF flags.
Apart from this they report that it was a fantastically run event with the people from China being most supportive and helpful towards the Tottenham Hotspur fans present.  It is a shame the experience was spoiled by the few.
   Trevor Bishop is taking over a pub in Cheshire and is thinking of getting a Spurs supporters club started in the Cheshire area, so it would be possible to hold all the meetings there and watch the games on Sky there too.  If anyone is interested in joining with Trevor to get something going, please get in touch by e-mail at trevor_bishop@sky.com.
   A limited run of 750 perfect copies of the seminal book "Tottenham Boys We Are Here" are now available from Gary at anglosaxon58@yahoo.co.uk and are available for purchase using paypal or by contacting Gary you can find out where they will be on sale.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Following Chester City's plunge into administration for a second time and a worry about their ability to fulfil their fixtures, the FA have hit them with a 25 point deduction for the coming league season in the Blue Square Premier ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Arsenal players are apparently mocking Andre Arshavin's voice by comparing him to the Compare The Market dot com advertising campaign, which features a meerkat with a Russian accent. 

   Spurs have completed the sale of Darren Bent to Sunderland for an initial £10 million, rising to £16.5 million on various conditions being triggered.
   The Sun claim that the Black Cats are still keen on signing defender Michael Dawson from Tottenham ...
   ... and reckon that Spurs want to sign giant central defender Christopher Samba from Blackburn Rovers for £10 million to cover for existing injuries in that department.
   If Spurs want to sign Moussa Sissoko from Toulouse, they will have to shell out £25 million for the midfielder.
   Kyle Naughton and Danny Rose have been selected for the England Under-211 squad to face the Netherlands in a friendly on 11th August.
   A Spurs XI lost at Crawley Town 1-4 tonight in a friendly.  The Spurs goal came from an Andros Townsend penalty.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Mark Wilson and David Nugent have been fined for hitting each other with planks of wood as part of Portsmouth's pre-season tour.  How thick are they ??

   Sky Sports claim that Newcastle United central defender Sebastian Bassong has said he is keen to join Tottenham and work with Harry Redknapp.  This follows a story in the Daily Mirror that the French defender is ready to put in a transfer request to get away to Spurs or Manchester City.
   The Daily Express report that when the sale of Darren Bent to Sunderland goes through, Spurs will push ahead with a bid for Real Madrid's Dutch striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar.
   Pascal Chimbonda is Hull City's Plan B should their move for Newcastle United's Habib Beye fall through, according to the Sun.
   The Daily Mail reckon that Jonathan Woodgate could miss the first month of the season if he undergoes a hernia operation.
   Former Spurs youth midfielder Quinton Fortune has joined Doncaster Rovers.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

   CRIMEWATCH ... Jermaine Defoe has been charged with speeding at 45 mph in a 30 mph zone in Potters Bar in his Ferrari, earning him a £500 fine and four points on his licence ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Michael Owen said today that he is "serious about horses

  MEHSTG's no-spin story 2  ... Martin Ling has quit as manager of Cambridge United after nine days following a fall out with the chairman of the Blue Square Premier club.

   Jonathan Woodgate may need a hernia operation to clear up his injury problem.
   Harry Redknapp has said that he has never hear of Hull City making a £7 million bid for defender Alan Hutton, however, the Guardian claim that the Tigers might now roar after Pascal Chimbonda.
   The Daily Mirror claim that Spurs are to make a £10 million move for Joe Cole of Chelsea and that there is also an interest in Portsmouth goalkeeper David James.  Later, Chelsea said they do not intend to sell midfielder Cole.  Meanwhile, in the Sun, they run a piece stating that James does not want to move from Fratton Park.
   The Guardian reckon that Harry Redknapp is still seeking a defensive midfielder from Patrick Vieira, Mark van Bommel of Bayern Munich, Mahamadou Diarra of Real Madrid and Fabrice Muamba of Birmingham City, while the Times link Spurs with Moussa Sissoko of Toulouse and the captain of the Brazil Under-20 side Sandro of Internacional.
   The Daily Express say that Arsenal hope to sign Spurs transfer target Patrick Vieira  from Internazionale for £750,000.
   Aston Villa have agreed a fee for the transfer of another Tottenham target, midfielder Fabian Delph.
   The Daily Mirror think that Newcastle United central defender Sebastian Bassong will be snapped up by Manchester City and not Spurs.
   Former Spurs striker Mido has joined El Zamalek of Egypt on a year long loan from Middlesbrough.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Owen Coyle, the Burnley manager, was speaking about Manchester City's spending power and perhaps forgetting his club's promotion, said that City were "in a different league."

   Spurs lost 0-2 to South China in Hong Kong in the Panasonic Invitation tournament today.  For a match report, click here.
   Tottenham today had a £10 million bid for Newcastle United central defender Sebastian Bassong turned down by the Championship club, according to Sky Sports sources.  Harry Redknapp later denied these reports, although he added that he was a player he was interested in.
   In the Sunday People, there is a piece suggesting that Spurs want Sunderland to go to £15 million if they want to sign Darren Bent.
   Not content on messing Tottenham about by threatening to pull out of a deal for Darren Bent, Sunderland are linked with bids for David Bentley and Michael Dawson in the Sunday People.  The deal would be worth £16 million for the pair and the paper speculates that Harry Redknapp may use the money to fund a bid for Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole and Manchester City centre half Richard Dunne.
   The News of the World claim Harry Redknapp may be looking to sign Bayern Munich's Dutch captain Mark van Bommel for £5 million, after failing to engineer a move for Patrick Vieira.  If Spurs do complete a deal for van Bommel, it will be eight years after their first move for the midfielder.
   The Sunday People also reckon that transfer target Klaas Jan Huntelaar is also being tracked by AC Milan and Ajax, while Portsmouth goalkeeper David James has said he does not intend to move on form Fratton Park, despite links with interest from Spurs.
   Kyle Walker played for the England Under-19s in their 0-2 European Championship final defeat by host country Ukraine.
   The Under-18 side claimed fifth place in the EuroFoot tournament with a 4-0 win over Standard Liege, with goals from Chace O'Neil , Cameron Lancaster, Kudos Oyenuga and Coskun Ekim.

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   The Daily Star claims that Darren Bent has been fined two weeks wages (quoted as being £120,000) for his Twitter outburst about Daniel Levy's handling of his transfer deal.
   Steve Bruce has threatened to pull the plug on the Bent transfer, as he feels that progress is not being made, with him alleging that no fee has been agreed yet and he has not had permission to speak to the player either.
   The Under-18s drew 2-2 with Gent and beat Willem II 2-0 before losing 0-1 to Anderlecht and failing to qualify for the semi-finals of the Eurofoot competition in Belgium.

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