White Hot Lines

31.10.2000

  Tottenham lost 1-3 to Birmingham City at White Hart Lane tonight in the 3rd round of the Worthington Cup.  Click here for a match report and for reaction click here.
  Following the match a reported crowd of around 300 fans stayed behind at the front entrance to the ground for an hour to demand the removal of manager George Graham and for Alan Sugar to sell up his interest in the club.

30.10.2000

  Sir Alan Sugar has given the Chairman's traditional vote of confidence to his beleaguered manager George Graham.  The Spurs supremo said that the club had flirted with relegation too often recently and that they were building for the future.  GG for his part said he is determined to see the job through. 

  Sol Campbell should be ready to return to the Tottenham team in about two weeks time.

  Sergei Rebrov and Ben Thatcher will both most likely miss the match against Birmingham tomorrow night .  GG said that having missed Saturday's defeat at Chelsea, it is unlikely they will be fit to play in the League Cup tie.

  Darren Anderton is seeking a new contract with Spurs when his current deal expires in the summer.  He said he cannot see himself playing for another club other than Tottenham and he hopes to get into discussions about the contract after Christmas.

  Simon Davies said he is pleased to be getting into the first team, but he now feels settled enough to push for inclusion on a longer term basis.  He said he enjoys playing as Substitute, but would like to come on when Spurs are winning or get more minutes on the pitch under his belt.
  Luke Young said he is willing to play at left-back if it means he will get a game.  He does not like the position, but will turn out again to cover for the injured Thatcher and he added that Birmingham City will be a hard side to beat.
  Patrick Jennings, son of the great Pat, has joined Kingstonian on a free transfer.

29.10.2000

  George Graham has said there is no quick fix for the problems at Tottenham.  He re-iterated some of his comments to newspapers of yesterday and said that a manager has some hard decisions to make when he starts at a new club.  At Tottenham, he could not believe players were swaggering off the training pitch, content that they had avoided relegation.  He said that 50% of the players had to be cleared out, with a corresponding percentage required to come into the club to fill the gaps.  However, that has not been possible and therefore, he has had to make do with what he has got.

28.10.2000

  Tottenham lost this afternoon 0-3 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.  For a match report click here.  For reaction click here.

  Because of injury, Spurs included Ledley King, Anthony Gardner, Alton Thelwell, Gary Doherty, Simon Davies and Matthew Etherington in the squad.  Willem Korsten was included in the side that started, as was Luke Young and Steffen Freund for Ban Thatcher and Sergei Rebrov who failed late fitness tests. 

  George Graham has once again stated that he thinks Sol Campbell will leave Tottenham in the summer.  He said that Sol will not talk to anyone until his contract has expired and it will not be for want of offering him shed loads of cash.  He said that Tottenham are looking for players to replace the Spurs captain.

  Both Steffen Freund and Darren Anderton have spoken out about the criticism of George Graham by the Tottenham crowd.  Freund said that he could not understand why the crowd were waiting for the team to make a couple of mistakes and then jeer them, even when they were playing well.  Anderton said that GG should be given time to get things right, like Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

27.10.2000

  Ben Thatcher could have a late fitness test on an injured leg that he picked up in training on Thursday.  If he doesn't make it, he could be replaced by Willem Korsten who apparently played at left back when GG had him on loan at Leeds United.  Jose Dominguez could start in place of Oyvind Leonhardsen.  Oh, dear.

  TeamTalk report that Leonhardsen's thigh injury could rule him out for the rest of the season. 
  Tim Sherwood has hit out at the number of foreign players in the Premier League, which he feels is stopping talented youngsters getting their chance in the first teams of clubs across the country.  He professed support for a return to the limit on foreign players, so that some young English stars could make their progress into the first XI.

  Former Spurs winger, Garry Brady, has returned to Newcastle United after his loan spell at Norwich City.

26.10.2000

  Tottenham have released their company results for the last year and showed a pre-tax loss of £757,000 from last year's profit of £1.3 million.    After tax this amounted to a £100,000 profit compared to £800,000 last year.
Wages went up by 21% to £26.2 million from £21.7 million and incoming players cost £23.4 million.  The company's turnover increased to £48 million from last year's £42.6 million, with television income rising by £3.3 million to £12.3 million, most coming from BSkyB, who covered Tottenham's short UEFA Cup campaign.  
Sponsorship money was improved by 10% to £6.7 million, while merchandising accounted for £4.8 million as against £3.8 million last year.
Sir Alan Sugar said "The group is doing everything within its power to maximise revenues, all of which are ploughed back into strengthening the club and playing squad."  No dividend has been announced for shareholders.

  Sugar also announced that the East Stand will be redeveloped to increase capacity to 44,000.

  While he was on a roll, the Spurs chairman said he would be taking the FA to court over the £150,000 fine imposed for the brawl at Elland Road last November.  Having been denied the right to appeal against the decision, Tottenham are looking to fight the fine and that included taking civil action.  If Spurs get the money back, it would double the club's profits for the year !!

  Oyvind Leonhardsen is set to miss the next two months of the season with a hamstring pull.  His scan yesterday revealed a muscle tear, but luckily surgery will not be required.

  Dean Ashton, the Crewe Alexandra whizz-kid forward, has been the subject of speculation from a number of Premier League clubs, including Tottenham.  Manager Dario Gradi said he doesn't talk about his young players or even try to sell them, otherwise they could just as well start off at a big club in the first place.

  Willem Korsten is not injured and could be considered for Saturday's match against Chelsea.  He said that he has felt strong recently and that he prefers playing up front to midfield.  Reserve team manager Chris Hughton said that if he keeps performing consistently he could feature in the first team as GG is aware of what he is capable of.
  Les Ferdinand is keen to erase the tag of never having won at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Saturday.  He said the visit to Chelsea will hopefully be a successful one as the win over Derby County should give them the confidence to put our bogey team in their place.

25.10.2000

  Ipswich Town have denied that they are still interested in Mauricio Taricco.  They said they did have a bid for the former Portman Road favourite turned down earlier in the season, but have since bought two defenders and their priorities now lay elsewhere in the team.

  Meanwhile, it was revealed today that both Taricco and Steffen Iversen both need surgery on their respective groin and knee injuries.  Taricco's summer operation has not been right since it was carried out and he will have to go under the knife again, while Iversen needs to be operated on after a surgeon examined his knee in Norway. 

  Further injury woe as Oyvind Leonhardsen will be out for six to eight weeks with his thigh injury sustained in Saturday's game against Derby County.

24.10.2000

  Spurs reserves stuck 6 past Leicester City reserves without reply tonight and Willem Korsten got 4 of them !!  John Piercy and Anthony Gardner got the other two as Spurs won their second home game on the trot.

  Reports today indicated that Mauricio Taricco had been put up for sale by Tottenham for an asking price of around £1.5 million.  David Pleat denied this rumour and said that the club were looking to make an extension to his current contract.

  David Pleat has apparently been linked with a move to the manager's position at Bradford City should they dispose of Chris Hutchings who is presently in charge at the Bradford & Bingley stadium.

  Spurs have been reported as tracking the versatile FC Lahti  player, Mika Väyrynenin, the Finnish press.  The 19 year old, rated at £1.5 million can play in midfield or up front and scored twice  at the weekend against FC Jazz.  Nice.

  Jose Dominguez was disappointed with his performance coming on as sub against Derby County he said on the official site.  He said he knows he can be more creative and hopes his fitness will allow him to do better in future.
  Tonight's Evening Standard has an article by Steve Stammers debating whether Sir Alan Sugar will spend out to improve the Spurs squad and how the future looks for Tottenham if he doesn't.  It makes grim reading at http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/news/business/top_direct.html  (Go to sport and then the story about "Tottenham will pay unless Sugar gambles" or go on Tottenham option in the club selector).

23.10.2000

  Some reports indicate that Oyvind Leonhardsen could be out of the Spurs team for up to six weeks.  His thigh injury was being looked at today by a specialist and then he would know the exact length of time he will spend on the sidelines.  However, the figure is as low as three weeks on some sites.  Now, is that glass half-full or ....

  Stephen Carr has said that when things are going well, he thinks he would like to spend his whole career at Tottenham, with the captain's armband his dream.  He said that he understands the club will try to get him on the cheap, but he must think about his own situation, although he wants a resolution soon.  He is happy to be in the Tottenham side and be learning his trade, he added, but I would say he is doing pretty well from where I am watching.
  He did go on to criticise the fickle nature of the Spurs fans who lapped up the first quarter of the game, when they were playing well, but started jeering when the Derby goal went in.  He said that Spurs need the fans to get behind the side and that the booing doesn't do the team any good.

  Steffen Iversen's doctor in Norway has informed him that if the cyst on his knee is drained, he could be back in training in two or three weeks, but if it is not that, then an operation could put him out of the game for five or six weeks.

  The rare start for Stephen Clemence has sparked hope that this could get him a run in the first team.  With Leonhardsen going off injured, he is praying that he has done enough to persuade George Graham to leave him in the Spurs midfield for the next few games.

  Everton have denied that they are looking to sign Tottenham striker Les Ferdinand.

  Both Tim Sherwood and Ramon Vega think their former boss, Roy Hodgson should be appointed as manager of England.  Despite being accused of getting the former Blackburn boss the sack, Sherwood said that he would be the best man for the job and that he could sort England out from top to bottom.  Vega thinks that he should be the man because he has done it with a small country like Switzerland and also with a big club - Inter Milan.

22.10.2000

  Sol Campbell has suffered a setback in his return to the Spurs team, with specialists reportedly advising him that he will not be bale to return until the turn of the year !!  The news on TeamTalk states that although he hoped to be back next week against Chelsea, he "has been told to stay away a while longer, for the sake of his health".  Not quite sure what that says about playing for Tottenham at the moment !!
  Steffen Iversen is at the centre at a controversy about heavy drinking.  In a book by Norwegian international Erik Mykland, he reveals that during Euro 2000, Iversen was left in the corner of a caravan drunk and naked after a heavy session.  When asked about the sections of the book relating to him, he said he has no problem with them and that he didn't care.  His father, Odd, suffered from a drink problem when he was a top striker in Norway.

  Everton are looking at Les Ferdinand with a view to taking him to Goodison Park.  Having had bad experiences with the Everton crowd in the past because of his colour, it is doubtful if Sir Les would see this as an acceptable move.

  Charlton Athletic are said to be looking at Luke Young to bolster their defence following his "comments" about leaving Tottenham to get first team football.  With Sol now out for a long period, it is unlikely that the management would let Young leave and even then, he looks to be versatile enough to keep as cover in a number of areas in the team for the future.

  Spurs are supposed to be keen on Crewe Alexandra's 17 year old striking sensation Dean Ashton.  He hasn't yet become a first team player, but is highly thought of and considered to be the next star produced by Dario Gradi and his coaching team at Crewe.  West Ham United, Arsenal and Aston Villa are the others watching the youngster.

  The club have also been linked with a move for Ivan Zamorano.  With a striker injury plague at the moment, the Inter Milan and Chile forward might be the solution to Tottenham's goalscoring problems on a short term loan. Not sure how likely GG would be to go for this, but it might be worth a go.  Admittedly, it was only the Olympics, but he looked class.
  Former Spurs winger Peter Taylor has been named as the caretaker boss of England for the friendly against Italy in November.

21.10.2000

  Tottenham beat Derby County 3-1 today at White Hart Lane.  Oyvind Leonhardsen got two and Stephen Carr the other goal.  For a match report click here.  For reaction, click here.

  Goalkeeper Jesper Christiansen of Odense BK has apparently signed a five year deal with Glasgow Rangers.  This has two effects on Tottenham as he was on trial with the club last season and was believed to be a target for Spurs and it also means that Rangers will probably not follow up their interest in Ian Walker.

  Les Ferdinand has admitted to being an accomplice in the crime of wrecking the Blue Peter garden 17 years ago.  The popular BBC TV children's programme was featuring a garden which developed over a period of time, but it shocked the nation and the culprits were never traced.  However, it was revealed in the Sun newspaper today that Ferdinand helped the friends over the wall to the BBC centre in Shepherd's Bush and while he was unwilling to identify them, it is believed that Dennis Wise could have been amongst them.  The former Newcastle and England forward said that they were only kids and were only having a bit of fun.

20.10.2000

  Sol Campbell has said that he does not want to cheat himself or the fans by coming back to first team football to early.  He wants to make sure that when he does return that he will be ready for action.  he also feels that he benefited mentally from a break after playing football for such a long time without a rest.
  The transfer saga surrounding the Australian Johannes Oleczek continues with reports that he has accepted a four year deal with Tottenham.  Apparently, according to SoccerUpdate, GG has now told David Pleat about the deal, but we will wait for official confirmation of the move.  So there ARE quality players out there then !!

  Sergei Rebrov might face a late fitness test on his injured thigh as Spurs are struggling to find someone to pair up with Les Ferdinand up front for Tottenham tomorrow against Derby County.  The only other option would be to play recently fit again Willem Korsten.
  Spurs defender Stephen Carr has challenged the Spurs fans to get behind the team for tomorrow's visit of Derby County.  He said that whatever they thought about the manager or chairman, it is important to the team to get a good atmosphere.  The players have been hurt by the reception they got away from home and realise they have contributed to that situation, but he feels that the three points on offer are the most important thing.

  Former Spurs defensive target, Ugo Ehiogu, has joined Middlesbrough for £8 million.

19.10.2000

  Three of the main Spurs strikers are all struggling to be fit for Saturday's game with Derby County.  Steffen Iversen has gone home to Norway to have a knee injury (or shoulder injury, depending on which site you look at) picked up during training (or a cyst at the back of the knee if you read his own website) examined with a three week lay-off likely, Chris Armstrong has aggravated a hamstring and Sergei Rebrov is also suffering with a thigh strain and it is in the balance as to whether he will miss the match.

  George Graham has said that he does not worry if he is accepted by the Spurs crowd.  He said that if results are not forthcoming, then fans will want to have their say and he prefers them to have a go at him, rather than the team as it would affect their confidence.

  He may have to wear earplugs this Saturday, as a demonstration is planned to try and oust him from his post and Sir Alan Sugar as chairman.  

  Stephen Carr's talks with David Pleat concerning an improvement to his contract have come to a halt according to TeamTalk.  However, the story reckons he wanted to improve his wage from £12,000 to £16,000 a week and this was the sticking point.  If true, this is a disgrace as he is one of the better players at Tottenham at the moment and is actually one who deserves to get that much because he earns it.  He has said that he is happy to stay at Tottenham, but wants this sorted out.

18.10.2000

  Luke Young has denied saying he is ready to leave Tottenham if he doesn't get a first team place.  The Spurs defender, who  came through last night's reserve game without reaction to his foot injury, had been said to be set to quit Tottenham.  The piece was sourced from an article on the Spurs official website, but taken out of context and blown out of all proportion.  He is happy at Spurs and Luke is just awaiting his chance to make a place in the first team his own.

  Willem Korsten says he is ready for the first team's game against Derby County on Saturday.  Having played a few games in the second string and scored a couple of goals, he feels fit enough to return to the Premier League.

  Tottenham are about to sign Australian defender Johannes Oleczek for
£300,000.  The highly-rated centre-half, known as the 'Brick' (I think that was what they said), has also had West Ham and Kaiserslautern chasing him, but Spurs seem to have landed their man.  The 21-year-old Hawthorn Rangers defender impressed Spurs scouts and his signing will give even more cover for the injured Sol Campbell.  There will not be any problems getting a work permit for the player he has German relations.  Oleszek is said to be "stoked by this offer," what ever that means !!  David Pleat however, has poo-pooed this rumour as "there is not an ounce of truth" in it and the club are not even recognised as a senior side.

  After last night's Reserve success, manager Chris Hughton hopes that the players keep putting in the hard work to make a move into the first team.  He said that the watching George Graham would notice players who did it consistently for the reserves and stressed that once players do get a place in the first XI, it is then down to them to keep that place.

  Stephen Carr has said on the official site that he has ignored the criticism of the Spurs defence and that he hopes to get another win under his belt soon to turn the tide of recent results.

  Chris Armstrong is reported by TeamTalk to be set to miss three or four weeks after suffering a hamstring problem, just as he was getting over his previous injury.
  Aston Villa centre-half, Ugo Ehiogu, is thinking over a move to Middlesbrough for £8 million this week.  The player was being sought by Tottenham, but this seems to be another one who will slip away !!

17.10.2000

  ClubCall have reported Tottenham's recent spying on Viking Stavanger defender Hannu Tihinen, who is also being watched by Wolverhampton Wanderers.  The Finn played in the World Cup qualifier against England and is rated by his coach as on a par with Sammy Hyypia.  The fee could put him beyond Tottenham's interest.  The 24 year old has apparently been watched by Spurs since September.  What's the betting that while we take "one more look" at him, someone else will nip in and snatch him from Tottenham's grasp ??

  Sol Campbell, having rested on a week's holiday could be ready to recommence training next week and resume playing for Spurs the weekend after, George Graham said today.

  Spurs reserves beat Southampton reserves tonight 2-0 at White Hart Lane. Ciaran Toner opened the scoring early in the first half and Matthew Etherington set up Willem Korsten for the second.  For a match report click here.

  Oyvind Leonhardsen has denied the rumours that he may be tempted back to Rosenborg at the end of the season.  The Norwegian international said that he still has three years on his contract and has no intention of going home just yet.

  Crystal Palace look set to pay the £1.5 million asking price for Latvian winger, Andrjes Rubins of Skonto Riga. The player was supposedly watched in his country's internationals last week, but Spurs have not followed up their interest, it would seem.

  Following in Steffen Freund's footsteps, Ramon Vega has 'fessed up to his part in the Coventry debacle.  He said that he was at fault for the second goal, but that the whole team has to play it's part.  He said that he was sure that the side could return to keeping clean sheets like they did at the start of the season.
  Willem Korsten is keen to get back into the first team scene after recovering from his hip operation and getting a few a games under his belt.  He will feature in the Reserves match tonight for the first time in 6 months.
  Oleg Luzhny has advised Sergei Rebrov to look to the future and think of quitting Tottenham.  If Sergei has any sense he will advise his good friend to get out of Highbury double quick, because at least Rebrov is getting a game !!

16.10.2000

  Sir Alan Sugar has backed Terry Venables for the England manager's job !! The Spurs chairman said that if you should go for the best man available and that from what he had seen and had been told Venables was that man.  Tell him he needs to spend some money at White Hart Lane and the next thing you know he will be shelling out for top players to come to Tottenham !!

  John Aloisi reckons Chris Perry should have got a red card for his part in the fracas that saw Carlton Palmer sent off at Coventry City on Saturday.

  Oyvind Leonhardsen said on his website that he is fed up with losing matches at the moment.  He feels that Spurs are suffering the same problems as the Norway national side (although the Tottenham manager hasn't offered to resign) in that they cannot convert the chances they create to get a win.

  Steffen Freund has admitted on the official website that he was not good enough on Saturday at Coventry.  He said that although you win and lose as a team, he was far from happy with his own performance and that things must change after the last four results. 

  Sol Campbell could be fit to return in the London derby at Chelsea on October 28.

15.10.2000

  Kim Kallstrom, the Swedish superkid, is supposedly interesting Tottenham, as well as Udinese and clubs from Holland.  The 18 year old midfield playmaker is attracting a lot of attention after his side beat reigning champions Helsingborg 3-1 yesterday.  The player has already trained at Tottenham and his agent said he would move to a club where he would be able to develop best.

  Darren Anderton said that the goals Tottenham have conceded lately have been disappointing and if anyone can sort out the defence it is George Graham.  This despite the Tottenham fans criticism of the manager at yesterday's game which left GG saying that it had been like this since he joined two years ago.

  Ian Walker could move to Glasgow Rangers.  The Scottish champions were forced to play an 18 year old rookie in goal yesterday because of injury to their two top keepers and are looking for an experienced replacement.  If the former England keeper was to move to Ibrox, he would not be a first choice as Stefan Klos would be the automatic pick when fit, but a loan move might benefit all parties as Walker would then have a chance to impress any interested buyers.

  Rosenborg of Norway are reportedly ready to offer Tottenham £1.5 million to persuade Oyvind Leonhardsen to finish his career in his homeland at the end of the season.

  Spurs are to take 17 year old  Stuart Godwin on trial.  The central defender from Worcester, who is 6'2", had been on trial with Arsenal and now Spurs will assess his potential.
  Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea are all said to be watching Jason Euell of Wimbledon, who is rated at £6 million.

14.10.2000

  Tottenham lost 1-2 to Coventry City at Highfield Road today.  Spurs' goal was scored by Sergei Rebrov.  For a match report click here.  For reaction click here.

  GG said after the match that Tottenham are missing Sol Campbell and are giving away too many silly goals.  He said we need Sol back as soon as possible.

  Stephen Carr said prior to the game that Tottenham needed to sharpen up their act away from home and stop leaking silly goals.  He felt that picking up points away from home was important if the side were to improve on last season's showing.
  And finally ... Dundee United chairman and former manager, Jim McLean, was interviewed after his side's latest defeat and when asked about the manager's timescale for putting things right, he launched a string of abuse at the TV interviewer and then allegedly set about him, leaving him needing medical treatment.

13.10.2000

  Willem Korsten will be back in the Spurs squad for tomorrow's visit to Coventry City, but even his fellow countryman Hans Segers will find his way onto the bench as cover for Ian Walker - in for the suspended Neil Sullivan.  Although, holding the front page, Walker may be laid low with the flu, so Gavin Kelly stands by for a call-up.  He is unlikely to play even if Walker isn't up to it, with Segers still registered as a first team player.  Segers has said that Walker has shown an excellent attitude in training as he knows that the goalkeeping coach would have  a go at him if he let his standards drop.  Graham, meanwhile, has said that he hoped Walker would stay and battle for his place in the first team as he needed two good keepers in the squad.  However, he realises that if Walker wants to leave there is little he could do about it.
  Chris Armstrong will miss out on the trip as he has had a slight recurrence of his groin injury and will need a couple of days of treatment before returning to training next week.

  Ugo Ehiogu looks likely to join Middlesbrough after Aston Villa may be willing to offer him a £2 million golden handshake rather than lose him for nothing at the end of his contract.

  George Graham said on a Sky Sports interview tonight (to celebrate (?) his 100th game in charge tomorrow) that he thinks Stephen Carr and Sol Campbell might still be at the club next season.  While Carr has four years to run and the club are trying to improve his contract, GG feels that Sol could surprise everyone and sign on again at Tottenham in the summer.

  Leyton Orient's young defender, Simon Downer, has signed a new two year contract at the club.  Spurs have watched the 18 year old regularly and might have to pay £1 million to tempt manager Tommy Taylor to let him leave Brisbane Road.

  Former Spurs defender, Ian Hendon, has completed a move from Northampton Town to Sheffield Wednesday.

12.10.2000

  George Graham, Glenn Hoddle and Paul Gascoigne have all said the man for the England manager's job is ex-Spurs boss Terry Venables.

  Some reports indicate that Tottenham have applied for a work permit for the Latvian winger, Andrjes Rubins of Skonto Riga.  A fee of around £1 million would secure the player who Spurs have watched in international action in the last week.

  And finally, Forfar midfielder Dave Bowman will not play again until December after receiving a massive seven-match ban from the SFA. Bowman was sent off and given four red cards by referee John Fleming on Saturday during the 5-3 defeat by Berwick. "The player has been reported for being
sent off originally for two cautions," explained a SFA spokesperson. "But he has also been reported for using foul and abusive language on three separate occasions and this amounts to another three orderings off giving a total of four."

11.10.2000

  Steffen Iversen is wiling to forego his normal midfield role he plays for Norway to return to Tottenham's attack.  While he has only one goal to show this season and that against Brentford, he feels that playing alongside someone upfront, something he hasn't regularly had the luxury of for the last couple of seasons, will bring the goals back for him.

  David Pleat has revealed that there have been no enquiries for transfer-listed goalkeeper Ian Walker.

  Ramon Vega is putting his Tottenham career before his country at the moment.  The Swiss centre-half was not called up for this week's games, but he puts that down to not having enough games under his belt.  He feels that when the next round of World Cup qualifiers come around, he will have been playing for Tottenham for a few weeks and will be back in the fold with the Switzerland squad.

  A mystery defender who took part in Tottenham's reserve friendly last night at Stevenage Borough has been revealed as Shay Campbell.  The youngster, from Northern Ireland's Dungannon Swifts, is having a trial at Tottenham to see if he might make the move permanent.  

  As long as Steffen Iversen and Sergei Rebrov return fit from their World Cup qualifier against each other, GG could have four forwards to select from.  Les Ferdinand has been pronounced fit to play again after his clash of heads at Leeds and Chris Armstrong played another match in last night's friendly at Stevenage Borough.

  Iversen and Leonhardsen appeared for Norway and Rebrov for Ukraine in the World Cup qualifying match tonight that ended 1-0 to Ukraine.

  Neil Sullivan featured for Scotland in their 1-1 draw with Croatia at Hampden.
  Stephen Carr's Republic of Ireland side beat Estonia 2-0 at Lansdowne Road tonight.

10.10.2000

  Ian Walker has been reported to be a £2 million target for Southampton.  What has he done overnight to make him £500,000 more expensive ??

  Gary Doherty might be loaned back to Luton Town to get some first team match practice as he has been unable to break into the Spurs team.  Former Spurs Youth Team coach and now boss at Kenilworth Road, Ricky Hill, said he will ask to have the big striker/defender on loan, but is not hopeful.

  Simon Davies played and Jamie Atwell was a substitute for Wales Under-21's today in the 1-2 defeat in Poland.
  Gary Doherty played for the Republic of Ireland's Under-21's in their 1-0 win over Estonia.
  Spurs defender Ciaran Toner played in Northern Ireland's 5-2 win over Iceland at Under-21 level.

  Anthony Gardner was hoping to lay his first game of the season tonight against Stevenage Borough after suffering a hip injury in pre-season.
  Gardner did indeed play in the 3-0 win over Stevenage Borough in their 25th Anniversary game.  Tottenham's goalscorers were Clemence from the penalty spot, Piercy and Korsten.

  Neil Sullivan has said he is expecting to be back between the sticks after his one match ban which prevents him playing against Coventry City this Saturday.  He said that after two Scotland games in a week he could do with a rest !!

  Spurs have apparently been watching young Bury keeper, Patrick Kenny.  With a replacement needed for the out-going Walker, the Second Division club might not be in a position to refuse a reasonable bid.
  Spurs' former Algerian midfielder, Moussa Saib, has rejoined his French side Auxerre from Al-Nassr.

9.10.2000

  ClubCall report that Spurs might lose another transfer target, as Manchester United have moved in on a former Spurs trialist.  Goalkeeper Jesper Christiansen from Odense BK of Denmark has been on trial at Old Trafford, but he is thought to want first team football ... something unlikely there as Barthez has just been signed and Van Der Gouw and Bosnich are in reserve.  Spurs are looking for a replacement for the soon to depart Ian Walker, but David Pleat has denied this.  The trial at United is with a prospect of a permanent deal worth around £2.5 million allegedly.

  Alton Thelwell, the Spurs defender, wants to get his debut out of the way and get on with getting a regular place in the final sixteen.  He was heartened to hear GG say he is a defender who likes defending and told the official site that he hopes to follow in the footsteps of other Spurs youngsters who have broken into the first team.

  Ian Walker could be a Southampton transfer target should their offer for Dundee keeper Robert Douglas falls through.  The Scot is rated at £2 million ,but hat might be out of the Saints range, so the £1.5 million priced Walker could be the next best option for former Spur and now manager at the Dell, Glenn Hoddle, who gave Walker his debut in the England side.

  Darren Anderton is standing by a s a late call up to the England squad for the match in Finland on Wednesday.  He has been told to be ready in case there are any further injuries to the squad players as they prepare for the World Cup qualifier.

8.10.2000

  Ian Walker could leave Spurs for Celtic, if Blackburn Rovers sign Liverpool keeper, Brad Friedel, if he gets a work permit.  This move might go through, but at the moment John Filan is in the Blackburn goal because of an injury to regular goalie Alan Kelly, who is also a target for Leicester City.  If Kelly stays or if Friedel signs, then Filan could join Spurs.  So I hope that is clear, as Spurs will not let Walker go until a replacement has been signed.

  Apparently, Chelsea are watching the situation regarding Stephen Carr's contract negotiations, as they are looking to strengthen their full-back department and could offer a cash plus Albert Ferrer deal.  Liverpool are said to be interested too.  But then they would be after last night's excellent display.

7.10.2000

  England, featuring no Spurs players, but no less than four from our North London neighbours, lost 0-1 to Germany in the last international match at Wembley this afternoon.  After the match Kevin Keegan resigned as England manager and ex-Spurs boss Terry Venables was installed by the bookies as favourite to take over.  Keegan said he was a little bit short at this level, but he might find that he is a bit short everywhere !!

  Sergei Rebrov played for Ukraine in their 3-2 win away at Armenia after being 0-2 down.

  Oyvind Leonhardsen played for Norway in their 1-1 draw in Wales today and Steffen Iversen started, but was subbed after 59 minutes.

  Neil Sullivan kept another clean sheet for Scotland as they beat San Marino 2-0 away tonight.

  Stephen Carr starred against Luis Figo in the Republic of Ireland's 1-1 draw with Portugal in Lisbon tonight.

  Clarence Acuna, the Chilean midfielder who was strongly linked with Spurs in the summer, has agreed terms to sign for Newcastle United.

  Les Ferdinand has been given the OK by doctors to play again.  He will be available for selection for the match against Coventry City next week.

6.10.2000

  Celtic have made Ian Walker their top transfer target and are willing to pay £1.5 million for the former England keeper.  

  Spurs are also said to be renewing their interest in Iranian midfielder Medhi Mahdavikia.  The 23 year old has been watched by a number of clubs last week and Spurs were very close to signing him in 1998 after the World Cup.

  Steffen Iversen is suffering from a sore throat and could miss Norway's World Cup qualifier with Wales tomorrow.  Some reports reckon it is a mystery injury picked up against Leeds united last week.  Oyvind Leonhardsen looks set to start for the Norway side.

  Gary Doherty features for the Republic of Ireland's Under 21's tonight but really wants to show what he is capable of at White hart Lane.  The big ex-Luton Town man has had limited chances in the first team since his move to Tottenham and admitted he has to do better in training and reserve matches.  He set up the Republic's goal on a 1-3 defeat at the hands of Portugal Under-21.
  Simon Davies played for Wales Under-21's who lost 0-2 to their Norwegian contempories.

  Northern Ireland's Under-21's lost 0-3 to Denmark and Ciaran TOner played for the home nations side.

  Former Spurs youngster, Scott Houghton, has moved to Leyton Orient after being given a  free transfer by Southend United.

  A strange report has appeared on the Sky Sports site saying Stephen Carr will seek first team football elsewhere if he cannot get off the subs bench at White Hart Lane.  He said he loved the thrill of his debut against Manchester United and wants one last chance to stay at Spurs ???????  They seem to have cobbled together story about Carr's contract talks and an interview with Stephen Clemence on the club's official site together, but managed to leave any mention of Clem out of it !!

  The interview is about his progression to the Tottenham first team and how Clemence sees his future.  He said that he would have to move on if he didn't get his opportunity at Spurs, but hoped he would be able to have a chance to play regular first team football.

5.10.2000

  Spurs right back Stephen Carr has contradicted David Pleat's comments of earlier this week regarding his contract talks.  The Irish defender said that he has rejected Tottenham's latest offer and remarked that the talks are at a crucial stage.  

  Jose Dominguez has been talking about how good it is to be back.  He has played a few minutes against Brentford in the Worthington Cup and a couple of games in the reserves lately and feels that he has come through his injury nightmare.  He went on to add that he thought he had played his last game for Tottenham and in the Premiership, but was willing to work hard if the manager would give him a chance.

  Les Ferdinand has said that his natural ability to spring and his powerful heading will not change as he recovers from another crack of heads.  After Saturday's collision with Lucas Radebe, he said he was to old now and he doesn't know any other way to play, so he will continue with his own unique style of play.

  Tottenham could face competition from Chelsea and Newcastle United for the Wimbledon striker Jason Euell.  The England Under-21 international has long been a target for Spurs and when he was watched on Saturday against Stockport County, Claudio Ranieri was also in attendance.

  The plus points from last night's pasting by Charlton Athletic's reserves was that Chris Armstrong came through most of the match without a reaction and Darren Anderton got another 90 minutes under his belt.

  The 23 year old Iranian Medhi Mahdavikia, who was a star in the World Cup of 1998, is a target for Manchester United, Arsenal and Ipswich Town.  The player was coming to Tottenham after his starring role in the aforementioned tournament, but his National Service was an obstacle that could not be overcome.  However, he  moved on soon after to Hamburg, where he was watched by the English clubs during a Champions League match last week.

  An interesting piece featured in the London Evening Standard today about David Ginola.  His lack of exposure in the Aston Villa side has caused concern and it is reported he didn't exactly shine last Saturday before going off injured after 19 minutes.  Former Villain Gary Shaw says he doesn't look fit, while other sources in France seem to think he might have lost interest in football.  This course in his career is attributed to his agent Chantelle Stanley, but she says that there are a few problems settling in at Villa, but apart from that he is enjoying Birmingham and he is currently travelling around England promoting his autobiography.

4.10.2000

  George Graham is looking to move Ledley King into midfield after making his first few games in defence. It follows the manager playing Steffen Iversen out of position on the right wing.  Ledley played the whole of the reserve game against Watford last week and has declared himself fit for the match against Coventry City on October 14.

  Apparently, Newcastle United have joined the chase for Spurs' going nowhere right back, Stephen Carr.
Paul Gascoigne and Ricardo Villa featured in a poll conducted by the Nationwide Building Society about the best goal scored at Wembley, just before the giant toilet is demolished.  Gazza's solo strike for England against Scotland in Euro 96 got 29% of the vote to come top and Ricky's dribble in the 1981 FA Cup final replay received 23% of the poll to come in second.  Paul also got fifth place with his free-kick in the 1991 FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal.
  Spurs reserves were beaten heavily by Charlton Athletic reserves tonight by five goals to nil.

3.10.2000

  In the November 2000 issue of FourFourTwo, Sol Campbell has reiterated that it is not just about Spurs signing good youngsters, but they need to take a chance on a top player to gain success.  He would not commit himself on the matter of his contract, but said about England, that the national team are not as technically inferior as others might think.

  Darren Anderton is on official standby should Kieron Dyer fail to recover from his knee injury.

  Chris Hughton will select Chris Armstrong for the reserves side to play Charlton Athletic reserves tomorrow night.  Armo trained and looked sharp and is in need of match practice to get over his groin problem.  He will play alongside Matthew Etherington, Willem Korsten and Jose Dominguez.

  It was revealed on MatchOn.com that Les Ferdinand had his 50th stitch in his noggin after the clash of heads with Lucas Radebe on Saturday at Leeds.  He managed to say that with two weeks rest between the game at Elland Road and the next fixture against Coventry City, he hopes to be back in action.

  18 year old Paul Mayo, a Lincoln City midfielder, has really caught David Pleat's eye.  The youngster could be the next star of the future on his way to Tottenham as a Spurs scout was at the Red Imps game on Saturday to see the midfielder in action.

  Former Spurs youth star, Glyn Hurst, is catching Leeds United's eye.  Since moving to Ayr United from Yorkshire non-league side Emsley, he has been knocking in the goals and a fee of £250,000 could take him to Elland Road.

2.10.2000

  Sergei Rebrov has been included in the Ukrainian squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Armenia ON October 7th and Steffen Iversen's Norway team on the 11th of this month.

  David Pleat claims he has had Stephen Carr's agent telephoning him to say that he does not know where yesterday's story about a hold-p in contract talks has come from.  He was very embarrassed by the rumour and said that there is no substance to it.  Pleat went on to say that talks are at an early stage and there has been no acceptance or refusal in the matter as yet.

  GG has said that he hopes Alan Sugar will be able to raise the £8 million needed for Spurs to buy Ugo Ehiogu from Aston Villa.  He said that of course Spurs would be interested in buying Ehiogu, but added a rider that he was not concerned about the price, which he left to the club to decide.  Therefore, I suppose it depends on Sir Al to empty his pockets to do so.
  Spurs are also being linked, along with Arsenal, to the highly rated Bury goalkeeper, Patrick Kenny.  No fee has yet been quoted in the rumours, but the 22 year old would expect to fetch the Second Division side a handsome sum.
  And on the subject of transfers, West ham united are poised to go for Millwall's talented forward Neil Harris.  However, it is reported that Spurs fancy him too and that the 23 year old goalscorer would be the subject of a battle for his services.
  GG also said that he can't turn Tottenham's team into brilliant players and that he hoped to have gone further along the road to getting into a challenging position with Spurs, but there were not the quality players available.  But he did add that Leeds United were a good side and have plenty of quality players, especially the youngsters.

  With Kieron Dyer withdrawing from the England squad for the match against Germany on Saturday, Darren Anderton could get a shock recall.  His amazing recovery from his groin injury saw him feature in Tottenham's game against Leeds United on Saturday, which earned him rave reviews.

  On the official website, Ramon Vega has said "I don't know what happened in the second half ... I can't explain it ... It is very disappointing".  Hmmmmmm, why did we think of that ??

  Luke Young has been set back by his foot injury he picked up in the West Ham United game, which he aggravated further in the match against Manchester City.  He will miss the England Under-21 match and has been having intensive treatment on it to try and get him back in the frame for Tottenham's next fixture against Coventry City.
  Spurs have announced that the game against Chelsea on Sunday October 29th has been brought forward to Saturday 28th - kick off at 3.00 pm - owing to Chelsea's failure to progress against Swiss side St. Gallen in the UEFA Cup.  The Worthington Cup tie against Birmingham City at White Hart Lane will take place on Tuesday 31st October and kick off at 7.45 pm.

1.10.2000

  Tottenham keeper Ian Walker, who is currently on the transfer list, is said to be attracting interest from Fiorentina, Sunderland, Southampton and Middlesbrough.

  Darren Anderton got through an hour of yesterday's game at Leeds United without any reaction from his injury, but was disappointed that errors meant that Spurs left Yorkshire with no points.

  TeamTalk's website has rumoured that Stephen Carr's contract talks have hit a block over his demands, which Spurs allegedly do not accept, but he still has four years to run on his existing contract.  However, with Sol Campbell supposedly lined up for the summer, Alex Ferguson is looking at Carr to add to his currently dodgy defence.

  Charlton Athletic seem to have learned nothing from their defeat of Spurs a couple of weeks ago, as they are looking at Ramon Vega to strengthen their squad.  Spurs could be willing to let the Swiss international go if a £2 million fee is agreed.

  Peter Taylor may be seeking to take Les Ferdinand to Leicester City as a replacement for Stan Collymore.  He is on a list of players Taylor would like to bring in, which also includes former Spurs man Teddy Sheringham.

  Sergei Rebrov has revealed that he is miserable if he does not score goals.  He can't have been much fun to be around this season then, but would be happier yesterday, although the team did not prosper from his two goal haul.
  Ian Walker managed to save the last minute penalty in the last game of last season against Harchester United, but the follow up was scored to save the Midlands club from relegation in the Sky TV soccudrama "Dream Team".  The match featured a French international who had been bribed by a director to miss the kick so that he could take over the club.  In a final twist, the existing female chairman said she would sell him the club if they stayed up, meaning the penalty had to be converted.  Just like real life isn't it really !!