White Hot Lines

Friday  30.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Jermain Defoe told BBC Radio London today that he expects to sign a new contract with Tottenham Hotspur before Christmas with just a few details left to be sorted out.
   The Spurs website have revealed that Benoit Assou-Ekotto has under-gone a knee operation which will rule him out for the rest of the season.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : - Spurs will be without Jermaine Jenas who got an ankle injury against Aalborg last night, while Younes Kaboul will need a late fitness test to assess his ability to play after a groin injury.  Still ruled out are Ricardo Rocha, Anthony Gardner, Ledley King and Benoit Assou-Ekotto.  Jermain Defoe might have recovered from his cold to take part in the Birmingham City match on Sunday.
   BIRMINGHAM CITY TEAM NEWS : - Cameron Jerome might be selected up front after getting over his hernia operation and midfielder Damien Johnson could also feature.  Wilson Palacios is missing as he has had visa problems holding up his ability to be eligible.  Goalkeeper Maik Taylor might be recalled after Richard Kingson's gaffe last week let Portsmouth win.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

Thursday  29.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Spurs beat Aalborg 3-2 in the UEFA Cup group game at White Hart Lane tonight.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction click here.
   Former Spurs defender and reserve team manager and now Nottingham Forest boss Colin Calderwood won the League One Manager of the Month award for November.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Harry Redknapp is disgusted that the Police entered his house at 06:00 with only his wife at home.  He will be looking at better defensive options over the next few weeks.

Wednesday  28.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Juan Roman Riquelme has revealed that he will be leaving Villareal to join Boca Juniors, but he spurned the opportunity to come to White Hart Lane, as he wishes to return home and wants regular football to make the Argentina side for the 2010 World Cup.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Younes Kaboul has pulled a groin and will therefore not be able to take part in tomorrow's UEFA Cup game against Aalborg.  Also ruled out is Jermain Defoe, who has a cold, so they join Ricardo Rocha, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Anthony Gardner and Ledley King on the sidelines for this match.
   AABORG TEAM NEWS : - Patrick Kristensen, Chrys and Caca are all ruled out with injury.
   For a preview of the Aalborg game, click here.

  OTHER NEWS ... Paul Jewell has been appointed as the new manager of Derby County ... Birmingham City have announced that former Scotland boss Alex McLeish will be their new manager ...

  CRIME WATCH ... Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp and the club's Chief Executive Peter Storrie have been arrested in conjunction with the City of London Police's enquiry into fraud and corruption in football ... Non-League Rushden and Diamonds manager Garry Hill will be charged with actual bodily harm after a head-butt on Salisbury City assistant manager Tommy Widdrington earlier this season ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Harry Redknapp's arrest might well affect any move that the FA were thinking of making to install him as England manager.

Tuesday  27.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Tottenham are set to do battle with Chelsea and Arsenal to win the services of Croatian midfielder Luka Modric.

  OTHER NEWS ... Paul Sturrock has been appointed as the new manager at Plymouth Argyle ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Michael Owen has said that none of the Croatian players would get in the England team.  Boy, I bet they are upset about that !!

Monday  26.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Speaking at the club's Extraordinary General Meeting, Chairman Daniel Levy said
»  Jermain Defoe should sign a new contract
»  He does not know if Dimitar Berbatov would still be at the club in the summer, but he hoped all the experienced players would be there.
»  That Damien Comolli will take the ultimate responsibility should Juande Ramos fail, as the Director of Football was the one who brought him in
»  That the issue of Martin Jol's departure could have been better handled, but that the results and the fact that the squad had lost confidence in the Head Coach were the reasons he had to be removed from his post.
   Spurs Reserves lost 0-1 at Brisbane Road to and experienced Reading side.

  OTHER NEWS ... Derby County parted company with manager Billy Davies today ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Alex Ferguson's tirade at Mark Clattenburg on Saturday shows that his memory is fading.  Now, how far over the line was that ball again ??

Sunday  25.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Tottenham drew 1-1 with West Ham United this afternoon at Upton Park.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction, click here.
   Juande Ramos' £15 million splash in the January transfer market seems likely to come to nought, as the Spurs board have put a stop on  it because it contains three players over 26 years old and they will not sanction purchases where there will be little re-sale value.  Spurs might already have lost out on signing the rubbish Real Madrid striker Julio Baptista (even though he got one for us last season), as he has said he wants to join AS Roma.  The Daily Star on Sunday claims that Aston Villa defender Martin Laursen would welcome a move to White Hart Lane, while the Sunday People reckon that leaving the Lane in January will be Jermain Defoe, with long time admirer Alex Ferguson being the one to tempt him away to Manchester United and claims Spurs are vying with Arsenal and Chelsea as they seek to secure the signings of Burkina Faso pair Charles Kabore and Boubacar Kebe.
   The new Head Coach has also said that he is not looking for a new goalkeeper.  Ramos is quoted on the Sky Sports website as saying, "Paul Robinson is an absolutely vital part of our team.  He is very much a heavyweight in the team and we can't do without him."
   ESPN Classic, a channel dedicated to showing re-runs of famous sporting events, documentaries and sports themed movies, available on Sky Channel 442, have contacted us to let us know of their "Happy Endings" programme, which is a selection of football clubs' best, most memorable matches shown throughout the season and, ahead of Spurs upcoming game against Manchester City, they are celebrating by showing some of the teams greatest moments from the past few decades. 
Here is the schedule of Spurs related programming they have for viewers ...

Date and Time	Programme
Sun 9 Dec at 11.00pm	1972 UEFA Cup Semi-Final: Tottenham v AC Milan (final score 3-2)
Mon 10 Dec from 7.00pm	14/05/81 Tottenham v Manchester City (final score 3-2) 2006/2007 Tottenham v Chelsea (final score 2-1) 1963 UEFA Cup Winner’s Cup: Tottenham Hotspur FC v Atletico de Madrid (final score 5-1)
Tues 11 Dec from 7.00pm	2006/2007 Tottenham v Chelsea (final score 2-1) 1963 European Cup Winner’s Cup: Tottenham Hotspur FC v Atletico de Madrid (final score 5-1) 2006/2007 West Ham United v Tottenham (final score 3-4) 14/05/81 Tottenham v Manchester City (final score 2-1)
Wed 12 Dec at 7.00pm	2006/2007 West Ham United v Tottenham (final score 3-4)
Sun 16 Dec from 6.00pm	2006/2007 Tottenham v Chelsea (final score 2-1) 1963 European Cup Winner’s Cup: Tottenham Hotspur FC v Atletico de Madrid (final score 5-1) 2006/2007 West Ham United v Tottenham (final score 3-4) 1972 UEFA Cup Semi-Final: Tottenham v AC Milan (final score 3-2)

 

  OTHER NEWS ... England have been picked to play in Group 6 of the European qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup with Croatia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Andorra ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... 

Saturday  24.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The News of the World have issued an apology for calling Spurs "Fattenham" and suggesting that they needed to lose 220lbs.
   For a preview of tomorrow's game at West Ham United, click here.
   Loan midfielder Jamie O'Hara scored for Millwall in their 2-1 win over Yeovil Town this afternoon.
   Former Spurs reserve keeper Simon Brown was sent off playing for Brentford after just two minutes today.
   Grays Athletic and former Spurs youth team midfielder Stuart Thurgood has joined Gillingham on loan with a view to a permanent move.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was removed from his place on the touchline for complaining about his players being kicked about by Bolton's players.  Looks like Bolton are back, back, back.

Friday  23.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  There are injury doubts over Steed Malbranque (ankle) and Younes Kaboul (thigh) ahead of Sunday's derby against West Ham United.  Welsh left back Gareth Bale has been back in training and may play some part, but Gus Poyet said on the Spurs site that the defender is still in doubt for the game.  Ledley King, Anthony Gardner, Ricardo Rocha and Benoit Assou-Ekotto are all still ruled out of contention.
   WEST HAM UNITED TEAM NEWS : -  Dean Ashton, Scott Parker, Mark Noble and Hayden Mullins are all back to fitness and ready for selection for Sunday's match.  However, Craig Bellamy and lee Bowyer miss out with injury and suspension

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... nutty German keeper Jens Lehmann has told the Sun that he wants England fans to support Germany in the 2008 European Championship finals .

Thursday  22.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   There was no Spurs news today as the newspapers were swamped with news of the exit of some country or other from Euro 2008.  Oh, and there was a bit about the England team too.

  OTHER NEWS ... Steve McClaren has been sacked as England manager and Terry Venables has gone with him ... Ian Holloway has been appointed as manager of Leicester City ... Owen Coyle has been named as the new Burnley manager ...

  CRIMEWATCH ... Luton Town have been deducted ten pints after going into administration ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Roy Keane said England's failure was due to the egos in the squad ... something he knows only too well.

Wednesday  21.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Reserve team forward Andy Barcham has signed for Leyton Orient on loan until 5th January 2008.
   Jermain Defoe and Darren Bent were second half substitutes in England's 2-3 defeat by Croatia at Wembley which sees them knocked out of the competition.  Bent's appearance make him the 150th Spurs player to win a cap while playing for the club.
   Teemu Tainio played 69 minutes of their 0-0 Euro 2008 qualifying draw with Portugal, but they go out of the competition as a result of the draw.
   Bulgaria also failed to qualify for the Euro 2008 finals, but won 2-0 against Slovenia, with Dimitar Berbatov among the scorers.
   The Ivory Coast's 5-2 friendly win over Qatar saw Didier Zokora feature in the game.
   Hossam Ghaly has told the Daily Mirror that he would like to stay in the Premier League, but considers that he would not be able to play for Tottenham again.  Both Real Madrid and Julio Baptista's agent have denied any contact with Tottenham about a move for the Brazilian striker.

  OTHER NEWS ... Ian Holloway has resigned as manager of Plymouth Argyle ...  ...

Tuesday  20.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Jamie O'Hara has said he would like to go back to Millwall on loan in January if he has not pushed into the first team squad at Tottenham.  The Scandinavian press has printed a rumour linking Aston Villa's 30 year old defender Martin Laursen with a move to Spurs.
   Former Spurs boss Martin Jol is said to have turned down the chance to manage Birmingham City following the departure of Steve Bruce this week.  The Dutchman is said to have said it is too soon for him to return to management just yet.
   Paul Stalteri was sent off for two bookable offences as Canada lost 0-2 to South Africa in a friendly tonight.  Former Spurs reserve keeper Lars Hirschfeld was in goal.
   Younes Kaboul captained France Under-21s at Cardiff tonight in their 2-4 Euro 2008 qualifying defeat against Wales U21.
   Tom Huddlestone played in England Under-21s 1-1 draw in Portugal in the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign .
   Danny Rose was a member of the England Under-18 team who played 80 minutes of a friendly against Ghana at Gillingham tonight and won 2-0.
   The FA Youth Cup Third Round tie at SCBC will be played on Wednesday 12th December with a 19:00 kick off.

  OTHER NEWS ... Everton's assistant manager Alan Irvine has agreed to take the post of manager at Preston North End ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Newcastle United are set to earn £100,000 a week for the injury that will keep Michael Owen out of action.  There is no truth in the fact that the club are sabotaging his boots to keep him out to earn more money from not playing him than if they were to sell the England striker.

Monday  19.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Not much news today other than a regurgitation of Hossam Ghaly being allowed to train with Al Ahly in Egypt and Ricardo Rocha being close to returning to training.

  OTHER NEWS ... Steve Bruce was named as the new manager of Wigan Athletic today after being allowed to leave Birmingham City...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Sven Goran Eriksson was revealed as learning the accordian today with former assistant Tord Grip his teacher.  This comes after years of playing second fiddle to the ex-England manager.

Sunday  18.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Darren Bent has been called up to the England squad for the Euro 2008 qualifying match at Wembley on Wednesday.
   The News of the World claims that Juande Ramos wants to spend £30 million of the £40 million he has available on Valencia striker David Villa, as he fears he still may need cover for Dimitar Berbatov, who he thinks will still leave the club.  The Daily Star Sunday claims Ramos will sign one of his old players.  Julio Baptista, the forward who he managed at Sevilla and was on loan at Arsenal last season, will allegedly join Spurs for £5 million from Real Madrid.  The Sunday People runs a story saying that Tottenham will bid £7 million for want-away useless Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby.
   In the draw for the FA Youth Cup, Spurs have been drawn away to SCBC in the Third Round.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

Saturday  17.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Robbie Keane captained the Republic of Ireland and scored in their 2-2 draw with Wales in the Euro 2008 qualifying match at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff this afternoon.
   Finland's 2-1 home win over Azerbaijan saw Teemu Tainio play in midfield for his country in their Euro 2008 qualifier.
   Dimitar Berbatov played up front for Bulgaria in their Euro 2008 qualifier in Sofia this afternoon as they beat Romania 1-0.
   Tomas Pekhart played in the Czech Republic U21s 1-1 draw in Turkey in their Euro Under-21 2008 qualifier.
   Spurs Under-18s drew 1-1 away at Bristol City today, with David Hutton recording a goal for Tottenham.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

Friday  16.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   England's 1-0 win over Austria in Vienna featured Jermain Defoe's 34th minute appearance as a substitute.
   Tom Huddlestone played 85 minutes for England Under-21s in their 2-0 win over Bulgaria at stadium:mk after which he was substituted.  Ben Alnwick was an unused substitute.

  OTHER NEWS ... Brian Little was named as the new manager of Wrexham today ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd is prepared to go to court to prevent midfielder Al Bangura from being deported to Sierra Leone.

Thursday  15.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Yesterday's comments from Michael Carrick that he would welcome the signing of Dimitar Berbatov at Manchester United is widely reported in the media today, but in a twist worthy of Agatha Christie, the Daily Express reveals that Juande Ramos would be keen to bring Carrick back to White Hart Lane for £18 million.  The Express also carry a rumour that we would be happy to spend £5 million on central defender Dani Jarque of Espanyol, while the Daily Mirror has us down as spending £8 million ahead of Arsenal to seal the deal for 19 year old Sevilla midfielder Diego Capel.  Spanish sports papers are reporting that Spurs were ready to make a £28.5 million bid for Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, but the 26 year old said he is perfectly happy at the La Liga campeones. 

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  CRIMEWATCH ... Luton Town, their directors and six football agents have been charged with various breaches of rules relating to the conduct during contract dealings ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... 

Wednesday  14.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Daily Express has said that Juande Ramos has written a list of players who will be shown the door in the January transfer window.  Some days after it was previously reported.
   Click here to read Wyart Lane's reaction to the Wigan match on the Times online.
   Former Spurs reserves Stuart Lewis of Stevenage Borough and his team-mate Ronnie Henry featured in the England C side (a non-league Under-23 team) in beating hosts of the International Challenge trophy Finland 2-0.  Henry was skipper of the side.
   YOUR CHANCE TO MEET STEVE PERRYMAN !         PLUS, WIN A COPY OF THE NEW SPURS MISCELLANY !!

The Tottenham Supporters Trust has teamed up with publishers VSP to present an evening with legendary former skipper and record appearance holder, Steve Perryman.
Introduced by Sky Sports presenter and Tottenham fan Marcus Buckland, Steve will be taking questions from the floor and signing copies of the new edition of the bestselling Spurs Miscellany, priced £9.99. You can buy copies on the night (cash or cheque, no cards), or if you already own it, bring your copy along for Steve to sign. Authors Adam Powley and Martin Cloake will also be in attendance, and there will be competitions on the night to win copies.

Date: Thursday 22nd November
Time: Starts 7.30pm
Venue: Enfield Highway Working Mens' Club, Ordnance Road, Enfield.

Entry to the evening is by ‘(e)-ticket’ only, priced at £5 for Trust members, £10 for non-members which includes membership to the end of June 2008. Price includes a complementary buffet and a cash bar will be open throughout. Numbers are limited and available on a first come first served basis so please apply for your tickets now by e-mailing perryman@tottenhamtrust.com and sending a cheque payable to Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust to ‘Perryman’, c/o  57, Creighton Road, Tottenham, N17 8JU.

A donation from the proceedings will also be made to the Baby Care Unit at Chase Farm.

Please note: Steve will not be able to sign any other books, merchandise or memorabilia on the night.

PLUS

You can also win a copy of the new edition of the Spurs Miscellany. Packed with stats, history, anecdotes and the odd dig at The Arse, it's completely updated to the end of the 2006-2007 season, with loads of new material. Described as "a thing of beauty" by Phil Cornwell's The Spurs Show podcast, "a little gem" by Clare Tomlinson and "a treat" by legendary sportswriter Julie Welch, it's an ideal Christmas present for Spurs fans everywhere.

MEHSTG has two copies up for grabs if you can answer the following question :

How many league goals did Spurs score during the 1960-61 Double season ?

Send you answer to toby@visionsp.co.uk and mark your entry 'MEHSTG'. Closing date is November 22^nd.

Copies of Spurs Miscellany are available from all good bookshops, and from www.visionsp.co.uk.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

Tuesday  13.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Spurs have been given planning permission by Enfield Council to go ahead with their training ground and Academy at Bulls Cross, just off the A10/M25 junction.
   Gareth Bale has won the Young Welsh Player of the Year award.
   Spurs Reserves hosted a strong Ipswich Town second string side in a 1-1 draw at Spurs Lodge today.  Danny Rose hit Tottenham's goal.

  OTHER NEWS ... Paul Simpson has been sacked as manager of Preston North End ...  ...

Monday  12.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   With international week looming, there is little Spurs news today.
   Gareth Bale will miss out on playing for Wales against Germany and Northern Ireland in the final Euro 2008 qualifiers with his foot injury.
   Spurs have been warned off Espanyol central defender Dani Jarque and Juande Ramos looks like he is willing to stick with Paul Robinson in goal, as long as he keeps performing at his present level.  Ramos hopes to keep Dimitar Berbatov at the end of the season, although this might depend on attaining Champions League football, while he said that he will not determine his team selection by nationality, rather by picking the best quality players wherever they come from.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

Sunday  11.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Tottenham beat Wigan Athletic 4-0 at White Hart Lane this afternoon.  For a match report click here.  Match reaction to follow.
   The Sunday People claims that Juande Ramos might return to his old club Sevilla, but this time for a player not previously mentioned.  A 19 year old left winger Diego Capel if the target and Ramos might be able to use his influence to beat off interest from Arsenal.  Meanwhile, The Observer reckons that Ramos will go for Glasgow Rangers' right back Alan Hutton to shore up the defence, especially as it hinted that Pascal Chimbonda might have asked his agent to find him a move away from the Lane.  The 22 year old has been watched numerous times and he might be the first of a number of defensive signings, as the club seek a new goalkeeper and another central defender according to the broadsheet.  The Daily Star Sunday puts Spurs in a battle with Liverpool, West Ham United and Aston Villa for Juventus left back Jonathan Zebina, with £3 million the presumed price for the defender, while the Sunday People claim that Fredi Kanoute has told Juande Ramos that he will not return to White Hart Lane to join his former manager.  Sven Goran Eriksson is stepping up his interest in Spurs by apparently wanting to buy both Paul Robinson and Dimitar Berbatov in the January transfer window.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

Saturday  10.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Sun claim that Sven Goran Eriksson is keen to buy goalkeeper Paul Robinson for Manchester City in the January transfer window, while the Daily Mirror claims that Juande Ramos has already decided who will be making way in January as he starts to bring his won players in, starting with Espanyol's 24 year old centre-half Dani Jarque rated at £5 million.
   In The Sun, there is also a story about Ramos, as he wishes to introduce his nutritionist, Antonio Escribano, who has been nicknamed "Doctor Baby Food", as he liquidised his after-match energy boosting mixtures to aid recovery.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : - With no new injuries, it is still the defence that is hit hardest as Gareth Bale, Ledley King, Anthony Gardner, Ricardo Rocha and Benoit Assou-Ekotto are all missing.
   WIGAN ATHLETIC TEAM NEWS :  -  Emile Heskey is the only player missing from the Wigan line-up, as caretaker manager Frank Barlow prepares for the match at White Hart Lane.
   Spurs Under-18s beat their Watford counterparts 3-2 today with Ryan Mason netting twice and David Hutton scoring from the penalty spot.
   Five Arsenal supporters are suing the club for a breach of their Human Rights by the use of the term "Yiddo" or "Yid" used in anti-Spurs chanting by home supporters.  They feel that the club is not doing enough to protect them from this terminology, which they find offensive and as season ticket holders, they feel the club should be dealing with those using the term within Highbury.

  OTHER NEWS ... Getafe beat Barcelona 2-0 tonight, so perhaps our loss was not such a bad result after all ?? ...  ...

Friday  09.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Independent claims that West Ham United would be receptive to the idea of Tottenham sharing their ground, as it may help them fund their move to a new stadium.  .
   Paul Robinson and Jermain Defoe are both named in the England squad to face Austria in a friendly and Croatia in the last Euro 2008 qualifier.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

Thursday  08.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Tottenham won 2-0 away at Hapoel Tel Aviv this afternoon in the UEFA Cup.  For a match report click here and for reaction click here.
   Dimitar Berbatov made a statement today to distance himself from stories circulating about a move away from Tottenham.  The Bulgarian striker told the Press that he was upset that his family were being dragged into the saga and that comments attributed to his father were lies.  He said that he was happy at Spurs, although not happy that the team were in the bottom reaches of the Premier League nor that he was playing very well at the moment.  Elsewhere, the Sun carried a story apparently from his brother saying that Dimitar felt he had "outgrown" Spurs and wanted to leave to join Manchester United and that the striker was not happy unless he was the centre of attention.
Worryingly, in a statement on the Spurs website, he used the words "I just want to say that I am here" and "I want to tell them (the fans) that I am not going anywhere," which we have heard before somewhere.
   Former Chelsea midfielder Samuele Dalla Bona is said to be a target for Spurs.  The Napoli player's agent thinks he might leave in January and told the media that there are a number of clubs after him.
   The Daily Express features an article saying that should Spurs win any of the three trophies they are playing for this season, then Martin Jol will still pick up his bonus for that achievement.
   Spurs reserve keeper Ben Alnwick and midfielder Tom Huddlestone were included in the England U21 squad to face Bulgaria and Portugal in the upcoming European Championship qualifiers.

  OTHER NEWS ... Steve Cotterill left Burnley as their manager today by mutual consent ...  ...

Wednesday  07.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Dimitar Berbatov's father has told the press that his son is not happy at Tottenham and might regret not forcing Tottenham to sell him to Manchester United in the summer.  Some reports claim that Juande Ramos has said that he will not stand in the way fop players who do not want to play for the club.  The rumour is that he will look to be sold in the January transfer window.  Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are all in the chase for 19 year old Burkina Faso midfielder Charles Kabore, who looks likely to leave French Second Division side Libourne Saint-Seurin in January and is regarded as one of the biggest talents in French football.  Both Spurs and Blackburn Rovers have been said to be interested in Fiorentina's Czech defender Tomas Ujfalusi, along with Sevilla, Zenit St Petersburg, AC Milan, Juventus, Internazionale and Bayern Munich.  The 29 year old, whose contract ends in the summer, is not expected to leave in January.  Sevilla's Danish international midfielder Christian Poulsen says he knows nothing of speculation linking him with moves to Manchester City and Spurs, while 19 year old striker Yoan Gouffran of Caen is interesting Spurs, Arsenal, Chelsea, Bordeuax, Paris Saint Germain and Liverpool.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : - There are no fresh injury problems for Spurs, but Ledley King (knee), Anthony Gardner (ankle), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (ankle), Gareth Bale (foot) and Ricardo Rocha (ankle) are all still out injured.
   For a preview of the Hapoel Tel Aviv match, click here.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Graeme Souness said that he was being choosy over which Premier League side he takes the manager's job at.  He allegedly turned down the Bolton Wanderers job, as he was too big for Little Sam's position.

Tuesday  06.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Late last night, journalist Mihir Bose posted a blog on the BBC Sport website claiming that he had news that Tottenham intend to redevelop White Hart Lane, by turning it into a £300 million 52,000 seater stadium.  This will take two years to complete and during this time, he surmises that Spurs will play their matches at either Wembley or Upton Park.  However, any idea that the club might ground share on a short term basis with Arsenal were dismissed because of the rivalry between the two sides.  The cost of playing at Wembley may be prohibitive, but it could be used for high profile, high demand matches, with the remainder of the programme played at West Ham United's ground.  This plan is being complicated by the Irons' intention to move to a new ground themselves. 
The ground at White Hart Lane will need planning permission, which, if not forthcoming, Spurs may take their football ground elsewhere and the article identifies the borough of Enfield as a possible location for a new stadium.
Daniel Levy issued a statement saying that the club had made no decision, but were considering their options and would make an announcement in the first half of 2008.
   The Sun claim that Derby County want to buy back their young midfielder Tom Huddlestone in the January transfer window.
   New Head Coach Juande Ramos is keen to have seven players on the bench in the Premier League, so he has more choice to pick three substitutes from.
   Former Head Coach Martin Jol has said that while Dimitar Berbatov is a talented footballer, he is not a fighter and that is why he looks reluctant to do anything he is asked to, such as warm up at Newcastle United in Jol's penultimate match.  The Dutchman also told the media that Berbatov had come up to him just before the kick off of the Getafe game and said, "Sorry boss.  Come on !" indicating that he might have known about Jol's fate. 

  OTHER NEWS ... Millwall appoint Kenny Jackett as their new manager ... Liverpool set a Champions League record with an 8-0 win over Besiktas at Anfield...

Monday  05.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Sun claims Juande Ramos is leading the pack for the signing of Sevilla striker Alexander Kherzakov.  Lots of papers feature the story about Dimitar Berbatov's agent flying in for talks about his client's future, but Damien Comolli believes that the Bulgarian will not leave in the January transfer window.
   Spurs Reserves lost 1-3 to Aston Villa at Walsall tonight, with Tom Huddlestone scoring the Spurs goal from the penalty spot.

  OTHER NEWS ... Wigan Athletic sacked manager Chris Hutchings today ... Port Vale announced Lee Sinnott as their new manager today ...

Sunday  04.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Sunday People claim that Darren Bent wants to leave Spurs, after just four months at the club, while they also report that Juande Ramos might return to Sevilla to sign central defender Julien Escude (with a fee of £6 million being quoted), which would cast a shadow over the future of some of the existing players in that position at White Hart Lane.  The News of the World claims that Ramos might also raid his old club for 27 year old Malian midfielder Seydou Keita.  The same newspaper tells of a row between chairman Daniel Levy and Paul Robinson over the comments the England Number One made in support of Martin Jol earlier in the season when the board met with Ramos with Jol still in charge.  The article claims that Levy will be looking to offload the keeper in January and a list of keepers including Sevilla's Andres Palop, Slovenia national keeper Samir Handanovic of Udinese and Schalke 06's goalie Manuel Neuer have all been mentioned as possible successors.  Reading's young winger James Henry was the subject of a £1 million bid by Spurs just weeks before Martin Jol departed, but with Ramos allegedly having agreed to the purchase, it looks like Tottenham might go back for the talented 19 year old, who is currently on loan at Bournemouth.  Meanwhile, the News of the World claims that Gus Poyet has been handed the task of building Dimitar Berbatov's confidence after a slow start to the season.  The Daily Star Sunday reckon that Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United, Portsmouth and Chelsea are all watching Steven Taylor's contract situation at Newcastle United and may move for the England Under-21 central defender if he fails to agree a new deal at St. James Park.  Back at the People, they say that Phil Ifil, who is currently on loan at the New Dell, is wanted for keeps by SCBC.
   In an unusual step by the club, they have issued a statement refuting the storied relating to Paul Robinson and Darren Bent, with Damien Comolli stating that neither player wants to or will be allowed to leave.
   Martin Jol thinks that a return to manage Tottenham Hotspur might not be out of the question ,as within a few years the same board might not be in charge and he might be back to take the reins of the team once more.  .
   For a revealing article by the knowledgeable Spanish football journalist Phil Ball, click here.
   For the latest Spurs Ladies match reports, click here.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

Saturday  03.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Spurs drew 1-1 away to Middlesbrough at the Riverside stadium this afternoon.  Click here for a match report.  Reaction to follow.
   Tottenham have been drawn away to Manchester City in the quarter finals of the League Cup.  The tie is to be played in the week starting 17th December
   The Daily Mirror claims that Juande Ramos might be ready to bring Russian striker Alexander Kerzhakov with him from Sevilla, but the comments seem attributed to his agent, who says that he could easily leave the Spanish team.
   The Academy Under-18 side won 3-1 away to Cardiff City today with goals from Andros Townsend, Yuri Berchice and Kyle-Fraser Allen.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

Friday  02.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Daily Mail reveals that Martin Jol's position as Head Coach at the club was undermined by Damien Comolli's purchasing of players in the summer that Jol did not want.  The Dutchman told the paper that he did not want Younes Kaboul, Darren Bent or Kevin-Prince Boateng, but sought two experienced players, one of whom would play on the left wing.  Jol said that when Frank Arnesen was at the club, they spoke about the players being brought in, but since Comolli took over as Director of Football, the club had decided to buy young players who could be sold on for a profit in the future, rather than players who fitted the needs of the side.  The Times puts names to the players Jol wanted, as the two Manchester City signings - Elano and Martin Petrov.  Jol later issued a retraction, with his spokesman saying that the story came from articles in Holland, which have attributed comments to Jol in the translation from his native Dutch into English.
   The same paper reports that Dimitar Berbatov will sit down with club officials next week to decide with them whether or not he stays at the club.  Juande Ramos says he is keen to keep Berbatov at White Hart Lane
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Anthony Gardner will be out for five weeks with the ankle injury he picked up in the game against Blackburn Rovers.
   MIDDLESBROUGH TEAM NEWS : -  Former Spurs striker Mido will miss the game with a groin injury and is joined on the sidelines by Emanuel Pogatetz (both knees), Robert Huth (ankle and Julio Arca (knee).
   For a preview of the Boro game, click here.

  OTHER NEWS ... Keith Downing has been named as the new manager of Cheltenham Town ...  ...

Thursday  01.11.2007   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Spurs match at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea has been moved back from 12th January 2007 to Monday 14th January, with a 20:00 p.m. for coverage by Setanta Sports.  This is dependant on the clubs not being involved in a FA Cup Third Round replay.  If either club are, then the game will revert to it's original date and kick off.
   Former Spurs defender Mark Stimson, who recently resigned from Stevenage Borough, has been appointed as the new manager of Gillingham.
   Former Spurs winger Peter Taylor has been appointed as the new manager of Stevenage Borough.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... The Scottish FA messed up the semi-final draw for the CIS Cup when they got the teams the wrong way around after a confusion over which numbers they were.  The draw was finally sorted out and Glasgow Rangers will play Hearts, while Dundee United will face Aberdeen.  Celtic will meet ... oh, damn !!