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Wednesday 31.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
 Daniel
Levy and ENIC could soon be holding up to 67% of shares in Tottenham
Hotspur plc, if no-one else takes up the latest share issue which they
have agreed to underwrite. The money raising scheme could lead
to the majority shareholders increasing their holding and that would
leave the remainder of the shareholders powerless, according to the
London Evening Standard. The article also reveals that David
Pleat earns not less than £275,000 per year (with performance related
bonuses) and has 4,600 shares in ENIC and options on 300,000 Spurs
shares.
The
Standard also carried a story saying that Fredi Kanoute has set his
heart on playing for Mali and that he WILL be joining them for the
African Nations Cup. The nation's management have said that
Kanoute will join them at their Morocco training camp in the second
week of January.
Nottingham
Forest are reported to have rejected a £2.5 million bid for Irish
midfielder Andy Reid.
Manchester
City midfielder Eyal Berkovic is being linked to a move to Tottenham
or Portsmouth.
Lens
striker Daniel Moreno has said that Spurs are just one club who are
interested in buying him during the January transfer window. The
26 year old French international is also being chased by St. Etienne
and Espanyol.
OTHER
NEWS ... Martin O'Neill received an OBE in the New Year's Honours
list ...
Tuesday 30.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
David
Pleat has confirmed that Spurs have targeted Nottingham Forest winger
Andy Reid to be added to the team in the January transfer window.
The 21 year old Republic of Ireland midfield player is reckoned to be
the subject of a £2.5 million (plus performance related bonuses) bid
from Spurs, but other clubs are interested and Forest might wait for
other offers to flood in. However, Nottingham Forest have not
received a formal bid as yet.
Spurs
will spend the next two weeks trying to dissuade Fredi Kanoute from
playing for Mali in the African Nations Cup. They say that if
they had known that he was going to play for the African country in
his international career, they might not have signed him. The
London Evening Standard claims that Spurs were aware of the striker's
love for the country, but some of his comments - such as "I like
African foods, especially those from Mali. Their speciality is rice
with a curry sauce made from peanut butter and other ingredients.
African foods are often heavy on the stomach, but the cooking is
good" - indicate he might not come back in the best of shape.
West
Ham United have inquired about Dean Marney and while Spurs are not
likely to want to sell the promising defender-cum-midfielder, a loan
deal might be on the cards according to the Standard. Nottingham
Forest are also interested in taking Marney on loan.
Tottenham
are being linked to a loan move for Real Madrid's Argentinian
midfielder Santiago Solari.
There
is also talk of a move for the 31 year old Serbia and Montenegro and
Olympiakos striker Predrag Djordjvic.
Crystal
Palace are planning something for their fans attending Saturday's
match at White Hart Lane. They are offering 30% off club shirts
and issuing 10,000 free balloons to turn the stadium blue and red !!
TOTTENHAM
TEAM NEWS : - Some early news is that Simon Davies might be fit to
feature against Palace on Saturday. David Pleat told the Spurs
website that Darren Anderton might also be fit and that Stephen Carr
returns form suspension, while Stephen Kelly retains his place in the
squad.
CRYSTAL
PALACE TEAM NEWS : - Thomas Myrhe has signed on for another
month on loan at Selhurst Park and therefore might be available to
play at the Lane on Saturday, if Sunderland don't mind him getting
cup-tied.
.
OTHER
NEWS ... Ottmar Hitzfield has said he is not interested in the
England job, after yesterday's rumours that he was lined up to take
over from Sven Goran Eriksson ... Robert Pires has said he would
like to finish his career at Highbury - I'm sure someone can arrange
that for him ... The FA might throw the book at Arsenal keeper Jens
Lehmann after he threw the ball at Kevin Phillips after last night's
game at the New Dell ... Tony Adams is considering his position as
manager at Wycombe Wanderers after only two months !! ... Newcastle
chairman Freddie Shepherd has slammed the Christmas results of the
team and said this under-achievement cannot continue ...
Monday 29.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
David
Pleat said he would urge Fredi Kanoute to stay and fight for Tottenham
rather than take his place in the Mali starting line-up in the African
Nations Cup. The London Evening Standard quotes Pleat as saying
he will see this as a test of the striker's loyalty and while
Kanoute's participation for the country of his father's birth in the
tournament is not yet confirmed, Tottenham would be able to do little
if he decided to go.
Spurs
are today being linked with a move for PSV Eindhoven manager Guus
Hiddink, who did such good things with South Korea in the World Cup of
2002. The piece in the Telegraph indicates that Spurs might not
be willing to persist with David Pleat until the end of the
season. Whether or not Hiddink was the man that Daniel Levy said
he was sure of getting in the summer is another question.
Meanwhile,
The London Evening Standard has Alan Curbishley as the favourite to
take over at White Hart Lane in the summer.
Ex-Spurs
have split opinions on who should take over the team. Graham
Roberts said Pleat must go in the next couple of weeks to ensure
Tottenham survive in the PL, while former skipper Gary Mabbutt reckons
Pleat will help the club move up to mid-table by the end of the
season. Roberts added that Tottenham lacked a leader on the
pitch to inspire the side in an interview for Sky Sports News.
OTHER
NEWS ... Eddie Davies - an Isle of Man based businessman - has
taken over at Bolton Wanderers and injected £2.25 million ... Man U's
shares have picked up by 8p on the back of rumours of a takeover by a
Russian oil millionaire ...
Sunday 28.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
Spurs
lost 0-1 against Charlton Athletic at White Hart Lane this afternoon.
For a match report, click here.
For reaction, click here.
Robbie
Keane was named as the Spurs Members Player of 2003 today.
In
the papers today Keane expressed his impatience with the way things
are going at Tottenham. He said that they need another Roman
Abramovich or his brother to finance the bridging of the gap between Spurs
and Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea. He said that he was
patient but did not want to finish his career not having won anything
and hinted that unless things change he might want to be off to a more
successful club. Celtic here he comes then !!
In
another article, he said that he scores every goal for his father, who
died around this time last year of cancer.
Stephen
Carr's agent today said that there had been no move for the Spurs
defender, but if a club as big as Newcastle United were interested, he
would be interested in hearing what they had to offer.
Kazuyuki Toda has
not been able to agree terms with ADO Den Haag and will not be joining
the Dutch side.
As always happens, when Spurs cant score old strikers do.
Steffen Iversen netted twice for Wolverhampton Wanderers in their 3-1
win over Leeds United and Les Ferdinand hit a late equaliser for
Leicester City at Bolton Wanderers.
As always at this time of year, our thoughts return to the passing
away in 1983 of Peter Southey, our young full back, after suffering
with Leukaemia. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends on
the twentieth anniversary of his loss.
OTHER
NEWS ... Blackburn Rovers' midfielder Barry Ferguson will be out
for the rest of the season after breaking his knee cap today at Newcastle
United ...
Saturday 27.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
TOTTENHAM
TEAM NEWS : - Darren Anderton will be fit for the game against
Charlton Athletic tomorrow, after missing yesterday's defeat against
Portsmouth.
Former
Spurs midfielder Tim Sherwood suffered a double break of his leg after
a tackle from Mauricio Taricco in yesterday's match.
The
Mali coach Henri Stambouli reckons that Fredi Kanoute is 95% certain
to play for his new country in the African nations Cup, which will
leave Tottenham without his services for up to one month from January.
OTHER
NEWS ...
Friday 26.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
Spurs
lost 0-2 at Fratton Park to Portsmouth this afternoon. Match
report and reaction to follow.
Alan
Curbishley is again being linked with a move to take over as manager
at Spurs.
TAG
have reared their head again. The self styled "Tottenham
Action Group" have made a statement that Daniel Levy is taking
the club backwards and could be a worse chairman that Sir Alan Sugar
... who they are claiming they harassed out of office !!
OTHER
NEWS ...
Thursday 25.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
HAPPY
CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR VISITORS.
TOTTENHAM
TEAM NEWS : - Darren Anderton will miss the game tomorrow at
Portsmouth with a calf injury, but Bobby Zamora is fit again and will
be in the squad with Stephen Kelly and Johnnie Jackson.
OTHER
NEWS ...
Wednesday 24.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
Tottenham
confirmed they have signed the Sheffield United midfielder Michael
Brown, with the player arriving at White Hart Lane on 1st
January. The undisclosed fee for Brown snatched him from under
the nose of Glasgow Rangers and he will not be available straight
away, because he is suspended and will not be able to play until 17th
January 2004. It transpired that Rangers wanted to take the
player for free at the end of the season, as they are strapped for
cash at the moment.
Santos
midfielder Diego is unlikely to move to Tottenham in the January
transfer window, as he is yet to obtain an Italian passport which
would allow him to play in the EU without the need to qualify through
the Home Office's work permit procedure.
TOTTENHAM
TEAM NEWS : - The calf injury suffered by Darren Anderton in the
Manchester United match is not expected to keep him out of the
Christmas programme.
Both Simon Davies
and Jamie Redknapp are itching to get back into action for Spurs in
the New Year. Davies is looking to get back playing in the first
team in January, while Redknapp has targeted a return soon, but needs
to get more playing time under his belt before he can make the
Premiership side.
Newcastle
United are ready to tempt Tottenham with a £3 million bid for Stephen
Carr in the January transfer window, according to the Daily Mirror.
A
Spurs representative watched Jamaican striker Ricardo Fuller score a
hat-trick for Preston North End on Saturday against Burnley.
Kasey
Keller has warned that Spurs must not get stuck in a rut of bad
results over Christmas to get dragged into the relegation zone.
The keeper said with a little more of the effort put into the second
half of the game against Manchester United, they should get the reward
for it
OTHER
NEWS ... The FA deny they were pressing for a 2-year ban on Rio
Ferdinand for his missed drugs test ...
Tuesday 23.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
Tottenham
are to launch a share issue of 60,000 shares at a price of £250 each
in an attempt to raise £15 million for transfers. Uptake of the
shares must be made by 19th January, just two days before an
extraordinary AGM, with trading to start on 23rd January. The
share issue is to be underwritten by ENIC.
Sky
TV will cover the Spurs match at Everton on Friday 9th April, with the
match moving to Good Friday from the original date of Saturday 10th
April.
According
to the Daily Mirror, Spurs are set to pinch Michael Brown of Sheffield
United from the Scottish club Glasgow Rangers. Tottenham see him
as a perfect addition to the squad and at £500,000, he is within
their price range. The midfielder might well choose Spurs as
long as they match the financial package being offered by the Gers.
Paul
Konchesky has been recalled by Charlton Athletic from his loan spell
at Tottenham because of injuries at his home club. The player
will not be able to return to Spurs unless his transfer is made
permanent.
In
line with Charlton's move, Spurs have recalled Johnnie Jackson and
Stephen Kelly from their loans at Coventry City and Watford respectively.
TOTTENHAM
TEAM NEWS : - Stephane Dalmat and Darren Anderton are both facing late
fitness tests after picking up knocks on Sunday against Manchester
United. Dean Richards is being treated every day for an Achilles
injury to ensure he can play in the matches Spurs have had recently
and the upcoming games over Christmas and New Year.
David
Pleat has denied any interest in QPR's Canadian defender Marc Bircham.
It
is reported that Tottenham have had Brentford keeper Paul Smith
watched by Ray Clemence and are considering a move for the goalie,
while SCBC are set to offer £400,000 for him. The rumour could
be misguided as Clemence might have been watching him for the England
set-up.
Former
Spurs transfer target Luciano Figueroa has had his contract at
Birmingham City cancelled by mutual consent. The Argentinian
striker has joined Cruz Azul of Mexico for an undisclosed fee, after
having been signed for £2.5 million.
OTHER
NEWS ... Man U have asked for clarification on why Rio Ferdinand
was found guilty of missing a doping test ... Darlington have gone
into administration ... Women's World Footballer of the Year Birgit
Prinz has rejected an offer to join Italian Serie A side Perugia
...
Monday 22.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
Stephen
Kelly may be recalled from his loan spell at Watford to play for Spurs
against Charlton Athletic as Paul Konchesky is not available for
selection as part of his loan deal.
Tottenham
are hoping that Fredi Kanoute chooses France over Mali as his national
team or they stand to lose him for a month each season in January
should Mali qualify regularly for the African Nations Cup. The
choice of who he plays for seems down to him as he has dual
nationality and although he has played for the French Under-21 side,
this does not rule out a change of country as he has not played for
the full French team.
David
Pleat is not committing himself on the subject of goalkeepers coming
in to the club. He said that Brentford's Paul Smith had been
training with the club along with two or three others and that he
would also like to see Rob Burch in action on loan in the lower
divisions to see how he copes.
Bobby
Zamora and Christian Ziege played 60 minutes of a training ground friendly
against QPR this morning at Spurs Lodge. Simon Davies played the
whole game as all three come back from injury, with Zamora being the
most likely to feature in the first team in the near future.
Dean
Richards told the London Evening Standard that he fears that there is
not enough urgency about Tottenham's current position and that the
next three games are crucial to the rest of their season. He
said that the club need to pick up points now, as they could easily be
sucked into a relegation battle otherwise.
Harry
Redknapp has cancelled Christmas for his Portsmouth players so they
can prepare for the match against Spurs on Boxing Day.
OTHER
NEWS ... Leicester will appeal against charges against Ben Thatcher
for violet conduct against Freddie Ljungberg and Micky Adams for using
foul and abusive language to ref Mike Riley in their game against
Birmingham ... Martin Ling has been announced as Leyton Orient's
manager until the end of the season ...
Sunday 21.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
Tottenham
lost 1-2 to Manchester United this afternoon, with Gus Poyet scoring
the Tottenham goal. For a match report, click here.
For reaction, click here.
Darren
Anderton's situation regarding his contract offer at Tottenham is
being watched by Portsmouth and Fulham, but in the Sunday People, he
says he would like to finish his career at Tottenham.
However,
during today's game he picked up an Achilles injury that might rule
him out for a few matches.
Also
Paul Konchesky received a yellow card that means he will serve a one
match suspension.
OTHER
NEWS ... Rio Ferdinand may turn his back on the national side
after being banned for not taking a drugs test ... and Man U have been
warned by FIFA that if they take the FA to court, they risk being
expelled from all competitions ...
Saturday 20.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
TOTTENHAM
TEAM NEWS : - David Pleat said that after assessing the knocks
that players are carrying, he might add some more players to the squad
like Mabizela, Blondel and Marney.
Pleat
has ruled Nicky Butt off his Christmas shopping list as he said that
there are few players available at the right price at the moment.
However, he did not rule out moves for some players in the transfer
window.
Frederic
Kanoute has been name din the Mali squad for the African Nations Cup,
which takes place for most of January. This will come as a shock
to Spurs and probably the player as well, as he said he did not want
to play for Mali in the summer.
Robbie
Keane has put the name of Martin O'Neill in the frame for the Spurs
manager's job and said he knows he is well-respected at Celtic, but he
believes that if he came to Spurs, he could take them places.
Keane said that the fans would also like a big name manager like
O'Neill.
OTHER
NEWS ... Wolves' home match against Liverpool and Birmingham's
home game against Boro were both called off because of waterlogged
pitches ...
Friday 19.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
Udinese's
Chilean midfielder David Pizzaro is being linked as Tottenham's main
January transfer target. The £3 million rated is also being
sought after by Liverpool, Juventus, Lazio and Parma and the 24 year
old is in a contract dispute over the terms of an intended five year
deal the Italian club are offering.
TOTTENHAM
TEAM NEWS : - Dean Richards is unlikely to take part in the
Tottenham team on Sunday, with Gary Doherty standing by to step in.
Darren Anderton has not fully shaken off a knock he picked up on
Wednesday.
MANCHESTER
UNITED TEAM NEWS : - Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that come what
may Rio Ferdinand would start at Tottenham on Sunday. Nicky Butt
might feature for United in midfield, as Ferguson shakes up his side.
Tottenham
transfer target Scott Parker has said he is happy to stay at Charlton
Athletic. Although he acknowledges they are unlikely to win the
league, he is content to be at the Valley as long as Charlton improve
every year.
There
were also rumblings coming from the Valley that Alan Curbishley would
recall Paul Konchesky form his loan spell at Spurs if the injury
crisis demanded it. He said that Tottenham should buy the player
or let him return to Charlton full-time, which is a bit strange, as
they are the one who allow him to extend his time at Tottenham at the
end of each month !!
David
Pleat said he is monitoring the situation at Old Trafford involving
Nicky Butt. The England midfielder has said he intends to stay
there, but if he is not getting first team football, he might decide
that a move will best suit his ambition.
In
his first proper training session, Christian Ziege has pulled a thigh
muscle, with no indication of when he will be able to return to
training. He must be the unluckiest player ever !!
Simon
Davies told the Spurs website that he played an hour of a practice
match arranged at Spurs Lodge today and hopes to take part in another
on Monday.
Spurs
shares rose to 27¾ pence today, nearing their recent high of 28
pence.
The
London Evening Standard reveal that one of Tottenham's recent visitors
to White Hart Lane - so that's Villa or Wolves - left their dossier in
the changing room after the game and had singled out Mauricio Taricco
as the weak link because of his lack of pace. They got that
wrong ... it's his highly suspect temperament !!
Iain
Dowie has quit Oldham Athletic to become manager at our FA Cup Third
Round opponents Crystal Palace.
OTHER
NEWS ... Rio Ferdinand has been fined £50,000 and banned for
eight months for missing a drugs test in September ... the ban starts
on January 12th 2004 and will rule him out of England's participation
in Euro 2004 Manchester United have said that they will appeal against
the "savage" sentence ... Leeds United's Chief Executive
Trevor Birch has said that no player will be leaving in the January
transfer window ...
Thursday 18.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
Stephen
Carr said he is awaiting an offer of a new contract from Tottenham
before deciding on his future. He said that he is not Sol
Campbell and although he and his agent have had talks with the club,
they are waiting to see what the club are suggesting in terms of a new
deal before he comes to a verdict on where he will play his football
in the future. Carr tempered this with the following comments
... "I want to start winning things like every player out on that
pitch, but I'm part of a team who aren't doing well enough at the
moment. It's up to me to turn it around. I can't stand
here and say 'I want to win things so I'm going elsewhere'. I'm
at a very big club and it's about getting us back on the right
track. I'm not back to my best but I know I'll get there.
My form is okay but it could be better. It could always be
better. You're never the finished article."
Queens
Park Rangers midfielder Martin Rowlands is supposed to be being
watched by SCBC and Tottenham.
Spurs
have missed out on 16 year old Wimbledon midfielder Lee Martin, who
has signed for Manchester United for a potential £1 million,
depending on conditions in the contract.
OTHER
NEWS ... Rio Ferdinand's FA Hearing started about missing his
drugs test in September ...
Wednesday 17.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
Spurs
lost 4-5 on penalties to Middlesbrough in the Fourth Round Carling Cup
match tonight after the tie had finished 1-1 after 90 minutes and
extra time. Darren Anderton scored the goal for Spurs.
Click here for a match report and here
for reaction.
Kasey
Keller is unhappy that continual press speculation on Tottenham's
interest in Leeds United's Paul Robinson and other keepers is putting
his future at the club in doubt.
Spurs
were reported as being ready to sign West Ham United's midfielder
Michael Carrick for £4 million in the transfer window, but David
Pleat has dismissed the story as "rubbish".
Paul
Konchesky has cleared up the quotes attributed to him yesterday,
saying it would be "horrible" to return to the Valley.
The loan player said he meant that it would be disappointing to go
back and perhaps be out of the first team picture at Charlton after
playing in big matches for Spurs.
Mouscron
of Belgium are keen to take Jonathan Blondel to his roots after the
player claimed he might have to leave Tottenham to get first team
football.
Stephen
Kelly has returned to Watford for a third and final month's loan and
he hopes to do well in the first team there as he had done before
leaving for the Under-20 World Championships.
Coventry
City will have Spurs reserve midfielder Johnnie Jackson on loan for
another month.
Lars
Hirschfeld has turned down a month's loan at Plymouth Argyle as they
could not guarantee him first team football, but SPurs have said that
if they need a first team goalkeeper in an emergency, the Canadian
keeper can go to Home Park.
Former
Spurs midfielder Paul Gascoigne revealed today that he is battling
against a drink problem and that he is considering an offer from a
club in Cyprus.
OTHER
NEWS ...
Tuesday 16.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
Paul
Konchesky has extended his loan spell at Tottenham for one more month,
but he is excluded from playing in the match between Spurs and his
club Charlton Athletic on December 28th. He said he did not want
to return to Charlton as that would be "horrible" and he
wants to sign permanently for Tottenham.
The
club officially announced the one year extension to Rohan Ricketts
contract until 2007.
Stephen
Kelly has returned to Watford on loan after his return from the World
Under-20 Championships.
TOTTENHAM
TEAM NEWS : - Frederic Kanoute is a doubt ahead of the Carling Cup tie
against Middlesbrough tomorrow, after picking up an ankle knock at
Newcastle on Saturday. Helder Postiga has recovered from a dead
leg.
MIDDLESBROUGH
TEAM NEWS : - Steve McClaren has worries over Gaizka Mendieta's
toe and Danny Mills, who has been ill. Colin Cooper, Doriva and
Juninho are doubtful after missing the match against Charlton.
David
Pleat has hinted in the London Evening Standard that if the right
player is available at the right price, he could sign them during the
January transfer window. While he did not expect a massive
amount of traffic in or out of White Hart Lane, he said that some
players might be considered if useful to the team.
Former
Spurs forward Peter Beadle has joined Team bath on a free transfer
from Barnet.
OTHER
NEWS ... Fulham got approval from their local Council to move
back to Craven Cottage - by then a 22,000 seater stadium - by August
2004 ... a deal to show eight Premier League matches on terrestrial
television has been deemed "acceptable" by the EU, who were
accusing BSkyB of monopolising the TV football market ... Ruud
van Nistelrooy has said he will finish his career at Manchester United
... Macclesfield have appointed John Askey as their full-time manager
... Bury player-manager Andy Preece has had his contract cancelled by
mutual consent ...
Monday 15.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
Coventry
City are keen to keep Johnnie Jackson on loan at Highfield Road, when
the current deal comes to an end after this Saturday's match.
Promising
Spurs youngster, Mark Yeates, has had his loan spell at Brighton and
Hove Albion extended until January 2004.
Tottenham's
rumoured Danish transfer target - Per Kroldrup - has opened talks
about extending his contract with Udinese, to prevent Spurs stealing
him away.
OTHER
NEWS ... Zinedine Zidane is to be crowned as FIFA's World Player
of the Year ... Michael Owen will be missing until after the New Year
with a thigh injury ... Leeds chairman John McKenzie has stepped down
with a view to forming a consortium with Chinese investors ...
Sunday 14.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
A
source allegedly from close to the board say that Martin O'Neill is
the number one target for the manager's job and they realise he will
come back to the Premier League in the summer, with the directors
being confident it will be with Tottenham.
Spurs
are today being linked with a move for Jay-Jay Okocha, who may be
available free in the summer, as he hasn't signed a new deal at Bolton
Wanderers. Tottenham might nip in with a bid to tempt Bolton in
parting with the mercurial Nigerian.
Another
Nigerian Emmanuel Ekwueme, who is a left winger with Polish club Wisla
Plock, has said he has spoken to Tottenham and Bolton Wanderers about
a move to England. He is available on a Bosman transfer.
Former
Spurs manager Glenn Hoddle is being linked with the jobs at the
Australian national team and Crystal Palace.
Former
rumoured Spurs target Samuel Eto'o might be leaving Real Mallorca, but
is looking to join Arsenal, Manchester United or Chelsea.
Former
rumoured Spurs target Mateja Kezman might be leaving PSV Eindhoven,
but is looking to join Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle United or
Liverpool.
For
the latest reports of the Tottenham Hotspur Ladies teams, including
the Under-11s progress to the final of the London FA Youth Cup Final,
click here.
OTHER
NEWS ... Steven Gerrard says he might have to leave Liverpool if
they can't match his ambition ... Chelsea have reputedly had a £50
million bid for Thierry Henry turned down by Arsenal ...
Saturday 13.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
Tottenham
lost 0-4 at St. James Park to Newcastle United this afternoon.
Click here for a match report.
Jonathan
Blondel is being linked with a loan move to his former Belgian club
Mouscron.
Former
Spurs goalkeeper Ian Walker was sent off in Leicester City's match
against Birmingham City this morning.
Former
Spurs midfielder Mark Gower was one of three Southend United players
dismissed today in their 3-2 win over Swansea.
Former
Spurs winger and now manager of Hull City is being linked with the
manager's job at Crystal Palace.
OTHER
NEWS ... the FA are content that Sven Goran Eriksson will sign a
contract extension to stay as England manager ... Jermain Defoe says
he has to leave West Ham to keep in the England picture ... Wayne
Rooney left the pitch when he was approached by referee Uriah Rennie
after fighting with his won player, but had to be called back on when
only a yellow card was administered to the young Everton striker at
Portsmouth ...
Friday 12.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
Rohan
Ricketts has signed an 18 month extension to his current Spurs
contract. The midfielder said that he was grateful to David
Pleat, Glenn Hoddle and John Gorman for having faith in him at this
stage of his career.
Stephen
Carr will be offered a new contract to stay at Tottenham, as his
contract is due to run out in 18 months time.
Spurs
are reportedly watching Porto's central defender Bruno Alves, along
with Aston Villa, Bolton Wanderers and Portsmouth, while he is on loan
at Vitoria Guimaraes. Cristiano Ronaldo is also supposed to have
recommended his former team-mate to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester
United
Young
midfielder Mark Hughes has signed a year's extension to his contract
at Tottenham. The 20 year old Northern Ireland youth
international has been captaining the reserves this season and has
been playing very well.
West
Ham United are supposed to be interested in buying £2 million rated
Paul Konchesky from Charlton Athletic. The defender has been on
loan at Spurs, but will return to his club in the post-Christmas
period unless an extension is agreed. West Ham need cover at
left back and Spurs are reported to be prevaricating over a permanent
deal for the 22 year old. That SCBC have also found the £2
million price tag too hefty for such a leading club in the
division. The England international might be recalled by his
club anyway, as they are experiencing a mini-injury crisis.
Potential
management target Ronald Koeman has signed a new deal at Ajax and will
stay there until 2006.
Tampere
goalkeeper Mikko Kaven has left Spurs after being at the club for a
week on trial. The player said he wants to play in Britain, but
does not know if Tottenham will want him, as they made no indication f
the sort of keeper they were looking for.
OTHER
NEWS ... Barnsley have come out of administration ...
Thursday 11.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
Tottenham's
AGM took pace this afternoon at White's in Paxton Road. A report
of proceedings will follow tomorrow.
The
club have announced that David Pleat will staying charge of the team
until the end of the season with Chris Hughton as his assistant.
A new manager will be appointed in the summer.
Thomson
have extended their shirt sponsorship deal for another two years at a
price of £5 million.
Santos
coach Emerson Leao has said that Tottenham have made another bid for
18 year old midfielder Diego. The Brazilian club say that if
their financial demands are met he can leave and the coach is resigned
to losing him to a European side in the next month. A
spokeswoman for the club later said that the player was contracted
until 2005 and would not be going anywhere.
After
comments in the AGM that implied that Rivaldo would not be the sort of
player Pleat was looking to bring in, the player's agent confirmed
that Tottenham are not the Premier League team that are being linked
with a move for the Brazilian international recently released form his
contract by AC Milan.
The
London Evening Standard carries a story saying that FA Chief Executive
Mark Palios wants Arsenal and Spurs to share Wembley, as he doesn't
believe that Arsenal can raise the £206 million necessary to finance
their new ground. The paper goes on to say Spurs will not be
interested as they will be move into the Olympic Stadium at Stratford
if the 2012 Games come to London.
The
Standard also links Eyal Berkovic and his agent Ronnie Rosenthal being
seen at White Hart Lane with a move to Spurs by the Manchester City
midfielder, who it cites as having a house in Golders Green.
A
big money buy-in is the way that Tottenham are progressing, the
Standard also claims. They think that the reason no new manager
has been appointed, is because the club cannot commit to anything long
term without a new investor coming in at Tottenham. They are
hinting that a £100 million injection is needed, but can only happen
when ENIC increase their holding to over 51% leaving a controlling
interest to be sold on to a new owner.
OTHER
NEWS ... Besiktas have been charged with failing to control their
supporters after the Champions League tie with Chelsea ... UEFA is
backing the Premier League in the showdown with the EU about Sky TV's
domination of the market especially in football terms ... UEFA are
backing the FA in their review of drugs testing procedures ...
Wednesday 10.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
Dear
readers, following a communication I have received from the agents
acting for the FA Premier League, I will no longer be able to carry
details of future Spurs fixtures nor write match previews nor
"refer to when and where any upcoming games are being played in
either a 'fixture list' or any other method of displaying
fixtures". This will obviously affect the service that I am
able to provide to you and therefore, I will attempt to the best of my
ability to maintain the information that let's you know what is
happening and hope that this does not affect your enjoyment of the
site. To purchase a fixture list would cost somewhere between
£250 and £350 and as a non-commercial site, this is obviously a
non-starter for us. I apologise that I am not able to continue
to give you this information, but it is just another example of the FA
Premier League trying to squeeze the last brass farthing out of those
who fund the game by turning up to pay through the nose and through
the turnstile.
The
FA Cup Third Round tie against Crystal Palace will take place at White
Hart Lane on Saturday 3rd January 2004 with a 3.00 p.m. kick off.
If a replay is necessary, it will be on Wednesday 14th January at
Selhurst Park.
Simon
Davies is back in training with the first team squad and is glad to be
back out on the pitches at Spurs Lodge.
Lars
Hirschfeld has impressed Plymouth Argyle manager Paul Sturrock in his
appearance in the reserves' 3-1 win over Swansea reserves.
OTHER
NEWS ... a number of parties are in talks about a take-over at
Leeds ... UEFA are awaiting the referee's and observer's reports
before deciding whether to take action against Besiktas after the
missiles that rained down on the pitch in last night's Champion's
League match against Chelsea stage din Germany ...
Tuesday 9.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
Darren
Anderton has said that he has no idea what will happen with the talks
about a contract extension. His current deal runs out in the
summer and he has said all he can do is keep playing well for the team
and that he does not see any reason for leaving Tottenham "just
yet" !!
Some
reports claim that Stephane Dalmat wants to turn his loan deal at
Tottenham into a permanent move from Internazionale.
Lars
Hirschfeld is on trial at Plymouth Argyle with a view to a loan spell
at the Second Division club.
Young
Heart of Midlothian goalkeeper Craig Gordon is tentatively being
linked with Tottenham, although his club say there has been no
official contact about the 20 year old.
Dutch
keeper Oscar Moens, who was on trial with Spurs a little while back,
has joined Italian club Genoa.
Spurs
have officially denied that they are interested in Dynamo Kiev midfield star
Jerko Leko and said that they have not enquired about him.
Kazuyuki
Toda is on a ten day trial with Dutch club ADO Den Haag with a view to
joining them on a permanent basis. The Japanese midfielder
thinks the slower pace in the Dutch game might suit his play better
than the Premier League.
Under-19
midfielder Gareth Jenkins has been released by the club.
OTHER
NEWS ... Liverpool must qualify for the Champions League this
season as a minimum expectation according to their chairman David
Moores ... Birmingham City are ready to ban a fan for life after a
coin was thrown at Blackburn keeper Brad Friedel ...
Monday 8.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
28
year old goalkeeper Mikko Kaven of Finnish club Tampere United is
reported to be on trial at Tottenham.
Spurs
are also supposed to be on the trail of Dynamo Kiev midfield star
Jerko Leko ... according to the player himself, but the Croatian
international says he will not leave until next summer. He might
cost £6 million though.
In
their last game of 2003, Spurs Reserves beat Ipswich Town Reserves 3-0
at Broadhall Way tonight with goals from Lee Barnard 2 and Jamie
Slabber. A match report can be found here.
Graeme
Souness is to be charged with using abusive and/or insulting words to
a match official during the game against Spurs two weeks ago, when he
asked referee Graham Poll if he was a Spurs fan.
Paul
Gascoigne could be given the chance to resurrect his football career
at Sheffield Wednesday.
OTHER
NEWS ... The Manager of the Month award has gone to Bolton
Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce and Jay-Jay Okocha picked up the the
Player of the Month award ... two Irish racehorse magnates have
increased their shareholdings in Manchester United ... Lincoln City
manager Keith Alexander is out of hospital after suffering a collapse
and under-going a brain operation ... f
Sunday 7.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
Tottenham
have been drawn at home against Crystal Palace in the third Round of
the FA Cup.
David
Moyes has said he is not intending to leave Everton for the manager's
job at Spurs or at Celtic despite rumours to the contrary.
Alan
Curbishley has said that Paul Konchesky's loan to Spurs has always
been a separate deal from the one for Chris Perry and he will have
talks about the loan deal this week with Spurs..
Former
Spurs striker Nick Barmby might be allowed to join Hull City for a
nominal fee as Leeds United cannot afford to play him. Despite
his £40,000 a week wages, the former England player is not being
included in the Leeds side, because if they give him one more
appearance in the first team, they will have to pay Liverpool and
extra £250,000, which they cannot afford.
OTHER
NEWS ... Liverpool are denying that Gerard Houllier has been
offered a job with the Australian national football academy ...
England's World Cup qualifying matches with Wales and Northern Ireland
might be a security headache for the FA ...
Saturday 6.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
Spurs
beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-2 at White Hart Lane this afternoon.
A Robbie Keane hat-trick lead the way with Frederic Kanoute and
Stephane Dalmat adding the other goals. For a match report,
click here. For reaction, click here.
Former
Spurs midfielder Paul Gascoigne is said to be considering a
pay-as-you-play offer from Sheffield Wednesday.
Spurs
Under-17s won 4-2 at home to Charlton Athletic with Danny Stevens,
Charlie Lee, Scott Thyer and Claude Seanla netting for Tottenham.
Spurs
Under-19s lost 0-2 away at Charlton Athletic.
OTHER
NEWS ... England would consider picking Alan Shearer for Euro
2004 according to assistant coach Tord Grip ...
Friday 5.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
David
Pleat has told the media that whoever takes over form him as Spurs
manager will be "quids in", as he looks to do loan deals
rather than spend any money that will then be available to the new man
when he arrives. Pleat joked that of Ryan Giggs was
"spare" at Old Trafford, then he would offer to swap one of
our injured players for him n a loan deal, but more realistically
hinted that the club might be looking to bring in a goalkeeper to
allow Rob Burch to get some first team action on loan at a league club.
Pleat
has told Helder Postiga not to worry about missing in his quest for
more Tottenham goals, as he has to become single minded to score
regularly in the long run. He also sought advice from Cristiano
Ronaldo at Manchester United about the English game and how he should
approach it. His fellow Portuguese colleague has also only
scored once since joining the old Trafford side and both seem to be
finding it harder to hit the net here than in their home
country.
TOTTENHAM
TEAM NEWS : - Dean Richards with a thigh/groin problem and Bobby
Zamora's Achilles injury are the only doubts for Spurs, apart from the
long term injuries. Darren Anderton faces a late test as he
hopes to get over a foot injury obtained when kicking someone else's
studs on Wednesday, while Jonathan Blondel is still missing with a
knee injury and Pleat's one big decision is whether to play Kanoute
from the start. Rohan Ricketts is available after suffering a
calf problem that saw him leave the field against Manchester City.
WOLVERHAMPTON
WANDERERS TEAM NEWS : - Former Spurs striker Steffen Iversen
misses the match with a thigh injury (surprised ?), but Colin Cameron
and Denis Irwin are both expected to come back into the side.
Isaac Okoronkwo will miss the match with a hamstring pull.
Young
Celtic striker Craig Beattie said he was right to stay at Celtic Park
after being offered the opportunity to move to White Hart Lane last
summer. The scorer in the midweek CIS Insurance Cup win said
that Spurs are a massive club, but the only way he would have left the
Bhoys was if they didn't want him.
Leeds
United Chief Executive Trevor Birch revealed to the London Evening
Standard that when he was at Chelsea, he knew that Roman Abramovich
had talks with Spurs before Chelsea about buying into the club, but
they did not progress beyond initial talks.
Ben
Bowditch played 70 minutes of England's 0-0 draw with Colombia in the World Youth
Championship, which saw England knocked out without scoring a
goal. Phil Ifil was an unused substitute.
Stephen
Kelly's World Youth
Championship experience was bittersweet, when he scored the second
goal against Mexico to see the Republic of Ireland through to the next
round, but picked up a yellow card that will see him miss the Colombia
game with a one-match ban.
Blackburn
Rovers' goal last week has gone down as an own goal with the Dubious
Goal Panel "giving" the goal to Stephen Carr instead of the
home side's Vratislav Gresko.
Spurs
have released reserve midfielder Lee Barnett.
OTHER
NEWS ... England were placed in a World Cup qualifying group with
Poland, Austria, Wales, Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan ... Sir Alex
Ferguson has undergone a minor heart operation, which should not
affect his duties at Old Trafford ... but he has apologised for the
comments he made about the FA and Arsenal doing a deal over the
suspensions and fines they received after the "Old Trafford
Affair" ... Leeds United are reputedly for sale at £25 million,
although another £15 million might be needed for a new manager to
keep some of the big stars ... Ryan Gigs has been banned form Wales'
next two matches in competitive internationals (World Cup qualifying)
after being handed the punishment by UEFA for elbowing a Russian
defender in the face during the Euro 2004 play-off first leg ...
Wolves have failed in a bid for Rivaldo ...
Thursday 4.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
After
his goal yesterday, Helder Postiga has been linked to a move for him
by Barcelona, but the Portuguese striker said that he is determined to
triumph at Tottenham and has not heard about any enquiry for him.
Postiga
has also told about how he was not upset by the growing pressure to
score his first goal for the club. He said that he has always
regarded the most important thing as the club winning and that his
personal search for a goal came secondary to that. He said that
he was worried, as David Pleat told him not to score again as he would
get sent off if he threw his shirt into the crowd again, as he had
done with his initial effort !!
The
London Evening Standard is linking Tottenham with a move in January
for Leeds United keeper Paul Robinson. Having been rumoured to
be after him in the summer, Tottenham might return for him as a
replacement for Neil Sullivan and they might find Leeds willing to let
him go to avoid having to sell Alan Smith. His price might well
be a lot less than the £3 million they were wanting previously.
Jonathan
Blondel, suffering from a knee injury currently, has said that he
would prefer to go on loan to a French or Belgian Premier League club
if was to go on loan from Tottenham rather than join Burnley
temporarily. Failing that, the young Belgian international has
said he would prefer to stay at White Hart Lane.
Darren
Anderton is said to be on the verge of having to take a cut in salary
to get a new contract at Tottenham. Reports indicate that, as
the highest wage-earner at the club (allegedly on £24,000 a week), he
is likely to be asked to reduce his earnings if the club are to offer
a new deal to him. Portsmouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers are
said to be watching the situation with regard to his contract talks
and might be encouraged by Pleat's comments that he will not be sold
in the January transfer window, unless the right price is
offered. The paper picks a price of £1.5 million that might
persuade Spurs to part with Anderton after 11 years service.
In
addition to Anderton, the London Evening Standard claims that several
other big money stars might be moved on by the club as Daniel Levy
tries to re-negotiate their contracts. The Standard reckons that
some of the more experienced (and well paid) players at the club have
been offered a deadline to talk about a reduced deal otherwise they
might be shipped out of the club in the summer. Director of
Football and acting manager David Pleat has said that other clubs are
taking a similar stance with older players and Spurs will not be
looking at their deals until later in the season.
Fredi
Kanoute has revealed to the Standard that Muzzy Izzet has left a
message on his mobile phone to apologise for the tackle that put him
out for a month. The Foxes midfielder injured Kanoute's ankle in
added-on time in Spurs' match at the Walkers Stadium on October 19th,
from which he only made his first appearance since overcoming it last
night.
Kevin
Keegan said he faced the hardest half-time team-talk of his career
last night as Manchester City came in 0-2 down and had turned in a
gutless display. He said that he had to hand out the biggest
rollicking of his life to try and get them back into the game, but it
was too late and all they were playing for in the second half was
pride.
Manchester
United midfielder Nicky Butt could be a January target for Spurs, as
he has now dropped behind Phil Neville in the midfield pecking order
at Old Trafford.
Potential
Spurs managerial target Guus Hiddink has said he is thinking over an
offer to act in an advisory role to the Chinese national side in their
qualifying games for the 2006 World Cup final sin Germany.
OTHER
NEWS ... Aston Villa terminate Bosko Balaban's contract with the
club, with the Croatian playing barely a game in the Premiership after
being signed for £6 million ... Leeds United have a month's stay of
administration after three of their major creditors agreed a £6
million package ...
Wednesday 3.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
Spurs
beat Manchester City 3-1 in the Fourth Round of the Carling Cup
tonight, with Darren Anderton, Helder Postiga and Fredi Kanoute
scoring the goals. For a match report, click here.
For reaction, click here.
Spurs
have been drawn at home to Middlesbrough in the quarter finals, with
the match to be played during the week starting Monday 15th December.
Gus
Poyet's broken wrist is on the mend. The Spurs website says that
the specialist who has looked at it thinks that he can continue
training and playing without needing an operation.
Three
Premiership clubs are chasing the signature of Rivaldo, who is a free
agent after having his AC Milan contract cancelled.
You
have your chance to vote for the London Sports Personality of the Year
2003 at http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/sport/personality2003.shtml
Use your vote wisely.
OTHER
NEWS ... West Brom. dump Man Utd. out of the cup while Bolton win
at Anfield ... England are in the top group of seeds for the World Cup
qualifying draw to take place on Friday ... The Premier League is
against FIFA chief Sepp Blatter's idea of reducing top European
leagues to sixteen clubs ... the Portsmouth team coach narrowly
avoided a crash after a 14 vehicle pile-up on the M27 happened right
on front of them ... Notts. County have come out of administration
...
Tuesday 2.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
David
Pleat will name an unchanged squad for tomorrow's Carling Cup tie
against Manchester City, with us Poyet and Jonathan Blondel still
ruled out.
Blondel
might get some first team action soon, but it is likely to be at
Burnley's Turf Moor, where he is scheduled to go on loan when he
recovers from his knee knock.
Rumours
that Spurs might be ready to have Fredi Kanoute back on the bench for
the Carling Cup game, might be a bit premature.
Darren
Anderton s considering his future, as his contract talks have been
delayed and the midfielder is said to be unhappy with the situation.
If his talks are on hold, he can legitimately talk to clubs from
January 1st and sort out a summer move or Spurs might cash in on him,
if there are interested parties during the January transfer window.
Tottenham
are being linked with a move for Rennes' Czech goalkeeper Peter Cech.
Arsenal, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona have all been
interested in the former Sparta Prague keeper in the past.
Neil
Lennon has urged Celtic to sign Robbie Keane to take over from the
outgoing Swede Henrik Larsson at the end of the season.
England
Under-20s lost 0-1 to Egypt in the World Youth Championships in Saudi
Arabia and Philip Ifil played the whole match, while Ben Bowditch
remained on the bench as an unused substitute.
The
Republic of Ireland drew 2-2 with Ivory Coast in the World Youth
Championship match with Spurs defender Stephen Kelly played the whole
90 minutes.
OTHER
NEWS ... Man Utd. might appeal against the fines dished out to
Giggs and Ronaldo yesterday by the FA ... an oil sheik has said he is
in the initial stages of investing in a share issue at Leeds United,
even thoguh they are just days away from going into administration ...
Joe Cole got fined £15,000 and a two match ban for his actions while
playing for West ham at the end of a match at Bolton last season
...
Monday 1.12.2003
(For other Spurs history on this day click here)
Stephen
Carr will not face any action against him for an altercation with a
ball boy who failed to return the ball to him near the end of the
match at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday. It is alleged that Dean
Richards had to hold Carr back when the child made a hand gesture at
him when Carr wanted the ball back swiftly. Richards confirmed
that the ball-boy had been consistently dropping the ball on the floor
for Spurs players to pick it up and had been deliberately slow in his
duties.
Graeme
Souness was apparently dismissed from the touchline on Saturday in the
match against Blackburn Rovers for shouting "I didn't know you
were a Spurs fan ?" to referee Graham Poll !! The piece in
the London Evening Standard claims Poll is a QPR supporter !!
Espanyol
are planning a loan deal for Helder Postiga in the January transfer
window according to Sky Sports.
Brentford
have confirmed to Sky Sports that goalkeeper Paul Smith is training
with Spurs this week on trial. He had a similar period at SCBC,
who are supposed to be still interested in the England Under-21
keeper.
Former
Spurs transfer target Nigel Reo-Coker has had talks with Crystal
palace and he will speak to Cardiff City in the next couple off days
about a potential £750,000 move from Wimbledon.
Spurs
are supposedly watching Lens goalkeeper Charles Itandje along with
Liverpool. The youngster has impressed in the 12 league games he
has played since becoming the number one at his club and he has had a
trial on Merseyside already with Gerard Houllier keeping track of his
progress.
AC
Milan have confirmed that they have released Rivaldo from his contract
with the club. Therefore, the 31 year old is free to find
himself a new club as a free agent in January.
Phil
Ifil and Ben Bowditch were unused substitutes for England Under-20s as
they lost 0-1 to Japan in their first match in the World Championships
in Saudi Arabia.
OTHER
NEWS ... Rio Ferdinand's drugs test case will be heard on
December 18 and 19 at Bolton ... both Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo
have been fined after the Old Trafford bust-up with Arsenal weeks back
now. Giggs got £7,500 and Ronaldo £4,000 ... After the
accident at Wolves at the weekend, the FA are to look at banning
firework displays at football grounds ... Man Utd. have a new four
year sponsorship deal with Vodaphone worth £36 million ...
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