In good company - Cooky was a Yid.

The aftermath of this transfer window has seen the baby well and truly thrown out with the bathwater. From season tickets being unrenewed as the last vestages of faith evapourated, to accounts on forums being suspended as tempers frayed and reason turned to unbridled teeth nashing.

Three games in and already two Premiership clubs have imploded. Cave In Keegan has splahed it all over the press he had to go and Curbs has hit the kerb. Geordies are considering an insurrection and threats to boycott the Bolton game have been made.  

Manchester City fans were dancing in the streets as their new owners produced Liberia's Deficit from beneath their sheets. They're parking camels where the taxi's used to be, but how long will their interest in City actually last?

East Stand Danny emailed this over last night and it's well worth a read. We need as fans to move on. Me included. All this talk of kidnapping and opportunities lost, bungled or otherwise are all well and good, but we here now, been here before and we are in deep.

WINDOW ON THE WORLD

I like most other Spurs fans, watched with baited breath as the summer transfer window opened - swept in an age of rumours, gossip, enthusiasm, pessimism, optimism, disappointment, and 60,000 online managers – then it closed.  Leaving us Spurs fans well and truly split…. Massively split.  Super split.  Hadjuk split.

Whilst some of us have a huge sense of confidence in the squad that we’ve put together in this time and the way in which our management team have conducted certain business, others (and I believe the archaic old fashioned pessimistic types) seem to view the way in which we’ve conducted our business this summer to be negative, small club minded and ultimately a failure on all levels.

Before I tell you more… before you all say… who’s this nugget? I am dreadfully disappointed with our striking options, especially the message we’ve sent out in taking Campbell on loan without a fee agreed in the event that the talented boy is a success.  I think Pav-lechanmanwinko will be a fab addition to our options, and hope Darren Bent will turn in to the striker with the prowess we all saw in both of his pre-seasons, and more importantly, the finish that bled hope in the result against Chelski.

’m here to defend Levy. (GASP, SHOCK HORROR)

The same people I’ve called archaic are the same people that last year stood in the stands, screaming in disbelief at the treatment of Martin Jol, how on earth could we have done this?  What benefit would it have to our club?  The same people I stood at Wembley with later that year, and chanted Juande’s name… a new belief that the right man for the job was in his seat.  The simple fact is, we are in a ruthless ruthless business, and our chairman has at times needed to be full of that… Ruthlessness.  The time was right, the right man was there… and whilst we all couldn’t see its benefit, he went and did it…. And my oh my oh my, what a great decision it was.

Why’ve I mentioned that? That’s all in the past, and lets judge him on his current performance. I believe its been admirable, ballsy, respectful of our faithful, and honest.  At the same time, he’s stood toe to toe with United, that Scottish lemon… and I believe he’s been the victor.

Ok, lets do that….. so we kicked off the summer with the acquisition of Modric, a player that we would’ve struggled to get near had we waited til after the summer…. Well done Mr Levy, a great signing.

We then got Dos Santos… I almost creamed.  What a talent.  What a prospect. And what a fabulous price.  Well done Mr Levy.

Bentley… oh David Bentley…. I have an affection for this players ability that is deep, and sincere… this boys a player, and we got him at a price that Blackburn must retch at.  We held out, and we got our man.  Not sure about that badge kissing stuff David – we don’t need to know that – just bang a goal or two in, and feed that pavlyunani til he’s filled to the brim.  Well done Mr Levy.

I’ve already spoken about Pavlyugecko.  I’m not gonna say a word – you wait and see.  ‘He’ll be like Rebrov he will’ – oh would you shut up.  He’s nothing like Rebrov… first of all, he doesn’t look like he’s just come off a yellow bus.  He does look a bit like Cameron Diaz though… anyone noticed that?

Then there were the Robbie Keane, and Berbatov situations.  Issues that pulled apart the hearts of all of us.  Lets get this straight, from the off… we were never going to be able to keep either of them.  As our chairman told us, early, respectfully and honestly.. they just didn’t want to be there, their heads were turned, they were out the door, and there was nothing that could be done, apart from broker the best deals for OUR club.  Yes, OUR CLUB.

So, along came Liverpool…. 20m, yes please thank you very much, good night, god bless.  Robbies been great at times for spurs – but 20 million is a lot of money for a player like him.  Robbie Keanes are ten to a dozen… you might not want to hear it, because this is a man who has given us great times, but he’s not worth that.  Him, along with the likes of Robbo were helping our club go stale.  Controlling the dressing, creating unrest…. If Robbie was such an Ambassador, what happened with his strops last year when the manager made decisions? He behaved like Robbo did… Poor me, poor me…. 

Then theres Berbatov – he was gone last year.. his head away from spurs, thinking about which city centre he’s gonna hang around smoking fags next.  Levy held out, long and hard… did he get bullied? No. He waited, and waited, prepared to let the guy sit in the stands…. Until old Trafford could bare it no longer…. 30.75 thanks.  Take him.  The players were fed up of him, we needed shot of him… simple.

I already mentioned im not happy with the Campbell situation…. But, and it’s a big BUT… wouldn’t it have been silly to do another Rasiak?  So we couldn’t get the right deals on other targets… it happens, even at Chelski over Robinho.  What we have done, is got a decent option in, whilst we go about working on new deals for permanent players.

IN ALL OF THIS – my exemplifying comfort comes from Levy running our club.  We’ve signed big players, we’ve kept up with the Big guns in the market… we’ve hardly spent a penny as we’ve cleaned out our closet of players that just aren’t gonna crack it.  We have a manger that oozes a winning mentality, one that we can trust, one that every player we’ve signed has mentioned. Man City have just become the new Chelsea, and in the way our club is run financially, we have no fear about standing in the same arena… Our club is being run like a business at the right time, and a football club at others.  He’s got the fans in mind.  He is one.

Well done Mr Levy.

 

This just in then. From the Chairman of The Spurs Supporters Trust, no less.

I don't know if he was remotely corrupt in any way and if his detractors were actually on to something, but either way, a man's family ought be left out it.

I am writing to you today to let you know that at the Trust Board meeting on June 3rd 2008, I told my Board colleagues that I will be standing down as chairman of the Trust at the next AGM after almost 6 years.

Having been involved from the very start of the Trust, as a member of the original steering committee, it has been a genuine privilege to have been chairman. I have met some wonderful people across the country and indeed internationally that follow this great Club of ours and I look forward to staying in touch with as many of them as possible.

There are three main reasons behind my decision to stand down. Firstly, my responsibilities at work mean it is becoming increasingly difficult to dedicate the amount of time that is needed to the Trust at certain key times. Secondly, the time has come for someone else to take over and thirdly, with the chairmanship comes a level of exposure that sometimes results in a very high level of abuse, insinuation and accusation from some quarters. On a personal level, being fairly thick skinned I have managed and accepted that. However, when the mark is overstepped and my family are subjected to the same, I need to draw the line and I am doing so now.
In making this announcement ahead of the AGM, it will hopefully allow other Trust members to step forward and consider standing for election to the Board of the Trust, details of that process will be sent in due course by our Secretary. In the meantime, please note the date of the AGM in your diary - 30th October and full details will be confirmed shortly. As a reminder, it is the Trust Board that elects the Chairman from the Board after the AGM.

I will be staying on the Board and my role as Trustee of the Tottenham Tribute Trust is not affected by this announcement.

In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Trust members,and indeed many other supporters who are not members of the Trust for their support and encouragement during my time as Chairman.

Yours in Spurs

Daniel

04.09.08

Bully's Star Prizes this week leave many Tottenham fans reeling and not just at the thought of taking a newly won speedboat back to their second floor flat in Wolverhampton.

In One.

Emile Heskey. As big as a caravan but with fewer amenities. If Mido only ever did one thing for us, it was staying at Boro. A fine hold up player but not blessed with Keane's inventiveness - he'd have never come up with the he was a boyhood Liverpool fan story. Stalwart. Plodder.

In Two.

Dean Ashton. Deany. Deano. The D Man. Tinted oaf. Curbishley was and I quote, "Absolutely gutted" to leave West Ham. One reason and there were twenty seven was the Chairman's desire to flog their star striker to us. How much is that pikey in the window? A horrific Iro £16 million (ono) would've secured the services of this plank. N17 would have been polluted with the smell of Fahrenheit Pour Homme and burning season tickets.

In Three.

Micheal Owen. Little boy lost. Two wild rumours doing the rounds include that he is currently being subjected to an enforced wage cut and that his agent has taken a box. At White Hart Lane. Will he leave Toon? Would he join us? Would he score goals? The simple answer is possibly. He is desperate to reclaim form of old and time is against him. More of an out and out Keane replacement I could not invent.

 

Well, I did my best to keep it a little more upbeat today but this surely has to be the last of the window blues. There can't be any more naff news.

THFC or rather Executive Director Paul Barber has been busy replying to emails various from Tottenham fans everywhere it seems.

Mine just arrived and I understand others got the same.

We have signed Frazier Campbell on a 12 month loan deal. We do not have a specific option to buy him at the end of the loan period.

We all need to remember that we also make loan arrangements with other clubs for our players fully expecting a promising young player to return to White Hart Lane.

So there you have it. Having viewed some You Tube footage he looks the part, but ait must be said all against pretty poor opposition. Now this.

I think we have to focus on the good that was done this window and move on from our car crash dealings with Manchester United.

 

This is an interesting and equally importantly a more positive read so I wholesaled it off Spurs Odious for you all. Member 'ari gold' was fortunate enough to meet up with Chris Gunter and here's the quotes...

Particularly pleasing to read the goalkeeper comments. No one likes a witch hunt but there was clearly as much up with Robbo as met the eye.

We need need players like Gomes. As was pointed out earlier, in the tunnel at Second Hand Fridge he knew everyone. A real character. Then went out there and made our performance. BIOYC.

Now, enjoy...

"OK, Gunter did a presser (sic) yesterday for nationals in England and the Welsh regionals...

- Dimitar, how do you feel among this constellation of football stars in Manchester United?
- You can see how happy and excited I am. My dream to play football on the highest level and count sterling in another English City has come true. I want to show the best I can in Manchester. I play for Bulgaria and if I play well, you will write well. I would like to open another bank account here and give a big thank you to all the participants in this transfer and to the management of Tottenham, who gave me the green light at 2340hrs last night to pursue my goals. I am also grateful to the players and the fans of FC Tottenham for not burning down my old appartment. Still, I think the biggest thank you should go to my grasping, whoring pimp Emil Danchev.
- Who was the first person in Manchester United to tap you up?
- Manchester United have been interested in me since I came to play in England. They made me an offer while I was still playing for Leverkusen, but it so happened that I went in Tottenham. Thus the management of United could see what eye rolling I can do on the pitch.
- What's your goal in Manchester United?
- My goal was to put on the red jersey. From now on I am focused on my performance in the team. I am now part of the strongest football team in the world. I will find it a challenge to defend my reputation of a good sulker and manic depressive. I want to give joy to the squirells of the world.
- What did you say to Sir Alex, yesterday?
- I am flattered that he gave me so much of his time. As you already know, he personally came to pick me up at the airport and drove me to the camp beneath one of his very own blankets. It was a shock to me. Mr. Ferguson is a nice person and it was a sheer pleasure to get to know him even if I arrived smelling of dog. But so off with the formalities now he is my coach and I am one of his players.
- Was there much water tension before the transfer?
- The relations between Manchester United and Tottenham are quite tense and some minor clashes are quite normal, but the important thing is that all ended well and Mr Gil allowed me use of the facilities once I was out of the car.
- Why didn't you accept the offer of Man. City?
- I have other priorities. Money is not all important. I wanted to play in Manchester United and I was determined to join them. I can live on 1,000 pounds, as well as on 50,000 pounds. It makes little difference for me.
- Will you manage to focus on the qualifier against Montenegro?
- I am a professional, so I have to do it. All I am thinking about now is my hair. I should be a paragon for professional conduct, but I must admit it's not that easy.
- Is it true that you no longer dream of Spainish money?
- While I was playing in Germany, the Euros felt good. I had a dream of going to play in Spain some day. I liked the style they have there with wire transfers, but it so happened that I came to play in England as I feel the Queen's head adds character to the notes.
- The number 9 jersey in Manchester United has been worn by such football legends like Giggs and Cantona, do you feel it heavy on your shoulders?
- There are many idols in United. Maybe this will not happen, but I do not want much ado about me. I want to integrate in the team and to show the best I can do on the pitch. "Wha a faahkern debut use collected poarmssh will have against a team as schtrong as Lillapul!?"  Sir Alex told me before he lost his balance.
I have played in such important matches, but I know I will be feeling butterflies in my stomach!
- Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Berbatov. It sounds very good, doesn't it?
- As we say in Bulgaria... The turnip in my hand is the one my Aunt chose for me.

Original interview courtesy of Standart HERE and then partially doctored by me.

Snap courtesy of Mike.

 

This is good.

A poster on BBC 606 emailed Executive Director Paul Barber at Tottenham.

And appears to have gotten a personalised response. Here's both emails. And well done, Mr Barber. 

Hi,

As a season ticket holder and an extremely passionate supporter I was just wondering why the £31Million we made from the Berbatov sale wasn’t used to buy another striker.

For me the Uefa cup over the last 2 years has been fantastic, travelling to Leverkusen, Seville, PSV. The only disappointment has been the failure to reach the final stages of the competition. With the excellent additions in midfield and signing a great goalkeeper this summer I was really optimistic in progressing in Europe. Since 12am this morning my feelings have slightly changed. We are now going into a European competition with 2 strikers. Neither striker has scored in Europe, and the other striker has never even scored in the premiership. From having 4 good strikers with the perfect balance of height, strength, pace, and skill, we now have 3, of whom maybe one of them is a proven goal scorer at the highest level (Pavyluchenko), but not in England.

Don’t get me wrong some of the signings this seasons have been brilliant, especially with players like Bentley and Modric, but you cant win games without goals. Do you agree with having only Darren Bent and Fraizer Campbell for our Uefa Cup campaign? Do you agree with the fact that we always knew Berbatov was going to go for 25million +, so why we havent used that money to add more quality?

Thank you for taking the time to read. I look forward to your reply.

Regards,
Daniel


Dear Daniel,

Thank you for your e-mail.

Berbatov has been replaced by Pavyluchenko. He is proven international striker with 9 goals in 23 internationals and 77 goals in 147 appearances for Spartak Moscow.

Keane has been replaced by the attacking combination of Giovanni Dos Santos (a young Mexican with 6 international caps and 28 games for Barcelona), David Bentley (an England International), Luka Modric (a Croatian international) and Frazier Campbell (a young and exciting emerging talent). He was not a “last minute panic buy” – he is on loan to us for a season.

The Club will shortly issue a statement on the transfer window business and we will refer to the issue of buying another striker.

I think you will find that this answers your queries. Please keep an eye on www.tottenhamhotspur.com

Regards, Paul


Paul Barber
Executive Director

Tottenham Hotspur Football & Athletic Co Ltd
Bill Nicholson Way
748 High Road
London
N17 0AP

 

Gary Jacob in today's Times online says Tottenham were definately panic buying yesterday.

A £10 million bid was placed for West Ham's Carlton Cole.

And an approach (with no proposed fee disclosed) was also made for Wigan's Emile Heskey. The Heskey move amounted to nothing as Wigan were reliant upon Boro parting with Mido to faciltate the move.

It has to be questioned as to why a multi million pound PLC would get themselves in such a mess where they were scratching around in the last hours of the last day of a three month long window for... well, scraps.

There is no getting away from the fact that we had made some sensational signings this season. The imagination displayed has been admirable. Bentley is an excellent player with the potential to be a great one. Dos Santos is what I'd call very Tottenham - he will wow us. Modric and Pavlyuchenko have proved themselves to be amongst the most exciting players around internationally.  

There were undoubtedly some good intentions. But what happened next?

The deal with Berbatov was clearly mismanaged from the off. Were THFC in denial? Did it really take him formally 'not being in the right frame of mind' before the ramifications of his departure dawned on the board?

My point being that I bet you anything you want that Fraizer Campbell's name was never on any wish list of Wendy's. They may have had a small effigy of him surrounded by lit candles in bl**dy Hull, but he was merely just another trinklet thrown in with the beads and mirrors that PaleAleFace threw in with the Berbatov lolly.

The Keane fiasco was in fairness a shock to everyone. The little runt had disguised his ambition to bail on us by announcing his desire to end his career at The Lane only weeks before he scuttled off to be Mr SubbedAlot in Merseyside.

So what was the Club's strategy? For all the digs about dodgy Ruskies etc, Zenit St Petersburg made on thing abundantly clear which they stuck to and that was that they wanted paying. The fee was always going to be horrendous but never in excess of €25 million. Yes, the involvement of the agents was perhaps even more parasitic than usual.

But then so what. You bite your tongue and wash your hands afterwards.

The situation this morning would have been unrecognisably improved had we offloaded the Bulgarian rat to City. If if's and and's were pots and pans there'd be no need for tinkers, eh?

However you cannot TELL a player who he has to play for.

But where we notionally had control was in the sourcing of another striker. And in that we monumentally blew it. It doesn't undo the good of the great aquisitions, but it does terrify me that an elegant attack force of Keane and Berbatov could have been part replaced by a Cole, a third rate journeyman or Heskey, a wardrobe on wheels.

This fog of dispodency will lift because I'm still in love with the old girl, but the schlep to January will require a number of our lot to really deliver and by that I mean goals.

Bent must come good. Crazy Paving must be our Torres.

BIOYC

 

The Berbatov story unfolding today is in actual fact a consensual kidnapping being witnessed by millions. One that will not be sewn up by the close of this window.

A bid for the Bulgarian berk was accepted from the Love, Honour & Obey cast members at Manchester City before tee off today and yet the unparalled, unchecked arrogance of that Grump from Goven still knows no bounds. He even had a nominated driver collect our employee from the airport.

It was always wishing that this troublesome charge could be flogged into service with a more convenient, more anonymous master. The Bulgarian'a wretched desire to infest the Old Trafford once he'd realised Newcastle were rubbish these days was always going to be a huge stumbling block.

Alan Nixon has contributed accurately for the whole of this window on many player/club/transfer issues, even those that weren't Bentleycentric. He posts regularly on a Rovers forum and he says of the Berbatov situation,

"There's someone around here who knows the details better than me, but there is quite a situation brewing over Berbatov.

Put it this way Stroke Boy will go pink when he realises this won't be resolved by midnight, while the other Sky boys will be waffling on until midnight in the rain.

But the fun has only just begun on this one.

I think it will be the biggest row you have ever heard of and repercussions that could affect the whole of football."

You heard it here second.

"Daniel. Yeah... Harry here. Yes, I got that bread & butter pudding, delicious. As ever. Look, Sir Whatsis Face. You've called them already? Triffic. Your boys at Vadar & Sons will really need to... no, no, that's great. Slice the bitches up. Good call. Speak to you soon. No, no...I can't really talk either. I do too dear."