Tottenham Hotspur

Bentley enjoys immediate Spurs impact

admin — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 11:40:00 +0000

David Bentley has vowed to light up White Hart Lane just like his boyhood hero Paul Gascoigne.

And just two days into his Tottenham career we have already been handed a sneak preview of the ability our new signing has to carry the torch of our progression under Juande Ramos.

His words in the press have been refreshing. The 23 year-old speaks with passion about returning “home” to Spurs, the club he grew up near and who his best mates fanatically support.

He has banished any of his Arsenal roots claiming he cannot wait to grace the turf in his first ever north London derby on October 29 when he dreams of scoring the winner at the Emirates.

His ambitions do not stop there either. Bentley says Spurs can achieve anything the players set their mind to - in reference to gate crashing the Premier League’s domineering top four.

But maybe the most exciting prospect of Bentley’s arrival is his intention live up to his big money price tag and entertain us in the same way as Gazza. He has vowed to dazzle for a club he says has “a place in his heart”.

So Bentley passed the first test with flying colours revving up the engine ahead of a new season and increasing optimism just days after it threatened to come crashing down with the departure of Robbie Keane.

But as has been proved so many times in the past words are cheap and it is ultimately performances on the pitch rather than promises in the media centre which will determine his success.

And Bentley didn’t do too badly in that department either. The right winger took no time at all in opening his Spurs account, scoring in only his first 45 minutes for the club, in last night’s 2-0 win over Celtic in the Jubilee Trophy.

It may have been a tap in but the England hopeful offered much more on an encouraging Spurs debut. His ability to deliver consistent quality balls in and the around penalty shone through even in the infancy of his Tottenham career, and we can expect much more of the same from the hungry wide man as the season gets underway.

All in all, you can be none other than pleased with the addition of Bentley to our ranks this week. His signing ticks all the boxes with only a question mark hanging over the ‘value for money’ column.

Maybe we have paid slightly over the odds for our new man but we can thank Arsenal’s 40% sell on clause for that atrocity.

To be quite honest I couldn’t care how much we paid for Bentley this summer if he proves to be a success on the pitch. If he can provide us with the lack of with and delivery into the box we have been missing over the past few seasons, it will be money well spent.

Bentley may also be the answer to getting the best from his main competitor for a starting spot, Aaron Lennon.

The former Leeds man has flattered to deceive in recent months but the arrival of a possible successor to his throne on the right side of the Spurs midfield may yet produce the finest form of his young career.

This is not all Bentley can add. If he can take us to the next level, score the winner against Arsenal and fill the void as the club’s next Gazza, who cares if we paid £15 million for the pleasure.

By the winger’s own admission, he has a heck of a lot to prove next season but there is all the evidence to suggest he has the bit between the teeth to be a hit at White Hart Lane.

Forget the past, you are Spurs now. Let’s see what you’re made of…

One hell of a week…

admin — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:31:00 +0000

Spurs Offside look back at an action-packed week in N17 with the rumour mill gathering pace as we edge closer to the new campaign…

Spurs steal tips Jordan

The week began with a stroke of excellent news for Tottenham after the tribunal was held to conclude the deal seeing John Bostock join White Hart Lane from across the capital.

Juande Ramos escaped proceedings being told to pay just £700,000 for the Eagles’ 16-year-old gem.

After Spurs had previously offered Palace more in the original deal - the South London Chairman Simon Jordan was left seething. And rightly so.

He has seen one of his club’s brightest ever talents stolen right from under his nose at a pittance. You have to laugh. After all it makes a change for Spurs to get the right side of a bargain these days.

But Jordan’s fury could not be any more justified. Who are we to be the enforcer of such sporting robbery? I am afraid it is just one of the many signs of the demise to the game of football.

On this occasion we have profited but who is to say years down the line we may not turn victim to a similar instance. And if Bostock does become merely the next Wayne Routledge, the club should probably take a long hard look at themselves. We owe it to our fellow Football League clubs and the best young English players, to act honourably.

I hope this is not just another example of the game’s biggest clubs exerted their powers, simply because they can. I hope Tottenham are better than that.

Poyet laughs at United

After the first piece of excellent news last week, a second shortly followed.

Amidst rising speculation the Spurs No 2 Gus Poyet could be moving to Old Trafford to become Sir Alex Ferguson’s new right-hand man - the Uruguayan proved the gossip was just that. Pure rumour.

With the future of several of the club’s most prized personnel still hanging finely in the balance, Poyet gave the club such a welcomed boost.

While the press would have us think the club was close to collapse, ‘Gus’ stepped in to explain it as myth.

He said the thought of leaving either the team’s manager or players could not be further from his mind. Simply brilliant. What a lift this news provided us with.

A departing quartet?

Next up came a quite simply outrageous transfer bid from Premiership rivals Sunderland.

The Black Cats boss Roy Keane was reported to have launched a £23 million offer for the services of Younes Kaboul, Teemu Tainio, Pascal Chimbonda and Steed Marlbranque.

With it well documented Ramos was looking to trim the squad for further summer strengthening this somewhat crazy transfer pitch gradually became quite appealing.

Ramos’ resolve to tighten his ranks was tested to the ultimate. Could he have the nerve to enforce the shake-up he had promised?

The more we thought about the deal the more it seemed good money. It is crazy but just maybe it was going to happen. Until Kaboul hit the press room.

The Frenchmen stoked the fire claiming he wouldn’t move to Weirside even if there was an earthquake. His skills talking to the media still need brushing up. It is not the first time this year he has caused a stir in the newspapers.

Meanwhile, ‘Chimbo’ was quick to meet with ‘Keano’ and is understood to be close to agreeing terms with the club. Since the arrival of Alan Hutton, I suspect there will not be many fans sad to see the back of him despite spells of solidity at the club.

While seeing the back Tainio and Marlbranque would be a little more disappointing, I think it is probably within their best interests to seek new challenges after some of the names enrolled this summer.

This week should bring a conclusion. The departure of all four would not be a surprise. Although I doubt they will all rock up at the Stadium of Light.

Levy blasts United and Liverpool

With the speculation still rife surrounding the futures of Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane, Daniel Levy attempted to appease fans with a statement of intent published on the club’s official website slamming the chasing parties.

While it is honourable to see such fight to retain our most valuable assets, it remains to be seen whether this will have influence on the players’ destination come August.

While the reports linking Keane away from the club have angered me greatly, I believe our chances of retaining the Bulgarian are slim. And if possible even slimmer after this week’s events

A good effort Levy it must be said but actions are needed not words.

If they are still here when the transfer window slams shut he can bask in the plaudits. But until then, maybe we should put it down to a top piece of PR.

Wing duo still on the cards

David Bentley and Diego Capel may still grace the Spurs colours next season, it emerged this week.

While Aston Villa pulled the plug on a further move for the Blackman man, Capel admitted his head could be turned by a bid from former boss Ramos.

While both players are valued at £17 million, the sale of others now seems somewhat essential for these deals to materialise. But we should not give up hope yet.

Just seven days ago the chance of signing either of these talents seemed next to none. But perhaps we should take heart from the new found glimmer.

This week has given us the green light to chase our men.

Berbatov fined?

The Bulgarian was docked £40,000 of wages according to the Sunday newspapers, for continuing his sulks at our pre-season regime in Spain.

You can toss a coin as to whether you believe the stories but I sense things may be turning particularly nasty regarding Berbatov’s future and inevitable exit.

This claim is strengthened with further reports Sir Alex Ferguson is plotting a legal case after Levy’s comments towards the Red Devils on Friday.

I have a sneaky feeling this deal is destined not to run smoothly.

If next week provides us with half as much drama, we could be in for an absolute cracker.

Check back on the Spurs Offside for the latest reaction from events in the Tottenham camp.

Law century for Lancs in Durham double-header

admin — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 21:24:00 +0000

STUART Law smashed 143 in Lancashire's double clash with County Championship rivals Durham in the latest games on their pre-season trip to Cape Town.

Feeling Bad for Loney

admin — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 18:55:00 +0000

What more does this guy have to do. He is ready for the big show. Unfortunately, the Dodgers are not ready to keep him in Los Angeles. There are roadblocks everywhere. No room at 1st-base and the outfield is looking crowded. Usually this is a good problem, but I fear that Loney's patience may start to wear thin.

"I came here to work hard to help the team win and I can't do that in Las Vegas," he said.

This is the second day in a row he has made some disconcerting remarks. Grady Little adds the following.

"We have to consider the number of at-bats we'd get James," Little said. "We don't want to slow him down and have him go backward and then something happens here and he has to jump in. He needs to be ready."

At the end of the day, it is my belief that the aging veterans on the team will need intermittent rest throughout the season- if not replacement due to injury. In a long Baseball season it is bound to happen. So, even if Loney is sent to Las Vegas now, I expect he will end the season with more at-bats then in 2006. I just hope James understands the plan.

In agreeance with SoSG, if Colletti trades Loney, or even welcomes the thought of it, I will go crazy.

LA Times Story Link:

RotoWorld Link:

Previewing Third Base

admin — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 18:23:00 +0000

Mike Lowell returns for his second and likely last season in Boston. Lowell performed well above expectations last season after his very poor 2005 season.

Lowell is projected by Bill James for another solid season in Fenway putting up .273/.341/.452 numbers with 18 HR, 77 RBI and 36 doubles.

Corner infield backup Eric Hinske who will also see time around the outfield is projected for a .257 average with 10 HR, 38 RBI and 43 runs according to Bill James.

PECOTA has very similar numbers for Lowell, .273/.333/.441 with 15 HR, 74 RBI and 33 doubles.

My predictions for these two players are a bit above Bill James and PECOTA.

Lowell: .285 with 24 HR, 42 doubles and 88 RBI.
Hinske: .280 with 13 HR, 21 doubles and 55 RBI.

Opening Day Roster Set

admin — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 18:07:00 +0000

The Boston Red Sox have set there opening day roster by informing Kyle Snyder and Javy Lopez they have both made the 25-man roster.

Both will serve in the bullpen until Mike Timlin is activated from the DL.

Craig Hansen was sent to Pawtucket this morning and Manny Delcarmen was informed he didn't make the 25-man roster.

Alex Ochoa also accepted a minor league assignment from Boston.

Delcarmen could still find himself on the opening day roster if Boston can find a trade partner for Joel Piniero who's value to the team is very low now that Jonathan Papelbon was moved back to closer. With Jon Lester, Devern Hansack and Kason Gabbard in Pawtucket he has no value as a starter with the Sox.

YouTube Video: Nathan is a Smart Kid

admin — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 17:40:00 +0000

Fellow blogger Dodger Gal finds a great video of one of our youngest and brightest Dodger fans. Meet Nathan. Oh, and his parents have taught him right. He hates the Giants too!

YouTube Link: nathanzdetroit:

Hat Tip: Dodger Gal Link:

Cowboys vs. Cheifs. Can we get another win?

admin — Thu, 08 Dec 2005 15:23:00 +0000

Texas Stadium will come alive again this Sunday as we host the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs visit Dallas with the momentum of a three game winning streak with an average around 30 points per game. Cowboys rank sixth in total defense and have been able to take on several other powerhouse offenses throughout the season.

With Aaron Glenn and Anthony Henry questionable to play on Sunday, what are the Cowboys going to have to do to get the win and get closer to post season play?

Photo from Associated Press