Tottenham’s have seemingly missed the boat this season after a shocking run of form in the last third of the season has cost them dear. Harry Redknapp must be forever wondering what if, especially given the amount of points they have thrown away in particular at White Hart Lane.
At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Spurs blogs that includes fingers pointed at White Hart Lane; Van der Vaart debate, while Tottenham rumours simply out to stir the mix.
We also look at the best Spurs articles around the web this week.
*
Spurs finally unearth the complete midfielder they crave
Where do Rafa van der Vaart and Spurs go from here?
Fingers to be pointed at White Hart Lane
Injury saves Tottenham a transfer circus this summer
Why Tottenham have handed it on a plate
Harry and Arsene on transfer alert as a fire sale looks likely
These Tottenham rumours simply out to stir the mix?
Bad attitude or badly treated at White Hart Lane?
Harry and Tottenham should keep the £12m and shop elsewhere
Why White Hart Lane provides him the best platform at this juncture
* Best of WEB *
Clutching at straws – Spurs Musings From Jimmy G2
Slip Sliding Away – Tottenham On My Mind
Ain’t no pleasing you – Dear Mr Levy
The conundrum of the football manager – Martin Cloake Online
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Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will remember one autumnal week in 2010 for many years to come. It started with the England international stating that he needed to leave Man United and ended with an extraordinary u-turn in the form of the signature of a new multi-million five year contract. What happened in between may well be long gone but it definitely hasn’t been forgotten and as a result Wayne Rooney still has plenty of bridges to build at Manchester United.
We all know that football fans are incredibly fickle, but you can’t just flick a switch and pretend that something didn’t happen. A small number of Manchester United fans showed their feelings by protesting outside Rooney’s house in that extraordinary week, but will they be singing Rooney’s name when the striker next takes to the field at Old Trafford? I’ve no doubt that the majority of the Man United fans will get right behind Rooney, but so far it’s what hasn’t been said rather than what has that we should stand up and take notice of.
At the Britannia Stadium on Sunday as Manchester United battled past Stoke in an enthralling Premier League encounter, and it was silence from the United fans as far as the name of Wayne Rooney is concerned. Rooney never left the lips of the away fans, who are renowned as being die-hard followers of United, that day. I don’t think too much should be taken from this, the fans didn’t show their dislike for him but neither did they support him; it could be read as a silent protest if you like against Wayne Rooney’s actions.
As far as Rooney’s Manchester United teammates are concerned, they have unsurprisingly got behind the striker. Gary Neville told BBC Sport that “It will take time to settle down but once it settles down and time heals he will go on to have a great career and win trophies here.” While Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson won’t have enjoyed playing second fiddle to Rooney, Roo was quick to show his appreciation for Fergie by calling him a “genius” and the Scot will be happy to have the United number 10 for the rest of his Old Trafford tenure.
So Rooney’s United teammates are right behind him, and I’m sure the Red Devils’ fans will take a similar stance in the near future if they haven’t already, but what about the rest of the footballing world? As PR expert Max Clifford rightly stated, “if Wayne Rooney cares about what people think, he has got a lot to do over the next two or three years.” Many football fans already think that the lack of loyalty of footballers these days is disgusting and while Rooney said he wanted to leave Old Trafford due to a lack of ambition, when United Chief David Gill offered him significantly more money he didn’t turn it down, did he?
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Wayne Rooney has said that he always wanted to stay at Manchester United and we’ll never know whether it was purely his agent Paul Stretford who was hankering over more money or not. One thing you can rest assured will happen is that as soon as Rooney hits some form fantasy football players up and down the country will be transferring him into their team. And what about United fans? Well, if Rooney nets the winner at the City of Manchester Stadium on Wednesday the 10th November you can guarantee that all will be forgotten.
West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison is the latest high-profile footballer to land himself in trouble for comments made on Twitter, The Sun reports.
Morrison, 19, responded to a fans criticism with the following:
“Go suck out u little f****t. Your a guy that talks if u see me you try slap me I’m in manchester every week.”
This is the latest in a long line of incidents from both professional football players and fans that show Twitter can be a dangerous tool, in the wrong hands. Morrison has been heavily criticised for his use of homophobic language, as well as proving he’s an idiot, incapable of using correct grammar.
What Morrison, and many others don’t seem to grasp is that whatever you say on Twitter is treated in the same way as if you said it to the person in ‘real life’.
Take Lee Steele for example. The Oxford City striker was sacked by his club last month, and rightly so. This was after Steele made some disgusting homophobic remarks about fellow sportsman Gareth Thomas (Oxford Mail).
There are many other examples of Twitter being (mis)-used by so called professionals. Joey Barton is the obvious example. The QPR captain recently escaped prosecution for potential contempt of court, after airing his views on the John Terry racism saga (BBC).
QPR owner Tony Fernandes is a prolific ‘tweeter’, and according to ex-manager Neil Warnock, his relationship with Fernandes was ‘slowly poisoned’ due to Twitter, culminating in Warnock losing his job (Guardian). This shows the how far-reaching the effects of Twitter are, and the impact it can have on everyone in football, even managers.
I haven’t even mentioned the fans yet. Some fans using the site have found themselves facing legal action as racism has reared it’s ugly head into the game once more.
On Monday, two Sunderland fans pleaded guilty to sending racist tweets directed at Demba Ba and the Newcastle squad (Guardian). This comes at the time when two 17 year olds were given final warnings for yet more racial abuse on a Newcastle player, this time Sammy Ameobi (Mail Online).
So as you can see, Twitter can be a very dangerous tool when in the hands of certain indivudals. This can happen at all levels of football, be it players, fans or those in management.
It’s not all doom and gloom though. The vast majority of fans using Twitter see it as a great way of communicating with their heroes. Most players use it to air their views and opinions with fellow professionals, pundits and their millions of fans.
It’s just a shame the few idiots who misuse it are tarnishing it’s reputation.
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Sheffield United have responded to their relegation from the Championship by sacking manager Micky Adams on Tuesday.United finished second from the bottom in the Championship this term, with just 11 wins from their 46 games, and both Adams and his assistant Alan Cork have been dismissed by the club’s owner Kevin McCabe.
Adams became United’s third manager of the season in December when he replaced Gary Speed, who left to take charge of Wales.
Speed replaced the sacked Kevin Blackwell just three games in to the 2010/11 season.
In his 24 matches at the helm, Adams tasted victory just four times and McCabe said the club needed a new direction as it prepares for life in League One.
“Micky is an honourable, hard-working and honest man who has had difficult circumstances to deal with from the moment he came in,” McCabe said.
“No one can criticise the effort he and Alan put in to turn around what was already an awkward season for us.”
“The fact remains that we have been relegated. With that in mind I feel that in order to give ourselves the best opportunity we should make a clean sweep at the top and start afresh next season.”
Adams, a lifelong United supporter who began his youth career with the Blades in the mid-1970s, said he would continue to support the club.
“Obviously I am very, very disappointed with the decision but I still wish Sheffield United all the best,” Adams said.
“I am a Blade and will always be a Blade so I am just sorry that my move here has not worked out.”
Blackpool manager Ian Holloway believes that Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy was wrong to accuse fellow Premier League teams of an over-physical approach to the game.
Murphy named Stoke City, Blackburn Rovers and Wolves as possible offenders and Holloway thinks that that was the wrong course of action.
He told The Independent on Sunday:"Danny Murphy owes a few apologies. I was shocked to read his comments about Blackburn, Stoke and Wolves being too physical and playing the game the wrong way.
"He said those teams are over-zealous in their tackling and have a win-at-all-costs attitude which should be looked at.
"Danny, you are totally wrong and a bit out of order. Teams play in different ways, that is football.
"I think you have to be really careful when you are someone like Danny Murphy, who is still playing and who has never been a manager, to talk about what managers do.
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"If I was one of the managers he was talking about, I wouldn't be very happy."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
With the half way point of the Championship season now passed, the table is really beginning to take shape and the runners and riders for promotion have set out their stall in their bid for a shot at the Premier League. The bookies favourites at the start of the season, West Ham, have been solid up until now and sit level on points with league leaders Southampton who have surpassed many people’s expectations.
The business end of the season is now upon us and January will no doubt give the punters a very good idea who they could expect to see earn promotion to the top flight and I feel West Ham will definitely be one of them. The confident and brave owners have given the manager a decent amount of funds to spend in January and some tough fixtures coming up will undoubtedly show if the Hammers have the class and strength to return to where they belong.
Here are the five things that Sam Allardyce and his team have to do to ensure they achieve their aim:
1.) Beat the teams around them – The big games at the top of the table will not tell us who will or won’t win the league but they usually go a long way to showing the best teams. West Ham’s inconsistent form of late has seen them beat play off hopefuls Middlesbrough and Hull away from home, but so far this season have lost too three of the top five sides, Southampton, Reading and Cardiff. Fortunately for the Hammers they have the entire top six; apart from Cardiff; to play at home from now until the end of the season and so will fancy their chances of picking up some vital points in them games.
Big crowds and big atmospheres at Upton Park have not really helped the team yet this season as they look slightly nervous at home, but with teams all around the table now needing to pick up points to achieve their goals, not many will come and park the bus in East London in the way teams have so far this season.
2.) Sign a striker and a winger – Allardyce has; on more than one occasion; told the media that he is desperate to bring in new faces to Upton Park this month but has so far been rejected more times Luke Chadwick on a night out. Bids for Billy Sharp, Jordan Rhodes, Nicky Maynard and Jimmy Kebe have all been reportedly turned down as the Hammers look to add to their firepower with much needed reinforcement.
The likes of Carlton Cole, Freddie Piquionne and John Carew have not been good enough despite knocking in the odd goal and the injury stricken wingers have been sorely missed with players being played out of position in the majority of games. David’s Gold and Sullivan are backing the manager all the way to try and take their club back to the top flight and so as long as Allardyce finds the right targets, there could be a new look frontline in the next few weeks in the East End.
3.) The fans have got to get behind them – Upton Park has been a tough place to play for West Ham this season as it seems the fans are too quick to jump on the back of the players at every opportunity. The negative vibe surrounds the pitch if the team are not dominating their opponents and winning every game.
It is not because the fans are too demanding and impatient; it is just purely frustration; that at times the players seem to have an overconfident attitude against the lower teams that they struggle to overcome. The realistic supporters understand that it won’t be easy to reach the top flight but when they get the chance to sing up and create Upton Park an intimidating place, then the better chance the team have of succeeding.
4.) Give youth a chance – The likes of Kevin Nolan, Carlton Cole, and Freddie Piquionne have not been anywhere near their best in the opening five months of the season, which has resulted in the team dropping valuable points at times. It has been a while since the last youngster came through the ranks to make a lasting impression (James Tomkins 2008) but word is going around that a new crop are ready to hit the big time.
Young left back Danny Potts has impressed in his opening few games for the club after injuries and suspensions gave him a chance and the likes of Robert Hall, Frank Nouble and Cristian Montano have impressed out on loan leading Allardyce to possibly include them in future squads. Why not give them a go?
5.) Improve home form – The Achilles heel of West Ham’s season so far has undoubtedly been their home form this season, as teams arrive at Upton Park and play for a draw, with the Hammers lacking in the required creativity to break them down.
Home defeats to Cardiff City, Ipswich Town, Aldershot Town (Carling Cup) and Burnley have shown the vulnerability to the Hammers play at home and draws with the likes of Bristol City and Leeds United at Upton Park prove the lack of spirit and quality among the players when under pressure at their home.
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Recent weeks have shown an improvement at Upton Park and if they can average two points a game from now until May they will more than likely be hosting the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at the home of football next season.
What do you think West Ham need to do in order to gain promotion? Let me know on Twitter: @Brad_Pinard
Kenny Dalglish, one of the greatest players to have pulled on the Number 7 shirt at Liverpool, has done a fantastic job in turning the club’s fortunes around as the Merseyside club look challenge for fifth place in this year’s Premier League. His job has been made easier by the willingness of the club’s new owners to reinvest the money earned from the sale of Fernando Torres in Andy Carroll and, more importantly Luis Suarez.
Handed the Number 7 shirt by Dalglish, the Uruguayan has had a phenomenal opening eleven games to his Liverpool career. His return of four goals doesn’t do justice to the phenomenal work rate and superb vision that has helped create numerous goals for his teammates.
Following the loss of their leading marksman, fans initially looked towards Andy Carroll as the man to lead the line in his absence. But, due to an injury picked up at Newcastle, the England striker did not make his debut until the victory over Manchester United in March. But it has instead been the cheaper acquisition, albeit still at a cost of £23 million, who has stolen the plaudits.
Some felt Suarez might suffer a similar problem to Mateja Kezman at Chelsea. Whilst prolific in Holland, Kezman struggled to make the step up to the Premier League and was shipped out of Chelsea after a single season with only four goals to his name. But, in already passing Kezman’s tally of goals, Suarez has proved himself far better at adapting to the English game.
Comparing Suarez to the likes of Kezman or Torres is a harsh comparisons, however, as he is a completely different type of player. With his pace, creativity, energy and goalscoring ablity he is far more similar to previous wearers of the 7 shirt such as Dalglish and, before him, Kevin Keegan.
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A player capable of lifting both fans and teammates alike, Liverpool have mustered 27 goals in the 11 games Suarez has played. Compare this to the 11 games before his arrival, where Liverpool only scored 14 times, and his influence is obvious.
But it is still very early days in his Liverpool career and fans must be careful not to pile on too much pressure before next season. Suarez has joined a transformed Liverpool team with momentum on their side where even the likes of Maxi Rodriguez and Dirk Kuyt have found goals plentiful. Only continued performances next season as Liverpool look to push for the return of Champions League football will confirm whether Suarez will continue to be a class performer for Liverpool for years to come.
In the short term, however, he has proved a great bit of business. Fans have warmed to the ex-Ajax man and, in cashing in on an inconsistent and unhappy striker in Fernando Torres and replacing him with two potential young stars, Suarez and Carroll look like representing great value for money and a bright future at Anfield.
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David Moyes has promised a more hard-line approach as he looks to kick-start Everton's disappointing season into life.
Moyes was furious with his players after Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home to Newcastle United left the Toffees without a win from their first five games of the new Premier League season.
The Goodison Park outfit have picked up just two points from the first 15 on offer and Moyes has vowed to turn up the heat on his squad in a bid to improve results.
He said:"Maybe I need to get tougher with them. Maybe I need to go back to some of the old ways. We'll soon see what they're like then.
"I've been telling them for a long time that they are good players and a good team. Maybe I need to change what I am telling them.
"They have to earn the right to play for this team. Newcastle went about their job in a way we didn't.
"This was certainly our poorest performance since last year and that has been the biggest shock for me. So now is the time when I have to do something about it.
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"We're capable of so much more and it's in times like this that the lead comes from the manager.
"So I have to be the one who has to change my outlook in what I expect from them from now on."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Tottenham have made Iago Flaque’s loan move from Juventus permanent, and immediately loaned him out to Southampton for the rest of the season.
The Spain under-21 midfielder has impressed in a temporary deal at White Hart Lane and Harry Redknapp has moved to secure the prospect’s services.
Falque has made six first-team appearances this season so far, mainly in the Europa League, and has been farmed out to The Saints to get more experience.
“I’m very happy to be here at Southampton, and I am looking forward to training with my new teammates who have proved this season that they are very talented,” the youngster stated to The Championship side’s official website.
“I hope that I can help the team to great things this season.”
Meanwhile, Southampton boss Nigel Adkins feels that Falque will be an asset to the south-coast club, and hopes he can help the club back to the Premier League.
“He’s a very exciting player and I’m pleased that we’ve got him on board and I think the supporters will be excited by what he can do on the pitch.
“Like many of our players he’s a player who can play everywhere and he’s someone who can play on the left, on the right and in the number 10 position behind the striker, so he’s a talented footballer and one who I’m sure is going to excite everybody.
“Tottenham rate him highly and have loaned him out to ourselves where he will become another addition to the players that we’ve got to give us that opportunity to get back into the Premier League,” he concluded.
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Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho’s inflammatory post-match accusations could be subjected to action by Barcelona.Mourinho was left enraged following Pepe’s sending off in the 61st minute in Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg, which also led to his dismissal to the stands and an ensuing 2-0 defeat to Barcelona at the Bernabeu.
Reigning Spanish champions Barcelona take a healthy advantage heading into the return fixture against their arch rivals at Camp Nou next Tuesday.
And the Catalan club is now deliberating whether it can refer Mourinho’s stinging post-match statement, in which he declared Barcelona constantly received favourable refereeing decisions to the UEFA Disciplinary Commission.
A statement on the club’s official site read: “Barca’s legal department will study the declarations made by Jose Mourinho following his team’s 0-2 defeat at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night to determine whether to refer them to UEFA.”
Mourinho claimed Barcelona were being afforded preferential treatment by match officials in his press conference after the loss, drawing parallels with his experiences as then-manager of Chelsea in the 2008/09 Champions League season.
“But I just do not understand why Barcelona always receives the help of the referee. All my life I will be asking myself this question, and one day I hope to receive an answer,” Mourinho said.
“I don’t understand why Barcelona have this power. It happened two years ago to Chelsea, almost to my Inter last year, and also to Arsenal this year.”
“Why do the opponents of Barcelona always have a man sent off? Where does this power come from? Maybe it is to give more publicity to UNICEF, maybe because of the power of (Spanish federation president Jose Angel) Villar in UEFA.”
Opposite Pep Guardiola refused to be drawn into a war of words and instead focused on his side’s winning performance.