White Hot Lines

31.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham got a creditable 0-0 draw with the big club West Ham United tonight at the Boleyn Ground.  For reaction, click here.

  Les Ferdinand is not likely to play again for another two weeks as his hamstring injury still needs time to recover.  

  Harry Redknapp says that West Ham are a bigger club than Spurs because they have finished above them for three seasons running and his team only cost £6.5 million !!  You're only deluding yourself Hangdog.

  Charlton Athletic's goalkeeper, Dean Kiely, picked up a groin injury in their match last night and could miss both Saturday's League match and the FA Cup tie against Spurs. His replacement is loan keeper from Carlisle United, Tony Caig.

  Arsenal and West Ham United have joined the chase for Constantin Galca, the Espanyol defender who will be available on a free transfer in the summer.

  Tottenham's conquerors in the Worthington Cup, Birmingham City, tonight reached the final of the competition with a 4-1 extra time win over Ipswich Town in the second leg of the semi-final.

30.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  New loan recruit Andy Booth has said he doesn't know if he is up to partnering Sergei Rebrov in the Tottenham forward line, but he is going to give it his best shot.  He will probably be thrown into the derby against West Ham United tomorrow.
  Spurs will also have Tim Sherwood available after suspension and the bad news is that Ben Thatcher has suffered a recurrence of his groin injury, so won't be in the squad.

  Darren Anderton thinks that tomorrow's match against West Ham United will be difficult following their FA Cup win on Sunday, but he hopes that it will have taken something out of them for the League match.  Steffen Freund does not agree, considering that even though the Irons had a tough game, they will be up for it and will face a Spurs side ready to battle with them.

  Les Ferdinand is hoping to return ahead of schedule from his hamstring injury.  He said that in the last seven to eight days he has felt it improve and he thinks he could be back before the four weeks that was originally quoted.

  That old joker David Pleat has revealed that Andrei Shevchenko is coming to Tottenham !!  He said Rebrov was going nowhere, so if he was to link up with the former Dynamo Kiev hit man and now AC Milan striker, Shevchenko must be joining Spurs !!  Laugh, we nearly .....

  Millwall have said they will not allow Lucas Neill to leave before the end of the season and only then if they cannot tempt him to sign a new deal with them.
  The 3,000 tickets for Spurs fans to attend the FA Cup 4th Round tie at the Valley against Charlton Athletic go on sale on Saturday 3rd February.  They will be available to season ticket holders between 10 a.m. and 1.30 p.m. before the league match against the same club.  Any remaining tickets will be put on sale to Members and Junior Spurs, but an announcement will be made at half time.

29.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs have signed Sheffield Wednesday's Andy Booth on a  one month's loan deal.  Booth has scored three times for the Owls this season.  If the deal goes through in time, he could feature in the Spurs side to face West Ham United on Wednesday.

  The rumours about Tottenham's interest in Stephane Dalmat of Paris St. Germain proved unfounded as he joined Inter Milan in a swap deal that takes Brazilian Vampeta in the other direction.

  Spurs are quoted at 10/1 to win the FA Cup.

  Chris Hughton has extolled the virtues of putting young players out on loan on the club's official site, using Gavin Kelly's three month spell at Kingstonian as a prime example.  The reserve team coach said that when they gave Kelly a one year contract there were some aspects of his game which needed improvement and with this loan he has shown that he has made great strides.  Hughton added that they hoped it would be possible to get him on loan to a league club to further extend his experience.

  David Pleat has said that Tottenham do not have any interest in signing Wimbledon's Jason Euell.
  Millwall manager Mark McGhee has said that he is keen to keep Lucas Neill at the club, despite rumours that Spurs are keeping tabs on the Australian.

28.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Although the Fourth round of the FA Cup is still to be played, the draw for the Fifth Round has paired Tottenham or Charlton Athletic at home against Stockport County.
  Spurs are supposedly watching the situation at Millwall where Australian Lucas Neill is still prevaricating over a new contract.  The midfielder could be available on a free in the summer.
  David Pleat has been quick to scotch rumours of a move for Wimbledon's John Hartson.  Apparently, the Sunday Mirror newspaper quoted George Graham as saying "We could do a deal" for the Welsh forward, but Pleat said this was not true although a loan move for the Dons' Jason Euell could be mooted as Tottenham's resources are very stretched at the moment.  This failed as Wimbledon do not want the England Under-21 player to leave them.

  The Sunday People reckons that Kevin Keegan is being lined up as the manager of Southampton when Glenn Hoddle leaves to come to Tottenham in the summer.

  Sol Campbell is to sit down to talks with Tottenham's new owners, ENIC this week. His desire to stay at the club has been stated over the last few weeks and it will be put to the test as he discusses the future with the men behind the new company.

  AC Milan are interested in taking Sergei Rebrov to Italy. His agent said he would be interested should a big club like them come in for him, but there has been no firm offer yet.

  Spurs have been linked once again with Conatantin Galca of Espanyol, should Sol Campbell leave in the summer.

27.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs will face Charlton Athletic away in the FA Cup Fourth Round on Wednesday 7th February after they beat Dagenham and Redbridge 1-0 after extra time today.

  Dean Austin appeared on Soccer AM on SkyTV today and revealed that Christian Gross didn't know his arse from his elbow.  He said the Swiss manager who took over at Spurs never saw him play and was only interested in the team that he wanted to pick, excluding everyone else.  Austin also said that he was a Spurs fan as a kid, but only supported them now when they faced Arsenal.

  The FA Cup had some ex-Spurs as heroes today.  Gavin Kelly, on loan with Kingstonian, was in good form as they drew 1-1 away to Bristol City and Dagenham and Redbridge featured Junior McDougald and Mark Janney in their FA Cup loss at home to Charlton Athletic.

26.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The agent behind the rumour that Glenn Hoddle would be manager at Tottenham in the summer and would return tot he Dell to take Dan Petrescu with him has denied he made the comments.  He stated that his words had been misconstrued in that he said if Hoddle did move on he would take any player he liked with him.  Southampton chairman Rupert "The Bear" Lowe said ''Why would Glenn want to join a club no bigger or better than ours?''  Ha !!

  Next season will start on Saturday 18th August after a vote by Premiership chairmen.

  West Ham United are set to make a £2.5 million bid for River Plate's Argentine Under-21 player Andres D'Allesandro, a player who was linked with Spurs last season.  It appears that the management of his club are talking to the Irons about the move.

  Celta Vigo's South African forward Benni McCarthy could be on his way out of the Spanish club and among his suitors are Aston Villa, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Leeds United along with Spurs.  He would fetch about £12 million.

  Crewe Alexandra's young forward Dean Ashton, who Spurs were rumoured to have enquired about last season, is the subject of speculation about a move to among others Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.  It is felt that with Liverpool's connections with the Alex, they will be favourites to sign the £1 million rated 17 year old and loan him straight back to the First Division side.

25.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Dan Petrescu's agent has blown the gaff on Tottenham's managerial situation.  On TV in his own country, the Romanian said that Petrescu would be moving to Tottenham in the summer because Glenn Hoddle would be manager then and would want to take the wing back with him.  Although only recently signed from Bradford City, Hoddle has allegedly told the Romanian international that he would not leave him behind at the Dell should he move on in the summer.

  The name of Cristiano Lucarelli has cropped up again in the same sentence as Tottenham Hotspur.  It is thought that David Pleat's comment that Spurs are out to bring in a top name striker in the long run could point to the Lecce forward.

  Tottenham are today being linked with Johan Micoud of Parma.  The former Bordeaux player was linked with a move to Spurs before he left for Italy and the midfielder is now rumoured to be interested in a move to England.  An Italian sports newspaper has linked both West Ham United and Spurs as possible destinations for the 27 year old dubbed the "new Eric Cantona".

  Les Ferdinand missed the trip to Spain with the rest of the first team in an effort to get fit for the match next week against West Ham United.  However, it is doubtful that his hamstring injury will have fully healed by then.

  Papers released today show that the Government of the day nearly denied Tottenham the opportunity to bring Jimmy Greaves back to England from AC Milan.  In the days of 1962, there was a limit on the amount of money you could pass out of the country and it was felt that the £99,999 for his purchase was a certain amount above that limit.  However, the civil servants at the Treasury persuaded the ministers that he was a "luxury item" and that his transfer could be lost among the accounting for "invisible imports" !!  That might explain why some of our more recent foreign buys have been so anonymous !!

  The reserve match against Arsenal at Borehamwood, which had been rearranged for Monday 5th February has been put off because of Tottenham's involvement in the FA Cup 4th Round on Wednesday of that week.

24.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  George Graham has urged the Spurs fans to get behind the side as the injuries and a new system has meant that they are having a lot of adapting to do.  The team would be wondering what they are doing wrong Graham said, even though he acknowledged that they are not playing as well as they have done previously this season, but would have their confidence boosted if the crowd did not boo them off the pitch.

  A story today in the Daily Mirror says Glenn Hoddle has a contract clause that allows him to talk to other Premiership clubs should a "transfer fee" of £750,000 be agreed.  This means that when ENIC take over next month, they could decide that a new manager is needed and Hoddle would certainly be most fans choice.  The story also linked Peter Taylor the Leicester City boss and another former Spurs player, Graeme Souness.

  Having turned down an improved offer from his current club and a deal with Ipswich Town for the second time, Spurs have emerged as the favourite to sign Southampton's Hassan Kachloul.  Although Wolverhampton Wanderers and Coventry City are also watching the situation, Spurs now appear to be the choice of the Moroccan midfielder, but the move may be delayed by the ENIC take-over, which could allow another club to nip in and snatch the player.

  Ledley King could sign an extension to his current contract as a reward for his promising run of starts in the first team this season.  He could double his wages to £8,000 a week in the new deal and would keep him at the club for four more years.
  Spurs Youth team lost 1-2 to Stockport County tonight in the FA Youth Cup.  James Lee scored Spurs' goal.

  Seven of the reserve team who played last night will fly out to join the first team in La Manga with Chris Hughton today.
  Former Spurs striker Jurgen Klinsmann has turned down the opportunity to manage VfB Stuttgart of Germany.  He wanted to stay in the USA with his family.

23.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  David Pleat has branded the rumours about Tim Sherwood joining Blackburn Rovers as "mischief making" and a heavy "monster" usage in the same sentence.  He said there had been no approach by the Lancashire side.

  Spurs reserves lost 2-4 to Chelsea reserves tonight at Kingstonian.  Matthew Etherington scored his first competitive goal in a Spurs shirt and the other goal came from Steven Ferguson, who on as a substitute scored his first reserve goal for the club.  Both Oyvind Leonhardsen and Ben Thatcher played the whole of the match and had no reactions to their recent injuries.

  Finland Under- 21 goalkeeper, Henri Sillanpaa is a hot property at the moment with Spurs, Charlton Athletic, West Ham United and  Southampton all interested in the VPS youngster.  He spent a week on trial at Tottenham and was given some positive feedback, but has not heard anything official about a move to London.  Plans were being made to watch him play tonight in Finland's match against France's Under-21's.

  The first team squad flew out to La Manga to enjoy a sunshine break as they are without a match on Saturday.

  Sol Campbell has praised Tony Adams as a great servant to his country after the veteran had announced his international retirement to concentrate on his League club career.
  Sol has apparently turned down a big money deal to play in Turkey for Besiktas.
  Brescia are still keen on Les Ferdinand and David Pleat has had to send them a fax telling them that the Spurs forward is not for sale.

  Tes Bramble, brother of Ipswich's Titus, who was on trial with Spurs the  season before last has joined Southend United on loan from non-league Cambridge City.

22.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  With Sheffield Wednesday struggling in the First Division, midfielder Alan Quinn is looking for a move back to the Premiership and Everton, Coventry City and Spurs are all interested in the £4 million rated youngster.

  Ian Walker has said he was pleased with his clean sheet on Saturday and the game went much the way he expected.  The former England keeper said will reassess his career in the summer whatever happens between now and then.  He said that even if he played well for the two games he has while Neil Sullivan is suspended, the manager could still put him back on the bench when the Scottish international is ready to return.  He said he would ask to go on loan if he wasn't getting a game and didn't want to be sitting on the bench all next season either.

  Steffen Freund was pleased to be back in the Spurs side that played Southampton on Saturday, but was frustrated by the nature of the game.  He said that they had the better chances and thanked Ian Walker for his performance in goal.  After only one training session he told GG that he was fit to play and managed to complete the majority of the game before making way for Oyvind Leonhardsen.

  George Graham is as frustrated as the fans over the lack of progress the team are making.  He said that he had hoped to be further along his planned way forward for the club ,but the lack of depth in the squad has resulted in players being thrown in and out of position.

  Blackburn Rovers have moved to deny any move for their former captain Tim Sherwood.  They said they had not approached Spurs about taking the midfielder back to Ewood Park.  This is despite other reports that say they intend to increase their £3 million bid in the next few days and offer Sherwood £7,000 a week more on his wages plus a £1 million bonus if he helps them get promoted.

  Former Spur Paul Gascoigne may have to have surgery on a persistent thigh injury that would put him out of the game for another four weeks.

  And finally ... injuries seem to run in the Ferdinand family.  Cousin Rio is out of the Leeds side after straining a tendon behind his knee by ....... watching TV !!

21.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs are being linked, along with Arsenal, for a move to buy Italian striker Cristiano Lucarelli of Lecce.  He has scored seven goals this season for the small club in Serie A and it is rumoured that representatives watched the 25 year old play against Parma today and score a last minute equaliser for his side.

  Spurs scouts are getting around in Italy as more will allegedly be watching Luca Toni play for Vicenza against Brescia today too.  Spurs officials hope to talk to their Vicenza counterparts after the match about the 23 year old striker.

  Meanwhile, still in Italy, Brescia may be going off the idea of Les Ferdinand and have shown interest in Southampton's James Beattie, who is thought to e worth about £4 million.

  Sven Goran Eriksson's claim that David Beckham could be his England captain has caused some disquiet among the ranks.  Senior players are said to be unhappy at this news and feel that other players such as Sol Campbell could do a better job.

  Latest editorial now uploaded at View From The Shelf.

20.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs drew 0-0 with Southampton today at White Hart Lane.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction, click here.

  Manager George Graham said that he did not think that Tottenham deserved anything from today's game.  He was happy at the third clean sheet on the trot, which he described as a "miracle" and feels that the injuries have resulted in laying players who are not quite ready for one reason or another (Freund - injury, McEwen - too inexperienced).

  Although he acknowledged is was not one of Tottenham's best performances, he said the result at Everton last week was once of their best results of the season.  He said with youngsters coming through and the best home record for the club since 1977-78, there were things to be cheerful about.
  Blackburn Rovers are said to have tried to take Tim Sherwood back to Ewood Park, but Spurs were reluctant to let the experienced man go.  However, having failed on one or two other targets, Graeme Souness might return with an improved bid of around £3 million, which might tempt Spurs next week.

  Former Spurs captain could take on the position of Technical Director at Exeter City.  Perryman has returned after a spell in Japan managing Shizimu S-Pulse.

19.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham's game tomorrow against Southampton has been confirmed as being on, despite rumours to the contrary in London today.
  Southampton may be missing forward Marian Pahars for their visit to Spurs tomorrow.  He is struggling with a calf injury and Chris Marsden is still out with a rib injury.  Jo Tessem has gone back to Norway for a family bereavement, but however, Tahar El-Khalej will be available again after returning from international duty.

  Glenn Hoddle believes that his side can win at White Hart Lane.  He said last year's result did not reflect the game and his side gave away some schoolboy goals in the 7-2 defeat.  He said that the Saints were confident and wanted to be the first team to win at Spurs this season.

  Tottenham will have veteran keeper Hans Segers on the bench as cover for Ian Walker, in for the suspended Neil Sullivan.  The 39 year old said he has been keeping fit in case he was ever needed for the first team.  With Tim Sherwood also out for a one game ban, Spurs could give Simon Davies a rare start in midfield.

  Sol Campbell has echoed the thoughts of his manager and said that until ENIC take control of the club, he is in limbo.  His agent said that the Spurs captain had not been offered a new contract in the last 18 months, but would give everything for Spurs every time he pulled on a Lilywhite shirt.  Sol has still not made up his mind and is waiting to discuss hi future with the new owners.

  Vicenza striker Luca Toni has been going on about how he could not resist the call should it come from Manchester United.  The forward had attracted interest from Tottenham, but now apparently Juventus look favourites to sign the 23 year old.
  One of Tottenham's opponents, Hassan Kachloul, has had his requirements for a new contract at the Dell described as "unrealistic".  The Southampton chairman has said that hey cannot pay the salaries of the top clubs in the Premier League and that he was not willing to put the club at financial risk by doing so.  Ipswich Town and Spurs are both watching the situation carefully to see if the player is released on a Bosman at the end of the season, although Southampton might try and cash in on the Moroccan by selling now.
  George Graham has said he wants t keep Les Ferdinand at the club.  He feels that Les is having a good season and can continue if he avoids serious and regular physical injury, as his mental attitude is spot on.
  Unsurprisingly for all Spurs fans, John Gregory has blasted David Ginola's work-rate and attitude which makes Aston Villa a laughing stock (I didn't think they needed Ginola for that) and compared Ginola's position to the "Stan Collymore situation" that Gregory had at the club.  The manager recently criticised the Frenchman for being over-weight and has now taken another side swipe at the talented winger.  Having only completed three matches since his move, which was never going to work out with the disciplinarian manager, Ginola was substituted in the Liverpool match and dropped for the visit of Newcastle United in the FA Cup in mid-week.  For all the comments about needing to play on the bigger stage, it appears that Ginola really jumped the wrong way when he went to Villa Park.

18.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Sol Campbell is in the news again today with Bayern Munich supposedly ready to offer him £80,000 a week after tax and Fulham poised to give him £5 million over three years.  Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness said he had not spoken to Campbell, although he recognised that the Spurs captain was a remarkable footballer.

  Meanwhile, George Graham has said that Spurs are in limbo after the proposed sale of Sir Alan Sugar's shares to ENIC.  Until the new owners take over, the manager feels that the contract situation of Anderton, Ferdinand and Campbell and the UEFA transfer saga have not helped the club have some stability.  He hopes Sol stays but needs to ensure that while he is in the side that the team plays to it's potential.

  One player Spurs looked at in Argentina, striker Martin Palermo, has signed for Spanish side Villareal from Boca Juniors.

  Chris Armstrong's abdominal strain appears to not be too serious and he could be training soon with a reserve game lined up in the near future.

  TeamTalk have said that Newcastle United could be interested in taking Ian Walker to St. James' Park for £2.5 million.  However, there is no source for this story and it could just be pure speculation.

  Steffen Iversen has said that his knee feels better after his latest operation, but he is having to strengthen the knee before he can resume proper playing again.  He went on to add that he hopes to get a few games in before the end of the season and some for Norway in the summer.

  Spurs reserves were due to play Chelsea reserves at Kingstonian's ground on Monday night, but the game has been put back until Tuesday 23rd January with the kick off at 7 p.m., weather permitting.

17.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham will have not know who their opponents in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup will be until 27th January, as the replay between Dagenham & Redbridge and Charlton Athletic was postponed tonight because of a frozen pitch.  The rearranged ate is that of the Fourth Round, so Spurs will face the winners of the tie on Wednesday 7th February.

  Although Les Ferdinand is keen on a move to Brescia, Spurs have told the Serie A club that there is no hope of them signing the striker.  Brescia have talked to Spurs, but have been told that Les is still part of Tottenham's future and that any deal that is put together for him will be the equal of any other on offer.  Les said that he wanted to finish his career at Spurs, but cryptically commented that you don't always get what you want !!  He remains open minded about a move to play abroad in the future and the thought of playing alongside Roberto Baggio appeals to the 34 year old.  The Planet Football site suggest that a bid of £3 million could tempt Spurs to part with Ferdinand.

  David Pleat has denied that Tottenham are interested in Vicenza forward Luca Toni as rumoured at the start of this week.

  Mark Gower has joined Barnet for a fee of £32,500.

  Sol Campbell, Ben Thatcher and Les Ferdinand are all ready to be called on by George Graham for Saturday's match against Southampton.  Ben Thatcher says that he will need three or four games to sharpen up 100%, but he has now recovered from his groin injury and has been doing a lot of running and fitness work he told the official site.

  Chris Hughton has been pleased with the number of his reserve side that have progressed to the First XI.  He said that although his side might not end up winning the FA Premiership Reserve League, he is happy that the other side of the job has been completed and that the players are taking their chance in the Premier League.
  Tottenham are being linked with a move for Spanish striker, Javier Moreno of Alaves.  The player is thought to be on offer at around £6 million, which has already wiped out West Ham United from the chasing pack.  However, Valencia, Deportivo La Coruna, Derby County, Southampton and Aston Villa are all supposed to be interested in the player too.

16.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

   Spurs have joined Manchester United and West Ham United in chasing the services of young Vicenza striker Luca Toni.  The club's director said that Spurs had asked to speak to the 23 year old player personally next Sunday, but he will not be leaving until the end of the season and Spurs also face competition from Italian clubs who are aware of the striker's attributes.  Credence is being added to Spurs' bid because the Italian club are also owned by ENIC.

  The club have also been linked to a £9 million bid for Paris St. Germain's midfielder, Stephane Dalmat.  The 21 year old only joined the Parisian club in the summer for £7 million and although things have not gone as he would have wished, he has said he wants to give it one more go before departing.  However, PSG have to sell players before they can buy and are keen to take Newcastle United's Didier Domi to France, so a deal could be on the cards.  Spurs will face bids from other clubs throughout Europe, with Barcelona and Inter Milan recently rumoured as being interested in the French Under-21 international.

  Steffen Freund believes that Sol Campbell will leave Spurs in the summer, despite his assurance recently that he wants to stay.   Talking to the London Evening Standard, he said that he hoped that Sol would stay as it would mean a lot to him to play with a top class player at a great club like Spurs, but in truth he felt that Sol would change clubs at the end of his contract.  Freund's comments are a week old.

  Les Ferdinand has been pushing the claims of Ledley King for a place in the new England set-up.  He thinks that the young Spurs midfielder/defender could be of great use to Sven Goran Eriksson.  Les said that King was a central defender who was comfortable on the ball and that he fitted the description that England have been crying out for.

  Les himself was reported by the Italian media to have been in Milan on Sunday to negotiate with Brescia officials about a move to the Serie A club either during the transfer "window" in the Italian season or in the summer when he will be able to leave on a Bosman.

  Neil Sullivan is likely to be selected to play in Scotland's friendly international against Australia at Hampden Park on Wednesday.
  Tonight's scheduled reserve match at St. Albans against Coventry City was postponed because of a frozen pitch.  This denied Hans Segers a rare run out in the absence of the suspended Neil Sullivan and the on-loan Gavin Kelly.
  Ipswich Town have re-entered the race for Southampton's Moroccan international midfielder Hassan Kachloul.  The player will be a free agent in the summer and Spurs and Coventry City have expressed their interest in the past.
  Stoke City have said they are not interested in singing Anthony Gardner as their injury crisis is almost over and they do not need to strengthen their squad now.

15.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  George Graham has aid that he is living in the real world in contending with criticism that Spurs should be challenging for the Premier League.  He said that he is chastised for not maintaining the standards of the club, but as Spurs have not won the title for 40 years, he cannot be accused of that.  There are certain ways of putting an argument you know George.

  Steffen Freund has said he wants to finish his career at Tottenham and cannot think of playing his football anywhere else.  Off the field, Freund might need surgery to cure his Achilles injury that has nagged him of late.  This may mean he misses the rest of the season.

  Neil Sullivan said that his man of the match performance was not important at Everton, just the point brought home from the match.  He said the team performance was not one of the best, but they have tried to be more resolute to start gathering points away from home.  The Scottish international goalie was pleased with the clean sheet though.  However, his two match ban for getting sent off in the match against Newcastle United has been confirmed.  Ian Walker will have to fill in for the Scot in the forthcoming games against Southampton and the FA Cup 4th Round tie against Charlton Athletic or Redbridge & Dagenham.

  Tim Sherwood also will miss a game after receiving five yellow cards.  It will be the match against Southampton.

  Chris Armstrong has been hit by injury again; this time a groin injury will keep him out for six weeks.

  Dave McEwen has told the official club site that he was surprised to be involved against Everton at the weekend so soon after recovering from injury, but hopes that his hard work at Goodison has done enough to persuade the manager to keep him in the squad.  With the news of Armstrong's injury, I would have thought he was certain of a place in the squad for the near future at least.
  Spurs are being linked with Swansea City's right winger, Stuart Roberts along with Sunderland, West Ham United, Southampton and Manchester City.

14.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Ramon Vega said in a News of the World exclusive today that he was hurt by the fans reaction to him when they slated him.  He said that it was hard for him and Les Ferdinand and that his time at Tottenham was wasted as the club was going nowhere.  He thinks that GG is the man to take Tottenham forward, but that it will take him time.

  Former Spur, Garry Brady has had his contract with Newcastle United paid up and will be seeking a new club.

13.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham drew 0-0 away at Goodison Park against Everton this afternoon. For a match report click here.  For reaction, click here.

  George Graham defended Tottenham's display at Everton by saying that the injuries had hit the squad so hard that Tottenham are left with very few fit players.  He revealed that Sergei Rebrov had been ill all week and should not really have played, but there was nobody else to put out.  Where this comment leaves Chris Armstrong, who knows !!

  The row involving Steffen Iversen over accepting the sponsorship of the Norwegian national team has now been resolved after a long period of negotiation.

12.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Les Ferdinand has said that Spurs need to dig in more to grind out away points and feels that after the win at Leyton Orient, they are keen to take that forward at Everton.

  Spurs face late fitness tests on Sol Campbell and Les Ferdinand, with Anthony Gardner and Luke Young standing by to step in for the captain, while Willem Korsten and Dave McEwen are ready to replace Sir Les if he fails to make it.  Ben Thatcher is also in the squad.

  GG has thrown down the gauntlet to his players to get tough in bringing home points from away trips in the Premiership.  He said that mental toughness got Spurs through the FA Cup tie at Leyton Orient and now it is time for the side to reproduce it in the League.  

  Stephen Carr has again blasted rumours that he might need surgery on his injured groin.  He said such stories were "crazy" and he doesn't know where they originated from.  With a couple of weeks rest, he might be ready to resume his comeback and he really fears that a serious injury may lead to him being put down if this is the reaction to a minor one.  A scan has proved that surgery will not be required, even though it is not known exactly what is wrong.

  Sol Campbell has said he is much  more relaxed now that he has made it clear that he wants to stay at Tottenham.  He said that he will be meeting and talking with the new people at the club shortly and that what he said was for himself, the club and the fans.  the rest can go "by the wayside", whatever that means.

  Neil Sullivan's appeal against his red card in the Newcastle Unite match means that Ian Walker can expect at least two matches in his absence.  This will put a hold on any move that Walker was considering and he will face Southampton and West Ham United later in the month.

  Darren Anderton has hit out at Spurs bosses of the past and says that Tottenham are in much better hands now under George Graham.  In what might cynically be regarded as sucking up to his current manager with a new contract being sought in the summer, Dazza said that compared to when Christian Gross was in charge, the club is doing well and heading for Europe, something even Gerry Francis didn't achieve.
  Spurs are being linked with an interest in Benfica's Fernando Miera, a 23 year old defender.  The Portuguese international is also being watched by Manchester United and Aston Villa.
  Anthony Gardner could be wanted by Stoke City on loan to cover for the loss of Frode Kippe - their Norwegian central defender.
  Despite being told by Tottenham that Les Ferdinand is not for sale, Italian club Brescia may be ready to try and tempt him when his contract expires in the summer.
  Darren Anderton has ruled out a move t Middlesbrough to link up with the manager who bought him for Spurs, Terry Venables.  The England midfielder wants to stay at White Hart Lane when his contract expires in the summer.

11.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Sol Campbell could miss Saturday's visit to Everton after picking up a hamstring injury.  GG is comforted by the return of Luke Young and Ben Thatcher to the squad, but he might also be missing Les Ferdinand who is still getting pain from a hamstring injury he suffered in the match against Leyton Orient last week.  Willem Korsten stands by to come in for the injured striker.  The TeamTalk site says that Thatcher has ruled out a return at Goodison Park, saying he has not had enough match practice and will only start training with the first team squad again on Monday next week after coming through the secret friendly with Charlton Athletic reserves.

  GG has said that he will offer Sven Goran Eriksson every help that he can during his time in charge of England.  He said he looked forward to meeting him again after crossing swords with him while managing other sides, but hoped for a longer chat when England face Holland at White Hart Lane on August 15th this year.

  Gary Doherty looks certain to play some part in the Republic of Ireland's friendly international against Denmark later this month.  The Spurs youngster has impressed national boss Mick McCarthy recently and he said that the country need all the centre-halves they can get, so will give Doherty a run out to give him some experience at the top level.

  TeamTalk also reports that Ray Clemence has been appointed as Thailand's goalkeeping coach for their 2002 World Cup campaign.  He was recruited by national coach, Peter Withe, while the former Aston Vila striker was in England at Christmas.

  Meanwhile, son Stephen has been telling the official site that he became a Spurs fan because of Paul Gascoigne.  He said that he preferred Liverpool, because his dad used to play for them, but he was won over by Gazza's tricks and dashing play and also by the fact that he took time out to speak to youngsters during his busy schedule.
  David Pleat has denied that he is David Platt and has arranged a £3.5 million transfer for David Johnson from Ipswich Town.  He said that he had never been the manager of Nottingham Forest and said there was no truth in the rumour that he had ever been involved in a transfer for a player to Nottingham Forest.
  It is now rumoured that Duncan Ferguson might miss the Spurs game on Saturday because he broke a bone in his hand in the scuffle during the break-in at his house last Sunday.

10.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  David Pleat has maintained that it is not true that Spurs have made a £9 million bid for Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o.  The 19 year old Real Madrid player, currently on loan at Real Mallorca, is said to be looking to move to the Premiership after a row with the Mallorca coach. 

  Rumours that Les Ferdinand is to be offered a two year deal to stay at Tottenham have been offset by other stories that he might be loaned out to Brescia of Serie A.  The story hints that he will go on loan until May, when the deal may be made permanent.  We await David Pleat's comments on this story.  Good news for Les is that his ankle injury picked up on Saturday against Leyton Orient is unlikely to prevent him playing against Everton this weekend.

  Stephen Carr may be out for between another two weeks or a month (depending on which site you read) with his groin injury, it is rumoured today.  It has also given rise to fears that he might need surgery to correct the problem.

  Southampton have offered Hassan Kachloul a one year deal with the option of one further year when his current contract expires in the summer.  The Moroccan midfielder will think it over, but is said to be ready to receive other offers, which may come from Spurs and Ipswich Town.

  August 15th 2001 will be a famous day in the history of the famous old White Hart Lane ground, as international football returns after 52 years with a friendly for England against the Netherlands.

9.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Ledley King said that Spurs have to maintain their impressive home form until the away form comes right.  He said that other sides must be worried about coming to White Hart Lane and that even though Spurs are unbeaten in the League at home, they should not take anything for granted.  Sensible words from the young midfielder.

  Tottenham have taken Henri Sillipia on loan from VPS of Finland.  The Finnish keeper joins the club for a trial period of a week after Charlton Athletic had a £200,000 bid turned down by his club.

  Tottenham reserves played a behind closed doors match against Charlton Athletic reserves last night to get some match practice for Ben Thatcher and Luke Young and to introduce Steven Ferguson to the side.   Both defenders played the whole game, which was won 1-0 by a 43rd minute strike from Willem Korsten.  Ferguson played the first half and did well enough to impress Reserve boss Chris Hughton.  Dave McEwen played the second half - on for Ferguson - after eight weeks out with a fractured toe and a hamstring injury. 

Paul Gascoigne could be ready to play some part of Saturday's game against Spurs - one of his former clubs.  He is coming back after 10 weeks out with a hernia and could return earlier than expected.  Richard Gough (another ex-Spur) and Abel Xavier all also close to being included for the match.

  Charlton Athletic's Jonatan Johansson could miss the FA Cup Fourth round tie against Spurs, should they get past Dagenham and Redbridge, as he will undergo knee surgery this week and is expected to be out for four weeks.  The Finnish striker stubbed his foot in training and damaged a cartilage.

  Patrick Pothuizen, a player Spurs were linked with at the end of last season, has left Vitesse Arnhem to join FC Twente in Holland.

  Another former transfer target, Walter Bassegio, has said he will be extending his time at Parc Astrid because he is "too happy at Anderlecht" !!

8.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Duncan Ferguson will be available for Everton on Saturday despite having a head injury from subduing intruders at his home in an alleged burglary.  The Scottish striker sat on one of the intruders until the Police arrived.

  George Graham has said that Gary Doherty's future probably lies at the back.  He said that his ability to bring the ball out of defence and his danger at set pieces made him a useful asset and he saw no reason why he couldn't stay as the right hand man of the back three.

  Apparently, Chris Armstrong's absence from the last two Spurs games is explained by his late arrival for the Newcastle United match.  According to TeamTalk, GG was furious and has dropped him from the initial 16 for the matches against the Magpies and Leyton Orient.

  GG has said he is pleased with the FA Cup draw in that although he was hoping for a home tie, a London derby is the next best thing.

  Steven Ferguson cannot believe his luck at coming to Tottenham.  He said that from being a novice at East Fife in his first full season, he is looking forward to getting started at Spurs.  He added in an interview on the official site that although he was young, he was going to try his best to make it at White Hart Lane.

  Argentinian Claudio Husain could be leaving Napoli, where he is on loan from Parma, if things go as he wants.  His agent said that there is interest from West Ham United, Chelsea and Spurs for the 26 year old defensive midfielder according to Planet Football.

  Any move Tottenham may wish to make for Blackburn Rovers' Matt Jansen may have to wait until the summer when he might wish to move should the Lancashire side fail to be promoted to the Premier League.

7.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham have been drawn away against Charlton Athletic or Dagenham & Redbridge in the Fourth round of the FA Cup.  While it is an away tie, it follows the pattern of 1981, when Spurs only played the original semi-final outside of London.
  Spurs have been installed as joint fifth favourites with Leeds United at 11/1 for the FA Cup.

  Blackburn Rovers are set to up Matt Jansen's wages in an attempt to keep him at the club with Spurs, Aston Villa and Leicester City all interested in taking the England Under-21 striker away from Ewood Park.

  Neale Fenn said he does not know why George Graham does not like him after it was revealed in the club programme that he will be allowed to find himself a new club.

6.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham beat Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road in the Third round of the FA Cup today with a goal from Gary Doherty.  For reaction, click here.
  Tim Sherwood picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in today's match and will receive a one match suspension for the Southampton game on January 20th. 

  After the game George Graham said that he was pleased to see the side keep a clean sheet and that he did not believe in the lucky year ending in one omen.  He said that he hoped the win would give the side confidence away from home to pick up some results and move Spurs up the league. 

  Ricardo Villa revealed today in the Guardian that he intends to join Ossie Ardiles in coaching in Japan later this year.  He also said he cannot believe that people still remember him after his time away from Spurs and England, but he claims his goal against Manchester City in the 1981 FA Cup final replay (which he says is the one goal he scored for most people) was not his best.  He claims that came in a game against Norwich City (10.10.1979).

  Tottenham's odds for winning the FA Cup have been slightly cut to 11/1 by William Hills bookmakers.

  Spurs' on loan keeper Gavin Kelly was part of the Kingstonian side that won at Southend United to go through to the Fourth round for the first time.

  Junior McDougald - a former Spurs youth player - was the goal hero for Dagenham & Redbridge in their 1-1 draw at Charlton Athletic.
  Peter Crouch scored two of Queens Park Rangers goals in their 3-3 draw at Luton Town.

5.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Sol Campbell has said he is hurt that Spurs have not made him a new contract offer in the last 18 months, but he still wants to play for Tottenham.  His remarks have been slammed by out-going chairman Sir Alan Sugar saying that Sol is trying to make him, Pleat and Graham look like liars in that they are meant to appear as though they have not tried to get him to stay at the club.  Sugar said they have had meetings with Sol and his agent, but they refused to talk about a new contract and he cannot understand why Sol has made these comments.  He further accused the Spurs captain of trying to make fools of the fans and said there was no point in making an offer to someone who refused to talk to them about a contract.  These comments are sure to inflame the situation and the result remains to be seen.  One possible option would be the outrageous transfer outlined on the TeamTalk site, where Sol would move to Fulham as cover for the injured Chris Coleman.

  George Graham has apparently urged Darren Anderton and Sol Campbell to sit down and do some meaningful talking about their intentions to stay at the club.  He said that he wanted them both to stay at the club and they should go through the official channels to start negotiations with the Director of Football.

  The Save Our Spurs group has apparently been monitored by the Haringey Police according to the Mirror newspaper.  Their activities have been brought to the attention of the local force and although no criminal offences appear to have been committed, the Police said they keep appraised of the intentions of supporter groups to ensure that public order is maintained.  A spokesman said that they viewed any "hate campaigns" very seriously and should they continue against George Graham now that Sir Alan Sugar had decided to sell up, they would take action.

  Tottenham are 6th favourites and are quoted as 12/1 to win the FA Cup by bookmakers William Hill today.  

  Spurs will be without Stephen Carr for the match against Leyton Orient tomorrow.  He could be replaced by Luke Young who had no reaction to his 10 minute run out as a substitute against Newcastle United on Tuesday night.

  Young striker Steve Ferguson has found his signing by Tottenham to be a whirl of excitement.  He said six months ago he was playing Scottish Junior football, then played his way into the East Fife side and was signed by Spurs after scoring nine goals in nine games.  The 18 year old said that the Academy really impressed him and he was ready to sign straight away.

  Neil Sullivan is not convinced video evidence will help him overturn his sending off against Newcastle United.  He is happy that he got some of the ball before bringing down Kieron Dyer, but he thinks the remarks he made to the referee straight after the incident might count against him.

4.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Newcastle United appear to be ready to do a Leeds United and deprive Tottenham of a new signing.  According to Planet Football, the Geordies are about to sign up Juan Fernandez di Alessio from Argentine club Lanus.  The club chairman said he did not understand why Spurs were not buying the player, as a scout watched the last game of 2000 and made an offer, but Newcastle discreetly negotiated a deal to take him to Tyneside where he will join a plethora of other South Americans.

  Spurs, Sunderland and Chelsea were supposed to be watching Southampton's James Beattie, with a view to luring him away from the Dell, but he will be staying with the Saints.

  Spurs were also supposedly thinking of making a move for Blackburn Rovers' Matt Jansen, but the striker has said he wants to stay in the North West with the Division 1 club.

  The 2001 FA Cup final (and the two after that) has been confirmed as being staged in the Millennium stadium in Cardiff this year.  It will also host the League Cup final, the League play-off finals, LDV Vans trophy and the FA Charity Shield.

  ... And finally Wimbledon are planning a move to Milton Keynes 50 miles North of London !!  Ha Ha !!

3.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham are to appeal against the sending off of Neil Sullivan in last night's game against Newcastle United.  GG believes that the Spurs keeper played the ball and did not foul Kieron Dyer as he broke into the penalty area two minutes into the second half.  He will ask Mr. Bennett, the referee, to review a video of the incident to try and overturn his decision of showing Sullivan the red card.

  Darren Anderton has said that he wants to stay at Tottenham when his contract expires in the summer.  He said that he could negotiate with foreign clubs now, but really wants to be a part of Tottenham's future.  He said that his agent met with David Pleat before Christmas and he was made aware that Dazza wanted to stay as he feels "part of the family".  He said that he hopes to sit down for more meaningful discussions when the Christmas and New Year games have been played.

  The signing of Argentine midfielder Juan Fernandez Di Alessio for £1.34 million from Lanus has been denied by David Pleat.  Despite news in South America of his impending signing and the presence of former Spur Ricky Villa (now an agent) at the match last night, Pleat said that no Spurs representative had been in Argentina in the last two months and although they were aware of the player, this was a totally false story.

  Steffen Iversen has been banned form playing for the national side by the Norwegian FA.  Iversen, Solskjaer and Ronny Johnsen have all been omitted from future squads for not signing a sponsorship deal which was designed to bring £30 million into their home game.  Tore Andre Flo and Eirik Bakke are also to sign, but it was a condition that players who did not sign by the end of the year would not be selected, although should the players decide to sign up now, they would then be considered for the Norway team.  The deal involved players making themselves available for two of the sponsors for a day a year for each year of the four year deal.

  Sol Campbell has added to his words on New Years day by saying that he didn't know what ENIC would do when they take over, but he had made his position clear and if they want to talk to him, they knew where he was.  His comments come after the manager said that the fact that the Spurs captain wanted to stay was news to him as he had said nothing to anyone at the club.  GG said that reading it in the paper had to be taken with a degree of caution and he hoped that the news was true.

  George Graham has been given support from ENIC spokesman John Bick, who said the company have a lot of faith in the current management.  Bick, another Spurs fan at ENIC, said that Daniel Levy had not allowed his heart to rule his head with this purchase of shares and he (and all of ENIC) were dedicated to achieving long term success at the club.

  Ian Walker was going to ask for a loan move to get some first team football, but following Neil Sullivan's dismissal last night, he has decided to see if he gets a few games in the Scotsman's absence.  Without reserve games for a couple of months, the former England international felt he needed to get some action, but will await the result of Tottenham's appeal against Sullivan's sending off before talking further with the manager.
  Ricky Villa who was the special guest for yesterday's match revealed that he is surprised that so many people still remember him.  He received a standing ovation from the crowd when he was brought on to present some half-time awards.

  Leyton Orient forward Carl Griffiths has said that he is looking forward to playing against Sol Campbell on Saturday in the FA Cup 3rd round tie, but fancies his side's chances.  He said "Our pitch isn't as good as it usually is so they won't be able to pass it as well as they'd like to so it will probably be of benefit to us really."  Has he seen Spurs' passing recently !!
  Today reports indicate that Jari Litmanen will be joining Liverpool in the near future, despite rumours linking him with a move to Spurs.

2.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham beat Newcastle United 4-2 at White Hart Lane tonight with goals from Gary Doherty, Darren Anderton (penalty), Sergei Rebrov and Les Ferdinand.  Spurs had Neil Sullivan sent off, while Norberto Solano and Kieron Dyer both got red cards for Newcastle United.

  Stephen Carr has announced on his website that he will rely on the doctors to decide how his groin injury is progressing and has not been told he will need an operation as yet.    Rumours elsewhere speculate that he may be back for the FA Cup tie at Leyton Orient.  He also stated that he had not made the comments about Sol Campbell's future at the club that had been printed in some newspapers.  

  Carr will miss the match because of injury and there should be recalls for two from Chris Armstrong, Les Ferdinand and Sergei Rebrov.

  Spurs striker Les Ferdinand has said that Tottenham should pay Sol Campbell what he wants to stay at the club as it would be a huge boost for all concerned if he did not leave on a free Bosman transfer.

  Stephen Clemence said that the players were hurt by their poor performance at Ipswich Town and are looking to put it right against Newcastle United tonight.  The left sided player said the players know they let a lot of people down with their disappointing display.

  Rumours on the Planet Football website hint that Steffen Iversen may miss the rest of the season, even though the Norwegian international said he was hoping that he would be ready to start training again in a couple of months time.

  The same site also is putting Tottenham's name forward as a possible buyer for Jari Litmanen of Barcelona.  The 29 year old striker has been told he can leave the Spanish club and a host of clubs in this country are interested in the Finnish international, including Spurs, Everton, Middlesbrough and Aston Villa. It looked odds on that he would join Anderlecht of Belgium or Turkish side Fenerbahce, but a Premier League club has apparently moved in with a bid for the player.

  Glenn Hoddle has said that the rumours of him moving to Tottenham have not affected him as he regards then as just rumours.  He said he is the manager of Southampton and that he didn't need to talk about the stories doing the rounds.
  Steve Perryman has said Claudio Ranieri can be a good manager for Chelsea as long as he has a good interpreter.  Some of his initial translators were not fully versed in Italian, but the former Spurs star said wherever you coach, you must have faith that the correct message is getting across.

1.1.2001  (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR READERS AND SURFERS !!
  Sol Campbell announced that he wants to play for Spurs week in and week out and nothing would make him happier than to win things with the club.  He said that he was going nowhere as he was at Tottenham now and will be there in the summer, hinting that there would be an onus on the new owners ENIC to take a lead with investment to make Tottenham great again.  Sol said he had been at the club a long time and thought there were talented players at the club, a lovely stadium and great support.  For these reasons he said that there was no need for him to move on and he would be trying to get the club back on the right track.  He also cryptically added that there is more to talk about than contracts and that everything has to be right at the club from top to bottom.  Coming on the day that he could negotiate with any club who approached him, it sounds as though he was warning them off and it could spell good news for Spurs if he does want to stay.  However, looking downcast during the Ipswich Town match on Saturday and commenting that every loss hurts him as he is the captain of the side and doesn't like losing, he might reassess his position should Spurs fall further behind the rest of the clubs moving up the Premiership table.