White Hot Lines

February 2006

Tuesday 28.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Michael Carrick looks set to start England's friendly game against Uruguay at Anfield tomorrow, after a player pulled out with an injury.   Meanwhile, in the U21s, Tom Huddlestone and Wayne Routledge started in the England side in their 3-1 win over Norway at Norwich City's Carrow Road, each making a goal in the game.  Routledge went off after 72 minutes.  Mark Yeates was in the Republic of Ireland Under-21 side that beat Sweden 1-0 tonight and was substituted in the last minute.
   The reserve match against Crystal Palace has been brought forward from Wednesday 5th April to Tuesday 4th April with a 7.00 p.m. kick off at Bromley FC.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...


Monday 27.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Aaron Lennon has had to withdraw from the England Under-21 squad to play Norway this week after going down with an illness.   Elsewhere, internationally, Robbie Keane is being tipped to be named as the new captain of the Republic of Ireland and Paul Robinson has revealed that the England players wanted Sven Goran Eriksson to stay on as manager.
   Spurs Reserves beat Arsenal Reserves at Barnet FC tonight 2-1 with goals from Andy Barcham and Simon Dawkins.
   Former Spurs midfielder Andy Gray is considering an offer to manage the Sierra Leone national team.
   Former Spurs defender and assistant manager John Gorman's wife has died following her fight against cancer.

  OTHER NEWS ... Robbie Williams has bought a large number of Port Vale shares, having supported the club since a child ... Florentino Perez has quit as president of Real Madrid ...

  CRIMEWATCH ... Lee Bowyer has denied charges of public disorder as the case into his on-pitch fight with Kieron Dyer began today ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... 
After the League Cup Final at Cardiff yesterday, it is reported that Alex Ferguson and Ruud van Nistelrooy exchanged words.  Fergie gave him "greedy goal-scorer" and Ruud swapped him "red nose has-been" in return.


Sunday 26.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Mido has urged Spurs to meet the £5 million asking price AS Roma have set for his transfer, we are told by the News of the World.  The Star on Sunday recount that Spurs will sign him permanently.  And that's about it really.
   Reto Ziegler picked up a loser's medal at the Millennium Stadium as he played over 20 minutes as a sub in Wigan's defeat in the League Cup final.

  OTHER NEWS ... Manchester United won the League Cup Final in Cardiff by beating Wigan Athletic 4-0...  ...


Saturday 25.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Michael Carrick, Paul Robinson, Ledley King, Jermaine Jenas and Jermain Defoe are all include dint he England squad for the friendly match against Uruguay on Wednesday at Anfield.
   On the transfer front, Coventry City would like to extend Marton Fulop's loan from Spurs into next season.  Manager Micky Adams said that he thinks Fulop will become a very good keeper, but added Spurs will share that view as they have had a scout at each game he has played to watch his development.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...


Friday 24.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Stephen Kelly has been included in the Republic of Ireland squad for their friendly next Wednesday against Sweden.

  OTHER NEWS ... The referee in Chelsea's Champions League game against Barcelona has received death threats from the club's fans ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ...  Headline on TeamTalk "Sven Seeking WC Glory."  Let's hope his career isn't about to go down the toilet.


Thursday 23.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Mirror runs a story claiming that Spurs will be making a move for Middlesbrough left winger Stewart Downing in the summer after being knocked back last summer and in January.  On the England front, Tom Huddlestone, Aaron Lennon and Wayne Routledge are all in the Under-21 squad for the friendly with Norway on 28th February.

  OTHER NEWS ... It has been revealed that Liverpool fans attacked and threw things at the ambulance that took Alan Smith away from Anfield with a broken leg he got in Saturday's match ...


Wednesday 22.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Teemu Tainio has told the club website he hopes to have overcome his ankle and knee injuries picked up in the Charlton match, so that he can be available for selection for the Blackburn Rovers match on March 5th.  The Sun continue in their campaign to get "homesick" for the North Aaron Lennon to move to Manchester United in a £5 million summer switch.  While the same paper and the Mirror reckon that Spurs have contacted AS Roma to discuss a nominal fee for Mido.
   Tottenham's home match against Manchester United on Easter Monday 17th April has been moved to a 12.45 p.m. kick off to be covered by Sky TV.
   .

  OTHER NEWS ... Terry Westley has been confirmed as the Derby County manager until the end of the season ... and Kevan Broadhurst has been given the same tenure at Walsall ...

  CRIME WATCH ... Rupert "The Bear" Lowe's claims about an illegal approach by Portsmouth for Harry Redknapp when he was the SCBC manager have been dismissed ... 


Tuesday 21.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Daily Express tells of Ronaldo's departure from the Bernabeu at the end of the season and puts down Spurs as one of his intended destinations when he leaves Real Madrid along with Newcastle United, Chelsea and Manchester United.
   Former Spurs keeper  Kasey Keller was one of two Borussia Moenchengladbach players who was fined £2,050 each for joining in with a supporters song which was disrespectful to their opponents FC Cologne, who they had just beaten 2-0.
   The Reserves lost 0-1 at St. Mary's against SCBC Reserves tonight.

  OTHER NEWS ... Wembley will not be ready for the FA Cup final and so it has been moved to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium ... Mark Wright has been named as Chester City's manager until the end of the season, just 18 months after being sacked from the job ...

  CRIME WATCH ... Manchester United's captain Gary Neville was found guilty by the FA of improper conduct when celebrating a goal against Liverpool a couple of weeks ago and he was fined £5,000.

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... 
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has accused Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes of being a diver.  He really is the chosen one isn't he ???????????????????????


Monday 20.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Harry Redknapp has been talking about his own players today and couldn't resist mentioning Tottenham in the same sentence.  He poo-pooed rumours that Spurs were interested in Lomana Lualua and said that the stories about Spurs going for Matthew Taylor were all "paper talk" as well.  Apart from that Paul Jewell is a bit upset with Martin Jol for saying that Wigan Athletic played a lot of long balls in yesterday's match.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  CRIMEWATCH ... Three Portsmouth players have given witness statements to the Police about an alleged sexual assault on two women in a local hotel on Saturday ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ...  The Daily Star have claimed that "Spanish TV claims Arsenal's Thierry Henry was spotted house-hunting in a village close to Barcelona.Henry wasn't heard to say that he was only trying to escape the rumours surrounding his future.


Sunday 19.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Spurs drew 2-2 with Wigan Athletic at White Hart Lane this afternoon.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction, click here.
   Jermaine Jenas was missing from the Spurs team today as he was suffering an illness and a high temperature.
   Spurs have hit the headlines as the first "gay-friendly" club after they announced that they would not tolerate homophobic chanting or any other abusive language.  Not only that, but Tottenham are to consider selling the naming rights to the stadium to ensure that they raise sufficient funds to challenge the top clubs in the country and on the continent.  On the transfer front, the Star and Sunday Express claims that Tottenham are getting ready for a £17 million bid from Chelsea for Ledley King, who has said that he reckons he is a much better defender than midfielder, where has been played in the England side of late.  The News of the World claims Spurs will return to Fratton Park for a raid on their defence by bidding for Matthew Taylor, who nearly signed for the club in the January transfer window, but Pompey pulled the plug on the four year deal with just forty minutes to go to the deadline.  The Sunday People are seemingly having a laugh when they suggest that Manchester United's offer of a deal including Mikael Silvestre will tempt them to part with Aaron Lennon !!

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...


Saturday 18.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Attracting the top stars of European football will not be a problem for Spurs should they qualify for Europe Martin Jol has been saying.  Jol said that Tottenham do not pay as much in wages as other clubs (including smaller clubs) and if they did they could have bought Dennis Rommedahl last season, but feels that a number of clubs would want to wait until the end of the season before they sell their bigger stars.  The Dutchman said that the club would pay the wages for bigger players if required.  He also went on to add that the only difference between Spurs and Liverpool in the table was a couple of last minute goals Spurs had conceded to end up with draws and he felt that out of all the clubs who have been praised or how well they have done this season Tottenham had done the best, despite him saying the team is 70-80% nearly there.  Meanwhile, one player facing Tottenham tomorrow reckons that they will get the fourth Champions League place.  Wigan Athletic defender Leighton Baines said that he knows Michael Dawson and Aaron Lennon from the England Under-21 set-up and knows that there is a good spirit at Spurs and that the club has really moved forward over the last eighteen months.  Baines has also said that he hopes his side can turn around the fact that they have not got much off the top sides this season, starting tomorrow, when he hopes the Lactics can get a draw at least or perhaps a win.
   Goals from Jake Livermore and Jacques Maghoma could not stop Spurs Under-18s slipping to a late 2-3 defeat to Aston Villa.
   Writer of Spurs books Steve Hale is hoping to include a section of colour photographs in his book 'All Roads Lead To N.17' to include Spurs flags from as many different places as possible.  Obviously the bigger the response, the greater the likelihood of it going ahead with it.  Any photos should be sent to steve@ahale13.fsnet.co.uk and should ideally be a digital photo sent as a tif file.

  OTHER NEWS ... Chester City have parted company with their manager Keith Curle ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Matthew Etherington believes he can fight his way out of a paper bag ... no sorry that should have read into the England squad for the World Cup. (No, we couldn't believe that either)


Friday 17.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Martin Jol believes that Ledley King's contract will have the defender's signature on it by the end of the season, as King has told him he wants to stay and the club want him to stay too.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Mido is rumoured to be starting up front for Tottenham
, but Teemu Tainio, Andy Reid, Lee Barnard and Hossam Ghaly are all injured.
   WIGAN ATHLETIC TEAM NEWS : - 
Senegal striker Henri Camara has finally returned from the African Nations Cup, but Jason Roberts is suspended and David Connolly will miss out with a hamstring injury and our very own Reto Ziegler will not be allowed to play against us while on loan.  Pascal Chimbonda returns after a one match ban and forward Neil Mellor is also available for selection.
   For a match preview, click here.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... in a weird reflection of their manager's arrogance, John Terry and Frank Lampard have apologised to their fans for not going over to them at the end of the match at Middlesbrough, but still showed off a remarkable arrogance.  The former West Ham United midfielder explained it away by saying, "We're not used to losing."


Thursday 16.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Ledley King has said he is not like Sol Campbell (hurrah !!) and that he does not see why he will not still be a Spurs player after his current deal, which has two and a half years to run, expires (hurrah !!).  This flies in the face of a story in the Times, which states that Ledley's contract talks with the club have hit a wall over the alleged £70,000 salary he is demanding.  Defender Stephen  Kelly has been named in Steve Staunton's first Republic of Ireland squad for their match against Sweden on 1st March in Dublin.

  OTHER NEWS ... Gary Megson has left Nottingham Forest as manager by mutual consent ...  ...


Wednesday 15.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Mounir El Hamdaoui must be getting a complex about his loan spells at Derby County, as he has sustained a groin injury in scoring the first goal in his club's 2-2 draw against Leicester City, which might keep him out for a month.  This comes on top of the dislocated shoulder he suffered in his first loan at the Midlands club.  On another matter of concern is Edgar Davids, who was "really angry" at Tottenham's last minute defeat at Fulham and he feels that if Spurs fail to achieve Champions League football, it will be their own fault for not killing teams off.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...


Tuesday 14.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   No Spurs news today apart from the rumour about Gerry Francis' involvement in the England set-up might be more than a coaching role and it is being mooted that he might actually become the successor to Sven Goran Eriksson.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... The Sky Sports website headline "Chelsea Farfan talk played down" tells of a story of the Blues denying that anyone outside Surrey has the slightest interest in what the Pensioners do.


Monday 13.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Ledley King has allayed fears that he will not sign a new contract, saying that Spurs are his first love and he only signed a new contract last summer, so is not interested in going anywhere else.  Two ex-Spurs are in the managerial news today.  Paul Gascoigne might get another chance to sit on the bench as Merthyr Tydfil have offered him the opportunity to be their player-manager.  Meanwhile, former Spurs manager Gerry Francis might be approached by the FA to be part of the new England coaching set-up when the new boss is named.
   Spurs reserves beat Charlton Athletic reserves 3-0 at Stevenage Borough FC tonight.  Goals from Charlie Daniels, Stephen Kelly and Calum Davenport penalty won the game for Spurs.

  OTHER NEWS ... Leicester City have named caretaker boss Rob Kelly as manager until the end of the season ...  ...


Sunday 12.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Spurs drew 1-1 with Sunderland at the Stadium of light this afternoon.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction, click here.
   The Sundays report that Spurs offer to Ledley King to sign for a further five years have been turned down.  Doubling his salary to £40,000 a week have not been met with glee and King believes he should be on a  par with England players who earn £80,000 a week (according to the News of the World).  But then if you believe the Sunday Express Ledley will sign the £40,000 a week deal !!  Spurs are reported to be ready to up the offer to stop Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United coming in for the club captain.  The Daily Star Sunday says Spurs are chasing Livorno striker Cristiano Lucarelli, but the Feyenoord coach Erwin Koeman has said that Dirk Kuyt might be sold if the price is right and that Tottenham are leading the way on that score.  A number of papers report that Steve Bruce will pursue his interest in Stephen Kelly at the end of the season, after failing to sign him in the January transfer window.  And finally, the former Spurs striker Steffen Iversen is set to snub Everton and join his former club Rosenborg in Norway.
   For the latest Spurs Ladies results, including the first silverware of the season, click here.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...


Saturday 11.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Daily Mirror have revealed that Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt is not keen on a move to Tottenham, but use an old quote about him wanting to grow and "this could be with Feyenoord."  The article reckons Spurs are still interested in Livorno striker Cristiano Lucarelli and Udinese's Italian international Vincenzo IaquintaMartin Jol has admitted that letting Grzegorz Rasiak go to SCBC might be a risk, but believes that Lee Barnard will be up to the task if selected.  Jol was also pleased with Stephen Kelly's performances in covering Lee Young-Pyo and added that Tottenham could not let him leave when he handed in a transfer request, as there was no cover for either Lee or Paul Stalteri.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...


Friday 10.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Spurs will be £5 million a year better off after the club signed a deal with Puma as the club's "Official Sportswear Sponsor".  The five year deal will assist the funding of improvements to the squad.  From Italy Internazionale chairman Massimo Morrati has said that he regrets letting Robbie Keane leave the Serie A club, especially after seeing him playing a fine game for Tottenham recently.  Meanwhile, Out in Africa, Mido collected a winner's medal in the African Nations Cup after Egypt beat Ivory Coast 4-2 on penalties after the game had gone into extra-time and finished 0-0.   Mido had to watch the game after being banned from the side after his explosion at the coach in the semi-final.
   SUNDERLAND TEAM NEWS : -  Suspended for this game are Sundelrand's
Stephen Wright, Dean Whitehead and Stephen Caldwell, while Nyron Nosworthy or Justin Hoyte may come in at left back and youngster Grant Leadbitter could make his first selection in the starting line with Danny Collins returning in defence.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Edgar Davids returns to the squad after the stress fracture of his leg and midfielder Danny Murphy is included for the first time.  Teemu Tainio is ruled out with an ankle injury and Andy Reid's knee keeps him out.  Michael Dawson is available again after suspension, while Lee Young-Pyo is back from attending his father's funeral in Korea.  Lee Barnard has a foot strain and will face a fitness test.
   For a match preview, click here.

  OTHER NEWS ... David Moyes has been handed the Premiership Manager of the Month award, while Anton Ferdinand has been given the player's award ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Thanks to Alan O'Brien and the Good Doctor who forwarded me this snippet ... Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has issued a "come and get me" plea to Charlton Manager Alan Curbishley after hearing that Wednesday nights goal-scorers were Young and Bent.

  CRIMEWATCH ... Emile Heskey has been handed a one match ban by the FA after he made gestures at the referee, made comments to the fourth official after he got sent off against Arsenal and he has also been fined £1,500 ... Duncan Ferguson got an extra four game ban for punching Wigan Athletic's Pascal Chimbonda in Everton's match, along with a £5,000 fine ...


Thursday 09.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Long lost Reserve central defender Rodrigo Defendi has joined Italian club Udinese on loan until the end of the season.  Meanwhile elsewhere in the world Mido has shaken hands with Egypt coach Hassan Shehata and has apologised saying he made a mistake and accepts the punishment handed down to him.  He may watch the final from the bench, but will take no part and will have to serve his six month international ban imposed by his national FA.  Earlier a story in the Daily Express had our striker branding all the Egyptian players, coaches and FA as "amateurs", with them having put themselves in a no lose situation as if they win, they will claim the good disciplinary action helped the side to victory and if they lose it will be because of Mido's actions.  And the Daily Mirror claim that the forward's Spurs career is now in doubt, as Martin Jol told Mido not to get into trouble while away at the African Nations Cup.  Back at home, having sold Sean Davis and Simon Davies, Spurs are said to be one of seven clubs interested in West Bromwich Albion's central defender Curtis Davies.  Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers, Birmingham City and Aston Villa are the other clubs watching the player the Baggies signed for £3 million from Luton Town.  To try and stop clubs, including Spurs, showing interest in their striker Dirk Kuyt, Feyenoord have opened talks with him about a new contract.
   Spurs Reserves have rearranged their away match at Coventry City, which will now take place on Tuesday 25th April 2006, with a 7.00 p.m. kick off.

  OTHER NEWS ... Glasgow Rangers confirmed that they will only keep manager Alex McLeish until the end of the season ... Former West ham United and England manager Ron Greenwood died today aged 84 ... Nigeria finished third in the African Nations Cup with a 1-0 win over Senegal ... Rotherham United could face liquidation within weeks, as they lose £140,000 each month and will need to raise £2 million very quickly to ensure they can fulfill their fixtures for this season and next ... 

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... SCBC have revealed that the club have spent £100 million on players, coaches and manager's wages in four and a half years.  You don't get much for your money these days do you ??


Wednesday 08.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Headlined on the TeamTalk site as "Mido Sphinx bans is un-Pharaoh", it looks like our striker might well be back in the Spurs team on Sunday at Sunderland as he has been thrown out of the Egypt squad for the African Nations Cup Final and banned for playing for the national side for six months.  This follows his verbal outburst at the national coach in which he called him a "donkey" after he was substituted near the end of the semi-final yesterday.  His imminent arrival back in the country must have been expected by Spurs, who have allowed Grzegorz Rasiak to go on loan to SCBC until the end of the season and then he will complete a £2 million permanent deal at the New Dell.  With strikers and Spurs being all the rage today, former Spur Teddy Sheringham has told the media that he had the chance to rejoin the club he said that he loved, but has decided to stay on and play at West Ham United, the club he says now that he has always supported.

  OTHER NEWS ... Hartlepool United manager Martin Scott has left the club as manager by mutual consent ... The FA have said that they have not made a decision where the FA Cup final will take place as rumours indicate that Wembley might not be completed by the time the tie is due to be played ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Middlesbrough have decided not to ban the fan who ran 60 yards to throw his season ticket at Steve McLaren.  Instead they have given him his season ticket back, considering this punishment enough.


Tuesday 07.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Mido was substituted in Egypt's African Nations Cup semi-final against Senegal and had to be restrained from confronting the national manager Hassan Shehata over the decision.  Ironically, the player who went on for Mido scored with his first touch to put Egypt through to the final where they will meet Ivory Coast on Friday.
   While Mido might return for Sunday's game, the game against Charlton saw Teemu Tainio suffer a recurrence of the sprained ankle he got against Aston Villa, while Aaron Lennon got a dead leg and could not come out for the second half.  Meanwhile, Danny Murphy has made his first appearance in the club's colours, taking part in a behind closed doors friendly at Spurs Lodge.  The midfielder played the first half, but the game finished 1-1, with Johnnie Jackson's free-kick being knocked in from close range by Calum Davenport.  Brighton and Hove Albion manager Mark McGhee has been disappointed in his efforts to take Lee Barnard to the Withdean Stadium on loan.  With Martin Jol wishing to wean Barnard into the first team squad, he was reluctant to let the striker go to the South Coast, with the run-in to the end of the season likely to see suspensions or injuries to first choice players.  Feyenoord is the place that Dirk Kuyt wants to seek success, as he claims that he will not leave the Rotterdam club for any team who is not near the top of their league.  Former Spurs striker Steffen Iversen's tour of Europe (having already taken in Mallorca, Celtic, Messina and Portsmouth) has stopped off at Everton, where he is training and hoping to earn a contract.

  OTHER NEWS ... Leeds United chairman Ken bates is preparing evidence for the FA to grass up Chelsea for enticing three 16 year old players away from the Elland Road club ...  ...

  CRIMEWATCH ... Turkey have to play their next six home matches at a neutral ground and behind closed doors, after FIFA found them guilty in the attacks on Swiss players following the November World Cup play-off in Istanbul .  Switzerland's Benjamin Huggel and Turkey's Alpay Ozalan and Emre Belozoglu have received six game bans for their involvement in the melee that followed the players leaving the pitch.  Turkey have been fined 200,000 Swiss francs (£88,000).   In addition, Turkey's Serkan Balci has a two-match ban and Mehmet Ozdilek, who was Turkey's assistant coach, has been banned from football for 12 months.  Stephan Meyer, the Swiss physio, has been given a two-game suspension ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Apparently, QPR told the gathered Press today that Ian Holloway has not been sacked as the club's manager, but he will not manage the team again !!


Monday 06.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Former Spurs striker Teddy Sheringham fears that Jermain Defoe might not make the World Cup squad saying that "it is not really working out for Jermain" this season, although his interview in the Observer yesterday did say that he talks to the Spurs players and all they say is that Martin Jol is doing the right things at Tottenham.  Another Spur has been praised ... this time by his former manager, as Wayne Routledge has the backing of his boss at Crystal Palace Iain Dowie, who thinks that he will have a long future at Spurs and in a few years time the fans will appreciate his abilities, which will be sharpened at Portsmouth, where he has gone on loan.  Dowie added there was never a chance of him going back to Selhurst Park on loan, as it would not have been fair to any of the parties involved.  Young French striker Franck Ribery has disappointed many an English suitor (including Spurs) by telling the Press that his preferred destination is Spain.  Ex-Spur Erik Edman has said his move to Rennes feels right for him, as the regular first team football has increased his chances of playing for Sweden in the World Cup in the summer.  He added that Martin Jol did not want to sell him to the French side, but the move has given him confidence from playing every week.

  OTHER NEWS ... QPR have sent boss Ian Holloway on gardening leave amidst rumours that he wants to be the new Leicester City manager... Some reports tonight claim that Paul Merson has been sacked as manager of Walsall ...

  CRIMEWATCH ... Emile Heskey will face a FA charge after he made gestures at the referee, made comments to the fourth official after he got sent off against Arsenal on Saturday ...


Sunday 05.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Spurs beat Charlton Athletic 3-1 at White Hart Lane this afternoon.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction click here.
   Not much gossip involving Spurs today, but the News of the World reckons we are about to sign Venezuelan youngster Mikhael Jaimez, after he has impressed the goalkeeping coaches on his trial with the club.  On the Sky Sports website, Lomana LuaLua has said he would love to play for Spurs and with Wayne Routledge currently at Portsmouth, it appears the wingers might be fighting it out for a place in the team at Fratton Park and maybe White Hart Lane in the future.  However, the story quotes LuaLua as saying there might be a swap deal taking place in the summer, with Routledge going to Pompey and the Congolese international is desperate to play for his favourite team and alongside Mido, who he really respects.  The same site states that Ledley King is hopeful of signing a new contract with Spurs shortly and this will put out the embers of nay hope that Arsenal have of signing him to replace S. Cumbell.
   For the latest match reports on the Spurs Ladies teams, click here.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...


Saturday 04.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Martin Jol has revealed that Hossam Ghaly has arrived with a groin injury that will take four or five weeks to overcome.  However, he rates the Egyptian midfielder a bargain and a talented, complete player, who will do well for Spurs in the future.  . 
   For a preview of the Charlton match, click here.
   Tottenham's Academy side beat Watford 5-0 today at Spurs Lodge. Simon Dawkins, Jamie Davis, Andy Barcham, Richard Heller and Stuart Lewis hit the goals.
   MEHSTG's first secret bid auction is up on the site starting tonight at midnight, so why not have a look to see if there are any items that take your fancy.  Click here to go to the auction.
   The new issue (number 49) of MEHSTG is out at the game tomorrow for just £2.00.  The fanzine can be obtained by post for that cost plus postage.  E-mail the site on mehstg@blueyonder.co.uk for postage costs and where to send your money, if you would like to purchase a copy.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...


Friday 03.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Alan Curbishley is not bitter about the departure of Danny Murphy for Tottenham.  The Charlton Athletic manager said "I imagine his social diary will be that much fuller now he is a Spurs player rather than a Charlton one.  Perhaps they get invited to more film premieres than our players do. I'm sure Sven-Goran Eriksson goes to White Hart Lane more than he does to The Valley and as long as Martin Jol doesn't leave him out for any reason it will be the perfect move.  They've won things in the past and have got more fans and a bigger stadium, but their average league position has been below ours over the last five years."
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  With Andy Reid is out injured and Danny Murphy's presence vetoed; Teemu Tainio and Edgar Davids face late fitness tests and Hossam Ghaly is troubled with a groin injury and might not be able to play.  Michael Dawson is serving a suspension for getting sent off at Fulham.  Johnnie Jackson, Goran Bunjevcevic and Lee Barnard have all been named in the Spurs squad for the match.
   CHARLTON ATHLETIC TEAM NEWS : -  Matt Holland is doubtful with a thigh strain and Dennis Rommedahl with a cracked rib, but Talar El Kakouri is back from the African Nations Cup.
   Mido was inured and took no part in Egypt's 4-1 win over D R Congo to progress to the African Nations Cup semi-final where they will meet Senegal.

  OTHER NEWS ... Birmingham City's MD Karen Brady has had a successful operation on an aneurism in her brain ... Mansfield Town has been put up for sale by Chairman Keith Haslam ...

  MEHSTG's spin story 1 ... Arsenal have said that they do not know where Sol Campbell is.  They have been looking for him for weeks in their defence.

  MEHSTG's spin story 2 ... (doing the rounds on the Net) ... After the demise of his football career Sol Campbell trains to become a vet. On his first day, he is called out to a local farm where two cows and two horses are about to give birth.
The first cow goes into a lengthy labour, meanwhile within minutes of each other the two horses go into labour. Sol tends to the two horses but messes up with school boy errors and sadly both newborns die. After 45 minutes the first cow gives birth, with this Sol puts on his coat and goes to leave ...
Where are you going?' asks the baffled farmer.
"I was at fault for the two foals - I'm not staying for the second calf !!"

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Headline on Sky Sports website ... "Pires ... We're all behind Sol."


Thursday 02.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Sun feel that Ledley King might have to choose between getting Spurs into Europe or having a groin operation to allow him to be ready for the summer's World Cup.  More injury news comes in the form of Andy Reid who may miss up to six weeks after suffering a knee ligament injury in Tuesday's match at Fulham.  Adding to our midfield problems for Sunday against Charlton Athletic is the fact that Daniel Levy agreed to the request from the Addicks that new signing Danny Murphy will not make his debut against the club he has just left.  According tot he Sky Sports website Spurs have handed a trial to Venezuelan goalkeeper Mikhael Jaimez.  The player is with Romanian club CFR Cluj, but has impressed already at Spurs Lodge according to his agent.
   The postponed fixture against Wigan Athletic at home has been selected for Sky TV coverage and will kick off at 1.15 p.m. on Sunday 19th February.
   More tales of the transfer window.  Apparently, the Mirror reckons that Birmingham City had agreed to sign defender Stephen Kelly, but the deal fell through, so they will be back in the summer to complete the transfer.  

  OTHER NEWS ... Graeme Souness has been sacked as manager of Newcastle United ... 

  CRIMEWATCH ... Duncan Ferguson has been charged with violent conduct after his punch to the stomach of Wigan Athletic's Paul Scharner in Tuesday night's match for which he got sent off...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... S Cumbell's disappearance at half-time in the defeat against West Ham United last night has prompted some fine examples of translation into the local vernacular.

Bloke walks into a pub, his mate offers him a drink,

“Well, I’m not having a heavy one tonight so I’ll have a Sol Campbell, please mate”, he replies.

“A Sol Campbell, what’s that then?”

"A quick half and then I'm off home !!"


Wednesday 01.02.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   With the transfer day deadline the newspapers feel free to reveal the moves that didn't take place.  For Spurs that included bids from Manchester United and Liverpool for Jermain Defoe, but he was not allowed to leave by Daniel Levy, the Daily Express reveals.  The United deal involved Louis Saha plus £2 million heading to White Hart Lane, while the Liverpool deal consisted of Djibril Cisse in a straight swap.  Both deals were supposed to be worth £12 million.  Although Danny Murphy did arrive late last night, the Sun reports that Tottenham failed to secure Portsmouth's Matthew Taylor as cover for Lee Young-Pyo.  Brighton's manager Mark McGhee tried to take one of two Spurs forward to the Withdean stadium, but failed in his attempts to sign up Grzegorz Rasiak and Lee Barnard.
   Martin Jol has been talking about his final day signings and said that Michael Brown's departure was a bit last minute, with him being attracted to Fulham by the longer contract on offer, so he needed a replacement and Murphy was available and a player he knew.  About Hossam Ghaly, Jol said he knew him from Holland and with only 40 games in the last two and a bit season, he sees him as one for the future.  
   Although the transfer window is securely shut, Mounir El Hamdaoui has re-joined Derby County on loan after recovering from his shoulder operation.
   Interestingly, on the new Spurs website, when you go on "players" and go on "First Team players", you can click on a  player's name to go to their pen picture and profile.  At the bottom there is a pop-up menu, with players names on it.  When you click on the name of Danny Murphy, the link takes you to Anthony Gardner.  Would this hint that he might have been intended to be part of the deal, but instead of going, his staying has meant that they will now have to create a new page for Murphy.

  OTHER NEWS ... Hartlepool United have suspended their manager pending an inquiry into events surrounding their 0-3 defeat at Blackpool and what happened in the changing room at half-time ...  ...

 

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