White Hot Lines

June 2006

Friday 30.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Spurs have completed the signing of Didier Zokora from St. Etienne.  The 25 year-old Ivory Coast midfielder said he is pleased to have signed for Tottenham, as the core of the team is young and he feels that the team can progress, with this being a point that attracted him to the club.
   Anthony Gardner has signed a three year contract to keep him at White Hart Lane.  Last season, the central defender was linked with a move away from the club, but has been retained at Spurs.
   Sky Sports have revealed the games they will be covering up to Christmas, with Spurs featured five times.  The games that are to be screened live are -
Liverpool v Spurs Saturday 23rd September 2006 - kick off moved to 12.45
Spurs v Portsmouth moved from Saturday 30th September 2006 to Sunday 1st October 2006 - kick off 16.00
Spurs v Chelsea moved from Saturday 4th November 2006 to Sunday 5th November 2006 - kick off 16.00
Reading v Spurs moved from Saturday 11th November 2006 to Sunday 12th November 2006 - kick off 13.30
Blackburn Rovers v Spurs moved from Saturday 18th November 2006 to Sunday 19th November 2006 - kick off 16.00
   The Times report that Manchester United are ready to increase their offer for Michael Carrick to over £15 million.

  OTHER NEWS ... Paul Lambert has been announced as the new manager of Wycombe Wanderers ... Italy moved into the semi-finals of the World Cup with a 3-0 win over Ukraine and Germany went through with a 4-2 penalty shoot out win over Argentina after the game ended 1-1 after extra time.  The Germany match ended with players and officials involved in a mid-pitch punch-up that lead to one of the unused Argentinian substitutes being sent off for treading on German defender Mertesacker ... Bob Murray has stepped down as chairman of Sunderland, although he will stay on the board, as Niall Quinn leads a takeover of the club ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Rupert "The Bear" Lowe has departed his chairman's position at SCBC.  Hurrah ... Hurrah !!


Thursday 29.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Independent reveals that Spurs will tie up the £5.7 million transfer of Didier Zokora from St. Etienne, thus freeing Manchester United to buy Michael Carrick.  Mind you Real Madrid presidential candidate Lorenzo Sanz has said Carrick is one of five players he will sign if he wins the election to head the Spanish club and went on to say the clubs and players have agreed to the move.  He was so sure about the five purchases, that he said he and his technical staff would reign if the players do not turn up on Monday.  The Daily Express reports that Calum Davenport is in demand and that Reading, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion are all after his services.  TeamTalk say Norwich City have also expressed an interest, with Birmingham offering £900,000 and WBA tabling a £1.3 million bid for the centre-half.
   Former Spurs keeper Chris Day has returned to London with Millwall after being given a free transfer by Oldham Athletic.

  OTHER NEWS ... All aboard another day on the managerial roundabout ... Phil Parkinson has been named as manager of Hull City after £400,000 compensation was paid to Colchester United ... Carlisle United have appointed Neil McDonald as successor to departed manager Paul Simpson, who has taken over at Preston North End ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... As Graham Poll announced his retirement as a referee from big tournaments, the news was greeted by hordes of football fans waving yellow cards in the air.


Wednesday 28.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Right back Stephen Kelly has completed a £750,000 move to Birmingham City, which could rise to £1.25 million depending on conditions being met within the agreement.
   TeamTalk's website links Brazilian winger Denilson with a possible move to Spurs, as they previously were connected with a move for him and following contract talks breaking down, he looks set to leave Bordeaux.

  OTHER NEWS ... Manager-go-round time - Plymouth Argyle have announced that Ian Holloway will be their new manager ... Gary Waddock has taken over permanently at Queens Park Rangers ... Frank Barlow has been appointed caretaker manager at Hull City until the club can appoint Phil Parkinson from Colchester United ...
Graham Poll - England's only refereeing representative - has been sent home from the World Cup ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Tony Adams has been appointed as assistant coach at Portsmouth.  Hands up all those who think it is a good idea.


Tuesday 27.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Stephen Kelly has agreed personal terms with Birmingham City for a move to the Championship club and was expected to have a medical this afternoon.

  OTHER NEWS ... Brazil beat Ghana 3-0 in the Second Round of the World Cup today, with France seeing off Spain 3-1 later this evening to go through ... Ronaldo's opening goal in Brazil's win made him the highest goal-scorer in World Cup finals history ...


Monday 26.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Sun claims that Manchester United will increase the pressure on Spurs to sell them Michael Carrick

  OTHER NEWS ... Penalties were the order of the day at the World Cup today, with Italy needing an injury-time penalty to beat Australia 1-0, while Ukraine won a penalty shoot-out with Switzerland 3-1 after their game ended 0-0 after extra time ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... the ref in the Portugal-Holland match yesterday has been relieved of his duties in the World Cup as there are fears he will suffer from repetitive strain injury.


Sunday 25.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Sunday Mirror claim that Spurs are ready to bid £7 million for Chelsea winger Damien Duff and they are willing to stump up £3 million more for midfielder Geremi, who can also play in defence.  The paper also claims that Tottenham will sign Preston North End's right back Tyrone Mears for £1.6 million this week.  Newcastle United have decided to look at other targets after being told that if they want Jermain Defoe, they will have to find £15 million.  Didier Zokora reveals on the TeamTalk site that he is a Tottenham player, as the club made it clear that he would be a major player in the side and get a regular opportunity to show what he can do.  Despite Manchester United and Chelsea being interested, he said Spurs were a club going places and although he has left all the negotiations to his agent, he is pleased to be coming to White Hart Lane.  The News of the World put his transfer fee at £8.5 million and the club site confirms they are in talks at an advanced stage with Zokora's agent and St. Etienne.  The Sunday People report that Tottenham are lining up a £10 million bid for Obafemi Martins of Internazionale, as it looks increasingly likely that Jermain Defoe will leave Spurs.  The report claims that Martin Jol has looked at Darren Bent, but feels the money might be better spent on Martins if the fee and wages are right for the club.  The People also reckon that Mark Yeates is being tracked by Hull City and SCBC, while Jamie O'Hara has signed a three year deal to stay at the club. 
   With regard to the rumours surrounding Manchester United's interest in Michael Carrick, Chris Hughton spoke to Sky Sports News and told them that it is not a foregone conclusion that the midfielder will be leaving Spurs.  Hughton told the TV channel that he was the sort of player the management want to stay and go forward with and that it was inevitable that other clubs would be interested in a player who has had a fine season for Tottenham.
   Paul Robinson and Michael Carrick played the full 90 minutes of England's 1-0 World Cup Second round win over Ecuador.  Aaron Lennon came on three minutes from the end and played out the four minutes of added time.

  OTHER NEWS ... In the other Second Round World Cup match, Portugal beat Holland 1-0, but both teams were reduced to nine men with sixteen bookings scattered throughout the game ...  ...


Saturday 24.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Michael Carrick is being strongly tipped to start for England in the World Cup Second Round game against Ecuador tomorrow.

  OTHER NEWS ... Germany beat Sweden 2-0 and Argentina defeated Mexico 2-1 after extra time in the second round today ...  ...


Friday 23.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Sun claim that Tottenham will complete the £6 million signing of St. Etienne and Ivory Coast midfielder Didier Zokora this week .
   Young-Pyo Lee played for South Korea in their 0-2 defeat against Switzerland tonight in the World Cup which eliminates them from the competition.
   Exeter City are seeking compensation from Spurs over the imminent arrival of their manager Alex Inglethorpe to the coaching staff at White Hart Lane.

  OTHER NEWS ... France progress to the Second Round of the World Cup after winning their first game in the final stages since their victory in the 1998 Final.  They managed to beat Togo 2-0 to go through in second place behind Switzerland.  In Group G, Ukraine beat Tunisia 1-0 to go through, with Spain topping the table with a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... The Football League took the lawyers who gave them advice on the ITV Digital television deal to the High Court seeking damages for the collapse of the agreement.  The legal firm were found guilty and damages awarded to the sum of £4 (four pounds sterling) rather than the £150 million the FL were seeking.


Thursday 22.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Tottenham face a trip to Bolton Wanderers on the first day of the Premier League season on August 19th, followed by a home game against newly promoted Sheffield United on Tuesday 22nd.  They are then at home again four days later against Everton.  All fixtures will be subject to Sky TV moving them for their coverage.
   The Sun tells us that Manchester United have raised their bid for Michael Carrick to £14.2 million and the same paper reckons that
Portsmouth will sign Steaua Bucharest defender Mirel Radoi for £7 million despite interest from Blackburn Rovers and Spurs.

  OTHER NEWS ... Italian clubs AC Milan, Fiorentina, Juventus and Lazio are to be investigated over match fixing allegations in Serie A ... In the World Cup, Brazil beat Japan 4-1 and go through to the Second Round with Australia join them after a 2-2 draw with Croatia .  Italy top their group after a 2-0 win against the Czech Republic, while Ghana knocked out the USA with a 2-1 win ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... In the World Cup match between Australia and Croatia, Graham Poll awarded two penalties, should have given two more, sent two players off and took three yellow cards to send another one off after the final whistle.


Wednesday 21.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Tottenham's interest in Ivory Coast midfielder Didier Zokora may be tempered by the news that Chelsea might enter the race for his signature, with St. Etienne now asking £10 million for the player, who has had a very good World Cup.  French sources revealed that Spurs made an approach to St. Etienne on Tuesday night to try and complete a deal.
   Spurs reserve Claude Seanla, who was released by the club, has signed for Watford.

  OTHER NEWS ... At the World Cup today, Portugal went through to the Second Round after a 2-1 win over Mexico, who also progress thanks to a 1-1 draw between Iran and Angola.  Argentina and Holland both went through with a 0-0 draw, while Ivory Coast beat Serbia and Montenegro 3-2, but both nations are eliminated ... Martin Allen has been announced as the new MK Dons manager ...


Tuesday 20.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Tottenham have uncovered a possible ticket touting scam from within the ticket office in an internal audit, causing the Police to charge three women and one man from the ticket office and a suspected male ticket tout with intending to defraud the club.
   Coventry City are still chasing Spurs reserve keeper Marton Fulop, but might have to wait and see what happens about his current position at White Hart Lane.
   Paul Robinson played in the England 2-2 draw against Sweden tonight in the World Cup.  He faced ex-Spur Erik Edman in the Sweden side.
   Having released midfielder Johnnie Jackson, the 23 year old has signed for Colchester United.

  OTHER NEWS ... Germany beat Ecuador 3-0 and Poland won 2-1 against Costa Rica.  With England heading the group, they will face Ecuador and with Sweden finishing as runners up, they will play Germany.  Paraguay got third place in the group, winning 2-0 against Trinidad and Tobago ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... 


Monday 19.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The speculation surrounding a move to Tottenham by Stephen Reid of Blackburn Rovers has been quashed as a the player has signed a new four year deal with the Ewood Park club.  Press reports in Portugal have been linking international striker Nuno Gomes with a move to Spurs, West Ham United, Portsmouth or Marseille.

  OTHER NEWS ... Switzerland beat Togo 2-0, Saudi Arabia lost 0-4 to Ukraine and Spain beat Tunisia 3-1 at the World Cup today ... 

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... After yesterday's South Korea draw in the World Cup last night, the fans of the country saved Leipzig cleansing workers two hours of work by tidying up after themselves when they watched the game on big screens in the city.


Sunday 18.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Sunday Mirror and the Sunday People report that Spurs are set to move for Charlton Athletic's Darren Bent with a £10 million move, which, if successful, will lead to Jermain Defoe leaving the club.  The News of the World claim that Spurs are about to be approached by Arsenal for Michael Carrick and the money for their bid will come from selling Ashley Cole for £20 million ... the price Daniel Levy set on the midfielder's head when Manchester United came calling.  The Star reckon that Spurs, Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers will fight to buy Javier Saviola from Barcelona.  In the same newspaper and the Sunday Express, it is claimed that Spurs are keen on Chelsea's winger Damien DuffJermaine Jenas looks set to leave Tottenham if you believe what is in the People, as he is unhappy about the players that the club are bringing in and also where he plays in the side.  Once more that paper reveals that West Ham United might nick in to steal Carlton Cole away from Spurs, but they quote him as being "£3 million" rated.  They also report that Steven Reid is keen to leave Blackburn Rovers and return to London by joining Spurs after his house was broken into and robbed, that Tottenham have made a £10 million bid for Darren Bent and that West Bromwich Albion are pleading with Curtis Davis not to leave for Spurs, Arsenal or Portsmouth. The People is rapidly turning into the paper for Spurs stories, saying that the club want to sign 16 year old Welsh international Gareth Bale from SCBC.  Anyone else named Gareth out there who we can snap up then ??
   Former Spurs forward Helder Postiga could be the subject of a £4.5 million bid from Manchester City, according to the News of the World.
   Lee Young-Pyo starred for South Korea in their 1-1 draw with France in the World Cup tonight.

  OTHER NEWS ... Japan drew 0-0 with and Australia lost 0-2 to Brazil in the World Cup today ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Dutch fans who were wearing orange lederhosen displaying the name of Dutch brewery Bavaria were left in their pants after stewards made them remove the clothing with the rival advertising on it.  This followed on from England fans being made to take off Nike clothing for the Trinidad and Tobago game as that country wore adidas gear !!


Saturday 17.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   West Ham United are reported to be ready to steal Tottenham's proposed transfer of Carlton Cole from Chelsea.  The Daily Mirror reckons that the Irons are set to nip in for the £2 million rated striker as talks with Spurs have stalled.  The Star claim that Tottenham are aiming to sign £3 million Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry to aid the left side of the team.  The Sun claim Birmingham City are in talks with Spurs to sign Calum Davenport for £1.25 million.  The Sky Sports website tells that Dario Gradi is taking released Spurs reserve defender Marcel McKie on trial for three weeks.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... 


Friday 16.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The transfer rumours concern Calum Davenport, who is being fought over by Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City, while the Daily Star reckons SCBC are set to make a £400,000 bid for reserve striker Mark Yeates.  It seems that Ajax have settled for Roger from Barcelona rather than hold out for Edgar Davids and Didier Zokora, the St. Etienne and Ivory Coast midfielder, has said "non" to Portsmouth, with Spurs one of the other clubs interested in his services.  From Zokora's agents comments, it sounds as if the player is keen to come to Tottenham and they are just awaiting a bid from the club.
   Former Spurs defender David Kerslake has been appointed as assistant manager to Colin Calderwood at Nottingham Forest.

  OTHER NEWS ... Holland beat Ivory Coast 2-1, Argentina won 6-0 against Serbia & Montenegro and Angola got a 0-0 draw with Mexico at the World Cup today ... Paul Simpson has left Carlisle United as their manager...


Thursday 15.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Daily Mirror reveal that Leeds United want to sign winger Andy Reid on a year long loan, but go on to add that Spurs are thought to prefer a £3 million sale of the Irishman.  The Guardian reckon that Manchester United are continuing discussions with Tottenham about the transfer of Michael Carrick.
   Paul Robinson played the whole of England's 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in the World Cup tonight.  Aaron Lennon came on as a 59th minute substitute.  Michael Carrick and Jermaine Jenas were on the bench, but were not called on to play.

  OTHER NEWS ... Ecuador go through to the Second Round of the World Cup with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica and Sweden see off Paraguay late on with a single goal win ... John Schofield has been appointed as Lincoln City's new head coach ...


Wednesday 14.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Guardian report that on Tuesday, Spurs made a £2 million offer for Blackburn Rovers' Irish midfielder Steven Reid, but the North-West club rejected it.  The Daily Mail report that Birmingham City will sign Calum Davenport for £1 million ahead of Glasgow Celtic and Charlton Athletic.

  OTHER NEWS ... In the World Cup today, Spain won 4-0 against Ukraine, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia drew 2-2 and Poland lost out 0-1 to Germany ... Phil Parkinson resigns as Colchester United manager, but the club do not accept his resignation ... Leroy Rosenior is appointed as the new Brentford manager ... Tony Pulis has left Plymouth Argyle and taken over as the new boss at Stoke City ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... While Gary Neville was being ruled out of tomorrow's England match, one of his lesser known World Cup brothers - Oliver - scored the winner for Germany over Poland tonight.


Tuesday 13.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Daily Telegraph has Tottenham being resigned to losing Michael Carrick to Moneybags United for £15 million.  Sky Sports website reports that Goran Bunjevcevic is keen to keep on playing for one more season and hopefully in England, despite stories of his retirement for the game on leaving Spurs.  Allegedly, Spurs and Arsenal were both interested in Anderlecht's defender Vincent Kompany before he signed for SV Hamburg.
   Lee Young-Pyo played for South Korea against Togo in the 2-1 World Cup win today.
   Former Spurs winger Peter Taylor has taken over as manager at Crystal Palace.

  OTHER NEWS ... South Korea beat Togo, while France played out a 0-0 draw with Switzerland and Brazil won 1-0 against Croatia in the World Cup today ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... FIFA played the South Korea anthem twice without noticing, before suddenly realising and then played the Togolese anthem after.


Monday 12.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Pascal Chimbonda's agent still hopes his client will be able to make the move from Wigan Athletic to Spurs despite his club trying to hold out for £6 million for the 28 year old French full-back and Tottenham offering £3 million plus players.  The big Spurs story in the newspapers today surrounds Martin Jol's comments that he intends to build his side around Michael Carrick, but the Independent claims United are looking at other options as a Plan B should they fail to sign Carrick.  The Daily Express has Spurs splashing out on a £10 million double swoop on Blackburn Rovers to steal Craig Bellamy and Steven Reid away from Ewood Park, while claiming that St. Etienne midfielder Didier Zokora, currently with the Ivory Coast at the World Cup, is still one of his main targets.  Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has today denied making a £12 million bid for Jermain Defoe.  TeamTalk report that Ajax are getting frustrated at waiting for Edgar Davids to decide if he is to return to his old club and said that they were only prepared to wait for so long.  The Sun claim that Stephen Kelly was set to complete his £1 million move to Birmingham City today.  Valencia youngster David Silva, who was attracting attention from Tottenham, has signed a new contract to keep him at the Mestalla until 2010.

  OTHER NEWS ... In the World Cup, Australia beat Japan 3-1, the Czech Republic beat USA 3-0 and Italy beat Ghana 2-0 ... Republic of Ireland midfielder Roy Keane has retired from football because of injury it was announced today ...
Steve Thompson has been named as the new Notts. County manager ...


Sunday 11.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The main stories surround Michael Carrick and his supposed move to Manchester United, which the Star believes might already have been sealed for £12 million, while the Sunday People think that Tottenham want £20 million for the midfielder.  Martin Jol has said the club do not intend to sell Carrick and that he was given his opportunity ahead of Pedro Mendes, so Jol believes that Carrick was the best midfielder at the club last season and "owes this club."  He went on to say that the board don't want to sell him either and with two years on his contract, there is no need to consider the offers.  "We will do a good job in the next couple of seasons and he will be happy at Spurs," the Head Coach added.  The Star go on to add that of Carrick does go (I thought they said h had gone ?), then Spurs will vie with Liverpool for Chelsea's winger Damien Duff.  The Sunday Mirror reiterates yesterday's "Portsmouth bid for Defoe" story, but the People puts a new twist on it with the figure offered being quoted as nearer £9 million.  Jermain has been telling the News of the World that he does not understand why he was left out of the England squad.  It is reported that French midfielder Franck Ribery of Marseille would prefer to join Olympique Lyonnais to coming to Tottenham or Manchester United.  The Sunday People claim that Leeds United want to take Andy Reid on loan from Spurs next season. 
   Spurs have announced a first team friendly against Stevenage Borough at Broadhall Way on Tuesday 25th July with an 8.00 p.m. kick off.

  OTHER NEWS ... Holland beat Serbia & Montenegro 1-0 in Group C, while Mexico recorded a 3-1 win over Iran in Group D, where Portugal beat Angola 1-0 ... 

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... nutty FIFA officials are thinking of closing the roofs on some stadiums, as the shadows cast by the stadium structure or from other items suspended from the roofs are casting shadows onto the pitch, which ruin the TV pictures.  Closing the roofs might well ruin footballers and spectators health.


Saturday 10.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Tottenham have rejected a £10 million bid from Manchester United for midfielder Michael Carrick.  The club have said they will nto consider anything less than double that, relating the £16 million paid to United by Chelsea for the vastly less experienced Obi John Mikel.  The BBC website believes that Spurs might accept £15 million for a player they paid £2.5 million just two years ago and the Sun put the fee sought at £11 million, although the club said they are not looking to sell Carrick.  Some sites are suggesting Spurs might ask for Ruud van Nistelrooy as part of any deal for Carrick or even make an £8 million bid of their own for the Dutch striker, who has fallen out with manager Alex Ferguson.  To try and add insult to injury, Portsmouth have been knocked back with their reported £12 million offer for Jermain Defoe, while two Portsmouth players who have been linked with Tottenham, Matthew Taylor and Lomano LuaLua are being linked with a double transfer to Fulham.  Morten Gamst Pedersen has signed a new four-year deal with Blackburn Rovers to stymie any moves for him by Spurs or Manchester United.
   Damien Comolli has said it is up to Stephen Kelly as to whether he wants to join Birmingham City and MEHSTG reckons the talks planned for the next couple of days with the Midlands club will decide that.
   Paul Robinson kept goal for England in their 1-0 World Cup win over Paraguay, while Aaron Lennon, Michael Carrick and Jermaine Jenas were all unused substitutes.
   Ledley King is back running after suffering a fractured metatarsal bone in his foot in a match against Everton towards the end of last season.

  OTHER NEWS ... In England's World Cup Group Sweden Trinidad and Tobago drew 0-0, while Argentina beat Ivory Coast 2-1 ... 

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... A strange incident in England's game occurred when Paul Robinson kicked the ball out of his hands and it hit the clock and scoreboard suspended from the roof of the stadium.  Not knowing what to do, the referee restarted the game with a drop-ball, which England stood off thinking Paraguay would return the ball to them ... which they didn't !!

  MEHSTG's spin story ... The manager of an African World Cup side quit today after he saw placards bearing the slogan "Pfister ... To Go !!"  What they actually said was "Pfister ... Togo !!"


Friday 09.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Tottenham have signed the Lens left-sided defender and midfielder Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Damien Comolli has said that the 22 year old showed commitment to joining Spurs throughout their discussion with him and his present club.
   Spurs have agreed a fee with Birmingham City for full back Stephen Kelly to join the Championship side.  Kelly's agent will have discussions with Birmingham about personal terms in the next 48 hours.
   Mounir El Hamdaoui will also be leaving the club after Tottenham agreed to allow him to return to Holland by selling him to Willem II of Enschede.
   The Independent claims Spurs are bracing themselves for a £7 million bid from Manchester United for Michael Carrick and think that is the fee Spurs will accept for the former West Ham United man, as the club are reported to be looking for a replacement already.  The Daily Mirror reckons Manchester City have been priced out of a move for Hatem Trabelsi of Ajax and Spurs may not face any competition for his signature. 

  OTHER NEWS ... Germany won the opening game of the World Cup beating Costa Rica 4-2, while Poland lost 0-2 to Ecuador in the same group ... Ronnie Moore was named as the new Tranmere Rovers manager today...


Thursday 08.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Tottenham have signed the French Under-18 captain Dorian Dervitte of Lille.  The strapping 6'4" defender has also made nine appearances for the Under-17 side in qualifying for the European championship finals last season.
   Another French youngster Spurs had eyed, who won't be arriving at the Lane, is 18 year old winger Razak Boukari of
Chateauroux who has signed for RC Lens.  The Daily Mail reckon that Steven Reid has told Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes that he wants to join Spurs, while the club are stepping up their pursuance of striker Mido

  OTHER NEWS ... BBC TV have won the rights to show Premiership highlight programmes for the next four years at a cost of £171.6 million ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Italian police have stripped two Rolex watches from Argentine football legend Diego Maradona to pay off some of his 30m euros ($39m) in back taxes.  Maradona claims he is innocent as the watches were on the wrist of God.


Wednesday 07.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Spurs are rumoured to be ready to make a £2 million bid as a starting gambit for Steven Reid of Blackburn Rovers, so say the Daily Mail.  Tottenham are being linked with a move for 22 year old Barcelona striker Maxi Lopez, who could come to White Hart Lane on a long loan deal.  Having long been linked with French winger Hatem Ben Arfa , the  player looks set to leave Olympique Lyonnais after failing to accept a new contract and Sky Sports website claim Spurs might re-ignite their interest in the 19 year old.  Ben Arfa also turned down a chance to join the Tunisian squad for the World Cup, saying he wanted to represent France.
   Paul Robinson has been bemoaning the World Cup footballs and the lack of English goalkeeping talent.  He said the balls to be used in the finals in Germany are too light and make it very difficult to predict where they were going, while he said that beyond Scott Carson and Ben Foster, there were few talented young keepers coming through to challenge for England places.
   Former Spurs midfielder and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has turned down an offer to work as a coach with his Dad's club Portsmouth.

  OTHER NEWS ... Gareth Southgate has been named as the new Middlesbrough boss on a five year contract despite not having the appropriate coaching qualifications ...
Djibril Cisse broke his leg in a World Cup friendly against China tonight and will miss the tournament ... Russell Slade has been appointed as the new Yeovil Town manager ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... 


Tuesday 06.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Goran Bunjevcevic has told the Spurs website that he intends to give up playing after being released by Tottenham at the end of last season.  He said he will have a rest before deciding what to do next in his life.
   The agent of Calum Davenport has told interested clubs not to bother thinking about signing his client, as he is intent on making the Spurs first team next season.  Tottenham are linked with David Silva, a 20-year old midfielder with Valencia, who was on loan at Celta Vigo last season, according to Sky Sports.  22 year old Lens full back Benoit Assou-Ekotto is attracting interest from Spurs, Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers, so Sky's site once more reveals. 
   The Sky Sports website reports that there have been rumours about recently departing Exeter City manager Alex Inglethorpe joining Spurs to take a part in the youth set-up at the club, but he is more realistically linked with a move to the MK Dons as their new manager.  With Steve Perryman the Director of Football at St. James Park, the link with Spurs might be an easy one to pin on the story, especially as John McDermott was only installed as Academy Manager last year.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...


Monday 05.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Spurs are supposedly monitoring defender Marco Matterazzi's position at Internazionale where is stalling on signing a new deal.  Lazio, Villareal, Atletico Madrid, Newcastle United and Monaco are also watching the situation development.
   Former Spurs defender and assistant manager John Gorman is back in football management taking over Colin Calderwood's old post at Northampton Town today on a two year deal.
   Former Spurs defender David Tuttle has reached an agreement to become Head of Youth Football at Swindon Town.

  OTHER NEWS ... Jim Magilton was named as the new Ipswich Town manager today ... Graham Rodger was appointed as the new Grimsby Town boss today ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Wayne Rooney took another step in his recovery from his fractured metatarsal when he spent more time in a pressurised compartment today.  It was only when he got out that they told him he had arrived in Germany.


Sunday 04.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The News of the World predicts Martin Jol will make a £7 million offer to St. Etienne for midfielder Didier Zokora, who is "very, very interested" in joining Spurs according to the player's agent, while the Sunday Mirror pit Spurs against Arsenal in the race to sign Sampdoria's right sided Italian international midfielder Aima Diana, who will cost £4 million, with the Serie A club needing to sell to raise cash.  Back home, the Mirror have newly promoted Watford down as wanting to sign central defender Calum Davenport from Spurs, but SCBC, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sheffield United are also interested in the player that Watford will bid £1.5 million for.  Davenport is believed to favour a move to the Hornets as it will mean he does not have to relocate his young family.  The Sunday People reckon Spurs are lining up a £3.5 million raid for Blackburn Rovers midfielder Steven Reid ... somewhat cheaper than he was supposed to be yesterday.  Tottenham, Newcastle United and Manchester  United are all supposedly interested in the 21 year old Internazionale and Nigeria striker Obafemi Martins, who the Italian club are thinking of letting go out on loan with a view to a permanent move.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...


Saturday 03.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Paul Robinson played the first half of the last England friendly before the World Cup, in which they beat Jamaica 6-0 at Old Trafford.  Aaron Lennon made his England debut as a 68th minute substitute, with Michael Carrick joining him on the pitch from the bench at the same time.
   Spurs are losing their interest in signing Wigan Athletic's Pascal Chimbonda, because the North-West club are not showing any interest in a money plus player swap for the French defender.  Wigan were not keen on taking either Marton Fulop or Calum Davenport, nor Danny Murphy, who the Daily Mirror claim Spurs are looking to move on, with the Lactics as a possible destination for a straight cash purchase.  Several of the morning's papers reveal that the Blackburn Rovers midfielder Steven Reid has failed to complete contract talks with the club and this has alerted Manchester United and Spurs to the possibility of a £6 million transfer bid for the Irishman.  TeamTalk's website reports that Blackburn are seeking a new striker and have former Spurs loan star Mido on their list.
   One supposed Spurs transfer target, Kim Kallstrom of Rennes, has joined Olympique Lyonnais for a fee of around £6.5 million.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Charlton Athletic almost sent a representative to Portugal to see how they got on in the Fair Play draw for a place in the UEFA Cup, but found out at the last minute that they had not achieved a good enough quota to make the draw in the first place.


Friday 02.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Daily Mirror claims Spurs are set to make a £3.5 million bid for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry.  The Daily Star has Spurs down as wanting to complete a £3.5 million deal for Chelsea left-back Wayne BridgeCalum Davenport's agent has said it was nonsense that Spurs had said he can leave and that he was set on working hard in pre-season with the first team.  He added that if Spurs were to let him go then clubs such as Reading and Sheffield Wednesday were keen to take him on.  Norwich City have already come out and said they could not afford the £3 million they were quoted by Spurs for Davenport earlier this season.
   Sven Goran Eriksson said that if he has to take a striker as a replacement for Wayne Rooney, then Jermain Defoe has the edge over Everton's new signing Andy Johnson..

  OTHER NEWS ... Billy Davies has been unveiled as the new manager of Derby County ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... David Dein has been voted out of the Big Brother house.  No, sorry ... David Dein has been voted off the FA Board, where he was one of four Premiership representatives.


Thursday 01.06.2006   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Daily Star report that newly promoted Reading are trying to steal Chelsea striker Carlton Cole from Tottenham's grasp, as they seek to strengthen their squad for the Premiership.  Blackburn Rovers are supposed to be doubling the wages of Morten Gamst Pedersen to try and prevent him leaving for Tottenham or Manchester United.
   Young-Pyo Lee played for South Korea in their friendly 0-0 draw with Norway today.

  OTHER NEWS ... Oldham Athletic have sacked manager Ronnie Moore ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Arsenal might face FIFA sanctions should they be found guilty as part of an investigation by Belgian officials into the background to Beveren, who took no-interest loans from Arsenal to fund their production line of players from the Ivory Coast through their club.

 

 

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