White Hot Lines

Tuesday 31.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Jerzy Dudek is not interested in joining Spurs.  The world famous Polish keeper (no, not someone who stocks buffing lotions) and his agent (surprise, surprise) said that they think Feyenoord are a bigger club than Tottenham, because Spurs don't even play in European cups.  Well, my knowledgeable chums, we would if we had to play in the Dutch league !!

  Southampton (allegedly one big club) are swooping (like all big birds ... sorry, clubs) do for a top class Spurs player - Les Ferdinand.  They are ready to pay big money (well, £1 million, which is big for them) for the Tottenham forward and are willing to pay him big wages (£20,000 a week).  This is big news on the South Coast.

  Graeme Souness has said that Spurs have treated Blackburn Rovers reserve goalie Alan Kelly shabbily over his intended move to Tottenham as back-up for Neil Sullivan.  The Ewood Park boss said that Tottenham had told Kelly that houses were the same price around London as they were in the North West of England and the club would not pay for a hotel for him.  The former Spurs youngster also said that Kelly had been told he would have a three year deal, but then this was switched to a two year contract. 

  It is rumoured that Josep Guardiola is training on his won while he makes his mind up about his future.  The Barcelona captain is available on a free transfer and has several options, but has stated that he would like to play in England and in London.  Spurs have been expressing an interest in bringing the Spanish international to White Hart lane for over six months and Glenn Hoddle is awaiting news to allow him to decide who else he needs to bring in.  Hopefully, Pep will make his choice soon and things will be a bit clearer one way or another.

  Spurs reserves tonight beat Woking at Kingfield in Scott Steele's testimonial 4-0.  The Spurs goals came from Leonhardsen, Taricco, Kamanan and Etherington. 

Monday 30.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Simon Davies has said that he expects to spend some time on the sidelines for Spurs in the coming season.  He said he was doing well at the end of last season and hoped to carry on where he left off, but added that he would be very happy if it goes half as well.  The Welshman will be looking to learn his trade from the likes of Poyet and Sheringham while they are at the club, so he can hone his own skills.

  Winning pre-season friendlies is a good habit says Les.  Striker Ferdinand told the official website that it doesn't matter who the opposition is, but it is important to maintain a winning attitude.  He added that although he was the only striker who hasn't scored so far in pre-season matches, he is hoping that his general fitness and set-up play can be taken forward into the new campaign.

  Manager Glenn Hoddle told the club's website that he has a squad that will provide competition for places and also to make sure that players receive enough rest during the season, as most will not be required to play all of the 38 league games.

  Spurs are rumoured to want to bring in two more defensive players before the season kicks off on August 18th.  One they are said to have an interest in is Oscar Telles of Spanish Club Alaves.  Spurs representatives will be watching carefully, as his fee has been cut from £6 million to £3 million and West Ham United, Blackburn Rovers, Charlton Athletic and Derby County will all be in attendance when Alaves play another interested party in Bolton Wanderers next week at the Reebok stadium.

  Bolton have also reportedly jumped the queue for Sylvain Distin, the young Paris St. Germain defender, by offering £3.5 million for his services.

  A survey today showed that Spurs and West Ham United will have the highest priced matchday tickets in London for Premier League matches.  At £46, these are £20 more than the most expensive at Manchester United.

Sunday 29.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham have become caught up in the FA charging of Glenn Hoddle's agent Dennis Roach, with misconduct over the transfers of Duncan Ferguson to Everton from Newcastle United and Paolo Wanchope from West Ham United to Manchester City.  There is no implication that Spurs did anything wrong, but the paperwork is to be checked by the club just so that should the FA wish to pursue the matter Spurs will have traced the audit trail already.

  Spurs are reportedly having Jamie Redknapp watched as he continues his comeback from surgery.  John Gorman was said by the News of the World to be in Holland yesterday checking out the former Spurs junior in the Amsterdam tournament, where Liverpool lost to Ajax.  As the Merseyside club are well served in midfield, once Spurs are convinced he has made a full recovery from his knee injury, they might approach Liverpool for the player at a knock down price.

  Tottenham have been linked by the same newspaper with Spanish defender Unai Vergara.  The 24 year old central defender would cost Spurs around £6 million and he has attracted interest since he played for his country against England at Villa Park five months ago.

  Wolverhampton Wanderers are apparently still interesting in bidding for midfielder Tim Sherwood.  The same player is linked with interest from West Ham United in the Sunday Mirror.

  Some manager of a South Coast big club wants to take Les Ferdinand to his team because they can't score goals, after watching him in action against Portsmouth on Wednesday.  It will be an ideal test for their Chairman - Rupert "The Bear" Lowe - to see if we can swap him for one of their players, because in typical big club style he said that Glenn Hoddle better not come sniffing around the big club for new players for Tottenham !!

  Goran Bunjevcevic is settling into his new surroundings, but will be happier when his family arrive in London.  He has said that he must learn some words of English to communicate on the pitch and also learn how players move and play in England, which is very different to how he played in Yugoslavia.

  The People are still linking Tottenham with Paris St. Germain's left back Sylvain Distin.  Bolton Wanderers are the latest team interested in him and it was added that Spurs are still watching the 23 year old Frenchman.

  The Sunday Mirror take a different tack, replaying the Steffan Effenburg link.  The Bayern Munich captain has been associated with stories about a move to Tottenham in the recent past and now Bayern have acquired two international midfielders, it is thought that he may be surplus to requirements.

  Rumours over the weekend are hinting that Jose Antonio Chamot had an ankle problem and it was not personal terms which were the stumbling block.

  Spurs reserves start their campaign with a home match at Stevenage against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday August 28th.  Then Spurs have to play against Arsenal on Monday 3rd September in their second match.  All home games will be played at Stevenage and will kick off at 7 p.m.

Saturday 28.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Teddy Sheringham has told the club's official website that he is happy to fit in with whatever the manager decides is best for the team and is hopeful that they can do well, as everyone seems to be pulling in the same direction.

  Formerly linked with Spurs, Salva Balestra, the Atletico Madrid striker has been signed by Valencia for £6.6 million.

  Another transfer target that Spurs have lost out on is Litos, the Boavista central defender, who has joined Malaga for £1.52 million.

  ... and finally ... Dennis Bergkamp has been told he is going nowhere.  Another way of saying he is staying at Highbury.

Friday 27.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham have been linked with Fiorentina's rugged 31 year old central defender Moreno Torrecelli.  The former Juventus player and Italian international is out of favour with Violas boss Roberto Mancini, so could be available should Glenn Hoddle seek another experienced defender from Italian football, after failing to grab Jose Antonio Chamot from AC Milan.

  Steffen Iversen is hoping for an injury free season and that will help him continue to keep on scoring as he has been in the pre-season matches, he told the official website today.  After a succession of head injuries for club and country, the Norwegian striker said he does not feel afraid of anything now and is looking forward to a full season in the side.

  It is rumoured that Glenn Hoddle is trying to create some space within the Spurs squad by offloading some players.  The story on The Guardian's "The Fiver" newsletter hints that Leonhardsen has been offered to Southampton, Chris Perry could be let go for £2 million to Wolverhampton Wanderers or two other un-named Premier League clubs and Tim Sherwood could also be out of the picture.

  Goran Bunjevcevic has told the official site that he is feeling under pressure as he has to learn quickly in English football.  He said that there are more long balls, stronger forwards and a much quicker game here than in Yugoslavia.  Bunjy is happy to learn and is ambitious, but sees the team forming around him as one that could qualify for Europe.

  Tord Grip continued the England management's campaign against Spurs today by commenting on Luke Young's exit to Charlton Athletic.  The England assistant coach said that the defender was right to leave Tottenham, claiming that many younger players should move away from big clubs like Tottenham to get regular football.  This comes off the back of stories that England's Swedish coach Sven Goran Eriksson told a certain player to leave Spurs to get European experience when his contract was up.

Thursday 26.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The Alan Kelly transfer appears to be back on today.  Despite stories claiming the deal was dead last week, the Blackburn Rovers goalie is now in line for a switch to White Hart Lane as Glenn Hoddle has twice spoken to him and Kelly said he sounded optimistic that the deal can be concluded soon.

  The move that yesterday took Luke Young to Charlton Athletic has been said to be a career saver for the England Under-21 defender.  HE said that after being flexible in playing where he had been asked for two and a half years, he wanted a right back place in the side, but was never going to displace Stephen Carr.  He felt frustrated and decided that a move would help him move his career forward.  Young also hinted that at some big clubs (was he talking about Southampton ?) that there are cliques within the squad that are hard to break into.  Surely a swinger like him didn't want to go out on the town with all the thirty somethings Hoddle had just signed ??

  Christian Ziege has said his comments were taken out of context and that they were not intended as a broadside at Gerard Houllier.  He said that he was merely upset at not being included in the Cup final teams at the end of the season and felt that constituted a lack of compassion.

  Matthew Etherington has told the club's official site that he must mix up his game more to make the grade at the top level.  He said he would be happy to complete his contract's three remaining years, but that he realised he could not just be a winger, but had to be more versatile in the game today and it was this that he hoped would allow him the chance to break into the first team.

  Meanwhile Teddy Sheringham has been setting his sights a bit higher !!  He has said that one day he would like to manage Tottenham Hotspur !!  He said that management was a natural progression when he finally hangs up his boots, but he hopes that is a way off in the future yet.  He said that Tottenham had always been his club and that he would love to take charge of the Lilywhites one day.

Wednesday 25.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham beat Portsmouth in a pre-season friendly at Fratton Park tonight 5-2.  The Spurs goals were scored by Sheringham, Iversen, Clemence and Rebrov 2.  The Portsmouth goals were scored by Spurs old boy, Peter Crouch.  For a match report, click here.

  Luke Young has joined Charlton Athletic on a 4 year deal worth £3 million to Spurs, but could rise to £4 million as there will be a payment of £250,000 for each year of the contract that the South London club stay in the Premiership.

  Christian Ziege has told the media that he had to escape his nightmare season at Anfield, where he was not deemed good enough to get a place on the bench.  He said that the hardest thing to take was not being in the chosen 18 for the UEFA Cup final and then having to celebrate with the rest of the squad after the win.  He thanked Glenn Hoddle for giving him the chance to play and resurrect his career, which had seen him lose his place in the German national side.  Hoddle explained that he had spoken to Gerard Houllier and was told that Christian had been displaying a good attitude and although he didn't fit into Liverpool's pattern of play, he had not become a bad player overnight.

  As MEHSTG hinted on Thursday 12th July, Spurs have, at last, joined the race for Matt Clarke of Bradford City as a replacement for Ian Walker.  The £2 million rated keeper had been out of favour at the relegated club for some months and is being chased by Fulham, Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace.  Clarke's agent is claiming that the club are asking too much for the goalie and that is inhibiting clubs from making a move for him.

  The Planet Football site is also linking Tottenham with a move for Francesc Arnau, the 26 year old Barcelona keeper.  Apparently, there is a mystery English club in for the well respected goalkeeper and Spurs and Fulham head the list of prospective purchasers, along with Spanish sides Malaga and Tenerife.

  Rumours today are linking Spurs with AC Milan's Croatian midfielder, Zvonimir Boban.  The player himself is rafting while on holiday and said he will be relaxing and did not know where he would be playing football next season.  However, Celta Vigo and Villareal are also interested in the 32 year old.

  The club site today announced that the deal for Jose Antonio Chamot is dead and he will return to Italy.  Planet Football also speculates that the deal for  Chamot broke down because terms could not be agreed between the two parties, as happened to him at Marseilles.  The official site added that the club were watching five other central defenders across Europe at the moment and wanted to bring players in to cover for any injuries that may occur.

  The same site has a story saying Spurs, Arsenal and Aston Villa are hoping to succeed where Newcastle United, Everton and Chelsea failed, by landing Victor Fernandez, the Villareal striker.  The 27 year old has said he would be proud to play in England one day, but his transfer fee of over £10 million might deter clubs from taking him form his home country.

  Mauricio Taricco has said that he is happy with the way the pre-season is going for him.  He is particularly pleased to be paying after a season out with various injuries and the introduction of a fellow South American - Gus Poyet - has made him feel even more at home !!

  For some reason former West Ham United manager Harry Redknapp has come out in support of Glenn Hoddle and the signings he has made this summer to predict that Spurs could finish in sixth position to get a place in Europe.

Tuesday 24.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Glenn Hoddle today has distanced himself from the signing of Jose Chamot of AC Milan.  He said that the player has not had a medical and is not due to sign despite what the official website said yesterday.  The Argentinian has been to London for talks, but Hoddle revealed that Chamot would return to Italy and then in a couple of weeks time talk again. He said that the 32 year old was one of five or six players that Tottenham were considering, of whom the club were in touch with one or two.

  Matthew Etherington has blasted the press for criticising Tottenham and said that the constant negativity from the newspapers has lead the squad to be determined to prove them wrong.  He admits that the rumours about Stephen Carr wanting to leave are not surprising as any club would want him, but believes that Spurs can realistically finish in the top six in the coming season.  On his own progress, he said that he is determined to make the grade despite only infrequent look-ins at first team level.  A loan spell might be the best thing for him to get some games under his belt if he cannot break through at Spurs, but the former Peterborough winger said he was sure that exciting times were ahead.

  Spurs are being linked with a move for Coventry City goalkeeper Magnus Hedman.  The Swedish goalie is keen on a return to the Premiership and particularly a move to London.  He has told reporters that the clubs have been talking for a week about his transfer, but would only say that a big Premier League club was involved.  Fulham and Everton are also in the hunt for the £3.5 million rated gloveman. 

  Tottenham will be playing a pre-season game on the continent on August 11th as their last match before the Premier League starts on the following Saturday.  However, at the moment, no opponent has been announced.  Glenn Hoddle explained that at this stage of the squad's development he felt that domestic friendlies would be the best thing, gradually getting harder as the players get fitter.

  Christian Ziege has been talking to the Spurs official site about his new club and team-mates.  He said that he was very pleased that Hoddle came in for him as he was not going to get a look-in at Anfield and he hopes he can repay the manager by regaining the sort of form of a few years ago.  He said he likes his new colleagues and enjoys training, but believes that it will be a tough task to obtain a European place although he believes that with the current Spurs squad it could be possible.

  Ledley King may be utilised in the defence this season rather than the midfield position he was deployed in last term. Glenn Hoddle thinks that he would be better off in the back line as there is strength in midfield following the summer signings and the manager believes that he is suited to the position despite a slip in the Wycombe game, which he will have the opportunity to iron out in the coming friendlies.

  A young Spurs reserves side lost 0-6 in a behind closed doors friendly against Arsenal today.

Monday 23.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs have agreed a two year deal with Argentinian defender Jose Antonio Chamot of AC Milan.  The 32 year old, who previously played for Pisa, Foggia, Atletico Madrid and Lazio has agreed terms and the Italian club have let him leave on a free transfer.  He has played 43 times for his country and becomes Glenn Hoddle's fifth signing of the summer.

  While he didn't commit himself to the rotation system, Glenn Hoddle did say that he would utilise his squad to pick the right team for each opposing side.  He said that there was competition for places and that he would be able to alter the team with enough players now available to come in and do a job in the first XI.

  Hod also would not be rushed on the matter of the team captaincy, saying there was plenty of time before the season proper got underway.

  Glenn also revealed that there was still a bit of work to do on the defence and that was what pre-season games were all about - getting things right.

  Steffen Iversen has said he is enjoying the pre-season build-up and is having fun scoring goals.  He just hopes that he is not using them all up now and that there will be some left in the locker for the season when it starts for real.  The Norwegian also hopes that he will feature in the forward line and added that there have been a few different combinations used so nobody is sure who will stat on August 18th.

  A big South coast club have denied all rumours of the weekend linking them with Oyvind Leonhardsen in a £1.5 million deal.

  ... and finally ... Tottenham Hotspur mailed out a newsletter to fans which they received today and it includes this sentence from Daniel Levy ... "The arrival of experienced international players, Gus Poyet, Teddy Sheringham and Goran Bunjevceciv, as well as the possibilities of other exciting future signings ..."  We know it is a hard one Dan, but come on, know your own players !!

Sunday 22.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs have agreed the transfer of Jose Chamot from AC Milan.  The News of the World state that it may be on a free, as AC Milan will not be requiring the controversial defender.  Other sources put a price for the player between £2.5 million and £3.5 million.  He has a reputation for collecting red cards wherever he has played, but Tottenham are keen to add him to their squad ahead of the new season.  The Argentinian centre back, who has Champions League experience form last season, could arrive in England for a medical early next week.  On Saturday, Hoddle would only say that "there are a number of options the club are looking at."

  Everton are trying to raise the cash for a £2 million bid for Tim Sherwood.  The Spurs midfielder has caught Walter Smith's eye and he would like to buy him, but may have to sell Abel Xavier to West Ham United to fund the deal.  Wolverhampton Wanderers are also still interested, but may be put off as Spurs are asking for £3 million for the 32 year old.

  Southampton may be trying to tempt Oyvind Leonhardsen to the South coast.  The carrot of playing for a big club is what if being dangled in front of the player and an offer of £1.5 million is on the cards.  However, Spurs are holding out for £2 million.

  Newspapers are speculating that Sergei Rebrov is not happy at the summer's transfer dealings and wants Spurs to spend big or he will want to leave if there is no success this season.  Apparently, AS Roma, Fiorentina and Valencia are all watching the situation closely.

  Andres D'Allessandro, who Spurs were interested in some time ago, was voted player of the World Youth championships in Argentina last month and he is now attracting attention form Arsenal, Leeds United and Manchester United.  River Plate now want £9 million for the 22 year old midfielder, which may deter English clubs from buying him.

  Ipswich Town are looking at bidding for Boudewijn Zenden of Barcelona for £6 million.  For goodness sake, where are Tottenham in this transfer saga ??  Perhaps it is because he's not old enough to buy ??

  Also Michael Ball has been the subject of a £5 million bid from Middlesbrough.  Blackburn, Chelsea and Leicester City (for goodness sake) are all queuing up for the highly rated left back.  Notice anyone's name missing from this list ??

  Spurs are rumoured to be ready to re-ignite their interest in Gillingham's young talent Nayron Nosworthy, now that he appears to be recovered form last season's injury problems.  Scouts could be attending some of the Kent side's friendlies at Priestfield in the next week or two to check on his progress.

  Spurs will be heading for a health farm with excellent training facilities before playing Portsmouth on Wednesday and then the squad will have short break before the last four matches leading up to the new season.  Glenn Hoddle knows the place from his days with Southampton and told the official site that it would give the players a mental and physical change of scenery.

  and finally ... on the official Spurs site, there is a poll asking for you to vote on what music you would like the team to run out to.  Please visit and cast your vote as you never know, it might actually lead to fans having some say over what goes on at the club.

Saturday 21.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs beat Wycombe Wanderers this afternoon 2-1 to record their fourth pre-season victory.  The Spurs goals were scored by Teddy Sheringham and Steffen Iversen.  For a match report click here and for reaction, click here.

  Darren Anderton has helpfully put his own name forward as Glenn Hoddle searches for a club captain.  He said he would love to be asked.

  Samuel Eto'o, the Cameroonian and Real Madrid striker, has joined Mallorca for £4.56 million.  Spurs were linked with the player last season.

  Spurs reserves lost 1-3 at Barnet today in their first pre-season friendly.  The Spurs goal was scored by 

Friday 20.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The long drawn out saga of Christian Ziege's move to Tottenham has apparently been completed for an undisclosed sum.  Glenn Hoddle has said that he thinks that the transfer could help Ziege could earn his place back in Germany's side for the World Cup 2002.  The Spurs boss reckons that the German was the best wing back in the world three or four years ago and that since coming to England had failed to recapture his top form.  Hoddle thinks that by playing regularly for Spurs that he can force his way into the national side by getting the best out of him.  TeamTalk surmise that Spurs might have paid less than the £4 million Liverpool were asking for the left sided wing back.

  Sergei Rebrov has been shocked by the stories detailing his unhappiness at White Hart Lane.  He said he had spoken to a Russian newspaper but commented only about the Ukraine national team and said nothing about Spurs.  He could not understand where they had conjured these quotes from as he said nothing about wanting to leave Tottenham nor about passing through any "Arab area", but he assured Spurs fans on the official site that he was looking forward to a better season with new players and a new coach and would not be seeking to leave Spurs.

  New defender Goran Bunjevcevic has said he is feeling the pressure of replacing a former Spurs centre half, but is looking forward to playing with speed and movement in the new Spurs side Glenn Hoddle is shaping.  The Yugoslav international said he is pleased to be at Spurs and has been surprised by the strength of players in the English game.  The 29 year old told the London Evening Standard that he was keen to play as Hoddle wanted by bringing the ball out of defence and that he was able to make space for the midfield players in front of him by doing so.  Bunjy feels that with the signings made by Hoddle, the team could have the necessary class and experience to push to win a place in Europe.

 The Planet Football site are linking Spurs with a £2 move for the Argentinian Jose Antonio Chamot as he appears to be ready to move away from AC Milan.  They do link Spurs with any central defender anywhere in the world to replace one we lost this summer, but the story on this one goes that talks are taking place about the move.

  To follow on from this transfer gossip, the same site goes on to add that Spurs could move for Feyenoord's Polish goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek.  The 27 year old saw a move to Arsenal break down and Spurs need experienced cover for Neil Sullivan, following Ian Walker's departure.  There is one sang though and that is the number of non-EU nationals in the Spurs squad.  Each club is only allowed three in their squad for each match and Spurs already have Rebrov and Bunjevcevic.  Should they sign Chamot, then Dudek will make four.  The Pole's agent confirmed that he was negotiating with a club and that this was the very problem which needed to be resolved, but Spurs are awaiting the outcome of the Chamot move and hope he might be granted EU citizenship after spending the last nine years in Italy.

  The deal to bring Alan Kelly to Tottenham appears to have died a death, with Everton being linked with the Blackburn Rovers goalie now.

 Real Madrid's Brazilian defender Julio Cesar, who said earlier in the week he would only move on a permanent deal, has gone on loan to Benfica.

  Alton Thelwell has told reporters that he believes the young defenders at the club will get more of a look-in now that the captain has left White Hart Lane.  He said that although the likes of Gardner, Doherty, Young and himself were used when there were injuries, they will be better able to stake a claim for a regular position in the first team with one more player out of the picture.

  Luton have said that tickets for their game against Spurs on Tuesday August 7th are available on the night at £12 adults, £6 for seniors and £1 juniors.

  Leyton Orient left back, Matthew Lockwood who has been linked with a £1 million move to Spurs in the past, has joined up with Millwall on their pre-season tour with a view to a transfer to South London.

  It now transpires that Spurs might go to Tribunal to decide whether or not they have to pay George Graham compensation, but John Barnwell of the League Managers Association (LMA) has said that he thinks GG would win his £1 million claim.  Barnwell added that Spurs had not agreed to settle before the hearing and that the LMA did not take up lost causes.

Thursday 19.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs beat Leyton Orient 2-0 in Steve Castle's Testimonial match at Brisbane Road tonight.  Simon Davies and Sergei Rebrov scored Tottenham's goals.  For a match report, click here.

  Spurs might nip in and try to steal Jose Antonio Chamot from the clutches of Marseilles.  The French club appear to have failed to produce the money to satisfy him and Tottenham are aware that the 32 year old Argentinian is now available and AC Milan are willing to let him leave for around £3.5 million.  Spanish club Alaves are also keeping an eye on the deal.

  Despite being linked with Spurs recently, Patrick Mbomba has said he is happy to stay at Parma.

  George Graham is likely to receive an out-of-court settlement for his dismissal as Spurs manager as he has been talking to ENIC about the matter for a couple of weeks.  It is thought that Spurs will pay off an agreed sum rather than have to go to arbitration.

Wednesday 18.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Glenn Hoddle announced that Christian Ziege is a Spurs player.  He has completed his move and the manager confirmed that the German would be playing in midfield for Tottenham.  He was due to start training with the team today and could be used for some of the testimonial match against Leyton Orient tomorrow.  Other reports say the press conference on Monday was cancelled as the player went back to Liverpool to sort out his settlement with them, so we still await the official announcement.  This might have to wait until Liverpool return form their tour of the Far East next week and late tonight the club confirmed that.

  Alan Kelly looks like he has decided to turn down a move to Tottenham after all.  It is believed that a failure to agree personal terms was the stumbling block.  I reckon he wanted £35,000 like everyone else.  Other stories claim that he is unhappy at playing stand-by for Neil Sullivan believing he would get a crack at a first team place.  It is also believed that Manchester United are interested in taking Kelly to Old Trafford as back-up for Fabian Barthez, which would mean that Kelly would not have to move his family.  David Pleat said that after talks with the club, the keeper had returned to Blackburn, but he was hoping that further developments might take place.

  Former Spurs defender Graham Roberts has said that the former Spurs captain S. Cumball cannot expect Spurs fans to give him any respect.  He reminded him that the moves involving Steve Walford, Pat Jennings and Willie Young were not prefaced by long periods of pronouncing their love of the club before moving across North London.

  Constantin Galca of Espanyol has joined Spanish club Villareal on a free transfer.  Galca was linked with Spurs last season.

  22 year old Brazilian Julio Cesar has turned down the opportunity to join Benfica on a loan deal and has told Spurs, Liverpool, Arsenal and Benfica to put a long term deal to him in person and he will consider it.  The defender was unwilling to leave Real Madrid, but now appears ready to start afresh at a new club.

  The rumours linking Tim Sherwood with a move to Southampton have been denied by Tottenham and also a big club on the South Coast (new ground capacity 33,000).

Tuesday 17.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs beat Swindon Town 3-1 tonight in a pre-season friendly at the County Ground.  Although Swindon went one up, Spurs came back in the second half to win with goals from Steffen Iversen, Yannick Kamanan and John Piercy. Click here for a match report.

  TeamTalk is claiming that although no announcement has yet been made, Christian Ziege has signed a three year contract at Tottenham.  A fee believed to be £4 million (plus up to £1.5 million more depending on appearances ) has been agreed and although the German cannot join Spurs officially until 1st August, Liverpool have released him to train with his new team-mates.  It is stated that he will earn around £35,000 a week.  Gulp !!

  Sergei Rebrov has shocked Spurs fans by announcing that he does not see Tottenham as the limit of his ambitions.  He told a Soviet newspaper - Sport Express - at the weekend that he is buying a house, but does not intend to settle in London.  He was also reported as saying that he has had support from the club since he arrived and he sees himself as one of the leaders at the club.  The story contained a bizarre quote that went ... "I admire the parks in London although, on my way to the city from my home in Chigwell, I pass such neglected Arab districts that I instinctively press my foot on the accelerator," according to Opta Soccer's website.  He must have taken a few wrong turns there !!  Rightly, Rebrov commented that there are about a dozen good players at the club and when they are out injured, the heart goes out of the side.  Later, the Ukrainian forward's agent issued a denial stating that he was "very happy" at Spurs and was looking forward to playing under Glenn Hoddle and alongside Teddy Sheringham, who has has hit it off with.

  Josep Guardiola has denied that he will take a sabbatical from football and will announce his new club next week.  Spurs may be well placed to take the Barcelona captain, as many Italian clubs are losing interest and although he may favour a move to Liverpool, they are well served in midfield.  As he seeks a London club to play with in the Premiership, Tottenham could be his destination as West Ham United have come in, but Pep does not think they would be the club for him.  Of course, should Arsenal or Chelsea enter the race, they would have the upper hand.

  Parma and Cameroon striker Patrick Mbomba has been linked with a move to Tottenham, although it seems a bit unlikely as there are a surfeit of strikers at the Lane at the moment (although another in case of injury wouldn't go amiss) and at 30, the slots for elderly forwards are already taken.  The player was African Player of the Year in 2000 and has been thought to be considering a move to Watford or Fulham, but he might jump at the chance to play for Spurs.

  Gus Poyet was delighted to have scored on his first appearance, but would have been even happier if one had been on August 18th.  He told the Official Spurs site that he felt like he had been at the club for a long time and was settling in well with his new team-mates.

  Nantes' French Player of the Year, Eric Carriere, has decided to stay with the club for a further season, thus disappointing many clubs, including Spurs and Chelsea who were interested in buying him.  Shame as with him, teddy and Mbomba, we could have had three Players of the Year and could have gone for a full side of them.

Monday 16.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Christian Ziege believes he is on his way to Tottenham, he told the Liverpool official website.  The German left sided player has set his sights on a move to White Hart Lane after Spurs and Liverpool agreed a fee for his transfer and all that remains is a medical before he officially becomes Glenn Hoddle's fourth signing this summer.  The club said on it's site that Ziege was at the club today having his medical.  He said he will be happy to play in his accustomed place of left midfield to bring more experience to the Spurs side and also to link up with fellow countryman Steffen Freund.

  Rumours have been circulating all day that Spurs are ready to make a bold £10 million bid for Clarence Seedorf of Internazionale of Milan.  The Mirror newspaper said a bid was about to be made and the Dutchman's representative had spoken to Spurs about coming to Tottenham.  David Buchler said that the club could be interested and time would tell if anything will come from it.  However, later, Glenn Hoddle said that there was no truth in the rumour.

  The move for Seedorf may be a back-up plan in case talks with Josep Guardiola fail to come to fruition.  The Barcelona man will announce his destination next week, with many clubs in England and Italy awaiting his pronouncement.

  Spurs could wrap up the signing of Alan Kelly from Blackburn Rovers tomorrow for £600,000.  The Irish keeper had apparently been asking Rovers for money as he had not asked for a transfer, but the matter has now been resolved.  He could go straight into match action with a game at Leyton Orient on Thursday 19th July if all goes to plan.

  A big crowd is expected for Tottenham's next pre-season friendly at Swindon Town, where up to 8,000 are thought to be turning up for the match.  This is more than the average at the County Ground last season.

  Steffen Iversen said that now he is back to full fitness, he will not shy away from aerial duels as he seeks to find a place in the Spurs side.  The Norwegian striker said it is natural to be competitive in the air when playing and he would not shirk challenges for the high balls despite his double bouts of concussion last season that put him out of the game with fears over his future health.

Sunday 15.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  While Christian Ziege has asked Gerard Houllier to make a decision on his future at Liverpool, Spurs are believed to have set a deadline of July 21st to seal the deal or it is no longer an option.  Reports indicate that Glenn Hoddle might look to take the left back Wayne Bridge from a big South Coast club, although there may be other alternatives the Spurs boss might try to secure.  West Ham United are also said to be interested in the German defender.

  Southampton are preparing a £2 million bid to take Tim Sherwood to the St. Mary's Provident and Friendly Big club stadium somewhere down South.  The Southampton manager, who nobody has heard of, is keen to get some experience in the side and sees Sherwood as a possible target if he is unsure of his place in Glenn Hoddle's New Tottenham vision.  This could tie in with the story above with a swap deal a possibility if things go as planned.

  Glenn Hoddle faces trouble with the Sunday People reporting that the Blackburn goalkeeper Alan Kelly may turn down a move to Tottenham.  Although the manager has had talks with the player, there appears to be some doubt about whether he will now make the move to White Hart Lane and that leaves Hoddle with little time to sign up an experienced reserve keeper as cover for Neil Sullivan.  It is believed that Hoddle will set a deadline within which he will expect a decision from the Irish goalie.  Scarily, the News of the World reports that Hoddle might be looking at Pavel Srnicek as an alternative !!  Aaaaarggghhhh !!

  Steffen Freund has told Hoddle that he expects to be in the first team and will not be happy sitting on the bench in the coming season.  He said he is not the kind of player to make trouble, but will not be content with a supporting role at Spurs.

  Spurs are reported in the Sunday Mirror to have made an enquiry about bringing David Ginola back to White Hart Lane at the start of the summer.

  Former manager George Graham has said he expects to hear form Spurs within a couple of weeks to settle his claim for unfair dismissal.  He is reported to be claiming £1.5 million for being eased out of his post by new owners ENIC.

Saturday 14.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Sergei Rebrov has revealed today that Spurs DID try to sign his compatriot Andrei Shevchenko.  It is claimed that the Chairman of Spurs wanted to stump up £30 million for the Ukrainian striker, but he wanted to stay at AC Milan and extend his contract.  Rebrov did add that if Tottenham qualified for the Champions League, then his former Dynamo Kiev partner would consider the move to White Hart Lane, especially as he would like to play alongside him again.

  Glenn Hoddle was very happy at the result at Stevenage Borough last night, with special praise for new signing Gustavo Poyet, who he said will be a real asset for the club in the coming campaign.  He said that he has always changed teams at half-time in the early pre-season games and that helps build up the understanding and fitness of all the players.

Friday 13.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs played their first pre-season friendly tonight and beat Stevenage Borough at Broadhall Way 8 (eight) -1.  The scorers were Gus Poyet 3, Steven Ferguson 2, Yannick Kamanan 2 and Steffen Freund.  Yes !!  That's right.  You did read that correctly !!  Steffen Freund !!  For a match report, click here.

  Spurs will play Fiorentina in a Testimonial for Bill Nicholson on Wednesday August 8th at White Hart Lane.  Kick off will be at 7.45 p.m.

  Ian Walker of Leicester City has slammed Spurs for the treatment he received during the last year of his time at White Hart Lane.  The £2.5 million signing said he was so depressed during the final year that he even turned down the testimonial he was due to get away. He told the London Evening Standard that George Graham re-instated his to the side when the manager arrived, but then turfed him out when he had done well in replacing Sullivan when he was suspended.  Turning his views on the departure of the club captain, Walker said that why should he have stayed when the club had not stuck by him and he had seen all the stick that had been dished out recently for lack of loyalty, so why should that player have signed again either.  The former England goalkeeper said that there was no loyalty from the club and that Spurs were underhand when getting him to sign a new contract, when they were planning to bring in Neil Sullivan as the Spurs No.1 on a free transfer.  His reasons for leaving were to get a new environment, but also it was a good mood for Tottenham he added, because he was "just walking around in a mood" all the time.  The former Spurs custodian ended by warning Spurs that Stephen Carr could follow him out of the door and that the club would have to be active in the transfer market to keep their best young players.  He said that he became a Fox because he met Stan Collymore on holiday in the US of A (travelling around in a camper van apparently - is he going to sign for West Ham United soon ??) and he told him Leicester City was a good club.  He also told him that he should shave his head and that the little green man that sits on his shoulder was telling him to beware of the time thieves.

  Ben Thatcher will miss most of the first couple of months pf the season after having a hip operation.  The left back missed the majority of last season with a groin injury and it was this that has lead to him needing surgery.

  Oyvind Leonhardsen was another Spurs player hit by injury last term, but he is hoping that for the first time since joining the club, he wishes to go through the season without injury, he told the club's official website today.  He said he is raring to go after a good summer and he has been training with the late returning internationals at Spurs Lodge after missing out on the trip to La Manga.

  Gary Doherty is hoping that he can have talks with manager Glenn Hoddle about where he sees his future in the Spurs team.  Although he said he was happy to play anywhere at the moment, to stay in the team, he feels that once all the players are fit and in place at Tottenham, only then will Hoddle make a decision on where he is most effective.

  Former Spurs striker turned agent, Ronnie Rosenthal, is at the centre of a storm over the transfer of Nzelo Lembi from Club Bruges.  The Belgian club are not happy about Ronnie's involvement in the Cameroon player's rumoured move to Kaiserslautern, Leeds United or Trabzonspor and have called him "foolish".  If he intends to carry on contacting the player who is still under contract, the chairman of Club Bruges said he will not hesitate to complain to FIFA.
  Former Spurs striker Dave McEwen has been signed by Queens Park Rangers after Tottenham released him at the end of the season.

  Spurs young keeper Jamie Atwell has gone on trial at Bristol City after Spurs let him go at the end of last season.

  ... and finally ... Southampton have shown they are a big club by smashing their transfer record of £2.5 million for David Hirst by splashing huge amounts of cash on Derby County's Rory Delap.  He cost the Saints £4 million.  Woooooooohhh !!

Thursday 12.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Christian Ziege's move to Tottenham has been put on hold as the German defender require his Liverpool contract to be paid up.  The club say he will get his money (a signing on bonus ??) when he joins Spurs in a £4.5 million deal, which could be next week.  Glenn Hoddle said that it was a "long, long haul" to complete this deal, but options were being lined up in case it didn't come off.

 Hoddle also added that there were no further moves on the Alan Kelly transfer, but the club were in the market for a new keeper to fill in for the departed Ian Walker.  Bradford City's Matt Clarke seems to be available for £1 million and if he is willing to be a stand-in for Sullivan could be a better buy than Kelly, should the deal fall through.

  Stories are coming out of Bayern Munich that should they manage to buy Michael Ballack and Sebastian Deisler, then they would be willing to let Steffan Effenburg leave the club.  The Champions League Champions are ready to swoop for the two international midfielders in the 2002-2003 season, which would suit the 33 year old Bayern captain, who has said he would like one more season at the club and then be able to move to England.  Spurs are a club that he has said in the past he would consider joining.

  Tottenham are reported to be ready to offer Luke Young a new contract to fend off interest from Charlton Athletic.  The Spurs defender has two years to run on his current contract and a two year extension to the deal would be on offer.  David Pleat has met with Young and will talk further next week, but a deal could be arranged in line with other Spurs youngsters who have been given longer contracts.

  Gustavo Poyet will be in the squad for tomorrow's friendly at Stevenage Borough.  Some of the players who were allowed extended leave after playing in international games will probably not feature in the friendly, Sheringham and Bunjevcevic apparently among them.

  Goran Bunjevcevic has been talking about how he first watched Spurs as a youngster when we played Hajduk Split in the UEFA Cup of 1984.  He said that Tottenham Hotspur were known as one of the best clubs in England then.  He had a video of the 1981 FA Cup final and has recently watched videos of the Spurs goals from last season too.  The Yugoslavian international explained that his strength is passing and that he was looking forward to playing in the Premiership because of the grounds, the fans and the whole atmosphere.

  In a T programme to be shown in England next week called "Frankly Football : 30 Somethings", Gustavo Poyet says that coming to England helped him cut the cheating out of his game which was a way of life in South America.  Trying to score with their hands, cheating referees into giving penalties and kicking opponents off the ball were all everyday occurrences in his home continent, but the Uruguayan said nowadays he plays fair and is enjoying his football much more for it.

  ... and finally ... Robbie Savage has signed a four year deal to stay at Leicester City.  Hurrah !!  

Wednesday 11.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Goran Bunjecevic has joined his Spurs team-mates in training and hopes that he will be able to restore the club to the level where they can challenge for a place in the Champions League.  The Yugoslav admitted that he might take time to settle in, but he is ambitious and thinks in a couple of years that Spurs could make progress and realise their potential.  He will make his debut for Tottenham on Friday against Stevenage Borough.

  Lille defender Pascal Cygan has put out a "come and get me" plea to Liverpool.  This comes a day after he made the same shout to Tottenham.

  Former Spurs target Olaf Mellberg of Racing Santander has been reported as being ready to join Aston Villa for £5 million.  The central defender had been watched by Spurs in the recent past.

Tuesday 10.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  TeamTalk report that Spurs are set to finalise the transfer of Christian Ziege from Liverpool for £4.5 million by the end of this week.  

  Spurs have agreed a fee of £600,000 for Alan Kelly with Blackburn Rovers.  The 33 year old goalkeeper, who will provide cover for Neil Sullivan, will meet with Spurs officials to discuss personal terms in the next few days. The keeper himself has said that he would welcome the move to Spurs and that a big club transfer like this would suit him after being told he would not be in the reckoning for a first team place at Ewood Park.  

  Tottenham owners ENIC have sold their interest in Greek club AEK Athens.  A row over the lack of investment in the club erupted around the time they came to buy shares in Tottenham and now the group have made the move to pull out of the club from the capital altogether.

  Lille's defender Pascal Cygan has issued a come and get me plea to Spurs.  He has had talks about a move to Olympiakos, but would prefer to play in England even though the Greek side can offer Champions League football.  He said he has heard the rumours, but so far only Olympiakos have made a bid.

  Outgoing Spurs keeper Ian Walker has spoken about his leaving of White Hart Lane.  He said that Glenn Hoddle's first choice between the sticks was going to be Neil Sullivan and he felt that he needed first team football, despite the great times he had at Tottenham.  The former England keeper added he could not understand the Spurs captain's move across North London and that he could not have done the same thing.

  Ledley King has revealed on the club's official site that he has not enjoyed the running in pre-season training.  He prefers working with a ball, but said that the La Manga camp was good in that training in the heat wasn't too bad.  Since returning to England, the team have been training morning and evening

  Spurs First Team Coach Chris Hughton has started twelve months of study on the UEFA Pro Licence course.  He is among the first in England to take the course and will be alongside former Spurs coach, Stewart Houston.

  Colin Calderwood has come back to White Hart Lane in the guise of reserve team coach.  He will replace Theo Foley who will now become the club's chief scout.

  Former Spurs transfer target, Vicenza striker Luca Toni, has moved to Brescia for £8 million.

  Former Spurs defender Stuart Nethercott has signed a new contract at Millwall to keep him there until 2003.

  ... and finally ... Interesting programme on television last night - Late London - featuring a debate (?) between Spurs and Arsenal fans about the merits of players who move between the two teams.  Appearing for Spurs were Bernie Kingsley (of fanzine Cock-A-Doodle-Doo fame), MEHSTG contributors Danny Keane and Stuart Goldman, Daniel Wynne and Ali Zihni of the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust and famous fans Roger Lloyd Pack (Trigger from "Only Fools and Horses") and Warren Mitchell ("Alf Garnett").  Garth Crooks was there to add comments as an ex-Spurs player.  On the Arsenal side were a bunch of rude muppets, who couldn't keep their mouths shut while Garth Crooks was talking, Tom Watt (Lofty from "EastEnders"), Charlie George and 1960's criminal Mad Frankie Fraser as their celebrity fan.  Crooks made the valid point that Spurs would be playing a completely different type of football this coming season and the one after could make a real bid for European football.  He felt that S. Cumball had made the move thinking about himself, but that when the crunch came on November 17th, Spurs fans would give him a very hot reception.  

Monday 9.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Christian Ziege is believed to have agreed terms with Spurs and could join within the next couple of days.

  Ian Walker today joined Leicester City for a fee of £2.5 million, rising to £3 million on the number of appearances.  Looking uncannily like Robbie Savage, the Spurs second string keeper said it was time for some new scenery and he has been told that he will have to fight for the gloves at Filbert Street.  Apparently, Peter Taylor has said that the club have three top class goalkeepers - can you think of who they are ???

  Spurs are interested in bringing in goalkeeper Alan Kelly from Blackburn Rovers. who have given him permission to talk to Tottenham.  

  Luke Young is interesting Charlton Athletic and could leave White Hart Lane for £1.5 million.

  Dependant on personal terms and a medical, former Spurs transfer target Gareth Southgate will be leaving Aston Villa to join Middlesbrough as he seeks European football and a chance to win things.  I understand the North Eastern Masters is a great competition.

  Real Betis have joined the pack for the transfer of Sergio of Espanyol.  They are bidding £8.31 million for the midfielder who Spurs have watched.  Spurs and Deportivo La Coruna are also watching the man who has a buy-out clause in his contract valued at £14.46 million.

  Former Spurs defender Gudni Bergsson has signed a new one year deal with newly promoted Bolton Wanderers.

  Former Spurs keeper, Chris Day has joined Queens Park Rangers after being released by Watford.

  ... and finally ... Zinedine Zidane has chosen a move to Real Madrid over a chance to play for Tottenham.  Rumours indicate that Spurs were willing to go to £7.15 million, but Zidane plumped for the £50 million world record transfer to the Spanish champions, who will not be playing against top teams like Blackburn Rovers, Southampton and Bolton Wanderers next season.

Sunday 8.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Stephen Carr's comments of yesterday have been seized on by the Sunday newspapers.  They are suggesting that Inter Milan have entered the race for the Irish defender, after Barcelona had been quoted as expressing an interest.  The latest club to be linked are Arsenal, who want to set up an £18 million deal which consists of cash plus want-away Brazilian defender Silvinho.  You would like to think that it would take a bit more than that to prise Carr away from Spurs.  Carr was saying that Spurs need to be signing £15 million players to compete.  Well, only if they are worth that much and want to come to Tottenham Stephen.

  Tottenham look set to sign 32 year old goalkeeper Alan Kelly of Blackburn Rovers as cover for Neil Sullivan.  The Republic of Ireland keeper will replace Ian Walker as the Spurs back-up goalie and will cost £600,000 when he passes a medical next week.

  Spurs are interested in buying Belgian striker Mbo Mpenza from Sporting Lisbon.  Southampton and Sunderland are also looking at the 24 year old.

  Chris Hughton revealed on the official site that the players were training in three sessions in La Manga to get fit and nothing else.  They were starting their sessions at 6.30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 7.00 p.m. because of the heat in the middle of the day.

  Arsene Wenger has labelled Spurs fans as "crazy people" in an attempt to calm down the anger between the two clubs.  His comments come in light of journalists suggesting that he should pick his side for the visit to White Hart Lane in November to prevent Tottenham supporters giving his players stick from the terraces.

  Tottenham were knocked out of the Southern Masters tournament at the group stage tonight.  They drew their first game 2-2 with Southampton (goals from Terry Gibson and Hazard), with the second game seeing a 1-2 defeat by Arsenal (Tottenham's goal came from Clive Wilson).  
Two bust-ups happened.  The first in the Saints game was when Parks went in hard on Jimmy Case and the former Liverpool man carried it on by dragging down Parks as the ball came back into the box.  Southampton thought they had got a penalty, but the ref gave the free kick to Spurs.  Then in the Arsenal match, Perry Groves went foot up on Colin Calderwood (who just retired after having a leg broken in three places).  He ran all over Groves, the Gooner retaliated and there was a drop ball to re-start play.  At that Micky Hazard and Steve Williams got heated and then Hazard chopped down Paul Davis.  Nice to see the competitive edge is still there.
The full squad taking part were : - Tony Parks, Clive Wilson, David Leworthy, Colin Calderwood, David Kerslake, Micky Hazard, Garry Brooke, Terry Gibson, Clive Allen, Glenn Hoddle with John Gorman as coach.

Saturday 7.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Julio Caesar said it is his intention to stay at Real Madrid for the remaining three years of his contract and fight to be the centre half the club have been looking for.  Although both Spurs and Liverpool are believed to have bid £6.5 million for the 22 year old Brazilian, he looks likely to stay at the Bernabeu unless Real decide to sell him to raise funds for other purchases. 

  Hosanna from the highest !!!  Michael Duberry has told reporters that he is going nowhere and has not expressed a wish to leave Elland Road.  This is marvellous news for Spurs as the last thing we would want is to upset the former Chelsea man by having him in the middle of the Tottenham defence.

  and finally ... the Swiss said goodbye to their national stadium yesterday after the final game there.  The Wankdorf will be blown up on August 3rd and replaced with a £150 million erection.

Friday 6.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Glenn Hoddle has said he is interested in Real Madrid's Brazilian defender Julio Cesar.  The 22 year old has found it hard to break into the Spanish champions first team and £6 million would help go towards paying for Zinedine Zidane.  Hoddle sees Cesar as a straight replacement for the previous centre half at Tottenham.

  Stephen Carr has hinted that he might have to leave Tottenham to achieve what he wants in the game. He said he wants to win medals and sees his international team-mates playing European football regularly, while he has only won the Worthington Cup in nine years at Spurs.  He alluded to recent rumours linking him with Barcelona by saying that he was flattered by them and that he would never say never. 

  As Chelsea are involved in the early rounds of the UEFA Cup, there have been some changes to our fixtures.  The home match against The Blues on Saturday 15th September will now move to Sunday September 16th, kick off at 2pm.  The next match at Sunderland has therefore been moved from Tuesday September 18th to Wednesday September 19th, with the kick-off at 8pm.

  Pascal Cygan, the 27 year old Lille central defender, linked with Spurs yesterday, has had talks with Olympiakos of Greece.

  Spurs have been training three times a day at La Manga in Spain at their pre-season training camp.  Most of the squad have been involved including all those who were injured at the tail end of last season.  The only ones missing were Teddy Sheringham and Goran Bunjevcevic.

  Things appear to be going so well, that Chris Perry cannot wait until the season gets underway.  He said that there is a lot more talking with the manager than under George Graham, with an emphasis on passing the ball out of defence.  The Spurs defender said that there is much more focus in training now and Hoddle likes to involve all the squad players.

Thursday 5.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Josep Guardiola is not announcing his next move in football quite yet.  Having been available on a Bosman free transfer for at least four days now, he is holed up in a Spanish hotel with his family on holiday.  He will reveal his destination next week, despite strong rumours that Spurs have been holding talks with the Spanish international.  While other English clubs have been linked with him, Tottenham are hopeful of signing the Barcelona captain to boost the squad ahead of the new season.

  Ian Walker could be set to join Leicester City in the next 48 hours for £2 million.

  Christian Ziege has said his proposed move to FC Schalke 04 fell through because the manager wanted a man marker and not a left back.  The German international claimed that money had nothing to do with it.  He could fly to Spain to re-commence talks with Glenn Hoddle at the Spurs training camp at La Manga in the next day or so, as he attempts to stay in England with other clubs seemingly cooling their interest.

  Glenn Hoddle is rumoured in the Mirror newspaper today to be ready to squander £5 million on Leeds United's central defender Michael Duberry.  Hope is still there for Spurs fans though as the former Chelsea man's agent has poured a hefty bucketful of cold water all over the story.  SPLASH !!  "There have been no bids," said Jonathan Barnett, the 26 year old's representative.

  French press are reporting that Pascal Cygan of Lille is almost certain to sign for Tottenham.  The 27 year old has been linked with Spurs, Arsenal and West ham United in the past, but it appears that the newspapers are keen to pair him off with Spurs and reports of a replacement already lined up by the French club.

  The new Tottenham central defender Goran Bunjevcevic has been uncovered as a bargain buy at £1.4 million and not the £5 million first reported !!  The Spurs manager revealed that the signing from Red Star Belgrade is not a direct like for like replacement for Sol Campbell.  Having previously been talked about playing alongside the former Spurs captain, the 29 year old Yugoslav will come in to play a more continental game as his use of the ball is far superior to that of his predecessor.

  Now that Wimbledon have sold off another of their players, the rumours of bids for Chris Armstrong that first surfaced a couple of days ago have come up again.  The same problem appears to exist in that Don's boss Terry Burton won't pay the £2.5 million asking price, wanting the injury plagued Spurs striker for only £1.5 million.

Wednesday 4.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Glenn Hoddle has revived his interest in Liverpool's Christian Ziege and hopes to bring him to White Hart Lane.  Hoddle said he had always admired the German full back, who would be an asset to the team and that Spurs were in with a shout of getting him, even though there were other clubs interested.

  Spurs are rumoured to be among a couple of London teams (Chelsea and Arsenal the others) in being offered Marseilles 22 year old international centre back Zoumana Camara.  It is reckoned that Spurs may be looking to strengthen the defence in the wake of recent events.

  Former Spurs target Jason Euell has joined Charlton Athletic in a £4.75 million transfer.

  Former Spurs midfielder, Jeffrey Minton, has joined Leyton Orient on a free Bosman transfer from Rotherham United.

Tuesday 3.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Former Spurs target, Everton's Stephen Hughes has joined Watford on a free transfer.

  Much as expected, Andrei Shevchenko will not be coming to White Hart Lane.  The Ukrainian striker has extended his contract at AC Milan until 2006.

  Christian Ziege is rumoured to be ready to lower his wage demands and accept a £4.5 million move to Tottenham in the near future.  He will be omitted from Liverpool's pre-season tour of Switzerland to allow the move to be arranged.

  Ian Walker will probably complete his move to Leicester City when he returns from holiday next week.  There is some confusion about his fee though, with some sources suggesting £3 million, while a free transfer may be awarded according to some stories.

  Former Spurs forward Peter Crouch has joined Portsmouth in a £1.5 million transfer from Queens Park Rangers.  A percentage of the money involved in the deal will find it's way to White Hart Lane as a condition of the players sale to the Loftus Road club last season.

Monday 2.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Two Spurs games have been moved to be covered by Pay-Per-View TV available to digital, cable or satellite TV customers.  These are Tottenham's home match v Southampton, which is moved to Sunday September 9th and Newcastle v Tottenham which is a day later on Sunday October 21st.  Both games will kick off at 2pm.

  Steffen Iversen's agent has denied that his client is being a part of any deal to bring Andrei Shevchenko to White Hart Lane.  He voiced his high opinion of Iversen's current employers by asking "Why would Shevchenko be interested in joining a club that finished 12th in the Premiership last season?"

  The squad flew to La Manga in Spain yesterday to start a week's pre-season training today.  The only players who have been excused the trip are those who have been involved in international matches late into the end of the season and those who have not yet arrived from other clubs (i.e. Bunjevcevic).  Another who stayed behind on Sunday was Ian Walker, who was trying to sort out his future ... as ...

  Peter Taylor has confirmed his interest in buying Ian Walker.  The former Spurs winger said that he had talked a couple of times with the player and is keen to bring in experienced support to Tim Flowers, who missed a large part of last season with an arthritic condition.

  Darren Anderton said he does not have anything to prove to the Spurs fans and if they think they are frustrated about his legacy of injuries, they should be him !! I'm sure they wouldn't mind if they had his salary !!  He said that he has completed a day's training in La Manga and did all that the other players have done, so is pleased with his recovery from his Achilles injury.  He went on to add that the reasons he decided to stay at Spurs were Glenn Hoddle, who he believes can take Tottenham to success and Teddy Sheringham, who he regards highly both on and off the pitch.  The England midfielder said that he is happy that he does not have to move on as he will have spent most of his career at White Hart Lane by 2005, when this contract ends, and he feels that shows his commitment to the club. 

  Former Spurs forward, Peter Crouch, looks like he is on his way out of Second Division Queens Park Rangers.  Portsmouth have made a £1.25 million bid for him and Charlton Athletic are ready to nip in to take him to the Valley,  Spurs are on a  percentage of the transfer fee as part of the sale to the Loftus Road club.

  Former Spurs striker Colin Lee has declined the opportunity to manage Torquay United on a full-time basis after leading them to a last day survival from the drop into the Vauxhall Conference.

Sunday 1.7.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Darren Anderton signed a four year contract with Spurs today that will probably see him finish his career with Tottenham.  After a long period of uncertainty and some comments by the player about the lack of effort made to keep Sol Campbell, the deal was finally completed today to keep the England midfielder with Spurs. 

  Glenn Hoddle could be back in for Christian Ziege after the collapse of his move back to Germany with FC Schalke 04.  The German defender is still looking to leave Liverpool and Valencia, Celta Vigo and Gelsenkirchen are all supposedly interested in the left back.  The only stumbling block could be his wage demands, which according to the press are £60,000 a week.

  According to the News of the World, Ian Walker could join Leicester City within the week for a £3 million fee.  The price has been agreed by the clubs and it now rests on Walker reaching personal terms with the Foxes.  Meanwhile, the Sunday Mirror hints that Celtic are still in the race for the goalkeeper's signature too.

  Steffen Iversen is to join up with the Spurs squad in pre-season training after getting the all clear on his head injuries.  The Norwegian forward has been training alone for a week and is looking forward to stepping up his fitness before Norway take on Turkey on August 15th.

  Stephen Carr is looking forward to a full season working with Glenn Hoddle.  He feels that the manager can improve his game by demanding quality in training every day and this will pay dividends with his passing and attacking.

  Spurs have been linked with a move for Leyton Orient's highly rated left back Matthew Lockwood.  The £1 million rated player was watched extensively during George Graham's reign and should be well known to the Spurs management team remaining from those days.

  Former Spurs midfielder Jeff Minton has been released by Rotherham United only months after signing for them on deadline day.  Minton is being tracked by Leyton Orient.

  Former Spurs midfielder Moussa Saib has finally completed his move from Auxerre to Monaco for an undisclosed sum.

  Neale Fenn's transfer to Peterborough United officially went through today on a Bosman when his contract ended.

  Former Spurs target, Danish central defender Martin Laursen, has joined Parma from Verona for £6.5 million.

  Former Spurs target, Alaves striker Javi Moreno, has joined AC Milan  for £4.67 million.

  Former Spurs target, Anderlecht striker Jan Koller, has joined Borussia Dortmund for an undisclosed fee.

  Former Spurs target, River Plate striker Javier Saviola, has joined Barcelona for an undisclosed fee.

  Former Spurs target, Alaves defender Cosmin Contra, has joined AC Milan for £7 million.