White Hot Lines

Friday 31.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Glenn Hoddle has hit out at claims that Tottenham do not have the money to buy players following the collapse of the Dean Richards deal. Hoddle said that no deal has fallen down on the grounds that Spurs did not have the cash to spend on players, but hinted that the valuation the club put on the player was far less than the £10 million quoted to them by SCBC

  Teddy Sheringham has said he is disappointed to be omitted from the England squad for the next two World Cup qualifiers, but said he wished Sven Goran Eriksson well and hopes to be in contention for a place in the squad again soon.

  Gus Poyet has said that he is not a dirty player and cited the fact that this is his first red card in over 100 games in England.  He said that there are some other tackles that have been perpetrated this season so far, like the one that has put Stephen Clemence out of the game for a while, although Gus said he was not criticising the player, just the inconsistency of the referees.  He awaits the outcome of the FA Video Advisory Panel.

  Stephen Clemence is ruled out of action for three months with a medial ligament injury sustained in the game at Blackburn Rovers last Saturday.  

  Ledley King played in England Under-21's 2-1 victory over Germany tonight in Freiburg.  Manager David Platt described his performance as magnificent.

  It was revealed today that Dave Mackay will be the next ex-Spurs player to sell his medals.  It is thought that big money will be bid for these items of memorabilia and it is rumoured that ENIC might even enter the bidding to take the medals to be put on display at White Hart Lane.  There has been no official statement as to whether the club has the money or not to bid for these items.

  On tonight's "Footballers Special" version of BBC TV's quiz show "The Weakest Link", the contestants all had an England link.  George Cohen, Geoff Hurst, Martin Chivers, Frank Worthington, Russell Osman, Martin Peters, Peter Bonetti, Malcolm MacDonald and Kenneth Wolstenholme.  The final came down to the two Martins of Spurs (having voted off former Gooner Macdonald by Chivers casting vote and Cohen as they wanted to contest the final between Spurs men).  With Peters the only one to fail on one question, Chiv won over £10,000 for a cancer research charity.

Thursday 30.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  MEHSTG apologies for not being able to bring you the latest news today, but a gang of workmen decided to put their drill through the cable which supplies our TV, telephone and Internet connection.  Thanks to the nice people at Telewest, who worked through the night to restore the services.

  Glenn Hoddle complained about being left with so few players available to train and prepare for the match against SCBC next Sunday, but said that at least the game being on the Sunday gave an extra day for the team to get together.

  Manchester City have denied that they are interested in buying Tim Sherwood.

  Dean Richards is to talk over his next move with his agent after Tottenham could not meet the £10 million asking price set by Southampton.  The player is said to be disappointed that the deal fell through as he thought it was just a question of time, but the bad blood between Spurs and a big club on the South Coast had lead to a break down in the deal moving forward.

Wednesday 29.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Some good transfer news could be coming Spurs fans way with a number of sites reporting that Tottenham are to sign Cameroon international striker and African Footballer of the Year, Patrick Mbomba from Parma. The 29 year old will not need a work permit as he holds an EC passport and has agreed a four year deal with the club.  All that is left to occur is a medical which he will undertake in a few days time.  His signing will give Spurs some more options up front and he has a habit of scoring spectacular goals, something Spurs need at the moment.  No fee has been disclosed.

  Oyvind Leonhardsen came through last night's reserve outing without any reaction in his ankle and has joined up with the Norway squad in Poland for their World Cup qualifier.  He hopes to be involved in the first team squad on his return as he feels more match fit than for some time.

  Gary Doherty has said that referee David Elleray had a lot of guts.  That meant that he was brave to over-turn his red card rather than he had been piling on the pounds during the close season.

  Gus Poyet is hoping that the FA Video Review Panel will be equally well-endowed in the stomach region as his red card at Goodison goes before them for a decision as to whether or not it will be rescinded.

  The Torquay United Worthington Cup tie at White Hart Lane will be televised on Thursday 13th September with the kick off at 7.45 p.m.  The match will be screened on ITV Digital.

  Martin Reuser of Ipswich Town has said that the rumours about Spurs being interested in him are a compliment.  He said Spurs were a big club with a  magnificent stadium and he thought the atmosphere there on the first day of the 2000-2001 season was great.  Now when someone says that about your club Mr. Lowe, you can claim to be a big club !!

  Eric Carriere, the Nantes midfielder who had been linked with a move to Spurs has joined Lyon, as they spend £7.5 million of the huge pile of cash handed to them by Fulham for striker Steve Marlet.

  Josep Guardiola has said he will announce the lucky winner of his services on Friday this week, after deciding he would leave Barcelona in April.  Spurs are one of many clubs who have been linked with the Spanish international.

  Jerzy Dudek is ready to sign for Liverpool in a deal taking him from Dutch side Feyenoord.  Spurs had been linked with the keeper before the signing on Kasey Keller.

   Don Hutchinson, another player who had been rumoured to have interested Spurs in the past, will leave Sunderland for West Ham United later this week.

Tuesday 28.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Gary Doherty will serve no suspension for his dismissal at Everton last week, after referee David Elleray recommended that course of action to the FA on reviewing a video of the incident.  Despite earlier reports to the contrary, the FA have reportedly confirmed that the red card will be wiped from the records.  No mention of the re-watching of Gus Poyet's red card was made and so it will go to the FA's Video Review Panel as Spurs have appealed against the sending off.  

  SCBC have reported Tottenham Hotspur to the FA.  Rupert "The Bear" Lowe (acting big club chairman) said that they had been talking to the press about their unhealthy interest in Dean Richards and it wasn't fair.  He added he didn't like the timing or the manner in which the remarks were made and crying into a handkerchief, he said he had had to tell on Spurs to the Premier League. By a strange coincidence, Spurs announced tonight that they are no longer interested in the SCBC player !!  Ha Ha.  Won't Rupee look silly running to teacher with no real reason !!

  Oyvind Leonhardsen is getting back to full fitness and hopes to play for the reserves tonight against Nottingham Forest.  If that goes without any reaction, he will join up with his national squad for next week's World Cup qualifiers.

  Manchester City are the latest side to be linked with a move for Tim Sherwood.  The Spurs midfielder is also believed to be the subject of interest from Everton, who are willing to bid £1.5 million.

  It has been reported on onefootball.com that Mauricio Taricco was behind the loan transfer of Sixta Peralta to Ipswich Town from Internazionale of Milan.  The Spurs full-back convinced the young Argentinian that the move would be good for him and explained that he enjoyed his time there. It would be better for Spurs if he tipped off our scouts about decent players, rather than advise them to go to other clubs in the Premier League.

  Spurs Reserves beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 at Stevenage tonight in their first League fixture of the season.  Steven Ferguson scored the goal.

Monday 27.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Glenn Hoddle has been frustrated in his hopes to work on defensive tactics because most of that department of the team are away on international duty.  He said that it was disappointing after the way the team had defended when down to nine men on Monday at Everton, but admitted that the team did not have it's "defensive head on" at Ewood Park.

  Sergei Rebrov is in the Ukraine squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Belarus on September 1st and Armenia on September 5th.

  Goran Bunjevcevic has pulled out of the Yugoslavia squad for their qualifying matches for the World Cup against Switzerland and Slovenia because of his knee injury.

  It is concerning that Stephen Clemence could be out of the Spurs midfield for up to two months according to TeamTalk.  Should his knee injury be confirmed as ligament damage, he could miss eight weeks in recovery from the tackle from Gary Flitcroft in Saturday's game against Blackburn Rovers.

  The Vice-President of AEK Athens has criticised the way that ENIC ran the club before selling up their shareholding.  He said that the company did not understand local business and could not run the club from the other side of Europe.

  A spurious rumour concerning Tottenham's interest in Ipswich Town's Martin Reuser has been reported in the papers, even going so far as to garner comments from the player and his manager to say that he does not intend to leave Portman Road.

Sunday 26.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs are awaiting reports on Stephen Clemence's knee injury to see how bad it is.  He twisted it in the challenge by Gary Flitcroft in yesterday's game and there could be ligament or cartilage damage.

  There are no Tottenham players named in the England squad to face Germany on September 1st and Albania on September 5th.

  Former Spurs winger, Peter Taylor, could be replaced by a former Spurs manager, George Graham should he not get the backing of the Leicester City board after their calamitous start to the new season.

  Meanwhile, GG is in a battle to get £2 million form Tottenham in compensation for his dismissal last season.  It is thought that Spurs could counter claim £1.75 million - £1 million being the golden handshake he reportedly received on joining Spurs and the £750,000 for compensating Southampton to replace him with Glenn Hoddle.  Expect solicitors across London to be exhibiting the golden hand-rub !!

Saturday 25.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs lost 1-2 today at Ewood Park against Blackburn Rovers.  Spurs' goal was scored by Christian Ziege.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction, click here.

  Glenn Hoddle was not a happy man on two fronts after today's match.  He criticised Graeme Souness for his confrontation with Mauricio Taricco, which lead to a booking for the Argentinian and the defending that left Spurs with a difficult task in getting anything from the game.  He said that lack of concentration cost Spurs the match.

  In the Second round of the Worthington Cup, Spurs have been drawn at home to Torquay United.  The match will be played on Tuesday 11th or Wednesday 12th September.  The match will end on the day as there will be no replays in this year's tournament.

Friday 24.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Gary Doherty's red card has to stand , but referee David Elleray has recommended to the FA that no suspension be served.  Having reviewed it on video he has waived the fact that it was a professional foul, but there is no provision to wipe off the records that the red card was issued.

  Team news for tomorrow's game at Blackburn includes Sergei Rebrov and Les Ferdinand in the squad after recovering from their knocks and Goran Bunjevcevic out with a twisted ankle playing against Everton last week (even th9ugh the club site said he might have a chance of playing).  Rebrov will wear a special gum shield if he plays as he had some teeth loosened after taking a whack in the mouth during the Aston Villa match.  Matthew Etherington is also added to the squad.

  The Ewood Park outfit will be missing David Dunn, who is out for a few weeks with ligament damage and Tugay with a thigh strain.

Blackburn team (from): Friedel, Filan, Curtis, Bjornbye, Short, Berg, Flitcroft, Mahon, Gillespie, Duff, Jansen, Grabbi, Blake, Hughes, Taylor, Hignett, Bent.

Tottenham team (from): Sullivan, Taricco, Perry, Doherty, King, Ziege, Anderton, Freund, Poyet, Clemence, Etherington, Sheringham, Ferdinand, Iversen, Rebrov, Thelwell, Davies, Keller.

  Glenn Hoddle said that if the 11 Spurs players out there tomorrow show the character the nine men did at Goodison, there is no limit as to what they can achieve.  He said that the 30 minutes plus that they had to fare with nine men had really taken a lot out of the players.

  Christian Ziege said he feared he would join Gus Poyet and Gary Doherty in the dressing room, when he committed a foul after already having been booked.  He said the ref spoke to him and told him to be careful, but he was worried that he would be making the long walk when the man in black approached him.  Ziege said it can sometimes be difficult for officials as they only see the incident once at top speed in the Premier League and do not have the benefit of replays like armchair fans. 

  Ledley King and Alton Thelwell have both been included in the England Under-21 squad for the match in Germany on Saturday 1st September.

  The draw for the Second Round of the Worthington Cup will take place on ITV tomorrow lunch-time at 12.45 p.m.  The tie will be a one-off match and Spurs could face a lower division side or a Premiership team as there is no ranking this year.

  John Syer, the sports psychologist employed by Glenn Hoddle, is having an effect on the side.  The players feel that the sessions are beneficial and Ledley King said if it improves communication on the pitch, then it is a good thing.

Thursday 23.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Darren Anderton has said he would welcome the signing of Dean Richards and thinks he would bring strength and experience to the back four.  He also predicted that Ledley King might get the call from England soon and said "Sol was obviously a very good player at that age, but he’s different to Ledley. Sol’s more awesome in stature, while Ledley’s more of a footballer. I think it’s hard to compare the two of them."

   This is backed up by the story on TeamTalk that Hoddle looks set to return to SCBC with £7 million in the form of Chris Perry and some cash for the big central defender.  It had been rumoured that SCBC would sign Michael Duberry as Richards' replacement, which would have been a double whammy for us !!

  Oyvind Leonhardsen and Steffen Iversen are both included in the Norway squad to face Poland on September 1st and Wales on September 5th.

  Christian Ziege has been named in the German squad to play England on September 1st.

  Neil Sullivan has been included in the Scotland squad for their World Cup matches against Croatia on September 1st and Belgium on September 5th.

  Kasey Keller has been chosen in the USA squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Honduras and Costa Rica on September 1st and 5th.

  ... and finally ... Queens Park Rangers have signed Doudou,for that is the nickname of Aziani Ebeli Mbombu - their latest recruit.  I know they have signed some crap in their time, but this is ridiculous !!

Wednesday 22.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Thomas Gravesen who was on the end of Mauricio Taricco's unsavoury tackle at Goodison, has asked for an apology.  He said he was heartened by Glenn Hoddle's comments after the game and this showed that the Spurs manager was sporting and a gentleman.  The FA may take a keen interest in the incident as the Disciplinary panel might review the tackle and award punishment for it.  They could give the Argentinian a three game ban should they find him guilty of foul play.

  Les Ferdinand has been chosen to front a new football TV show on London Weekend TV called "Soccer Sunday", which will feature Nationwide goals and about 8 live games this season.  The first show will be on Sunday 2nd September at 4.55 p.m. and subsequent shows will go out at 5.25 p.m.  The programme will feature behind the scenes action from London clubs as it is a regional show and will be expected to complement the ITV1's coverage of the Premier League this season.

  Gary Doherty has been included in the republic of Ireland squad for the World Cup qualifying match against Holland on September 1st.  Stephen Carr is missing because of his injured knee.

  Ciaran Toner is in the Northern Ireland Under-21 squad for the games against Denmark on August 31st and Iceland on Sept 4th.

  ... and finally ... Newcastle United's Carl Cort will miss another three months of the season with knee ligament trouble.  He would have been a direct replacement for Les Ferdinand if Spurs had bought him !!

Tuesday 21.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Both Gus Poyet and Gary Doherty face three match bans if referee David Elleray does not amend the red card decisions on watching video evidence of the match.

  Spurs have been mentioned as possible buyers of Viking Stavanger's 23 year old striker Erik Nevland.  The player was at Gold Trafford for two years, but failed to make the breakthrough there, although when told that the Spurs Norwegian scout had watched him, was very interested in the news.  The club's director said that there had been no direct contact from Tottenham and that it was all speculation.

  Tim Sherwood has said that things are going in the right direction for Spurs and although he was under no illusion that trophies would be immediately won, he thinks that Hoddle is pushing the club down the right road.

  Tottenham have been added to the list of clubs interested in taking midfielder Don Hutchinson from Sunderland.  However, the £5 million rated Scotsman says he does not want to leave the Stadium of Light and has not been made aware of any bids for him.  Charlton Athletic, Chelsea, Glasgow Rangers and West Ham United are the other clubs watching the situation.

  Kasey Keller said it would be weird playing reserve team football, but he made the move to Tottenham for longer term reasons than not having a place in the US national team.  He said that not having first team football was not the main reason for his move, but he realises that he will have to wait his turn for a place in the starting line-up.  When that comes he hopes to be able to hold onto the gloves.  The 31 year old American also revealed that he had to persuade Hoddle that he would not be missing from the squad for long periods on duty with his country, but reassured the Spurs boss when he told him that most USA games are on the same day as European matches.

  Former Spurs defender Gheorge Popescu has left Galatasaray for Italy to join Lecce.

Monday 20.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs got a 1-1 draw against Everton tonight despite having Gary Doherty and Gus Poyet sent off.  Tottenham's goal came from Darren Anderton.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction, click here.

  Manager Glenn Hoddle praised his side's character after battling to maintain a draw after being reduced to nine men.  He said that in spells Spurs had played quite well, but that Ledley King was a pillar of strength alongside Gary Doherty in the heart of the Tottenham defence.  He added that having watched video evidence of the game's major incidents, he hoped that the officials would change their mind on the cards dished out to Doherty and Poyet.  He said there was not a "cat in hell's chance" that Doherty should have been dismissed, as it was a great piece of defending.

  SCBC reckon Spurs will be back with an improved bid for Dean Richards, but Rupert "The Bear" Lowe said he did not know where Spurs were going, while the players agent said he expected Spurs to be back in for Richards.  Planet football said SCBC might be given the choice of Iversen, Perry or Korsten as part of the deal.

  Meanwhile, Ledley King has thrown down the gauntlet to Richards or anyone else who comes into the club to fill in the missing gaps in the defence.  He said that after three years in the squad he hopes to cement his place in the side as he wants to play as many games as possible.  He said that he will be out to impress further and keep any new arrival out of the side.  The England Under-21 player gained praise from manager Glenn Hoddle, who said he is more technically advanced than a recent Tottenham central defender at the same age.

Sunday 19.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Coventry City are reportedly interested in bidding for midfielder Tim Sherwood.  The First Division side are looking for an experienced midfielder to help them regain their Premier League status and could be willing to offer £3 million.  Charlton Athletic are also watching how the situation develops, as they are currently in the grips of a midfield injury nightmare.

  TeamTalk's website have reactivated the old rumour about Glenn Hoddle watching Michael Duberry, who is supposedly unhappy at Elland Road (something we can all sympathise with there).  This is despite the fact that the player said he is happy there and does not want to leave !!

  Spurs are also supposed to be keen on Chelsea's midfielder Jody Morris.  The 22 year old, who has seen his position filled by three big money buys this summer, is reckoned to be worth a bid of £6 million by Hoddle, should the player indicate he is ready to leave Stamford Bridge.

  Arsenal are reported to be interested in signing Spurs target Steffan Effenberg from Bayern Munich.  The German international is seen as a replacement for Emmanuel Petit as they are not sure that van Bronckhorst is up to the job.

  Ian Hillier has spoken about dropping into the Third Division with Luton Town in the hope of getting regular first team football.  Manager Joe Kinnear has said that he has always fancied the boy and the defender reckons it is better to get first team experience somewhere than to play reserve team football.  Whether Hoddle will let him go on a permanent deal is dubious as Spurs have injury problems and even though Hillier's contract is up at the end of the season, Spurs might need his services.

  SCBC are to up Dean Richards' pay to nearly £30,000 a week in an attempt to get him to stay at the St. Mary's Inprovident BC stadium.  Now if Glenn could make noises about signing each of their players, they could go bust by the end of the season !!  The centre half had been linked with a move to Tottenham, but Rupert "The Bear" Lowe appears determined that the player will stay ...

  ... unlike John Syer, the sports psychologist, who has left SCBC to team up with Glenn Hoddle again.  There was no fee involved as Spurs got him on a Freud transfer !!

Saturday 18.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs drew 0-0 Aston Villa  this afternoon at White Hart Lane.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction, click here.

  Dean Richards has said he wants Tottenham and SCBC to sort out his future.  He said he wants to be clear about where he will be going and wants his team to sort out what is happening.  Today he was easily turned for Leeds United's second goal.  His value has believed to have plummeted.

  Reserve right back Ian Hillier has gone to Luton Town on a month's loan.  The deal was kept quiet so that Luton manager Joe Kinnear could surprise opponents Cheltenham Town.  Oh, that Kinnear - he's so crazy !!

  Former Spurs striker turned midfielder Lee Hodges has joined Plymouth Argyle.

Friday 17.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Glenn Hoddle appreciates that his job is just beginning as it now resembles his team more than the one he inherited.  He said to the Sporting Life website that he was "working with my head and my heart. I understand the ethics of this club, I understand the bricks and the mortar and I understand the fans.  I have been a fan - I still am - and this club is a part of me. There is a lot of hard work to be done but I am up for it and I am ready for it."  The Spurs manager is excited and confident going into the new season and said the aim is to attract younger, better players when the club are in Europe.   Glenn added that he was hoping to introduce a style of football synonymous with the club, but most of all he wanted to be successful.

  Christian Ziege believes that playing at wing back for Tottenham could re-ignite his career.  He said that they way he has been asked to play for Tottenham suits him and Hoddle is a manager who can bring the best out of him. 

  Teddy Sheringham hopes that at approximately 5.50 p.m. tomorrow he has registered his first Tottenham goal past old team-mate Peter Schmeichel.  The new Spurs captain is hopeful of a good start to the season as all the players are raring to go, he told the club's official site.

  Spurs are quoted 6th favourites at 80 -1 to win the Premier League today with bookmakers William Hill.  They are also 12-1 to be relegated from the top division.  Sergei Rebrov (25-1) and Teddy Sheringham (50-1) are way down the list to be top scorers in the League.  Glenn Hoddle is rated as having the joint fourth safest job (with George Burley) in the Premier League - being only 6-1 to lose his position.

  ... and finally ... Sheffield United have signed French defender Benoit Croissant and a tasty little player he is too.  However, I reckon some forwards will have him for breakfast.

Thursday 16.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Teddy Sheringham has been announced as the new Spurs captain as Glenn Hoddle sees him as someone who an take the coaching aspect of the training onto the pitch.  He thinks his knowledge of the game will aid him in this role and he can help others during the match with advice and guidance.  He said that he was respected by the players and that helped decide the issue. Les Ferdinand and Tim Sherwood will be vice captains.

  Teddy, meanwhile, is responding to treatment and may have a late fitness test to see if he will be ready to play against Aston Villa on Saturday.  Tim Sherwood and Oyvind Leonhardsen will both miss out as they are injured.

  It is alleged that Spurs and Middlesbrough will be looking at the situation surrounding Andy Cole at Manchester United very carefully.  The 29 year old striker is not happy at being used in a rotation system at Old Trafford, what with the World Cup looming.  He has been told to accept it, but he feels that only by having regular first team football will he be able to gain a place in the England side bidding to qualify for the World Cup finals in Japan/Korea.  Glenn Hoddle did not fancy him when he played for England and last night's showing against Holland at White Hart Lane seems to endorse the Spurs manager's view.

  Steffen Iversen has told a Norwegian radio station that the youth who go to football matches in England area pretty foul crowd.  He said that he was shocked that children as long as 5 years old were sticking fingers up at them as they arrived by coach and swearing at them during games.  If he had a young child, he wouldn't take them to a game.

  It is believed that Spurs have raised their offer for Dean Richards to £4 million plus Chris Perry rated at £3 million, while the London Evening Standard reports that Hoddle will be considering a £5.5 million offer when Daniel Levy returns to the club.

  Rumours from Soccernet are that Spurs are watching Heart of Midlothian central midfielder Scott Severin.  The 22 year old is rated at £1.5 million and Spurs have been to watch him, only to find him playing in the ctnre of defence because of injuries to others !!

  Goran Bunjevcevic has said that "no amount of bodyguards" could have saved him if he had moved as captain of Red Star Belgrade to city rivals Partizan.

  Simon Davies has been selected for the Welsh squad to face Armenia and Norway in World Cup qualifiers in a couple of weeks time.  He added that it is OK by him to be in the reserves at Tottenham if it means keeping his match fitness up.  He realises that matches like the one at Dagenham & Redbridge this week also give him an opportunity to sharpen up his finishing skills too.

  Ian Hillier has been called into the Wales under-21 squad for games against Armenia and Norway too.

  Former Spurs Jason Dozzell has retired from the game after failing to overcome a toe injury.

  Spurs have acquired the services of sports psychologist John Syer, who was previously at the club from 1980 to 1985.  Syer had been under contract to SCBC, but Hoddle said that he was always going to join Spurs in the summer.  SCBC's captain - Jason Dodd - has said that Spurs will gain from the communication and clear the air sessions Syer held with each compartment of the team.  This probably has no bearing on the next item, but the deal was only restricted to players not coming to Tottenham for a year after Hoddle left !!

  ... and finally ... Rupert Lowe of SCBC has acted just like the chairman of a big club by telling Oliver Bierhoff to lower his £30,000-a-week wage demands.  He blasted the German by saying "We are not Manchester United and he is not 25 anymore."  Said like a true man of honour.

  ... and finally 2 ... Master of mental agility (and ex-Gooner) Paul Merson shows he has no fear of travelling the globe ... "Juan (Angel) found it hard coming to a new country. I found it hard when I went to Middlesbrough."

Wednesday 15.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Both Sylvain Distin (Paris St. Germain) and Oscar Tellez (Alaves) are being linked as the possible new centre half that Glenn Hoddle hopes to bring to the club.

  Further to that, Spurs have had a £4 million bid for Dean Richards turned down by South Coast Big Club.  They say it was by cash or player exchange and Big Club have dismissed it out of hand.  They say that the player has four years left on his contract and he and his agent are happy with that.  For the sort of money that is being quoted for the former Bradford City defender, we could get a decent centre half.  Rupert "The Bear" Lowe said that Tottenham were suffering from a bad attack of long pockets and short fingers.  I thought that was Elton John's affliction ??

  New keeper Kasey Keller has said that he hopes to challenge Neil Sullivan for the Tottenham's goalkeeper's position.  He says he respects Neil Sullivan's ability and that he has been brought in to keep the Scotsman on his toes.  The American is happy to be back in the Premiership and although he nearly went to Turkey, he believes that Spurs are building a "winning environment". 

  Spurs fielded a trialist in goal for the reserves at Dagenham and Redbridge last night.  Kevin Ellegaard, a goalkeeper from Denmark, played the full 90 minutes.

  Former Spurs winger David Ginola has threatened legal action against his club manager John Gregory, about comments the Aston Villa boss had made about his weight.  The defamatory remarks were reported to the PFA and they were told by the ever-sensitive Gregory that he could do what he likes with his players.  A sure-fire guarantee to get prospective employees flocking to Villa Park you would imagine.

  England lost 0-2 to Holland in an international friendly at White hart Lane tonight.

  Christian Ziege was a 60th minute substitute for Germany in their 5-2 win over Hungary tonight. 

  Gary Doherty was an unused substitute in the Republic of Ireland's 2-2 draw with Croatia tonight. 

Tuesday 14.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Oyvind Leonhardsen has pulled out of the Norway squad for their friendly against Turkey tomorrow.

  Spurs are being linked with a £4 million bid for Paris St. Germain's central defender Sylvain Distin.  Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers and Liverpool have also been watching his situation in France and now he has been told he could go, may start an auction for him.  Bolton are reported to have pulled out of a £3 million bid for the 23 year old player.

  Tottenham favourite Gary Mabbutt will be the official Guest of Honour at tomorrow's England international against Holland at White hart Lane.  Mabbutt skippered Tottenham Hotspur with great dignity and loyalty, representing his country 16 times while in Spurs colours.

  Teddy Sheringham has said on the club's official site that he has rested his Achilles tendon injury and hopes to be jogging in the next couple of days.  He realises that if there is any doubt he should rest it further rather than risk it in the season's opener against Aston Villa.

  Spurs Reserves drew 2-2 at Victoria Road against Conference side Dagenham and Redbridge tonight.  Simon Davies grabbed both Spurs goals.

  ... and finally ... Daily Soccer report that " (Colin) Hendry is not to play in the fight of next month to be held at Hampden Park as he is serving a three-match ban. Boksic considers Henry's absence to be excellent opportunity for Croatia's attack. Hendry was banned for blowing San Marino player Nicola Albani."  That must be ungentlemanly conduct at the very least !!

  ... and finally 2 ... the Guardian's "The Fiver" newsletter reports "Strasbourg's Habib Beye has turned down the offer to join Middlesbrough. The defender, who spent four days with the Teesside club, said: "I don't want to bury myself there.""

Monday 13.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Stephen Carr has been diagnosed as having an inflammation of the knee joint, which might mean he misses the first two weeks of the season.  He hopes to be fit for the Republic of Ireland's match against Holland in the World Cup on 1st September, but would not be available for Spurs until their game against South Coast Big Club on September 9th.  The injury is believed to be a result of wear and tear.

  Hoddle indicated after last night's game that he was close to signing two more players for Spurs before the season starts on Saturday.  

  One is keeper Kasey Keller, who has agreed a free transfer to Spurs from his Spanish club Rayo Vallecano.  The USA and former Millwall and Leicester City goalie is happy with the deal offered and has undertaken his medical.  The final details will be sorted out on Spurs return from Greece.  The 31 year old fills the gap left by Ian Walker, who coincidentally left to join Leicester City.  Besiktas manager, Christian Daum (noted for his drug usage and abusage) claims that Keller was using his club as a ruse to get more money out of Tottenham. He said that Keller suddenly upped the ante when he arrived for talks and it was just to gain a better deal with Spurs.

  The Scottish Daily Record hinted that another could be Hibernian's full back Ulrick Larsen after having the club's games watched twice in the last week.  He formerly played for Odense in Denmark and the 25 year old would cost around £1 million.  His manager, Alex McLeish said it was all speculation.

  One who might not be coming is Dean Richards, who's agent has told the world that he is exceedingly happy at South Coast Big Club.  Only he would be very interested in talking to Tottenham if they made an approach through the proper channels. Hint Hint !!

  Ledley King has withdrawn from the England Under-21 squad for their match against Holland on Tuesday night.

  Today the news that Nuno Gomes might be leaving Fiorentina was revived.  It is rumoured that both Spurs and Liverpool have contacted the Italian club about the player but are unwilling to pay the current asking price.  Fiorentina say that eh will cost around £9 million, but both English clubs have spoken of a figure lower than that without actually putting in a firm bid.  It is thought that the Portuguese international will stay with the club at least until they have played their Italian Super Cup match against Roma.  Marseilles and Olympiakos have supposedly put in bids for the player, but these are not being considered seriously.

  BBC London Live will be broadcasting Tottenham's Worthington and FA cup games on the radio this season.  They will also feature Premiership games not being covered under the deal with the talkSPORT radio channel.

Sunday 12.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs lost 1-2 to AEK Athens tonight.  The Spurs goal came from Gus Poyet.

  The Sunday Mirror states that Spurs will not be signing Dean Richards because as part of the deal to release Glenn Hoddle Tottenham Hotspur had to sign an undertaking that they would not sign any players form South Coast Big Club for a year.  Why would a big club worry about other players trying to tempt their players away ???  Paranoia lurks around every corner.

  The News of the World claim that Spurs have signed Kasey Keller as cover for Neil Sullivan ahead of the new season.

  Teddy Sheringham has again rubbished the e-mail campaign about his alleged betting debts.  The player has said he has returned to London to be nearer his 13 year old son Charlie, who is a promising golfer and footballer on Millwall's books.  He also said that this is a good time to be returning to Tottenham, as there is a unified atmosphere at the club and it is a happy place to be; something he couldn't say about his last spell at White Hart Lane.  However, it is reported on Ananova that he intends to get the Police to investigate the stories circulating the Internet about his gambling.

  Fiorentina have denied that they are ready to sell Portuguese striker Nuno Gomes to Tottenham or Liverpool for £10 million.

Saturday 11.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Glenn Hoddle has said that he is not happy to hear the constant abuse aimed at S. Cumball by Spurs supporters.  He said that it is history and that it was a surprising decision, but one the player made and he should be forgotten.  He urged the Tottenham fans to get behind the team and make things difficult for our opposition, as anything else was negative and a waste of time and energy.

  The Spurs manager also admitted that an approach had been made for Big South Coast club's Dean Richards.  Rupert "The Bear" Lowe (who is chairman of the Big Club) said he would question Richards' recent comments about Tottenham being a bigger club than Big Club as who finished highest in the League last season ??  And when was the last time Spurs finished in the top six ?? And my Dad is bigger than your Dad !!  The Hod defused the situation by saying that Richards is only one of a number of players on his hit list and nothing has been heard of from Big Club since it happened.  And no doubt nothing will all season.

  Tottenham have also been mysteriously linked with former Leicester City and Rayo Vallecano keeper, Kasey Keller.  He was supposed to be joining Besiktas of Turkey, but the deal fell through as the club's chairman said he has agreed a deal with a Premiership team.  Charlton Athletic are also watching his situation.

  A Spurs reserve side drew 1-1 at Dover Athletic this afternoon with a goal from Yannick Kamanan.

  Ex-Spur Peter Crouch scored on his Portsmouth League debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers this afternoon.

Friday 10.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Glenn Hoddle is still not sure of who will lead Spurs as captain in the new season.  He said that he would need to look at the players and see who could take onto the field, what the management were thinking off it and to see how they reacted in the dressing room.

  Spurs are being linked with a move for Fiorentina forward Nuno Gomes.  The 25 year old has not settled well in Italy, where he was bought to replace Gabriel Batistuta and he could be moved on by the Italian Serie A side for less than the £12 million they paid Benfica for the Portuguese international.  Liverpool, Paris St. Germain and Olympiakos are all interested in securing Gomes' services.

  Some malicious e-mails have been circulating the Internet recently claiming that Teddy Sheringham has a betting problem and had even placed bets on Spurs to lose in his previous stint with the club.  Today, he has hit out at them and said they are rubbish on the Club's official site.  The e-mails contained a number of changes and therefore, the contents had to be viewed as suspect anyway.

  The Big South Coast club centre half wrangle goes on.  The player has made a Duncan Norville-like demand of "Chase me", while the club themselves have played hard ball by demanding that Steffen Iversen goes South for winter.  However, now Big Club have said they want 10 million big ones in used fivers for the ex-Bradford City and Wolverhampton Wanderers central defender.  £10 million - why that's only half of what you would pay a turncoat centre half these days !!

  Former Spurs midfielder Ossie Ardiles has been appointed as coach of Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia.

Thursday 9.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The club have confirmed that they will play AEK Athens in Greece on Sunday 12th August with the kick off at approx. 8.15 p.m. local time.

  The message board on the official Tottenham site was under scrutiny by Police as death threats against Sol Campbell were made according to the Evening Standard.  The message board was immediately shut down for a week and the Police were to speak to the organisers of the site, (who are based in Harrogate) about where these messages may have originated from.  The Police later said they were not likely to investigate the messages formally.

  Many newspapers decided to highlight the anti-S.Cumball chanting in last night's game rather than pay tribute to Bill Nicholson.  THAT is a disgrace. 

  Glenn Hoddle was pleased with the performance and the way the side played, which earned praise from Fiorentina coach Roberto Mancini who said it looked as though Tottenham were a side who had played together for a long time.

  South Coast Big Club's central defender Dean Richards has said that a move to Tottenham is an option.  He said he respected Glenn Hoddle and that he worked miracles with the side last season, but went on to say he was happy to fight off relegation with his present club.

  Ledley King has been selected for the England Under-21 international squad next Tuesday (14th August) against Holland at Reading.

  Kevin Dearden, former Tottenham goalkeeper, has joined Torquay United.

  Danny Maddix, former Tottenham defender, has joined Sheffield Wednesday.

  Former Spurs target - midfielder Sergio Gonzalez of Espanyol has joined Deportivo La Coruna for £10.89 million.

  Former Spurs manager George Graham has said that Spurs could make a European place this season as they have added recognised quality to the established players.

  Former Spurs manager Christian Gross said that he believes his time at Tottenham was a success as he saved the club from relegation in 1997.  He told the Mirror that his inability to bring in his physical coach left him isolated at White Hart Lane.  He said it is tough for any foreign manager to make it in English football because the passion is so great.

Wednesday 8.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham beat Fiorentina in Bill Nicholson's Testimonial 3-0 tonight with goals from Ferdinand, Poyet and Iversen.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction, click here.

  It is being said that Teddy Sheringham will miss the first two Spurs games of the season with his Achilles injury.

  Stephen Carr is to have an X-ray to determine if he needs surgery on his knee injury.

  West  Ham United may turn to Chris Perry after being turned down for the Fiorentina defender Alessandro Pierini.

  The old Duberry to Tottenham rumours has been given legs again today, but luckily Leeds United have refuted it.

  George Graham has urged Tottenham to settle his claim for wrongful dismissal so that he can get back into football management.

  UEFA are to commemorate Ray Clemence's feat of appearing in over 100 matches in competitions organised by the European ruling body.  He appeared in many game sin European competitions for both Liverpool and Spurs during his sixteen season in Europe.

  The rumours that Spurs might sign Chelsea's Celestine Babyaro have been unfounded as he signed a new contract to take him through to 2005 at Stamford Bridge.

Tuesday 7.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs drew 1-1 with Luton Town tonight, with a late Sergei Rebrov penalty salvaging a draw.

  Thomas Myrhe has explained that he has snubbed Tottenham to try and get first team football somewhere else.  He said it was purely a footballing decision and added that anything would be better than playing at Everton.  Eh ??

  The big South Coast club do not want Chris Perry as part of the deal to bring Dean Richards to Tottenham, but are interested in taking Steffen Iversen as part of the deal.

  Spurs are supposedly lining up a deal with a major American media network to sell their media rights, hot on the heels of news about selling the rights on re-naming their ground.  It is thought that the Fox Network could be one of the possibles, but the Warner media group have links with ENIC and could also be in the frame.

  David Pleat is considering a move for Barnet striker Ben Strevens offering £350,000 for his services.  The club who were relegated from the League on the last day of the season may need to take the money to help re-build their squad t get promotion.

  Spurs are rumoured to be playing a friendly in Greece on Sunday 12th August against AEK Athens.  The club have not confirmed this fixture.

Monday 6.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Stephen Carr and Teddy Sheringham will not be risked in this week's matches against Luton Town or Fiorentina.  Both are carrying knocks from previous games and will be allowed to recover from them so that they will be able to feature in the League programme.

  Glenn Hoddle has revealed that he has seven players who he is watching at the moment with a view to bringing in reinforcements for the club before the start of the new season.

  Tim Sherwood enjoyed the to and fro of the Millwall game on Saturday as he said it is more realistic than a stroll against lesser sides.  He said that as Millwall start their season on Saturday, they were a little bit fitter than Spurs, but he was happy with the way Spurs are playing going forward.  The midfielder reckons the squad is stronger than last year and the atmosphere around the team is good, but hopes that the injuries (and he got an ankle injury at the New Den, which could put him out of this week's games) clear up soon.

  Christian Ziege has been included in the German squad for their friendly international against Hungary on August 15th.

  South Coast big club's Dan Petrescu has said he could not go to Spurs after spending a large part of his transient career at Stamford Bridge as he is scared that a S. Cumball situation might develop.  He said his "heart could never beat for another London team". Wonder how much that is translated into English ??

  Former Spurs target - Everton full back Michael Ball - has joined Glasgow Rangers for £6.5 million.

Sunday 5.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  A big club on the South Coast have are rumoured to be interested in wanting Steffen Iversen plus cash in exchange for their £10 million rated centre half Dean Richards.  The gray man in charge of the team is a long time secret admirer.  So secret that nobody would recognise him if he managed a big club on the South Coast.  Some bloke nipped out of the shadows in Southampton to tell a reporter that he had no intention of letting Richards leave the St. Mary's Friendly Assurance Pension Plan stadium in the present, past or future.  Police will be looking into the matter as a possible "illegal imprisonment" case.

  Fulham are supposedly ready to rival Tottenham in the signing of Steffan Effenberg from Bayern Munich before the season starts.  FC Schalke 04 have ruled themselves out of a move for the Bayern captain though.

  Josep Guardiola's agent has said he is at a loss to understand why no Premiership club has followed up their interest in him.  He said that the player loves England and would welcome a move there, but despite initial enquiries, no English club has come back to him about a transfer to the Premier League.  Perhaps someone from Tottenham could give his agent a ring ??

  Glenn Hoddle has said that the pressure that Millwall put Spurs under at the end of the match yesterday was just what the team needed to test their character.  He said that he had to see how the players coming into the squad reacted to being under the cosh for periods in a game and he feels that they came out of it quite well.  He did reiterate that another centre half is needed

  Ipswich Town are to offer 19 year old Titus Bramble a £12,000 per week deal to ward off the interest shown in the centre half from Liverpool and Tottenham.

  It appears that the Jose Antonio Chamot deal was one which was brokered by Dennis Roach, the agent under suspicion of breaking the FIFA code of conduct.  He tried to negotiate a £1.5 million deal for the Argentinian defender for his transfer from AC Milan, when he was available on a free transfer.  The deal was finally put through by the First Artist Corporation at the behest of Daniel Levy, but the player had a suspect ankle which was picked up in the medical.  The same agent managed to get £1.4 million for Goran Bunjevcevic, when he was available on a free transfer.

Saturday 4.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs beat Millwall in Keith Stevens testimonial this afternoon 2-1 with goals from Sergei Rebrov and Les Ferdinand.  The Millwall goal came from former Spurs defender Stuart Nethercott. Click here for a match report.  For reaction, click here.

  Spurs and Everton have agreed a £750,000 fee for goalkeeper Thomas Myhre, but it is now up to the player himself to decide if he wants to move away from Merseyside.

  Spurs are still reported to be keen on Southampton's centre half Dean Richards, but the big South Coats club have set a £10 million fee for him.  Tottenham could offer Chris Perry in part exchange, but to a big South Coast club he would only make up £4 million of the deal.

  The FA are offering £2 million to the FA Cup winners, which could see them earning £4 million in total with TV monies and gate receipts added.

  Spurs reserves beat Kettering Town 6-0 this afternoon.  An Own goal, Snee 2, Kamanan, Etherington and Consorti gave Spurs second team a comfortable win.

Friday 3.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Teddy Sheringham has said that he has come to Tottenham to win things and believes that things are coming together under Glenn Hoddle to do so.  He said that he has noticed that Hoddle is trying to get Spurs to play the way that England did under his leadership and that the new players are bedding in nicely.

  The Tottenham Hotspur squad number swill be as follows for the 2001-2002 season.

1	NEIL SULLIVAN
2	STEPHEN CARR
3	MAURICIO TARICCO
4	STEFFEN FREUND
5	GORAN BUNJEVCEVIC
6	CHRIS PERRY
7	DARREN ANDERTON
8	TIM SHERWOOD
9	LES FERDINAND
10	TEDDY SHERINGHAM
11	SERGEI REBROV
12	GARY DOHERTY
14	GUS POYET
15	WILLIAM KORSTEN
16	STEFFEN IVERSEN
17	OYVIND LEONHARDSEN
18	BEN THATCHER
19	CHRIS ARMSTRONG
23	CHRISTIAN ZIEGE
25	STEPHEN CLEMENCE
26	LEDLEY KING
28	MATTHEW ETHERINGTON
29	SIMON DAVIES
30	ANTHONY GARDNER
31	ALTON THELWELL
32	GAVIN KELLY

 

  Links associating Zvonimir Boban with Tottenham have come to nought with the Croatian joining Celta Vigo on loan for a season after the Spanish side agreed to pay AC Milan £740,000.

  Both Glenn Hoddle and Ledley King have been impressed with new signing Christian Ziege.  He completed his first 90 minutes for Spurs in the friendly at Reading on Wednesday and Hoddle was aware that he hadn't played too many game sin the last year, although said he was a natural athlete and a gifted technical player.  Meanwhile, team-mate King said he looks a class player who he will enjoy playing alongside.

  Everton keeper, Thomas Myrhe has said that the enquiry for his services by Tottenham is an interesting one, but he will probably turn down the chance to come to London, as he wants first team football guaranteed.

  Spurs will be taking a first team squad to Millwall for tomorrow's testimonial for Keith Stevens.  Teddy Sheringham has special memories of the club as he started his career there and he thinks that people should turn out to honour the Millwall man, who spent his whole career with the Lions.  He said that Stevens had come up through the ranks with him and while Sheringham had moved on to greater things, Stevens made his own career special by showing great loyalty to his one and only club.  Sheringham missed the match against Reading on Wednesday because of an Achilles tendon injury and may not feature at the New Den.

  And on a day when he let his mouth dot he talking, he went on to add his two-pennys worth about S. Cumball.  Sheringham said he can understand why Spurs fans are angry as it is the worse thing he could have done in their eyes, but he went on to say that the player had done nothing wrong as he had seen out his contract.

  Former Spurs defender Neil Ruddock has become the assistant manger at Swindon Town to Roy Evans, who is the new boss at the County Ground following Andy King's sacking on Tuesday.

  Spurs former manager, Christian Gross, will return to White  hart lane on August 18th (but probably not by tube), when he watches InterToto Cup opponents Aston Villa in the opening Premier League match of the season.

  ... and finally ... Sunderland have signed a player from Switzerland called ... Bernt Haas !!

Thursday 2.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Glenn Hoddle has revealed that he would ideally like to bring in another central defender before the start of the season.  he added that he is willing to wait until after 18th August if necessary to get the right man.

  The Sun newspaper has hinted that Glenn Hoddle might turn his attention to a former player to solve the central defence problem, with a swoop for big club on South Coast's Dean Richards.  However, it was Hoddle himself that started the delusions of grandeur down the Dell by placing a hefty price tag on his head of £10 million.  It is hoped that Spurs will not be able to afford such talented players from such big clubs in the near future.

  Amidst the bonhomie at the Madjeski stadium last night, the rumours surrounding Les Ferdinand being sold off to a big South Coast club have been slammed by Glenn Hoddle.  He said that when the big man was fit and sharp he was the best centre forward in the country and he had been pleased with Les' contribution so far in pre-season matches.

  Hod appears to have been over-celebrating the win over Reading last night as he went into overdrive by saying that keeping Darren Anderton at the club was like a new signing.  He has identified the England midfielder's back as a potential source of his injury woes and will target this area of his body to try to maintain his place in the side over the next few years.  Hoddle added that the player is in his prime and could produce his best form over the next two seasons.

  Chelsea have agreed that Spurs can talk to Celestine Babyaro, the club's left back.  Tottenham are seeking to strengthen the defence and the Nigerian may find it hard to break into the side in the coming season TeamTalk reports.  While Hoddle has commented on central defenders, he has Taricco back fit, with Ziege able to play left wing back and the prospect of Ben Thatcher returning from injury fully rested.  The 22 year old may not, therefore, be top of Hoddle's shopping list unless other targets cannot be obtained.

  Tottenham are being linked with a move for Everton's Norwegian reserve keeper, Thomas Myrhe, although the Toffee's manager Walter Smith said it is only an enquiry so far.  A fee of £750,000 was mentioned in the Mirror today.

  Colin Calderwood is looking forward to the opportunity of taking over from Chris Hughton as reserve team manager.  He is looking at putting his ideas into practice to improve what the second team can produce on the pitch.
  Anthony Gardner has said he is hoping to be back training in a couple of months time, as he has had the plaster off his leg and wants to be playing again by the end of September.

  Stephen Carr and Gary Doherty have been named in a 39 man squad for the Republic of Ireland's friendly on August 15th against Croatia.

  Celtic have signed former Spurs forward target and general lard ball, John Hartson for £7 million !!!!!! Bhoy, are they money crazy !!

  Former Spurs target, Dutch winger, Boudewijn Zenden has joined Chelsea in a  £7.5 million deal.

  ...apologies for the lack of news today, but the Reading car park took an hour to escape from !!

 

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Wednesday 1.8.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs beat Reading 2-0 at the Madejski Stadium tonight through goals from Gus Poyet and Sergei Rebrov.  For match reports, click here.  For Reaction, click here.

   Romanian Dan Petrescu has been told he cannot move to Tottenham by the nasty, heartless rulers in a big faceless club down on the South Coast of England.  Even though he is just recovering from a hernia operation and despite the fact that they have bought someone to play in his place, they have told him they will be holding him against his will (maybe).