White Hot Lines

August 2003

Sunday  31.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The transfer window has been extended until 17.00 p.m. tomorrow.
  It is being claimed that Glenn Hoddle's grasp of the French language helped him swing the deal to sign Stephane Dalmat on loan from Internazionale.  He said the French midfielder did not want to speak much English and Hoddle had to dredge up the words from his time at Monaco to explain how he wanted the former Lens and Paris St. Germain player to fit into the side.  The Spurs manager didn't say that the deal was complete, as a couple of other clubs were in for Dalmat, but he was hopeful of getting things sorted out by tomorrow's deadline.
  Hoddle did state that this would be the last signing before the deadline, so there would be no experienced goalkeeper brought in as cover for Kasey Keller.  Guess what will happen to our goal-minder in the next match then !!
  Bobby Zamora has been named in the England Under-21 squad to face Macedonia on Friday 5th September.
  Alleged Spurs loan target Dino Baggio has joined Blackburn Rovers on a year's loan from Lazio.
  An interesting site for all those interested in Spurs history can be found at
http://www.spurshistory.com/


Saturday  30.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs lost 0-3 to Fulham at White Hart Lane this afternoon.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction, click here.
  Tottenham hope to complete the signing of Stephane Dalmat from Internazionale on a year's loan tomorrow.  The 24 year old French midfielder will help bolster the area where Hoddle had been trying to make a permanent signing before deadline day.  Middlesbrough were interested, but the player had not agreed personal terms and Spurs have nicked in to tempt him to London.
  Mbulelo Mabizela has been given the number 21 shirt in the Spurs squad.
  Former Spurs transfer target Fernando Morientes looks set to join Monaco.
  Another player linked with a move to Tottenham, West Bromwich Albion's Jason Roberts, looks likely to sign for Wigan Athletic for £2.25 million.
  The Under-17 side took on Nottingham Forest away and lost 2-1 (Charlie Lee scoring for Spurs), while the Under-19s lost 1-3 the same opponents at the same venue, with Liam Francis scoring their goal.


Friday  29.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Neil Sullivan was at Stamford Bridge today for a medical before completing a free transfer move to Chelsea.  The club seemingly rule out a new keeper coming in by stating that it gives the opportunity to Lars Hirschfeld (when fit) or Rob Burch to stake their claim for the goalkeeping understudy slot.
  Daniel Levy is quoted on Sky TV as saying that it is unjust that the Home Office turned down Bobby Convey's work permit application and has demanded a review of the way permits are awarded.  The head of the MSL said he was sickened by the decision, which apparently saw the six members of the panel split 3-3 and said the DC United winger would be a big star soon, but obviously not in England.  Levy added, in true Reevs and Mortimer style, that he would not let this lie and would lobby for a review of the system to be made fairer for all clubs, making it possible to compete with other European clubs, who did not have to go through the hoops like English teams do.
  Tottenham are said to be ready to challenge Blackburn Rovers for the loan signing of Dino Baggio from Lazio.  The Italian international midfielder would fill the defensive holding role Hoddle seeks to fill and although the 32 year old has been on trial with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Blackburn, he might yet choose a move to the capital.
  The Daily Mirror is the source of story claiming that Portsmouth have made a £600,000 bid for defender Chris Perry.  Glenn Hoddle is said to be ready to let the former Wimbledon man join the South Coast outfit.
  Hoddle hinted that he might try to get someone in on loan before Sunday's transfer deadline, as funds were now a bit limited.
  TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS : - Mauricio Taricco will be ready to take his place in the Spurs side after playing at Anfield having passed a late fitness test on a calf injury.  Fredric Kanoute might start in place of Bobby Zamora.  Mbulelo Mabizela is included in the squad for the match, along with Darren Anderton.
Squad for the match : - Kasey Keller, Rob Burch, Stephen Carr, Mauricio Taricco, Mbulelo Mabizela, Goran Bunjevcevic, Ledley King, Anthony Gardner, Dean Richards, Chris Perry, Dean Marney, Gary Doherty, Jamie Redknapp, Rohan Ricketts, Simon Davies, Darren Anderton, Milenko Acimovic, Helder Postiga, Frederic Kanoute, Bobby Zamora
  FULHAM TEAM NEWS : - Sylvain Legwinski has recovered from injury, but Martin Djetou will miss tomorrow's match.
  The club website says that tickets for the Fulham game will be able to be purchased on the day at White Hart Lane from the Park Lane ticket office between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. subject to availability.
  Cardiff City have dropped their interest in Spurs utility man Gary Doherty.


Thursday  28.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham announced on their website that the reason the transfer for Brazilian midfielder Diego was halted was because it would have taken a year to complete the necessary paperwork to acquire a dual Italian/Brazilian passport.
  Planet Football claim that Spurs have failed in their attempt to get a work permit for DC United winger Bobby Convey, because his quality was in question and the Home Office were concerned he would not make an instant impact in the Premier League.  This has been confirmed on the official website, where Hoddle said a lot of work had been put into the deal and they would stay in touch with the player in future.  There is no further appeal available to the club.
  However, there was some good news for Spurs as Robbie Keane is progressing well with his ankle injury.  Hoddle reported that the swelling was down, the bruising coming out and after 10 days of treatment, they will know when he will be back.


Wednesday  27.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham drew 0-0 at Anfield against Liverpool tonight.  For a match report, click here.
  Spurs have been linked with a £3 million interest in Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson.  However, this is denied on the official site, which said a bid had not been made to imminently buy the goalie.  Not a denial that it might not happen in the future though !!
  Hoddle suggested that Neil Sullivan's part in an exchange for Chelsea's midfielder Emmanuel Petit was not an option.
  Diego has signed a deal to keep him at Santos until 2005, with a trade-off from the club that gave his father a 10% extra share in his son, making the club and his parent 50-50 partners in his ownership.


Tuesday  26.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Gary Doherty wants to move to Cardiff City.  Cardiff City want to buy him.  So, Glenn Hoddle might have to accept less than the £1 million he wanted for the Republic of Ireland international.  The Bluebirds want the deal done by the end of the week.
  The London evening Standard is reporting that Chelsea want Spurs keeper Neil Sullivan and are willing to offer £500,000 for the Scotsman.  It was supposed to be linked to a move for Emmanuel Petit, but ...
   ... the official website have denied that any bid was made for the French Chelsea midfielder.
  Also Spurs are supposed to be interested in signing up Italian international midfielder Dino Baggio from Lazio, who has been doing the rounds in this country on trial at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers.  He is reported to want £1 million wages for a season's loan, but this move will only happen, apparently, if ...
  ... Chris Perry leaves to allow Hoddle the finances to complete the deal.  Portsmouth (who else) and Aston Villa are ready to take the former Wimbledon defender if he leaves White Hart Lane.
  Forgotten among all the strikers we signed in the summer, Sergei Rebrov is apparently interesting Leicester City, Middlesbrough and SCBC, although his agent denies it.  On the Dynamo Kiev website, he is reported to have said a club in the Ukrainian League is interested in him and he might move back to his home country, if a deal can be agreed. 
  TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS : - Darren Anderton is back in the Spurs squad after his absence from the first two league games with a hamstring injury.
  LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS : - both Emile Heskey (knee) and Stephane Henchoz (ankle) are struggling to shake off injuries picked up in Sunday's game at Aston Villa.
  With Tottenham playing Coventry City in the Second round of the Carling Cup on Wednesday September 24th, the reserve game scheduled for the same time will now be re-arranged for Tuesday 27th April 2004 with a 7.00 p.m. kick off.
  Spurs are rumoured on Planet Football to have been interested in signing the 22 year old Cameroon midfielder Salomon Olembe of Marseille.  It looks like Leeds will sign the player up beating of a number of clubs said to be after him.
  The Standard says that there is a difficult relationship between Spurs and Charlton Athletic over the proposed purchase of Scott Parker, but that it is not entirely down to that, there being a situation which occurred last season that sparked it off, although no-one seems to know what it was.  Shurely shome speculation there ??
  Spurs reserves lost 1-2 at home to Fulham tonight at Stevenage Borough FC.  OJ Mabizela played a full ninety minutes on his competitive debut and the Spurs goal came from a Johnnie Jackson penalty.
  ... and finally (and seriously) ... The Standard also reports that "Arsene Wenger and Esther Rantzen have teamed up to launch Arsenal's new Charity of the Season partnership. The Gunners have chosen ChildLine, the charity that helps children with problems, and has its own phoneline service for them."  Perhaps they will be able to find the answer to kids who phone up saying, "My name is Frankie and I'm a Gooner."


Monday  25.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Glenn Hoddle is said on Sky Sports and in the Daily Express to be close to tying up a deal for Chelsea's French midfielder Emmanuel Petit.  However, the player's agent aid this was not true and his client wanted to fight for his place in the Chelsea team.  There may be some truth in the rumour, as the Frenchman is just recovering from knee surgery and will be out for a few weeks - just the sort of player Tottenham like !!
  Hoddle also is reported as saying that the Diego deal is still active and he still has something to talk to the chairman about the transfer !!
  Stephen Carr is an alleged £6 million target for Kevin Keegan's Manchester City according to the Daily Star.
  Rohan Ricketts is said to have been a steal by manager Glenn Hoddle.  Signed for free at the same time as another player made the opposite journey across North London, Glenn said Rohan has sparkled in training and nearly made the team at the end of last season.  However, now he is in the team, he has done well and will learn a lot from Jamie Redknapp, the boss added.  The midfielder said it was his ambition to play for England and play as many games as possible for Tottenham.
  Jimmy Greaves' autobiography - cunningly entitled "Greavsie : The Autobiography" is published today and is priced at £18.99.


Sunday  24.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Glenn Hoddle has said he has not given up hope on Tottenham securing a deal with Brazilian star Diego.  The Spurs boss told reporters that he hoped that something could be arranged and would wait to see what the next seven days brought.
  Spurs are bizarrely being linked as competitors to Liverpool in their attempt to sign Alan Shearer from Newcastle United !!  Luckily, Shearer said he knows nothing about it and wants to extend his contract at St. James' Park.  Just when we thought we had got rid of all our old age forwards !!
  The Sunday Mirror has announced that Tottenham are to offer Christian Ziege a new two deal.
  Wolverhampton Wanderers are said to be sniffing around goalkeeper Neil Sullivan once more.
   Spurs Under-17s drew 1-1 with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Spurs Lodge with their goal scored by Claude Seanla.
  Meanwhile the Under-19s drew 0-0 with the same opponents in another home match.
  Spurs fan Cameron Tilbury will be on Radio talking about Spurs and Spurs Supporters Club (Canada) in the Toronto area, which can be heard on The Fan 590am or online at www.fan590.com.  The interview will take place at roughly 5:05pm Toronto time (10:05pm
UK) this evening Sunday August 24.


Saturday  23.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham beat Leeds United 2-1 at White Hart Lane this afternoon with goals from Mauricio Taricco and Frederic Kanoute.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction, click here.
  The deal for Brazilian wonder-kid Diego looks off again today, as Santos will not release him until January.  Spurs want him to come to White Hart Lane straight away and there appears to be an impasse in proceedings.  I hope that this can be overcome, even if it means waiting until the New Year, as MEHSTG was informed today that a seasoned watcher of Brazilian football rates Diego as the best player he has seen there in 10 years.  (Thanks to Paul H. for that info)
  The news elsewhere is that the Spurs negotiator will return to England, having been unable to convince Santos to let him go before January.  This does not mean that talks will not be resurrected in the future and it appears the player's father is keen for him to come to Tottenham.  The coach of the side said that with Brazil being desperate for money, if someone comes in with more cash, Diego might move tomorrow !!  However, there has been no comment from the Spurs website.


Friday  22.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The BBC reports that Spurs have arranged a fee for Diego.  Having upped their offer to £7.6 million and the player's father agreeing to reduce his cut to 30%, the deal appears to have been struck.  The only sticking point now is when the Brazilian midfielder will arrive, as his club Santos want to keep him until the end of their Championship, which means he will not be here until Christmas.  However, the club exercise caution citing the interests of the father, Santos, the club's desire for Diego to obtain an Italian passport and having to discuss personal terms with the midfield star.
  TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS : - A choice to play Dean Richards and Ledley King in tomorrow's match is the main concern for Glenn Hoddle.  Kanoute will face a late fitness test and Bobby Zamora makes the squad despite suffering from a groin injury.
  Glenn Hoddle has told the Spurs website that a central midfielder is still in his mind as the transfer window closure approaches.  He said he has players he would like to sign, but might need more finance before that happens, so there might yet be more players leaving the club before new ones arrive.  He did say there are options, in that Ledley King or Kazayuki Toda might play there when fit.
  Hoddle also added that the Diego deal is not dead yet, but he would not elucidate any more than saying the club still have an interest in the player.
  In his pre-match press conference, the manager also asked for more time to be judged, with pressure on him from bookies who put him as second favourite Premiership manager for the sack this season.  Hoddle said that the ongoing injury crisis makes it hard for Spurs to show their true form, but he realised that he had to get results to ensure that he keeps his place in the boss' office.
  Glenn has also been speaking out about the new arrangement to allow Premiership clubs to loan players to each other for the first time.  He thought this was wrong, with players having to play against the proper clubs and maybe affecting major decisions in league placings.
  One of the midfielders he has watched recently is again being linked with a move to Spurs.  Papa Diop of Lens is rumoured to be the main target for Tottenham and the Senegalese star could be on his way before the end of next week if reports are correct.
  His team-mate, 28 year old French defender Cyril Rool (nicknamed "Pitbull") was also said to have impressed Hoddle when he watched their side take on Marseille last weekend.
  Portsmouth's manager Harry Redknapp has said he wanted to buy Frederic Kanoute before Spurs snapped him up, but couldn't afford him.  Yeah, Harry.  We wanted to buy Rivaldo last year !!
  Hoddle is going to be asked by the FA to expand on his comments about referee Rob Styles who gave a penalty against Tottenham in their match last week against Birmingham City.  Hoddle claimed he was "evening up" the fact that he dismissed Kenny Cunningham in a pre-season tournament in Malaysia.  This was also featured on Soccer AM on Sky TV, where Styles was interviewed about the red card and it was humorously suggested that he would get some stick from the crowd.  If the FA are not happy with the Spurs boss' explanation, they might charge him with bringing the game into disrepute.


Thursday  21.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Earlier stories on the Planet Football and Sky Sports websites claiming that Spurs were going to appeal a decision by the Home Office was denied as the club website announced that they have succeeded in gaining a work permit for South African defender Mbulelo Mabizela.  Nicknamed 'OJ' by the Spurs players (after OldJohn - his mother's maiden name), the club have been finalising the paperwork with the payer and his club Orlando Pirates to allow him to play against Leeds on Saturday, where he might come up against his compatriot, Lucas Radebe.  It was originally believed that he had not qualified in the playing of 75% of South Africa's full internationals of late, but the games in the African Nations Cup went against SA, because they were in a group of three, while other nations had three other teams in their groups.
  Meanwhile, Bobby Convey will have his application for a permit heard next Thursday, the club said.
  It has been announced that Robbie Keane will be out for about three games with his ankle injury.  This will also rule him out of the Republic of Ireland's next Euro 2004 qualifying match against Russia.
  Added to this Hoddle has said that Kanoute will miss the game with his groin strain and Zamora is out with a groin injury.  Unless he is playing games with Peter Reid's mind.
  However, later in the day Hoddle said that he hoped that Stephen Carr, how felt a twinge in his back in the Republic of Ireland's friendly against Australia and Bobby Zamora might be fit for the Saturday game.
  Cardiff City manager Lennie Lawrence said that any move for Gary Doherty will not be completed until next week and therefore, he will not be available for the Bluebirds game on Saturday against Nottingham Forest.  He said with Richards and King returning to fitness, it might persuade Spurs to let him go, but nothing is agreed as yet and no fee has been set, despite a £600,000 tag put to his name.  Spurs are reportedly holding out for £1 million.


Wednesday  20.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Apparently, the sticking points in the Diego transfer were that Santos wanted him back until the end of the year, when their championship ends and also wanted a 40% sell-on condition, so Spurs had to pay that chunk of any future transfer on to his former club.
  Frederic Kanoute said he is progressing well in training and should be fit for Saturday's match against Leeds United.
  Dean Richards said it will take a couple more games before he is properly match fit after coming through the reserve outing at Portsmouth.  The central defender explained that his Achilles is still a little sore in the warm-up, but after a while it eases and is a lot better than last season, he told the club site.
  Robbie Keane's injury picked up in the Republic of Ireland match looks to be to his ankle ligaments with some estimates said to keep him out for six weeks.  However, Chris Hughton said on the official website that once the Spurs physios look at it it will knacker him for months ... er, no ... they will have a better idea of how long he will be out for, with the hope that it is not as bad as it initially looked.
  David Pleat has said that Sergei Rebrov's position is out of Tottenham's hands.  The Ukrainian is looking for a move to get regular first team football now that he has fallen out of favour at Fenerbahce, but Pleat said that the Turkish side hold his registration, so any deal can only be done through them.  MEHSTG seems to think this is a bit odd, as he is only on loan and therefore, Spurs would still hold the registration for the player as he is due to return at some stage.
  Goran Bunjevcevic came on as a substitute in Serbia and Montenegro's 1-0 win over Wales in a Euro 2004 qualifying match, in which Simon Davies played for the Welsh.
  Rumours abound that Glenn Hoddle was supposedly watching Lens full-back Cyril Rool when we all thought he was casting an eye over Papa Diop.


Tuesday  19.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Glenn Hoddle travelled to watch Papa Diop score in Lens' 2-1 win over Marseille on Sunday and is said to be in talks with the club about his transfer to Tottenham, the Daily Mirror reports.  The French club want £6 million for him, which might prove a problem in clinching the deal.
  Robbie Keane was carried off on a stretcher in tonight's Republic of Ireland friendly against Australia.  He appeared to turn his right ankle when shooting at goal. However, later he was seen walking on it and perhaps it is not as bad as the damaged ligaments he had been thought to have injured at first.  Stephen Carr and Gary Doherty both played in the 2-1 win and both were substituted after 56 minutes. 
  Fredric Kanoute and Darren Anderton have both returned to training the Spurs website tells us.  It goes on to inform us that Toda is a week away from resuming training after a calf injury.
  The reserves drew 0-0 at Havant and Waterlooville against Portsmouth tonight.  Both Dean Richards and Ledley King played the full 90 minutes.
  The deal for Diego gets more complicated by the day.  Santos reckon they will let him go if they get about £6.3 million, but then there is still the other 40% of owners to pay - his father and agent, which would push the deal over £10 million and that might be too much for Spurs.  However, his father has said that he hopes his son will come to Tottenham, but they will have to agree a deal with Santos first.  Soccernet said that as Tottenham had not met Santos' price by Noon today, the negotiations were closed. 
  Apparently, one website claimed that Spurs were making a last minute bid to take Bordeaux's Russian midfielder to White Hart Lane, instead of his move progressing to Stamford Bridge !!


Monday  18.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Depending on which report you read, Spurs have either made a £5.6 million bid for the Santos midfielder Diego or there has been no approach by Tottenham and if they do get him for that amount, it will be half what he is worth.  Perhaps unsurprisingly, both quotes come from his agent.  Another report claims that the Santos chairman wants $11 million, which equates to £6.91 million for the 18 year old.  Whatever happens, it seems like it will happen before 31st August, as Santos want a decision by then, although the deal could be complicated because the club only own 60% if the player, with the rest of the ownership spread between father and agents.  Juventus, Lazio, Internazionale and Barcelona re all known to be interested in the player and this might persuade the club to hold on to him in an effort to push the bidding up past £10 million for their prodigy.
  Spurs' Carling Cup second round tie at Coventry City has been chosen to be shown live on Sky TV.  The match will be played on Wednesday 24th September with a 7.45 p.m. kick-off.
  Dean Richards and Ledley King are due to play for the reserves at Havant & Waterlooville tomorrow night against Portsmouth, according to the Spurs website.
  ... and finally ... it could all be so much worse, we could be singing Waldo Ponce from Universidad de Chile !!


Sunday  17.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs are supposed to be close to signing up a Brazilian wonder-kid.  Diego is a 18 year old midfielder with Santos, who Tottenham are on the verge of signing for £5 million.
  Bobby Zamora might be withdrawn from the England under-21 squad for the friendly international against Croatia on Tuesday as he is still suffering from a slight groin strain after yesterday's match against Birmingham City.
  Glenn Hoddle has hinted that referee Rob Styles should not have officiated in yesterday's match after having sent off one of the Birmingham City players in a  pre-season tournament in Malaysia.
  Goran Bunjevcevic has been selected for the Serbia and Montenegro squad for the match against Wales in Euro 2004 next week.


Saturday  16.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs lost 0-1 to Birmingham City at St. Andrews this afternoon.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction, click here.
  Tottenham have been drawn away to Coventry City in the Second Round of the Carling Cup to be played the week starting Monday 22nd September.
  Glenn Hoddle is reported in the Daily Mirror as being interested in buying Scott Parker of Charlton Athletic for the £8 million it says in his contract that he can leave for.  Spurs are supposed to have already bid £5.5 million and this had been rejected.
  Just to spite Tottenham, some of our former striker went goal mad today !!  Les Ferdinand scored for Leicester City, Teddy Sheringham for Portsmouth, Steffen Iversen for Wolverhampton Wanderers and John Sutton scored a hat-trick for Raith Rovers.


Friday  15.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  With injuries hitting the team in pre-season, Spurs send a young squad to St. Andrews for the opening day fixture.  It is : - Keller, Sullivan, Carr, Taricco, Kelly, Doherty, Gardner, Bunjevcevic, Marney, Jackson, Davies, Redknapp, Acimovic, Ricketts, Slabber, Keane, Zamora, Postiga
  Birmingham get to choose from a squad of Taylor, Bennett, Kenna, Tebily, Purse, Clapham, Cunningham, Savage, Cisse, Dunn, Clemence, Lazaridis, Devlin, Johnson, Hughes, Horsfield, Dugarry, John, Morrison.
  Planet Football claim that Glenn Hoddle will watch Lens in action on Sunday to take in the performance of Papa Bouba Diop.  His need for a ball winning midfielder may prompt the Spurs manager to bid for the 6' 5" Senegal midfield general.
  Cardiff City are still seeking the transfer of Gary Doherty and it is rumoured he might sign next week.


Thursday  14.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Glenn Hoddle stated on the Spurs website that if Bobby Convey gets his work permit, he will immediately be put into the first team.  Hoddle said the 19 year old with 18 USA internationals behind him was very experienced and would fill the left side of midfield role that Matthew Etherington vacated.  The player said he was very excited by the move and thought he could do himself and the MLS justice in the Premiership.
  Hod did dismiss the notion that the club are in crisis, although eight players will not be available for selection on Saturday.  Richards, King, Ziege, Kanoute and Anderton are all injured, while Poyet and Perry are both suspended from sending offs at the end of last season.  This means a very young squad will travel to the Midlands and the manager hopes that the players out will be back soon to allow the team to formulate some pattern to their play without regular changes because of injury.  This could mean that Rohan Ricketts might start, with Marney, Slabber and Stephen Kelly on the bench.  For a preview of the game, click here.
  Ahead of Saturday's game against Birmingham City, Stephen Clemence has been talking about Glenn Hoddle and how he left Tottenham.  Clem said that Hoddle was good with him when he first arrived, but after injury, he as shunted out of the side and not given a proper chance.  The midfielder prefers the humour-laden approach of Steve Bruce, who organises golf days and events with the wives and girlfriends of the players, while Hoddle never did.  Clemence said that Hoddle often held tactical meetings about how the side would play against the opposition and also changed tactics during the game, being labelled as "single-minded" by the left footer, who went on to say it was a pleasure playing for a manager who had confidence in him.  
  Tottenham are supposed to be interested in Lens' Senegalese midfielder Papa Bouba Dioup.
  Charlton Athletic are no longer interested in signing Spurs striker Sergei Rebrov after signing Paolo Di Canio.
  Formerly linked with Spurs, Sunderland forward Kevin Phillips has opted to join some Big Club on the South Coast.
  Former Spurs midfielder David Howells has joined his brother and former Spurs keeper Gareth at Havant & Waterlooville, where ex-Spurs striker David Leworthy is coach.


Wednesday  13.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The club have announced that terms have been agreed with DC United and Bobby Convey over his proposed transfer to Tottenham Hotspur.  The 20 year old winger will have to wait for clearance to play from the Home Office, who will decide on his work permit application.
  Gus Poyet will be out of action for about six weeks after it was confirmed that his wrist is broken.
  More fortunately, Dean Richards says he has no need for surgery on his Achilles tendon injury, which he is putting to the test in training now.  Having had treatment in Germany, he thinks this has eased the problem and avoided a 12 week chunk of his season going missing by staying away from the surgeons knife.  He should be on the operating table by the beginning of November if our injury record is anything to go by then !!
  More injury news that will hearten Glenn Hoddle is that Frederic Kanoute is on target to be fit for the home match against Leeds United on August 23rd.
  Apparently, Spurs are once again being linked with Jose Ze Maria, the Brazilian defender at Perugia.  The Italian newspapers said Spurs had a representative at the InterToto Cup final fist leg against Wolfsburg to watch the 30 year old ex-Parma player, but Perugia said they had not been contacted by the club and they intend to keep hold of him anyway.  On the other hand, Spurs might have been watching Andres D'Alessandro, who slipped through the net to join the German set-up.
  Former Spurs transfer target Mario Jardel has joined Bolton Wanderers.
  A reminder to those travelling to Birmingham by train, that works to the track will result on the railway being shut between Hemel Hempstead and Milton Keynes, so leave plenty of time for your journey.  This could also result in the road traffic being heavier than usual.


Tuesday  12.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The Spurs official website have said the signing of Mbulelo Mabizela is now dependant only on him receiving a work permit.  They said that terms had been agreed with Orlando Pirates and "OldJohn" and were hopeful that the work permit would come through soon.
  Christian Ziege has told the Press that he has no idea when he will back in action again.  After his operation to separate the muscles which had stuck together, Ziege said he will have to accept that he must take small steps to progress the recovery and work in the gym rather than running or undertaking work with the ball just yet.
  The London Evening Standard seems to think that Bobby Convey will complete his move to Tottenham in the next few days.
  Spurs reserves started their league campaign tonight with a 1-1 draw at the Walkers Stadium against Leicester City.


Monday  11.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Gus Poyet might be out for up to eight weeks with a broken wrist after a challenge on a Sporting Lisbon player in yesterday's friendly.  Already suspended for three matches because of being sent off in the last game of last season, this will extend the agony for the Uruguayan midfielder, as he has to sit out a couple of months on the touchline.  Spurs were awaiting the result of X-rays taken of the injured area.
  The transfer of Bobby Convey from DC United to Tottenham is now dependant on him gaining a work permit.  Glenn Hoddle informed the media that all the terms of the deal have been sewn up, but they will have to wait to see if the midfielder receives his UK permit to play.  The left winger was sent off in what will probably be his last game for DC United after 52 minutes for kicking New England Revolution's Jay Heaps.  His one match ban sees him ruled out of the next game against Colorado Rapids on Wednesday.
  The Spurs manager did not sound so hopeful about the South African defender Mbulelo Mabizela though.  In an article in the London Evening Standard, he said "OldJohn" (a nickname he uses and is the maiden name of his mother) had trained well and did well in yesterday's friendly, but they would have to decide on whether they would sign him and then wait for a work permit.  He did say that he would have to get used to the pace of the Premiership, but hinted that if he did join, he would be pushing for a first team place and because of his status as South Africa's national captain, he should get a permit.  He called Mabizela "accomplished" on the ball and stated there was something there to work with, but said that Mabizela might not be the first of some more new faces he wanted to add to the squad.  The comments Glenn Hoddle made on the Spurs website were more encouraging however.  He said he has settled really well and taken things in his stride, with everything he has done being positive.  Hod added that he hoped something could be sorted out, although they would have to get him talking to his team-mates on the pitch, as he is a naturally quiet person.
  Hoddle appears to have quashed rumours of a move for Charlton Athletic's Paul Konchesky and Scott Parker, by saying that there is no more interest that he knows of and that Tottenham were being linked with all sorts of players at the moment.
  New club captain Jamie Redknapp is said to be greatly honoured by the decision of Glenn Hoddle and he hopes that he can be a good role model, bringing success to the club too.


Sunday  10.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs drew 0-0 in a friendly against Sporting Lisbon this afternoon at White Hart Lane.  Click here for a match report.
  Charlton Athletic boss Alan Curbishley has slammed Peterborough United manager Barry Fry for suggesting that he bid £1.5 million for Matthew Etherington.  The Addicks boss said that he had never made such an offer for the player or asked for him as part of a swap deal and did not know where Fry had thought such a bid had come from.
  A £1.7 million move for Mbulelo Mabizela is reportedly to be made to Orlando Pirates, with the player earning £4,584 a week.
  According to the Sunday People, Jimmy Greaves is set to reveal that he was offered a bung to throw a match back in 1960-61 by two Nottingham Forest players when he was playing for Chelsea.
  Ex-Spurs boss Peter Shreeves is among a number of former managers and players who will assess the performances Premiership referees from next Saturday.
  Former Spurs youngster Narada Bernard has joined Woking, where he will team up with Steven Ferguson, who went to the non-league club earlier in the week.
  For the second day running, MEHSTG would like to send it's condolences to the family and friends of Lesley Manyathela, the Orlando Pirates striker who two weeks ago scored the winning penalty against Spurs and who tragically died in a car crash last night .
  Two Tottenham Ladies sides were in action today with the first team completing a 6-1 victory over Carterton Rangers in a match refereed by Dermot Gallagher and the reserves were involved in a 4-4 draw with Cambridge City reserves.  Click here for match reports.


Saturday  9.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The club have announced Jamie Redknapp as club captain.
  A Spurs XI lost 1-2 at Justin Edinburgh's Billericay Town this afternoon, with Scott Thyer scoring Tottenham's consolation goal.  For a match report, click here.
  Gary Mabbutt has been advising Glenn Hoddle on the BBC Sport site to sign up Charlton Athletic's midfielder Scott Parker to complete his summer signings.  Former captain Mabbutt believes that Parker could be the final part in the jig-saw to make Spurs a force in the Premier League.
  Former Spurs trainee Charlie Mapes scored Wycombe's winner against Stockport County on his debut today.
  Former Spurs reserve Peter Beadle was sent off on his Brentford debut today against Tranmere Rovers.
  It took former Spurs midfielder turned Walsall hard man Vinny Samways just 17 minutes of the new season to pick up a yellow card ... for dissent !!
  Two goals for former Spurs midfielder Mark Gower on his debut, gave Southend United victory over Cheltenham Town today.
  MEHSTG would like to send it's condolences to the family and friends of Jimmy Davis, the Manchester United player on loan to Watford, who dies this morning in a car crash and also to the relatives and friends of Ray Harford, the former Blackburn Rovers, Luton Town, Wimbledon and Fulham manager, who died of cancer today.


Friday  8.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The FA have declared that they might be willing to listen to plans about Spurs and Arsenal sharing Wembley.  While not specifically aiming his comments at the two North London clubs, new FA chief Executive Mark Palios said that it made sense to make use of an asset that is there rather than just leave it sitting idle.
  Bobby Zamora will play some part in proceedings at White Hart Lane on Sunday against Sporting Lisbon.  The striker has missed two weeks with a groin strain (the same abductor muscle tweak that Fredi Kanoute has), but hopes to make his home debut against the Portuguese side.
  Mbulelo Mabizela should also get a game, although Spurs are still assessing his progress since joining up with the squad on their return from South Africa.  John Gorman told the official site that he believes he has settled well and will have a good game against Sporting, leading the club to complete the transfer.
  Spurs are being linked with Everton and Middlesbrough in an interest in Fulham's transfer-listed midfielder Sean Davis.
  Sergei Rebrov has been offered a £23,000 a week drop in wages to join Nottingham Forest.  The First Division club are willing to take him off Tottenham's hands for nothing, but the Ukrainian will need to drop to £4,000 a week to play for the Midlands club.
  Reserve striker Mark Yeates will not be joining Queens Park Rangers on loan as he obtained an injury in the Crawley match on Wednesday and will be out for a fortnight.
  Former Spurs striker Steffen Iversen scored on his debut for Wolverhampton Wanderers in a friendly against Boavista.
  ... and finally ... for an interesting (and fairly accurate) assessment of Tottenham's chances this season, see Soccernet's preview by clicking here.


Thursday  7.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Frederic Kanoute reckons he will be out for two weeks with his groin injury, but thinks he will be fit for the Leeds United match on 23rd August.
  It seems that Sergei Rebrov is a wanted man !!  Everton, Leeds United, Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic all could be potential destinations for the little Ukrainian.  Charlton are very keen, but may have to put things on hold if they sign Crystal Palace's Julian Gray, although with Tottenham expressing an interest in Addicks defender Paul Konchesky, there may be some mileage in a swap deal.  Leeds are interested to take the forward as a replacement for Mark Viduka, if he leaves, while Bolton have changed their focus to Sporting Lisbon's Jardel.  Nottingham Forest have also been mentioned and none of the teams seem keen to pay a fee for Rebrov.  No wonder there's a rush !!
  The Spurs website has a story stating that Jonathan Blondel will have a pin removed from his broken finger next week and then he can get back into training.  The injury at Oxford United will set him back three weeks before he can take part in match play again, but he enjoyed being involved with the first team and hopes for another opportunity soon.
  According to the Press in Washington DC, their United team will be one player less soon, with Spurs completing the transfer of defender Bobby Convey for somewhere between £620,000 and £1.4 million, conditional on appearances and success.  The 20 year old impressed in the two friendlies Tottenham played against DC United past season and Hoddle is taking him on to swell the ranks of defenders at the club.
  Glenn Hoddle has told the Spurs website that not spending during the January transfer window has given him more spending power now.  He feels that the deals that didn't come off at the turn of the year have allowed him to splash out now, rather than be stuck with a panic buy back then.  Is he talking about Michael Ricketts by any chance ??
  Queens Park Rangers are desperately trying to arrange a deal to take reserve striker Mark Yeates on loan to Loftus Road before the Nationwide season starts on Saturday.  injuries have left them light up front and they are keen on signing up the livewire Irishman for the start of their campaign.
  Formerly linked with Spurs, Italian international Luigi Di Biagio has left Inter Milan and joined Brescia, despite his agent revealing that Spurs did approach him about  a move.
  The Tottenham Tribute Trust are making a sizeable donation to a fund for former player Keith Weller, who is terminally ill with cancer.
  The London Evening Standard reports that Paul Gascoigne has been asked to become a Parish Councillor in his home village of Stanstead Abbotts.  He said he would like to act as an advisor to kids who have problems with drink and drugs, as he wants to give something back to the area he has enjoyed living in.


Wednesday  6.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Frederic Kanoute broke down in training after an hour of his first session.  Initially, it was thought that it was a recurrence of the groin injury that kept him out for the majority of last season, but after a check, it was revealed that he had suffered a tweak in his abductor muscle and will only have to miss 3-4 days training, before resuming.  This all comes after a rigorous two day medical to make sure he was fit !!  Kanoute will probably now not be risked in the last friendly against Sporting Lisbon on Sunday before the proper action starts.
  Charlton Athletic defender Paul Konchesky is a Spurs target as Glenn Hoddle seeks to strengthen the team's defence according to the Sun.  Hod rates the England left sided defender at £2million, but Charlton want nearer £3m.
  The paper also reckons that Spurs are interested in DC United midfielder Bobby Convey with a price of £1.4million quoted.
  Tottenham are being linked with two wingers at Perugia - Ze Maria and Fabio Grosso - along with Everton.
  Peterborough United manager Barry Fry is complaining to the Football League as Tottenham valued Matthew Etherington at only £500,000 in the deal that brought Kanoute to White Hart Lane.  As his club had a 15% rake off of any profit from a sell-on by Tottenham, he is seeking a proper valuation to get some money out of the deal, claiming Spurs were looking for £1.5 million from Charlton Athletic earlier this year.
  Spurs have announced some of the squad numbers for the 2003-04 season and they are as follows ...

1 Neil Sullivan 21  
2 Stephen Carr  22  
3 Mauricio Taricco 23 Christian Ziege
4  Kazuyuki Toda 24  
5 Goran Bunjevcevic 25 Bobby Zamora
6 Chris Perry 26 Ledley King
7 Darren Anderton 27 Rohan Ricketts
8 Helder Postiga 28  
9 Frederic Kanoute 29 Simon Davies
10 Robbie Keane 30 Anthony Gardner
11   31  
12 Gary Doherty 32 John Jackson
13 Kasey Keller 33 Lars Hirschfeld
14 Gustavo Poyet 34  
15 Jamie Redknapp 35  
16   36 Dean Richards
17   37  
18 Milenko Acimovic 38  
19   39  
20 Jonathan Blondel

40

 

More players will be added to the squad, including some of the reserves and the numbers will be recorded here when they are announced.
   Virgin Trains have announced that on Saturday 16th August, Spurs fans travelling to Birmingham City match will have to swap to road transport between Hemel Hempstead and Northampton because of emergency works on the track bewteen those two points.
   According to TeamTalk, Italian defender Paolo Vanoli spurned moves to Tottenham and Portsmouth to Join Glasgow Rangers from Parma.
   A Spurs XI won 3-1 at Crawley Town tonight.  The goals came from Jamie Slabber, Dean Marney and Marcel McKie.


Tuesday  5.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Jamie Redknapp has told the Sun newspaper that Frederic Kanoute can be the new Les Ferdinand.  Oh no !!  Wait, wait ... it's OK ... he said like a young Les Ferdinand.  And that his Dad rates him ... because he signed him at Upton Park !!
  Kanoute has told the London Evening Standard that he feared he would not get his dream move to Spurs after they had signed Postiga and Zamora.  He also assured Spurs fans by saying that after he came through his tough medical, he had never suffered as many missed games as he had last season and that he did not consider himself injury prone.  Even Glenn Roeder said on the West ham official site that his injury last season had difficulties and was genuine.  The Frenchman said that when Spurs came in for him again, he knew it was time to leave Upton Park.
  The Standard reveal that Tottenham's statement to the Stock Exchange tells that the deal for Kanoute came out at nearly £4 million, with Matthew Etherington making up £500,000 of it.
  Meanwhile, Etherington has been re-writing the record books with his comments to the West Ham United official site on joining the relegated club.  "West Ham is a bigger club, stature-wise, than Tottenham. Obviously relegation has put us in different divisions but West Ham are massive and everyone knows that - one of the biggest clubs in London," said the ineffective winger.  He went on to say that he was frustrated at not getting a regular first team place at White Hart Lane, but although there might not be the competition for places at West Ham, he knows that if he is not performing, then he will get dropped.  So why can't he accept that at Tottenham ??  He said that he is now a West Ham fan and hopes that he will be taking a step down to take two steps up.  I think that puts him promoted out the top of the Premier League !! 
  Apparently, Dynamo Kiev are planning a swoop to take former striker Sergei Rebrov back to the Ukraine.  The club President said he is ready to speak to Tottenham about resigning the little striker, even though Planet Football imply that he has been offered to Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem.
  Long running rumours about Kevin Phillips coming to Tottenham seem to be over with the news that SCBC have agreed a £3 million deal for the Sunderland striker.
  Our shopping spy Juan Vilarino Varela reports that Littlewoods are selling the 2002/2003 away shirt and 3rd shirt (long sleeve and short sleeve) also for £20. The new away shirt is £30 short sleeve or £35 long sleeve. They seem to have all sizes in stock.
  ... and finally ... MEHSTG can reveal that filming was taking place at White Hart Lane today.  Not for the unveiling of Fredi Kanoute as our new signing, but some action for the latest series of ITV's soap opera Footballer's Wives !!  That explained the ranks of about thirty Sky TV vans along the Park Lane and the big filming vans in the car park at the club !!


Monday  4.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham sealed the singing of West Ham United's French striker Frederic Kanoute today in a £3.5 million deal plus Matthew Etherington moving in the opposite direction as part of the transfer.  The 26 year old Irons forward underwent a tough medical to ensure that he is not still suffering with the groin injury that kept him out for much of last season.
  Glenn Hoddle said in the London Evening Standard that this would not be the last move he made in the transfer market as he was now searching for a midfielder..
  The Standard also reveled that the Chinese striker Qu Bo had been with the club earlier in the summer, but because his injury has not healed yet, they will not progress with his work permit application until he is restored to full fitness.  However, TeamTalk claim that now Spurs have Kanoute, they will not bother with the transfer of "Kevin".
  In further news from that newspaper, it reveals that Darren Anderton has not signed an 12 month extension to his current contract and with one year left, Portsmouth are still sniffing around their former midfielder.  Anderton left the field after pulling a hamstring in the match against PSV Eindhoven yesterday.
  Simon Davies picked up a calf injury, but has been selected in the national squad and will be fit to play for Wales against Serbia and Montenegro in a Euro 2004 qualifier on August 20th.
  A Spurs XI lost 1-2 at Luton Town's Kenilworth Road tonight, where Jamie Slabber scored and Mbulelo Mabizela made his debut.  The club are still awaiting the completion of talks and his work permit coming through before they can announce his permanent transfer to Spurs.  His £1 million transfer should be completed in the next couple of days.  For a match report, click here.
  A new Spurs third strip is available on the Tottenham website and it is all purple in a  similar style to the light blue away kit.
  Another change at the club was quietly made yesterday with both team benches being located on the same side of the tunnel, just in front of the Press Box.  There appear to be about three rows of seats there, but a few extra seats have appeared where the old away dug-out was.  It is a shame as the away bench was actually below ground level and both managers are afforded the same view now, reducing the slight psychological advantage Spurs had (but rarely profited from !!).
  Former Spurs reserve striker Steven Ferguson has joined non-league Woking.


Sunday  3.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs lost 0-2 against PSV Eindhoven at White Hart Lane this afternoon.  Click here for a match report.
  Although on the opposing side today, Mark van Bommel has been linked with a move to Tottenham again.  He said that he would relish a move to the Premier League and that White Hart Lane was one of his favourite grounds, but he indicated that as Champions League football was not so important to him, it might be his final destination.  The Sunday People newspaper actually claim that van Bommel has said he wants to come to Spurs.
  Bobby Zamora did not feature today and it is thought that his groin strain did not recover sufficiently for him to play a part.
  Mbulelo Mabizela also did not play, but this could have been down to the fact that his transfer had not been completed.
  Fredric Kanoute has said that his transfer to Tottenham is a 'special' move for him and that he will work hard to win a place in the team, which he knows will be a tough challenge.  He is happy that the negotiations are over and that the £3.5 million deal will be completed by the middle of the week.
  Stories about Spurs and Arsenal planning to ground share at Wembley have created a furore amongst other Premier League chairmen.  They are fuming that the clubs could move into the national stadium which has been part funded by other Premiership clubs and that would give the two clubs an unfair financial advantage in spending power, as they have not had to shell out for ground improvements.
  The club website says Dean Richards hopes to return to training on Monday after an Achilles injury.
  Portsmouth have all but given up on signing Darren Anderton.  They said they have tried hard but there has been no sign on the midfielder moving to Fratton Park, so they will look elsewhere.  Even though Harry Redknapp was at today's game.
  Keeper Neil Sullivan looks set to move away from White Hart Lane with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Glasgow Rangers his main admirers.
  Rumours about Spurs making a move for Lens' Polish midfielder Antoine Sibierski will now be put to bed as he has signed for Manchester City.
  The Sunday Express revive the 'Rivaldo to Spurs' rumour.
  Jurgen Klinsmann is playing under an assumed name (Jay Goppinggen), and has been for some time, for the Orange County Blue Stars - a team in California where he lives now.


Saturday  2.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The club's official website have reveled that a deal had been struck for Frederic Kanoute with West Ham United that involves Matthew Etherington moving to Upton Park.  It says that both players have to agree personal terms and pass medicals, but if all goes well, then they could switch clubs next week.
  The site also tells us that South African defender Mbulelo Mabizela will feature as a sub in tomorrow's match against PSV Eindhoven.  Kasey Keller looks set to return after coming back from international duty and Bobby Zamora should shake off a niggling knee injury to play some part.  Ledley King, Dean Richards and Christian Ziege will all miss the game through injury.
  A Spurs XI lost 0-2 at Aldershot Town this afternoon.


Friday  1.8.2003   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Steffen Iversen has been released from his Spurs contract that had one year to run and he has joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on a one year deal.
  Steffen Freund has signed a one year deal with 1FC Kaiserslautern.
  Spurs transfer target - Senegal striker Henri Camara - has joined Wolverhampton Wanderers.
  Glenn Hoddle denied that there had been any approach by Spurs for PSV Eindhoven striker Mateja Kezman.  The Tottenham manager said the Serbia and Montenegro forward had been offered to the club four or five months ago, but there had been no follow up on the offer.

 

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