White Hot Lines

Sunday 30.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Teddy Sheringham has been recalled to the England squad for the World Cup qualifying match against Greece at Old Trafford on 6th October.

  Glenn Hoddle kept the team in the dressing room for 75 minutes after yesterday's game as the inquest into how the match was lost started.  He said that the reasons that the side could not get going in the second half have been identified and it is important that the same thing does not happen again.

  Dean Richards pointed out that the same thing happened when he and Hoddle were at SCBC and they lost a three goal lead to Tranmere Rovers, coincidentally Tottenham's next opponents.  Deano said that the manager spoke to the team and that their opinions were voiced, but they were all disappointed at the final result.  The Spurs centre half added that there were positives to take from the game and the team have to learn that they should not make the same mistakes again.

  Sir Alex Ferguson has proclaimed the Manchester United performance yesterday as the best away from home in his reign as manager.  Not that it really helps us feel better about it.

  Valencia are the latest club to express an interest in Spurs striker Sergei Rebrov.

  Nigel Worthington, the manager of First Division Norwich City, is hoping that his friendship with Tim Sherwood could swing a move to the Norfolk side for the out of favour Spurs midfielder.  Sherwood played for the Canaries from 1987-1989, before leaving for Blackburn Rovers.

  Tottenham's away match at Leeds United has been moved from Saturday 3rd November 2001 to Sunday 4th November 2001 with the kick off at Noon.  The match has been put back a day because of Leeds' participation in the UEFA Cup.

  Ledley King has been selected for the England Under-21 squad for the match against Greece Under-21 on Friday 5th October at Ewood Park.

  For those who fear that moving away from White Hart Lane is a break with the tradition of the club, news coming from Portugal is that Benfica will be having a new ground (the Benfica-Arena) built to move into for 2004.  This will replace one of the world's most famous stadiums - The (real) Stadium of Light, which has seen many notable matches through the years.

  A rumour on TeamTalk states that Keith Burkinshaw might be returning to White Hart Lane where a football club used to be.  Having given up his post as Director of Football at Aberdeen, the former Spurs manager might link up with Hoddle, who was one of his top players when in charge.

Saturday 29.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham lost 3-5 to Manchester United at White Hart Lane this afternoon, after leading 3-0 at half-time.  Click here for a match report.  Click here for reaction.

  Glenn Hoddle said that it was a Jeckyll and Hyde performance from Spurs in today's game.  However, he said that the way that Manchester United played in the second half was no excuse for the way Spurs collapsed.  He said that although Tottenham had played well against Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United, the fact that we have lost nine pints did not please him.

  Teddy Sheringham has been voted as the player to receive the Matt Busby trophy today for being Manchester United's Player of the Season for the last campaign.

  ... and finally ... hardly news, but Arsenal had another player sent off today, making it every game they have played in the Premier League this season has featured a red card.

Friday 28.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Dean Richards could easily earn a place in the England team according to his new manager Glenn Hoddle.  As the new centre half got ready to make his debut against Manchester United, Hoddle said he could follow his predecessor into the national side and become a hero to the Spurs fans too.  With the player hitting the peak of his career, Hod said that Richards is good in the air and on the ground, with a bonus of being dangerous at set-pieces.  Deano said that being at a bigger, higher-profile club would help his ambitions, but he knew that he has to play well for Spurs first.  He said he came to Tottenham to win trophies and to get into Europe, believing that the club has a lot of potential, which he plans to be a part of realising.  Despite only being at White Hart Lane for a week, Richards said he felt he had got to know the players in the dressing room and will be trying to fit in on the pitch on Saturday.

  Not trying to pick Sven's team for him, but Hod said that there is nobody better than Teddy to lead the England line against Greece next Saturday.  He said that he should be picked on form, as Teddy is playing excellently and that if selected for the squad he should play, because at his age there is nothing for him to gain in experience in travelling with the squad.  With the captaincy, Hoddle believes this has given Teddy a new edge with his work-rate equal to that he ever had.  With his game not relying on pace, the boss thinks he could last another two or three years at least.  Sheringham said the pace of the game is much faster now, so players have to be more athletic, meaning he has to be realistic about his diet and drinking habits, but he feels that he has made the right footballing move.  Whether it was right in other respects, he said, would remain to be seen.

  The Spurs captain was named as the London Evening Standard's  Player of the Month.  Sheringham said he has as much to prove as a 21 year old, with his belief that you are only as good as your last game keeping him going.

  Sir Alex Ferguson has today told the media what a fine player Teddy Sheringham was for Manchester United in their successful times recently.  He said Sheringham was instrumental in the winning of the Treble and the other trophies at Old Trafford and that he can understand Teddy moving back to London, especially when Spurs had made an offer that was hard for him to turn down.

  Manchester United team news for tomorrow's game is that David Beckham may miss the match with his on-going groin injury, while Wes Brown is ruled out with a hamstring strain.  Roy Keane is suspended, Dwight Yorke will not be in the side as he is injured too.

  Despite media rumour yesterday that Tottenham was the destination for Parma's Cameroon striker Patrick Mbomba, it now seems that Blackburn Rovers are the likely candidates to take him to the Premier League.

  Colo Halit, the 15 year old Swedish midfielder, is being chased by Spurs, Manchester united and Ipswich Town, with the Suffolk side favourites to sign him.  The other two clubs have asked his club Brage to keep them in touch with developments.

  The Club's official site has revealed it's purchase in yesterday's auction of Sir Alf Ramsey's memorabilia.  They have bought an international cap from his 1950 appearance for England in Portugal.  The club said it would go on show with Dave Mackay's medals in the Tottenham Museum when it is opened.

  ... and finally ... The Manchester United site featured a comment from their manager ... "Fergie has cast his eye over Glenn Hoddle's squad in the build-up to the weekend's clash, and believes the likes of Dean Richards, Gustavo Poyet and Willem Korsten will cause trouble for the Reds."  Where the Red Devils playing in hospital then, as that is where they will usually find Willie K.  Ferguson must be slacking in doing his homework on players. 

Thursday 27.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs have arranged a friendly against Peterborough United at their London Road ground on Thursday 4th October.  This will give the players not involved in international matches the weekend after to get some match practice.  Kick off will be at 7.45 p.m. and tickets for kids will be £1.

  Mauricio Taricco recovered from a stomach injury recently because of help from Diego Maradona, which he claims saved his career, he has told the London Evening Standard today.  Reading the controversial Argentinian's autobiography this summer while suffering with abdominal pains, he flew to Milan and got treatment from the same specialist who treated the stocky midfield genius and sometime drug addict and diagnosed it as a back problem.  Taricco now regards the doctor as someone who will always be able to cure him.  Taz said he feels that he will never get injured again.  Looks like he has been taking some other parts of Maradona's book too literally as well !! 

  Taricco has been telling the official site that he is happy to play at right back, even though it is on his wrong side !!  Despite being predominantly right footed, he likes to play on the left side and has had to adapt his game to replace the injured Stephen Carr.  He said the left hand berth gives him the option to cut inside onto his good foot.  Unfortunately, when he is forced out wide, we know that he has to manouevre around to get the ball on his better right !!

  Manager Glenn Hoddle has given hints that Dean Richards will start the match against Manchester United on Saturday.

  John Gorman is hoping that Spurs can raise their game and click against Manchester United on Saturday.  The assistant manager said that the last game of last season showed how the team want to play and how the crowd appreciated that.  As far as he is concerned there is no reason why Tottenham cannot repeat that win, he told the official site.  Ha thinks that the side are not far away from playing the way the management want them to and that with some "winnable" games coming up, there is no reason why Spurs can't string a few results together.

  Apparently, Spurs might jump ahead of the queue consisting of Southampton and Liverpool to sign Patrick Mbomba from Parma.  The Cameroon striker, aged 30, is unhappy and has not settled since his move form Cagliari last summer.  Voted African Footballer of the Year last year, he has also played in France for Paris St. Germain and Gamba Osaka in Japan.  The player is reported as being ready to arrive for talks with a Premiership club tomorrow.

  Sir Alf Ramsey's collection of football memorabilia went on sale today and Spurs and Ipswich Town both bought items for their respective club museums.  The international caps, medals and other items were put up for sale by his family and raised £80,000.

  Christian Ziege has been included in the German squad for their World Cup qualifying match against Finland on October 6th.

  Kasey Keller is in the USA squad for their World Cup match against Jamaica on Sunday October 7th.

  Neil Sullivan has been chosen in the Scotland squad for their match at Hampden Park against Latvia in the World Cup on October 6th.

  Teddy Sheringham won the Spurs players golf day challenge against Corporate box-holders and executive members at Abridge yesterday, the official site reports.  Simon Davies was second and the team event was won by a group including Gus Poyet.

  ... and finally ... today, Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren said that Paul Ince is going nowhere.  Everton, Brescia, Manchester City, Boro, nowhere ... amounts to the same thing !!

Wednesday 26.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Steffen Freund and Matthew Oakley have escaped punishment by the FA after an incident involving the two players in the tunnel as they left the field at half-time when Spurs played host to SCBC on 10th September.  The referee's report advised that no action be taken against either player.

  Liverpool and Christian Ziege are to be charged with illegally approaching another club and player without permission, while the German was under contract at Middlesbrough.  The player's agent is alleged to have spoken to Liverpool when the midfielder wanted to leave the North East side.  The player was later transferred to Anfield for £5.5 million and has since joined Spurs who have not been implicated in this investigation.  Both parties have 14 days to appeal against the charges.

  Colin Calderwood is happy that his reserve side is working hard and that they are producing some of their training ground routines in proper games.  He said he was pleased by the side's response after the defeat at Arsenal, when he had to put out a young side against the almost first XI fielded by the Gooners.

  Darren Anderton is pleased that he chose to stay with Tottenham as he believes the club is on the up again.  He said there were other options available to him, but with the players the club brought in during the summer, he was happy to sign on for a further four years.  The midfielder is happy to be linking up with Glenn Hoddle and Teddy Sheringham again, while the style of football is what he would want to see from the side.

  Former Barcelona captain, Josep Guardiola has joined Italian club Brescia.  He was a target for Spurs and many other clubs this summer.  It is believed that a lot of clubs were put off by his high wage demands.

  Ciaran Toner has been selected in the Northern Ireland Under-21 squad for their European championship qualifier against Malta on 5th October.

  Sergei Rebrov has been quoted in the Russian newspaper Izvestia (so it must be the news*) that he wants Glenn Hoddle to play him or sell him.  The Ukrainian said that he had listened to what Hoddle had said to him when he took over and now he feels that he is not being given an opportunity to show what he can do, believing that it is because he is not one of Hoddle's purchases.  He went on to add that he wants to play for Tottenham and thinks Spurs will be successful again.  Following his goal in the reserves last night, Rebrov said that he had come to Tottenham to play, not just to enjoy life and should he not get a game regularly, his agent would find him a club.  It may not be hard for his agent as hot on the heels of this story came news that Lazio are looking at the little striker.  

  Apparently Chris Perry is also unhappy at not being a first choice player at Tottenham.  He said that he was not pleased at not being in the team at the start of the season, but has turned out in the absence of others and done his best to make sure he is on the team-sheet.  With the arrival of Dean Richards, he fears he might be pushed further down the pecking order for a defensive place.

  Both Anthony Gardner and Ben Thatcher were glad to be back in Reserve action last night after their injury nightmares.  They both appeared in the 2-1 win over Leicester City reserves and both played well, coming through without reaction.

  ... and finally ... Chelsea's sponsorship by Emirates Airlines is under threat after their players unpardonable behaviour.  The airline is concerned about the effect on their image and the £24 million deal could be in doubt.  The rumour was denied by the company later.

          
* Izvestia is Russian for "News", not "truth", as we earlier stated.  Apologies and we will be re-sitting our Russian GCSE in June.  Honest ;-)

Monday 24.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Glenn Hoddle has stated that Sergei Rebrov is still part of his plans for the team.  The manager said that the Ukrainian striker had not started many matches, but that was only for tactical reasons.  He said it was a long season and he would feature as the games went on.  

  Spurs and Manchester united have been named as possible hosts of American soccer teams to play benefit matches for the tragedies that occurred on September 11th.  The matches could take place in November.

  Spurs reserves beat Leicester City Reserves at Stevenage Borough tonight 2-1 with goals from Sergei Rebrov and Ciaran Toner.  For a match report, click here.

  Dave Mackay has told the club site that he is delighted that his Double medals have been bought by the club for display.  He said that the medals were going back home, where they really belong.

  Chelsea's Jody Morris is linked with a move to Spurs as he has snot started a match while Claudio Ranieri has been manager.  Aston Villa and SCBC could give Spurs some competition for his services.  However, following his disgraceful behaviour last week, let's hope he stays where that sort of thing is tolerated.

  John Gorman has watched Rochdale's 18 year old wonder kid, Kevin Townson.  The striker has caught the eye of Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool too, but no firm bid has been received for him.

  Simon Davies has been included in the ales squad for the match against Belarus on October 6th.

Sunday 23.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Dean Richards had to give up his 20% of the transfer fee, which amounted to around £1.8 million, from an agreement with former manager David Jones (and look how they treated him) just because Rupert Lowe-Self-Esteem considered SCBC a bigger club than Tottenham. Richards said that he was willing to forget about the money just to get away and that the chairman could not hope to have proved his point saying "Excuse me - and with respect to everyone on the south coast - I think if you took a poll hardly anyone would agree with him. But that was his view".  The new Spurs centre half told the News of the World newspaper  "Lowe wanted an unrealistic £10million for me. I'm not worth that."

  Glenn Hoddle was hurt by the team's defeat at Anfield yesterday.  He said that to come to Liverpool and dominate the game for long periods shows that there is progress being made.  The Spurs boss said eh was happy with the win, but being a winner, losing a game like this hurt him.

  Liverpool's French manager Gerard Houllier said that the side looked stronger than they have in recent years and that there was good offensive ability, tactical discipline and technical skill in Tottenham's performance.  He thought that his side should have won, but thought it was a good game between two good teams.

  Spurs and Liverpool have reportedly been watching Andrew Johnson, the young Birmingham City striker.  The youngster impressed on the club's Worthington Cup run last season and is rated at £4 million.

  West Bromwich Albion striker Scott Dobie has been watched by Spurs and Arsenal in the last few weeks.  The former Carlisle United forward only signed for the Baggies in the summer.

  Johan Micoud, the Parma midfielder has said he wants to come and play in England.  The 28 year old ex-Bordeaux star has been linked with Spurs in the past and now he has fallen out of favour at Parma, he wants to move on.

  SCBC are interested in little club midfielder Oyvind Leonhardsen, who they believe Glenn Hoddle will release for £2 million.  Well, Spurs will start of dealing with a £2 million offer and like all the big clubs do, try and get them up to £10 million !!

  Another target for Spurs would be Kevin Phillips, who Sunderland fear they will not be able to hold onto after recent comments he has made and the fact that one club, believed to be Aston Villa have made a £12 million bid for the former Watford striker.  West Ham United are the other club thought to be interested.

  Spurs, along with the rest of the footballing world, will be interested in the news that Robbie Fowler's talks with Liverpool over a new contract have come to a halt.  He has denied considering a move to Aston Villa, Arsenal and Chelsea, which therefore Tottenham in pole position to sign the England forward !!  A price of £12 million to £15 million would secure his services, so there will be no problem for ENIC to come up with the money Glenn needs to build up the team.  Will there ??

  Spurs are rumoured to be ready to take Dan Petrescu from the New Dell and this time Rupert Lowe-Self-Esteem might not throw his toys out of his pram !!  It seems that the Gray man in charge of SCBC does not want Petrescu to play for him any more and will be willing to let him go, with Tottenham a likely destination to cover for the missing Stephen Carr.

  West Ham United are watching the situation with Tim Sherwood at Spurs as they seek to shell out some more of the transfer money they received for Frank Lampost Junior on a replacement or several.

  Danish Under-18 keeper Kevin Stuhr-Ellergaard is thought to be more likely to join Manchester City, as Glenn Hoddle failed to watch him last week and he is now on a week's trial at Maine Road, it having been reported that Spurs have not taken the opportunity to sign him up.

  Former Spurs midfielder Paul Gascoigne has revealed that he is a recovering alcoholic.  Gazza said he has not had a drink since July and is taking things a day at a time, but does not want to return to the situation he was in at the end of last season, when he wanted to quit the game.

  Barnet defender Warren Goodhind, who had been watched by David Pleat in the past, has joined Cambridge United.

  The PFA have sent ballot papers out to all their members to ask them to vote on a strike over the amount of money reaching them from the new TV deal with the Premier League.  The threat of a strike is a real one as PFA chairman, Gordon Taylor has said that he feels his members are being badly treated.

  ... and finally ... Arsenal may be fined for a Schalke 04 fan throwing a cigarette lighter at Thierry Henry at the end of their Champions League match  last week.  Unless the German side accept responsibility for their fans, the Gooners might face UEFA sanctions.

  ... and disgracefully ... the News of the World reports that the day after the terrorist atrocities in America, Chelsea players Eidur Gudjohnsen, John Terry, Jody Morris and Frank Lampard, with Leicester City's Frank Sinclair went on a drunken binge in pubs and a hotel near Heathrow, upsetting guests who were trying to return to the US by shouting and exposing themselves in public.  Those Blues involved have been fined two weeks wages by Chelsea, which has gone to the relief fund - a sum exceeding £100,000.  This loutishness and lack of sensitivity is perhaps all the more evident when in the back pages of the paper, Spurs new signing Dean Richards has an interview printed, which states he neither asked nor was offered a fee, but asked for some money to be donated to the relief fund set up for the victims of the plane crashes.

Saturday 22.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham lost 0-1 at Liverpool this afternoon.  For reaction, click here.

  Dean Richards will be number 36 in the Spurs squad as he wanted a 6 in his number and this was the highest one available.  His former team-mate James Beattie said he thinks it will not be long before the central defender will be playing for England.  He said that he wished him well, as he had been outstanding for SCBC for the last two years and it was probably because he had been playing for them that he has not had a chance for his country. Now he was playing in the limelight at a big club, Beattie believes he will be called up by Sven Goran Eriksson.

  Rupert Lowe-Self-Esteem has taken up stand-up comedy as a new direction in his burgeoning media career.  The modest chairman said that SCBC are a bigger club than Jesus ... er, no ... Tottenham.  He said that just like last season when (for once) they finished higher in the league than Spurs, that they would do it again, although he didn't say when.

  Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier said that Christian Ziege had to leave Anfield, despite the player's agent begging him to allow his client to stay at the club.  He said that he had decided that Ziege was surplus to requirements and the German was desperate to stay with the triple cup winners last season.  Having a wing back that didn't fit into Houllier's system, Ziege did not want to leave and that was why the French manager decided he had to go.

  According to the SoccerUpdate site, Chelsea are favourites to buy Stipe Pletikosa, the young keeper from Hajduk Split.  It reckons that Spurs and Middlesbrough will provide opposition to the sale to Stamford Bridge.  How is it that they always jump in on the deal at the last moment, when they haven't been mentioned in connection with it ??

  TeamTalk say that Spurs are interested in signing Ivan Dudic, the Yugoslavian full back of Benfica.  The player would cost around £1.5 million and has attracted interest from Everton and West Ham United.

  Apparently there was a newspaper report today that Bill Nicholson is charged to park at White Hart Lane.  It is well known to Spurs fans that he prefers to sit in the East Stand and park in the school at the rear rather than go to the Main entrance and walk round.  Someone is being mischievous in putting these stories out to try and make Spurs look mean.  There is enough scope for that without making stories up !!

Friday 21.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Dean Richards has signed for Spurs for a fee of £8.1 million.  Half the fee will be paid now and the other half in 12 months time.  He has signed a four year deal with an option of another two years available.

  Dean Richards slapped SCBC fans in the face today according to Rupert Lowe-Self-Esteem.  The club chairman, in a vain attempt to make him look hard done by but really making things crystal clear for anyone who didn't know already, said "I've done my best to keep the player at St Mary's over the last few weeks - but it has become increasingly clear that, despite the support of the dressing room and our magnificent new stadium, Dean's heart and mind are elsewhere.  This is a great disappointment to me, and I suspect it will be a slap in the face to our fans who have voted Dean player of the year and raised him to icon status."  How Dean could shun the passionate SCBC's fans and the St. Mary's Unfriendly Improvident New Dell, we just cannot imagine.

  Dean Richards' deal to join Tottenham had to be negotiated by Premier League Chairman David Richards as Big Boy Rupert "The Bear" Lowe-Self-Esteem refused to talk to Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.  Agent jon Smith, who brokered the transfer said "Rupert suggested I had a word with Dave Richards and, to the credit of the League his intention was to keep the 'family' together, and make sure two of his members did not end up strangling each other, and he has achieved that."  In a show of unreserved maturity the SCBC chairman held his breath until he went blue in the face, but this did not stop the Saints defender joining a big club.  Both clubs were made to withdraw their complaints about each other as part of the transfer.

  Dean Richards gave up £1.8 million as he loved playing for Glenn Hoddle and had always wanted to play for Spurs.

  Dean Richards was the subject of Rupert "The Bear" Lowe' ire this afternoon.  The Guardian's "The Fiver" quoted him as saying "Once the player no longer wished to play for the club ... the practicality was that Saints' best interests were served by raising as much money as possible to fund players who did want to play on the south coast".  He only left out the big club bit.
  Dean Richards was never going to play for Spurs against Liverpool tomorrow, even though it would not have been possible anyway as Rupert Lowe-Self-Esteem dragged talks out long enough (and isn't that a surprise - this bloke could bitch for England) to ensure that Tottenham missed the Noon deadline.  Glenn Hoddle said it wouldn't have been fair to him and he will make his debut next week at home to Manchester United.  The new Spurs centre half will travel to Liverpool with the rest of the squad to get to know them and to watch the game from the stands.

  Dean Richards is a player at the peak of his game said Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle today.  He is a big asset to have in the squad and will add to the depth in it that Spurs are trying to achieve, the manager went on.  He also said that he thought Dean could get better and that he could one day play for England.  He said the signing would send a message out to other clubs that Tottenham want to go somewhere ... he didn't say where though !!

  Dean Richards said that he learned a lot form Glenn Hoddle while training under him at SCBC, which made it a big factor in him signing for Tottenham.  He said he was delighted to be at Spurs and that he hoped to bring his experience to help the defence. "Just look around, it's a great set-up, a big club" he told Sky Sports.

  Dean Richards is not the only new player Spurs are supposed to be interested in.  Ukrainian international Andrei Vorobey could be brought in to accompany his fellow countryman Sergei Rebrov.  The 22 year old striker is being trailed by Internazionale too, but it is believed that Spurs and another English club have also been keeping tabs on the young star.

  Dean Richards' new club has purchased the medals won during the Double season by Dave Mackay.  The club intend to start a museum with them as part of the centre-piece to it.

  Dean Richards' team's strikers are having a laugh at those who say they are too old !!  Les Ferdinand said that his partnership with Teddy Sheringham will get better the more they play in the side.  He said that having played for England together there is some understanding there, but this will develop in the Tottenham team even further.  The 34 year old said he was looking to break his duck in the League so far and once he got one, he felt that more would follow.

  Dean Richards' new team-mate, Simon Davies said he was surprised to see his name on the team-sheet at Sunderland, but was pleased with the way he was playing, although he reckons he can do much better.

  Dean Richards' defensive partner Stephen Carr said today that he had to have the surgery now rather than put it off.  Carr told The Sun: "I have always dreamed of playing in the World Cup. That's why I had to go to America now rather than in a few months when it could be too late."  Glad he is thinking about those who pay his wages first and foremost.

  Dean Richards' reserve team captain Ian Hillier has been allowed to stay at Luton Town for another month on loan, with an agreement that he can return to Tottenham at 24 hours notice should they require him to cover for any further injuries.

Thursday 20.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  News broke today that Stephen Carr will be missing from the Spurs team for another four months after undergoing knee surgery in Colorado, USA.  Worryingly, the surgeon - Mr. Steadman - was the same one who has operated on Ronaldo and Jamie Redknapp !!

  Glenn Hoddle has hailed the victory at the Stadium of Light as the best performance so far this season.  He said that the balance of play in the first half was all Spurs and that they should have got more reward for their good play.  He said that the club have a tradition of doing things in style and they also showed resilience when Sunderland came back strongly at the end.

  He praised Teddy Sheringham saying he is such a classy and intelligent player, who he was pleased to have on board.

  Glenn also told the Press that Ledley King has unlimited possibilities and that learning from class players in training, he can develop his "smooth" ability even further.  Hod added that he has the right assets to go a long way, but they will have to keep guiding him to maintain the high level of performance he has already been showing this season.

  The manager was especially pleased that the result was obtained without 10 injured first team players.

  Dean Richards missed training today to meet with Spurs officials to discuss terms over his move from SCBC.  Talks had been delayed because of the Jewish New Year according to the London Evening Standard (as quoted by Andy Jacobs on TalkSPORT).  The player must register by Noon on Friday to be eligible for the Liverpool match on Saturday.  A fee of £8.2 million is being quoted.  For £300,000 more, we could have bought Queens Park Rangers !!

  ENIC are believed to be looking to sell their 20% share of Glasgow Rangers.  The company inherited debts apparently when they took over Spurs to the tune of £20 million and although they hope to cash in their holding in the Scottish club they are unlikely to get anything like the £40 million they were said to have paid for the shares when they bought them.

  It is being claimed that Tottenham have brought teenager Gareth Jenkins from the Australian club Central Coast Coasties to White Hart Lane.  The 16 year-old has been taken on as an apprentice following a successful trial. He has never played a senior game, but turned out for the Aussie club's Under-15's.

  It is rumoured in Italy that Pep Guardiola is set to join Brescia.  Spurs had been linked to the former Barcelona captain.

  ... and finally ... QPR were almost taken over by a religious cult - the Unification Church.  They have been put off now, so Rangers are over the Moonies, but it could have been a very interesting time down at Loftus Road if it had happened.  Ommmmm, Ommmmmmm !!

  ... and finally 2 ... The Unfriendly Improvident New Dell will stage an international match between world giants Nigeria and Japan on October 7th.  Rupert Lowe-Self-Esteem said: "This just shows how far SCBC has come and with our new 32,000-seater stadium, we now have the capacity to stage many more events of this prestige."  Exactly, this prestige Wupert ... this prestige.

Wednesday 19.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs beat Sunderland 2-1 tonight at the Stadium of Light with goals from Christian Ziege and Teddy Sheringham.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction, click here.

  Sergei Rebrov is to seek talks with Glenn Hoddle about his future at White Hart Lane.  The Ukrainian striker has been consigned to the bench and is desperate to play and score goals for Spurs according to his agent.

  The move of Dean Richards from SCBC to Tottenham is "close" according to his agent.  It is thought that discussions are still continuing about the mode of payment for the fee.

  Denmark Under-18 international goalkeeper Kevin Stuhr-Ellegaard has been on trial at Spurs, but Hoddle and Pleat were unavailable to watch him in action.  He likes Spurs and may be going back for more observation, but the club face stiff competition for his signature from Manchester City, who are another of his favourite teams.  Hoddle is hoping to sign the 18 year old for around £250,000 from his club Farum.

  Tim Sherwood, Ben Thatcher and Anthony Gardner might all be ready to return to reserve team football soon.  This will be a big boost after losing a number of players through injury recently.

  Stephen Carr has gone to see Dr. Richard Steadman, the knee expert, in the USA to try and solve his injury that has kept him out for most of this season.
  Jermaine Jenas, the Nottingham Forest super kid, who was interesting Spurs among other clubs, is set to sign a five year deal with the Tricky Trees.

Tuesday 18.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The Southern Daily Echo claims that Dean Richards might be willing to forego approximately £1.8 million of the £8 million transfer fee should he ask to leave SCBC and join Spurs.  He is keen for the deal to go through and by waiving his 20% sell-on condition in his contract by handing in a transfer request, he could get to White Hart Lane quicker.  It is believed that SCBC are asking for £8.2 million (probably because Spurs have been hit hard in the centre half area by injury) and with the £1.8 million for Richards, that takes it to £10 million.  His agent said he was hopeful that some arrangement could be struck by midday tomorrow.  The player himself said that if the deal did not happen in the next couple of days, he doubted if it would go through at all.

  Goran Bunjevcevic could be back sooner than originally thought.  His wife confirmed that he was released from hospital yesterday and could be training again within a week.

  Gus Poyet will return from suspension for tomorrow's game at Sunderland.  Darren Anderton is a doubt after his Achilles has flared up again, while Ciaran Toner and Steven Ferguson have been added to the squad.

  Sports Minister Richard Caborn has asked clubs players to calm down and set a professional example to youngsters who might be watching their idols.

  29 year old Bordeaux striker Christophe Dugarry was left out of the side to meet Monaco at the weekend and looks set to move to England with Ipswich, Tottenham, Sunderland or Middlesbrough leading the way for his signature.

  Tottenham's Worthington Cup tie at Tranmere Rovers will take place on Tuesday October 9th, with the kick off at 7.45 p.m.

  Tottenham, Man Utd and Ipswich are chasing a 16 year old Swedish  midfielder Colo Hallit, from Brage reports in the Swedish media are saying.  He will have a trial with Ipswich this week, after already having been training with Spurs and Man. U.

  Former Spurs winger David Ginola is trying to buy out his contract at Aston Villa to escape his nightmare under manager John Gregory.  He wants £1.5 million and a free transfer away from Villa Park or an extension of a year and a place in the side for 20 games a season to stay.

Monday 17.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs want to rush through the signing of Dean Richards before Wednesday's game at Sunderland, with Gary Doherty and Goran Bunjevcevic both sidelined with injury.  His agent said the move was imminent and the only thing no holding it up is how the £8 million will be paid to SCBC.  Spurs favour an installment payment, while SCBC want the cash up front.

  Tim Sherwood has said eh will donate his bonus payments for this season to the fund set up for the victims of the New York/Washington/Pennsylvania terrorist attacks of last week.  He hopes that many of his fellow sportsmen will follow his lead to help aid reach those who need it.  The donation could amount to £100,000 (but Spurs would have to do considerably better than they have been doing for that), although Les Ferdinand added that the team will sit down next week and discuss how they can contribute too.

  Kasey Keller has revealed that he did not wish to leave Rayo Vallecano.  He said the changes in rules in La Liga that determined the number of foreign players that clubs were allowed meant that he was no longer wanted by the Madrid club and that most Spanish clubs were in the same boat, having to lose their overseas stars.

  In an amazing admission of guilt, the referee in yesterday's match with Chelsea said he did not send Ledley King off for conceding the penalty, as it was not a goal-scoring opportunity !!!  Well, I know refs cannot know how players are thinking, but come on.  It was revealed on Sky Sports tonight that Teddy Sheringham thought he heard the assistant referee say it wasn't a penalty.

  However, despite his inept handling of the match, both clubs could be called to appear in front of the FA should he or the fourth official mention the nature of the match and the confrontations at the end of it in their match report.

  Glenn Hoddle is also awaiting the ref's report to see if he is named in it for his comments about the handling of the game by the officials.  It is terrible when you might face a disrepute charge for telling the truth.

  Because of the furore over incidents during the match, Chris Perry has called for a second ref in the stands for football games.  

  Horrible little Chelsea whinger, Graeme Le Saux, could be reported for making an inflammatory gesture at Spurs fans during yesterday's game too.  And not before time.  The player claims he was punched during the game, but Mauricio Taricco, the supposed perpetrator, said he did not hit the Channel Islander and although the Chelsea boss Ranieri said he did, he knows that there is no truth in the matter.  He said perhaps these things were said about him because he was from Argentina.  Most Spurs players agree that they would be foolish to go near the Chelsea defender with their fists.

  Spurs defender Ian Hillier could seal a long term loan deal with Luton Town this week.  The Welsh Under-21 player has been there for a month and looks settled, having scored the winner in their match against York City at the weekend.  

  Nicky Eyre, the young Tottenham goalkeeper has been included in England's Under-17 squad to play Spain in a friendly international at Ashton Gate on Wednesday October 3.

  ... and finally  ... Daily Soccer made a Freudian slip in one of their news pieces today, stating "After the injuries to Goran Bunjevcevic and Gary Doherty, Saints manager Glenn Hoddle has problems to cover the central defence."  Surely this is last year's news !!

  ... and finally 2 ... SCBC have ceased their interest in Norwegian striker Thorstein Helsted. The Gray man in charge at SCBC said "Helstad was recommended to us. I went and had a look at him in action and he did nothing for me."  What exactly does a player have to do to be eligible to join SCBC then ??

Sunday 16.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs were cheated out of the game against Chelsea by losing 2-3 this afternoon at White Hart Lane.  Teddy Sheringham was on the mark twice for Tottenham.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction, click here.

  Goran Bunjevcevic sustained a fractured cheekbone in a clash with Hasselbaink and will be out for a month.

  Another Spurs central defender, Gary Doherty suffered a broken leg against Torquay United in the Worthington Cup tie and will be missing from action for three months.

  Spurs are rumoured in the News of the World newspaper today to be ready to sign Dean Richards from SCBC this coming week for £7.5 million.  The price is the thing that Spurs are waiting for before the deal goes ahead.

  Glenn Hoddle cleared Hasselbaink in his opinion of diving, but claimed that the officials were too hasty in awarding the penalty today when no Spurs player was near the Dutchman when he went to earth.

  Chelsea left back Graeme Le Saux claims he was punched in the match today by Mauricio Taricco.  At the end of the game, the little Guernsey Islander confronted the Spurs right back, but only when he had Hasselbaink and Desailly next to him.  He cowardly kicked Les Ferdinand during the game and was booked for foul play by the official for another incident.

  The price for Hajduk Split's young goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa could be £4 million, as Spurs try to sign 19 year old as the keeper to take over from Neil Sullivan in the long term.

  Apparently, Steffen Freund has been linked with a move to Birmingham City for £2 million !!

  and finally ... at half time in today's game there was a notice on the Videotron screen, which said that there were some inaccurate and misleading stories in the newspapers this week, so if you wanted to know the true story, be sure to log onto the club's official website.

Saturday 15.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham are setting up a working party to look into the possibility of moving from White Hart Lane to a purpose built 50,000 capacity stadium at Picketts Lock.  The National Athletics Stadium has got the go-ahead to be built on the site currently occupied by Picketts Lock Sports Centre and if Spurs decided to move into the stadium too, then the local Council would be happy to get more use from the facility than if it was just an athletics ground.  With yesterday's comments from David Buchler about not leaving White Hart Lane, these stories appear to be in contrast to his piece on the official site yesterday.  In that, he did hint at a possibility of a move by saying that the club could not afford to slip behind other clubs who are relocating to large grounds.  Bucher is reported as saying he would not be against remaining at White Hart Lane if the club could have a 43,000 capacity, with good transport links and other facilities.

  Tottenham have been drawn to play Cup giantkillers, Tranmere Rovers away in the Third round of the Worthington Cup.  The match will take place in the week starting Monday 8th October.  Spurs were the last team picked out of the draw.

  Spurs are supposed to be in talks with Hajduk Split over the transfer of their young international goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa.  It is believed that a fee is trying to be agreed for the 19 year old who has already appeared for the Croatian national side.

  Former transfer target, Ali Benarbia of Paris St. Germain, has joined Manchester City on a free transfer.

  Glenn Hoddle said he has been pleasantly surprised by the manner in which Ledley King has slipped into the side seamlessly since returning from injury.  He said the England Under-21 international had produced a consistently high level of performance and will be an excellent player in any position as he has a "rare talent".  Hoddle believes that if he continues to make progress (and the club are going to make sure he does continue to improve), he will have a marvellous future, as he can do everything.

  Should Peter Taylor lose his job at Leicester City, he will be welcomed back at White hart Lane by Glenn Hoddle.  The ex-Spurs winger has had a torrid time in the manger's job at Filbert Street and should he be sacked, he would be offered a post on the coaching staff at Tottenham.  Hoddle knows Taylor well from their playing days and he was also the person responsible for taking Taylor from non-League Dartford to be the manager of England Under-21's.

Friday 14.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs have today been linked with a £600,000 bid for Austria Vienna's defender Martin Hiden.  The ex-Leeds United man has had a good run of form since returning to his native Austria and can play anywhere in the back four, so would provide good cover for Tottenham with their injury problems.  And he probably fits nicely within the club's budget too.

  Glenn Hoddle proclaimed today that Tottenham have never lost to Chelsea.  No, don't worry, he's not gone potty again.  He was just saying that this Tottenham team had never lost to the Blues as there are so many new players at the club, the previous record becomes unimportant.

  Darren Anderton will be back in the Spurs squad for Sunday's visit of Chelsea.

  Glenn Hoddle is hoping that the Worthington Cup will provide Spurs with some success and that last night's win will be the start of a road that leads to Europe.  

  Kasey Keller, who made his Spurs debut last night, is concerned about his friends in New York who are missing after the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre.  He said he was told about the atrocities when he was in training with the club and found it hard to concentrate on the game.  He said he wished he was able to be in NY helping rescue people from the rubble.

  Sunderland will sell the outstanding available tickets for Wednesday's clash with Spurs for a minimum of £7.50 and the money from this move will be sent to the victims of Tuesday's attacks in America.

  Executive Vice Chairman David Buchler has been conducting his own Media Monitor on the official site by putting right some press wrongs.  He said stewards at THFC would not be having their wages cut but would be getting £1 per hour more.  They have had their Sunday earnings reduced to straight time rather than time and a half. Buchler said this meant they would end up about £100-150 better off through the season.
Secondly, he went on to reiterate what he had said about the bonuses being made up to among the best in the Premiership next season.
Apparently, there was trouble with the caterers at the SCBC game and members in the boxes and the Centenary club have been offered free meals as compensation.
The Legends suite is now no longer.  It has become the Golden Cockerel Club, with ex-players invited and given tea, coffee and biscuits as well as a buffet.  So few players turned up for the Legends package last season, this new facility has been started to attract former players back to the Lane.
Lastly, the stadium move and re-naming was addressed.  Buchler said that the club will look at what they have to do to get a stadium that will allow Spurs to challenge with the top clubs in this country and in Europe and that if a large enough bid came in to sponsor the stadium, the Board would be duty bound to consider it.

  The rumours in Spain of a £3 million bid for 25 year old Ivan De La Pena have been denied by Glenn Hoddle.

Thursday 13.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs beat Torquay United 2-0 tonight in the Worthington Cup Second Round at White Hart Lane.  Ledley King and Les Ferdinand got the Spurs goals.  Click here for match report.  Click here for reaction.

  Unfortunately, Gary Doherty was carried off on a stretcher after 10 minutes with a suspected broken leg.  First X-rays at the ground were inconclusive and Hoddle was hoping that it was ligament damage rather than a broken leg.  Doherty will undergo more X-rays tomorrow to try to get a diagnosis on his injury.

  Spurs game at Sunderland on Wednesday 20th September will be shown live on Sky TV as their coverage of Chelsea's game has now had to be postponed, because of the Terrorist strikes in the USA causing the postponement of the UEFA Cup games this week.  The programme will start at 7 p.m. and kick off will be at 8 p.m.

  Manchester City are interested in buying Tim Sherwood once again, according to Planet Football's site.  Kevin Keegan sees him as the man to stabilise the City midfield as they try to regain their Premiership status.  Wolverhampton Wanderers are still interested in the Spurs midfielder.

  Igli Tare, the Albanian striker with Brescia in Italy, is the target for Spurs, West Ham United, Sunderland and Newcastle United.  The ma who has been a regular scorer in Italy has been rated at £5.75 million.

  Another link that has been resurrected is the one of Ivan De La Pena, the Lazio midfielder.  Spurs are rumoured to have bid £3 million for "Little Buddha" and are supposedly awaiting a response.

  Anthony Gardner played in a specially arranged private reserve match against Gillingham, which Spurs won 2-0 thanks to goals from Thelwell and Bowditch.  The tall central defender came through the 90 minutes unscathed and is looking to get a couple of game sunder his belt before pushing for a place in the squad.  Spurs also used the match to take a look at the Gills' Nayron Nosworthy, the talented midfielder.

  As predicted on this page some weeks ago, Spurs are preparing an approach for SCBC's Michael Bridge.  In an attempt to get Rupert "The (un)BEar(able)" Lowe to spontaneously combust, news has been leaked that not only will Glenn Hoddle be looking to bring Dean Richards to White Hart Lane, but also his mate who plays at left back.

Wednesday 12.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Following yesterday's terrorist atrocities in America, MEHSTG sends it's condolences to all those whose family and friends died in the disasters across that nation.  We should all remember that life is more important than football.

  Glenn Hoddle is unsure whether he should play a team of experienced players, what with the game against Chelsea just three days later.  With injuries decimating the squad, he may choose to use some of the other squad members to protect the regular first teamers for the coming games.  Darren Anderton is the only player rested from the squad.

  A story on the Guardian's "The Fiver" e-mail service indicated that Spurs could get SCBC's Dean Richards for as little as £4 million plus Oyvind Leonhardsen.

  The spending power of ENIC is in question today as the news that they bought Tottenham with £20 million debts casts a shadow over the proposed transfers Glenn Hoddle needs to build a side.  It is suggested on the TeamTalk site that the club might mortgage their future season ticket income against bank loans for the present.  

  Damien Burke, the 19 year old who stole Gary Mabbutt's Rolex watch in Shepherd's Bush by breaking a car window and grabbing it, has been sentenced to 60 hours community service and to produce a compensation payment of £2,500 to the ex-Spurs captain.  The watch was given to him in commemoration of Tottenham's 1991 FA Cup win.

  ... and finally ... West Ham United manager Glenn Roeder has said of his new signing, Czech Tomas Repka "I have got the feeling through him that Tomas is really looking forward to playing for us, which is obviously very important."

Tuesday 11.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Steffen Iversen is facing an eight week lay-off from the game with the injured ankle he picked up in the first minute of the Norway-Wales match last week.  He said he was depressed even though he will not require an operation on the ligament damage he sustained.

  Spurs are interested in a Croatian goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa.  His club, Hajduk Split, have said that officials are travelling  to watch the 22 year old keeper playing in UEFA Cup against Wisla on Thursday. The club have been reported as already having watched him in matches for the Croatian national team against the Republic of Ireland and Scotland recently.  The player will be allowed to leave the club if a decent offer comes in for him and although he might be doubtful to train before the game, he thinks he will play and a deal may be done there and then if Tottenham are impressed.

  Glenn Hoddle said there is much more to come from Christian Ziege, but he must get 100% fit first.  The Spurs manager said on the Spurs site he always regarded Ziege as a goalscoring midfielder and confirmed that the German's quality was a major factor in signing him.  

  Simon Davies stressed the need for patience in the game against Torquay United on Thursday.  He told the official site that it will be a physical battle, but if the team keep playing their football, they should come out on top. 

  Keith Loring, the Derby County Chief Executive, has decide to stay in the midlands rather than join Spurs in a similar capacity.

  Current Executive Vice-Chairman, David Buchler has said that the new owners did not realise the bonus scheme was a problem until a week before the start of the season and then it was too late to negotiate with the players, so they were stuck with the same deal as last season.  He added that the deal they were offering did stipulate that the players would not receive bonuses if they were in the bottom five in the League, but on the whole, they would be earning more not less money.  He said that they would have been in the top five in the Premiership for bonus money and the current tough talking with the players is hoped to be complete by the end of the year, when the new deal will put them ahead of everyone else for the season after.

  Ledley King said on the official site that he is not going to let the speculation surrounding Dean Richards phase him and will keep playing his own game to the best of his ability.

  Former Spurs transfer target, defender Sylvain Distin, has joined Newcastle United on loan for the rest of the season with a view to a permanent move to Tyneside.

  Former Spurs defender, Warren Hackett, has joined non-league Harrow Borough.

Monday 10.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Apparently, Steffen Freund and SCBC's Matthew Oakley clashed in the tunnel after yesterday's game at White Hart Lane.  If the referee reports the incident, both players could be investigated and suspended if found guilty of carrying over a row that started with a tackle at the end of the first half by the German on the SCBC midfielder.

  Mauricio Taricco has said he will defend any action that the FA decide to take over his tackle on Thomas Gravesen in the match at Everton on 20th August.  This could be hard seeing as Glenn Hoddle said it was a bad tackle and would not be tolerated.  The player said that he was not going in to hurt anyone, but to win the ball and as he was not a dirty player, he is aggrieved that the incident has been blown up.  He said that 

  Ex Spurs player and manager Ossie Ardiles has said that it will take Tottenham years to reach the pinnacle of the English game again.  He said the squad was not of the quality to challenge for the title and that Glenn Hoddle could not be expected to win cups in the short term, as the financial backing wasn't there.  Ossie said that Spurs were a long way behind Leeds United, Arsenal and Liverpool, let alone Manchester United.

  Good news on the injury front, with Stephen Carr ready to be assessed to see if he will be able to start light training in a week and Steffen Iversen's ankle injury obtained while playing for Norway might not be as bad as first thought.  Hoddle revealed that Stef's injury is not a cracked bone, but a capsule problem (no, I'm not any the wiser either) and that he will probably be out for three weeks as he is still on crutches. He is expected to aim for October 6th, when Norway play Armenia in their last World Cup qualifier, as his comeback date.

  Hoddle revealed that Sheringham, Bunjevcevic and Anderton were all about 75% fit and were determined to play, although it was a risk with them all.

  The boss said he was not happy with the way Spurs defended in the first half, but was happy that they showed resilience when they tightened up in the second period.

  Simon Davies has told the official site that he has been pleased just to be involved with the squad so far this season, but was determined to make his mark and impress the manager against SCBC.  The young Welshman said he was pleased to get the second goal and recognised the part the crowd played in the victory. “It’s great when the crowd gets behind us like that. The players responded to it and hopefully they will do it again. They were great and I’m glad we responded for them.”

  Hoddle praised his performance and stressed he will be an important player this season.  The manager also added that Davies had the benefit of playing a couple of times for Wales in the week prior to the game, which helped his fitness and his experience at the top level.

  Spurs are being linked with Brugge's Nzelo Lembi, a 25 year old Congolese international.  The defender is rated at £6 million and is being chased by  Newcastle United, Leeds United and SCBC.

  Luton Town are looking to extend the loan period of Ian Hillier at the club by another month.

  The PFA may be called in to settle the Spurs bonus row.  Chris Perry is the PFA rep and although the sanctions the players were going to impose have been lifted while talks are in progress, there may not be an outcome until the summer, when a new deal can be ratified by the FA.  

Sunday 9.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Spurs beat SCBC today by 2 goals to nil at White Hart Lane.  Tottenham's goals were scored by Christian Ziege and Simon Davies.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction, click here.

  SCBC striker James Beattie said he was looking to get back at Glenn Hoddle for leaving their club in the lurch.  He said nothing would give him more pleasure than to get the points in Tottenham's back yard (unfortunately, we play on the pitch, not in the back yard - which could be the name of the new SCBC ground) and he knows what it would mean to the fans.

  Meanwhile Rupert "The (un)Bear(able)" Lowe has said that Spurs are not bigger than Saints.  "We have a new stadium that is comparable with that of Tottenham's. We can fill it and we have great supporters. We finished two places above them last season. Who's the bigger club?" Lowe bravely said as he grabbed at a few straws that were nearby to back up his argument.

  David Buchler said if he could sell the name to the Tottenham ground he would do so as it could mean enough money to finance an Academy.  He told newspapers that £10-£20 million could be a reasonable sum to make the club take up the offer, while he went on to say that although no decision on relocation away from the Lane had taken place, to maintain a challenge to the top sides could only be feasible with a stadium of over 35,000 capacity.

  Tottenham are one of a number of clubs including Arsenal and West Ham United who are watching 17 year old Ipswich youngster Darren Bent.  The striker has attracted a lot of attention since hi move form Cambridge United.

Saturday 8.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  David Buchler has instructed Glenn Hoddle to forget winning cups and to get Spurs into European club competition.  He said that the board want Spurs to be in Europe on a consistent basis and not every now and again.  The idea behind this is to allow Spurs to compete with the big clubs on a comparable financial basis and to give Spurs a return to their heritage.

  Teddy Sheringham has said he still harbours hopes of playing for England and is keen to do well for Spurs, as it is this attitude that has kept him going in the game for so long.

  Matthew Oakley considers Glenn Hoddle's intimate knowledge of SCBC's style of play could stop them getting anything out of tomorrow's game at Spurs.  He thinks that Hoddle will have done his homework on their new players, but they intend to spring some surprises on the home side.

  Reports are still appearing that Spurs will move for Dean Richards after tomorrow's game.

Friday 7.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Rumours are in the media that Dean Richards will join Spurs after Sunday's game against SCBC.  A fee of £7.4 million has been quoted as that agreed between the two clubs.

  Meanwhile, Glenn Hoddle has said he has nothing to hold a grudge against SCBC for and he will rise above the squabbling of Rupert Lowe about Tottenham's interventions in the running of his club.  John Gorman echoed his sentiments by saying it is just another game, but an important one - but only because Spurs need three points from it.

  The row about bonuses rumbles on with David Buchler (Executive Chief Executive) stating that there is one player who is raising the issue, while the other players were happy with what was on offer.  He did say however, that there are talks underway to amend the bonus scheme for next season, as Premier League rules do not allow them to be changed after the start of the season.  The sticking points appear to be the lack of bonuses for those outside the 16 chosen for the match; non-inclusion of the masseur, fitness staff and physio and no bonuses at all if the club were in the bottom five in the League.  Captain Teddy Sheringham said that there had been talks with the club by a delegation of players and that the hierarchy at the club opening the channels of communication, with the players using them should not be interpreted as a falling out.  The England forward said that the talks were going in the right direction, as was the team, who, he said, were all focused on a win on Sunday.

  On Planet Football's site, Sergei Rebrov said he does not have any problem with the manager choosing from a number of talented strikers at the club.  That is probably because he won't be out of the side for long as most of the others will be injured !! 

  Former Spurs transfer target, midfielder Lucas Neill, has moved from Millwall to Blackburn Rovers for £600,000.

  Former Spurs transfer target, goalkeeper Matt Clarke, has moved from Bradford City to Crystal Palace for £1.35 million.

Thursday 6.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Steffen Iversen's injury within the first 10 seconds of Norway's international against Wales last night, is not believed to be as bad as it was first thought.  The knock he took on his ankle after landing awkwardly after challenging Mark Delaney for a header and was diagnosed as a broken leg initially.  However, on further inspection the injury has been down graded to ligament damage, which means he will be out of action for a considerable period. 

  The Norwegian joins fellow striker Teddy Sheringham in having an ankle injury and both are doubtful for Sunday's visit of SCBC.  Add to this Sicknote's recurrence of an Achilles problem, Clemence (knee ligaments), Bunjevcevic (ankle), Deadwood (thigh) and Leonhardsen (dead leg) and you can see the curse of the Sick Bay continues.  Hoddle said he is only hopeful about Teddy and Dazza for Sunday's televised extravaganza.

  After a meeting with Rupee Baby, Dean Richards was told that he could play on for the club.  The player himself made no comment, but his agent said that they just wanted the matter resolved one way or the other.  Spurs appear to have given up hope of getting him at a realistic price, so are looking at two central defenders in Europe and one in South America.  Probably players who will be worth the money we spend on them.  One of whom could be Alaves' Oscar Tellez, the 26 year old Spanish international.  His club would accept a bid of £4 million and the player has expressed a strong desire t come and play in England.  "The Rottweiller" has been watched by Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United, Middlesbrough and Charlton Athletic too.

  Frighteningly, one of the targets being mentioned as a possible Spurs signing is Coventry City's Republic of Ireland international Gary Breen.  Out of contract next summer and stalling on a new contract, he is being linked with Tottenham, although I am now hoping they sign Dean Richards !!  West ham United, Charlton Athletic and SCBC are all interested in the 27 year old ex-Gillingham central defender.

Wednesday 5.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Dean Richards is upset with Rupert "The Bear" Lowe over the breakdown of the transfer to Tottenham.  He said he has been caught in the cross-fire of the bitching between the two clubs and that his chairman has let him down and made him a loser out of the whole thing.  Richards feels that if any other club had been involved, there would have been talks about the deal, but Lowe was so engrossed in getting one over on Spurs that he dismissed the matter and bumped the asking price sky high.  The player and his agent may now ask for a transfer away from SCBC. 

  Tim Sherwood has spoken out today about his uncertainty about his role at the club in the Daily Express.  He said he was fit for the game at Blackburn Rovers, but Hoddle left him out to get some more training in.  The midfielder said he has three years left on his contract, which he is happy to see through, but feels that the club might have other ideas on his future.

  Spurs midfielder Christian Ziege has blasted his German team-mates for their part in the defeat by England on Saturday.  He said they lacked aggression and picked out Michael Ballack for special criticism in the Daily Express article.

  Les Ferdinand has told the club's official site that Spurs need a win on Sunday and that they should start showing the home form that was so good last season.

  Sergei Rebrov played in Ukraine's 3-0 win over Armenia today.

  Simon Davies played in Wales' 2-3 defeat in Norway tonight.  Steffen Iversen left the field with an injury after 10 seconds and Oyvind Leonhardsen managed to nearly complete the 90 minutes, setting up the second Norwegian goal for Carew.

  Neil Sullivan was on the losing side as Scotland went down 2-0 in Belgium to make qualifying for the World Cup finals very hard.

  Ciaran Toner was a non-playing substitute for Northern Ireland in their 3-0 win over Iceland tonight.

  Former Spur Chris Waddle is mystified by claims that Marseilles want him to return to play for them on a three month contract.  The club say they know nothing about any contract.

  Pascal Nouma, the Besiktas striker who had reportedly interested Spurs, has joined Marseilles.

  ... and finally ... it looks like it's not just us who thinks SCBC chairman Rupert Lowe is a big girl's blouse.  The Guardian's "The Fiver" newsletter today contained this little comment ... "But what does he think about Richards'
comments? "Everyone's entitled to their own opinion." Good. In that
case, the Fiver hopes that Spurs fans will sing rude songs about you
on Sunday."

Tuesday 4.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  The FA Video Advisory Panel have recommended that Mauricio Taricco be punished for his painful tackle on Thomas Gravesen in the Everton match.  He could reap a three match ban for the incident, which did not even lead to a free-kick in the game.  In addition to this, his yellow card obtained in the Blackburn Rovers match for a confrontation with Graeme Souness will be upheld too.  Spurs have not appealed against it and the referee's report said he adopted an "aggressive attitude".  Ooooh, get him !!

  Les Ferdinand said he will be fit for selection for the game against SCBC on Sunday.  He said although he keeps getting injured, he will not change his style of play.  The St. John's Ambulance staff were pleased to hear that !!

  Ledley King played for the England Under-21's tonight in their 5-0 win over Albania at the Riverside Stadium.

  A story on Soccernet has claimed that the Spurs players are furious in a row over bonuses (although they probably haven't earned too many of those this season so far).  They are saying that they will stop making personal appearances and do any PR, but the club say they have lodged the details of the bonus scheme with the League and as far as they are aware, there is no dispute.

  Former Spurs goalkeeper, Ian Walker, has been called up to the England squad to cover for the injured Nigel Martyn.

  ... and finally ... Coventry City are hoping that their new stadium will double as the new national stadium too.  Why England would want to play their home matches in a 20,000 all seater stadium, I don't know.

Monday 3.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  It has been revealed today that Spurs had to pay SCBC £750,000 for Glenn Hoddle and an additional £160,000 for John Gorman.  Neither player fetched those fees when they were playing !!  Perhaps Tottenham should have told SCBC that when getting Hoddle they should BOGOF !!  Even with this unexpected windfall, SCBC announced a pre-tax loss of £96,000 !!

  The FA have confirmed that Gus Poyet's ban for his sending off at Everton will start today and will cover the matches against SCBC, Torquay United and Chelsea.

  Spurs are reported to have watched German side Energie Cottbus' Polish defender Radoslav Kaluzny.  The 27 year old can also play in midfield and is attracting attention from other clubs on the continent, namely Marseilles.  The player has been getting good reviews and Hoddle might see him as the man to shore up the centre of the Spurs defence.

  Jermaine Jenas, an 18 year old Nottingham Forest midfielder had envious eyes cast over his performance against Coventry City recently by scouts from West Ham United, Aston Villa, Ipswich Town, Manchester United and Spurs.  The young man had an impressive match and is rated at £2 million.

  Stephen Carr has said that rest is the only thing that will aid his recovery and although he is finding it frustrating, he has adapted to watching football better than he used to.  He added that he hoped that there would be no need for an operation.

  Spurs reserves lost 0-4 to Arsenal at Barnet tonight. 

Sunday 2.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Gus Poyet will have to serve a three match ban for his red card at Goodison.  The FA Video Advisory Panel have upheld David Elleray's decision to give a straight red card for the high tackle.

  Sir Alan Sugar is reported in the News of the World to be "gagging" to give evidence against George Graham in the FA Tribunal to decide the settlement over his dismissal from Tottenham.  He apparently is ready to tell the panel the truth about what went on behind the scenes at White Hart Lane in the lead up to GG's sacking by new owners ENIC.  Graham is claiming £2 million for the remainder of his contract and Spurs might be asking for some of that money back because of the way they claim he "engineered" his dismissal.

Saturday 1.9.2001   (For other Spurs history on this day click here)

  Tottenham's home game against Bolton Wanderers has been moved by Sky TV for live coverage from Saturday 1st December to Monday 3rd December with the kick-off at 8 p.m.

  Spurs have been rumoured to be ready to make a £2 million bid for Spanish 25 year old midfielder Ivan De La Pena.  The former Barcelona star is now playing for Lazio.

  Neil Sullivan played in Scotland's 0-0 draw with Croatia at Hampden Park this afternoon.

  Gary Doherty was an unused substitute in the Republic of Ireland's 1-0 win over Holland at Lansdowne Road today.

  Christian Ziege was an unused substitute in Germany's 1-5 defeat by England in Munich tonight.

  Sergei Rebrov played in Ukraine's 2-0 win over Belarus today in Minsk.

  Kasey Keller did not play in the USA's 2-3  defeat by Honduras in Washington today.

  Simon Davies played in Wales' 0-0 draw with Armenia in the Millennium stadium in Cardiff today.

   Steffen Iversen and Oyvind Leonhardsen played in Norway's 0-3 defeat at the hands of Poland in Warsaw this afternoon.

  Commentator and all round good bloke Brian Moore passed away today in Kent aged 69 after a heart attack.  A part of my footballing growing up, he will be sadly missed.