White Hot Lines

December 2005

Saturday 31.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Tottenham beat Newcastle United 2-0 at White Hart Lane this afternoon.  For a match report, click here.  Click here for reaction.
   The Daily Star claim that Pedro Mendes has criticised Martin Jol, who he he says has not spoken to him and has asked to leave in the transfer window.
   The Sun reckon that Robbie Keane will be leaving in January with Celtic his destination.  However, after today's game Martin Jol said that "no Scottish club could afford him" and that he was as important to the club as Jermain Defoe and Mido."
   Spurs are once more being linked with Lens front-man Olivier Thomert.  The £5.85 million rated striker is also interesting Manchester City, West Ham United and Olympique Lyonnais.  However, Lens are keen to keep the forward.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Danny Murphy is ready to quit Charlton, as he has not been seeing eye-to-eye with boss Alan Curbishley and wishes he had signed for Spurs and not the South London outfit.

  MEHSTG's no- spin story 1 ... The Daily Star runs a story where Aston Villa boss David O'Leary is getting his excuses in early and says that Sven-Goran Eriksson's World Cup plans could get him the sack.  I don't think Sven will be to blame will he O'Deary ?

  MEHSTG's no-spin story 2 ... Alan Hansen in Spurs praise shock http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4537530.stm


Friday 30.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Sky TV have ensured that you will not know what time or day it is in March and early April 2006 when you go to watch Tottenham Hotspur.  Every league match in March will now be screened live and the date and kick off time changes are
Blackburn Rovers (home) Saturday 4th March (3.00 p.m.) moved to Sunday 5th March (4.00 p.m.)
Chelsea (away) Saturday 11th March (3.00 p.m.) moved to a 12.45pm kick-off (Pay-Per-View).
Birmingham City (away) Saturday 18th March (3.00 p.m.) moved to a 5.15 p.m. kick-off.
West Bromwich Albion (home) Saturday 25th March (3.00 p.m.) moved to Monday 27th March (8.00 p.m.).
Manchester City (home) on 8th April (3.00 p.m.) moved to a 12.45 p.m. kick-off (PPV).
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Ledley King will be out for a further three weeks with his groin strain and Grzegorz Rasiak has a dead leg, so Mido will start.
   NEWCASTLE UNITED TEAM NEWS : -  Stephen Carr and Scott Parker are in the squad for the match, but Emre, Kieron Dyer and Craig Moore (all hamstrings) and Stephen Taylor (shoulder) are all out.  Lee Bowyer is suspended.
   Icelandic Under-21 left winger Emil Hallfredsson has joined FF Malmo of Sweden on a year long loan deal with the prospect of a permanent transfer at the end of the loan.
   Left winger in the youth, A team and Reserves between 1944 and 1951, Arthur Elmes dies aged 78.
   For a preview of the Newcastle United match, click here.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...


Thursday 29.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Both Ledley King (groin) and Andy Reid (knee) will be out of action for a month.
   The Daily Mirror claims that Tottenham will make a loan move for Barcelona's Henrik Larsson, but the player seems intent on returning to Sweden.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...


Wednesday 28.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Spurs lost 0-2 to West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns tonight.  Match report to follow.  For reaction, click here
   A deal has been reached with the Egyptian FA to allow Mido to play for Spurs against Manchester City and Liverpool while he could have been called up for the African Nations Cup.  Damien Comolli's negotiations reached an agreement that he will play at Eastlands and then fly out for a friendly against Nigeria before flying back to play at Anfield.  Depending on how far Egypt go Mido might fly back to play after their group games.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Norwich City manager Nigel Worthington has dismissed rumours that he will be signing Manchester City striker Robbie Fowler in the January transfer window.  He said that he was looking for hungry players and it was obvious from Fowler's size that he was no longer hungry.


Tuesday 27.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Former Spurs goalkeeping legend Ted Ditchburn died yesterday in Woodbridge, Suffolk aged 84.  He was an ever-present during the 1950-51 Championship winning team and played for Spurs from 1939 to 1959, during which time he made 247 consecutive appearances and missed only two matches between April 1946 and March 1954.  Ted also won six England caps and made 418 league appearances for the club.  Our condolences go out to his family and friends.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : - 
Ledley King is the major worry for Tottenham after picking up a groin injury in yesterday's game against Birmingham.  Jermain Defoe could be in contention for a start after his late individual goal. 
   WEST BROMWICH ALBION TEAM NEWS : -  Defender Paul Robinson will miss the match after being stretchered off with concussion in yesterday's match with Manchester United.   Both
Neil Clement (ankle) and Junichi Inamoto (thigh) are hoping to be involved in the game, while Zoltan Gera should be back after a hernia operation.
   For a preview of the West Bromwich Albion match click here.

  OTHER NEWS ... Chris Turner has left Stockport County as manager by mutual consent ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Newcastle United intend to appeal against the sending off of Lee Bowyer in the game at Anfield on Boxing Day.  They will ask the FA to consider that it was Christmas, they had all had a couple of drinks ... you know what it's like.


Monday 26.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Spurs beat Birmingham City 2-0 at White Hart Lane this afternoon.  For a match report click here and for reaction, click here.
   Manchester United are reported in the Independent to be watching Michael Carrick's contract talks with Tottenham, as they see him as the ideal replacement for Roy Keane.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Hearts chairman and owner Vladimir Romanov told the club's fans in their programme : "Dear supporters, even the most sacred places on this earth, the places that house the remains of Christ, are blighted by profiteers and money-grabbers.  Likewise, in the football world, which is sacred for those who love football, there are also those - be they agents, journalists, jealous hangers-on or other 'wunderkind' - who seek to ruin all that is good about the game.  But it is the devil that is driving them forward, and they are not going to stop. All that will remain for me is to step aside and bid them farewell on their road to hell."


Sunday 25.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF OUR READERS.


Saturday 24.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Martin Jol has gagged Mido after he revealed the dressing room row at half-time with Paul Robinson in the Middlesbrough match.  Jol said he encourages players to air their views about each other, but that such things should be kept within the club and not spoken about on TV/
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : - Andy Reid (knee) and Teemu Tainio (knee) are both ruled out, but Wayne Routledge and Aaron Lennon could vie for a place in midfield after overcoming knocks.
   BIRMINGHAM CITY TEAM NEWS : -  Striker Mikael Forssell (thigh) is a doubt and midfielder Muzzy Izzet (hamstring) and full-back Mario Melchiot (thigh) are both unlikely starters. Goalkeeper Nico Vaesen could return after suspension but has to displace Maik Taylor.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... 


Friday 23.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Ron Vlaar might be having doubts about moving out of Holland, as he is living with his parents and may regard his move from AZ Alkmaar to Tottenham too soon in his career, so the BBC website tells us.  He will decide over the next two weeks.
   Meanwhile, on Sky Sports website, it is claimed that Martin Jol has said that Spurs will not be signing the 20 year old defender.  Jol said that with five central defenders, Vlaar is not required and that he was annoyed that AZ Alkmaar had leaked Tottenham's interest in the player.
   The Sun claims that Tottenham will sell Anthony Gardner to Charlton Athletic in the January transfer window for £2 million.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : - Jermain Defoe will have a late fitness test on his injured ankle before the Birmingham City match on Boxing Day.
   Martin Jol has said that Mido could be putting his Spurs future in jeopardy by going to the African Nations Cup.  Jol told the media that if Mido returns as he is now, then he has a chance of earning a permanent deal with Tottenham, but coming back unfit or out of form might put that transfer in danger.  The Mirror writes that the Egyptian is looking to clinch a permanent deal during the January transfer window.
   The Star reckons that Chelsea and Tottenham are keeping am eye on Bournemouth's 17 year-old striker Brett Pitman.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...


Thursday 22.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Wolverhampton Wanderers are hoping to keep Tom Huddlestone on loan until the end of the season.  Manager Glenn Hoddle said that the Midlands club were told that Tottenham wanted Huddlestone back at White Hart Lane, but he told the media that the Championship side would be talking to Tottenham over the next few days to see if the situation had changed.

  OTHER NEWS ... George Burley has been appointed as Head Coach at SCBC ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Arsene Wenger told the Press that he saw lots of positives in last night's win over Doncaster Rovers on penalties after extra time and that his young side put in some impressive performances.  This was against Doncaster ... his young players put in some good performances against DONCASTER ROVERS !!


Wednesday 21.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Mido is seeking permission from the Egyptian FA to delay his departure for the African Cup of Nations so that he can play for Spurs.  He hopes to travel to the tournament four or five days before it starts rather than the two weeks that the national FA can call him up prior to an international match.
   TeamTalk claim that Tottenham have an agreement with AZ Alkmaar to sign central defender Ron Vlaar for £2.3 million (as well as Sky Sports) or £1.7 million (BBC).  The Dutch club have said that Ajax are no longer interested in the player dubbed the "new Jaap Stam", although other Premiership clubs and Feyenoord are said to be keen on the player, but only Spurs have an agreement with Vlaar, who has won two caps for Holland, while only making 11 appearances for his club.
   AZ Alkmaar may try to make Spurs reserve striker Mounir El Hamdaoui a part of the deal, as they are keen to return him to the Netherlands.
  A vicious rumour is circulating linking Ledley King to a move to Liverpool, as picked up by the Sky Sports site.
  
Martin Jol told the media that he has been watching Zenit St Petersburg striker Alexander Kerzhakov for some time, but does not expect to sign the 23 year old for Spurs.  Jol added that it was difficult to attract some players from Russia, as they were well paid and that there were administrative difficulties too.
   With Sheffield United being linked with Michael Brown again, Martin Jol has said that the tenacious midfielder still features in his plans.
 
Fulham's 17-year-old defender Elliott Omozusi is being watched by Spurs amongst a number of Premiership clubs, including Chelsea, Arsenal and West Ham.  The England Under-18 international  is now old enough to sign a professional contract and Fulham do not want to lose him, but other clubs are keen to make their interest known.
   .
   Former Spurs central defender David Tuttle has replaced former Spurs striker Colin Lee as manager of Millwall.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... from TeamTalk's paper review, the Sun reports "Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger are under Government orders to grow up."


Tuesday 20.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Spurs are being linked on the Sky Sports website with a move for AZ Alkmaar's defender Ron Vlaar.  He is available for £2.3 million and although Ajax are interested, they have not matched this valuation for the talented 20 year old.
   Andy Reid will miss the Christmas programme with a knee injury picked up on Sunday at Middlesbrough.  There is better news for Jermain Defoe, Wayne Routledge and Aaron Lennon, who should recover by Boxing Day and be ready for the games against Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United.  Teemu Tainio will also be out for these matches though. 

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... A new row has blown up between Arsenal and Chelsea concerning Christmas cards.  Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has said that he spent a lot more on his card while Arsenal manager's Arsene Wenger's was a cheapo card.  Wenger has hit back saying that with all the funding that Roman Abramovich is putting behind the club, it is not surprising that Arsenal cannot compete.


Monday 19.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Mido has revealed that he had a half-time bust-up with Paul Robinson at Middlesbrough yesterday and this typifies the spirit at the club, as both players were fired up for the second period at the Riverside stadium.
   Theo Walcott's agent Colin Gordon has told the media that "There has been nothing finalised or nothing agreed with Spurs regarding Theo.  Theo is not thinking about moving, whatever happens will be decided by Southampton."   Not exactly a denial then.
   Spurs Reserves beat Watford 5-1 at Vicarage Road tonight.  A Lee Barnard hat-trick stole the show and there were goals for Emil Hallfredsson and Sean Davis, after Spurs recovered from being 1-2 behind at the break.
   Spurs Youth lost 0-2 at Blackburn Rovers in Round Three of the FA Youth Cup tonight.
   Former Spurs youth defender Ijah Anderson, now of Swansea City, has been suspended for six months after testing positive for cocaine in a random drugs test.

  OTHER NEWS ... Ronaldinho has won the FIFA World Player of the Year title for the second year running ...  ...

   CRIME WATCH ... Macclesfield have been fined £62,000 and ordered to repay £195,000 to the Football Foundation following an inquiry into stadium funding.

  MEHSTG's spin story ... "We scored a regular goal but the referee made a very bad decision," fumed Wenger. "I associate the referee and linesmen in the same team - the Chelsea team."  Arsene Wenger has trouble telling black from blue, but the way his side dish out elbows, you would have thought he would be able to spot the difference.


Sunday 18.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Spurs drew 3-3 with Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium this afternoon.  Click here for reaction.  Match report to follow.
   A late ankle injury to Jermain Defoe in today's game could rule him out for two weeks and thus he would miss the Christmas and New Year matches for Spurs.
   The Sunday People claims that Tottenham have stolen the signing of the most talented youngster in the country - Theo Walcott - from under the noses of Chelsea and Arsenal, thanks to an early approach to the player's club by Damien Comolli.  It is written in their pages that Tottenham will pay an initial £6 million for the 16 year old, with another £3 million to follow.  However, the striker will be loaned back to SCBC for the remainder of the season as they seek to regain their Premiership place.  The News of the World put our bid at £8.5 million.
   The News of the World reckons that Manchester City, Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic are all watching the situation concerning Michael Brown with a view to signing him in the transfer window.
   The Sunday Mirror run a story stating that the new deal for Puma to supply the club's shirts and LG Electronics to sponsor them will bring in £40 million for the club.
   The same paper claims that Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren has again told Spurs that a £10 million bid for winger Stewart Downing will not succeed.
   The Sunday Express reckons that Spurs will allow Pedro Mendes to go back to Porto and let Robbie Keane leave to join Everton in the January transfer window.

  OTHER NEWS ... Liverpool lost the World Club Championship final to Sao Paolo 0-1 in Japan ...  ...


Saturday 17.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Daily Mail report that Martin Jol has been told that left winger Stewart Downing is not for sale by the Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... It looks like we are not the only ones who get confused about the strike-force at Goodison Park.  After confusing James with Kevin Beattie earlier this week, the Mirror claim ... "Everton striker Duncan Fletcher will decide his future in January, amid rumours of impending retirement due to a series of injuries."


Friday 16.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Tottenham Head Coach has fitness doubts about Mido and Wayne Routledge (knee ligament strains), Teemu Tainio (bruised knee) and Aaron Lennon (hamstring strain).
   MIDDLESBROUGH TEAM NEWS : -  Mark Schwarzer, Gareth Southgate, Mark Viduka, George Boateng, and Ayegbeni Yakubu will return after being rested for their UEFA Cup match in mid-week.
   The Mirror claims that Middlesbrough are keen on a loan deal for midfielder Sean Davis, while the Daily Express reckon Fulham are looking to buy back their former star.  However, Martin Jol has said that he thinks that "pound for pound" Davis is one of the best layers at the club and that he has been unlucky with injuries.  The Head Coach intimated that Tottenham would not want to sell him during the January transfer window.
   Controversy surrounds Gary O'Neil's comments that Martin Jol was in the referee's dressing room at half-time in Portsmouth's match at White Hart Lane on Monday.  In a clear indication that this was to influence Uriah Rennie's decisions, the Pompey midfielder has been asked by the FA to explain his story, while Jol said he does not do such things and therefore, the story was not important to him.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Alex Ferguson has said that he will not rush Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back into action, after the Norwegian plans to come back to playing after being out injured for nearly two years.


Thursday 15.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Spurs are reported to be preparing to welcome a new shirt sponsor for next season, with LG Electronics being rumoured in the Guardian.  The Korean company are being targeted as a link with their country where Tottenham won the Peace Cup in pre-season and because of the signing on Pyo-Young Lee.
   Johnnie Jackson has had his loan spell at Derby County terminated early, after featuring in just three games for the Midlands club from the start.
   The club website claims that Teemu Tainio could be out for up to two weeks with his knee injury, which has seen a slight ligament strain.
   Rumours of Spurs swapping Sean Davis and/or Andy Reid for Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing have been refuted by Steve McClaren, who said the England winger is in his plans.
  For a preview of Sunday's match at Middlesbrough, click here.

  OTHER NEWS ... Chelsea's midfielder Michael Essien has been banned for two Champions League games after UEFA handed out a suspension for his "tackle" on Dietmar Hamann ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... "Every boy in Ireland has an interest in Celtic, although my English team at the time was Spurs for some reason," said Roy Keane in his press conference after joining Glasgow Celtic today.

  MEHSTG's no-spin story 2 ... Chris Coleman talking about Sean Davis' time at Spurs ... "When you're the top man and a big favourite and want to move up, it doesn't always work out. The jersey can get heavier at other clubs and players have to take that into consideration".
.


Wednesday 14.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

  Spurs Reserves beat Chelsea Reserves tonight at Stevenage Borough FC with two goals from Grzegorz Rasiak.
  TeamTalk reckons that Sporting Lisbon and Porto are watching Pedro Mendes' situation with a view to taking him back to Portugal if Spurs let him go in the transfer window.

  OTHER NEWS ... Bolton Wanderers qualify for the last 32 of the UEFA Cup with a 1-1 draw in their group game against Sevilla ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... 


Tuesday 13.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

  Ipswich Town have failed in an audacious attempt to take Grzegorz Rasiak on loan to Portman Road.  Spurs need the Polish striker to cover for Mido when the Egyptian returns to his home country for the African Nations Cup.
  Portsmouth are rumoured to be considering a bid of £2 million for midfielder Sean Davis but Middlesbrough, Everton and Fulham are also watching the situation according to the Daily Express.
  Martin Jol today said he would be happy to finish the season in sixth position and secure a UEFA Cup place, as this would constitute a "happy ending" for him.  
  Former Spurs youth defender Clayton Fortune has joined Port Vale on loan from Bristol City.
  The Reserves face Chelsea at Stevenage Borough FC tomorrow night with a 7.00 p.m. kick off.

  OTHER NEWS ... UEFA have warned clubs that they will be banned from European or domestic football for not controlling racism at their clubs ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Everton's James Beattie is targeting a World Cup call-up in the summer.  The striker has put his name down as a steward for Germany 2006 and is just waiting for the call to travel to the World Cup.

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson accused the press of hating his club.  Oh, really ??  You don't have to be a brain surgeon to know they feel like many others in this country !!


Monday 12.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

  Spurs beat Portsmouth 3-1 at White Hart Lane tonight.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction click here.
  Derby County would like to take Grzegorz Rasiak back to Pride Park, but their Director of Football Murdo McLeod has said that even though he is not playing for Tottenham at the moment, there are a lot of hurdles in the way before he could return.
  Tottenham are supposed to be watching Paris St. Germain wonder-kid Rudy Haddad.  The 20 year old midfielder has not broken into the side and may be allowed to leave in January, so Martin Jol is making sure that the club are aware of the players situation.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...


Sunday 11.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

  Everton are set to make a move for Robbie Keane in the January transfer window according to the Mail on Sunday.
  Martin Jol has put forward the idea of having more substitutes on the bench to choose from instead of the current five.  The Spurs Head Coach told the media that in Europe there are seven subs on the bench with a choice from six outfield players available and with clubs having bigger squads these days, it allows more players to be involved on match-days.
  Norwich City have admitted that they may listen to offers for England Under-21 striker Dean Ashton in the January transfer window.  Spurs have been long-time admirers and with Norwich interested in defender Calum Davenport who they have had on loan, but with little money available, perhaps a swap deal is on the cards.
  For a preview of tomorrow's match with Portsmouth, click here.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Walter Smith has said he is intending to stop the Future Scotland matches, as they are over-looked by the public.  "For them, there appears to be no future for Scottish football," the Scotland manager said.


Saturday 10.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

  Michael Dawson is aiming for the England squad for the World Cup in Germany this summer after the Under-21s failed to reach their European Championship finals.
  Martin Jol has told clubs looking at Grzegorz Rasiak not to bother as he has plans for the player, who he rates as the best header of the bal in the division.  The Head Coach said that the Polish striker was a fine player in training and may be utilised when Mido goes off to the African Nations Cup in January.

  OTHER NEWS ... Rotherham United sack their manager Mick Harford ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Jose Mourinho accused Wigan Athletic midfielder Lee McCulloch of being a cheat, after he thought he was feigning injury in their match with Chelsea today.  McCulloch might well have accused Mourinho of being a pot referring to a dark coloured tea making implement.


Friday 09.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

  Tottenham are being strongly linked with Hibernian's youngsters Scott Brown and Kevin Thomson, both of whom play in midfield and Spurs are ready to make a firm bid for the pair in the January transfer window, so says the Daily Record.
  Norwich City manager Nigel Worthington is hoping to re-sign Calum Davenport on loan in January, as his current deal expires after Saturday's match.
  Apparently, former Manager and Director fo Football at Spurs David Pleat has turned down the opportunity to be Director of Football at Hearts.
  PORTSMOUTH TEAM NEWS : - Called back early from his loan period at Sheffield United, Vincent Pericard might star for Pompey in Monday's match against Spurs.  Richard Hughes has recovered from tonsilitis and Gregory Vignal from a groin injury to give new manager Harry Redknapp more options to choose from.

  OTHER NEWS ... Rafa Benitez has been selected as the Premier League Manager of the Month, while Robin van Persie has won the Premiership Player of the Month award ... England have drawn Paraguay, Sweden and Trinidad & Tobago in their group at next year's World Cup finals ... 

  MEHSTG's spin story ... UEFA are looking into the gesture made by Ronaldo as he was substituted for Manchester United in their Champions League match.  The player was believed to have shown the crowd his middle finger because they were not being very nice to him.  It is alleged that he did the same to some to some people who were taking the opposite approach towards him.


Thursday 08.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

  The Third Round FA Cup tie with Leicester City has been moved for BBC TV coverage and will now take place on Sunday 8th January 2006 with the kick off at 6.30 p.m.
  The Daily Mirror claims that Spurs will make a £5 million offer for Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse in the January transfer window.
  Pedro Mendes has welcomed the rumour of interest from Celtic and the 26 year old Portuguese midfielder hinted that there had been other clubs interested in his services.
  Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in signing Spurs striker Grzegorz Rasiak for £1.5 million in the transfer window according to the Daily Star.
  TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : - Jermain Defoe could be a doubt for the game against Portsmouth on Monday with a slight hamstring pull.  Martin Jol is hopeful that the Spurs striker will be fit for the match.

  CRIME WATCH ... El Hadji-Diouf has been found guilty of drink driving and has been banned for 12 months ...

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... 


Wednesday 07.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

  This afternoon, a Spurs reserve side travelled to Derby County for a friendly, which they drew 1-1 with a Charlie Lee goal.
  A date has been set for Spurs Under-18s to play away to Blackburn in the FA Youth Cup on Monday 19th December 2005 with a 7.00 p.m. kick off.

  OTHER NEWS ... Harry Redknapp has returned to Portsmouth as manager after leaving SCBC at the weekend ...  ...

  CRIME WATCH ... Simon Jordan has been charged with improper conduct after criticising a referee after the match between Crystal Palace and Reading in a newspaper article ... UEFA have said they may take action against Michael Essien for the over the top tackle he perpetrated on Dietmar Hamann in last night's Champions League match ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... 


Tuesday 06.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

  The Daily Mail and the Daily Mirror claim that Pedro Mendes will move to Celtic in the January transfer window if terms can be agreed.
  Jermain Defoe has supposedly told the Sun that he is concerned his lack of goals for Spurs will cause him to miss the World Cup finals in Germany.
  Spurs are being linked with a move for Lee Chun-Soo, the 24 year old left-sided South Korean midfielder.  He currently plays for Ulsan Hyundai Horang-I having returned home after spells at both Real Sociedad and Numancia, which did not go well, but he said he has learned his lesson and would like to have another go at playing in Europe.
  Paul Gascoigne was involved in a scuffle in Liverpool last night where he was accused of assaulting a photographer.  He was later released and hit back at the claims behind his backing.  Gascoigne said that he had not been drunk before a game or during training, although he did have a drink before one game when his friend George Best dies and a glass of white wine with Paul Davis after his last match.
  
  OTHER NEWS ... England have been put in the top group of seeds for the World Cup Finals in Germany and they were second behind Brazil !! ... Chelsea and Liverpool drew 0-0 in the Champions League, with the Reds ending top of the group and Glasgow Rangers became the first Scottish club to go through the group stages with a 1-1 draw with Internazionale ...


Monday 05.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

  Spurs are the club that Jermain Defoe wants to play for according to stories in today's Daily Star and Mirror.  The England forward said he is frustrated at not being picked, but he wants to be with Spurs, as they sit fourth in the Premiership and although he has started a lot of games so far this season, he hopes to show Martin Jol exactly what he is capable of when he gets his place back in the starting line-up.  
   Defoe believes that Spurs can get a Champions League place and has tried to persuade Mido to miss out on the African nations Cup to stay and lead the charge at Spurs.
  The Daily Mail claim that the club are playing down the reported training ground bust-up between Edgar Davids and Robbie Keane as a non-event, with Martin Jol ordering the players to "kiss and make-up".  Well, it is the pantomime season !!
  Ex-Spurs midfielder Paul Gascoigne has been sacked as manager of Kettering Town after just eight games (won 3, drawn 2, lost 3) and 39 days in charge.  Owner Imraan Ladak told the media that "following discussions it has been decided that Paul is unable to carry out his duties as manager."  The Chairman said he had been called in to deal with 37 different incidents during Gazza's reign as boss at the Poppies, with the London Evening Standard claiming this was to do with the manager's alcohol intake.  The f
ormer England man has said that he intends to come back and buy the club.
  Brighton and Hove Albion manager Mark McGhee is looking for a striker, but has admitted that he watched Grzegorz Rasiak at a reserve match last week and realises that he is out of the Seagulls' league.
  Dean Marney has officially returned to Spurs from his loan spell at Norwich City, where he sustained an Achilles injury.
  Javad Nekounam, the 24 year old Iranian midfielder who was linked with Spurs earlier this year when he had a trial at the club, has joined Al Wahda of the United Arab Emirates.

  OTHER NEWS ... Harry Redknapp, who resigned as SCBC manager may not now be a candidate for the Portsmouth manager's position ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Harry Redknapp is favourite for the vacant Real Madrid manager's job.

  MEHSTG's spin story 2 ... When asked today about whether he wanted the SCBC manager's post, Sir Clive Woodward said he would be happy to pick up the ball and run with it.

  MEHSTG's spin story 3 ... The Daily Express are claiming that if Princess Diana had been alive she would have been the favourite for the Real Madrid manager's job.

  A SPECIAL REQUEST from MEHSTG contributor Sergio Burns for his latest project "The Power of Dreams"  -  Ever wished you were somewhere else, doing something else ?  Recent reports have indicated that there is a rise in the number of people who are reportedly unhappy in the workplace, so if you had the chance where would you like to live ?  And, what would you like to do as an occupation ?   I am looking for people who are interested in telling me about where they'd like to be and what job they'd like to be doing.  Initial questions might require a follow-up and I can't guarantee that any material would be used.  I would like to hear from people who have thought about it, who are in the process of putting plans into actions or those who are just idly contemplating how much better their life could be.  I can be contacted on sergebno2@hotmail.com


Sunday 04.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

  Spurs have been drawn away to Leicester City in the Third Round of the FA Cup to be played on the weekend of January 7th/8th.
  A number of papers report that there has been a training ground punch-up between Edgar Davids and Robbie Keane.
  The News of the World report that Spurs will sign a new kit deal with Puma and this will release £5 million for Martin Jol to spend on players.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Wanderley Luxemburgo has not walked away from the Real Madrid job to take over the national team of a small European country with an appalling record in international matches.


Saturday 03.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

  Spurs beat Sunderland 3-2 at White Hart Lane this afternoon.  Click here for a match report.  For reaction click here.
  Derby County are keen to re-sign striker Grzegorz Rasiak from Spurs according to the Daily Mirror.  The Polish striker cost £2 million in September when Tottenham bought him.
  Sean Davis is the subject of interest from Middlesbrough, the Sun report.  They claim that Steve McClaren is planning a  £2 million bid for the Spurs midfielder.

  OTHER NEWS ... QPR goalkeeper Simon Royce was attacked on the pitch by a Stoke City supporter after the game had ended ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made a surprise appearance today.  No not in a Manchester United team, but at George Best's funeral.

  MEHSTG's no-spin story 2 ... SCBC fans maintained chants of "Lowe Out" in their game against Burnley, as the Chairman presided over the thirteenth manager in eleven years left the club today, when Harry Redknapp walked out on the Saints.  Rugby supremo Clive Woodward could become number fourteen.


Friday 02.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

  Martin Jol has denied a row with Jermain Defoe after the England striker appeared on the "Goal !" programme on MTV that focused on the top ten players who might be going to Germany with England for the World Cup finals.
  The Daily Mail say that Norwich City boss Nigel Worthington has asked Tottenham what they intend to do with central defender Calum Davenport, who is currently on loan with the Canaries.  The Championship strugglers have said that they want to know if Spurs want him back, will let him go on loan for the rest of the season or if they want to name a price for the England Under-21 defender.
  SUNDERLAND TEAM NEWS : - Tommy Miller is struggling with a hamstring injury, while Anthony Le Tallec returns to action, but Steven Wright (calf), Alan Stubbs (groin), Julio Arca (toe) and Stephen Elliot (back) are all missing from the line-up.
  Following yesterday's request for support for the new Academy and training centre in Enfield, the club have had to ask that only residents of the London Borough of Enfield write in to give their views on the proposal.  If you live within the Borough, you should send your written representation in with your address.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ... 


Thursday 01.12.2005   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

  The club have put in a planning application for the Academy and Training ground facility to be developed at Myddleton House, Bulls Cross, Enfield.  Support for the facility will be helpful in getting the application through the process and to see more about how to send a letter of support into Enfield Council, click here.  MEHSTG urges you to support the application.
  TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : - Both Wayne Routledge and Anthony Gardner could be in the team for Saturday's match with Sunderland after completing the 90 minutes of the Reserves' win over Portsmouth.
  Martin Jol will speak to the Egypt manager in an attempt to get Mido back for Spurs games in between those for his country in the African Nations Cup.
  While Jol ruled out a move for a replacement or Mido during the January transfer window, with Grzegorz Rasiak available, he said that he would still like to sign Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt, but he believes that the striker will stay with his club until after the World Cup finals.
  Former Spurs striker Helder Postiga may be on his way out of FC Porto, as a loan deal with Real Betis has been agreed.
  Click here for a preview of Saturday's match against Sunderland.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...

 

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