White Hot Lines

December 2008

 

Wednesday  31.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   An alleged £30 million offer to Portsmouth for strikers Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and defender Glen Johnson is said to have been turned down by the South Coast club in the Guardian, although Spurs say it was never made in the first place.  The two players Harry Redknapp has said he is interested in are Jermain Defoe and West Ham United forward Craig Bellamy, as long as the players are available at the right price.  The Sun reckon Portsmouth want £15 million for Defoe or £20 million in the Mirror, but Manchester City and Aston Villa have joined the chase for the former Spurs striker, who wants to return to Tottenham.  Atletico Madrid are rumoured to be ready to offer former Liverpool midfielder Luis Garcia on loan until the end of the season to Tottenham, Blackburn Rovers, Middlesbrough and Portsmouth, while the Daily Express says that Spurs have had a £9 million offer turned down by Middlesbrough for winger Stewart Downing, although they are supposed to return later this week with an improved bid that will seal the deal.  The Express also reckon Redknapp will bring in Espanyol's former Liverpool right back Steve Finnan.  Back at the Mirror, a report says that Spurs and Wigan Athletic are in the queue, behind Real and Atletico Madrid to sign winger Jermaine Pennant for around £3 million from Liverpool.
  
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Spurs welcome back Roman Pavlyuchenko and Kevin Prince Boateng from illness and Ricardo Rocha from injury, while Jermaine Jenas and Tom Huddlestone are both likely to be missing from the midfield.  Alan Hutton and Giovani Dos Santos are still out injured, while Benoit Assou-Ekotto is suspended after Sunday's red card.
   For a preview of
Friday's match with Wigan Athletic, click here.
  
Bournemouth manager Jimmy Quinn said he would like to take up Harry Redknapp on his offer of loan players at the cash strapped club.  The deal might involve some of the players in the Development squad who need to get first team action.

  OTHER NEWS ... Charlton Athletic have appointed Phil Parkinson as their new manager ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... 


Tuesday  30.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   With the transfer window rapidly approaching it's opening, the rumours are starting to hot up.  The Sun claims that Spurs have had a £12 million offer for West Ham United's Craig Bellamy knocked back, although the club deny any offer has been made.  The Daily Express have Tottenham in for out-of-favour Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant, while over at the Daily Mirror, they tell us that PSV Eindhoven want goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes back.  The Daily Mail write that Jermain Defoe wants a return to White Hart Lane and has told his manager so, with Spurs keen to do a deal, although the Independent reckons Portsmouth want £24 million !!  The Express says Harry Redknapp is keen to bring in Shay Given between the sticks from Newcastle United, with Gareth Bale going the other way as part of the deal, although the Daily Telegraph says Spurs could bring in goalie Ben Foster, who is third choice at Manchester United.  Back at the Mirror, former Boro man Jonathan Woodgate has recommended winger Stewart Downing to the Spurs manager, but the Middlesbrough manager says he is not for sale in January.  The Daily Mail throw in a rumour from left field, claiming that Real Madrid are looking to sign Jermaine Jenas from Tottenham, with the Juande Ramos link obviously playing a big part in that story.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...


Monday  29.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Harry Redknapp is not expected to face FA charges following his comments about referee Steve Tanner's performance in the defeat at West Bromwich Albion.  The FA view his views as "borderline".
   The Daily Mirror reckon that Aston Villa will move for former Spurs striker Jermain Defoe, but should they fail to secure his services, then they will turn to Darren Bent as their second choice.
  The Daily rumours that not only are Valencia interested in reserve striker Alex Olsen, but they have already signed him up as his father has told the Press that the Spanish side have offered a four and a half year deal.  Apparently Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi has snubbed Spurs and Blackburn Rovers by signing a new deal with the Trotters.  

  OTHER NEWS ... Paul Jewell resigned as Derby County manager today ...  ...

  CRIME WATCH ... Steven Gerrard has been charged after five men were arrested following an assault on a club DJ in Southport on Sunday night ... Droylesden have been expelled from the FA Cup after fielding an illegible player in their Second Round match against Chesterfield, who will now face Ipswich Town ... Chippenham Town player David Pratt has an unwanted record - he became the player to receive the quickest red card after only three seconds of their match against Bashley yesterday ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ...  Seeing as how the FA view Harry Redknapp's views on referee Steve Tanner as "borderline", is that tantamount to agreement ??


Sunday  28.12.2008   (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 at West Bromwich Albion this afternoon.  Click here for a match report and here for reaction.
   The News of the World claim that Spurs are behind Aston Villa and Manchester City as interest in Portsmouth's Jermain Defoe increases
.  Zenit St. Petersburg claim that their charity does not extend to letting midfielder Andrei Arshavin to go for a low price and are demanding £24 million before they will consider letting the Russian international leave.

  OTHER NEWS ... Stoke City striker Ricardo Fuller was sent off in the Potters match at West Ham United for slapping his captain Andy Griffin around the face, following the conceding of a goal ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Newcastle United have been removed from sale by owner Mike Ashley.  Any further reductions in the price of the club and he would have been giving them away.


Saturday  27.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   While Harry Redknapp bemoans the fact that Manchester City's millions may deprive him of the chance to sign Craig Bellamy (although personally I am not convinced he is a Spurs-type player), the Daily Mail has reported that the Tottenham manager has managed to persuade Daniel Levy to open the big wallet to spend £15 million on Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing (another big money purchase who will be over-priced for what he is worth).  The Times say that if Downing doesn't come to White Hart Lane (pretty please), Tottenham have options lined up in the form of Diego Capel of Seville, Bordeaux's Denilson and Morten Gamst Pedersen of Blackburn Rovers.  The Daily Mirror has Spurs going for the poor man's Craig Bellamy in the shape of £5 million Reading man Stephen Hunt and the Sun line up a £20,000 week salary offer to ensure Tottenham secure goalkeeper Ben Foster from Manchester United.
  
Harry Redknapp informed the press that Spurs had dropped out of the chase to re-sign striker Jermain Defoe from Portsmouth, after there was news that another club had posted a massive offer for him with the South Coast club.
  
As Paul Fairclough has resigned as manager of Barnet, he will temporarily replaced by ex-Spurs defender Ian Hendon.

  OTHER NEWS ... Ricky Sbragia has been given an 18 month contract to be Sunderland manager ...  ...


Friday  26.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Tottenham drew 0-0 at White Hart Lane against Fulham this afternoon.  For a match report and reaction click here.
  
Mallorca striker Juan Arango has denied that he will be leaving the Spanish club even though there are links putting him in the frame for a move to Panathinaikos or Tottenham.
  
The two reserve players on loan at Gillingham are facing different fates.  Defender Leigh Mills has been unable to gain regular first team football and will be returning to Tottenham, but striker Andy Barcham is to extend his loan deal at Priestfield until the end of the season.
   Former Spurs central defender Colin Calderwood had his contract as manager of Nottingham Forest terminated today
.

  OTHER NEWS ... Danny Wilson has been appointed as manager of Swindon Town ...  ...


Thursday  25.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   MERRY CHRISTMAS or HAPPY HANNUKAH  (and a belated HAPPY EID) to all our readers.
  
Spurs are reported to have entered into talks with West Ham United regarding the transfer of Welsh striker Craig Bellamy.  The report on Sky Sports' website claims that the fee may be as much as £15 million, although TeamTalk say that the Irons have rejected a £6 million bid from Tottenham and that Manchester City are also to move in for the former Norwich City forward.  The BBC website reckon that West Ham will be trying to recoup as much of the £7.5 million that they paid for him.   Fernando Cavenaghi is said to be considering his future at Bordeaux, with Tottenham having contacted the Ligue 1 club, but have not put in a bid for the Argentinian striker as yet.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Spurs may have Jermaine Jenas (calf), Jonathan Woodgate (back) and Darren Bent (tonsillitis)
available again after missing recent games.  Woodgate and Ledley King (knee) will be subject to late fitness tests before deciding whether they can play or not.  Alan Hutton (foot) and Giovani Dos Santos (ankle) are still out injured.
   FULHAM TEAM NEWS : - 
The Cottagers have long term injuries to Diomansy Kamara (knee) and Andranik Teymourian (knee), while Ki-Hyeon Seol is unlikely to be fit after a knee injury.
   For a preview of the Fulham match, click here.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...


Wednesday  24.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Daily Mail pick up on the rumour about Tottenham's supposed interest in Salzburg Red Bull striker Marc Janko, who is 6'4" and the Daily Star run the story about Harry Redknapp not making a bid for Fulham midfielder Jimmy Bullard.  Espanyol have told Tottenham that they can forget about making a move for goalkeeper Carlos Kameni in the January transfer window it says in the Sun.
   .

  OTHER NEWS ... Gudjon Thordarson has been appointed as the new manager of Crewe Alexandra ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... no joke, but apparently Jermaine Pennant has lost the opportunity to join Real Madrid, because his wage demands were too high.  The report indicates he may now be joining Wigan Athletic.


Tuesday  23.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Spurs are rumoured in the Daily Mirror to be ready to shell out £15 million on Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing, while they also claim that Tottenham, Aston Villa and Glasgow Celtic are interested in £12 million rated West Ham striker Craig Bellamy.  The Mirror is hot on Spurs news today, stating that Bolton Wanderers want to offer a new contract to their keeper Ali Al-Habsi to deter him from moving to White Hart Lane as the club show interest in the international, while the Times put Tottenham in with Bolton, Everton and Stoke City in the running to sign Cardiff City central defender Roger Johnson.  Espanyol have said they do not intend to let full back Steve Finnan go out on loan or be sold in the January transfer window, despite both Spurs and Arsenal being interested in his services.
  
.

  OTHER NEWS ... Blackpool manager Simon Grayson has left the club and taken over at Leeds United ...  ...


Monday  22.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Tom Huddlestone's red card for England Under-21s against Wales for a dangerous tackle has been regarded as only a two match ban rather than a three match ban, after manager Stuart Pearce appealed on behalf of the player's previous good character.
   Having left Spurs yesterday, Paul Stalteri has signed a two and a half year deal with bottom of the Bundesliga club Borussia Moenchengladbach
.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Stories linking the Bristol Rovers manager with the Charlton Athletic job have been dismissed as a load of Trollope ... Paul Trollope.


Sunday  21.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Spurs lost 1-2 at Newcastle United this afternoon.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction click here.
   Tottenham are in contention with Arsenal to sign Zenit St. Petersburg's Andrei Arshavin the Sunday Telegraph report, although the Mail on Sunday say that Arsenal will win the race for the Russian midfielder
for £20 million.  The News of the World put Spurs in the frame for a different name, with a £4 million bid for Fulham's Jimmy Bullard, but they also reckon that Portsmouth want to sign £10 million rated Didier Zokora.  The Sunday Express have Tottenham as favourites to buy West Ham United's Craig Bellamy, while the Mirror also claims that Juventus will offer some cash plus striker Vincenzo Iaquinta for midfielder Luka Modric.
   Tottenham have confirmed that defender Paul Stalteri has left the club
.  After making 56 appearances and scoring three goals, the Canadian international has had his contract cancelled by mutual consent to allow him to find a club where he can get first team football.

  OTHER NEWS ... Leeds United have sacked manager Gary McAllister ... Manchester United won the Club World Cup by beating Liga de Quito 1-0 in Japan ...


Saturday  20.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   While a lot of the papers are unsurprisingly linking Manchester City with every player in the free world (or even the really expensive one), Spurs are discussing a £15 million deal for Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing according to the Daily Mail.  Included in the deal could be Gareth Bale and Jamie O'Hara with a cash balance of just £4 million if the Daily Express is to be believed.  The Daily Mirror throws a curve ball in stating that Spurs will bid £8 million for Sunderland midfielder Kieran Richardson, who only went there because Roy Keane asked him to and now the manager has gone, he has no real reason to stay in the North-East, when the Mirror have him returning home to London.
  
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  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...


Friday  19.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Tottenham have been drawn to play against Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Cup Round of 32.  Spurs will play the first leg away in Ukraine on 18th or 19th February and the home leg will be played on 26th February.  Should Tottenham win through this tie, they will face the winners of the Round of 32 tie between Aston Villa and CSKA Moscow with the first leg away on 12th March and the return leg on March 18th or 19th.
   The Daily Mirror says that Portsmouth are lining up a replacement for goalkeeper David James, should he join Tottenham in January
.  Meanwhile the Daily Star repeat reports that were around yesterday that Portsmouth defender Lauren has said that Jermain Defoe and Glen Johnson will both be joining Spurs in the transfer window.  The Daily Mail claim Redknapp will make a loan signing from Espanyol, with the player being former Liverpool right back Steve Finnan, who may be made a permanent signing in the summer.
  
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Spurs are without long term injury victims Alan Hutton (foot), Giovani Dos Santos (ankle) and Jermaine Jenas (calf).  Harry Redknapp will make late decisions on Ledley King (knee), Jonathan Woodgate (back), Luka Modric (hamstring), Aaron Lennon (groin) and Darren Bent (tonsillitis).  However, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Vedran Corluka are both available after missing the Spartak Moscow UEFA Cup tie because they were cup-tied.
  
NEWCASTLE UNITED TEAM NEWS : -  Alan Smith (foot), Ignacio Gonzalez (Achilles) and Joey Barton (knee) are definitely out of the match on Sunday at St. James Park, while Obafemi Martins faces a late fitness test to see if will be able to play.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...


Thursday  18.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Spurs drew 2-2 with Spartak Moscow in the UEFA Cup at White Hart Lane tonight.  For a match report and reaction click here.
  
The point was enough for Tottenham to qualify for the Round of 32 in second position in their group, which will give them a tie against a team who have dropped out of the Champions League.  In tomorrow's draw, they will be picked out against either Bordeaux, Werder Bremen, Shakhtar Donetsk, Marseille, Aalborg, Fiorentina, Dynamo Kiev or Zenit St. Petersburg.  Russia here we come then !!
   The Daily Mirror
come up with the most preposterous transfer tittle tattle so far in the approach to this window, saying that Tottenham are looking at Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant (plus £7 million) in a swap deal for Aaron Lennon !!  Who writes this stuff ??  Perhaps more realistically, the Sun claim that Spurs are after 22 year old Ghana and Rosenborg midfielder Anthony Annan, who said he would like to link up at Spurs with Harry Redknapp, although his representatives claim he is happy playing in Norway.. 

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Tony Adams has hit out at Blackburn Rovers for their lack of loyalty in sacking the manager Paul Ince after only 17 games.  It might only be a matter of time before Adams finds himself in the same situation.


Wednesday  17.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Spurs are among the transfer rumours again, with the Daily Mirror reckoning on Harry Redknapp making a £7 million offer for Wigan Athletic's winger Antonio Valencia, while The Sun put Tottenham in with Manchester City and Aston Villa in a £10 million auction for West Ham United's injury hit striker Dean Ashton.  Redknapp has ruled out a bid for Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster, as he would not be satisfied with being a back-up goalie and is also keeping an eye on Robbie Keane, the Setanta Sports website reveals.  Sky Sports website links Spurs, Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough with 6'4" Austrian striker Marc Janko, who is set to leave Salzburg Red Bull after scoring 30 goals in 20 league matches.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : - 
With cup-tied players, injuries and illness hitting the squad, Spurs will play an unfamiliar side against Spartak Moscow tomorrow night.  Darren Bent has tonsillitis, Ledley King is rested, Jonathan Woodgate has a back injury, Jermaine Jenas' calf tear keeps him out, Giovani Dos Santos has not yet recovered from his ankle injury and Alan Hutton's broken foot rules him out.  Roman Pavlyuchenko and Vedran Corluka are both cup-tied, so there are a number of younger players in the squad, including John Bostock, Adam Smith, Dean Parrett and Jon Obika might get some time on the pitch.
  
For a match preview of the meeting with Spartak, click here.
   Tottenham's FA Youth Cup Fourth Round tie against Charlton Athletic will take place at The Valley on Wednesday 14th January with a 7:00 p.m. kick off
.

  OTHER NEWS ... Sam Allardyce was today named as the new manager of Blackburn Rovers ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... 


Tuesday  16.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Daily Mirror claims Spurs are in for Portsmouth full back Glen Johnson, Bordeaux striker Fernando Cavenhagi, West Ham United centre-half Matthew Upson and Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing, while the Guardian agree about Upson and add Lassana Diarra and Jermain Defoe of Portsmouth and Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini.  Spoilsports the Daily Express say that Daniel Levy says that no big money moves will happen at Tottenham in the January transfer window.  That hasn't stopped the Times from supposing that Harry Redknapp will bring in a couple of loan signings, although the Express reckons Spurs and Everton are keen to sign Michael Owen from Newcastle United.  The Sky Sports website links us with Espanyol keeper Carlos Kameni again, while they also reckon Tottenham have an interest in 21 year old Ivory Coast and Le Mans striker Gervinho, who said that representatives of Arsenal and Spurs both watched him recently.

  OTHER NEWS ... Paul Ince was sacked as manager of Blackburn Rovers today ...  ...


Monday  15.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Tottenham have revealed the first architects pictures of the proposed new ground just North of White Hart Lane.  The pictures show a modernistic stadium with lots of space round it and a fine design fitting for a new home for the club.  Click here to view the photos on the official site.
   Transfer rumours continue to abound with the one about Gareth Bale being part of the deal to bring Stewart Downing from Middlesbrough
not going down well in the Daily Mirror.  The tabloid reckons Tottenham will try and use Hossam Ghaly and Adel Taarabt as part of the deal, but if Gareth Southgate won't have it, then the club might turn their attention to Liverpool's Dutch winger Ryan Babel, who could be available for just £8 million.   They also have one about the fact that Spurs have bid £8 million for Bordeaux striker Fernando Cavenhaghi.
   Tonight's reserve team match against Aston Villa was
postponed.

  OTHER NEWS ... Hartlepool United sacked their manager Danny Wilson today ...  ...


Sunday  14.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Rumours are hotting up ahead of the January transfer window, with former Head Coach Juande Ramos casting his eye over some of his former charges at Tottenham.  The Sunday Telegraph reckon that he wants three of the club's players in Aaron Lennon, Didier Zokora and Roman Pavlyuchenko, but he told the Mail on Sunday that he finds it very difficult to understand how Spurs are playing so well at the moment.  The Sunday People run a number of Spurs stories, including one about Kevin Prince Boateng, who wants a return to Germany in January, as he has failed to make the breakthrough into the Tottenham team, saying Juande Ramos was not impressed by him and Martin Jol told him that he did not want him, as it was former Director of Football Damien Comolli who pushed through his purchase.  One of their other pieces says that Robbie Keane's wife has not moved to the North-West following his move to Liverpool and he might welcome a return to London, where she spends half of her time.  Liverpool are reported to have only paid the first instalment of the fee and Tottenham might be prepared to waive the rest to bring him back to White Hart Lane.  To tie in with Keane's move, Harry Redknapp is also looking to bring in his Republic of Ireland team-mate Richard Dunne from Manchester City as cover in central defence for the injury hit Ledley King.  Onto players who Juande Ramos wants and who might be sold to stymie him, The People report that Middlesbrough will let Stewart Downing go to Spurs to stop Real Madrid's interest in their young winger Adam Johnson, who had been linked with Tottenham in the past.  Winger Downing will be allowed to join Tottenham after a number of years of tracking him for a fee plus player deal, with Giovani Dos Santos and Jamie O'Hara being mentioned as possible make-weights in the transfer, while elsewhere, it proposes that Gareth Southgate will "demand" Gareth Bale as part of the deal.  Meanwhile over at the News of the World, they reckon that Michael Owen and Joe Cole are the players Harry Redknapp has on his post Christmas list.  Newcastle United's England striker will be the subject of a £4 million offer and will be offered a £4 million a year salary, a drop of £30,000 a week on his current deal, but built in bonuses will boost his potential earnings.  Owen has come onto Redknapp's radar, as he believes he may have to wait until the summer to re-sign Robbie Keane the NotW says.  Meanwhile, the Spurs boss has seen Chelsea stall on contract talks with Cole until the summer, when he believes he might be able to persuade the midfielder to join Spurs and re-new a partnership they first had at West Ham United.  England Under-21 midfielder Adam Lallana has told his club SCBC that he would rather play in their first team than in the reserve team of one of the Premier League clubs chasing him - Stoke City, Spurs and Fulham - who would pay £2.5 million for the 20 year old.  The Observer claims that Spurs are in for Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra, but the 23 year old is more likely to end up at Manchester City or Real Madrid.  It is reported in the Mail on Sunday that Spurs have suffered a blow in trying to secure the services of striker Fraizer Campbell on a permanent basis as Alex Ferguson says he wants the 20 year old back at the end of the season, despite him having thrived under Harry Redknapp, but if you read the News of the World, he has struggled at Spurs and will be the subject of an £8 million bid from Hull City in January.  On the Football 365 site, the Sunday Mirror and in the Daily Star Sunday, they runs a story that Heurelho Gomes would welcome a move back to PSV Eindhoven if the chance came along.  The Mail on Sunday go one better and reckon that Gomes' departure will allow the Tottenham manager to sign Portsmouth keeper David James, but only if he didn't see him play today I wager.
  
Harry Redknapp may be able to roll out his favourite quote about being "down to the bare bones" of the squad after injuries to Jermaine Jenas and Jonathan Woodgate could leave him short for the run of games up to Christmas and into the New Year.  Jenas limped off with a calf muscle tear and Woodgate jarred his back, meaning he may need to see a specialist.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... From Dave Kidd's match report on the Sunday People website "So there was little surprise when Berbatov was roundly booed every time he touched the ball as he returned here to Levy World, that twilight zone where chairmen never put a foot wrong but still somehow end up bottom of the league."  Is he sure ??  But then should we expect anymore from a journalist in a national newspaper who thinks we have a player called Zakora ??


Saturday  13.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Spurs drew 0-0 with Manchester United at White Hart Lane this afternoon.  For a match report click here and for reaction here.
  
Harry Redknapp is being linked with a move for another goalkeeper despite Heurelho Gomes' return to form, as the Spurs manager wants someone to give him competition for the number one shirt.
  
The Spurs Under-18 side won again today, with a 4-0 victory over Cardiff City at Spurs Lodge thanks to goals from Paul Jose-M'Puku 2, Ryan Mason and John Bostock.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Alex Ferguson has accused Tottenham of "milking" his club's desperation to sign a top striker in gaining a £30.4 million fee for Dimitar Berbatov.  Ferguson is obviously speaking from a position of knowledge, as he is famous for "milking" decisions from referees and not talking to the media ... unless it suits him.  Especially when he peddles the rubbish about Tottenham's fans being ready to give Berbatov a warm reception and that the club have regretted selling Michael Carrick to them.  After the result, perhaps he needs to concentrate his attention more on his own team than other sides.


Friday  12.12.2008   (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 : -  Ledley King will face a late fitness test, but Fraizer Campbell, who would not be able to play against his proper club anyway, has a calf injury.  Long-term absentees Alan Hutton and Giovani Dos Santos are still missing.
   MANCHESTER UNITED TEAM NEWS : -
 Midfielder Michael Carrick and striker Dimitar Berbatov are both doubtful, while Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra are both suspended. 
   The Daily Mirror reckon that Daniel Levy has put a £20 million price tag on winger Aaron Lennon if Juande Ramos wants to take him to Real Madrid and that Harry Redknapp is keen to ship out Russian striker Roman Pavyluchenko, although the manager later rubbished such claims.  The Mirror
seems hot on Tottenham stories today, saying they are monitoring the Espanyol keeper Carlos Kameni, who they were allegedly looking at throughout the summer.  The 24 year old Cameroon goalie looks set to leave for about £5 million.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Arsenal defender Johan Djourou has revealed that he loves covering himself in mango flavoured body butter, so that perhaps explains why opposing player slip past him so easily.


Thursday  11.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The Daily Mirror claims that Harry Redknapp is keen on Blackburn Rovers left back Stephen Warnock, with a fee of £5 million being quoted and that former Head Coach Juande Ramos will this time be coming back to White Hart Lane for midfielder Didier Zokora to buy him for his new club Real Madrid.  The Daily Express offer some options in the transfer window, with Ramos going for Portsmouth's Lassana Diarra if he fails in his move for Zokora, while if he is successful, it is Spurs who will move for Diarra.  The paper also says that the Tottenham manager is keen on Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing, as well as a number of players who were formerly under his management at West Ham United - Jermain Defoe (Portsmouth), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth); one current Iron - Robert Green and Aston Villa's ex-Hammer Nigel Reo-Coker.
   Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp is said to be starting his coaching career by taking sessions with Chelsea reserves a couple of times a week
.
   Still on the Chelsea theme, the Daily Express claim that Chelsea, whose owner is the Russian
Roman Abramovich, are hosting Spartak Moscow at their training ground ahead of the UEFA Cup tie against Spurs next week.
   Seven more
Tottenham supporters have been questioned about their part in the abuse of Sol Campbell at the Premier League match at Fratton Park earlier this season.  The two men charged yesterday have been bailed.
  
Former Spurs goalkeeper Ian Walker has been allowed to leave Bolton Wanderers by having his contract cancelled.  He played only eight games for the Trotters in three years and has been linked with a move to play in the USA.
  
Tottenham's Christmas party went with a bang this year, as Kevin-Prince Boateng pulled a cracker (why would he want to leave ??) yesterday.  Click here for photos. 
   Spurs youth have been drawn away to Charlton Athletic in the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup
.

  OTHER NEWS ... Lee Clark has been named as the new manager of Huddersfield Town ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Argentine referees will use an aerosol spray to stop players encroaching at free-kicks.  The spray will temporarily blind the offending defenders who are within ten yards.


Wednesday  10.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Having taken over at Real Madrid, former Tottenham Head Coach Juande Ramos wants to take Aaron Lennon and David Bentley to the Bernabeu with him, so says the Daily Star.  Harry Redknapp might try to capitalise on West Ham United's perilous financial position by offering £16 million for central defender Matthew Upson and goalkeeper Robert Green it says in the Daily Mail, while the Independent have Redknapp making a £6 million offer for Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson, but there will have to be some departures before the manager can bring new players in.  The Mail also reckons Tottenham's offer of £12 million for winger Stewart Downing will match Middlesbrough's valuation and the North-East club might struggle to hold onto him.
   The Guardian claim that Marcos Alvarez
will be appointed as Juande Ramos' assistant at Real Madrid, but there will not be a position for Gus Poyet, who was the number 2 at Spurs to Ramos.
   The Reserves drew 1-1 at Fulham, with Jon Obika grabbing the Tottenham goal
.
   For a preview of the Manchester United game on Saturday, click here
.
  
Two Spurs fans - from Ringwood and Wokingham - have been arrested for singing racist and homophobic songs about Sol Campbell at Tottenham's match at Portsmouth in September.  Hampshire Police issued photos of the sixteen people they were looking to charge for the offence and the other fourteen are still being sought.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Roy Keane has said that he would look forward to using the experience gained in his first management job to return to be a boss at a football club in the future.  He just about managed to get it said in less than 160 characters in the text he sent out to the media.


Tuesday  09.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Spurs have had two more games moved for live TV coverage.  The home game against Arsenal on 7th February 2009 will be moved to Sunday 8th February with a 1:30 p.m. kick off for Sky TV to televise the game, while Setanta will cover the game at Hull City on Monday 23rd February 2009 at 8:00 p.m., with the game being moved from Saturday 21st February.
  
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has said that Robbie Keane is not for sale.
   Former Spurs Head Coach Juande Ramos has taken over from Bernd Schuster as manager of Real Madrid until the end of the season
.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Robbie has revealed he is keen to re-join Take That.  Well, he's not getting much action at Liverpool is he ??


Monday  08.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Tottenham beat West Ham United 2-0 at Upton Park this evening.  For a match report click here.  For reaction click here.
   Spurs are being linked with a move for Robbie Keane of Liverpool in the Daily Mirror, with a fee of £5 million, plus Aaron Lennon (£10 million) and Jamie O'Hara (£5 million) as part of the deal to make up the £20 million the Merseyside club paid us for the Republic of Ireland international
.  Surely, the credit crunch and his time on the Anfield bench has devalued him ?  The Times quote Harry Redknapp as being of the opinion that Emile Heskey will wait until his contract expires in the summer before he leaves Wigan Athletic.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Jonathan Greening has said that spirit will save West Bromwich Albion.  That's not what the Salvation Army ussually say !!


Sunday  07.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   The papers run a number of Spurs related transfer rumour stories today, with the News of the World saying that Harry Redknapp is willing to bring Robbie Keane back to White Hart Lane after only six months for a knock-down price of £5 million.  The Sunday Mail says that Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing is going to join Tottenham for £12 million in January because of his good friendship with Jonathan Woodgate.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Sunderland manager Roy Keane communicated with chairman Niall Quinn by text during his two years in charge and if it took more than 160 characters, he had to get the club secretary in to help !!


Saturday  06.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Tottenham have been drawn against Burnley in the semi-finals of the League Cup with the first leg at home in the week starting Monday 5th January and the away leg at Turf Moor in the week starting Monday 19th January.
   Many sources report that Robbie Keane might be sold by Liverpool in the summer, as manager Rafa Benitez feels he is not settling into the team as he had wished.  The stories say that he will be put on the transfer list in January, so no doubt speculation will include a return to White Hart Lane.  The Sun pick up on yesterday's interview with Roman Pavlyuchenko and they tease out the fact that he would be very happy if Russia and Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder Andrei Arshavin would join him at Tottenham.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... most unlikely story of the day concerns Arsene Wenger's discussions with a young Cristiano Ronaldo to try and tempt him to Highbury, but unfortunately for the Arsenal boss, he only succeeded in "seducing" Ronaldo's mother and not the player himself, who opted to join Manchester United.  Wenger was so arrogant that he had Ronaldo's name put on the back of a shirt, as he was so confident he would sign for the Gooners.

  MEHSTG's no-spin story 2 ... Paul Ince has hit out at jealous people who get on the backs of managers like Roy Keane and him just because of their success at Manchester United as players.  Actually, Ince might find that it has something to do with their club's relevant positions in the Premier League table.


Friday  05.12.2008   (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 : -  Luka Modric will face a late fitness test on his injured groin, while Ledley King might be recalled after missing the Watford League Cup tie.  Alan Hutton and Giovani Dos Santos will both miss the game with injury.
   WEST HAM UNITED TEAM NEWS : -  Dean Ashton (ankle), Kieron Dyer (broken leg) and Daniel Gabbidon (groin) will all miss the match on MOnday, but midfielder Lee Bowyer is hoping to be fit to play.
  
The papers are in January transfer window mode again and the Daily Mirror has Spurs going for former Fenerbahce midfielder Stephen Appiah and Portsmouth right back Glen Johnson.  The Daily Telegraph picks up on the link with Reading goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann and the player says he is "flattered" by the interest from Tottenham.
  
The Sun carry a story about striker Roman Pavlyuchenko's election to the local parliament of his home city Stavropol back in September, as his manifesto included improving the facilities for grass-roots football in the city.
   The Daily Telegraph reveals that Fraizer Campbell's loan deal does not allow him to play against his
club Manchester United if Tottenham are drawn against them in the League Cup.
   It's a big Spurs day for the Daily Telegraph as they report that the Office of Fair Trading had instructed the club to pay back people who have tickets for games which are subsequently re-arranged.  The club have said they will
remove the wording 'tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged under any circumstances' from its conditions of sale for tickets.
   Meet Steve  Perryman ! 
Spurs legend, and the man who has played the most games for Tottenham, Steve Perryman, will be signing copies of The Boys From White  Hart Lane - Spurs in the 80s: The Players' Stories at two signings on Friday 12th December:

12:30 Waterstones, Cabot Place, Canary Wharf
17:00 Waterstones, Enfield

Steve was one of 10 former team mates from the early 80s to write a chapter for the book and the other players involved include Ossie Ardiles, Ricky Villa, Tony Galvin, Paul Miller, Graham  Miller, Garry Brooke and Tony Parks.

Personalised signed copies can be reserved in advance if you can’t make the signings by calling the Waterstones stores involved:
Cabot Place 020 7513 0060
Enfield 020 8363 6060

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Roy Keane resigned as manager of Sunderland by text to chairman Niall Quinn as it is believed that the text read "Y I - I'm gannin'."


Thursday  04.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Tottenham's FA Cup Third Round tie at home to Wigan Athletic will be played on Friday 2nd January with an 8:00 p.m. kick off for coverage live on Setanta.
   The Daily Mirror carries a story
putting Tottenham and Newcastle United in the frame to sign Sporting Lisbon's Brazilian striker Liedson, who is rated at £20 million.  The 30 year old has scored over 100 goals in his career for the Portuguese club and is also interesting Spartak Moscow.  Former DC United striker and 15 year old wonder-kid Freddy Adu has revealed that it is his dream to one day play for Tottenham in the Premier League.  Now with Monaco, on loan from Benfica, the 19 year old has not quite realised the potential people thought he had when he broke through in America, but he said he would love to play for the club he supported as a boy.
  
Former Spurs winger Darren Anderton will retire from football after Saturday's game for Bournemouth, which will be the 569th of his career.

  OTHER NEWS ... Roy Keane resigned as manager of Sunderland today ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... West Ham United have put the price of Dean Ashton up, despite the credit crunch; the fact that he has been injured a couple of times more since last summer; they need to sell him to raise money for the Carlos Tevez legal settlement and that they want to get his wages off their salary bill.  Any takers ??


Wednesday  03.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Tottenham beat Watford 2-1 in the League Cup Fifth Round tonight at Vicarage Road.  For a match report click here and for reaction click here.
  
The Daily Mirror reckons that Harry Redknapp will return to Fratton Park in January to sign goalkeeper David James for £3 million, with Shay Given saying in a number of sources that he will not quit Newcastle United for White Hart Lane. 
   With Manchester United the other team to go through with
a 5-3 win over Blackburn Rovers tonight, expect us to be drawn against them in the semi-finals with Derby County meeting Burnley in the other semi.
  
NEC Nijmegen beat Spartak Moscow 2-1 in the UEFA Cup Group D tonight and Udinese beat Dinamo Zagreb 2-1, meaning that Udinese are definitely through to the knock-out stages, while Spurs need a point from their remaining match to progress, although NEC and Spartak could still qualify.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

  MEHSTG's spin story ... 


Tuesday  02.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Spurs Youth team beat Sheffield United 3-0 at White Hart Lane in the Third Round of the FA Youth Cup tonight.  Jon Obika scored a hat-trick.  For a match report, click here.
  
Dean Parrett, the 17 year old Academy midfielder, has signed his first professional contract at Tottenham following his big money move from Queens Park Rangers when he was 15.
   The latest goalkeeper to be linked with a move to Spurs is Reading's American stopper Marcus Hahnemann, the Daily Mirror claim.

  OTHER NEWS ... Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon D'Or  -  The European Player of the Year trophy ...  ...

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Bournemouth have attained a total of zero points for the season, just three weeks before Christmas after the pre-season points deduction.


Monday  01.12.2008   (For other Spurs history on this day click here; For the current news on each player in the squad, click here)

   Former Spurs defender Stephen Carr has announced his retirement from football, after being released by Newcastle United in June 2008 and not finding another club since then.
  
The Reserve team's fixture away to Fulham at Motspur Park will now take place on Wednesday 10th December instead of Tuesday 9th December.  The kick off will still be at 7:00 p.m.

  OTHER NEWS ...  ...  ...

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