The Mail Bag
Spurs into Champions League
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I'm more a fan of City than Spurs, even though their billions and the Lescott situation have made some Blues revile them.
But how fortunate we are that Spurs have pipped them to 4th. If Man City triumphed they would have simply replaced Liverpool in the Big 4 and it would have been even tougher to break through.
I doubt Spurs would be able to seal off the CL places and Top 4 next season looks wide open.
Even more so when you consider Spurs can overtake The Arse on the final day. Are Arsenal the next to fall?
Nick Entwistle, Posted 05/05/2010 at 22:30:23
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That is a lot of "ifs" Lyndon, but all are possible.
I really believe that next season, there is a huge opportunity for us to break into the top four, and Spurs pipping City to the post this time round has helped keep things a little more open.
My main fear, based on a hunch - is that if we fail to do it next season, a long stint in the wilderness awaits us.
I can't express in words how important it is for us to hit the ground running (at great pace) next season... From now until August, I will be praying that we don't screw this pre-season up!
I really believe that next season, there is a huge opportunity for us to break into the top four, and Spurs pipping City to the post this time round has helped keep things a little more open.
My main fear, based on a hunch - is that if we fail to do it next season, a long stint in the wilderness awaits us.
I can't express in words how important it is for us to hit the ground running (at great pace) next season... From now until August, I will be praying that we don't screw this pre-season up!
I'm made up to see City fail, simply because of the arrogance of that club and its fans. I don't really like Spurs too much either but give me them over that classless crew from Eastlands anytime.
What a joy to watch Gary C(r)ook red faced in the stands.
Bunch of arrogant pimps didn't deserve to win anyway.
Lescott may be a richer man in the bank but poorer in life.
Next season could be very interesting especially if United lose Rooney for any length of time but I think Arsenal will be the dark horses with a few quality additions.
Bunch of arrogant pimps didn't deserve to win anyway.
Lescott may be a richer man in the bank but poorer in life.
Next season could be very interesting especially if United lose Rooney for any length of time but I think Arsenal will be the dark horses with a few quality additions.
I always have had a soft spot for Spurs, they have always tried to play football and, as shandy drinking southern cockney nancy boys go, not a bad bunch of supporters.
As for the game, although it was to and fro, they had all the chances, I don't think that Gomes had to make any sort of real save.
Who's next for the Eastlands hot seat??
As for the game, although it was to and fro, they had all the chances, I don't think that Gomes had to make any sort of real save.
Who's next for the Eastlands hot seat??
I am personally delighted for Spurs. They play great football, have a good fanbase, and importantly, have blocked entry to the CL to the loathsome Shiteh. Mancini's face was a picture when the ref blew for full time.
Personally I think it is going to make things significantly harder now. Tottenham always trump us with money but this season apart we have outperformed them. Next season they have Champions League cash and appeal to lure better players there.
It wouldn't have made any difference to us if City had got 4th as they will still blow everyone away with transfer fee's and wages in the summer anyway.
Spurs got fourth place because they deserved to get fourth place. They played good football more consistently than we did.
We might speculate from here to the next black hole, but the fact is, they have greater public appeal and in Redknapp, a manager who has won something.
Suck it up, fellow Blues. As Richard D might have said before his conversion, Eighth is good considering where we are in terms of attendance and spending power.
We might speculate from here to the next black hole, but the fact is, they have greater public appeal and in Redknapp, a manager who has won something.
Suck it up, fellow Blues. As Richard D might have said before his conversion, Eighth is good considering where we are in terms of attendance and spending power.
I tend to agree with Gareth on this I'm afraid.
Citeh were going to have ridiculous cash to spend whatever happened (arguably even more now), admittedly they don't have CL football to offer the very top players but its all about the cash for footballers these days anyway so they will improve over the summer. Annoyingly, now Spurs too will be shopping at the top table, with some CL cash in back-pocket and the upward momentum. They have a good side already and will be harder to beat.
Ultimately though it is still all about our own strengths rather than others weaknesses. If we can keep this squad together and get some pace up front/on the flanks I genuinely believe we'll be as good as anyone and able to have a fair shout at the top four and above.
With Liverpool falling away further (Torres can use Benitez departure as an excuse to leave), Villa less impactful and Arsenal not really strengthening and Man U and Chelsea's key players all getting older next year could be the most competitive Premier League ever.
Citeh were going to have ridiculous cash to spend whatever happened (arguably even more now), admittedly they don't have CL football to offer the very top players but its all about the cash for footballers these days anyway so they will improve over the summer. Annoyingly, now Spurs too will be shopping at the top table, with some CL cash in back-pocket and the upward momentum. They have a good side already and will be harder to beat.
Ultimately though it is still all about our own strengths rather than others weaknesses. If we can keep this squad together and get some pace up front/on the flanks I genuinely believe we'll be as good as anyone and able to have a fair shout at the top four and above.
With Liverpool falling away further (Torres can use Benitez departure as an excuse to leave), Villa less impactful and Arsenal not really strengthening and Man U and Chelsea's key players all getting older next year could be the most competitive Premier League ever.
Unless they pip Arse to 3rd, Spuds will have to go through the qualifying rounds before they're guaranteed a place in the CL. I would imagine they won't be seeded in the draw, which would mean they could get drawn against the better sides in it, teams Werder Bremen, Valencia, AC Milan could be in store for them.
It's interesting that there's a difference in oppinion who is better for us when qualifying for the CL 4th spot.
I can see the reasoning where people think it is more difficult that Spurs have won it, but I don't think they will have so much more spending power or pull, but not yet anyay.
Man City can spend all the money they want, and will, but without CL football, will they really pick up those truley world class players that seperate the clubs of choice for those special players? Rooney, Messi, Drogba... until they break through, I think they've found their level with their signings... which makes it difficult enough.
Either way, for next season alone we're in a good place with Spurs qualifying, and as post 2 suggests, if it doesn't happen next season it could well be good-bye Arteta, Pienaar, Cahill, Jags, Fellaini, Rodwell...
I can see the reasoning where people think it is more difficult that Spurs have won it, but I don't think they will have so much more spending power or pull, but not yet anyay.
Man City can spend all the money they want, and will, but without CL football, will they really pick up those truley world class players that seperate the clubs of choice for those special players? Rooney, Messi, Drogba... until they break through, I think they've found their level with their signings... which makes it difficult enough.
Either way, for next season alone we're in a good place with Spurs qualifying, and as post 2 suggests, if it doesn't happen next season it could well be good-bye Arteta, Pienaar, Cahill, Jags, Fellaini, Rodwell...
I used to have a soft spot for both these teams, that is until Citeh started throwing silly money about... £260mill I think and not even 4th.
There's something about Harry boy I don't like... maybe it's the demise of Portsmouth or the fact he attracts players to him, obviously 'loads a money' when they would have advanced their careers with us — Naughton for one.
We will be in the mix next season but we have to keep what we have, keep them fit, and add a little bit. With no money, that wont be easy but Donovan showed us how much better we are with a player on the right; sorry Ossie, that's not your position and it showed.
Bily might be the long-term answer but I would love Landon back for good. If not, loanees are the probable way, Petrov & Bellamy from Citeh or Bentley from Spurs are possiblites.
Possible 1st XI next season:
Gk - Howard
Lb - Baines
Rb - Coleman
Ch - Heitinga
Ch - Jagielka
Lm - Pienaar
Rm - Bilyaletdinov
Dm - Fellaini
Cm - Arteta
Cm - Cahill
St - Saha
Fit and on form, that team will compete with anyone. [Coleman is the wildcard but I'd look for his attacking qualities against the majority of teams we will play next season]. That would leave a bench containing:
Mucha
Hibbert
Yobo
Distin
Rodwell
Neville
Osman
Anichebe
Yakubu
Which gives us options across the field.
Similar view to a number here that I've always liked Spurs and City (until the Arabs arrived) probably as they were the underdogs in their respective cities — a bit like us.
I'm glad Spurs made it because they go out and play football as it should be played — quick, attacking, and probably at half the price City have paid. I've lived in the South-East for last 25 years and, whatever you say, Harry has a huge following , not only as he says what he thinks but mainly because his teams are good to watch — Pompey, Spurs and even Southampton for the year he was there.
Spurs have/will get the money to compete and Harry will buy well. We will only have one more chance next season to compete for the CL.
I'm glad Spurs made it because they go out and play football as it should be played — quick, attacking, and probably at half the price City have paid. I've lived in the South-East for last 25 years and, whatever you say, Harry has a huge following , not only as he says what he thinks but mainly because his teams are good to watch — Pompey, Spurs and even Southampton for the year he was there.
Spurs have/will get the money to compete and Harry will buy well. We will only have one more chance next season to compete for the CL.
Usually favored City over Spurs but not since a large bank account has led them to believe they are entitled to whatever they please.
Also gotta enjoy that the Spurs team had 6 Englishmen and a Welshman in the starting line-up... good to see a predominantly English team representing us in the Champions League for once.
Also gotta enjoy that the Spurs team had 6 Englishmen and a Welshman in the starting line-up... good to see a predominantly English team representing us in the Champions League for once.
Mike, Harry has a huge following indeed, mainly in Her Majesty's Revenue Service. As for the much vaunted CL cash, Spurs still have to qualify for the group stages. Remember what happened to us?
Old Hawwy will just keep buying and buying until Spuds end up like Southampton and Portsmouth. If they get the "bigger" players they will need to keep finishing fourth and I don't think they are good enough for that.
I'm glad Guy pointed out the obvious.
This whole "Spurs are now in the Champs League" is bollox!! No they're not. they are in the Champions League qualifiers, bar a Fulham victory. No chance.
This whole "Spurs are now in the Champs League" is bollox!! No they're not. they are in the Champions League qualifiers, bar a Fulham victory. No chance.
Qualifying for the Champion’s League will certainly help Spurs to attract players but I suspect that they won’t be spending much more than usual or offering significantly higher wages. They’ll probably be wary of not qualifying for the 2011-12 competition and what that would mean if they financially over-extend themselves between now and then.
It’s more likely that most of any increase in income — should they qualify for the actual Champions League stages — will be set aside for their stadium plans.
It’s more likely that most of any increase in income — should they qualify for the actual Champions League stages — will be set aside for their stadium plans.
"Remember what happened to us" — don't tell me Collina is coming out of retirement again?
I am trying to figure out how UEFA will squeeze Spurs out and slide Liverpool in, there must be a rule somewhere? Oh, well... if there isn't a rule, then they can just make one up.
I think everyone knows that, Sam; they've qualified for the tournament and the tournament is called the Champions League.
The big problem with Tottenham going into the 'Champions League' is that they will attempt to entice Pienaar. Istill cant understand how you can be fourth and go into a 'Champions League', how does fourth make you a Champion? If you come fourth in an Olympic event you don't even get a medal.
I'm not a great fan of Spurs but, as others have said, it's so much better for us that they qualified over Citeh, it gives us a real opportunity now. Yes, City will strengthen but not with the really top players who will inevitably want CL footy. We absolutely MUST grasp this opportunity that we have next season.
One other point that occurred to me was, would we have played as attacking a formation and style as Spurs did yesterday, given the same scenario? Or would we, as seems more likely, have played for the draw and left it to the last match? I think we all know the answer to that!!!
Good luck to Spurs, they really went for it and deserve their finishing position.
One other point that occurred to me was, would we have played as attacking a formation and style as Spurs did yesterday, given the same scenario? Or would we, as seems more likely, have played for the draw and left it to the last match? I think we all know the answer to that!!!
Good luck to Spurs, they really went for it and deserve their finishing position.
Dave,
I have this strange feeling that we have met and yet I just can't picture you .....
I agree with you on both points, deinately better that Spurs are in the CL as if it had been Shiteh that 4th spot would have been closed out for the forseeable future. I also find it quite hillarious that those gobshites at Eastlands have not bought their way to CL immediately. The look on Cook's face was priceless.
I agree also that we would not have played as attacking a formation but, having said that, Spurs normally play 4-4-2 whilst we are always 4-5-1, so I don't believe we would have changed anything for the game, it's just the different favoured formations of the manager. 4-5-1 looks good when it works (Man City away this year, ironically) but looks horribly defensive when it doesnt (basically any game you don't win!).
I have this strange feeling that we have met and yet I just can't picture you .....
I agree with you on both points, deinately better that Spurs are in the CL as if it had been Shiteh that 4th spot would have been closed out for the forseeable future. I also find it quite hillarious that those gobshites at Eastlands have not bought their way to CL immediately. The look on Cook's face was priceless.
I agree also that we would not have played as attacking a formation but, having said that, Spurs normally play 4-4-2 whilst we are always 4-5-1, so I don't believe we would have changed anything for the game, it's just the different favoured formations of the manager. 4-5-1 looks good when it works (Man City away this year, ironically) but looks horribly defensive when it doesnt (basically any game you don't win!).
Now Spurs will have more money. At least if City had got the spot it wouldn't have made much difference to their kitty over the next couple of seasons..
Personally, from our perspective, I would've preferred City to get that spot..
Personally, from our perspective, I would've preferred City to get that spot..
Ciaran,
If City had got the 4th spot this year that would have been it as far as anyone else getting in the CL for the foreseeable future.
The only place that may have become available may have beeen as a result of an Arsenal demise but I reckon that is unlikely. Had City got in they would have been able to attract ANY player in the world including the likes of Messi, Torres, etc as money is just no object. Make no mistake, had City been in the CL last year, Kaka would have signed for them.
As such, if we are all right in our belief that we can challenge for the top 4 next season, then Spurs qualifying is much better for us. They will not be able to attract the top, top players as they cannot offer the obscene wages that City can and there is a real chance that they won't even make it past the qualifier.
If City had got the 4th spot this year that would have been it as far as anyone else getting in the CL for the foreseeable future.
The only place that may have become available may have beeen as a result of an Arsenal demise but I reckon that is unlikely. Had City got in they would have been able to attract ANY player in the world including the likes of Messi, Torres, etc as money is just no object. Make no mistake, had City been in the CL last year, Kaka would have signed for them.
As such, if we are all right in our belief that we can challenge for the top 4 next season, then Spurs qualifying is much better for us. They will not be able to attract the top, top players as they cannot offer the obscene wages that City can and there is a real chance that they won't even make it past the qualifier.
I can certainly see the logic in that opinion, Mike... however, whether CL qualification is a real barrier to Man City hoovering up talent this summer is highly debatable.
To be honest, I there's more chance of Spurs being our rivals for the next couple of seasons, than City — and it'll probably be a rivalry for fifth...
Although my heart says we'll be challenging for fourth next season, my head says that the bar will probably be raised too high during the summer...
Stranger things have happened I suppose, but I think we missed our real chance when we finished fourth... a little investment then would've gone a long way.
To be honest, I there's more chance of Spurs being our rivals for the next couple of seasons, than City — and it'll probably be a rivalry for fifth...
Although my heart says we'll be challenging for fourth next season, my head says that the bar will probably be raised too high during the summer...
Stranger things have happened I suppose, but I think we missed our real chance when we finished fourth... a little investment then would've gone a long way.
Surprised at all the soft spots for these two teams. Personally, I hate them both, like I do all other Premier League clubs.
My tuppence-worth:
Though history says otherwise — Chelsea, United and Arsenal DO NOT have a divine right to a CL place.
Though I think CL football wouldn't have made much difference to City — and probably not a great deal to Spurs cos they'd have spent a shedload anyway — the fact remains: If you get more points than 16 other teams in the PL, you will finish in the top 4 and gain entry into the CL qualifying rounds.
If we carry our form from the back end of this season over, we will do that.
It matters not how this or that team perform... if we get enough points, we will breakthrough.
And yes — I think we are more than capable of doing that.
Will we do it is another question. We need:
a) A smooth summer where players are bought/sold early and thus no disruptions affecting our early season form;
b) Better luck with injuries, no doubt about that;
c) Influential players to play well consistently (Heitinga, Fellaini, Arteta, Saha/Yak — I'm looking at you);
d) Bold and decisive managerial decisions.
Personally I'm worried about a) and d) the most!
Though history says otherwise — Chelsea, United and Arsenal DO NOT have a divine right to a CL place.
Though I think CL football wouldn't have made much difference to City — and probably not a great deal to Spurs cos they'd have spent a shedload anyway — the fact remains: If you get more points than 16 other teams in the PL, you will finish in the top 4 and gain entry into the CL qualifying rounds.
If we carry our form from the back end of this season over, we will do that.
It matters not how this or that team perform... if we get enough points, we will breakthrough.
And yes — I think we are more than capable of doing that.
Will we do it is another question. We need:
a) A smooth summer where players are bought/sold early and thus no disruptions affecting our early season form;
b) Better luck with injuries, no doubt about that;
c) Influential players to play well consistently (Heitinga, Fellaini, Arteta, Saha/Yak — I'm looking at you);
d) Bold and decisive managerial decisions.
Personally I'm worried about a) and d) the most!
Well done, those pointing out what some of the Spurs players had the good grace to remember, but the media, and others on here have forgotten... they have qualified for the qualifiers.
Yes, they're in the competition... but the money only comes with FULL QUALIFICATION for the Group stage.
Oh, and they had a pretty penny or two before that as it was.
Yes, they're in the competition... but the money only comes with FULL QUALIFICATION for the Group stage.
Oh, and they had a pretty penny or two before that as it was.
I think Spurs deserved it, they have been quite consistent this season. The miserable start of ours has cost us around 10 points I would say, which would have had us in 5th, even with our poor form over the last month.
With Fellaini back, Heitinga at centre half, and hopefully Yak at full fitness, we are at least on par with all those teams fighting for 4th next season. The only issue is squad-wise, we are quite a way behind. Our priority has to be the right-hand side; if we can get that nailed down with a decent player, we certainly have a chance.
With Fellaini back, Heitinga at centre half, and hopefully Yak at full fitness, we are at least on par with all those teams fighting for 4th next season. The only issue is squad-wise, we are quite a way behind. Our priority has to be the right-hand side; if we can get that nailed down with a decent player, we certainly have a chance.
Whether we are able to take that chance or not though is a different story. I think next season is going to be very exciting for the neutral, we have 8 good teams now with genuine credentials to compete. Admittedly its not good for us, but the Sky 4 does seem to be eroding away. Have we missed the boat? Our 20-match form suggests not, so it's not ridiculous to believe that next season we will at least be competing for the top 4.
Ciaran,
Fair enough and I have to say that I do agree that we missed the boat in 2005. Let's hope we can make a go of it next season starting with a positive summer.
Dan, whilst I agree with you regarding the 10 points and Spurs deserving 4th I dont follow the comment of 'our poor form over the past month'.
During April, we played 4 games and won 2 and drew 2; the 2 away games where Aston Villa and Blackburn, two of the more difficult away games I would suggest. We averaged 2 points a game which is 76 in a season and certain CL qualification. If you take the last 4 games then we have again won 2 drawn 2. In March we won 3 and drew 2. As such, where do you get this poor form comment from? The only reason why we have not challenged the top 4 this season is 15 points from the first 15 games, simple as that.
Fair enough and I have to say that I do agree that we missed the boat in 2005. Let's hope we can make a go of it next season starting with a positive summer.
Dan, whilst I agree with you regarding the 10 points and Spurs deserving 4th I dont follow the comment of 'our poor form over the past month'.
During April, we played 4 games and won 2 and drew 2; the 2 away games where Aston Villa and Blackburn, two of the more difficult away games I would suggest. We averaged 2 points a game which is 76 in a season and certain CL qualification. If you take the last 4 games then we have again won 2 drawn 2. In March we won 3 and drew 2. As such, where do you get this poor form comment from? The only reason why we have not challenged the top 4 this season is 15 points from the first 15 games, simple as that.
Just wondered, as I was watched City-Spurs last night, how DM had approached the game if he was in Harry's shoes. Do you think we would have attacked like Spurs did? Although they threw players forward, they never got caught out at the back...... and just wondered where we would have finished if he was in charge of our lot... just wondered!!!
From our point of view I'd have preferred City to finish 4th. As has been said above they have the money to attract the top players even if they can't offer CL football immediately. As for Spurs, well, when we last qualified everybody saw it as a great opportunity to kick on although as we all know it ended in bitter disappointment.
However Spurs have a few things going for them that we lacked back then. For a start they are a much better side than the one we entered the qualifying stages with. Secondly they have the money to strengthen if they feel the need. Finally, say what you like about Appy Arry but he is a shrewd operator in the transfer market.
Hope the bastards crash & burn!
One thing that confuses me here is that everyone seems to be suggesting that Spurs are suddenly going to spend lots of money ?
The fact is Spurs HAVE been one of the biggest and most consistent spenders since the inception of the Premier League.
Indeed I think there is only Chelsea, The RS and Man City who have a higher net spend than Spurs.
So all the comments thjat Spurs are suddenly going to have a shed load of cash to spend are slightly off the mark as they have always had that spending ability. I genuinely believe that we have as much chance of finishing above them next season as we have for the previous few seasons.
The fact is Spurs HAVE been one of the biggest and most consistent spenders since the inception of the Premier League.
Indeed I think there is only Chelsea, The RS and Man City who have a higher net spend than Spurs.
So all the comments thjat Spurs are suddenly going to have a shed load of cash to spend are slightly off the mark as they have always had that spending ability. I genuinely believe that we have as much chance of finishing above them next season as we have for the previous few seasons.
Mike can't disagree with your point about Spurs being big spenders in the past The concern however is that they now have both the cash and the possibility of CL football to attract even higher calibre players.
Agreed Brendan but there is only so much they can spend on transfer fees and wages. Lets not forget they could easily not qualify for the real cash cow which is the group stage. In todays economic climate I do not believe they will be spending any more or less than they do any summer. The real quality players will still be out of Spurs reach because they cannot pay the wages. Thats my point regarding them getting CL being better for us than Man City as City could afford to pay ANY fee and ANY wage for ANY player they want. Once they get in the CL they will not drop out of it until the Arabs leave so our best hope is that they keep failing as only Man City can and the Arabs get pissed off and go somewhere else.....
Soooooo hope you're right, Mike!
Mike, dont know about you mate, but I don't think we have played particularly well since the City game. My feeling is that our form has ebbed away, with last week being the poorest performance I have watched for a long time. I honestly wouldn't say we have been in form for a while. The Fulham and Blackburn results may have been satisfying, but they were hardly games where we were anywhere near the top of our game.
I agree with what you say there Dan, it's a fair point although I think we played quite well at Blackburn.
On the other side I thought we played very well against Villa and deserved the 3 points so these things tend to even themselves out.
The thing I disagreed with regarding your comments was the 'poor form' line. However stylish the performance, in my opinion you can't describe our form for any period post the end of November as poor. That's all I was saying.
On the other side I thought we played very well against Villa and deserved the 3 points so these things tend to even themselves out.
The thing I disagreed with regarding your comments was the 'poor form' line. However stylish the performance, in my opinion you can't describe our form for any period post the end of November as poor. That's all I was saying.
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1 Posted 05/05/2010 at 23:58:04
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If their away form stays as poor as it was this season, if the Champions League saps Tottenham's energies next season, if Arsenal remain fallible, if Liverpool continue to implode and if Villa can fall short again like they always do, all we have to do is continue the form we're in now into next season and we stand a fantastic chance of finishing in the top four.
Lots of "ifs", of course, but exciting times... if we can keep the squad together and make a couple of key quality additions this summer.