A Vital Season Ahead And Tottenham Must Take Advantage

The season ahead could be one of the most important for Tottenham in many, many years. As preparations continue for the opening match against Crystal Palace, things look as if they are gradually coming together which could make season 2013-14 one to be remembered and Tottenham must take advantage.

AVB creating his Tottenham team [Photo: Jav _The_DoC_66]Every season is looked upon with optimism but the feel-good factor can be so easily swept away with a few disappointing results or unfortunate injuries. Tottenham finished last year with the disappointment of again missing out on the Champions League but took consolation that in Andre Villas-Boas’ first season they had achieved a record 72 points in the Premier League. Everyone could look and say, “If only….” but that accumulation of points in spite of various set-backs, injury to Younes Kaboul and Sandro, the lack of goals from our strikers in 2013 and the uncertain start last August, is a very positive basis on which AVB can build in his second season at White Hart Lane.

The past two summers, there has been uncertainty at Tottenham – Luka Modric wanting away, the appointment of a new manager last year, the last minute failure to sign players to name but a few. This year, however, has been more settled. There is still the on-going search for a striker to be concluded but in other areas  it been quite calm and settled at Tottenham. Spurs need to take advantage of this situation in the coming twelve months.

Andre Villas-Boas

The top three teams in the League last season are now under new management and Spurs know only too well how that destabilises a club and creates uncertainty. This year Andre Villas-Boas is building his team for next season. He has turned aside reported enquiries for his services from other clubs to remain loyal to the club which gave him a second chance in the Premier League. The status of the clubs with whom he has been linked, shows the high regard with which others view our manager and Tottenham need to remember that. Daniel Levy needs to back AVB in the transfer market to ensure he has the players capable of bringing success to the club because that’s all that will keep the star names and the manager at White Hart Lane in future years.

Gareth Bale

To date, Spurs have retained the services of their star turn. Others have shown interest as we knew they would but Daniel Levy seems determined to ensure Bale spends at least another season at Tottenham. For his part, the player doesn’t appear to be angling for a move away and while he hasn’t signed a new contract, something which Spurs were hoping to negotiate with him, he seems content to stay with Spurs. More reports will appear and offers received in the weeks ahead, of that we can be sure, but hopefully Mr Levy will be able to withstand all approaches.

Transfers

Spurs started this transfer window in a better position than they have been for some time. Last year they signed quality players – Hugo Lloris, Jan Vertonghen and Mousa Dembele who had a major influence on the team. The other new signings in the past year also contributed to the team’s progress – Gylfi Sigurdsson, Clint Dempsey and Lewis Holtby – so with the existing quality of Bale, Aaron Lennon, Michael Dawson and Kyle Walker, the Tottenham squad was in a healthy state. Even our two strikers, when on form, played their part but it was the inconsistency in that area which eventually found Spurs out.

Paulinho – quality signing. [Drawing by @edgey642]This summer’s transfer window has seen disappointments but the two players who have been signed will again add quality to the team and increase competition for places. Paulinho and Nacer Chadli  look to be to exciting signings who have the ability and experience to step up to the demands of the Premier League.

The search for a striker continues and from the names who are mentioned as being of interest to Spurs, it is again quality and experience that is important. The quick acquisition of a striker is essential to ensure that the team is at full strength for that opening match.

As Ben Pearce, the journalist for the Tottenham Journal tweeted after the announcement about Chadli,

Take Advantage Now!

In the past Tottenham have so often tried to make the best of things under difficult circumstances but came up short. This year they need to take advantage of the positive way things are currently working out. Their aim is always to finish in a top-4 position but it won’t be an easy task this year but now is their opportunity to make that step up. Spurs have a strong team with players who can make a difference in matches, they have had a year to become accustomed to AVB’s methods and a season of playing together.

Tottenham might never have a better opportunity than in the coming season so they had better take advantage of it this time. A top four finish with a trophy is not too much to expect from a team of the quality which AVB is building.

COME ON YOU SPURS!