For Tottenham Views – Ahead Of The Game
By Alan Hill
For Tottenham views and comment, HotspurHQ is ahead of the game. A review of recent articles in Alan’s Summer Diary shows been “on the ball” with his thoughts on Spurs.
Alan’s 2014 Summer Diary No. 19
Tottenham Views: HotspurHQ – Ahead of the Game
Monday 4 August
Peter Crouch with Brad Friedel [Photo: Jav The_DoC_66]I wrote the following on 25 July,
“Sullivan says that West Ham will now try and sign a big target man striker before the start of the season. If I was him, I’d do my best to rip Peter Crouch away from Stoke, despite him having recently committed himself to the Potters.”
On 3 August Neil Fissler reports in the Sunday Express,
"West Ham are making a move for former England strike Peter Crouch to replace injured hitman Andy Carroll."
Victories for Common Sense?
On 21 July I expressed my concern about Mauricio Pochettino signing Jay Rodriguez whilst he is out with such a serious injury;
“He is also rumoured to be about to put in a £20 million bid for Rodriguez to stop Liverpool getting him too. That would clearly be a poor decision. Anyone can see that there is a serious risk that he may not be the same player when he tries to come back from his injury. To sign him now would be an emotional decision based on their previous relationship, not a sound business decision which is what we need. I sincerely hope Rodriguez makes a full recovery and goes on to play for England many times but for Spurs to stake their major transfer outlay on him now would be poor use of our resources. If Pochettino draws a line in the sand over this one it is not a good sign for the future. It is more a sign that he does not possess the judgment that Levy was hoping for after all.”
Thankfully, the Evening Standard reported today (Monday 4 August)
"It is now looking more likely that Spurs will postpone their interest in Southampton and England striker Jay Rodriguez until January. Rodriguez, 25 is still recovering from a serious knee ligament injury and Spurs are expected to make their move once he has made a full recovery."
Target for the New Manager
In April I came up with a list of seven requirements of a new manager, should Sherwood be sacked. It was virtually a job description. At the end of it I wrote that if I was Daniel Levy, I would not demand Champions League qualification as a target in the contract offer, simply because history has shown making it a requirement and then sacking the manager that fails to deliver does us no good at all.
Daniel Levy
The Sun has now said on Saturday, August 2nd
"Trigger happy chairman Daniel Levy will give his new manager time and says Poch will not be axed if he fails to qualify for the Champions League this term."
The article is mainly an interview with Andros Townsend and says, “Andros Townsend has told Tottenham to forget about a top 4 finish. At least until the clocks go back again. The North Londoners usually set their sights on one of the Champions League spots at the start of every season. But winger Townsend reckons they should wait until Easter and then see how they are doing under new boss Mauricio Pochettino. “When we get into April maybe we can look to see where we are and what our aims should be.”
Transfer News
I make no apologies for repeatedly returning to my list as I am pleased to say that Spurs seem to be working down it and gradually ticking off each of the boxes. The only ones that remain are signing a top class striker (the rumours about Samuel Eto’o or Wilfried Bony would sort that); settling on a first class centre back pairing (ditto the rumours about signing Musacchio Musacchio from Villarreal and pairing him and Vertonghen (with Michael Dawson and Vlad Chiriches staying to fight for a place) and retaining our most promising youngsters. Danny Rose is a start, fingers crossed for Nabil Bentaleb, Harry Kane and Lewis Holtby.
More from Tottenham News
- Storybook ending after difficult period for Tottenahm’s Richarlison
- Tottenham comeback showcased invaluable intangible Ange has cultivated
- Tottenham player ratings in 2-1 comeback win over Sheffield United
- Tottenham projected starting 11 for Sheffield United
- Tottenham’s Richarlison says he’s going to seek psychological help
Editor Logan tells me we got a record number of views in July; over 172,000. Must be doing something right! Seriously though, thanks everybody for following us.
Carry on Dribbling
Tuesday August 4th
You couldn’t make it up. On her 40th birthday Corrine Diacre became the first woman to coach a men’s professional football team in France. Her team Clermont played with Brest. The winning goals were a nice pair of Brest’s; the final result being 2-1 in the home team’s favour.