Article by e-Spurs Writer Gary Smith (UK)
With the rumour mill in full swing now that we are into that part of the year when hopes soar and dip and names come and go, it's not really the best of times to be a Tottenham supporter. It has now become a familiar tale of any name from around the globe being bandied about (has he been approached, will he sign, sources suggest...) often more in wild hope and desperate optimism rather than any real grain of truth. The leading Nationals pick up the threads and shamelessly steal and plagiarize each other's exclusive stories, often they do not even have the good grace to alter the text or pretend at originality. Amongst all this fervour lurks the undeniable and very real angst of the Tottenham fan with the nagging dread that of the rumours persisting, the ones linking our top players with other clubs could perhaps turn out to be true. Memories abound of the likes of Berbatov, Carrick, Sheringham, Campbell and most recently, Modric, breaking our hearts. With respect to the aforementioned only Campbell and Modric left an uncomfortably bitter residue in the mouth which will never dissipate.
Yet lets look on the bright side, hence the title of this article. These off-season rumours are not new and are part and parcel of the game. There are those amongst us who will remember several years of going through emotional traumas each summer over whether Glenn would be leaving for pastures anew or not. When eventually he did leave it was with the blessing and love of the WHL faithful because he had shown a commitment and love for the club and had resisted the many lucrative offers from abroad for a substantial period of time. Coupled with his sublime skill a legend was born. In much the same way, Le Tissier endeared himself forever more to the Southampton public.
Now I am not suggesting we will be able to hold on to Bale in a similar fashion but, as yet, we have not heard anything from the man himself which expresses a desire to move at this stage of his career. Indeed, those at the club who know him seem convinced that he has no real desire to leave at present. It is only his agent who has passed remark and even that has almost been as an aside which has been (hopefully) blown out of all proportion by the Spanish press.
Of the players we have been linked with - Villa seems a distinct possibility and I think would be a good acquisition. He would certainly have a presence and his predatory instincts could compensate for a slight loss of pace. I would see him as more of a Sir Les type influence rather than a Darren Bent type. Some of those bemoaning his age are the same people who were clamouring for the return of Berbatov and I really think this is a non-argument. Damaio - well, enough has been written on this subject. It's been around so long that it must have some basis but, then again, look what happened to Mouthino. Soldado sounds like he would be a very exciting prospect and would dovetail quite well with Bale.
Rumours and speculation abound but the one that has brought a smile to my face (and here I must apologise to any Liverpool fans who may stumble across this) is the one concerning Suarez. For, in complete contrast to the reticent Bale, Suarez has apparently been telling all and sundry in his native Uruguay how he is misunderstood, victimised and generally under-appreciated here in England, to the point that he feels he will have to move. Now, considering Liverpool were being tipped as possible top four contenders next year and rivals to Spurs. this is like sweet music to the ears. Sure, Sturridge has come in and surprised a few people but, Liverpool without Suarez, will only be vying for a mid table spot again. This can only be good news for Spurs.
Now Levy, just ensure your own contribution is to provide AVB with the funds to sign who he wants and when he wants in order that the team is well and truly prepared for the first game of the season.
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The key sentence in the article is the last one.
ReplyDeleteDaniel Levy must not let the Club down again where transfers are concerned. Memories of Spurs being the laughing stock of the whole of English football by having four goalkeepers in the squad and only one striker are still very raw.
Transfer targets should be identified already and new players should be in place by the time pre-season training starts.
Similarly excess baggage (Adebayor Big time Charlie Asshole-Ekotto and a few others) should be removed by that time as well.