End of Season Blues

Article by e-Spurs Correspondent Gary Smith

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Fair enough, it is not the end of the season and there is still an awful lot to be resolved in terms of Cups, league placings and managerial positions. However, for me this season has been slightly surreal in terms of what Spurs have offered up and I am finding myself thinking along end of season lines and the prospects that next season may bring – as, it seems, is Tim Sherwood the present incumbent in the managers’ position who, if reports are to be believed, has set his sights on a long term vision. Whether he is given the chance to implement his ideas is another matter but all credit to him for coming out with such an impassioned and forthright response to some of our performances this season.

I wasn’t sure that Sherwood was the correct appointment after AVB had to go but I feel I may have judged him a little harshly as he has at least put some flair back into Spurs’ play. Another to whom I probably owe an apology is Adebayor who I have derided for the last two seasons. I am still to be convinced by his passion or value in the long term to Spurs but his return, instigated by Sherwood, has certainly given Spurs some attacking momentum and a threat in front of goal. If only the same could be said of Soldado although I am still hoping that he is just undergoing a settling in process – albeit a rather long one. After all, look how quickly the plaudits have been replaced by jeers for the much vaunted Ozil – perhaps Soldado is about to provoke the same reaction but in reverse!

Spurs still have time to rescue their season but if it were to end tomorrow it would ultimately be classed as one of great disappointment. After AVB garnered a record number of points and Levy provided the go ahead for a lavish spending spree all seemed to point to a season to look forward to. Sadly, the performances of many of the new recruits has failed to impress. AVB seemed to retreat into a tortoise like shell and the team responded likewise, becoming narrower and more conservative in their approach.

Of course, as Spurs fans we are used to having a roller–coaster ride and things never seem to happen without some drama or calamity to report. Sure, we are used to travelling to places where a win seems guaranteed only to come away cap in hand, shaking our heads over how we lost. The odd and unexpected results have still happened of course – the defeat to West Ham stands out – but we can live with that. What is worrying however is the apparent gap that has developed between us and the top four. This season, rather than being able to complain wistfully about a disputed penalty, referee error or just bad luck costing us points in these matches, we have been well and truly thrashed. We have conceded four, five and six goals and while one of these could be discounted as a freak result losing so heavily so all our top four rivals suggests the gulf in class has widened rather than narrowed. Tim Sherwood was right to be embarrassed and courageous enough to vent what the majority of Spurs’ fans are feeling.

As a footnote to this feeling of disappointment it was a little bit of an anti – climax seeing Jermaine applauded around the pitch as he said goodbye to the Spurs’ fans. This of course was forced upon him by injury thus depriving us of the chance to see him one last time in the white of Tottenham. What a great striker though and I still feel Spurs could have got more out of him.

Finishing on an optimistic note: Benefica are next and a rousing display at the Lane could put us in a great position. I would play two up front with Lennon and Erikson (if fit) as definite starters. Use the width and play high tempo football. After which of course come Arsenal. Now a win here would go a long way to erase the memory of some of our drubbings this season as well as keeping us in with a chance of a top four finish. I think a loss and probably even a draw will curtail any of those ambitions. You never know – Ozil and Wilshire are out and Arsenal are faltering. If Spurs can win and City suffer a reaction to their recent poor form we will be right in the mix.

It will be interesting to see the team that Sherwood picks over the next two games and those players who can step up to the mark. These two games could result in our season having a successful and morale boosting climax. Either winning a trophy or qualifying for the Champions League would be a huge fillip for the team and Tim Sherwood and could provide the spark for a concerted effort in the Premier next season.

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