UK time is: 15:33:13
Home Vital Football on Facebook Vital Football on Twitter Vital Football via RSS Feed
Need to Register? Forgotten details?

Choose your club

Other Sites

Network Navigation

Vital Partners

'If It's Football, It's Vital'
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club News


Check out the forum! There are 44 members viewing right now and 673 visitors today.... Click here to join in!

Has Adebayor let Spurs down?

It is hardly a huge shock the Emmanuel Adebayor has decided at the last minute to represent Togo in the African Cup of Nations, but has his timing and supposed indecision let Spurs down?

It is hard to fully argue that Adebayor or any player is wrong in wanting to represent his country, and certainly in the case of Adebayor, it is unlikely that he will get to a World Cup, and Togo are not the most obvious of footballing super powers, so can we really begrudge him wanting to play in South Africa and enjoy his moment, but what I find most annoying is the way he has drawn the whole saga out and for me disrespected both his club and country in his will he, won't he go.

Though he has hardly set the world alight since making his permanent switch to Tottenham, an injury to Jermain Defoe could be a major problem for Spurs and though the club have been diplomatic in stating that they are happy for Adebayor to go and they have options, is that really the case, when Dempsey and Sigurdsson are far happier and more natural playing off of a main striker, as opposed to being one.

There is always the defence that if you buy an African player, you run the risk of losing them to this competition, so if there is an injury crisis at WHL, is that simply down to a lack of planning on the part of Spurs, as realistically, Adebayor staying or going, wasn't nessesarily going to guarantee that a new striker would have arrived, and even if he did it wasn't a given that he would hit the ground running.

Perhaps I have underestimated Adebayor's problems with his participation, however, does leaving it this late indicate a lack of respect and loyalty to his club, something he has been accused of several times in his playing career? There is an increasing feeling that Spurs will look to sell the player, as soon as they can bring in a replacement, though with the ACN and his being cup tied from European competition, is any move more likely to be in the summer as opposed to this month.

Today I read that Juventus are interested and of course QPR and Harry have been linked, but unless there is friction in the Tottenham camp, I would be amazed if Spurs sold or loaned him this month, unless they managed to get in very good replacement(s) and were made a very attractive offer for his services, however, based on form, fitness and perhaps the feeling that he isn't a team player, I can see AVB looking to cash in sooner rather than later, and though I very much doubt that Adebayor is a player who has regrets, I do feel that if this move fails, the blame will lie firmly at Emmanuel's door and I don't think too many fans will be surprised or upset at his departure, just as long as the right player comes in...




Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Monaco



Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.

Writer: OxfordSpur Mail feedback, articles or suggestions

Date:Monday January 7 2013

Time: 7:00PM

Your Comments

Not really his choice to play for. His country
vdvdaman
Good chance we could get a good 2ND striker
vdvdaman
I think his timing sucks. It was the same when he joined us in the summer as has been frequently voiced on here. We were well and truly warned by both his previous clubs of his approach and loyalty to anyone bar himself
Big Ron
The plus side is that Daniel may buy another striker and he still has time before deadline day
Big Ron
If we push the boat out for one signing now, it has to be Damaio.
vicspur
If it forces us to splash the cash on a striker then, no he's done us a big favour! lol Can't fault someone for wanting to play for their country, same with Gio with his constant disappearing off to play for Mexico. Can't blame them but they can't then whinge when we bring in someone in their place and they then don't play.
Spurs Allday
We just need a new striker really. I don't think Adebayor's played badly this season, but only in the same way that Franco di Santo and Emile Heskey don't play badly. Strikers need goals and for one reason or another they've not come thick and fast for Adebayor this season. One thing I always say about Defoe is that he's a good player but not one you want to rely on. He masters getting 10 goals in 10 games but he's also prone to going 5 or 6 games without a goal too.
Bernio Villas-Spuras
Bad form from Ade really, but this season he has been a real let down for us. Maybe a trip to SA will help him to regain some form. On the flip side It's a good thing really in that it should convince DL that we need to buy a striker as a matter of urgency this Jan.
Cleveland ARTSPURS
I think he let spurs down on saturday against coventry. he ambled about for most of the match and was so slow when put through in great positions, he looked like he had concrete boots on. Perhaps a holiday in the sun may perk him up a bit!
dannispur
AVB says he left the decision to Ade. Look Ade could have done a hamstring in trainng and he would have been out for the same amount of time. It's Levy's and AVB's choice to go with only two main strikers so what will be will be. When Ade was injued previously Defoe was ok..ish up front on his own. We'll manage alright, have faith.
Andre's Crouching
I just love how we pile on whenever a player hasn't reached his best form or is perceived to be lacking in "loyalty". Please give the player a break. He's been through a difficult situation of being almost killed by he president of his country calls him and asks him to play. You don't refuse if the Queen asks you to play for England, do you? I just find that we are so quick to put players down without knowing what is affecting them. I think Ade is an excellent footballer and just requires more games to get into a groove.
jvd
Wow somehow "terrorists." got left out of my post... after "killed by"
jvd
Ade has been below par since signing permanently but he had no pre season, a couple of injuries and has played a different role behind Defoe so I think the form problem might be helped by playing three games (at least) in quick succession. With regards to letting us down, we don't know how he feels or what he has talked about with the club, maybe they pushed him to go and play for his country but he was torn between going and staying and therefore waited until the last minute, maybe he is a complete *****er. But one things for sure if your the star man in your national football team and the captain you should be playing for your country no matter what and if the problems have been sorted to his satisfaction then so be it. Lets hope he finds some form and comes back playing the same as last year to get us over the line and back to the champions league!
Jantheman
Have the - we are only singing when we are winning - group of supporters, with a thier lack of support recently for Adebayor left him thinking "what do I owe that lot" Might this be a influence in his choice.
camper
Had enough of Ade.
Tottenham Hotcore
Together everything re. Adebayor's dealings with Spurs this season has "let us down". Firstly he was late coming whilst trying to wring the last few quid out of Man City, then he got "injured", then he finally appeared on the pitch with a demenour and attitude that makes Berbatov appear dedicated. He has been about as much use to us this season, as "tits on a boar pig". We should now buy a "proper striker", not a "stand in", and when he returns he can fight it out with Defoe, for the stand in, or second striker role. We need a striker with a proven goal scoring record, both on the deck and in the air, somebody ambitious, and keen to succeed. Unfortunately selling him would be very difficult, due to his salary arrangements, and the heavy subsidy from Man Ciy, which they probably wouldn't continue with a subsequent owner, exposing them to his £175K/Wk salary, who would pay that.
Frank
He couldn't even bother to keep fit during the summer, what do WE owe him?
Tottenham Hotcore
In his defence, this late decision may be more to do with awaiting re-assurances from the Togo FA re security. Unless anyone else has been through what this guy has (almost shot), it is unfair to start pointing fingers. ANYONE would be proud to represent their country, he is no different.

If DL and AVB thought that Ade was NOT going to the ANC, that notion would imo be very naive. In fact I am convinced they were over 90% certain that he was going to go. In which case, the club knows exactly the situation it puts us in re the striker options. Despite all the charade of AVB stating that we don't need to buy in this windows imo is purely a smoke screen (noting also that we have already signed two players!!). I am convinced a striker will be recruited as a matter of urgency, not only because of the missing ineffective Ade!

I have also suggested before that going to ANC may actually do Ade a world of good. Get away from the Spurs camp and make it happen at the ANC. If he is a success at the ANC, it's a win/win situation for us. He may come back to us raring to go or he can be sold for a higher price. Conversely of course, he may fail at the ANC and we'd be no better off!

Regardless, imo, we will see a new striker keeping Defoe on his toes. Defoe has been pants of late and I wouldn't want to see this situation go to his head thinking he is guaranteed a start. COYS!
Critical_Spur
Has he actually gone, as there is nothing official and there are reports stating the the Togolese President asked to see him. If that is the case, he may return and not play.
Based on his current form, i'm sure many wouldn't care less if he did go. I hope he does not as a couple of goals would i believe change his attitude and our perception of it.
He is in short supply of confidence and he could go and get a bagful of goals which would help but would leave us short up front unless Levy has a striker up his sleeve.
miamispur
We simply cannot afford to take a chance on Defoe getting injured, or suspended, or kid ourselves we can rely on a partnership between him and Dempsey to see us through. It is vital we continue our good form until the end of the season to qualify for the CL. Time to spend a few quid on a quality striker.
Frank
We are desperately short up front. Ade looks like he can't be bothered and unfortunately Defoe's only ability is to stick the ball in the net. When he hits a patch and fails to score, we get nothing. Mr Levy, you know this, get that forward that makes a difference. Back the manager. COYS!
RAF Yid
Looking at the fixture list he'll be off during a period where, barring United at the Lane, we have a lot of "winnable" fixtures. The problem is it'll be easy to think we can get through these games without him but any points dropped due to that kind of complacency would be a disaster. We'd be far better off getting a goal scorer in to make certain of the points rather than take a chance & risk blowing CL by dropping points against the lesser lights.
Spurs Allday
99% agree with Critical Spur, saves me the time to type it all, except for the last paragraph. No new striker to be signed, Dempsey & Siggy will get more game time instead.
thenuge
Going to the ACN cannot be seen as being disloyal to Spurs. Comes with the territory. Where I am annoyed with Adebayor comes from not being available for selection for our first game this season. That showed to me that all that mattered to the player was extra money. He was going to get good money regardless. The only good thing about that situation is that if another team comes in for him, the wages for the next 4 years are affordable for most teams in Europa and CL. I expect players to show a certain professionalism when it comes to their employer, and I believe as this has been lacking. Can't blame the player. When he was not available for Newcastle, I'd have looked elsewhere.

Defoe is what he is, a .0 per 90 minute goal machine who scores in bunches. Don't believe me, do the math. Oddly, in all competitions 28 appearances, 14 goals, 9 from 4 and 5 from the other 24. His goals per 90 minutes this year in all competitions, a whopping .59. He is consistent, I'll give him that much.

The one area where we dominate is getting corners and crosses in to the box. Lennon and Bale have been superlative in that regard this season, yet there's no one there to put them home. We need a striker who can do that. That never has been Defoe and never will be Defoe. Get that player in and we will be scary good with a goal differential that looks more like CL. COYS
peterballb
Hi guys, hope you don't mind me joining in the debate about one of our former superstars. The last time he went over there his team bus were ambushed and he had an extra stop-over while he 'recuperated' from Post Traumatic Stress. I have to say I wasn't 100% convinced. He comes over as a little too wrapped up in himself to be getting worked up over somebody else getting killed - but I might be being harsh. He didn't seem in a rush to come back to England for counselling or treatment either. Has he been injured ? I've just been on fantasy.premierleague.com and it looks like it's only the last 3-4 games when he's played the full 90 minutes or thereabouts. Anyway, as a City fan I'm glad to see the back of him and look on the bright side, you only paid £11.5 million for him (including the £5 million loan fee from the previous season). He cost us £26 million !! Not to mention the reported £170K per week wages.
CITYBOY1000
Selfish? Maybe not when he has reservations about his teams security - others might have suffered some sort of a breakdown after what he experienced. Let's be clear - he was in the middle of a massacre and survived purely through chance - and lax security was the reason. He's the only voice in his team that the authorities take notice of - and the evidence suggests they can't organise a *****-up in a brewery. I got *****ed off with Ade faffing about in the summer, but it's not simply a money issue on this occassion. He hasn't been at his best, but he can be consistant and is a massive member of our squad. If he hadn't been unlucky in the Gooners match (when he looked amazing) it could have been a different story for him this season so far. As someone said - we might get another striker out of it. Why do we have to take up such polemic situations whenever a player goes off the boil? He looks lazy even when he's working his bollox off - but he's 10X the player Pav was at Spurs and will have a big part to play for us after the ACN. COYS! We don't have to constantly single players out and dismiss them, do we?
DocHotspurs
He hasn't let us down as he has every right to play for his country. If we don't sign a striker this January we may fall short of 4th place. It's the wrong idea relying on Defoe to get us the goals because it just won't happen. Please Mr Levy... now is the perfect time to bring in damaio.
01tottenham
At every club in England where he has been, whether Arsenal, Man City, or Tottenham, it appears that the person top of his agenda is himself. Somebody mentioned loyalty, this is a quality almost non-existent in the modern footballer, with very few exceptions (one club players like Terry, Gerrard, and King) it is missing.
Frank
Whether he goes or not, it changes nothing. We are and have been all season, desperately short of options to spearhead our attack. Personally I wouldn't lose a minutes sleep if he never pulled the shirt on again, never wanted him here and constantly warned against signing the bloke too. Forget about us selling him too, he's not going to leave on anyones terms but his own and nobody will offer him anything like the deal that the 'shrewd' Levy has given him. We're well and truly lumbered with one of the most overrated players of his generation. Get a proper world class striker Mr Levy and let Ade fight it out for that second spot, everyone will then see him for exactly what he is, a petulant and spoilt child who hasn't got the stomach for a fight.
thfc1882whl
Whatever his reasons for leaving the decision this late he may have done us a favour. He hasn't been the same player we had on loan last season and I don't think he will be as his motivation seems to have evaporated. Maybe a spell playing for Togo will re-energise him and we'll see the 'old' Adebayor return after the tournament. Whatever happens we can't now risk not buying a top quality striker this month. If we do it may well make Adebayor's return to us irrelevant as his starting opportunities will be very limited.
SpuriousLife
VICSPUR has nailed it in one sentence.
spu 4 life
JVD has nailed it in one sentence, any chance of picking up jenas and giving him a lift?
spu 4 life
SPU 4 LIFE has nailed it two sentences
spu 4 life
@cityboy1000: Thanks for popping over and having a pop at one of your ‘learnt an expensive lesson’ rejects. I think it is fait to say that we were fully aware of his attitude problems as well his inevitable financial demands, having spent the luxurious time at the Etihad!. I think everyone recognises on his day he is a very good player as demonstrated at the Emirates and the Etihad, though it’s the baggage he carries with him that makes it so frustrating to have him in your side. As for the £26 million and the £170K pw wages, well, get your house in order before reminding us of the figures!. Would be interesting to see what you recover from the likes of Lescott and Balotelli.....!!

@thenuge: Have faith mate. I am confident about DL supporting AVB in this window and feel it in my water that a striker is on his way!. One could understand Danny not supporting ‘arry due to the already bulging squad and the growing discontent amongst the high profile (international) ‘fringe’ players as well as his infatuation with the ‘past-it’ brigade. Everything so far points to a fantastic rebuilding of the team for the future. Watch this space mate!. COYS!
Critical_Spur
BREAKING NEWS; On the striker front, x-Manchster United apprentice currently playing for Blue Square North league leaders Chester FC and brother of Nicky Butt, former boyfriend of Vicky Pollard, he has scored 32 goals in 24 games is subject to a medical and 1.5m at 23yrs old Yeah Butt could be the answer.
spu 4 life
Ade was right to apply pressure to the Togo FA re. security arrangements... as always, politicians everywhere will only do the right thing when pressure is applied, otherwise they'd rather do things on the cheap if at all.... if fans think that the issue was over a 1000 dollars a match payments than they really are silly beyond measure. it was always a security issue that Togo authorities said would take seriously then didnt... until the final hour when Ade gave them a lose-lose scenario... well done Emmanuel Adebayor.
Viyyash-Ramosh
BUY LEANDRO and SELL ADEBAYOR IN THE SUMMER
spu 4 life
He hasn`t let anyone down by playing for his country .
But he goes to the ACN with nobodies blessing or good luck .
Adebayor is a good footballer with a poor attitude ,surprised Levy didn`t see right through him ,normally sharper than that .I myself though great loan signing but permanent no chance .Only game he`s been up for this season was against Arsenal ,only because he made it personal .Adebayor V Arsenal that day ,not Spurs .Not just lettting the club & fans down ,but what about his own team mates ? I bet not many sad to see go.
Glad he`s gone & hope he doesn`t come back .T0$$er
big cockeral
I dont think we need to panic here. I am sure the club hierarchy knew what's going on with Ade. In current form Dempsey is better than Ade and thats the fact. Even if we dont buy a striker, Ade would be gone only for 4 games as Togo are not good enough to get through to knock outs. 4 games with Defoe, Dempsey, Gyfi and possibly Holtby is doable.
sydqcb5
Still makes no sense to me why the ANC is played in January. It keeps putting these players in a position where they have to make a choice and that isn't fair. No player should have to pick their club over country. Personally, I hope Adebayor goes and sets the tournament alight so he comes back with a lot of confidence. We need competition in all positions and he brings us that regardless of whether we sign another player in the next few weeks. My only downer on Adebayor is why at his age can't he find consistency. He is sometimes superb and then other times you can visibly see he is not putting in the effort. I could understand if his touch and passing went astray but effort and communication are the 2 easiest things about football. Anyway, I seriously hope we sign Damaio so we keep strengthening.
muttley
The one good thing Adebayor has done is highlight the fine achievements & attitude of our other new signings .
Vertonghen ,Dembele ,Lloris & the much improved Dempsey have really lit up our season ,along with the brilliant Bale & Sandro .
Adebayor is the only rotten apple so big up the rest of them .Putting that lilly white shirt on ,giving 100% & making us proud .That`s what we want to see ,respect is a 2 way thing .Adebayor wants his cake & eat it
big cockeral
When Ade signed, I EXPECTED him to go to the cup of nations.... I am not surprised. When Ade signed, I also EXPECTED him to have an inferior season compared to last. I just did not trust the guy. Maybe there is more to it than that...I don't know.... The only surprise I got was how WELL he played last season... But you ALWAYS have to be careful with successful loan moves made permanent... Remember Mido? I cannot think of one that worked out well... To think how many people wanted to break our wage structure for this guy! He is here now, so let's hope that the trip sparks some life into him. The long and short of it is that we need to buy a third striker one way or another - as cover, as competition, and successor...
TonyRich
As said many times leandro damnio will be coming!have faith.avb will not slip up on this one!falcoa to porto when we had been linked a year before.trust.our day.
Little spur
It's great news , now we can really push on,he has been shocking all season ,now go and get a decent forward .!!!!!
darrel999
"Players shouldn't have to choose between club an country", will Togo pay him £175K/Wk to play, or will we and Man City be expected to pay him for the four weeks off during his contracted period, I have always wondered this about the ACN falling in the middle of the season.
Frank
Mybe frank thats what its been about as he would not want to lose wages im sure!
Little spur
We need a striker now! Damiao/Remy/Michu/Negredo/Huntelaar/Soldado/Lewandowski/Dzeko Idc which 1 just get 1 in...im desperate, if defoe gets injured we'll have dempsey and siggy up front, eurgh i feel ill at that thought!
SpursSnM
Frank - the ACN falls in the middle of the season of most European leagues, but not all world leagues....
TonyRich
i really don't understand why ade gets so much stick on here. he was always likely to go to the ACN, just because he has tried to ensure better security and that the team gets paid for ALL the togo team by publicly playing hardball doesn't mean to say that he hasn't made it clear to the club that he intends to go if he can. as for this so called bad attitude, he has had to play second fiddle to defoe and he doesn't like it, while we would get more out of him if he was the main striker alongside dempsey. he has more to his game so he ends up having to accommodate defoe because he can. his attitude in this situation is way way better than defoe's would be if he was dropped. the only striker to storm down the tunnel in a petulant fit was defoe when he was subbed a few games back.
Guernman
I'm delighted if he's announced he'll play for Togo since it will force DL to bring in someone else. And the gods know we need to bring in someone else at striker. As to Adebayor, he surely has talent. Can AVB find a way to bring him back to using it? Perhaps that's asking too much of AVB. But Adebayor certainly has a history of wasting his talent far too often. I'd be happy to bring in Drogba for half a season.
Total knobhead
SpursSnM - out of that list, Negredo is tops. He is 27 (upper age limit), overlooked by Spain AND the bigger Spain clubs, needs to prove himself, Sevilla not doing well in league any more. Change of scenery could interest him...
TonyRich
It's blatantly obvious.. WE NEED A STRIKER!! We are crying out for a striker! We should buy Damiao and we'll be sorted! If defoe gets injured or one of his dry spells then we dont have to just rely on Ade cos lets face it he is hardly reliable!!
TornadoYid
I'd seriously worry if we decided to simply stick with what we have. No injuries, fine we'd cope but if one is out from Sig, Dempsey or Defoe we'd be screwed. What if say Dempsey got injured & we were left with Sig & Defoe? That's not bad you might say but what if after 60mins it's not working? What are the central attacking options on the bench? Coulibaly & Ceballos? Though talented they're completely untested at any kind of professional level, never mind top 3, FA cup & Europa League. We need at least 1 new attacking option this window at a very bare minimum.
Spurs Allday
"Where I am annoyed with Adebayor comes from not being available for selection for our first game this season. That showed to me that all that mattered to the player was extra money. He was going to get good money regardless."

I don't know about this. Adebayor, so far as I understood things, wanted to make sure he got the money to which he was already contractually obligated. My problem with the lad is that he hasn't seemed to have his head into playing since he started playing. Now that's hard to accept.

I suspect matters aren't simple inside this man. It's not simply a matter of laziness. He's a complicated character, and not always switched on, which he damned well ought to be.

Total knobhead
Hate to sound even more grim but factor in the way Dempsey & Sig are also used as 1st cover in our wide attacking positions & our final third is starting to look thread bare. I hope AVB's comments about Willian & Damiao are a little hint to what we have in store because if we have just a little bad luck with injuries we'll need them.
Spurs Allday
BIG TIME. Get shot.
tophobunty
We are about to put in a bid of £15m for Leandro Damiao http://www.spurs.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7514257
chrishove123
What are you on about, chrishove123? That's this thread. lol.
Total knobhead
Facts is facts. Defoe, if he scores as he has for his entire career, and plays every minute for the balance of the season, he will get 10 more goals. Now before everyone bangs on about how great that number is, please keep in mind that we will need at least 34-40 more goals this season to see us through, assuming we continue to tighten up defensively. Also keep in mind that Defoe will likely get 6 or 7 of those goals in three of those games. So who exactly is scoring all of these other goals we need? Adebayor looks completely isolated when alongside Defoe. Dempsey and Defoe have shown me nothing of chemistry. Bale, Lennon and Dempsey are not likely to fire in 20 goals between them, which is the amount our scorers must add to Defoe's totals to make up the difference (assuming the non-scorers etc continue to contribute here and there). WE NEED A STRIKER. It has to be someone who can get on the end of the crosses, who is a threat on set pieces and who can play off of another strike partner. I swear we have all said this before. COYS
peterballb
i am quite happy to blow my own trumpet and say that i mentioned that ade going to the ACON will be a problem,so well done me.your welcome.....seriously,i am a bit angry that levy or AVB didn't have the foresight to see this situation occurring 5 or 6 months ago.2 out-and-out strikers is not enough for any club,especially for a club with "ambition",and if one of those strikers is from an African nation then it's pure idiocy not to buy another striker during the summer window as every/most African players like to play for their country.so what happens now?i really hope levy put his hands in Mr lewis's pockets and buys a proven goal scorer that should really have been bought in the summer.........question:is BAE also going to the ACON?(just a thought).
g. roberts testes
Total knobhead Woops wrong tab LOL here's the right link.  LOL ................ http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1473514-tottenham-hotspur-transfer-news-spurs-close-to-deal-for-leandro-damiao
chrishove123
peterballb You're spot on but I'd go further & say that just bringing in a striker will not get us those goals. We need more from other areas. Of all of our attacking positions(if we add a striker) It'd have to be Lennon replaced by a RW who chips in with goals. Lennon for all his merits only gets 6 a season & just doesn't have a goalscorers instinct. The odd nice finish doesn't mask the fact that he isn't a player that you can rely on to get his fair share of goals.
Spurs Allday
Peterballb, re goals. I wouldn't mind a wager at the bookies for Bale to be our top scorer this season!
Critical_Spur
I wouldn't pay any mind to a Damiao article until it's all over the press that we've agreed a fee with his club & are in advanced talks with him, including pictures of him at the training ground. All this "Spurs are considering a move" "Spurs will offer" "Spurs prepare bid" is all speculation
Spurs Allday
He was always more likely to play than not play in the tournament. He is captain of Togo. His sense of theatre with his will he/won't he, is par for the course and in football with all its egotists is hardly confined to him. His decision will not really have surprised too many people at Tottenham and spokesmen have been sympathetic and supportive. His going to an Africa tournament is no more outrageous than lots of footballers getting involved in European international friendlies and competitive matches. Quite a few clubs are affected. If clubs don't like it, well then sign players from continents other than Africa, Asia, Europe or the Americas.
Airwave
Leandro Damião has been in a slump for the past year. Damiao scored 24 goals in 43 appearances for Internacional in 2012, compared with 40 in 51 matches in 2011. Maybe we can get a discounted price. He was a bit dinged up physically in the past year. Was healthier the year before.
Total knobhead
g.robertstestes  We've done well enough already without Benny so a few more weeks won't matter. I still say we should cash in in him as I really don't think he is good enough for us to go up to the next level. Too many times he has lost concentration or can't think his way out of trouble and seems to panic a bit and consequently has cost us  points.
chrishove123
Spurs Allday, I agree hat we need more contribution from all around which is why I believe Scheijder/Kaka on loan would be brilliant. That said, how many goals are we missing out on because o all the crosses. Really, with the supply, Defoe should be on 15-17 goals, if not more. He is nowhere near the crosses. I'd blame Bale and Lennon but most of them are in the same area and seem awfully tantalyzing on TV and live. According to ESPN he has taken 80 shots and virtually none of those are from crosses. A few from cutbacks, I'll grant, but he inevitably runs in behind a 6'3" defender to attack a cross. Probability of success -0. We need better and it has to be someone that can link up. Not blaming him. He has always been that sort of striker. COYS
peterballb
g.robertstestes I'l try this again. We have done well enough without Benny so far so a few more weeks without him won't hurt. I still say we should cash in on him ASAP as I really don't think he is good enough for us to be able to push onwards and upwards. he loses concentration to many times and seems to be unable to think his way out of trouble and sort of panics a bit not quite knowing what to do consequently losing us points.
chrishove123
Total knobhead Maybe with AVB's magical medical team we can sort him out.
chrishove123
I think we will get a striker regardless. If we don't I would question who is actually running the show.
hudderspur
@chrishove123:very true,but is it pure coincidence that he's fit just as this tournament begins?maybe it's just a matter of timing....mmmm?
g. roberts testes
Chrishove123, Benny is one my favourite players. He and Bale together were unplayable. Also, he is more dangerous on the wing than Walker on the other side. I think you are being a bit harsh about his lapses. Certainly far less than Walker!. We all agree that almost every player has lapses (Caulker of late) and SOME TIMES those mistakes lead to conceding a goal. But Benny for me is very experienced and settled at the Lane. I still chuckle when he bamboozles the opponent to escape out of our defence!

Despite saying all of the above, I wouldn’t be toooo disappointed if we cashed in on him. Long term and youth development perhaps suggests he will be sold. But what about Parker, Friedel and Gallas (even Defoe at 30 yrs old).

Knowing Levy, he will probably give him another 2-year contract in order to increase his worth.
Critical_Spur
P.S. And all this talk about youth... Well it is not a case of flicking over a switch and we are youthful!. A phase in, phase out. So Benny for now stays! :0)
Critical_Spur
Critical_Spur My main problem with benny is that he isn't the sort of player to lay himself on the line for the team the way someone like, and I hate to say this, terry would as he admits he plays for the money and not the passion of playing for Spurs or football in general. Yeah I admit he can be pretty good but I think we need players with a passion and love for the game and the team not one who has a passion for the cash and not football. He is a great guy and I do admire him hugely as a person but we have to think of the team and not the individual as they are not greater or bigger than the team. Maybe that goes for Ade to a certain extent as well. ???
chrishove123
Critical_Spur At my age I wish it were as simple as flicking a switch and we are youthful. LOL
chrishove123
Has he let us down?...no, he played for a contract last year, we new his history and still gave him one (but he should now be a saleable asset). Has he played well this year - in patches but he's playing deeper and not enjoying it by the looks of him. Should he play for his country- why not? should we have a plan in place to cope with it, absolutey, do we? no, 'cause even if we sign someone they won't be in and settled in time so all in all Ade has done us a favour and shown us 'the just in time' transfer policy is a massive gamble....
shedboy2
There's a report that we've bid "€18m" for Damiao. Can anyone explain why an English club would bid in Euros for a player in South America?
Spurs Allday
Spurs Allday All the reports I've read say £15 million. I suppose that is roughly 18 million of that funny money. LOL
chrishove123
Spurs AlldayBut by the same token why would we bid in pounds for a south American player?
chrishove123
If we are after Leandro, I wouldn't be surprised the news breaks BEFORE we wake up one morning. How many hours are they behind us?...just a thought!
Critical_Spur
Critical, Sao Paulo is 2 hours behind London
chrishove123
lifted this from an ITK who works in the financial markets...USD, Spurs are watching LHS CABLE (GBPUSD). This via guesswork would be to a south American club as this is what they quote in. As USD is favourable to convert back from their native currency. It also hides their true value and you can wind up a few extra costs via quoting in your non base (native) ccy. From what i can see we’re looking at a largish upfront with using FX to an advantge for longer payments (thing X upfront, Y over Z years). Why this tickled my pickle is that spurs are clever/educated in FX options. These options have something called “time value”. Simply the further away you can book something the better price (not 100% correct, but a point in this argument). We are looking to utalise Time Value to better the market for USD’s. Thus a summer deal would be a “guess” for whatever these dollars are for. But the upfrontpayment was a spot deal (aka now). 1+1=5 would lead me to think we could secure now and pay later. When we get the player no idea. So all of this is me deducing – but again i would think there are legs/questions/working to our potential striker
shedboy2
shedboy2 Why this tickled my pickle is that spurs are clever/educated in FX options. I presume that would be down to a certain Mr. Levy then?
chrishove123
Chrishove123 Yeah I've seen both reports. Whilst the figure is about the same it still makes no sense why reports in Brazil would be going with GBP or Euros, surely USD would be what they'd use? Unless they're just following the figures in our tabloids which means that there's nothing really going just yet
Spurs Allday
I wouldn't think DL misses a trick when it comes to money...
shedboy2
Spurs allday DL figured out brazilians don't understand euros so its the best chance of getting Damiao on the cheap.

With Ade I'd say last season brilliant, this one he hasn't got started. Could be a good thing, in fact a very good thing if we are forced to by a quality replacement. In his defence contract, injury and new management all effect form. And with Africa you don't know what he has been saying to AVB, hopefully it's 'I really want to go, need to sort stuff out first', that way he's been honest with the club but silent to us, no problem there.
T.H.F.Chris
Just checked it & there's a half a million dollar difference between 18 mil Euros & 15 mil GBP so I'd imagine they'd prefer the 15 million quid lol
Spurs Allday
...he just doesn't like to spend it!
shedboy2
Work tomorrow so night all and stay safe.
chrishove123
Just found an article with the correct currency but it's got it's info from the Daily Mail so we can scrap that
Spurs Allday
I would expect a Brazilian newspaper to report a monetary amount in Brazian reais, not dollars, not pounds sterling, not Euros. The Bank of Brazil homepage lists daily the conversion rate of the real to the dollar and to the Euro, but not to the pound sterling, for what it's worth. But newspaper articles on purchase terms for Brazilian football player's contracts are almost always in reais.
Total knobhead
I think they judt convert the amounts. If the source is in the UK, the figure would be in GBP. It was, IMO, the source of all of the Modric confusion and the disappintment when we didn't get over 40M. I think Levy wanted 49M Euros and got his valuation. Yet the papers ran with a valuation of 40M. Remember how mad people were at the derisory 26M offer. Well, if the valuation was about 32M GBP and they started at 26M, it's hardly derisory. Report that we want 40M and they only offered 26 and you have a story.

In the summer, the mooted Leandro price was 20M. Yesterday, I read Gomes plus 15M, which sounds about right. Until this window, Leandro, his agent and Internacionale had not indicated they were willing to do business. This is the first window where there is the possibility. As with Sandro, all the pre-press, was just that, press. Now the game is afoot and like with Sandro I expect to see him in a Spurs kit, sooner, rather than later. Summer will be possible, but I believe the time is nigh. COYS
peterballb
At the moment 1 Brazil real = 0.300396235 British pounds.
Total knobhead
TK Is that symbolized as "R$"? That's what was in this latest article but it had got it's report from the Mail
Spurs Allday
1 Brazilian Real equals 0.49 US Dollar

1 Brazilian Real equals 0.37 Euro

Total knobhead
Yes, the real is R$.
Total knobhead
1R$ = 0.49$
Total knobhead
Or, should I say:

R$1.00 = $1.00

Total knobhead
*****, I'm getting tired:

R$1.00 = $0.49

Total knobhead
Anyway, Damião's productivity was way down in 2012 compared to 2011, but that was from a combination of defences marking him much tighter and his having been banged up quite a bit. He's still a top talent and highly rated in Brasil. As they say, class vs. form, and he's all class, but his form has been down a bit in the past 12 months.
Total knobhead
I hear he has a release clause of R$60m at first it was reported over here as 60m in GBP which would have blown us out of the water but as it's only around the 18-20m mark IMO he's a bargain, especially considering our lack of options.
Spurs Allday
EUR figure may have just been copied and pasted by a lazy hack, but I would guess that south american clubs don't hold huge sterling accounts but they do a lot of business with European clubs so probably hold a lot of euros and USD. I think that both currencies are traded a lot more heavily abroad than sterling.
edmontonspurs
Total K - Class vs form vs adjusting to English football, climate, language, culture... He may never fit in here. Sandro took a while. Why does everyone assume that Leandro will come in a hit the ground running? 15-20m is a lot for someone to take their time in settling in. This is why EPL based players come at a premium. I am not discounting the chance that he will do a Pa***** Cisse... Of course that is possible.... But Brazilian strikers have not had a good track record in England. Not worth the gamble in my opinion. But then again, I have hardly seen the guy... I assume that AVB and Levy have and know what they are going for....
TonyRich
Brazilian players don't like it when it gets cold, and it gets pretty cold here, so a January transfer for this young lad may not be such a great idea!
edmontonspurs
Shedboy- read that yesterday on that other site. Acknowledge your source don't plagiarise.
van der haart lane
I like the sound of Damiao/Gomes rumour. Makes sense and could be why Gomes hadn't been shifted yet, considering he wanted out almost two seasons ago. Kill two birds with one stone and may be after our various disposals, money to splash out on Mout?!
Critical_Spur
English leagure and the weather should NOT really be a MAJOR issue. Pay me £100K I and will do a naked 20 min run-about on the North Pole!.....errmm....make it 150K!

Surely though, if PL is thought of that highly all over the world and every man and his dog wants to play here and earn stupid money, I think a 23 year will be thinking £££ and **** the temperature. AND his mate Sandro can show him how to keep warm!!!.
Critical_Spur
Maybe this is the triggering evernt for that striker we all have been waiting for seasons and seasons. Even Levy wouldn´t be crazy to go for the next month with only a recognized striker.
AlexSpur
Quite a few Brazilian players have thrived playing in Russia, for God's sake. And in the deep south of Brazil, where Damião plays, it often goes down to zero degrees Celcius in the winter. Not all of Brasil is tropical like where I live while I'm here. The winter in Rio Grande de Sol isn't so different from London. Even gets an inch or two of snow on occassion.
Total knobhead
We need a striker. I will reserve judgement on Ade. He was almost world class last season, so that still sticks in my mind. We cannot go with only Defoe as our only out and out striker. Get one on loan, or spend some real money. I have been saying for a while now, quality strikers are hard to come by. Dimiao seems to fit the bill, but will he play for us and is he worth 20m?
asherthesmasher
Hopefully Ade goes, comes back confident and hungry to play, can't see us not buying now, maybe the possibility of buying 2 strikers? just a thought though it does sound funny given our lack of spending in that department but if we seriously want to compete with the manc clubs then we need 4 strikers realistically, doesnt help when we have 2 of the biggest whingers when not playing in defoe and ade, although i despise him i admire how fergie keeps 4 strikers happy and hungry all season long, we need that, competition in ALL areas of the pitch, defoe and ade just aren't enough to sustain 3rd let alone break the top 2, i would be happy with signing daimiao as it would show us fans some intent in the market finally, imo we need 2 more strikers, negredo would be a great addition, he's built for EPL and would get on a lot of bale and lennons crosses
KingofN17
KingofN17, Fergie can manage it because he generally has strikers who can play other positions. Rooney is all over the pitch. RVP used to be a LW. Welbeck is a winger. So, if he is chasing a game, Fergie can play strikers in other positions without compromising the shape of the team. City can do this as well. Abundance of riches. It's why we should be in for Willian and Dzagoev. They both are wingers that can play striker. Kroos. Arnautovic. There are many more. COYS
peterballb
I find it extremely bad taste that some on this side blame ADE for choosing to play for his country. Yes his form have suddenly not been the best this season, - however he missed pre-season and got subsequent injuries. Least anybody have forgotten, he was our top scorer last season: Get of his back! - He'll come good ! As far as getting a new striker in January window, - I think it's gonna be tough, - we do not just want anybody and the ones we ALL wish for, - every other club wants too ! No, promote Obika and Coulibaly, - in case of injuries to Defoe, Ade, Demsey and save the ammunition for the Summer transfer window !
AllanDK
peterballb agree with you on that, looking at citeh though i don't really see as much versatilty up front as utd, though both sets of forwards are extremely talented, liked the look of dzagoev at the euro's, willian has looked class and tore chelsea apart when he played against them, we need a truly world class goalscorer or at least buy someone with the potential to develop into a great forward, someone who is already proven but has potential to be better with better players around him, maybe daimiao is the answer but i do agree with what you said about wingers playing as strikers, giving the team an extra edge on formations does definetely help
KingofN17
@AllanDK don't think Obika and Coulibaly could step up just yet, Coulibaly definetely interests me and Obika seems to impress on loan when he goes but don't really see them keeping us top 3 even as back up, they are for the future imo and a bright one at that, i feel we shouldn't save our ammo for the summer window as maybe like last season we don't end up CL and then we'll be wishing we did splash out on a striker and get the reward of CL money to basically cover the fee, its a win win given the position we are in right now, we made that mistake last season and i would be extremely *****ed off if we do the same again. in DL and AVB i trust! COYS night
KingofN17
AllanDK, you are right, no one can begrudge him playing for his country any more than we can begrudge Sandro playing for Brazil. However, I must disagree with the rest. Ade was not in camp because he preferred his own greed over the interests of the team. He was top class last year and I believe he has more to offer. I think he will not succeed playing beside Defoe. He needs someone to play off him. His injuries stem from him not being in shape. In my books, there is no excuse for a professional athlete being out of shape - much less one being paid 175k per week. I do agree though that he'll come good. Obika has been deemed not good enough by AVB and every report I have read on Coulibaly states that he is nowhere near ready for the big show. Get Leandro or Doumbia in now. Whether it takes three months to bed in now or in August, I know which I would prefer (same goes for Holtby - now better than later). AVB has shown himself with Parker/BAE/Dembele/Ade/Sigurdsson/Dempsey to be willing to ease guys in as is appropriate. Leandro and or Doumbia now along with either Schneijder or Kaka on loan and we'll get top 4 and may even find that Dempsey is right, City are catchable. COYS
peterballb
we definitely need a striker now.Ade going to AFCON can be a blessing in disguise,Levy may be willing to buy a striker and Ade may return to form Now's better than later...
SilwalYid
so far this season..sort of....going to the cups...no....should be expected
rovinella62spurs
Well if Obika isn't ready to be a 4th choice squad player then get rid. He is after all about the same age as Bale, Walker, Sandro and older than Caulker. My sense is that he needs a move to kickstart is career as being at Spurs without even a squad number can't be doing him any good. AVB should also assess Simon Dawkins whilst he's back from MLS duties with San Jose. Another one we should probably get shot of.
muttley
@Peterbalb. I would love to get someone like Leando in now, however I very much doubt that it will be possible to get him in the January or for that matter any other Top striker, - remember he clubs whom own these strikers either need themselves as they are competing on top level, - or/and they will press the lemon and make a deal impossible! We can hope, but I feel that we have to do with, what we have and promote from within the club, - unfortunately this is the reality of the January windows ! COYS indeed !
AllanDK
Players are heading for Africa from clubs all over Europe, why are we special ? Its not as if Ade was setting the league on fire. Play Dempsey of Defoe and see how it goes, both seem to be scoring goals.
jod
I'd rather have Ade than Defoe every week if I'm honest and I'm not the greatest fan of Ade!! I understand that Ade could be away for up to 6 weeks, but what has Defoe done in the last 6 weeks???? We need to look at the positive, if Ade decided NOT to go we wouldn't buy another striker, now it will be suicidal to NOT buy another striker. He's done something for the club in my opinion, he's given Levy no option. Well done Ade!!!
yiddyboy
I agree with those who think it has done us a favour. We HAVE to buy a striker now. Damaio would be great but I think may be too complicated for Levy. I just have a feeling we may see a Premier League striker here before the end of the month - maybe a Bent or Holt?
Sebthespur
Bent or Holt, no way do they fit in AVB's plans. Loan deal until the summer at best! AVB will have targets and Levy will listen to him. The best thing about AVB and Levy is they are not talking publicly, I fully trust them to be actively working on the issue.
yiddyboy
How has he let us down?? He ALLWAYS had the opportunity to represent Togo in this competition. We knew this before he signed the first time. If anything, he nearly did us an EXTRA favour by staying. Now he is officially going, nothing has changed. From our team’s point of view, yes lots are screaming for a new striker (or me a new CM) but really...we have Defoe, who has already been used up top by himself this season and Clint Dempsey who can play alongside him, or in place of him. Then if needs be, we have Bale and Sigurdsson who can also do a job as cover if needs be. If we actually look, there are a MAX of 5 PL games he will miss, that’s IF Togo progress all the way to the final on the 10th of February. So of course he has not let us down, I hope he has a screamer and brings some form and confidence back with him. Fingers crossed he has no injury. He will be back in time for the game against Lyon, when we will have to actually stretch the squad to cater for that tier 2 competition……
SpursOne2
Now is a good time to buy a brazilian (no there's not a sale on at the Spa) it's the end of their season. Will leandro come and be on fire...I don't think so...will he settle and be good next season imo yes. I also didn't think it took Sandro long to settle and had fans not started doubting him after he got caught on the ball at Bolton by imo an illegal tackle he'd have played more sooner. All this stereotyping about a player from a country not being able to do this or that (yes a whole nation who can't move when it's cold) reminds of a certain commentator describing why black players couldn't handle our winters....load of rubbish.
shedboy2
AllanDK, it is the off season in Brazil so Leandro likely to leave in a january window when he eventually makes his move
Guernman
BELHANDA IS ON HIS WAY TO SPURS....£10 MILLION...I think this guy looks better than Eden Hazard...you read it here first...
Sebthespur
The more i look at the squad the more i'm convinced we need a striker. Defoe is in his peak and is a quality striker, Adebayor is also quality but is in woeful form. If he goes to the ACON then we are way short. Harry Kane isn't ready yet, there is room for a top young striker to stake his claim. I still don't understand why we let Pav go, he had gaping holes to his game but the man knew where the net was no question. His record against the big teams was good too. It makes me sad when even Everton & Aston Villa have basically the same amount of striking options despite being apparantly "Broke"
HuddersfieldYiddo
Sebthespur - Belanda isn't as good as Hazard who for me is World Class and will be even better next year. He's a quality player though, as good as the Nanis, Lennons, Ben Arfa's of the world. If Spurs signed him for £10m i'd need to change my boxer shorts
HuddersfieldYiddo
oscar seems to have settled rather well
Guernman
I expect him to be gone by summer if not before. he is not a Spurs player and has been poor this season didn't trust him and thought loan was fine but not permanent.

I think Levy saw him as a short term deal because he knew the players and it was always going to be difficult getting players in without CL and with a new manager arriving. To levy it made sense to stick with Ade bit I am sure it will not be AVB choice long term. We are building slowly and Ade hasn't the work ethic or attitude to survive AVB team he will be gone I'm sure and we will get a striker that will fit in AVB will see to that. So I am not worried it is only a matter of time. I just hope we get a striker this month because for all his faults we may miss him while he is away depending on our fixtures. The worse is if Defoe or and Dempsey get injured during that time. Before Ade came back into the team Defoe was scoring and was playing well I think he has not done so bad since Ade came into the team so maybe Defoe and Dempsey can keep us going why Ade is away but it is a gamble in case there are injuries. What are out=r fixtures during the time he is away?

Would still love that striker now in January
thfan
well if we do get belhanda that'll mean and after the 3m paid for Zeki and Holtby we should still have a fair chunk of the money that was once earmarked Moutinho left to put towards a Striker!
shedboy2
When Ade is up for it his a top player, but that's it ''when is Ade up for it'' The ACON was not an after thought this has been in the football programme since the last one'' the only change is that Ade has turned full circle and his decided to be part of it, in his case most likely the last time, maybe? His approaching his 29th birthday, Defoe next birthday will be 31, Dempsey next birthday will be 30, these player are our main striking options. Now building for the future, i can't see any better building for the future than going out now, paying the money required and bringing in a centre forward a proper centre forward, term striker is used to freely this guy is a goal machine and will put away chances with his eyes shut and at 24 on the 22 july this year, as a club we would be buying 5yrs of talent that's the future LEANDRO.
spu 4 life
wouldn't Belhanda be on ACN duty as well?
shedboy2
Sorry Sebthespur I saw it first on the Tottenham Hotspurs website media watch! Ade going to the ACN can only be a good thing for Spurs it gives him game time in a team where he is the big cheese, it may well put the pep back in his step and he returns to us a new man. Whether he stayed or went it still doesn't alter the fact that we need a striker to be signed. So I don't really see him playing for his National side as a negative for Spurs. And as stated previously with any african player you must factor in the ACN
Slurms McKenzie
Willian is still in CL so unlikely in Jan - IMO.
yiddyboy
To be honest, Ade will likely miss QPR, Man Utd, Norwich, West Brom and Newcastle, plus the FA Cup tie. Defoe and/or Dempsey should be more than enough for these games. The risk is injuries, but that's a gamble where AVB and Levy have to make a decision. Worse case you could stick Siggy/Bale up top for one game. I say go and get Damaio or similar caliber, don't bother if it's just to fill a hole as we'll need to get shot again in the summer. Loanee, who is realistically available?
yiddyboy
Michael Owen? Yiddy
Slurms McKenzie
Depending when he leaves and how far Togo get (difficult group, not the greatest team), in the worst case he could miss the following games, QPR (A), MAN U (H), 4th Rd FA Cup (A), NORWICH (A), WBA (A), NEWCASTLE (H) and depending how long it takes him to get back if they were to go all the way (very unlikely), or he goes on a jolly rather than rush back (more likely), he could miss the LYON (H) 1st leg EUROPA LGE game. Somebody said most of the games were winnable, I would suggest that the away games are all loseable, particularly with limited attacking options. We need a striker, a proper striker, if we can't or won't buy one, then let's loan one for the rest of the season. Yes the ACN affects other teams, somebody says "what makes us any different", the answer is we as Spurs fans should only be concerned by the effect on OUR team, if it weakens others good, it may be to our advantage.
Frank
Michael Owen? are we looking for a club tipster???
shedboy2
Some people on here really do live in a dream world when they talk about the likes of Obika and Coulibaly stepping up. What have either ever done to suggest this is possible. One has been hawked about on loan, here, there, and everywhere, without ever looking the real deal, the other after a good start, is now just about a member of the Future Gen squad. We really must get our views on our young players into prospective, few if any are, or are likely to be, good enough. It's only a few days ago that somebody drew a comparison between Carroll and Wesley Sneijder for Christ's sake, let's get real.
Frank
As a bit of a curve ball, if we are not prepared to go after a top drawer striker, as is probably the case, how about a dart for Jordan Rhodes or Charlie Austin as options from the bench, both score regularly, Rhodes in particularly looks as though in a good side he could fill his boots. His runs are intelligent an some of his finishes superb, he is now a full international and might be worth a silly punt. It may seem silly but so did Grant Holt and Michu.
Frank
I have a feeling that Adebayor was "allowed" to go to the ACN because we are close to a signing a striker.

I dont think AVB or Levy are that foolish this time around...

U are not gonna be with one recognized striker for the next month plus.... if Defoe gets injured... and anyway... they are both past it..
Yidmarks
Shedboy2 he'd be as about as useful as Ade around the place at the moment ;-)
Slurms McKenzie
Yidmarks, I admire your optomism and faith in Levy, I hope very much that you are right, but I'm afraid I have my doubts. I think it most likely that we will try to paper over the crack with Defoe, Dempsey and Sigurdson, a very very risky strategy, especially when even with Adebayor available we still need a striker.
Frank
shedboy2 Owen? don't you mean are we looking for a club tea boy.
chrishove123
L’Equipe are apparently reporting that Spurs have opened talks with Montpellier about signing the 22 year old Moroccan Younes Belhanda. Although he agreed personnel terms with Fenerbahce they are not willing to match Montpellier's valuation of the player. He would cost somewhere between 10-15 million euro and would fit the profile of players we have signed recently!
Slurms McKenzie
Would be wonderful to get that Top striker in, but hardly likely in January window. Lets promote our youth strikers in case of injury to Defoe, Ade, Dempsey.
AllanDK
In answer to the main article question - NO. We knew when he signed that he would likely go to ANC & 2 weeks ago AVB said no problem if he wanted to. I fully understand his concerns about security after what happened - the bonus stuff is just press adding to story. Where Ade has let us down is with his attitude on the pitch this season - Really poor & Saturday highlighted that. However, again, we were aware of that and saw similar periods even last season. Are we short - Defoe & Dempsey as only strikers (Siggy is not, but great option with one of those two) and then youngsters if both of those get injured. The youngsters are not ready for us & should be LOANED (as Caulker) to get ready. Hope we invest in ONE World Class Striker, but said similar in last three windows, so assume we won't. As Frank says, risky & also lacks a little ambition if we don't. Willian may be the AVB option to do a dual Lennon / Striker cover role.
Windlespur
owens too old for tea 'boy'....he'd have to be the PC version of Tea Lady...whatever that may be...;) Surely we can't just paper over the cracks- one striker for 6-8 games, it gives the opposition a chance to set up against Defoe and Dempsey as there is no plan b, then what happens if one gets injured and the other suspended? they're all old so we have to buy a striker anyway...now is the time!!!
shedboy2
leandro has had a difficult season and fewer clubs seem into him right now, he is likely to leave brazil in a january window in their off season, internacional are in a worse financial position than before, we have sandro in the squad, gomes as part of the deal and a brilliant portuguese speaking manager. if we don't get this deal done now it will never happen... I think it it will though
Guernman
allen our youth strikers are simply not good enough...I know to save money let's have a trial....the best supporters get on the team....wonder how long we'd last...
shedboy2
Old is a very subjective thing there shedboy2. They are both younger then me I still consider myself a pup!
Slurms McKenzie
Frank, I watched Huddersfield Town a fair bit when he was there and although he is clinical around the box, I think he still has a long way to go before he joins a top premiership team. I think he would need to toughen up mentally before he does anything. Im just getting a bit worried that nothing with legs has appeared in the papers, no direct comments from any reliable source has been mentioned regarding a striker. Lets face it, it doesn’t matter whether ADE goes or not, he hasn’t been the same player and all the talk of the ACN will just distract him further. I simply will not believe that a chairman or manager would enter the second half of the season aspiring to finish at least 4th with only one striker. I sincerely hope that DL dealing under the radar again and will surprise us. Saying all this, we have been in this same situation for the last 5 windows. Desperately needing a striker yet nothing happens. The best outcome we can hope for is we get a decent striker in now and ADE has a fantastic tournament and comes back full of confidence.
hudderspur
@Guernman those are some really good reasons why damiao should sign now, i don't think he'd adapt at another prem club as quick as he would at spurs, he'd be getting starts as ade is off and defoe isnt on fire at the moment, AVB can communicate with him perfectly so should settle in quite quickly, gomes going the other way would be good business too, we don't need him anymore not even as back up so no better time than now to get that deal wrapped up and put to bed
KingofN17
Honestly, this whole security issue is BS, unless it is a psychological issue for him? South Africa can be dangerous for tourists and locals alike, it is not Denmark or some other cuddly dorp, but for a professional football on a major tournament... come on, there is quite a difference between the travelling by road through rebel territory in the South of Congo into a rebel hit North Angola and by airplane into a 1st world Johannesburg!
Cape Town Spurs
Lets hope if we sign Belhanda he shows something more resembling Naybet's attitude than Taraabt's
Spurs Allday
I believe Jordan Rhodes has already played for two clubs this season so he can't go anywhere.
Spurs Allday
if you are throwing championship players names around then Glenn Murray at Palace looks another you should throw in there, scores goals, is strong and holds the ball up well, Rhodes i like but doubt he could step up just yet, he could move somewhere like stoke or villa and see how he gets on in the prem first before he goes to a big club with bigger ambitions
KingofN17
slurms it's all relative....I'd love to be their age again but there are some things that always catch you however fast or fit you may be and one of them is age....
shedboy2
Ah boys, come on, are we seriously suggesting that trawling through the journey men of the championship is where we're going to find that star striker that will ensure we get a top three finish this season?
Slurms McKenzie
60m EURO release clause for both Falcao or Cavani. go on Levy i dare you. to dare is to do
spurs-stelios
Another is diarrhea, but I hear it normal runs in the family!
Slurms McKenzie
I don't know Capetown, SA seems incredibly dangerous...I've never been but having a read a few of your comments there's always the risk of a hurt feeling or two....;)
shedboy2
Uh-huh spurs-stelios! Why aim so low I'm sure Messi and Ronaldo have buy out clauses too!
Slurms McKenzie
Shedboy2 thats a risk we all face everyday here on Vital Spurs!
Slurms McKenzie
ive not said we should go for any championship players, i just mentioned a name for them to mull over, if championship players are so bad and you feel they should be overlooked then why are us and manure being linked with Zaha? He's not diarrhea mate, he will turn out to be a star for someone, maybe even us you never know, just because they play one level lower than prem doesnt mean they couldnt make it at the top some players are better off learning at that level and it is physical in the championship so it can only put players in good physical shape for the premier league, i know we should always aim high but you can never rule out someone just because they aren't worth as much as you want them to be
KingofN17
Falcao, Cavani, Neymar...I think they'd be a good front 3..why don't we go for all of them...;) Oh, we have to pay...:(
shedboy2
Trust me i'd have the cream of the crop at the lane if i had my wishes come true but im being realistic, we don't have as much money spare as people seem to think, we still need to lose some of the fringe players before we go silly
KingofN17
hahaha i sense a slight undercurrent of sarcasm there slurms.
spurs-stelios
yes Slurms...but I carry on regardless....and then seek counselling...;)
shedboy2
I can't see us going for Sid Owen, though it is rumoured his leaving Eastenders?
spu 4 life
I see mentioning of Rhodes and Austin, are these players better than what we have in next generation squad, all of which presently are being trained in " BoasBall " tactics. In case that Top Striker proves elusive in the January window, then promote Obika and Coulibaly.
AllanDK
If Levy acts on the 31st January like he likes to, then it's not worth having a new striker unless he's the real deal. We need someone now so they can meet the team/manager and be ready for QPR (A), MAN U (H), 4th Rd FA Cup (A), NORWICH (A), WBA (A), NEWCASTLE (H)
yiddyboy
Owen, Carlton cole, heskey or Carroll? One minute rednkaps gone lol thank ***** for avb
spurticus87
I think that Emmanuel Adebayor should be as loyal to Spurs as the Spurs are prepared to be and currently are to him....and this season, I think he's finally got the message.... loyalty from fans is as fickle as a 5yr old at dinner-time. Ade is drawing a nice salary whether he works his bollux off to be Defoe's goffer (or Vaart's last yr) or not. until the likes of Bale and Defoe (not Lennon tho') start creating for him regularly then Ade will not be helping them be the big I-am either, cos he now has his contract with the club and can play as Defoe and Bale do team-ethic-wise.
Viyyash-Ramosh
yiddyboy-don't forget lyon.
g. roberts testes
LOL Slurms that one was good.Or we could swoop Zaha!Very Versatile,can play any position uptop.I also like the Idea of Rhodes as backup striker.But who am I kidding.Leandro it is!!!!
SilwalYid
No he has a right to play for his national team. I'm sure he told the club that if his requests were granted by his national association he would be going. The comments by both avb and freund both indicated as much.
judge
*****ty Goal.com says "Tottenham are preparing 15 million bid for Leandro."Its every spurs fan's great day if its true
SilwalYid
Something is a foot and it's not 12 inches, rumours coming out of Brazil, A spurs delegation are with Leandro Damiao at the Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre overseeing a medical, this could be interesting.
spu 4 life
I see Nelson is leaving QPR, does this mean they have penned in a replacement? Hes been fairly regular for them up to date. Maybe Gallas then? They will need a leader
SpursOne2
Damiao & Belhanda would pretty much solve all of our problems & for a combined 24.8mil for two of the hottest properties aging just 23 & 22 it's damn good business.(If true & if we pull it off)
Spurs Allday
Villa has been ruled out of a move to the PL as well. Didn't think that was an option for us ha, let alone for the gooners
SpursOne2
spu 4 life where did you read/hear that report? Or are you on one of your usual wind ups? lol
Spurs Allday
Id be happy if Belhanda and Damiao were coming in and that was the end of our business in this window, them two plus Holtby and Fryers, all young and hungry and seem to fit our structure
KingofN17
Henrikh Hamleti Mkhitaryan. this guy would be an incredible signing however as we have seen with Willian, shaktar are b=very difficult to deal with. the 23 yr old attacking midfielder has scored 20 goals in 28 games this season. this guy will go on to be a legend in the game.
spurs-stelios
I think the goal keeper sit will be resolved, maybe one or more out from midfield and that may be it. Not sure about this Belhanda fella or getting in a top quality forward in Jan. I will keep my fingers crossed Levy is still talking to Porto ha
SpursOne2
fenerbache have agreed terms with belhanda,we could still match the fee and nab him-what the hell are we waiting for?
ghulamville
i also have a little feeling too that the reason for the club being relaxed is that another striker is lined up. I can understand why he may have been yes/no after the dreadful masacure last time. I do though think its a little rich to sulk when he is not the main strikee but can leave the club when given the shortage of strkers is one of our most needed
troffer2
Lol Sparticus87! To be fair im a massive fan of Redknapp and what he did for us, but thank ***** he's not our manager anymore.
HuddersfieldYiddo
@Viyyash-Ramosh - Bale creates plenty, though we all know Defoe doesn't, but how many excellent crosses has Bale pinged through the dangerzone but no one is taking a change and busting a gut to get there?
Kes80
i have a feeling we will sign that striker we need... i think Ade is on his way out if not in January.. by the summer... and Defoe sooner than we think...
Yidmarks
Belanda would be another very interesting capyure that would lead me to believe we are definitely moving towards 4-5-1. That change though, would require a striker. Mikhitaryan is an excellent prospect but he is looking at bigger clubs. I believe he is rumoured to be on his way to Barca as soon as they give Shaktar enough dish. One striker who is abundantly talented and may be available is Jovetic. I had completely forgotten about him because of his knee issues, but he seems to be back and playing strong. 8 goals in 14 app is a great return for any striker. COYS
peterballb
I was just wondering? If we sell Gomes as make weight for a deal for Damio, and we've already sold Cudicini, then who is our second keeper? Does anyone know?
PERTH OZSPUR
Freidel is 2nd keeper, he's just signed a 2 year deal
yiddyboy
He thinks the world revolves around him, I'm sure he thinks he's above Tottenham, and his own country. He's a greedy ***** ********, if any other club want him, I'd happily drive him there myself. He won't be missed. he was good last season, but this season he's been nowhere, and we find ourselves 3rd, so ***** him.
liamyid
Oh yeah. Forgot about Friedel. Cheers
PERTH OZSPUR
We all would like to forget about him :-) Personally I'd keep Gomes
yiddyboy
Huddyid me 2, he was great at what he did while he did it for us but i just didn't see a good future for us with his targets. Although always appreciate what he did for us
spurticus87
Cape Town Spurs I should think there IS a huge psychological element to this for Ade. As I imagine there would be for you or almost ANYONE who had seen his friends and team mates shot and killed right in front of your own eyes as well as nearly being killed as well. All because someone decide to make a point about something that has nothing to do with them. I'd be $hitting it, pro footballer or not.
chrishove123
Agaian, not reading the comments, but to answer the article YES Adebayor has been disappointing. BUT, A) he's been injured and B) since coming back from injury he's been asked to partner Defoe. Now I know it was against a League 1 side, but is there a coincidence that Defoe on the bench with Dempsey - Adebayor up front in a 4-5-1 led us to a 3-0 win? More importantly, a blistering 3-0 first half?

Anyway, he's off to Togo which in my mind he has every right. Trust in Levy and AVB to act fast to replace, hopefully with a number 9 type as opposed to a number 10 type. We have plenty of sub 10's: Dempsey, Sigurdsson... Need a tall smart and agile #9, in my opinion. Adebayor made his choice... he may have to bench if we find the right one this window.
tengboon
Never in all my years of being a SPURS supporter, looking back at my first ever game in january 1967 and seeing my goalscoring idol Jimmy Greaves score in a 2-0 defeat over Burnley, Cliff Jones scored the other goal, have i been this excited about the next number 9 at spurs, that shirt has been packed away in it's plastic bag waiting to put a name to it's number that is soon going to happen, the name is LEANDRO, watch this space guys.
spu 4 life
tengboon.... what about the even more blistering start against Arsenal with both Defoe and Ade in the team, before the sending-off
Viyyash-Ramosh
Peterbalb - jovetic is a great shout, a year or so ago he was regarded as "the man" for all the big clubs in europe. I've always admired him and thought him a good talent, however I'm not sure he is the "NO: 9" we are looking for, he always looked like a NO: 10 to me... just my thoughts
rahn DMC
 

Have Your Say

Click here to register an account

Recent Articles

End of Term Report (Wednesday May 22 2013)

2013/2014 - The year of change (Wednesday May 22 2013)

Damned if we do (Tuesday May 21 2013)

Silly season is here!! (Tuesday May 21 2013)

Gutted (Monday May 20 2013)

In summary. (Monday May 20 2013)

VIDEO: Spurs Confident Of Keeping Bale (Monday May 20 2013)

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Sunderland (Friday May 17 2013)

We can't mess up our side (Friday May 17 2013)

A Cosy Chat with Vital Sunderland (Thursday May 16 2013)

Archived Articles

List All Vital Spurs Articles
Vital Spurs Articles from 2005
Vital Spurs Articles from 2006
Vital Spurs Articles from 2007
Vital Spurs Articles from 2008
Vital Spurs Articles from 2009
Vital Spurs Articles from 2010
Vital Spurs Articles from 2011
Vital Spurs Articles from 2012
Vital Spurs Articles from 2013
Have your say
Click here to suggest an article
Click here to suggest a poll

Vital Members League (view all)

1. 80deg16minW 533
2. Real Deal 342
3. The Corner Pin 296
4. Spursex 292
5. Big Chiv 280
6. Spurfect11 248
7. Galvin's Shinpads 236
8. griddo 196
9. USAFSPURS 183
10. Kinygerbils 172

League Results (view all)

Latest Results
Spurs 1 - 0 Sunderland
Stoke 1 - 2 Spurs
Chelsea 2 - 2 Spurs
Spurs 1 - 0 Southampton
Wigan 2 - 2 Spurs
Spurs 3 - 1 Man City

League Table (view table)

Team P W D L GD Pts
2. Man City 38 23 9 6 32 78
3. Chelsea 38 22 9 7 36 75
4. Arsenal 38 21 10 7 35 73
5. Spurs 38 21 9 8 20 72
6. Everton 38 16 15 7 15 63
7. Liverpool 38 16 13 9 28 61
8. WBA 38 14 7 17 -4 49

Breaking League News

Broadcasting Revenue For AVFC For 2012/13 Season
» Aston Villa : 22/05/2013 14:52:00
Bookie watch: Alfie's next club
» Reading : 22/05/2013 13:00:00
John Motson - Latics Fans Best In Premier League
» Wigan : 22/05/2013 12:14:00
Vitor Pereira becomes new favourite
» Everton : 22/05/2013 12:14:00
VIDEO: Pulis Leaves Stoke
» Stoke : 22/05/2013 11:27:00
VIDEO: Carroll Stalls On Future After Fee Agreed
» West Ham : 22/05/2013 11:26:00
VIDEO: Man City Confirm MLS Franchise Expansion
» Man City : 22/05/2013 11:23:00

Current Site Poll (view all polls)

Click here to suggest a poll...
Bale?
Suggested By:  Vital Spurs
Staying! 90%
Going... 7%
Still sitting on the fence. 3%