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Gazza Bale - Our One Trick Pony

Bale - Our One Trick Pony Well it had to happen didn't it! Just Like Le Arse won the Premiership because of Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie was the difference between the Gooners being ordinary and good and Real have Ronaldo and Barcelona have Messi so the only reason why Spurs are 4th is because of Gareth Bale and his 15 goals this season. 

And as some of the Toon Army disappeared down Seven Sisters Tube station on Saturday still singing Spurs are a one trick pony we all know that, without Bale's Goals, Spurs would not be fourth one point behind Chelski. As Bale was left lying on the floor clutching his leg during the Newcastle game there was a collective holding of breath in the West Stand whilst we waited to see if he was going to be able to play on. 

Thanks to a complete wash out of a transfer window we are left with one player who can make the difference for us on the pitch. Of course all the media talk is about how much Bale is worth now and how he will be sold. AVB, however, is digging his heels in and saying Bale is not for sale. I would like to see the same statement come from Daniel Levy! 

In June 2012 Gareth Bale signed a new four-year contract with Tottenham Hotspur. Bale had been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane in the summer after Harry had been sacked but instead he committed his future to Spurs until 2016. Spurs have a reciprocal deal with Real Madrid but as usual media speculation is stating that Bale may go earlier. 

The pressure points on AVB, Levy and the Club are now mounting. In reality Spurs are probably just two marquee signings away from challenging for the Premiership next season if Bale stays. We have to get 4th or better this season for two reasons; if we don't, Bale may consider his options, and who can blame him, he could write his own cheque right now. 

Without 4th we miss out on one of the most lucrative seasons ever for the Premiership next season with an estimated £5bn worth of TV revenue coming into the game. Anyone in the Premiership next season automatically receives a £500m uplift, if you are in the Champions League that would take the uplift to £1bn. Bale could quite rightly ask for more money from Levy next season which would compromise Levy's capped wages policy. 

AVB has said that to build a successful team you have to keep your great players. To be absolutely honest we don't have any other 'great' players in our team. We have some very good ones, and Holtby is looking a great prospect, but Bale's quality is outshining the rest of the team. The question is: What reason would Bale want to stay on at Spurs when he has a worldwide stage awaiting him? And, what has Levy got to do to keep Bale and how does AVB get us 4th or better this season if Bale does get injured? 

The more reliant on Bale we become the more exposed we are, which is why strategically January was a missed opportunity to help us protect Bale. That now leaves AVB to consider his options. Can we really make Bale play every game from now to the end of the season? We have 12 more Premiership matches left and possibly 5 Europa League games, if we make it to the Final. If you were AVB how would you handle Bale and the team for the rest of the season?

Written by OyVeh Maria




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Writer: OyVeh Maria Mail feedback, articles or suggestions

Date:Sunday February 10 2013

Time: 1:43PM

Your Comments

Interestin.
Hotspur 1882
Indispensable. Yes, perhaps so. But no team are totally reliant on one player. Bale at centre half? Messi in goal? To be agreat side, you need to have good to great players all over the pitch. All with different aptitudes.
Without the likes of Michael Dawson and Scott Parker in certain matches, we would be bulldozed by lesser opponents, such as Stoke.
Hotspur 1882
The same was said about Jimmy Greaves. Probably the best goal scorer that ever lived. He relied on other players to do their jobs around him.
Hotspur 1882
Lennon & Dempsey despite working hard are going to start doing more if we want 3rd or 4th .
Bale is different gravy ,but if he has a bad game it shows ,noone else steps up & say " i`m going to be the difference today " .
Adebayor could be our key man to our run up to CL football .All will be forgiven if he steps up & finally joins the party .
big cockeral
Hotspur 1882 No, He (jimmy greaves) was the greatest goalscorer; Bale does what he does, scares the crap out of defenders, his all round game has improved with the arrival of AVB. Long may it continue.
spu 4 life
Bale to play a possible 15 games this season, what's the problem. Messi plays nearly all Barcelona's games and is on the run just like Bale. We did miss the chance to get a goalscorer in January but that's now Levy's problem. Fair dues to AVB for finally rotating the team in a manner that suits. Slightly off topic, how safe does the defence look now with Hugo Lloris between the sticks. I think he sweeps up just like the master, Mr Ledley King.
Andre's Crouching
Anyone else watching Villa/Wet Spam, OMG have to feel sorry for that poor football, they are kicking the crap out of it, lucky we never signed Diame on this showing.
spu 4 life
This is in the same season that I've also been reliably informed that, "Bale has been found out" and "Bale only turns up every other game". There's no doubting that Bale is our superstar, but, as others have pointed out, there is a lot more quality in our side, and without their efforts, Bale would never get the chance to go on his runs or take his free kicks. As maligned as he has been (by myself and others) Defoe has added significantly to our goal tally so in recent games - and he has been subjected to an even greater roasting - has Dempsey. Bale gets the goals, so he gets the all the attention, but Lloris has been great in goal too, and Vertonghen has been great at the back. He's been off-colour of late, but spread over the whole season, he's shown a lot more consistency than Bale.
There are considerably more tricks up the sleeve of this shirt-wearing pony than our simian superstar. COYS!
darkenvai
spu 4 life
I stand corrected. Was, still is the greatest goal scorer ever. A lot more than that to his game too.

Gareth, I feel should stay with Spurs and help them to win the League. An achievement that would eclipse doing the same at Madrid or Man Utd. They will do it with or without him. For Spurs, it would be long overdue. Even Burkinshaw, Hoddle, Ardiles; Venables, Gazza Lineker didn't quite manage that.

Hotspur 1882
At least we have a pony the geordies were singing that because they dont and great players are great players because of what they do on the pitch if you didnt notice them then they wouldnt be greats would they? so our great player gets noticed. If it wasnt for RvP's goals where would Manure be today?? Id rather have him than not. Without him we can still win matches, can we get 4th without him? unknown - can Manure win the PL without RvP? who knows? Hes ours and hes in form so hope he brings us CL and I dont care what other teams supporters (who are more likely to be fighting relegation) think. COYS!! Play up Bale!!!
nomorewhlegends
Commentator said, they just can't find that final pass, he must be watching a different game, they can't even find the first pass.
spu 4 life
I thought we were in the last 32 in EL.So to make to the finals we have to play 4 teams home and away! 9 matches including the final!And yeah Both Astonvilla and Wetspam are playing crap football!I dont even know Whats so special with Benteke??
SilwalYid
Simon Dowkins has just come on for villa, along with Bent, still 0-0 waiting for the next shot on target, had 1 so far in the first half. Hang on make that two, that's one each team, off the line from Bent
spu 4 life
screw the EL... rest him in those matches (& anyone else that matters)... it is the PL that counts. 5th in the PL and a semi final in the EL does not equate to 3rd & CL football. Had we strengthened in Jan I would maintain to push for EL, but in our chairman induced predicament I'd absolutely pass
Cape Town Spurs
Bale is pure class and top sides have top players and at that there is always gonna be one or two who outshine the rest---Dont forget Lloris was excellent yesterday,if we do qualify for CL Levy must reward AVB and bring in those marquee signings
krafty007
2 more shots on target, one's a pen and a direct free kick 2-0 villa, hahahaha
spu 4 life
Wow another lamentation article for our missed transfer window camouflaged as an article about our dependency on one player. Great! IMHO Holtby had 3 excellent chances at goal yesterday, Dempsey had one, maybe two, Lennon had opportunities and turned away. Even Ade was OPEN for a simple pass from Bale (on his second goal) for a simple tap in. What I am trying to say is that Bale is not the only player playing well but other players are also. Bale just at the moment has the confidence that he can score at will. Lets just hope that confidence does not leave him. We may also find that if we poured a little love on all the players, other's confidence might grow also. Positive comments and positive thoughts breed positive results!
jvd
last 3 games he has done well, before he was average it seems like hes playing well just in time for the summer transfter ala ade when he was on loan with us. a few good games an the fanboys are loving it
123spurs
123spurs Who do you support ? no chance a Spurs fan would type that ,no chance .
big cockeral
and the things u say about lennon lol
123spurs
Villa finally won a game. Can you imagine that Andy Carrol cost £35 million... Wow...
Fanman
i dont support divers or cheaters for starters not for my club seeing that
123spurs
I heard a commentator on the WHU-AV game say that Spurs were talking to AV about a loan for Darren Bent. Did anyone hear that?
jvd
123spurs Ever see Lennon doing that ? Why do you think we`re a one man attacking team ? .Can`t say our attacking players are brilliant & then say we`re a one trick pony ,that contradicts itself .
Got to give credit where due & i 100% agree on his diving ,since he cut that out he`s got even better .
Honesty does pay after all & well done to AVB , seems to be playing Bale to his strengths
big cockeral
Well if I was AVB I would not have loaned out Bale's obvious and very good back up to QPR. One of the most ridiculous management decisions I think I have ever seen, ESP if yo see it in the same light as NOT buying a forward.
tophobunty
JVD, you made the same observations about Hotby’s chances as me!. Three chances and this lad is gonna get a goal sooner than Gilfi and then watch him go!. Also, seems Leenon’s great layoff for Holtby went unnoticed too!

I agree with most that we are NOT a one trick pony and just because no one else is banging them in, Bale gets all the attention. I am pleased that he’s on a roll and that long may it continue. But I think it is blinkered vision to heap all praise on one player. The team and the coaching staff ALL deserve the praise. ......oh, and Levy can go sit in that corner! COYS!
Critical_Spur
though it was thru beer fuelled thinking and perhaps rose tinted specs, I was saying last night that if Bale stays a couple more years he stands a chance to become a Spurs great. we often talk of players such as Chris waddle who played 138 games scoring 33 gls or david Ginola 100 (13) bring legends and potential picks for a best ever spurs XI, but Bale has 34 goals in 135 games and those were from a develping start. obviously we can make of whatever we like with stats, but he is a genuine worldclass match changer and winner and with 18 mts plus more with spurs he can possibly rank alongside the greats
oxfordspur
He's already a great in my book, Ox. He's just on a completely different level, and I'd pick him ahead of Waddle, Gazza, and Ginola every time
SpursEagle
We all know the limits to Levy / ENIC's ambitions for our club and we also know how much they love money. It doesn't take a genius to work out what is going to happen. We've just got to get used to the idea.
SpuriousLife
Levy should have bought a striker to cement 3rd place... the fact that he left it to a gamble shows where his heart is at. We should salute Bale and punch Ade in the chops. We are so close, so close, Levy is imo a prize f'ing turd
Cape Town Spurs
I have read comments on here before about Bale some fans think he is over rated in my opinion they are wrong he has everything u need from a winger, pace, strength, shooting ability and a great cross on him, oh yeah and not to mention he can play in more than 1 position he is our Ronaldo/Messi. And in my opinion we cant afford to let him go in the summer regardless where we finish but to keep him we would have to make a couple of major signings to show him we are ambitious and can challenge for the league because to be fair were only a couple of players short. Can we cope without bale ? Would Barca or Real be the same without Messi or Ronaldo of course not your talking about players who make a huge difference to the teams they play for. And just another note if somebody like Torres is worth 50 mill when he went to Chelsea Bale must be worth at least 70-80 mill by now.
DSpurs
Looking at ManU-Eveton game. ManU were playing very well early on and eventually scored. But over the last 15 minutes they have began to sit back and play on the counter. It's a lot like looking at Spurs when we score early. I'm not sure if its arrogance or a specific tactic, assuming the latter. If so I don't really like it as it changes your momentum. At the moment Everton is gaining the upper hand and ManU are on the backfoot. This is how we play...there's the break and ManU almost score. Now I'm getting a little better understanding of what AVB is doing with Spurs.
jvd
Everton look likely to fall 6 points behind us now.
jvd
Hey CTS let's pretend that Levy bought Damaio on 1st January and he tore his ACL in training 2 days later and let's move on with what we have. The constant harping on an unchangeable fact is pouring negative energy on Spurs. We need you to be positive and cheering the team on!
jvd
RVP Scores again 2-0 HT; Everton play like wet spam only with slightly more skill, lump it up top and attack the second ball; Andy Carroll was quoted on here ''worth a punt'' well on todays showing I would add LESS to the worth remove the A and change the P to a C, that somes him up. Simon Dawkins and Bent made a difference for Villa, not in a magic performance way, but just having two players on the park who can play football helped. Keep this up Man U, Jones man marking Fellani and following all over the place, they had to get him out of the Everton dressing room, so fergie can give him second half instructions.
spu 4 life
Bale is a class above any other outfield player at Spurs and we simply would not be 4th without him. And I disagree with anyone who thinks just buying a Benteke or a Cisse or Jelavic (Everton reserve) would get us 3rd.We do not create enough chances so only a striker who can get goals out of nothing i.e. in Bale’s class is going to help. AVB knows that and its now up to Levy in the summer to show commitment, get a creative midfielder, someone like Modric, a top class striker and a left back.
matt hoten
Not worried about Everton,just a kick and rush side
matt hoten
Bale has no reason to stay with us, just like Modric, Berba etc. We wont pay top dollar and we do not have the squad to take the Prem. He has worked his arse off for us........ and if he did want to move for titles and more money then i say, thank you for the effort Gareth have a great career winning trophies and growing your bank account. I for one would not blame him one bit.
ledgespur
Yes Bale is our talisman, the difference between us being a decent top 6,7 side and a side challenging for the CL. Without his presence, the fear and panic, and double marking formations he forces from opposition defenders, making life easier for others, he is a key influence on what we do. We are kidding ourselves if we believe that he will continue in his current form right through until the end of the season, all players get niggles, especially when opponents are reduced to trying to kick you to stop you, all have dull patches, goals dry up, who is going to step up and make the difference when this inevitably happens to Bale. The likes of Defoe and Dempsey tend to gain advantage from Bale's work, could they cope without him. The least said about Adebayor and his contribution so far the better. We shall see whether all our eggs are in the bone basket that is Gareth Bale.
Frank
A real positive from yesterday as well as Bale and the result was in my opinion the performance of Holtby, he looks a player. His work rate, getting about the pitch, pace, and the fact he wastes very few balls, and his eye for a pass are all very impressive for one so new to the set-up. I can see him becoming our "go to" MFer in the future.
Frank
Best entertainer since Ginola..worth the admission money just to see him. Just wish we had a decent font man to put away his crosses....we would now be challenging the Prem winners (yep boringly its all over!)WE now have to keep ManC and Chelski in our sights and then pip them at the end.Without Bale we are stuffed.Really like Holtby too Fank....keen,fit,two good feet,tireless,enthusiastic,good passer,good tackler and looks as though he's enjoying himself...bit like Ade ...hmmmmm!
wentworth
Let's stop this talk of selling Bale. If it is to happen at some time in the future, so be it. But it can only be bad karma to talk of it now. The lad is just now reaching towards his potential. Relish it. But enough talk about his moving on. Bad karma to do so. Why strengthen the thought? Pipe down unless he brings up the subject. Don't plant the idea.
Total knobhead
Wise words TK. Showing yourself to be a bit less of a knobhead on that occasion.
Crissybwoy
Matt hotten the voice of reason again, such good points mate. That's how it is.
tophobunty
I 2nd that ledge
tophobunty
Frank, I acknowledge Bale's talent and Wentworth you will notice that AVB has moved him inside off of the wing because he knows that he is wasted bombing up the left to cross to whom. So change the tactic. He has moved Dempsey to the left and brought Bale inside where he can be more direct to goal on any break. Notice also that he is playing from the right to come inside above the 18 yard box and across it looking for a left foot shot. When he shoots look for Dempsey and Ade coming in for a rebound. It's a very potent attack and I for one would encourage Lennon to put on his shooting boots as he has had opportunities to shoot but seems afraid to do so. This team is about to really unload on someone!
jvd
Matt we have drawn 3 games this season after having 15+ shots in each game, surely a decent finisher whether he costs a fortune or pea-nuts would have converted enough of those into goals, that alone would have meant 6 more points than we currently have, we may have even beaten Man U at WHL with a proper goalscorer. I think a 15 goals/season striker in in the summer, would have meant 3rd, having missed out in the summer I still think we may pay a heavy price for failing to bring one in, even on loan in this January window.
Frank
Spu-4-life, totally agree on Diame. Today he didn't look good enough or quick enough, but I think Benteki would be very useful in a proper side.
Frank
Ledgespur, your post re Bale being likely to leave sums up the reality of the situation in the real world.
Frank
Frank, you have to look at chances and not shots,I just dont think we create enough. We often give teams a lesson in how to control a game but end up relying on Bale to create something out of nothing.
matt hoten
Frank, I was expecting a disinterested, lethargic Adebayour when he came on yesterday but I must say it wasn't the case, he was lively and keen to get involved. It may even had a goal to his name had Bale made that pass. Re. Holtby I am excited about him, love his drive and energy and technically not bad either. With hindsight AVB done the right thing taking him off as he is still adjusting to the pace of the PL. COYS.
ItalianYiddo
It has been confirmed that Levy made a 20m euro offer for Damaio so let's have enough of this no ambition nonsense. I'm glad we are not wasting money on players not provan to be any better than what we've got. Bale is the icing on our cake that's all. The rest is pretty tasty too.
Love totty
Without Bale's contribution against Newcastle, two goals and two great saves from Kroll, neither GKer had a save to make. Bale was the difference between us winning and drawing 0-0.
Frank
Frank - if Bale hadn't played it would have been a different eleven so who knows what the result would have been. We have a very good squad so I still fancy us to have beaten a very good Toon team.
Love totty
Love totty, when did he make his 20m euro offer, on the first or last day of the window, was there any indication that the player was prepared to come to Spurs, or were his club willing to sell him, both have been denied. If the indication was that his club were willing to do business, what was their valuation of the player, probably considerably more than 20M euros. This was another of Levy's pseudo bids, to make people believe exactly what you have claimed re. ambition. It happens every window, Moutinho in the summer, Damiao this time and the likes of Rossi, Lloriente, in the past. One of these days he might make a realistic bid for a striker we have a dog's chance of getting, and sign him, thereby showing some real rather ambition, rather than these deals to improve his PR with fans, although these appear to work with some, much the same as the 12 years old promise of a shiny new stadium, remind me how many bricks are there in place as we speak, apparently we will have to wait until 2018 at the earliest for completion, very ambitious. Ambition, he wouldn't recognize ambition, unless of course you count ambition to make money for himself and Bahamas Joe, if it kicked him in the nuts.
Frank
Bale will be gone when an offer Levy can't refuse comes in, winning the league isn't in his (enic's( sights, just making us a better business to sell. Yes winning the league would up our value but not by what we need to spend to do it (considering that there is no guarantee that we will win it even after spending)
Tottenham Hotcore
Bale is not the only one though .Hugo lloris & Dembele are also stand out performers ,Dembele getting stick even though IMO we`re controlling games because of him .Possession ,possession ,possession is very much down to Dembele .

I genuinely thought that Modric going would phuck up any progress ,but would i swap Dembele for Modric now ? love Modric but Dembele is our unsung hero who is getting slated when imo credit is due with this man .
We are actually hard to score against ,Dembele is going to be a Spurs legend .SANDRO GONE ? well done Parker but it`s Dembele the man mountain who is controlling the centre midfield .

Even against manchester United who have won the league already ,Dembele matched them & imo ,possibly bettered them .Man love for Dembele ,think he`s brilliant & those knocking him really are being harsh .
big cockeral
Yes, Bale is indispensable, €50 mil minimum, but it's how the team is built around him that allows him to play to his strengths. I think it's no coincidence that since AVB has worked the teamsheet, Bale has his highest goal tally ever with more to come. We have a real manager now, not a wheeler-dealer press whore.
tengboon
JVD, well spotted on Holtby, in only his second game he came close 3 times or more, when he starts to find the target it will take alot of pressure off whoever our lone striker is, and I think that's exactly what Adebayor needs, or even Defoe for that matter.
tengboon
Big C, wel said on Dembele, completely agree. Everyone thought he'd be no match for Modric, incomparable etc., but we are undefeated when Dembele starts, that speaks volumes
tengboon
9 europa league games left if we get to the final
finglasyid
Bales' progression needs to be matched by THFC progression, for him to consider staying at spurs. Thus, for the rest of the season, we need to keep our fingers crossed that Bale stays uninjured. If he does complete the season....i feel we will finish in the top 4. Then a big summer for spurs....i.e.....player swop shop and perhaps a start on the new stadium. As for Dembele, no doubt he is "taking it for the good of the team, defensively"...unfortunatley, he is now looking like a Average midfielder , rather than the Good midfielder we signed. He seems a little over reliant of his left foot, when we know he can use his right foot too. Perhaps a slight lack of confidence, at the min'. But 100% we need him, for the rest of the season. A little praise for Adebayor....cos' we will need him too...........it was his presence, that caused the newcastle defender to miss judge and allow the ball through to Bale, for Bales 2nd goal. Oh and a little praise for Mr.Levy....i for one, expect him to sign a TOP striker this summer. It seems he is watching the spurs games and did realise spurs required a top striker, in the last window.....but alas, didn't quite happen. I think it will this summer.
82spursdebut
82spursdebut.....Duck!!!
jvd
Amazing that we lost our best player to Real Madrid after finishing 4th and now we wouldn't be a top 4 side without our "new" best player. My opinion but Lloris and Sandro have been amazing this season and as good as any players in their position. Lennon has also been the difference in many games whilst Vertonghen and Dembele must be proud of their first seasons at Spurs. In reality we have 5 or 6 superb plays that are worthy of winning the league but I do agree Bale is becoming a different level. Won't be too long before AVB starts getting lots of credit as well. His decisive management is a breath of fresh air.
muttley
Muttley...actually, i think he is a crap manager..being saved by "Bale"....but he is young and deserves a bit of luck after the way he was treated at Chelski'. And he could well go onto become a great spurs manager in time.....we'll see.
82spursdebut
Our next PL match will be only on feb,25th, that is two weeks from today. Time for Defoe to recover and Adebayour to have two more matches under his belt (Lyon home and away). Plus, I have a feeling that AVB went hand on hand with Levy by not buying a striker because he knows he can cook something tasteful with all the talented midfielders he has available (Dembele, Holtby, Lennon, Bale, Siggurdson, Dempsey and even young Carroll). By the way, I read yesterday that Spurs made a 20 million euros bid for Damião whic was refused by Internacional whose chairman is clearly making an auction to sell his most valuable asset, so it would be a dead end even if Daniel Levy came personally to Brazil at day one. Let´s forget the past and focus on the future. We certainly have talent and moral strenght to finish 3rd or 4th this season.
AlexSpur
Wow 82spursdebut, do you really believe he's a crap manager? After your two posts I believe you're on a windup mate. Trying to get some kind of argument going here. Not hard to do, I thought your first post was just naïveté but no, I think you're on a windup.
jvd
Jvd...i could give you lots of reasons why i think he has been a crap manager this season. But....i'm not wanting to slate him...for we are in the top 4 and he has played some part in achieving that....Plus he is young and like i said, it could well be that he eventually becomes known as a great spurs manager......like Burkinshaw, Nicholson.......we'll see. I'm not niave or on a windup........just stateing what i see, from watching the spurs games and reading the bits of news on spurs.
82spursdebut
82spursdebut So unbeaten in 10 makes him a bad manager ?
You couldn`t make it up
big cockeral
Big C'.....i said crap manager.....he is not unbeaten in the last 10 spurs games.
82spursdebut
1 defeat in 14 EPL matches ? he`s got this squad playing to it`s best ability ,only good managers can do that .

Players missing ,injured away on duty ,strike force depleted .....to lose one in 14 league games is a fine achievement .
I`m not quite sure how AVB is pulling this off but he is ,& long may it continue .Rabbit out of the hat springs to mind ,well done
big cockeral
82spursdebut OK 10 league games ,
big cockeral
C’mon 82Spurs, share with us your views on AVB. With all that has gone on at Spurs since summer, I really can’t fathom your thoughts!. EVREY manager has ups and downs, but not many have arrived at a club which finished top 4 last few seasons, two creative players taken away, limited signings, misfiring strikers, serious injury list......AND find the team is still challenging on TWO fronts!. If you had said Benitez was useless, I may have agreed with you. But What’s AVB done to upset you?!
Critical_Spur
Big c'.......well sorry as a spurs fan.....it's pretty unforgivable to dismiss the F.A cup Defeat. I know come next w'end....i will be at a dismay when i see spurs not involved. I think...the last 6 results ...have generally been dissapointing performances overall......thankfully, Bale has brightenend the scene and a little luck has gone our way.......Long may that continue, i sincerely hope.......but we must get others contributing more.
82spursdebut
82spursdebut, you must be on a wind up. if you think he is a crap manager state your reasons.Thats what this site is here for. Even when we were having a bad start I could see a method in his tactics and I can see a progression at this club now. None of this ( keep having a turnround of players because you need to freshen up the dressing room bollox)
matt hoten
I willl just give you 3 reasons for now.....critical spurs. 1/..Not enough urgency shown by AVB, at times....portrays to the pitch. 2/...as a supposedly top coach....his lack of understanding that inswinging corners are the best threat, at corners. Yet, we continually have watched all season....crap corners. 3/ Naughton is being played out of position...i.e..he doesn't have a left foot and that in itself has contributed to a couple of not tackles...i.e....walcotts cross for giroud equaliser....and newcastles goal. 4/ The lack of passion and desire..portrayed to the players during the fa cup defeat...i.e..he didn't get off his bum till we were 2-0 down appx' 65 mins'. 5/ Too many talented players not playing to their top abilities......most notably Dembele, Siggurdsen, Walker, Adebayor. Once again, though.......One day, he may become a great spurs manager...we'll see.
82spursdebut
Strange thought just hit me. Lots on he been complaining about a lack of striking options, now Bale is knocking them in, they're worried that we a a one man show. Seems some on here just need something to feel insecure about?
jvd
We are as much a one man team as there can be in relation to where we want to be. If you put Bale in a team like West Brom or Norwich, the best they could hope for would be a top 10 finish. So obviously we have good players around Bale. We need to Ade to step up now and maybe with him being the lone striker he will perform better. If Ade stups up and stays fit i see no reason why we shouldn't push on now and cement third or fourth. I fully expect Levy to really go after a couple of top quality players in the summer. Then we could maybe think about winning things.
asherthesmasher
WOW the press have really gotten into some peoples minds about AVB!!!!!!!!!!!!!
longtimespur
matt hoten....you shouldn't need to rotate for freshen up........being able to spot when a player is off form, suspensions, injuries, ...will naturally help player rotation through the squad. I haven't seen any great innovation from Avb. But...perhaps...you are all missreading me.......i'm thankfull to all spurs managers that create greatness.......and he may well go onto create greatness......but at the min'....he is a long long way short, on that score.
82spursdebut
Sorry 82SD won't entertain any suggestion that he is a crap manager. Absolute nonsense mate. From the start he has had to overcome a major media onslaught against him, live with just Defoe as a recognized striker to start the season and build the confidence of a team which saw 2 of its best players leave, one under the most acrimonious of circumstances. He has gradually got this team playing as a team and has built their confidence so that they have some belief in themselves. No sorry, not even slightly interested in your viewpoint no this matter.
jvd
Jvd....i understnad what you are saying.....but less than 10 mins' before Bales 2nd goal.....Bale looked as though he had twisted his ankle badly. Now, who would not feel insecure....had he hobbled out !? I Feel it is a mistake to let Townsend go out on loan.....but, ....let's look forward to Lyon thursday.
82spursdebut
Jvd...AVB was appointed during the summer and over saw all the spurs signings....and most of the goings. And has had two windows......to correct the striker issue.............he is still learning. Thankfully.....he has Mr.Levy, Mr Bale.......and a little luck on his side.
82spursdebut
I would also say that, I hope he proves me wrong, but Bale is becoming too concerned with being the scorer and no longer the provider. For his second goal and a later chance yesterday Adebayor was unmarked in the box and only needed a pass for him to score. I'm not berating him, like lots do about Defoe for his shooting at every opportunity, just worrying that he might end up in the same mind set!! Maybe it's because of all the wasted crosses that our strikers don't get on the end of. I notice that Lennon doesn't just bang the ball across the goal now as mentioned earlier with the Holtby chances and Dempsey's header at the far post that he should have scored with against West Brom last game. I hope he can get the balance right, coys.
longtimespur
82sd, the freshen up was Arry's method not AVB. Sorry if it wasn't clear. AVB does get animated and if thats your definition of a good manager then so be it. Bill Nicolson was probably the least animated of any Spurs manager. And when was the last time Man U came here and played for a point, that to me is a sign of real progression, taking on the best team in the league and outplaying them with an inferior squad.
matt hoten
longtimespur, unfortunately giving Adebayor a one on one chance is not a guarantee of a goal, I think i would rather trust Bale's left foot.I get your point though.
matt hoten
Glad Bale is starting to show the Messi/Ronaldo arrogance of wanting to be the only goal scorer. That shows he has the mentality of the true greats. Hope he stays, but I intend to enjoy him for the next 5 months regardless of his future.
Tactically Challenge
matt holen.......i was talking about lack of urgency shown by Avb...and this portrays to the playing team...e.g....at about..70 mins'..saturday, he finally stood on the touchline.....but when the ball went out for our throw in, beside him. He made no movement to quickly get the ball and throw to our player....yet we were only drawing one each at the time. Burkinshaw was not that animated either........and quite dour. Not disputing that. But i've seen crap displays but spurs this season......unusual decisions....early exits from cups.........lack of forsight on striker signings.......players not performing to their abilities...players playing out of position.................Thankfully we got GODBALE..;-) What are you talking about....man.utd...we were lucky not to be 2-0 down..and scored out equiliser 2 mins' into injury time.
82spursdebut
82Spurs, Thanks for your reply, but this is my take: When AVB undertook this new ‘Leyy’ Project, (having tasted top 4 under Harry), I was resigned to accepting a EL spot for this season. The reason for this I gave in my previous post to. I expected a new man, new project, less creativity and no marquee signings, this, a long term project in my thoughts was 1 or 2 steps backward before the hard climb back up again. So here we are with near 30% of the season left, we have a cushion in 4th place and breathing down the necks of Chelsea and Man City. How did that all happen? The team (managed by AVB) has already surpassed my expectations. Apart from Ade, I don’t think anyone feels ostracised (remember Krank, Pav, Gomes, Charlie et al last season?).

I think judging any one over a few games is very naive. We fans can unfortunately ONLY judge AVB on the performances we see on the pitch, however, management involves a lot of hard work off the pitch. His predecessor spent lot of off-pitch time travelling back/forth from Bournmouth or talking to the media!.

Yes, I was very upset when we lost to Leeds in the cup. My weekend was ruined. I didn’t blame AVB but the players who just didn’t turn up. A bad day at the office. So the fact that Man City looked clueless against Southampton must make Mancini a crap manager too?!! Man U not being able to beat us this season means SAF is Crap too!

I’d have agreed with you if this was AVB’s 2nd or 3rd season at Spurs. Harry had 3 seasons with us and last March I did think he was a Crap Manager!
Critical_Spur
I gotta back up Big C on Dembele. Just a handful of bad performances does not warrant the criticism. The guys a proper player who doesn't seem to have shaken off that hip injury ... Now, if only BC would take his own advice concerning his favourite punching bag: Aaron Lennon
SpursEagle
Critcal......I didn't like harry either.....but he did move us from near relegation to top 4 ....and got us achieveing something, regularly....in short space of time. Like i said...AVB...portrayed the wrong traits to the players on that F.a cup defeat day. Plus.......well....just go over my posts....if i haven't given you enough evidence on why i feel Avb..has not been great ..with a great talented squad.......then...just look at what chelski did, after he left last season. Plus...like i said....he deserves his bit of luck ..and he is young.....and still learning.
82spursdebut
Don't have time to read all the above posts yet. I really like how we manage to see Gareth Bale blossom from being a very young left back from Southampton coming here 6 years ago, and over the last 5 to 6 years becoming imo now a bona fide world class superstar. It's everything about him. He has to aura of a star. Can't quite put it in words. The power, the determination, the fear factor, the goals, the attitude, the passion, the motivation, the 'Give me the ball' mentality. All the things that only the top echelons of players possesses. He is our superstar and he will get even better and he is playing for us. Loving this. Like I said to top it all of , we saw him develop in this, as I call it 'Monster'. Yes we are reliant on him, but it is a team effort. Let's leave the striker issue for now because that has been discussed umpteenth times. Hope bale remains fit, we need him.

I was also thinking about whether he can play another 20 games or so in the next 3 months because if you include Europa, that's it. AVB is doing a dandy old job and I'll leave it to the gaffer to sort that one out. He even managed to rest a few key players the other day and we won! IAVBIT.
Madaboutspurs
Everton losing to Utd, was a good result for us.
Madaboutspurs
82spursdebut
I certainly do like Harry. He followed up the excellent work of Martin Jol and made Spurs a real force to be reckoned with.
Hotspur 1882
82spursdebut on AVB:"i'm not wanting to slate him...for we are in the top 4 and he has played some part in achieving that...." this is the point where i just burst into tears........of laughter!!!i smell a troll.
g. roberts testes
82sd I wonder why Redknapp cant seem to drag QPR away from the relegation zone. No prizes for the correct answer.
matt hoten
Hotspur, yes the excellent work of Martin Jol, but you never heard "2points from 8 games" Redknapp admit that
matt hoten
I'm lost for words.
Tottenham Hotcore
82Spurs ... Chelsea finished 6 th and are universally regarded as the worst team ever to win the CL ... By everyone in Europe. Even though they have splashed the cash again they are still only 2 points ahead of us. If you think that model of running a club is admirable, then good luck as a blue. COYS
SpursEagle
Post 100!!
Madaboutspurs
I cannot fathom how folks are having a go at AVB. Most on here, and I do mean most, stated unequivocally, that we would be lucky (yes lucky) to finish 6th. But here we are, 1 point behind Chelsea and 5 back of City with 12 remaining to play. We may finish 7th, but then we are as likely to finish 2nd. He has made in-game changes that have changed the game. We have been better (still a long way to go) on free kicks and corners. Our defence, despite all the hand wringing by some, has been very solid. Even with all of the injuries to key players. Kaboul, Parker, Dembele, Sandro., Gallas, BAE have all been injured this season we have been solid defensively. We lost three key players from our spine in King, Modric, VDV and have seen a less than stellar Adebayor, yet we are managing. We are 8W, 1L, 4D in our last 13. Not good enough. Have a go at the manager who has managed the squad and has us where we are in the table. So CC and FA Cup did not go as we wanted. Leeds were at home and we played poorly. That's what happens in Cups. AVB still won more League Cup games this season than Harry did in the previous 2. Harry inherited a club that was never going to get relegated. Yes, Gomes, Modric, Bentley, Gio, Pav, Corluka et al were taking time to bed in and the new 4-5-1 was not gelling as quickly as anyone wanted, but make no mistake, the quality in the squad was there before Harry. Ramos won one cup in one season. What did Harry manage? AVB has been fabulous. Jol getting 2 5ths was a far more impressive result than what Harry did with a club that was more talented than what we have this season. Harry's never had it so good. He could have done so much more. COYS
peterballb
Well if Bale goes, that's life unfortunately. I will cry that day. But Levy better f@cking get us great players with that money. No saving up for the stadium or other shh1tt. He has to get James Rodriguez, Jackson Martínez, and a true striker (RvW or Huntelaar) at the very least!
dcruzer
On Bale, I think people are going a little overboard. Sure, he is a star player. Sandro has been a monster. Lloris has made brilliant saves and has everyone so composed at the back. Lennon has been scintillating. And I keep getting told how great Defoe is. We have dealt with injuries and AVB has made more correct decisions than poor ones. It's a team game. Every team has a player who carries the scoring. Where would ManU be without RVP? Every team has players they lean on. WE are no different. Bale is a key player. We coped before when he was out. We did when Modric went down. It's what good squads do. We have coped without Kaboul, Parker, BAE, Sandro, Ade, et al, yet are where we are. What would Everton be without Fellaini and Baines? Liverpool without Suarez and Gerrard. I would suggest we have shown great resiliency. COYS
peterballb
Bale will leave if Bale wants to. He plays every day and makes over 5M GBP per season. It will be a money decision and will happen at some point regardless of CL. He wold be foolish to turn down an extra 50k/week, which is what he could get. Further, if he wants to go, Levy will get a top price for him. Based on Saturday's performance, I'd suggest he was looking like a 50M GBP man, if not more. COYS
peterballb
random question. after scoring, what is the sign bale makes after the heart sign? It looks like he's making an A or something. what does it mean? i am so confused. ahhhhhhh!!!
laughter7
No idea but like a lot of sportsmen, it's probably a sign of affection directed at his wife or child.
Madaboutspurs
It is worrying that we only have goals coming from Bale on the pitch, the midfield just don't chip in with enough goals which will keep us in 4th. Goals difference will be the extra point we will need for CL football next season, I think Levy has got of cheaply in the last few seasons not addressing the striker problem correctly. I just hope it don't blow up in our faces at the end of the season when the points are on the board but our lack of firepower costs us!! COYS
WestStandEnclosure
Bale shows the 'A' sign with his fingers after scoring...

as a show of his wifes affection for 'anal' ...lol

morning yiddos... COYS
Yidmarks
My son told that it was for 'awsome'...really?
golron
I completely get what @82spur is saying even if he is overstating his case. AVB is far from being crap but neither does he walk on water. Any half decent coach would have had us where we are in the league with the squad we've got and maybe still in the Cup. Hats off to him achieving what he has so early in his career and I'm sure he will continue to learn and hopefully be at Spurs for years to come.
Love totty
Hotspur 1882....yes, just to clarify what i earlier said. I do not like Harry as a person ..but i am thankfull of what he did for spurs in his time here...i.e....two fa.cup semi finals...moving us up the table from near relegation...3 top 6 finishes...and 1/4 final of champions league. For that...i would say he was a good manager for THFC.
82spursdebut
spurs eagle........under AVB, at chelski'.....it was clearly recognised that they were under achieving and were on the slippery slide......and quite likely, wouldn't have achieved anything under Avb......BUT..as i've said...All managers should get at least one season ...thus i thought he was harshly treated and he deserves his luck here at spurs. I like the roll on one season contracts for managers.
82spursdebut
As in any management position, you are only as good as the people who work for you provided you can continue to deploy and motivate them correctly and continuously. That's the hard part; continuity. Some managers have impact but no staying power. We'll have to see how AVB performs in the long term.
Love totty
g.roberts.......yes, so far, i haven't slated Avb.....just given a few reasons, as to why i consider him a poor manager at spurs, so far. I could give you more.......but, Unfortunatley, it will come across that i wish spurs not to do well. So i will not get drawn into letting my feelings out this time. Just for the record.......let's not get confused.....what a manager / coach does in terms of results, doesn't nec' reflect whether they are a good manager or not. As we know many a manger has been looked on as being good, yet their team has been relegated or under achieving. AND ...that should go the same....VICE VERSA. If you do not understand that......then just call me a troll.
82spursdebut
Love totty as usual you completely down play the enormous (well-versed) disadvantages Villas Boas was faced with when he came to the club. No more so than a negative media campaign and consequently a lot of our own fans being sceptical, even in the ground on match days which particularly riled me as it made AVB's job doubly difficult. Nobody has ever said he can walk on water. What we always said was that he appeared to be highly motivated, extremely intelligent and needed at least 2 seasons before being judged - not least he needed at least a couple of windows to sort out the bloated, expensive, and demoralised squad of deadwood that he inherited. All in all, he's done an unbelievable job to be in and around Wenger who's had 15 odd years and Chelsea who bought all the best players in the world last summer to make sure they finished Top 4. All whilst you can see there is a definite long-term plan to everything he and Levy are doing. The only big disappointment was the Leeds Cup game where we didn't turn up and when we did get going in the 2nd half Leeds spoiled their way to the win. But apart from that every Spurs fan should be very, very happy with the way its going. 2 massive UEFA Cup games to come now!
StillRickyVilla
The point about Villas-Boas' time at Chelsea was he was brought in to shift the Terrys and Lampards and build a new young Chelsea for the long-term. When the old-guard didn't like it they rebelled and as they have all the influence there, the dressing room was lost. All Chelsea did was kick the problem in to the long-grass by appointing Di Matteo and basically letting Terry manage the team. Despite spending £100m+ that club still don't know what direction they are going in. Any way who cares about them, we got lucky getting AVB on the cheap.
StillRickyVilla
srv....yes, 70/ 100..for avb overall. Just a little worried at certain players underachieving, so much resting on a young mans shoulders (bale)....hopefully Dembele is ok. Ideally, a two goal cushion from the first Lyon game would be v.good. But on this occaision...a win...would be very good.
82spursdebut
Laughter7. The sign is the letter A and his daughter's name Alba. NOT anal .lol
Madaboutspurs
SRV...how do you know that avb was brought to chelski', for those reasons you stated ? Like you say, it's history..and not spurs's history. Lots of managers out there, underemployed, but we got avb...and hopefully, to the end of the season.
82spursdebut
82, but you could say a lot of players are overachieving. I see massive improvements in Bale and Lennon this season for instance. They have clearly been worked on. Its just how you yourself perceive things. Yes, Lyon is huge. Rightly or wrongly, fairly or unfairly, I feel some fans won't fully accept AVB is the right man until he wins something or has us playing CL football. I personally feel we are going in the right direction and like the way we are going about things now. At end of the day, the scum are quite capable of going on a 10 match winning run and clinching 4th place and lets face it the UEFA Cup is a long-shot anyway. So I for one will not be crucifying AVB if we don't get those things this season!
StillRickyVilla
SRV - as usual you overstate his problems and down play the strength of the squad he inherited. And you gloss over the weird subs during some games, the poor away performances in the EL and the ridiculous team changes which cost us our place in the FA Cup. Lots of room for improvement but he seems to have a good relationship with the players and that augers well.
Love totty
Love totty, that's your opinion on subs, team changes etc. An opinion probably formed by about 2% of the information available to AVB. So who's opinion do we go with? I can just as easily argue the other way on those things but the fact is neither of us have all the information. Villas Boas and the coaching staff do. Yes I've said Leeds was the disappointment, but it wasn't down to team selection. Those players out there had enough to win that game - they just didn't match Leeds' commitment on the day - which was really disappointing. The only comfort from that game was i think Leeds drew City away in the next round so we would probably have been out anyway!
StillRickyVilla
Just watching the match again. Michael Dawson is actually playing well at present.
Madaboutspurs
82spurs with 63% winning percentage AVB s statistically the best Spurs manager in last 55 years. Surely he is doing some (most actually) right
sydqcb5
Not the brightest of articles this one is it! Complaining that we have a world class player who like RVP, Rooney and others makes the difference every week between a decent team and a top one. What's the problem?
Forever Spurs
SRV - an opinion formed by 100% hindsight on actual results. I try never to over-speculate as you're right, we never see the full deck of cards.
Love totty
srv....Bales progression...has had very little to do with avb, it would have happenend naturally. He been excellent from harrys first season with spurs......just watch the f.a cup semi' vs pompey. Bale was superb. Lennon.....has hmmmm..let's say, become more disciplined...prob' cos' he has recognised that walker, likes to go fwd. I don't consider any players are overachieving at the min', to their abilities. I will not crucify...and i will praise and have done so. But like you say...it's all on our perception of things. To me......a great spurs manager would be ...someone who wins 2 trophies or prem'.... in the space of 5 years. I would have said 4 years....but..the monies of chelski' / man.city..have made things a touch harder. We'll see.....least we know...if spurs are not particularly entertaining....then us spurs fans can fill some time gaps, in other ways.
82spursdebut
This is a forum for all of us to air our opinions. Everyone is entitled to their own, and on-ones is any more or less valid than anyone else's. For what it's worth, here's my own. Anyone who takes into account the gaping holes left in this seasons squad compared to last seasons, who also considers the squads of the clubs around us not to mention our own appalling luck with injuries this term, and who looks on our current position with anything other than respect and admiration for our manager really needs to give their head a serious shake!!! Come on you beautiful Spurs!!!
LilyWhiteHart
Love totty, ahhh, that wonderful thing hindsight. We'd be all managing Brazil with that gift!
StillRickyVilla
SRV - you and I have been debating this all season, you speculating from a optimistic standpoint whilst I prefer to suspend judgement. You now can't deviate from your position without losing face whilst I am happy to concede that the risk I perceived at the start of the season has not turned out too bad.
Love totty
sydqcb5......interesting statistic....for sure........the best spurs manager, in the last 55 years....hmmm..let me see.....I think i would put Burkinshaw and Nicholson....a good mile out in front. And surely...mr.Pleat...did pretty well, in his short time at spurs.
82spursdebut
82 i agree with you that a manager has to win 2 or 3 trophies before they can be considered a great Spurs manager. Our last one was Burkinshaw. We need CL football for the money it generates and to attract and retain our best players but the ultimate objective is to win of course. More world class players, more money = more trophies. If we get to Amsterdam I may never come back!! haha
StillRickyVilla
Can you really judge a manager by win percentages? Surely it is more about achievement versus expectation or added value. Harry can certainly claim to have improved the team performance and over achieved against expectation initially but let it slip. AVB still has lots to prove.
Love totty
lily'.......what gaping holes.....if any had been seen..then surely Avb during two transfers windows, would have closed them. But i see them....and you clearly did too. All clubs can point to their unlucky injury lists.........we just notice ours more, cos' we watch spurs attentatively. I will admire AVB...when he smiles More !
82spursdebut
Love totty, think you misunderstood my post there? Was talking about if you knew the future you'd know exactly what subs to make. Anyway, all i ever wanted was for the fans to get fully behind AVB and the team for a period of at last 2 years (i would say 3 years ) and see where that took us. If that's what you would call the 'Blind Faith Brigade' so be it. I just know that a fully motivated, passionate support gives us more chance than a cynical, whining one. Clearly, if its not working out after 2 or 3 years we have to move on but from day 1 i could see what Villas Boas was at least trying to implement.
StillRickyVilla
srv...i moan here, not at the ground........i prefer one season roll on contracts. I think avb would like to go to 4,3,3...but then sometimes i think he likes to go 4,2,3,1......but then sometimes i think he likes to go....4,4,2....then sometimes i think he likes to go....4,4,1,1...and the sometimes i see.......Flip..i knew i should have put my glasses on !!...;-)
82spursdebut
82, I think AVB has been pragmatic in his first season, going broadly with a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 if you like because that's what the players are suited to and know. But yes you are right. I think once he gets his players in it will be a 4-3-3. Holtby is a definite 4-3-3 man. As is Siggy. We need cover for Bale and Lennon and also another play-maker to cover Dembele. Unfortunately we've had to spend the first 2 windows largely disposing of Harry's deadwood or at least getting them off the wage-bill. We'll get there. I can definitely see what we are trying to do.
StillRickyVilla
82spursdebut. I am not taking sides in your spat with others on here but, regarding the Chelski arguement of RDM v AVB I seem to remember that the stats said AVB had a better points-per-game record than RDM and that is despite Roman not backing his manager over the "changing of players" situation he wanted. I understand and agree about some of AVB's decision being weird and that some players are not performing to their optimum but AVB needs to be given time. He IS still learning his trade, all the players were new to him, and what the Prem League is about. I am more than satisfied with what the team has achieved in the PL and EL but obviously not with their "English" cup runs. In my humble opinion some people are justing following on from all the press hype about his term at Chelski and because Harry was, imho rightfully, sacked.Give the man some slack and let us all judge him after he has had time to sort the team/players out how he wants them. There are times when we still play as well as Harry had us playing , at his best, but we are nowhere near consistant!
longtimespur
82spursdebut. I am not taking sides in your spat with others on here but, regarding the Chelski arguement of RDM v AVB I seem to remember that the stats said AVB had a better points-per-game record than RDM and that is despite Roman not backing his manager over the "changing of players" situation he wanted. I understand and agree about some of AVB's decision being weird and that some players are not performing to their optimum but AVB needs to be given time. He IS still learning his trade, all the players were new to him, and what the Prem League is about. I am more than satisfied with what the team has achieved in the PL and EL but obviously not with their "English" cup runs. In my humble opinion some people are justing following on from all the press hype about his term at Chelski and because Harry was, imho rightfully, sacked.Give the man some slack and let us all judge him after he has had time to sort the team/players out how he wants them. There are times when we still play as well as Harry had us playing , at his best, but we are nowhere near consistant!
longtimespur
SRV/82 - I certainly agree that support at the ground has to be unequivocal. Boo boys should be banned. But you know, it's a form of entertainment and direct feedback can be expected if performance does not match expectation. That's what happened early doors when he seemed to set up conservatively.
Love totty
Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed that Emmanuel Adebayor has been punished for his late return to the Tottenham camp.
Critical_Spur
I have never seen this guy play Heung Min Son is the name, the one along with a thousand others we had the pleasure of being linked with in the ''Don't need a Striker'' january transfer window. Yesterday he scored 2 from only having 3 shots all on target, Hamburg beating Dortmund 4-1 away.
spu 4 life
I'm beginning to like Dempsey. To come back from playing in Honduras on the Wednesday to play a full 90 minutes Saturday lunchtime was nothing short of amazing. He scores goals, contributes and above all he seems to have the right mentality. Keep him in the team over Ade.
StillRickyVilla
Our last three games have seen us take 7 points with Bale scoring all 4 of our goals against Norwich, West Brom and Newcastle. Our next three games are West Ham, The Scum and Liverpool. Without doubt we are going to need goals from more than just Gareth Bale,,, Ade, Dempsey and even Holtby need to chip in if we want to stay in the top 4.
T.H.F.Chris
Im sorry but I find your article an insult to the rest of the phucking TEAM!
Mix26
Keep Bale and the other key players fresh for the important games in the league. Same for Verts, Parker, Adebayor etc. AVB has quite a lot of options in midfield but we need to keep an eye on anyone playing back to back games from now till the end of the season. COYS.
SpursOne2
Well said Mix26 - It's a team game - We won that game through a team performance - Bale did his job well as did the rest of the side!
ParkLane67
Bale is the difference for us. Defoe started well and Ade aint got started yet, Dempsey seem to be getting into his flow and Holtby looks like he's gonna be a massive success. We still need a striker - only a complete halfwit would argue against it. I'm not hearing that teams are interested in Bale - he's gonna cost them too much and the money aint there. I reckon we'll get another season then £50 million we all hope Mr Levy will put to good use. Hopefully we'll have qualified again for the CL and will be able to attract the players that currently seem a little unsure about signing for Spurs. I'm optimistic
SPUDMAN
We have the best team that I have seen in my opinion in my lifetime of being a spurs fan. Loris vertongen Kabul caulker bale Sandro dembele holtby Lennon and even ade if he wakes up. We have really a team now that given sometime together can be a great side. Sure bale dembele and holtby are our game changers but we have a real strong back bone to the team! If we can keep this group together add some more strength in depth and add this illusive WORLDCLASS striker I truly believe we can keep our best players and as they mature compete for the title. I'm not talking this yr but in 3 yrs time we should really be in the mix. Great time to be a spurs fan. Quit complaining good times are ahead COYS
vdvdaman
Bale is a wonderful player in a squad that has some bloody good players in it. Players variously with grit and determination, talent in abundance, strength and energy to burn, creativity, personality, character, the ability to concentrate. All these qualities are present in the squad, and good players bring out the good play in outstanding or just decent others. Tottenham is no one-man team and never has been even when from an exciting Spurs past is plucked this or that illustrious name. The 'Bale to leave' campaign is not a Tottenham-authored campaign but one created and worked up by rival clubs and their obliging journos to tease our less confident supporters in the hope that some will even join in what is essentially an anti-Tottenham campaign.
Airwave
82spurs are you adrian durham undercover. You have to look at the bigger picture here. On the not signing a striker front. Its clear our strikeforce could do with an overhaul. However would we prefer the harry approach lets just sign players or would you rather AVB's approach. If the people i want aren't available then don't buy. I know what approach i prefer. Our spine from last season was King, Kaboul, Modric, VDV, ADE. None of which were available for various reasons for quite a chunk of this season. Take the spine out of any side in the Prem and you will see them struggle. We had our first choice left back out til xmas. Our player of the year last season out injuried. Having to bed in new players all over the pitch. The players playing a totally different style of game as in its more measured, not so gung ho. and we are 5 points off Second. Closer now then we was this time last season. Won more away games then we did last season in just 12 games. We are alot harder to beat. Have competed in all games even the ones we have lost. Led against arsenal, chelsea everton and City and but for lapses in concentration probably could have got something from all four games. You accuse AVB of not showing emotion. Have you not seen his emotion when we score. You mentioned us scoring in the last minute against UTD. The same UTD who have made a living off playing til the final whistle. We dominated that game. They had 4 shots. Every game is a cup final now. The players look happy the squad is trimmed. You moan about players being rotated, dropped rested and named players that should be playing. Yet moan about the defeat to Leeds. Well if one of your must play players (verts) didn't have a mare against leeds we wouldn't be out of the cup. So what if Bale is the only player who scores for the rest of the season its a results business and we keep winning and getting results i don't care if they are all own goals. Performances will come with time. Chelsea under Mourinho were never the most pleasing on the eye. People need to look at the bigger picture here. Reading half the Comments AVB can't win. If he finishes 4th. Well he should as our squad is good enough. I bet if we finished second it would be because other teams under performed and not be because we excelled.
ChirpysDaMan
chirpysdaman.....i think you should read all the posts, mine twice,again and in sequential order. Then you may get your facts and opinions right..............but just to save your time, call me another name.
82spursdebut
Excellent article OyVeh Maria! AVB is doing a brilliant job with the shallow squad he has! A squad that has no players to rotate with either Lennon or Bale, and up top we are just one more injury aware from a nightmare. The fitness of Scott Parker, is also vital, as Livermoore is looking like he's next in line for the holding role, and we all know he just ain't up to the task! So Parker staying injury free is vital! So Spurs will need a lot of luck on the injury front if we are to make the top 4 and make the Europa League final... Of course you cant rely on luck to become a regular CL and title chalanging club. You have to have a squad that can cope. Unfortunately Levy/Lewis, still after 13 seasons have not created a squad where there are 2 players for every one position. AVB cannot be blamed for that! That's all down to the THFC DOF Danny Boy...
pelebro
pelebro'...he does have the players to rotate with....has over 30 pro' players at his disposal. it was Avb, at the start of the last window, that said....he doesn't feel he requires anyone else, including a striker. Mr.Levy....came to realise they did require a striker...and subsequently tried to sign Leandro damaio...but too late...and the price required, gave Mr.levy a nose bleed. So they settled on Holtby...and recalled Kane, from his spell at Norwich. Yes, we require another top striker..possibly two....and maybe others.....but the summer is coming.
82spursdebut
82spursdebut, writes, "he does have the players to rotate with"... So who are the players he can wrote with Lennon or Bale?
pelebro
82spursdebut writes "Yes, we require another top striker..possibly two....and maybe others.....but the summer is coming." Winning the Europa and making the CL does not happen in the summer, it happens now 82spursdebut! The thing that will happen next summer is the great Daniel Levy, Gareth Bale Ebay Fantasy Football auction! An exciting summer ahead for Danny boy...
pelebro
pelebro'....Yes, they should have Bought a striker, possibly two in the recent transfer window. God knows the spurs fans (inc' myself)on here...pointed out many possibles. BUT they didn't !!....whose fault.....Partly Mr.Levy's..partly AVB's..........but they did sign Holtby and recalled Kane. Spurs have many pro' players and youngsters, at their disposal. BUT>>>as you would have seen, had you read my posts over the last month or so......i would have Pushed Townsend forward...and certainly kept him at the club to cover Bale and Lennon......BUT ...they didn't !!....cos' we must assume, they believe in what they have. Swop shop..is likely to happen...in the summer......espec' as their are no big tournaments this summer. Until then, like me....you will have to go suck your thumb ....Pelebro'.....lol
82spursdebut
Chirpy,excellent well thought out and reasoned argument on where we are now, echoes my thoughts precisely.
matt hoten
82spursdebut, I don't think AVB trusts Townsend which is why he was rarely used (despite loads of opportunities) and why he was sent off on loan. Same can be said for Falque and others. Clearly there is something in Jake's game that has him still around. I believe AVB considers Sigurdsson and Dempsey to be his preference as wing cover which is why matters were left as is. On Leandro, we made an offer we believed to be fair. They wanted more. Whether on day one or day 20 of the window is irrelevant. We weren't looking for any striker, we wanted him. Once the number became too high, we were out. Just like Willian. COYS
peterballb
82: What AVB said about not needing a striker? Dude, that was just a line fed to the media, and damn good man management to keep the two strikers we do have sweet. What would you have him say, "We definitely need new blood up front because Jermaine is a selfish bollix who has ceased being of any use since the goals dried up. And Ade? Don't talk to me about him. He's got the motivation of a sloth, and the first touch of an elephant. So yes, we damn well need some new blood up top, in fact, we are desperate!" -- Then watch every selling club lining up, demanding exorbitant prices for players AVB probably doesn't want in the first place. Oh, and AVB will have isolated the guys we do have, a point I'm sure will have the hoards clamouring to point out on this forum. Don't believe what you read in the papers, dude. That's just a game
SpursEagle
82spursdebut, I'm not blaming AVB for the lack of much needed transfer activity in Jan. I know 100% that if you and I sat in a pub with AVB and asked him if he knew of a top quality 2 footed Portuguese winger that could be used to rotate with Bale and Lennon, AVB would come up with names of affordable lightning quick wingers that would entertain the Tottenaham fans. It was the same with Ramos, who could have brought us top class Spanish winger, but, oh no, Levy wanted a player Ramos had never even heard of called David Bentley! Then Ramos gets the blame for Bentley not making the grade. It was the same in the summer when Levy bought Dempsey and Siggurdson. Do you really believe either of those 2 were on AVB's wish list? They were classic Danny Boy bargain basement signings! Lets not forger AVB signed Juan Mata from Valencia whilst at Chelsea, so he knows his European football... I'm sure AVB knows of the next Ronaldo coming out of Portugal, but unfortunately for us, Danny Boy is his DOF!
pelebro
No pelebro'....you were blaming Mr.Levy...yet you haven't listenend. AVB....clearly said in interview at the start of the transfer window, that he felt he didn't need anyone and had adequote cover. It was no....media bluff !...rubbish. Yet, us spurs fans were watching and clearly thought he required at least one more striker, given that our strikers seemed off form or ageing....Plus we knew we were likely to lose Addy' to the africa cup of nations. BUT>>>>lack of forsight on avb's part......didn't help..............thus when we got closer to the deadline and The controlling powers saw we were struggling to score goals. They started to act.......mr.levy..made a near £20m offer on the last day of the deadline. Not my words....the internaicional...presidents words. What i'm saying.....is whose fault....that we didn't sign any one....NOT Mr.Levy....NOT AVB....but BOTH>..of them Balls it up !!!!!.....but at least they managed to get Holtby and recall Kane. NOW< if they did have that kind of money to spend.....then they should have made a LIST.....and acted upon it. BUT they were SLOW..thought they could manage on what they had. LIke i said...previously, i expect swop shop in the summer and we are likely to see a top striker signed. AS for the last two transfer..windows....You clearly are deluded if you think AVB...didn't have his say on who went and who comes. I can assure you ..he rubberstamped all transfer activity at theis club, during his tenure. BUT...you go ahead.........Blame Levy, it's your perogative.
82spursdebut
Peter...yes clearly he does see something in Dempsey and makepeace......like he said...he feels siggy' is a talent waiting to explode. LOL.....but he doesn't use him that much. As for Townsend..like i've said, time and again......he put in decent spells for spurs. Is a Quality..talent....time will tell if he establishes himself in the prem'. Thankfully, he is still our player.
82spursdebut
Yes, every game is a cup final, till the end of the season......BUT...we should have taken that approach from the start of the season. EVERY single spurs game......should be 100% all guns blazing to win the games. Everything possible thing tried. That's how you win....Games, trophies, prem' titles. E.G......we are 6 wins behind man.utd after..26 prem' games. 5 wins behind man.city after 26 games. Yet.....according to some......we are as good as them, cos' we beat them, drew with them and nearly beat them. Yes, it's good that we are challenging for 3rd and 4th.....But we have a Talented squad..and when you have built that up....you need to PUSH FORWARD...and FINISH the DEAL.
82spursdebut
5 points behind man.city..after 26 games.........BUT 6 wins behind The leaders, after 26 games. ARE we really...that far behind a team, that we won and drew against this season ?
82spursdebut
It's not just Bale we need to thank. If it weren't for a certain Hugo Lloris we would have had a few scored against us, especially if Brad Friedel were in goal, so basically what I am saying is that it is always a team effort from the very back to the very front. No matter that one or two players shine brighter than the others, without the "supporting cast" of so called lesser players, the great players would be nowhere. So let's just keep our feet on the ground and our heads out of the clouds. He couldn't be great without those players like Dempsey, Hoiltby, Defoe, Walker, Caulker, Lennon et al and yes as much as I hate to say it even Ade because they ALL contribute something to the game no matter how little and sometimes it is the tiniest of things like a movement off the ball that creates the opening for our great one to score, BUT without that opening he wouldn't have had the chance to score.
chrishove123
This article is funny. I just copy and pasted it rather than post the link as it's relatively short, especially when compared to some of the postings on here LOL. ....................................... Queens Park Rangers were "out of their minds" to break the bank to sign the defender Christopher Samba from Anzhi Makhachkala – according to the Russian club's own director. The Congo centre-half was recruited into Rangers' campaign for Premier League survival after they triggered a release clause to push through a £12.5m transfer, with a contract which is reported to be worth around £100,000-a-week. QPR's manager, Harry Redknapp, described Samba as a "monster" and is in no doubt it will be money well spent should the west London club avoid relegation, although his side remain seven points adrift of safety following a 4-1 defeat at Swansea. The Anzhi director German Tkachenko, however, revealed that no one there could quite believe what QPR were willing to pay to get their man. Speaking to the Russian news site www.sports.ru, Tkachenko said: "At QPR he will earn almost as much as he did at Anzhi. In my view QPR have lost their minds. "When they agreed to pay his release fee we wept. He [Samba] wept. Everybody says that he ran away from the club, but that's not true. He didn't put any pressure on the club until we received an offer from QPR for £12.5m, the amount required by his contract." Tkachenko revealed that the former Blackburn Rovers defender Samba was keen to return to western Europe for family reasons. "It was linked to the threat that he would lose contact with his children," Tkachenko added. "That was a big blow. He was a guy who loved all of us. And besides, he is a very good defender. I think he is one of the top five defenders currently playing in Europe." Samba's contract with QPR has sparked much discussion of how it will burden the club financially if they do not survive, although Redknapp has maintained that "there will be takers for Samba all day". Anzhi would certainly be keen on a return move. Tkachenko said: "If we are successful and playing in the Champions League, I dream that Samba will become an Anzhi player again."
chrishove123
82spursdebut How can you say Bale's improvement has nothing to do with AVB. A player can only develop in this fashion if he is nurtured and looked after by the manager. Look at how SAF brought on Ronaldo, they were almost like father and son at one stage and Ronaldo STILL says his favourite time was with manure. So the manager DOES have a huge part in the development of a player, it doesn't just happen, he has to be encouraged and pointed in the right directions as regards training and diet as well as family life, work balance. There are many more things to create a fully rounded player to develop than just him being highly talented. There are so many highly talented players playing in lower leagues who don't get the chance because they never have the right team/manager behind them to put a development plan together for them.
chrishove123
chrish'......i say Bale is naturally improving all the time. He seems quite mature and level headed for his age. Thus, knows how to deal with everything himself. But...i will correct myself..and say at least avb...has written his name on the team sheet and released his leash...plus recognised that Bale can deliver a mean inswinging corner. But Huge part.....no....Bale has natural talent and would have continued improving under Donald duck.
82spursdebut
82spursdebut I beg to differ mate, without a proper training and fitness regime a player will stagnate and not get better. To get better he has to push all the way and needs help from those around him otherwise he won't know how to improve his game. He can't do it all on instinct alone, there comes a time when the player reaches a plateau and then needs to be shown how to go that step up the ladder. Natural talent just isn't enough these days, if we were back in the 70's or even the 80's then yes maybe back then because of the way training and fitness was seen and run back then a player COULD make it on nothing but raw talent, just look at Best and Hoddle, but just imagine if they had the facilities, training fitness and dietary regimes that are in place now, as well as the psychological help that players get now to work with, those players would have been so much better than they were.
chrishove123
chrish'....ok fair enough.......ok...to a certain degree...but...i think natural talent far outshines any sort of Cuddling. ..i.e....Botham ..good example......and Hoddle..well he scored over 90 goals in 390 games for spurs. Compare that to Dembele's start.....and many other modern day spurs midfielders over the years.....Pretty crap really....bar Gascoigne......and we know both Hoddle and Gazza....are fond of the nice things in life. Take a look at the Ian Rush video...and the posts by people. Not many mention any kind of AVB..input. But....yes, i suspect he has added a touch to Bale...but nothing of particular note.
82spursdebut
What i'm saying is that....These so called regimes, of fitness....healthy food.......haven't added to Modern day footballers, that much.....imo'. I mean lets' be honest....a fair few still are fond of a drink / smoke...and relaxing drug intake. I think it gets overstated and too analytical. But i do think the medicines and scans and modern technology of spotting strains and just general medical care has improved....and helps.
82spursdebut
82spursdebut well it is one hell of a coincedence that bale's game has upped so much since AVB took over. To me that speaks volume. If it were 'Arry bale would still be "running around enjoying himself" He needed a certain amount of discipline introduced into his game which he was never going to get under t&#717;e previous regime and was sorely needed for him to be able to raise the standard of his game. Without that discipline have would not have been able to do what he does. Of course t&#717;e fitness regimes etc have added a lot to the modern game. Hardly anyone could run the length of the pitch and track back to defend, now they do it as an everyday part of the game DUE to that training etc. Players are much fitter so can play more games per season which again they would never have been able to back then.
chrishove123
no no....chris'...it's been progressing, year on year. Eg...few years back, he was superb...in the FA cup semi fianl vs pompey. He just keeps progressing. Not to worry.....i see your points. You might want to see his Youtube..ball skills when he was about 15 / 16. Just hoping my son....will do that !...lol
82spursdebut
82spursdebut If it were up to our previous management Bale would still be running around aimlessly "enjoying himself". A talent like his does obviously show through, but what i am saying is that whatever a person's talent is it needs to be nurtured. A natural musician can pick up an instrument and get a tune out of it in minutes, BUT to be able to get the BEST out ofthat instrument he has to be taught, it's the same in sport, no matter how tallented a person is they have to be taught how to do it PROPERLY otherwise they will never reach their full potential, THEN on top of that comes the many hours and hours of extra practice. Beckham famously used to stay behind after training to perfect his dead ball techniques for hours at a time. Talent is nothing without proper training guidance and practice.
chrishove123
82spursdebut The other thing is though, that if all we had to do was rely on raw talent we wouldn't have any need for coaching staff or anyone like that because they would all develop naturally without having to be taught or having to learn anything. Sorry but you really are talking out of the back of your head on this one mate.
chrishove123
chris'......under the old management, i seem to remember that they would occaisionally, remind Bale of his work ethics and discipline and team play....BY ...PUtting him at Left back, when it was required for the team....i.e....when ekotto was out. Even last season, when he was becoming a forward threat, they still asked him to do that duty on occaisions. Under this management....he has played left side..and done his usual swop sides with lennon.....he has also been the left side fwd of a 3 man attack on occaisions. He has also been the right side fwd of a 3 man attack this season. Some of this swopping roles has been due to playing against 10 men...(i.e.Bale becomes the free man). Like i said.....i understand your points. But I feel Bale has done more for AVB...than Vice versa. Bales upbringing, family, wife and young child will help to keep him on the straight and narrow. Avb's....input will be nominal. can you just imagine someone trying to Nuture Botham !!..lol So when Beckham used to stay behind.....and practice, was Sir Alex with him !? Many a time i've seen players stay behind and practice.......usually with another player, or youngster. All that really happens ...is the player knows more or less what he is doing or trying to do....and the extra person, fetches or places the ball down. Very very little actual words are spoken. I don't think you can compare muscians to sport. A player can see what he wishes to try..and teach himself, after all, we are only talking about a round wind filled ball. Not quite the same, for a muscian. But as i prev' said....i do see the medical innovations and team, having a decent input. But avb telling Bale how to do it properly....LOL......I cannot remember avb being a great player. I can see avb telling stories/tales or the odd joke. Maybe even the odd player dispute. Nope...on this occaision Bale ....is just too good.
82spursdebut
Like i say...i see Bales advancement as natural progression, rather than Avb's influence. Even harry pushed Bale forward leftside on occasions.....Most notably, away to Norwich, last season. BUT....if AVB...was to Move Bale to centre fwd / striker.......Then that would be a First....and if it worked and Bale became estblished there. Then great praise should be given to AVB.
82spursdebut
Spurs (Bale) 2 Lyon 1. There's your answer. Mr Levy - buy a striker!
SPUDMAN
 

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