http://www.planetspurs.com/ http://www.planetspurs.com/newsfeed.php News Headlines After the signing of Luka Modric from Dynamo Zagreb last month, Spurs boss Juande Ramos is set to make his second move to tighten up the midfield for next season by reportedly offering Blackburn Rovers the £15m asking price attached to winger David Bentley. Following the strengthening of the Spurs defence in January, the midfield has been widely regarded as the weak-link on the team, and Bentley, 23, has become a hot topic for press after making a massive impact at Blackburn, and subsequently breaking into the England first team as a replacement to David Beckham. Bentley was said to be being monitored by Liverpool and Chelsea but speculation suggests that he is on his way to North London. Mark Hughes was quoted saying only last month that Bentley would not make a big summer move out of Blackburn, but if the price is right he could well be on his way out. http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/201/Ramos-Swoops-for-15m-Rated-Bentley.php http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/201/Ramos-Swoops-for-15m-Rated-Bentley.php Juande Ramos has put Spurs fans into yet further termoil by saying that he is still unsure of what the future holds for in form striker Dimitar Berbatov. The Bulgarian, 28, has been the centre of endless speculation on his future with most stories suggesting a move up north to Manchester. The price tag is still unknown, but rumours say it could be as much as £35m. Earlier in the week Tottenham were linked to out of favour Barca striker Samuel Eto'o, with some saying he would be a permanent replacement for Berbatov. "I've spoken to him many times and know exactly what he wants," Ramos said. "We have to cover our backs in case the player decides to leave and we have to have options to replace him." Ramos added: "I would obviously like him to stay here but we don't know how future negotiations will go so it is something I cannot guarantee. http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/200/Berbatov-Could-Go-says-Ramos.php http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/200/Berbatov-Could-Go-says-Ramos.php Well we have now arrived at our last match for this season, so I guess that the thing that will be on everyones mind is, who is OUT and who is if any coming IN. We go into this game at “The Lane“ against Liverpool, who are in the top four, so its our last chance this season to show what we can do against a Top Four team. Also if West Ham loose or draw and we can get a win we can achieve our last thing this season and go UP another place. Like Liverpool we also go into this game on the back of a 1-0 win. Our goal coming from Mr Dependable Keano, and for Liverpool a goal from Torres. With Berba not playing against Reading, the question of has he played his last game for Spurs will this be his last game? I guess we will all know soon enough. The last time we played them was at Anfield on 7th October 2007, where it looked as though we were on for the win. Keano scored twice for us, and Liverpools came from a Gerrard free kick that clipped JJ on the way in, but we were looking good for 2-1 but a Torres header in stoppage time made honours even 2-2. Our figures against them in all comps are not exactly good, PWDLFA148413869161227 Dare we hope for a winning result this time, WHY NOT lets show the “Top Four” what we can do, and go out on a high. At the time of writing this not certain what the team will be, but with the exception of of our long term injuries we will I think have a full squad to pick from. I guess the burning question is who will start with keano? Have we seen the last of Berba, all will be revealed in a few hours I guess. Talk of this match and there being this season “Cup Winners” playing most would think of Liverpool players, Buy NO ITS US SPURS, Liverpool are cupless, so that puts us one up on them already, and seeing as they were very lucky to get a point at Anfield, I will take us to win 2-1. Whos going to score? If I was really confident Id be outside the bookies at 9am. So come on guys please give us something, to shout about for our last priemership game this season. COME ON YOU SPURS. By Mike (journeyman) http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/199/Spurs-v-Liverpool-----Mikes-match-preview.php http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/199/Spurs-v-Liverpool-----Mikes-match-preview.php Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o has been linked to a possible move to Tottenham, with a deal that could be worth £28m. The Spanish paper reported that Eto'o, who has performed below par this season for Barca, could be a replacement for apparent outgoer Dimitar Berbatov who has been linked to a move to Manchester in the summer. The Cameroonian, now 27, has made his intentions clear telling Spanish radio that he wants to win titles, and stated that if he left Barcelona he will leave Spain altogether. "If things carry on next season like this, well, I want to win titles and if I can't do that here, then it will be an another club" http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/198/Etoo-in-275m-move-to-Tottenham.php http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/198/Etoo-in-275m-move-to-Tottenham.php There has been a lot of speculation over the future of young Spurs defender Younes Kaboul of late, and reports from the Metro today could confirm that the France U21 international could be on his way out of the club as the player states his desire to join FA Cup finalists Portsmouth despite confirming recent interest from Newcastle United. "My priority it is to remain in England, as the championship is very exciting and it is where the best players of the world evolve," said Kaboul. "Newcastle are interested in me, I do not deny it, but I wish to join Portsmouth." Kaboul also recently launched an attack on Tottenham Hotspur manager Juande Ramos after falling out of favor at the club following the signing of Jonathan Woodgate from Middlesbrough in January. "Ramos has not really given me a chance. When a player doesn't have the confidence of his coach, he can't do much on the pitch. But when a coach has confidence in you, you take the handbrake off and you race away." Should Kaboul stay or should he go? Please leave your thoughts on this story by posting a comment below or discussing in our Tottenham Hotspur Forums! http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/197/Kaboul-Eyes-Portsmouth-Move.php http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/197/Kaboul-Eyes-Portsmouth-Move.php Following details released last month of Spurs taking part in the Feyenoord Jubileum pre-season tournament, the official Tottenham Hotspur website today released their more details on the clubs preparations for the start of next season by announcing a pre-season fixture against Leyton Orient at the end of July. The statement revealed: "Our first team will play Leyton Orient in a friendly as part of pre-season preparations in July. "We travel to Brisbane Road - 'home' of our reserve team - for the match on Wednesday July 30, kick-off 7.45pm. Spurs last played Leyton Orient in a pre-season fixture before the start of last season which saw Spurs go home 4-2 winners following a brace from Robbie Keane, and goals from Jermaine Defoe and Darren Bent. Tickets will be available to purchase for Spurs fans directly from the Leyton Orient ticket office, priced at £15 for adults, £10 for concessions, and £5 for under-16s accompanied by an adult. http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/196/Spurs-Announce-Pre-season-Fixture.php http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/196/Spurs-Announce-Pre-season-Fixture.php Have the Relegation Rockers hit again? 3rd May 2008 - Madejski Stadium Teams: Spurs Cerny, Hutton, Dawson, Woodgate, Gilberto, Jenas, Zokora, Huddlestone, Malbranque, Keane, D. Bent. Subs: Robinson, Chimbonda, K-P Boateng, Taarabt, O'Hara Reading Hahnemann, Rosenior, Ingimarsson, Duberry, Shorey, Doyle, Harper, Bikey, Hunt, Lita, Kitson. Subs: Federici, Oster, Long, Matejovski, Cisse Report: Right from the off Spurs started to attack, with Bent and Keane starting up front, due to Berbatov's Injury. Within six minutes, Spurs were in the lead thanks to Robbie Keane's strike. Tottenham kept on dominating the game, and as Darren Bent hit the post, everyone knew the Royals probaly wouldn't be able to get a shot in the back of the net, past Cerny. After a Keane free-kick that had been pushed past the post by Hahnemann, Malbranque put in what would of been a superb goal, only to find out he was offside due to a mistake by the linesman (Therefore, it should of been 2-0). Suddenly news leaked in about Fulham's win overy Birmingham at Craven Cottage and Reading found their feet. Andre Bikey had a shot deflected over the bar by Zokora and Lita and Doyle started to have shots against Cerny, all being saved giving Tottenham their first win in the last five, and possibly sending Reading back to the Championship? Final score: Reading 0 - 1 Tottenham Hostpur Ratings: Cerny 8, Hutton 6, Woodgate 8, Dawson 8, Gilberto 6, Jenas 6, Huddlestone 5, Zokora 6, Malbranque 8, *Micahlei Star Player* Keane 10*, Bent 8. Subs Used: O'Hara, K-P Boateng Subs Not Used: Robinson, Chimbonda, Taarabt http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/195/Reading-vs-Spurs---Match-Report.php http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/195/Reading-vs-Spurs---Match-Report.php Off on our travels again, with the season coming to a close, so lets hope we can finish our last couple of games on a high. I will willingly settle for a 1--0, but will state early in this preview I will still be a boring old fart and go for a 1-1. Don’t think I could stand (or at least my nerves wont) another 6-4. Reading Football Club was formed in1871, and in their first season in the premiership they finished a very creditable 8th. At the moment they are going through a spell of “somewhat indifferent form”. They will most certainly come out and believe that they can beat us, so as always we can not take them lightly. I know that our season is effectively over, but hey there is still “ The Shirt” and us the supporters to play for, so come on guys turn it on for us. Their last six games have resulted in one win, two draws, and three losses, and they will certainly be trying for the points to help their cause for priemership survival, as they sit one place above the drop zone so we must be totally focused for this game, no more not taking chances. They will be without defender Sonko, and midfielder Fae, after both were suspended by the club for refusing to play in the reserves. We now have Hutton available. Just wait till we have signed all these players we have been linked with, we will be unstoppable. Our figures against them in all competitions are: P W D L F A 76 33 25 18 142 109. As everyone including the press keep saying “We have nothing to play for” I beg to differ, the shirt, and pride come to mind. Finally smart money on a 1-1. COME ON YOU SPURS By Mike ( journeyman ) http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/194/Reading-v-Spurs--Mikes-Match-Preview.php http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/194/Reading-v-Spurs--Mikes-Match-Preview.php New signing Luka Modric watched his new club in action from the stands at White Hart Lane as Spurs got off to a promising start against Bolton Wanderers pressing heavy possession and attacking pressure on the relegation threatened outfit, with Malbranque and Lennon crossing dangerous balls regularly into the box, along with help from an adventurous Alan Hutton. Committing himself to getting up the wing to provide a cross to the strikers Hutton stumbled and injured himself when clashing with an advert. Towards the end of the first half Gilberto took a low free kick which was deflected by another player (nobody really knows who) onto the post, summing up the first half for spurs as the team entered the dressing room with nothing to show for their domination of the match. After the half time interval, Spurs introduced Tom Huddlestone into the game replacing the struggling Alan Hutton who had managed to see out the remainder of the first half despite picking up a knock, with Bolton also making two substitutions of their own. The second half saw Bolton come out all guns blazing as the team started to attack the Spurs defence straight from the off (I’m talking 1 minute here) and after a mix up by Dawson, Stelios the Bolton substitute slotted the ball into the back of the net (Cerny really should of moved). Shortly after, Dawson was taken off by manager Juande Ramos and on came Darren Bent in his place. With the Spurs fans silenced the Bolton Wanderers fans were shouting at the top of the voices and waving there flags. In reply Spurs immediately started to attack once again and after all the dribbling and creating chances from before, it was Steed Malbranque that made the breakthrough as he turned home a Robbie Keane shot initially saved by Bolton goalkeeper Al Habsi. With Spurs back on level terms, the spurs fans were back to full volume shouting STEEEEEEEED whilst enjoying a remediation of “your not singing any more” aimed at the Bolton fans. Having made his contribution Malbranque came off for young Jamie O'Hara filling in his place with little over ten minutes to go. The Spurs Chances kept on coming and on the 90th minute, a header by Berbatov skimmed the top of the goal as Zokora picked up a Yellow for bad behaviour. Player Ratings: Cerny - 6, Hutton - 6, Woodgate - 7, Dawson - 5, Gilberto - 6, Lennon - 6, Jenas - 5, Zokora - 7, *Malbranque - 8*, Keane - 7, Berbatov - 6... Subs: Huddlestone - 5, Bent - 6, O'Hara - 5 Subs not used: Robinson, Tainio http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/193/Tottenham-v-Bolton-Match-Report.php http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/193/Tottenham-v-Bolton-Match-Report.php Don’t know where to start really, best not delve oon the past, I guess. So we are at Home to Bolton, now that prospect makes the mind boggle. Are we going to loose, or on the other hand they (the players) owe us a decent shift, so maybe we will win by 5 or 6 clear goals, but of course we wont we are not playing on “Fantasy Island” so I will be a boring old fart and go for our regular 1-1, with us taking the lead then conceding late on. Boring old git aint I? The last time we played them was on 23rd September 2007 where it ended 1-1, our scorer that day was Keano, guess what we held the lead for about four minutes, then they scored from a header by Campo. Seems that Spurs are sometimes like race horses, some of them if they get to the front to soon they don’t know what to do, and that’s how I feel that we are at times. For this game we will see the return Robbo (Ahem, cough, cough), also Chimbonda, and woody, so that effect with woody back will certainly help our defence, and hopefully Chimbonda down the flanks as well, will all bode well for us. There are after all only so many permutations the manager can make, so its time for the selected ones to stand up and be counted. Bolton were initially formed as “Christ Church Sunday School”, and were originally known as “The Reds” as they used to wear red and white quartered shirts. After a disagreement with the local vicar in 1887 they broke away from the church and wandered in the wilderness without a home for 18 years, before settling at “Burnden Park”. One of their pitches used to be right next to a piggery, and “clearences” were forever ending up in the pigs slurry. They have had a fair share of well known players including the great “Nat Lofthouse” who was their most capped player 33 times, also he was their highest scorer 255 from 1946 to 1961. They won the FA cup four times, 1923, 26, 29, and again in 1958. They were formed in 1870, and became professional in 1880.Our figures against them in all competitions are as follows, P W D L F A 91 40 16 35 145 126. So all in all not to impressive against them. Against my better judgement I will go for a 2-1 win for us. By Mike (journeyman) COME ON YOU SPURS. http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/192/Spurs-v-Bolton------------Mikes-Match-Preview.php http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/192/Spurs-v-Bolton------------Mikes-Match-Preview.php Tottenham Hotspur fans may have to see the club depart with several first team players in the summer as manager Juande Ramos revealed in an interview with the Daily Star that he will have to sell players before he is permitted to bring new players into the squad. Over the past few years whilst pushing towards European qualification, Spurs could hardly be tagged with the title of a selling club, spending far more on incoming transfers whilst ensuring we hold on to key players such as the likes of Robbie Keane. However with Ramos now had time to assess the team, he may well be looking to make his mark and it may start with the departure of some of the fans favorites from White Hart Lane to fund it. "We have to see how this season finishes before we decide on what players leave and what ones we sign" Ramos said. "We do not have a stipulated amount of money for transfers. It all depends on the income we get from the players we sell." "We cannot have a squad which is too big. If players come in, then others will have to leave." http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/191/Ramos-plans-summer-exodus-for-Spurs.php http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/191/Ramos-plans-summer-exodus-for-Spurs.php On the road again off to Wigan. The last time we played them was on 11th November 2007 at “The Lane” where we ran out 4-0 winners. Our scorers on that day were JJ 2, Lennon 1, and Bent 1. Our opening goal came in the 13th minuute from a Keano cross which resulted in a JJ tap in, but somehow I don’t think we will score as quick this time. Our Figures in all competitions against them are as follows: P W D L F A 5 3 2 0 14 7. We need to go into this game with a more positive attitude, than some of our later games, where we have played our selves into a “Comfort Zone” and not made our chances count. Through our various threads on our site our fans seem a bit divided over this game, and at this moment in time I to am in the “Loose Camp”, but hey I hope me and all others in this camp are wrong. Wigan will obviously be all out for the points to take them further away from the drop zone, and will be high spirited after earning a late point against Chelsea, so we really must beware. If Fulham fail to beat Liverpool, and Bolton loose at the Riverside, and wigan win their priemership status is really safe so they have a lot to play for. We will be without Chimbonda, and Robinson, but hopefully we will still be to much for them, but as Ive said earlier I have bad vibes about this game and to be honest its must all be down to team attitude and wanting to win for pride and their supporters, so heres hoping. We have a really good opportunity to make our last few games count for something seeing as we are now only 3 points behind the “Hammers” with a better goal average, so let us be having that tenth place. I will slightly contradict myself and go for a 2/3-1 win to Spurs, despite my reservations. By Mike (journeyman) COME ON YOU SPURS. http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/190/Wigan-v-Spurs--Mikes-Match-Preview.php http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/190/Wigan-v-Spurs--Mikes-Match-Preview.php So we now entertain “Boro” at the lane, at the moment they seem to be on a high and staving of the threat of relegation. They come into the game against us on the back of a very useful 2-2 draw against United, so we really must not underestimate them at all. There are a couple of storys as to how the club was formed, and the one more likely to be nearer to the truth is: They were formed over a “Tripe Supper” at the Corporation Hotel. Load of old tripe or not? They were formed as a club in 1876, and became a limited company in 1892. Once in 1997 the club was hit by illness which prevented them from putting out a team against Blackburn, and they lost the three points, that three points at the end of the season was enough to end their place in the Premier League. Our figures against them in all competitions are as follows, P W D L F A 87 32 22 33 135 143 So on the basis of these figures they seem to have a slight edge on us. Mido went from Spurs to Boro in 2007 for six million, Barmby also went the same way in 1995 for £5,250,000, but we got the best deal we got Woody from them on Janurary 28th 2008 for £7,000,000. We also got Cyril “Nice one” Knowles, from them in May 1964. For £45,000 he played over 500 games for us eventually being forced to retire with a knee injury in 1976. We last played them on 3rd November 2007 where it ended 1-1, our scorer being Bent, and theirs an ex spurs mab Luke Young. At this moment in time I would not like to put on here what I think the team may be, I have my own ideas, as we all do, but I think it will see our best strike formation and defensive line up, Robbo between the sticks? Woody, Dawson, Chimbonda, who can say as of yet, I feel there is some experiments yet still to take place by Senor Ramos. COME ON YOU SPURS. By Mike (journeyman) http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/189/Spurs-v-Middlesborough--Mikes-Match-Preview.php http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/189/Spurs-v-Middlesborough--Mikes-Match-Preview.php According to reports Spurs are looking into the potential of building a new stadium on a trading estate just yards from their current home, White Hart Lane. The site called the Wingate estate is found north of White Hart Lane, behind the Paxton Road end, between Tottenham High Road and Worcester Avanue. The plan would mean that Spurs would continue to play at White Hart Lane whilst the stadium was constructed, and remove the need for a controversial ground share, potentially with West Ham. The new area would allow for a stadium with a capacity of around 55,000 something the club has been looking to create through a various options for many years. Although permission has yet to be granted and settlements with all the business who would have to leave the area would have yet to be reached. It looks like a relatively sound idea which will please many of the Spurs faithful. http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/188/Spurs-to-leave-White-Hart-Lane.php http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/188/Spurs-to-leave-White-Hart-Lane.php So off we go to “Ewood Park” another game I don’t feel very confident about, just like last weeks. Blackburn were formed in 1875, and turned professional 1880, and two years later they got to the FA Cup Finals, but lost. One slightly amusing fact is that one of their previous grounds used to have a “Cow Pit” in the middle of it, tis was in fact a drainage pool, so before matches could be played, they had to put planks over the hole then lay turf on top of the wood. How bazar is that? Our record against them in all competitions is P W D L F A 99 43 22 34 163 139. WE last played them on 28th October 2007 at home loosing 2-1, our scorer was Keano (P) and for them it was McCarthy, and Samba. Our last performance though was a disgrace Ive never seen our team so willingly and readily “Throw in The Towel”, in the words of Sir Alan Sugar on the apprentice “ You were a total shambles, it was a bloody dissaster, give me one good reason why I shouldn’t sack the lot of you” true words, but must not dwell on the past I guess, so as they say onwards and upwards. I think that this game will also be very tough for us, because as mentioned by all asunder, weve won a cup, Priemership status is safe, in Europe next year, so nothing to play for. What about Pride. Now for Black burn there is a European spot up for grabs, and with our reversal of form in some games they will most certainly be expecting to win, also with home advantage. They have got some very good players, like David Bentley, also Pederson, who can put useful crosses in, also he is pretty dam good at shooting as well, I think that a key man up front for them will be Santa cruz, so I think he needs to be marked very closely. They also have Dunn back from injury. For us I don’t think there will be to much of a drastic shuffle around. For me personally I am glad to see that JJ is back, I feel that we really do miss him. Also Kaboul could be playing, I think he should really be straight back in the team. Of late for me Dawson has made to many mistakes, so my back four would be Hutton, Woodgate, Kaboul, and Gilberto. Im of the honest opinion that we could also be undone again today but hell I hope not, if we do the small basic things right we can come away with a result that we want, but our guys will have to fight for everything as Blavkburn will not just roll over for us. I think if we do win I will go for 2-1. By Mike (journeyman) COME ON YOU SPURS. http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/187/Blackburn-v-Spurs.php http://www.planetspurs.com/fullnews/187/Blackburn-v-Spurs.php