Anderton, Redknapp, Poyet, and Ziege to be given free transfers. Richards is said to be available for £1m. He was a waste of money! Players linked to so far; Mvb Diego Maybe the Convey/Konch deals can be resurrected?
Joe Kinnear told BBC Nottingham that Levy and the Forest chairman had a handshake agreement to sign Andy Reid for 5 million before he became manager. Nothing signed or sealed more officially though, so Joe is trying his best to get the price raised higher. Apparently there were scouts from 17 Premiership clubs at the last Forest game (!) Reid is a talent, would give us balance on the left side and he's a very skillful winger, his dribbling is very good and he can score goals. He'd also fit in with our growing Irish mafia....... On the downside he is overpriced a fair bit, especially in this transfer climate. But if you want quality you've got to pay for it, and I do not see many other options where there isn't a dropoff in quality. I also saw yet another report today that we're getting Martin O'N for 1 million compensation. With all these Irish players it can't be ruled out, but then MoN isn't the kind of manager who gathers Irish players, he didn't really do that at Celtic or Leicester. God only knows what's going on.
Here's a link to the PlanteFootball story: http://skysports.planetfootball.com/article.asp?id=199751&cpid=8 I've maintained for a while that I think O'Neill is the secret choice, and I'm probably incorrect, but nothing seems to be solidly refuting that yet. There's been a decided push towards Irish players recently, and that may mean that O'Neill has OK'd the push. In O'Neill's previous jobs (i.e. Liecester and now at Celtic) he didn't always have the money and drawing power to be too picky about bringing in Irish players. While at Celtic, I'm sure he saw how fanatical the Irish supporters are all around the world, and just what a benefit a passionate, vocal and large group of supporters can do to add to a team's performances on the field. It may be O'Neill that is making the push for the Irish contingent, but then again, maybe it's a marketing angle of the Spurs Board, who knows. I can't really say about Reid, but I do think 10 million pounds seems way over the top, because that's the sort of money used to get players like Duff, Kewell, Robben, Van Persie, and of course, Van Bommel. It seems that if Reid were in the class of those players, that there would have been considerably more attention given towards him. No, 5 million I can conceive, but not knowing the player well enough, I have no idea whether he's worth it or not. But given Spurs past overpayments on players, it still worries me a bit. Speaking of overpayment, apparently we're talking with the agent of Sergei Rebrov about a Hungarian Dmid. While I'm happy to see the position being addressed, I'm underwhelmed by the player (simply because of his lack of reputation) and worried about making another Rebrov like mistake on a useless player. We do seem to have a history of that sort of thing. http://www.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,58-1132545,00.html -Digital
Davies the latest Brit to re-sign Good news on the contract front. We've locked up Simon Davies for a further 2 years, meaning he'll be at the Lane through 2009. http://www.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,58-1132577,00.html -Digital
Hey DigitalTron, what's been going on in MLS seeing as that's started up again? Any standout players or teams so far?
I've had the chance to see some MLS games, but not all of them. Often times in the very beginning of the season the best teams are the teams that come together quickest, but here's what I've seen. On DC United, new coach Piotr Nowak (former Captain of the Polish National Team and one-time Spurs target) has them playing some of the best attacking soccer in the league, and all of the independent announcers are saying the same thing. It's a 352 with the 5 man midfield playing great aggressive two-way soccer. The team has tremendous close control, wonderful quick, short passing, and while all the media has been focusing on our substitute forward, Freddy Adu, it's the midfield where DC United has looked simply stellar. I am so elated because we win balls effortlessly and then string together 20 passes in quick one and two touch succession and the ball pings upfield beautifully. I'm in a bit of shock, because it's like watching Clockwork Orange or a La Liga game. One player who has looked good in midfield is left wing midfielder Bobby Convey, who under Nowak has the freedom to show his game and he is really blossoming. He narrowly missed a sitter and had a couple of well-saved shots or he would have already scored, and he really deserved to have a couple of assists already, but DC United's infamous lack of finishing prevented that from happening. Earnie Stewart (leading scorer of the US National Team among active players) is looking good as a provider from right wing midfield. On other teams the LA Galaxy's Carlos Ruiz continues to impress. He's one of those guys I liken to Larry Bird (old NBA basketball player) who never impressed you with his athleticism or flashiness, but always seemed to score, even if sometimes he just looked lucky doing it. Ruiz is a fantastic finisher, but when he's not finishing, he really doesn't look impressive. He's also a whiner and a diver, so I and most MLS fans don't care for him, but the guy can and does score whenever he gets a chance. Plus, he is a master at making a hard and decisive first bump/push to create separation and makes the quick and accurate shot before his defender can recover. He can create a shot from no space whatsoever. No real standout defenders that I've seen thus far. Chicago's defense collectively has looked very good. The top goalies aren't really on form yet. Freddy Adu has looked scintillating with the ball at his feet moving forward, he's going to be a phenomenal player. But, when he has his back to the goal he's just too light to do anything. When he doesn't have the ball he, understandably, looks lost and confused. He still has a lot to learn off the ball and in dealing with physical challenges. Some of his nifty moves work, but he's learning that the defenders in MLS aren't going to fall for some of the fluff that work on youth players. Definitely worth watching, but he's not ready for the big leagues yet. MLS was the right choice for him, IMHO. He has already scored a goal on a total garbage half-chance where he made a diving slide-tackle around a defender to get a toe-poke at a 90 degree angle to perfectly slot the ball low and into the corner. It's an ugly goal, but it was very impressive because he really didn't have much of a chance. Freddy's passing is unbelievably precise; it's ready for the Premiership right now, but until the rest of his game catches up, he's not yet ready. -Digital
on o'neill - i would love to share your optimism, but i just don't think he'd be interested. nothing would make me happier, he's my absolute dream choice. i think if we got him and didn't go anywhere, we really would have to accept that the club is just cursed. he commands enormous respect from his players, is a great motivator AND tactician, and he's proved his worth both at leicester, where he made a great little side on a shoestring budget, and at a huge, expectant club like celtic - if he could get them to a uefa cup final, he could do the same for us. i would be so confident with him in charge and he's such a big name that he's be given the patience that a new spurs manager would need. reid - 10 million an absolute joke. i havn't seen him but no matter how good he is i'd say even 5m for a nationwide player in the current market sounds over the top. also, something frustrating about this trend for replacing one talented youngster with another - why the fcuk has rohan ricketts suddenly just been dismissed as surplus to demands. i think he's an outstanding talent, and to be honest i'm not sure i wouldn't rather hang on to him and try him on the left wing. the hungarian - agreed 100%. this kind of signing just has to stop. maybe he would be the one eastern european who broke the moulD at spurs and was actually decent for once, but spurs fans are no longer in the mood for risk taking, we've had enough. that guy has laughing stock written all over him. GIVE US PROVEN QUALITY IN THE DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD POSITION! ONCE AND FOR ALL!
I think that Spurs need a midfielder and 2 good defnders. Other then that, things seem to be good up front, but a good midfilder would help.
Very true, we haven't had a left back for over a year, and other than Gardner, we're very thin at central defender. Richards just doesn't get the job done consistently, King is always injured (or getting cards), so those two defenders are absolutely essential. Other than Davies, I'm not happy with any of our midfielders. Redknapp can play, but he's always injured. We have no left midfielder, nor do we have the all-important Dmid, so those two positions are definite holes. But, we are fine along the forward line. -Digital
Regarding the MON rumours, it has been alleged on the radio today that his 1st team coach has just bought a house in North London. Hmmmmmmmmmmm. Fingers x'd.
MoN has a house in High Wycombe, his wife still lives there and their kids go to a London school. Thats been the case for some time now.. hmm!
You want to know why I am a fan of Mourinho right now. I'll tell ya. It seems that Mourinho may be going to Chelsea, so Martin O'Neill might come to Spurs. Why? Because London is home, that's WhyCome. -Digital
Correct Parkhead. I can't speak for him, but I didn't think Danners was trying to imply anything otherwise. For most of the year now we've been talking about this, and his family living there for so long and preferring London is one of the biggest. We have deduced that there are really 3 main reasons that Spurs might be attractive to him. 1. London His wife adores London and dislikes Glasgow. Rumor is that she has been patient, but only because she knows he'll leave Glasgow eventually. With Arsenal's job locked up for a long time, the only other big clubs are Chelsea and Spurs. 2. Money Despite being shyte for a long time, Spurs still have a massive following, continually selling out WHL with its extremely high ticket prices and difficult transit links. Spurs actually receive a lot of media attention considering their table position. Most importantly, the club has money to buy and keep players, and the aura to prevent most from leaving for "bigger" clubs. If Spurs win, everyone stays. 3. Sleeping Giant Spurs are a big club that is craving success but hasn't had any of it. It's ripe for someone to come in and assume the conquering hero role. One good Champions League earning season and people will put Spurs right up there with Newcastle. Two and we'd be competitive with Liverpool. If MON comes and has 3 successful seasons, he might be able to challenge the top 3. I'd say that only Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle have that kind of ability right now. No matter how well Southampton, Fulham, Birmingham City, Bolton and Portsmouth do, they're at least 7 years away from becoming a top club in people's minds. Aston Villa and Everton are probably in the same category as Spurs (but IMHO slightly behind) in the sleeping giant category, but neither is really where MON wants to be. So looking at the criteria, it looks like a two horse race, Chelsea would be the first choice because of their superior resources, and Spurs would be the second choice because of the sleeping giant factor. So, if Mourinho goes to Chelsea, Martin O'Neill might (hopefully) come to Tottenham. Liverpool has a lot of things, but it's still not in London. And, it is looking like Houlier may not be fired. Newcastle might as well be Glasgow to Mrs. O'Neill. I think Spurs have a legitimate chance ... but it's by no means a lock. -Digital
That's odd, because I know that Spurs were and are very interested in Bobby Convey, another young American who plays left wing quite well. IMHO, DaMarcus' game isn't suited for the Premiership as well as Convey's game, because DaMarcus isn't much of a crosser and his small frame can't handle the long physical season as well. DaMarcus would be very good as a wingback in a 352 where he can use his excellent defending skills, boundless energy, and good stamina to run box to box. But, IMHO, he'd be best suited for a team in La Liga because the incessent physical challenges in the Premiership would take their toll on him. I know Ajax wanted DaMarcus, but MLS wouldn't let him go and placed too high of a transfer fee on him. Middlesborough (sp?) has wanted him for some time. I think the smart move is to go after Convey, because he is an excellent crosser and more physically ready to withstand the punishment. Interesting though. I would be pleased if Spurs made a push for Danny Szetela, as he's a big (6'1), fast, versatile combo-player. His natural position is the holding midfielder, but in the Davids mold of quickly and skillfully switching to attack. He's a lefty and can also play left midfield, left back, or left winger. He's a very good 17 year old prospect and because of his Polish heritage, he shouldn't have any home office problems. He's not ready yet, but soon he will be, and he looks to become exactly the type of Dmid that Spurs fans would love. -Digital
The thing is when can they bid again for Convey? I mgiht be at the very end of the August tranfer window. Also right after the Holland game I heard intrest from Marselle, PSV and Lyon, but thats another thread.
I didn't hear about the rumor, but yeah, end of August. I'd be surprised if he was still available...
That was a joke rumour on Glory-Glory.net Betfair still has a lot of people putting money on Trapp. Seems that Lippi stepping down from Juve is making him near definite to take over as Italy boss after Euro 2004. The only way Trapp could keep his job would be if he wins the thing, even then at his age who knows if they still keep him on. O'Neill and Peter Taylor are the only other two to be consistently at the top these past days.
this van gaal rumour has spread faster than anything i've seen yet. it actually started when someone rang talksport, the big radio phone in thing over here. sounds like the usual bollocks, except that i'm on the supporters trust email loop and a couple of people on there (the most cynical and well trained fans around) heard the show and seemed to think this guy sounded like he was on to something. others reckon it's a gooner on the wind up however, which i would lean towards myself. this rumour can be ended sooner than others - the guy specifically said he was certain of a wednesday press conference, so if and when wed.passes without notice we can put it to bed
We shall see! I still doubt it severely, Van Gaal was in London this week but that was apparently for talks with Kenyon at Chelsea, particularly about youth systems and a linkup with Ajax. As for Van Basten as assistant.... I know he's been getting back into coaching and of course was an unbelievable player, but this is the bit which feels the most like a windup Latest name I heard with some strength behind it was Carlos Quieroz, once he gets sacked by Real at the end of this season the club will make a move for him, put him as first team coach with Pleat staying as DOF. Apparently Carlos would prefer remaining as a first team boss somewhere rather than go back to being an assistant at ManYoo.