Ade buy-or not to buy?
At the end of last season we rued the lack of goals from a proven striker and missed out on adding to our Champions League fairytale. Apologies for bringing up something that you may want to forget but we’re reaching the time of the season where we need to make plans for the summer carousel - Who will be coming in? Who will be going out? The grapevine has been ripe with the names of Eden Hazard, Jan Vertonghen, Loic Remy and just lately I write this with a sour look on my face; Dimitar Berbatov doing the gossiping rounds. But the elephant ...
Prem: Spurs 3 – 1 Wigan – closing the gap…
Gareth Bale scored twice as Tottenham returned to winning ways in the Barclays Premier League with a stylish 3-1 triumph over a hapless Wigan side at White Hart Lane. Spurs followed up their defeat to Manchester City with a poor display against Watford but were at their splendid best, playing their usual brand of free-flowing attacking football before Bale put them ahead in the 29th minute with a fine volley. Luka Modric despatched a cool 18-yard strike to make it 2-0 five minutes later and Bale scored his second. The winger picked up a pass from Benoit Assou-Ekotto on the corner of the ...
Joint statement – Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and Haringey Council
Publication date: Tuesday 31 January 2012 Tottenham Hotspur FC and Haringey Council have today made a joint pledge to the major regeneration of North Tottenham. Spurs has reconfirmed its intention to stay in the area which has been at the heart of its history for more than 130 years and the Club and council will work together to rejuvenate the area – seeking to deliver an iconic, new Premier League stadium development and a host of local improvements. Subject to Cabinet approval, Haringey Council will invest £9 million towards new and improved public spaces, heritage work and environmental improvements in North Tottenham. In addition, ...
FA Cup: Watford 0-1 Tottenham
Tottenham have reached the fifth round of the FA Cup after Rafael van der Vaart's first-half strike secured victory over Watford. Spurs could do little more to contain the Hornets on the night as the home side frantically searched for a goal throughout. Watford ended up with over 20 shots with 12 on target but ultimately lacked the conviction and composure to seal a deserved replay. Neither side was played much defense as the match began. Both teams exchanged carefree attacks at the other's goal throughout the first quarter hour, though only the home side mustered shots on target during the spell. The Hornets had ...
Redknapp back in the dugout.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is relishing the prospect of returning to the dugout for Tonights FA Cup game against Watford, according to his assistant Kevin Bond. Redknapp has been almost completely cut off from his role as manager this week as he has been at Southwark Crown Court contesting two charges of cheating the public purse. The 64-year-old will resume his place on the Spurs bench on Friday night, however, for his team's fourth-round clash at Vicarage Road. A workaholic renowned for his love of the game, Redknapp has been in regular contact with Bond this week to find out how his squad are ...
Harry’s Tax evasion trial.
Football boss Harry Redknapp has gone on trial accused of taking tax-free offshore bungs in an account named after his pet dog. The Tottenham Hotspur boss received transfer bonuses in a Monaco account to pull off the £189,000 tax dodge, jurors heard. One of the payments during his time at Portsmouth was over the £3 million profit the club made on the sale of England star Peter Crouch, prosecutors claim. The "hard-headed businessman" and former Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric were said to have obscured the money trail for years. Redknapp failed to tell investigators about the Monaco account - named Rosie 47 - ...
Man City 3 – 2 Tottenham
This fixture has carried significant importance over the past couple of seasons. It is where Tottenham secured their Champions League place in 2010 and where in 2012 the Premier League title contenders went head-to-head. Both teams had periods in the game where they dominated possession and took the initiative to win a game that had goals, near misses and debatable refereeing decisions. Only an injury time Mario Balotelli penalty saw Manchester City take the points. After a disappointing draw at home to Wolves in their last league game, Tottenham had a point to prove that they are still genuine candidates and could ...
Man City v Tottenham – Preview
League leaders Manchester City host entertaining challengers Tottenham Hotspur in the pick of this weekend's action. City top the table with 51 points, three points ahead of second-placed Manchester United and five in front of Spurs, who are third. While Roberto Mancini's City side continue to dictate terms in the league, they have proven to be far from invincible in recent weeks, suffering three defeats from their last five matches in all competitions. The shaky run began with a 1-0 loss away to Sunderland on January 2, and although they hit back with a 3-0 win over Liverpool, City bowed out of the ...
Kaboul: Spurs can give City a run for their money
Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul says Spurs can give Manchester City a run for their money as they aim for a top four finish this season. Harry Redknapp's team face the Premier League leaders at Etihad Stadium on Sunday having lost just one game - to the Manchester club - in August last year. The Citizens handed the Lillywhites a 5-1 drubbing at the Lane in the reverse fixture, but the London club have progressed since then and are now third in the league standings, just five points behind their opponents. Kaboul has slammed suggestions they are scared of Roberto Mancini's expensive squad, saying ...
Harry: We must find a way
Harry Redknapp admits Tottenham Hotspur 'must find a way' to compete with rivals who offer bigger salaries after praising on-loan striker Emmanuel Adebayor. Spurs signed Adebayor on a season-long loan from fellow title contenders Manchester City and the two clubs are sharing the cost of his wages. Adebayor's reported £200,000 per week pay packet is beyond Spurs' reach, if Redknapp decides to try to sign the Togo forward on a permanent basis. Redknapp has backed chairman Daniel Levy's spending policy at White Hart Lane, but concedes the club must explore ways to attract the best players to Tottenham. "We like him," said Redknapp of ...
Apr 12
7
Ade buy-or not to buy?
At the end of last season we rued the lack of goals from a proven striker and missed out on adding to our Champions League fairytale.
Apologies for bringing up something that you may want to forget but we’re reaching the time of the season where we need to make plans for the summer carousel – Who will be coming in? Who will be going out?
The grapevine has been ripe with the names of Eden Hazard, Jan Vertonghen, Loic Remy and just lately I write this with a sour look on my face; Dimitar Berbatov doing the gossiping rounds.
But the elephant in the room is Emmanuel Adebayor.
13 goals and 12 assists from 27 league games to date is a commendable effort, especially one who has heard three words no footballer wants to hear, that he is ‘surplus to requirements’ at Abu Dhabi sorry, Manchester City FC.
Their loss has been our gain this season as ‘Ade’ has led our frontline in a way predecessor Peter Crouch unfortunately failed to rouse the N17 postal area.
But if the reported 170k he picks up for a week’s work is true than there goes our wage structure.
The question really lies with Mr Levy who I have and always will back.
At the end of the season when he looks down his specs and has a mother’s meeting in the boardroom with the rest of the hierarchy a few questions will have to be answered.
Is he worth it?
What will the Gareth’s and Luka’s think if we pay him more than them?
Can we get someone better for less?
The team’s quite settled so why change it?
Daniel’s a stellar businessman so no doubt he will find a solution.
But Daniel if you’re reading this here’s my proposal (one you should take seriously I got a C in GCSE Business Studies and am top of my Fantasy Football Leagues).
Drop any interest in Giuseppe Rossi, Klass Jan-Huntelaar or any other hot shot forward you think will turn Gooners green with envy because we have Jermain Defoe who has already left us once and showed that he is capable of getting goals anywhere.
Politely send a memo to the Etihad and enquire about loaning Adebayor for another season with a buy on clause, make a pinky promise.
If this fails.
Get the lad in a room for an hour, wine and dine him and offer him weekly bumper bonuses for when he delivers the gift of the gab (If we can sign him permanently).
If this fails then Fernando Llorente looks good?
If you’ve read this far then you will realise I would like to see more of Adebayor in lilywhite.
He’s not perfect, his touch is occasionally loose and his finishing can be wayward but if you’ve read any similar articles then I’m just going to recycle the same old superlatives.
He’s all round contribution is just so effective. The amount of times he has held the ball up to bring the potent trio of Bale, Modric and Van Der Vaart into action is uncountable and a key area of our attacking threat.
Recent years have seen him slated for his languid work ethic but against Swansea on Sunday I saw the lad chasing and harrying orange swans like a Chihuahua for Paris Hilton, he cares for us and we care for him.
He plays with a smile on his face and it’s actually quite infectious so more and more of Adebayor is my plea to Daniel Levy so open that chequebook, because who else is really as tailor made for us as this guy?
Gareth Bale scored twice as Tottenham returned to winning ways in the Barclays Premier League with a stylish 3-1 triumph over a hapless Wigan side at White Hart Lane.
Spurs followed up their defeat to Manchester City with a poor display against Watford but were at their splendid best, playing their usual brand of free-flowing attacking football before Bale put them ahead in the 29th minute with a fine volley.
Luka Modric despatched a cool 18-yard strike to make it 2-0 five minutes later and Bale scored his second. The winger picked up a pass from Benoit Assou-Ekotto on the corner of the box, took one touch past to ease past Ben Watson and fired a peach of a drive across Ali Al Habsi into the far corner.
James McArthur grabbed a late consolation for the Latics after his effort deflected off Scott Parker and into the net.
The win puts pressure back on both Manchester sides at the top of the table and increased Spurs’ lead over fourth-place Chelsea to seven points.
Posted in Match reports by .
Publication date: Tuesday 31 January 2012
Tottenham Hotspur FC and Haringey Council have today made a joint pledge to the major regeneration of North Tottenham.
Spurs has reconfirmed its intention to stay in the area which has been at the heart of its history for more than 130 years and the Club and council will work together to rejuvenate the area – seeking to deliver an iconic, new Premier League stadium development and a host of local improvements.
Subject to Cabinet approval, Haringey Council will invest £9 million towards new and improved public spaces, heritage work and environmental improvements in North Tottenham.
In addition, the Mayor of London has committed £18 million to the regeneration of North Tottenham, £6 million of which will be invested via the council in highways and parking improvements and a district-wide heating and power scheme. The rest of the Mayor’s investment will focus on public transport and infrastructure improvements.
Spurs has committed to progressing the Northumberland Development Project (NDP), which would bring a state-of-the-art football stadium, new homes, shops and leisure facilities to Tottenham and represent an investment of hundreds of millions of pounds whilst also leveraging in further private sector monies.
Tottenham Hotspur Chairman, Daniel Levy, said:
“As a major employer and business in the area we are delighted with this commitment from the Mayor and Haringey Council.
“We have long said we could only invest in the area if we could see our commitment supported by others and that there was a real need to maximise the regeneration benefits and lift the wider area.
“We therefore see this as a commitment from the public sector to the Tottenham area and one which strengthens our ability to deliver a new stadium scheme with the potential to kick-start the long-term regeneration of North Tottenham.”
Haringey Council Leader Claire Kober said:
“We have said all along that we are eager to support Spurs in their efforts to stay in Tottenham. They’re a great club, with a great history in a great area which really wants them to stay.
“We are investing in the regeneration of Tottenham and supporting Spurs’ Northumberland Development Project because we know that together we can bring new employment opportunities to Tottenham, significantly improve the area and attract investment for a successful and sustainable future.”
As part of the Club and the council’s commitment to work together, both parties have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding which sets out the intentions of each to support delivery of the Northumberland Development Project scheme and to promote wider area regeneration through the development of a ‘North Tottenham Regeneration Programme’.
Subject to consultation with local residents and businesses, this will focus on improving the quality of life of existing residents, attracting new residents and new facilities and encouraging the growth of local businesses to enable residents, businesses, investors and visitors to have confidence and pride in Tottenham.
To discuss this further why not head to our Spurs Forum or straight to the New stadium thread
Jan 12
28
FA Cup: Watford 0-1 Tottenham
Tottenham have reached the fifth round of the FA Cup after Rafael van der Vaart’s first-half strike secured victory over Watford.
Spurs could do little more to contain the Hornets on the night as the home side frantically searched for a goal throughout.
Watford ended up with over 20 shots with 12 on target but ultimately lacked the conviction and composure to seal a deserved replay.
Neither side was played much defense as the match began.
Both teams exchanged carefree attacks at the other’s goal throughout the first quarter hour, though only the home side mustered shots on target during the spell.
The Hornets had much joy down Spurs’ left flank as the match continued. Left-winger Rafael Van der Vaart offered little help to overwhelmed youngster Danny Rose as Watford coursed up and down the touchline at will.
After 20 minuets, the home side had managed ten shots at Spurs keeper Carlo Cudicini while Tottenham had none.
harry Redknapp’s men finally mustered their first shot after a half-hour. It was tame but on-target from Jermain Defoe after quick buildup from the visitors.
Tottenham’s class in the middle of the park wasn’t translating into the final third of the field, but the Premier League club began to control the midfield and thus possession over their Championship opponents.
Just before half-time, after a spell of unfruitful Spurs’ possession, Watford had a then rare foray into the visitor’s half which Tottenham immediately countered from.
Right-winger Kyle Walker strode down the right side and fed inside to the hitherto dormant Van der Vaart.
The Dutchman curled low from 25 yards, his dipping shot befuddling Scott Loach completely as it nestled into the Watford net to give Spurs the 1-0 lead into the tunnel.
Redknapp brought in Aaron Lennon for the second half at the expense of Luka Modric, but it was the Hornets who struck first.
Spurs centre-backs Michael Dawson and Stan Livermore got in a muddle in their own box, ultimately gifting possession to a wide-open Sean Murray.
The composed 18-year-old curled around Cudicini but his finessed shot could only strike the post on his team’s best chance of the match.
The visitors finally forced a decent save from Loach minutes later when Luke Walker headed a Rose cross from close range and the keeper parried over.
For the next 20 minutes Spurs clung to their narrow advantage while the home side out-hustled the bigger club.
Headers and shots came from every virtually Watford player but each lacked conviction and arrived tame or off-target.
The inspired home side and their boisterous support deserved an equalizer but Tottenham had all hands at the pumps at the back.
Watford had two more brilliant chances with just over ten minutes remaining. Mark Yeates sent in a long free-kick which bundled around the area.
Nyron Nosworthy fired the loose ball inside the loose ball from point-blank but Dawson desperately blocked it on the line.
Spurs managed to pass the ball around the back for much of the final ten minutes to maturely see out the result.
Watford deserved a replay on form and desire but lacked the conviction throughout to equalize against the London club.
Redknapp and company continue their stellar season to enter the fifth round of the FA Cup while sitting in third place on the Premier League table.
To discuss our glorious cup run why not visit the Spurs Lodge Forum and make your feelings known to the community.
Posted in Match reports by .
Jan 12
27
Redknapp back in the dugout.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is relishing the prospect of returning to the dugout for Tonights FA Cup game against Watford, according to his assistant Kevin Bond.
Redknapp has been almost completely cut off from his role as manager this week as he has been at Southwark Crown Court contesting two charges of cheating the public purse.
The 64-year-old will resume his place on the Spurs bench on Friday night, however, for his team’s fourth-round clash at Vicarage Road.
A workaholic renowned for his love of the game, Redknapp has been in regular contact with Bond this week to find out how his squad are shaping up for Friday night’s clash following last week’s agonising 3-2 defeat by Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester City.
And the former Portsmouth and West Ham manager is keen to return to action, according to his assistant.
“I was talking to him yesterday he was keen to know our thoughts on Watford and how we are looking,” said Bond, who has been in charge in Redknapp’s absence.
“We made preparations to come to the game and he was genuinely looking forward to it.”
Bond, who has worked with Redknapp at West Ham, Portsmouth and Southampton, misses Redknapp’s company during the 125-mile trip they share together to work and is in no doubt that the manager also misses being able to look after first-team affairs at their Chigwell base.
“He thrives on being at the training ground. He likes the environment, he enjoys it,” Bond said.
“He is always full of conversation, full of stories. Not driving up and down with him for the last few days has been a lonely old drive in the mornings.”
Bond was keen to emphasise today that Redknapp’s absence has not hindered the squad’s preparation for what promises to be a crucial part of their season.
Friday night’s fourth-round game at Vicarage Road is followed by a home game against Wigan on Tuesday and a visit to Anfield four days later.
The club managed without Redknapp for two weeks last November after he had a minor procedure to unblock coronary arteries and Bond insists the players, and the manager himself, remain focused on football matters despite this week’s trial.
“He has been no different to how he has always been,” Bond said.
“He appears, when I speak to him – and I would know – to be every bit as focused as he has been.
“We haven’t felt we had to have a conversation with the players.
“Everyone is aware of the ongoing situation and everybody gets on with it.
“Harry wasn’t here for a few days a few weeks back and really we are just carrying on without him.
“To a large degree the training is exactly the same, it’s just that Harry is not there overseeing it all.
“The players all understand that, we all understand that and get on with it in the same way as if he was here.”
Bond admitted that Spurs are unlikely to win the league after they slipped eight points behind City, but still maintains they can haul themselves back into the title race over the next couple of months.
Thoughts of any fightback in the league will have to wait until Tuesday’s match against Wigan as Spurs face the tough hurdle of a Friday night London derby against npower Championship side Watford first.
Gareth Bale (thigh), Scott Parker (hamstring) and Younes Kaboul (groin) are all doubts after struggling in training on Wednesday, but it is likely that none of the trio would have played anyway as Redknapp is likely to rest several of his star players.
Champions League qualification remains Spurs’ main priority, meaning the likes of Steven Pienaar, Danny Rose and Niko Kranjcar should get some game time tomorrow, but Bond insists resting key players does not mean the club are not taking the FA Cup seriously.
“Champions League is our number one goal, but the FA Cup is hugely important to us,” the 54-year-old said.
“As a youngster when you played, you didn’t dream about finishing in the top four so you could play in the Champions League, you all dreamed about playing at Wembley and lifting the cup.
“The players crave a cup final. They crave playing in the big games, the one-off games.”
Visit the forum to discuss this and anything else related to Spurs.Opening the case, prosecutor John Black QC said: “The Crown’s case is that the money transfers to the offshore Monaco account were deliberately and dishonestly paid by Mr Mandaric, and deliberately and dishonestly received by Mr Redknapp, with the intention of concealing them from the authorities and the payment of tax.”
Mr Black said “both parties must have known” they were avoiding taxes. “These payments were a bung or offshore bonus that the parties had absolutely no intention of paying taxes for,” he said.
Redknapp and Mandaric deny two counts of cheating the public revenue when he was manager of Portsmouth Football Club.
The first charge of cheating the public revenue alleges that between April 1 2002 and November 28 2007 Mandaric paid 145,000 US dollars (£93,100) into the account. The second charge for the same offence relates to 150,000 US dollars (£96,300) allegedly paid between May 1 2004 and November 28 2007.
Redknapp, 64, who underwent minor heart surgery last year to unblock his arteries, is the most successful English manager in the modern game. Serbian Mandaric, 73, is now chairman of Sheffield Wednesday.
Posted in General News by .
Jan 12
24
Man City 3 – 2 Tottenham
This fixture has carried significant importance over the past couple of seasons. It is where Tottenham secured their Champions League place in 2010 and where in 2012 the Premier League title contenders went head-to-head.
Both teams had periods in the game where they dominated possession and took the initiative to win a game that had goals, near misses and debatable refereeing decisions. Only an injury time Mario Balotelli penalty saw Manchester City take the points.
After a disappointing draw at home to Wolves in their last league game, Tottenham had a point to prove that they are still genuine candidates and could go the distance. On the other hand Manchester City had a routine, if not spectacular victory at Wigan on Monday as they looked to consolidate their position at the top of the league, after being dumped out of the FA Cup and trailing to Liverpool in the League Cup semi-final.
Weakened by suspensions, ineligibility and the African Nations saw the likes of Vincent Kompany, Emmanuel Adebeyor and the Toure brothers ruled out respectively. Having said that Manchester City are this seasons’ top goal scorers and Spurs are always a potent attacking force, meaning that this game promised high quality attacking and goals.
The first half was largely a battle of tactics and defences as the teams stayed compact and resolute against one another. Sergio Aguero looked lively as he troubled Kaboul through the middle, but the Argentinean could only find David Silva who shot wide. Brad Friedel was largely untroubled; Joe Hart even more so as Jermain Defoe cut a solitary figure up front for Spurs who looked long for the diminutive striker.
At the other end Aguero had a couple of shots blocked by a combination of Ledley King and Edin Dzeko as the other City striker got in the way of his partner’s shot.
City ended the half on top with Micah Richards making some trademark bullish runs down the right flank robbing possession off of Scott Parker and finding Aguero who had another shot saved. After the break there was only one team in the ascendency and it was City who came out on the front foot winning a succession of corners.
The deadlock was finally broken by the impressive Samir Nasri as he ran on to the ever creative Silva’s slide rule pass through the Spurs defence and emphatically smashed the ball passed Brad Friedel. Some fingers could be pointed at Kyle Walker as Nasri ran on his blind side to collect the ball.
Only three minutes later and the ball was in the back of the American’s net again. This time one of the Man City corners paid dividends. Dzeko got a flick on at the near post and Joleon Lescott swung a boot to the ball with Scott Parker. The centre back got a greater contact as it was bundled over the line with Spurs looking well and truly on the ropes.
At this point City looked in undisputed command of the game; enter Stefan Savic as the young Montenegrin unnecessarily got his head to a long Kaboul punt down field. The ineffectual Jermain Defoe was alert as he nipped in to round Joe Hart and tuck the ball into an empty net just a minute after Lescott’s finish.
With Man City looking to re-establish their two goal lead Dzeko was played into the Spurs penalty box only to blaze over from 15 yards. The game was in the balance and the next goal was critical.
Reported in the papers this morning that Spurs have slapped a £150m price tag on his head, Gareth Bale came up with the goods. After Lennon carried the ball down the left wing he slipped the ball into his fellow winger’s path and left footed the Welshman swept a curling shot past the despairing dive of Hart. A truly wonderful finish bringing Spurs back on level terms.
The rather disappointing Dzeko was replaced at this point by controversial Italian Mario Balotelli as City looked to regain their lead. Both teams had opportunities to go ahead when Milner played in Micah Richards only for Parker to make a late headed clearance.
Likewise at the other end Bale teased in a cross for Aaron Lennon that was uncomfortably cut out by Gael Clichy. Lennon later cut into the box himself, taking a shot that was saved by Hart. Defoe also threatened down the right before Lescott cut the striker off at the by-line.
The biggest moment of controversy came in the 83rd minute as that man Balotelli violently stamped on Scott Parker’s head. A very difficult incident to see with the naked eye, but conclusive on video replays. Fortunately for Balotelli, other players, as well as the referee failed to see this act of petulance.
Then the real drama happened. In the second minute of the four added on Savic gave the ball away on the half way line as Bale was played in. He headed for the by-line sending the ball over for Defoe to tap in, but all the striker could do was stretch and place the ball agonisingly wide of the post.
In typical Spurs fashion they then committed suicide. Balotelli was played in over the top and the normally calm and measured King lunged in sending Balotelli to the floor in a crumpled heap: one of the most stone wall penalties to be seen all season. With the pressure on Balotelli stepped up to put the ball calmly into the bottom left hand corner of Brad Friedel’s goal.
This defeat leaves Spurs eight points behind league leaders City and seemingly out of the title race. As for City they appear to have weathered a period of bad form to push on towards their first league title in 44 years.
Jan 12
20
Man City v Tottenham – Preview
League leaders Manchester City host entertaining challengers Tottenham Hotspur in the pick of this weekend’s action.
City top the table with 51 points, three points ahead of second-placed Manchester United and five in front of Spurs, who are third.
While Roberto Mancini’s City side continue to dictate terms in the league, they have proven to be far from invincible in recent weeks, suffering three defeats from their last five matches in all competitions.
The shaky run began with a 1-0 loss away to Sunderland on January 2, and although they hit back with a 3-0 win over Liverpool, City bowed out of the FA Cup, going down 3-2 at home to neighbours Manchester United on January 8.
They also trail in the Carling Cup semi-final following a 1-0 defeat in the first leg at home to Liverpool.
Mancini’s men did manage a 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic on Monday to preserve their buffer at the top of the league standings, but it was a far from convincing performance against one of the division’s struggling teams.
Spurs are likely to offer a far sterner test of City’s credentials when they arrive at Etihad Stadium.
Harry Redknapp’s team can lay a strong claim to being one of the most watchable teams in Europe this season.
Talents such as Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart have been complimented by the arrival of Scott Parker and Emmanuel Adebayor, although the latter – on loan at Spurs from City – is ineligible to play against his parent club.
Tottenham are unbeaten from nine matches in all competitions, but a run of three wins in succession came to an end with a frustrating 1-1 draw at home to Wolves on Saturday.
And while the Spurs fans may hold out hope of ending their 51-year wait for a league title, City defender Joleon Lescott has doubts about the north London club’s championship credentials.
“No disrespect to Spurs but we see Man United as our main rivals because they’re second in the league,” Lescott said.
“As much as the points are vital to create a gap between us and Spurs, it’s more important to pull away from Man United.”
“Maybe the neutrals want Spurs to win it rather than City or United but we’re not getting involved in any of that. We’re just here to do a job and hopefully win the league.”
It will be up to Redknapp and Spurs to prove Lescott wrong, and cement their status as genuine contenders with victory in the blue half of Manchester on Sunday.
Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul says Spurs can give Manchester City a run for their money as they aim for a top four finish this season.
Harry Redknapp’s team face the Premier League leaders at Etihad Stadium on Sunday having lost just one game – to the Manchester club – in August last year.
The Citizens handed the Lillywhites a 5-1 drubbing at the Lane in the reverse fixture, but the London club have progressed since then and are now third in the league standings, just five points behind their opponents.
Kaboul has slammed suggestions they are scared of Roberto Mancini’s expensive squad, saying they’re just like any other team.
“No, it’s not scary,” the defender told The Sun. “It will be the same as facing Wolves in our last game.
“It will be a tough away game with a good atmosphere but we can do something.
“Everyone is waiting for that game, it’s going to be a big game and we need to prepare properly. I’m sure it will be a good one to watch.”
Kaboul also revealed a Champions League place is their main priority this season.
“We are not talking about being champions, it’s only outside the club that people think that,” he added.
Jan 12
18
Harry: We must find a way
Harry Redknapp admits Tottenham Hotspur ‘must find a way’ to compete with rivals who offer bigger salaries after praising on-loan striker Emmanuel Adebayor.
Spurs signed Adebayor
on a season-long loan from fellow title contenders Manchester City and the two clubs are sharing the cost of his wages.
Adebayor’s reported £200,000 per week pay packet is beyond Spurs’ reach, if Redknapp decides to try to sign the Togo forward on a permanent basis.
Redknapp has backed chairman Daniel Levy’s spending policy at White Hart Lane, but concedes the club must explore ways to attract the best players to Tottenham.
“We like him,” said Redknapp of Adebayor. “He has done well for us, worked hard, not been a minute’s problem.
“I’d be talking rubbish if I said people wanted to stay at Tottenham because we play good football.
“If you want to keep the best players, we must find a way of doing a deal that’s near to what they can earn elsewhere, otherwise it will be a problem.
“We’re not in a position to pay £40million or £200k-a-week, we don’t do it.
“The chairman Daniel Levy doesn’t run it like that and rightly so.”
