Steve Clarke's done a brilliant job with West Brom. They stuttered a bit in mid-season and Odemwingie made things difficult for a bit, but they've been pretty good all round. Lukaku's been a pretty big influence for them, but he's generally been used in a sensible manner, from what I've seen of them. Should've started against the Goons, though. Might not be a bad shout for the Everton job, though I'm not sure that there'd be much point in him going to Goodison, from his perspective. More pressure, more media interest, less help from other sides in terms of loanees and not much extra in terms of budget.
76 pts is a key target. That equates to a team that always wins at home and never loses away. As far as Levy goes, I doubt the final points total or table positions matters at all as long as a CL slot is secured.
Really? got any evidence for that? didn't stop Harry junking the comp at the earliest opportunity...twice. Sponsors backing a cup comp will be more than aware of the unpredictable nature of cup football, tough tatties if the team goes out early...for whatever reason.
but getting 72 points and not making it, is very unfortunate Spurcat. Any other season, and its enough. unfortunately it could well mean missing out and more disappointment, but it's a great foundation to build on and shows what we're capable of, if nothing else. We can't really help it if other teams have got more points. Well, we can actually. - by not waiting until august 31st to have our squad prepared and doing a bit more to compete with those around us, if we're serious about a top 4. Rather than putting ourselves in a position where we'll be scrapping. We all saw this coming as early as the end of 2012. - Yet in Jan we did nothing to push on and cement our place.
I'm proud of the effort, though I know we needed three points. In my history of a fan, I've seen plenty of triumph with the Steelers and plenty of tragedy with the Cubs. But the 2012-13 Spurs may be the first team I end up happy with despite ultimate failure. It's been one hell of a ride this year, and an unforgettable team with a fighting spirit. I'm old enough to wonder if a fan should value anything more.
You can get away with ignoring the pointy haired suits for a while but they will eventually get their way. They would not have been happy with Harry putting out weakened teams in Cup competitions.
why not? he's done well. certainly a better start to the season than the end, but a good job overall.
My comment appeared after about about 5-7 others that i hadn't see. Ignore me, it doesn't make much sense now, lol (or before)
If i had to choose between the C/L or E/L at this moment in time ,it would be the E/L.I would rather be in a european comp that we have a better chance of winning,and that is the E/L for now
So Investec are pressurising the last two games then, makes no difference to Aurasma whether we qualify or not, they've got their PL coverage regardless. The above has become a bit of a moot point with the Investec deal ending this summer as it was only a year extension, not sure on Aurasma, they only had a 2yr deal initially in 2010 so would have renewed but I can't find till when.
If you are trying to build a winning mentality it is a massive mistake not to apply that to all the matches you play.
Investec sponsor 30million for The Derby, they also now sponsor the England Cricket team test series. They sponsor us with 2.5 mill, I don't think they're bothered how we do, thats why its a year extension, no CL, no Investec, thats how I see it. Unless Daniel has a friend of course!
It's easier to believe you will win if you are fairly sure that the refs are at least going to give you a fair chance (if not downright favour you). I'm not saying that any player goes onto the pitch thinking "I hope the ref has a good game for us today" but I think it all helps give confidence that, for example, if you dive in the box you're quite likely to get a pen, if you give someone a thump early on you won't get booked for it and if someone gives you a thump early on they will get booked for it! But I take your point that believing is really important.
I agree that there does seem to have been a sniff of favouritism shown to Utd, by some referees. However, it's true winning becomes a habit - just as losing does. That's obviously not 100% down to belief, but it plays a large part in it. Attitude is key. Spurs have fought beck and gotten something from games this season, that in previous seasons they would have lost. That's down to an increased belief and confidence that's been instilled in the players.
