This is why: (1) Poch has to be given all the time he needs to develop the fruits of our academy, and that could take many several years (2) fans have to moderate their expectations as to what we can achieve over the next decade (3) Levy and the board need to be honest, and come out publicly and state that we are a club in transition and that it could take a decade before we are able to attain the kind of success that he has, up to now, lead us to believe that we can achieve I suspect that none of these points will adopted.
On 1) I think Pochettino will be given time unless and until he starts doing things that are completely contrary to what he said when he got the job. When I look back on our recent history I think that it's that sort of behaviour that causes Levy to lose patience with the manager. 2) should happen but won't. 3) I don't like the phrase 'in transition' as all football clubs have to be because the game doesn't stand still. We will only become an established member of the Champions league by a lot of luck in signing and developing players. It might be a couple of years if four of our current crop turn into the likes of King, Modric, Bale and Greaves (or it might be never if they don't). I'm sure the Board realise that but I don't see how making a public statement will help.
I wonder if we could use Adebayor to offset the potential cost of Charlie Austin slightly? Offer them what they've already turned down (£12m?), plus the loan of our Togolese striker and we'll pay half of his wages. He gets to stay in London and work with a coach that he already knows, they get a direct replacement of high quality and we get some firepower. Can't see him dropping into the Championship, to be honest, but his options seem to be rapidly running out. MLS? Al Ain? China? Anyone?
He's what, 31? I can see him happily taking the money for a year while doing the bare minimum to get paid (show up for training?). After that he's a free agent and can just take whatever he can get knowing its likely his last contract. Or he'll just retire
I’m concerned about bringing in too many expensive signings... ...you can stop laughing now... ...and pushing the young players down the depth chart. Pritchard, especially, and perhaps Alli, Onomah or for that matter N’Jie could be the keys to our season, just as Kane was last year. The one thing we clearly need, and have needed for some time, is a suitable backup to Kane. The two things that would be nice to have would be a player to provide width on the right and a top DM. Though I thought he was a good buy, I’m not sure N’Jie is any of these things. In an ideal world, I think we would have picked up Lambert and/or Austin as backups for Kane, Schneiderlin as DM, and someone like Yarmolenko for RM--turning our weaknesses into strengths, in other words. That said, this year’s buys still seem better thought out than those in the past. Partly because I know I never will, I would like to know out of sheer curiosity what would happen if Ade started in the Europa.
Assuming ( as seems likely) Adebayor is still with us, can we name him in our Europa squad if he is not in the premier league one?
I guess the German delegation is still there, as Kicker are linking us with Bayern's defensive mid Sebastian Rode. While it may be possible due to Bayern being well-stocked in that area, with both Arturo Vidal and Javi Martinez on the books, he probably won't come cheap as he only arrived at Bayern last summer and has three years on his contract. Also, I have to ask why our scouts are adamant that any defensive midfielder we sign has to be German. Are they trolling Freund?
Looks like Austin won't be joining The Spammers, anyway. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...comments-are-an-outrageous-slur-10464224.html
So with Deadline Day fast approaching, what's everyone doing to resit the urge to put their foot through any screen with Sky Sports News on it? I've got Fallout Shelter ready to go...
(1) Considering the average time a manager has lasted under Levy is less than two years, Poch's chances of lasting beyond this season don't look too great. (2) Fans have to be patient because we re in the process of building what could turn out to be one of the most impressive football stadiums built for several decades. If it is built to the 61,000+ capacity as recently touted, it could spell the beginning of an exciting new era at Spurs where we are truly regarded as one of the major forces in European football to attract, retain and develop top class players. Personally speaking, I can't wait and as I have already stated, have tempered my expectations for the next few seasons based purely on the fact that the stadium is the main long term goal for the club. (3) No they don't. They just need to get on and get that stadium built whilst maintaining as much stability as possible, and build the right foundations (pun intended) for the future of our club. Then we'll see the rewards come later. You'll see.
Adebayor in the Europa !!?? You people do realise for the past 3 seasons he has had sick notes for every away leg that entailed travelling to the middle of nowhere.
