please log in to view this image The Portuguese has lost the backing of many fans this term, and have even been reports that Spurs have drawn up a list of possible replacements for him. Former Tottenham owner Alan Sugar has been among the critics, and said he would like Alex Ferguson to come out of retirement and take over at White Hart Lane. It has prompted AVB to demand more respect as he "railed against what he believes is a sinister agenda to undermine him", according to The Guardian. "A couple of people insult my integrity, my human values, my professionalism... insult the success that I have achieved in other clubs and I don't think it's fair. I think it's a lack of respect and an attack on a person's integrity," he said. In taking on Sugar AVB also tried to win back the supporters. "It's their team, their passion and they don't trade it for anything else," he said of the fans. "Not like Alan Sugar, who trades it for money," he added in a pointed reference to Sugar's decision to sell his stake in the club. Whether or not it works remains to be seen. "His relationship with many Tottenham supporters clearly also remains tense and there was loud booing when Aaron Lennon was substituted," notes the Daily Telegraph. Meanwhile, says the Guardian, West Ham boss Allardyce told Talksport radio that AVB had shown a "little bit of immaturity" in reacting to the criticism. "It can get under your skin, but you can't let that happen because you're not going to win." A little pout and uncertainty won't do us any harm, will it? Hopefully not. Edit: Must remove such Jolisms as "hopefully". Change to, "Certainly not."
Living in North London a few weeks ago the Spurs fans were moaning about AVB, but now they seem to be getting behind him, as part of a siege mentality, them against the press.
