It could be celebrated as early as this weekend if Sp*rs fail to beat Fulham and we defeat Hull at the KC Stadium.
What has happened to Spurs this season is a very sobering lesson on the wisdom, or lack of wisdom, in spending money on players that are hyped, but that don't pan out. On top of Spurs we also have two huge signings at Manchester United that have, so far, been remarkably unsuccessful. I think we forget the scale of the purchases that Chelsea and Man City made when building their teams, and to maintain their teams in subsequent years. Despite our club's assurances that the worst is over, and that we are financially stronger now, I think we must realize that it is still going to take an exceptional manager, several players coming good and a fair amount of luck, in order to have the kind of success that we all want. I am desperately concerned that if we have a little bit of success now, fans are going to have their expectations raised even further, to even greater and more unrealistic heights, if that is possible. However, Spurs are an excellent barometer of where we would be without the current ownership and management. When Wenger took over, Spurs were a very similar club to us in terms of finances, traditions, history, potential and expectations. When all the insults and analysis and punditry and banter stops, and we look at the two clubs in the cold light of day, there is now no comparison between the current circumstances of the two clubs. I don't say that to taunt Spurs fans, although it gives me great satisfaction to point it out, but instead to remind our fans that Wenger may be labelled a specialist in failure, but even if he is, he isn't nearly as good at it as anyone associated with Spurs over the last 17 years.
No, they really weren't. They had only won the league twice and the last time was in 61. They are and have always been in our shadows. But I (apart from that) totally agree with you. Good post as normal from you.
Sadly, I can't argue with much of that. The only point I would add is that Lamela, Eriksen, Soldado, Chadli, Paulinho, Chiriches, Capoue may all (or most of them) still come good. With a decent manager we may reap the benefit if we do hold on to them for them for a second season.
In the early/mid 80's Tottenham probably had the biggest profile amongst any English clubs. A couple of FA Cups, European glory too (CW Cup ?), international influence in their side, new stand with 3 tiers (unusual in those days) and probably as much matchday income as any club in England. Where it went wrong for them I don't know but (ignoring historical trophy count for a moment) they were a bigger club 30 years ago than any in England...
That is quite simply not true. They were a big club, yes. But only in the big 6 of Liverpool, Man U, Arsenal Everton, Villa and Spurs, and probably in that order. Just because they won a couple of FA cups in the early 80's and had a triage of International stars.
It's actually quite sad (in the pathetic way) Spurs haven't managed to finish above us even once in the past 9 seasons. They have turned a corner compared to before when they were doing f**k all, and still couldn't do it just once.
The big 5 in the 80's were Arsenal,Liverpool, Everton,Man Utd & Spurs.It was basically because of those 5 teams that the Premier League came about.
Did you hear Tim Nice But Dim on the radio earlier ? He said if Bale & Modric were still Spuds they would have won the league this year.
Tottenham are a relatively middle sized club. The only clubs bigger than the Arsenal are Liverpool and Man U, in that order. Next level is; Spuds, Villa, Forest, Everton. Third level is; Chelsea, Port Vale etc.
