|
|
|
|
As the season kicked off, Spurs fans believed this was going to be a good year. Eight games later and only two points gained, relegation was on the lips of the supporters.
Losses to Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Hull to name but a few saw manager Juande Ramos get the boot. The search was now on to replace him quickly and Harry Redknapp was the man chosen to take the hot seat. He saw his side beat Bolton at home and was officially unveiled as manager the next day. The fans started to believe that their poor start to the season could be put behind them and with a dramatic 4-4 draw with arch rivals Arsenal, things were looking promising. Wins against Liverpool, Man City, West Ham and a 0-0 draw with Man Utd saw Spurs climb the league table. As the January transfer window loomed, talk was of high class, quality signings and Harry didn’t disappoint.
Kenwyne Jones and Roque Santa Cruz were amongst the names linked with a move to the Lane, but Redknapp surprised all with a last day bid for former Spurs front man Robbie Keane. Surprisingly, Keane was only one of three former players to return during the window. Jermaine Defoe was re-signed by his previous manager at Pompey whilst Pascal Chimbonda returned from Sunderland. Spurs still lacked strength in midfield and much talked about Wigan midfielder Wilson Palacios was signed for £15 million. Quality players had been bought and Harry had another surprise in store by signing Chelsea’s Carlo Cudicini on a free. Gomes’ days in goal were numbered, or so we all thought.
With a rejuvenated side, Tottenham believed that silverware was a real possibility but a 2-1 defeat against Man Utd saw Spurs knocked out in the 4th round of the F.A Cup. They were however marching on in the League Cup and the question was being asked, ‘could Spurs retain the trophy?’ The answer turned out to be no, but a buoyant Spurs team had nothing to be disappointed about. They emphatically beat Liverpool 4-2 in the 4th round and secured their place in the final with a heart stopping 6-4 aggregate win over cup specialists Burnley who went on to secure promotion to the Premiership. They were to meet Man Utd again and with the confidence high, Spurs were looking to overcome the team which halted their F.A Cup run before it had really started. Roman Pavlyuchenko was looking to add to his League Cup tally after scoring in every round but a strong Spurs side were beaten 4-1 on penalties. Tottenham were also out of the UEFA Cup and their quest for silverware was over.
Their league form was still impressive though, beating Hull, Villa and London rivals Chelsea. There was talk of Spurs reaching the newly formed Europa League and it would inevitably come down to the last game of the season against Liverpool. Fulham needed to lose to Everton, which they did, whilst Spurs needed all three points against a Liverpool side looking to secure 2nd spot. It wasn’t to be unfortunately after Tottenham succumbed to a buoyant Liverpool side, losing 3-1.
With the season over and Spurs finishing in a respectable 8th spot, talk was now of whom Redknapp would sign and who would be shown the door. Redknapp has hinted that £15 million signing David Bentley may quit, whilst Didier Zokora was weighing up his future after falling down the pecking order since the arrival of Palacios. Kenwyne Jones and Santa Cruz were names linked yet again with Spurs, whilst Stuart Downing, Cisse and Porto’s left back Aly Cissokho are also supposedly on Harry’s wish list.
As we roll into 2009/2010, despite a season of contrasts last time out, undoubtedly the same question will be on the lips of Tottenham fans. Can Spurs break into the top four? Whatever your personal opinion, I’m sure the Spurs fans around the country will be nodding their heads.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. Brian Howe, Trinidad & Tobago
wrote...
|
|
Forget top 4. Let's concentrate on improving on our 8th position. |
|
|
|
|
2. Steve, Bristol
wrote...
|
Harry did a fantastic job last season no question. However, I'll echo Brian's thoughts here. Surely spurs fans don't believe they can finish top 4 next campaign?
As a neutral I'm starting to believe the top 4 is out of reach for anyone without some very hefty financial backing. |
|
|
|
|
3. Nick, Ipswich
wrote...
|
I think the very nature of Spurs fans means they will always dream!
But the chances of another team breaking the big four up is very much reliant on Arsenal. I can see big players leaving over the next few years unless they start winning things. In the short term, Wenger must sort out his defence or the likes of Villa, Everton, Man City and quite possibly Spurs will be on their coat-tails. |
|
|
|
|
4. james , hertfordshire
wrote...
|
i do agree with nick, spurs fans are a bunch of dreamers but lets not forget that spurs narrowly missed out on 4th spot to arsenal a few seasons ago and have finished 5th twice in the league.
spurs are also one of the richest clubs in the premiership so money is no problem. i think that if spurs do want to break into the top four they need to get rid of players such as bent, bentley and chimbonda and replace them with players of worth. |
|
|
|
|
|
Add Comment
|
All fields are required *.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Back To Top
|
|