[craguuscool]

A quick note, in FM I'm starting at the beginning of the 2008-2009 season (seems a long time ago, right?) so Juande Ramos is still the manager at the club. Also, I've went for the reasoning that Ramos put in a poor shift as manager, I don't know if it works the same in England but I've made it that Tottenham winning the cup has allowed them entry into the UEFA Cup as they are in that cup in my game. If that isn't the case then please suspend disbelief.

Vamos Ramos

Tottenham Hotspur have today announced the departure of manager Juande Ramos after the former Sevilla manager failed to impress during his time at White Hart Lane. The Spanish Manager who guided Sevilla to two consecutive UEFA Cup victories was removed from his position by Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy after Ramos led Spurs into a relegation dogfight which almost ended their over forty year stay in the English Premier Division.

Ramos, who joined the club in October 2007 started off well taking the London club on a five game winning streak until that was broken by a five goals to nil thrashing at the hands of eventual league winners, Manchester United. Tottenham were knocked out of the FA Cup in the early rounds, shockingly to Tranmere Rovers. The one positive for the season was that Tottenham Hotspur won the Carling Cup which guarenteed them a place in Europe next year.

Tottenham soon plummeted to the bottom of the league and by Christmas the club were out of Europe finishing last in their UEFA Cup group, it was only a late surge in the league that ensured survival managing to retain safety with a vital late goal against Reading which saw the outfit relegated to the Championship over Tottenham. Throughout this, Daniel Levy told fans he had "full faith" in the ability of Ramos.

Today, Daniel Levy went back on what he said by removing him from his position as the manager stating that the standard of performance by Juande Ramos was "unacceptable" and that his time at the club had taken Tottenham to "new lows".

Juande Ramos released an official statement through his spokesperson regarding the situation at White Hart Lane:

"Juande understands that as of today he has been removed from his position as the manager of English Premier Division side Tottenham Hotspur. Juande Ramos would like to stress that he really enjoyed his time at White Hart Lane and wishes nothing but the best for the new manager, the fans and the club itself. Juande is grateful for the opportunity bestowed upon him by Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy."

With Ramos gone, speculation to his successor is rife and as always Sky Sports will keep you updated for any news regarding the new manager.

Ramos and Levy have parted company following a poor season at Tottenham.

This post has been edited by craguuscool: 25 May 2009 - 01:38 AM

[craguuscool]

Levy: "I'm aiming big."

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has today told TottenhamHotspur.com that he plans to "aim big" when looking for Juande Ramos' successor at White Hart Lane. Levy released an official statement today.

"I feel that Tottenham Hotspur was a massive club in England with a lot of potential. I realize we failed to meet expectations over the past season and our performance didn't reflect the quality that this club has. In order to help this club suceed I feel that I need to aim big when searching for a new manager to drive this club forward. Over the next few days I will be contacting several managers where I will be looking to open discussions with them regarding the open managerial spot at the club."

"It is true that this is a huge season for us and we want to put Tottenham Hotspur on the map as a club who can challenge in Europe and for the Premier League title over the next few years, following last season we need to re-group and re-evaluate the situation. I hope that when I make my decision as to who the manager is it will be a decision that will please the fans of this club."

We can confirm that Daniel Levy has already started discussions with a number of top managers regarding the job abd we hope to have more information on that in the coming days.

"It's a big time for this club," said one fan stopped outside of the Tottenham Hotspur Club Shop, "I've supported this club through the highs and the lows and disregarding the cup win, last season was definitely a low. I feel that we can really do well in this upcoming season if we get the right manager in." finished the supporter.

There is renewed hope at White Hart Lane, the home of Tottenham.

[craguuscool]

Wenger laughs off interest

The search for the new manager of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club continued today as Tottenham chairman made a very surprising and audacious bid to make current Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger the new manager of Arsenal's fiercest rivals, Tottenham, a move that the Frenchman laughed off stating that it was a "ridiculous bid." This news comes only days after Daniel Levy told reporters that he was going to aim big when looking for a new manager.

We are told that Daniel Levy and Arsene Wenger, who have a good friendship despite the rivalry of the two clubs they are a part of had a meeting in the home of Daniel Levy. Apparently, Arsene Wenger had no idea that this is what Levy had planned. We are told that Levy asked Wenger over a cup of tea if he would be interested. Wenger took it as a joke and didn't respond but Levy reinforced the fact he was being serious and Wenger laughed it off, rejecting the move.

Wenger was stopped outside Levy's house by reporters who asked him if the discussion had anything to do with the vacant managerial spot at White Hart Lane, Wenger said the following:

"Apparently, Daniel has just offered me the Tottenham job," said Wenger with a smirk, "I can say that I rejected the offer. I was a little surprised at the offer considering I am the manager of Arsenal and I am very, very happy at the club. Daniel will, unfortunately for him, have to look elsewhere but I do wish him the best when looking for a successor to Juande Ramos."

Later, Daniel Levy released an official statement to Sky Sports:

"I made a somewhat audacious bid for Arsene Wenger in an attempt to make him the manager of Tottenham. I wasn't lying when I was said I was aiming big for a new manager. Arsene obviously didn't want the job and that is disappointing as it would have been huge if we had managed to have secured him as the manager. I will look in other places in search of a manager, there is no doubt about that."

It is thought that the trend of big name managers rejecting the club will continue and many feel that Levy will lower his standards as he continues searching for a new manager. Remember to check back with Sky Sports for further information.

It wasn't to be.

This post has been edited by craguuscool: 24 May 2009 - 05:09 PM

[craguuscool]

Lippi and Ranieri rule out Tottenham job

It was more frustration and rejection for Tottenham Hotspur and their fans this evening following the news that two high-profile managers had ruled themselves out of the running for the Spurs job. The current Italian national team coach Marcello Lippi and former Juventus manager Claudio Ranieri both released short statements to reporters that they would not be interested in taking up the post left by Juande Ramos at White Hart Lane and will not be willing to discuss anything regarding the job with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy.

Lippi and Ranieri have taken this stance just days after Daniel Levy signalled his intention to bring a "world class" manager to the London club and comes only one day after Levy made a shocking move to bring Arsene Wenger to Tottenham, the fierce rivals of the club that Wenger is manager of. Wenger laughed off claims that he would be heading to Tottenham and formally rejected the offer late last night in a phone call with Daniel Levy.

Although no discussions had taken place between Levy and Ranieri or Lippi it was thought that Levy was interested in talking with the two managers and felt that both men would do an ideal job at the club. It is worth noting that Claudio Ranieri was a front-runner for the job considering his past experience in England with Chelsea.

The two were not the bookies favourites for the jobs and weren't really thought about when considering new managers by the fans or the public so it was surprising that they were the two men that Levy really wanted to talk to.

"I just want to tell everyone that follows my managerial career that I am not interested whatsoever in replacing Juande Ramos as the manager of Tottenham Hotspur," said Marcello Lippi in his statement, "I am delighted to be here coaching the Italian national side and I have not even given the possibility of another job a thought. I think that is in Tottenham's best interests to look elsewhere."

"I am obviously flattered to be linked with what is an undoubtedly big team in England. Many call me a great manager but even still, when any big team comes in for my services I am flattered, that is why I am so happy here with Italy in my homeland and I want that to continue. I can say right now to anyone else possibly looking at hiring me that I have got to the stage of my managerial career that I do not want to manage anywhere other than Italy."

Claudio Ranieri's reasoning for not being interested in the offer was that he was just recently out of management having been sacked by Serie A side Juventus.

"Recently I enjoyed a two-year spell with Juventus in the Italian Serie A, a spell in charge that I greatly enjoyed. Before that I had enjoyed tenures with big teams such as Valencia and Chelsea, also Parma and I feel that right now I will step away from football management, take a break for a while and come back to it when I feel the time is right. Maybe if the timing was better I might strongly consider the job but unfortunately it is just bad timing."

"I enjoyed my time with Chelsea in England and ever since I finished there I always wanted to return one day. I still plan to do that but right now is not the time, I want to spend time at home with my wife and my children, my managerial career doesn't often give me the time I'd want to with them so I am pleased to take a break for the moment."

Daniel Levy refused to comment on the situation. Many Tottenham fans have grown restless with the amount of rejections and want a solution soon.

Two more high-profile managers are got of the running.

[craguuscool]

July 8th 2008
Eriksson unveiled as Tottenham manager

After weeks of searching for a new manager, Tottenham Hotspur today unveiled Sven-Goran Eriksson as the successor to former manager Juande Ramos at White Hart Lane. Eriksson becomes the manager after chairman Daniel Levy's failed attempts to bring in Arsene Wenger, Marcello Lippi and Claudio Ranieri. This move marks a return to English football for Eriksson who managed the English national team from 2001 to 2006 and also managed English Premier Division side Manchester City for a brief spell.

Sven-Goran Eriksson's move to Tottenham brings an end to his very short reign as the manager of the Mexican national football team. Eriksson, who was only appointed as the boss of the national side on June 3rd quit after what is being described as a "huge mis-understanding" by the Mexican FA and Sven-Goran Eriksson.

The controversy and eventual decision for Eriksson quitting came about when on June 26 an impersonator of Eriksson, an Englishman named Derek Williams was spotted at the Estadio Olimpico Universitaro, Eriksson was reportedly in New York City at the time. The impersonator fooled the Mexican FA as they were so disgruntled by Eriksson's double-activities that he was banned from all Mexican football stadiums. Williams continued to receive special hospitality after he impressed officials with his impersonation that they "completely fell for".

Eriksson continued in charge of the Mexican side, unhappy about the accusations only managed the side in one friendly match which Mexico lost to Brazil by four goals to nil.

Eriksson then left the club citing "unrest" and an "uncomfortable atmosphere" as his reasons for quitting the club.

Now, Eriksson will begin day-to-day managing at White Hart Lane and already many are describing him as an acceptable choice, including the man who appointed him, Daniel Levy.

"I think I have brought in a man who has the mental toughness for a job like this. He has proven in the past he is capable of doing a job in England well. I think that he may have matched or exceeded everyone's expectations when I said I was aiming big when appointing him as manager. I will admit that I started to get dishearted with rejections from my main choices but I requested to talk with Sven and we, gladly, reached an agreement."

Sven-Goran Eriksson also seemed pleased to be in the hot seat.

"This is a huge opportunity for me, I think it was made known last month that I never did want to leave Manchester City or England for that matter but I forced out by the new owners. I was willing to stay with Mexico and try and take them to new levels of success but other matters meant that I had to leave. Luckily, I was offered the job by Daniel Levy and it's a new challenge for me, an opportunity I wish to grab with both hands. I will strive to succeed and make this club the best in England."

"This club are in Europe, they have an important season ahead and I need to ensure that they do well in Europe and the league, it'll be a tough ask."

The fans of Tottenham also seemed to be happy with the choice.

"Sven's a great manager, there were many lows at England but so many highs and he did extremely well with Manchester City. Hopefully he can do the same here."

Eriksson takes his last Mexico training session two days ago.

[craguuscool]

Mourinho: You Missed Out

Only hours ago, Sven-Goran Eriksson was appointed as the new manager of English Premier Division side Tottenham Hotspur after chairman Daniel Levy had spent over a week looking for a replacement to Spaniard Juande Ramos. On his search, Marcello Lippi, Arsene Wenger and Claudio Ranieri all rejected the chance to go to White Hart Lane. Now, in a shocking revelation, jobless manager Jose Mourinho who recently left Chelsea has told reporters he would have accepted the job had it been offered to him.

Mourinho, 46, has been jobless since his decision to leave Chelsea FC on the 27th of September 2007 although he was rumoured to be a front-runner to replace Roberto Mancini at Italian Serie A side Inter Milan until the speculation ended when Mancini signed a new contract keeping him at Milan for another four years.

It was only yesterday that Roberto Mancini signed a new contract to keep him at Inter Milan and with Jose Mourinho a front-runner, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy must have thought that he had no chance recruiting the 'Special One' and thus didn't approach Mourinho but now he may regret that as Mourinho has said that it would've been the ideal job.

"It's a shame that Tottenham have appointed Sven-Goran Eriksson, don't get me wrong Sven has proven he is a great manager but I'm just saying, they could've had me. I haven't been in a job for almost a year and I would've loved the chance to join such an interesting club like Tottenham, it would've been a real challenge unlike at Chelsea and like what I had at Porto. Tottenham are England's sleeping giants to me."

"I guess it's Daniel Levy's loss because he didn't even contact me - I would have went to Inter but that opportunity faded and he had the chance to get me but he didn't even contact me although he was willing to contact managers that are in long-term contracts at big teams such as the Italian national side for Marcello (Lippi) and (Arsene) Wenger at Arsenal."

"I definitely feel I could've acheived the ultimate success at Tottenham, without a doubt I could have taken them to the UEFA Cup, Champions League, Premier League, domestic cups, Super Cups, you name it because I know exactly what Tottenham needs to tick. I won't be able to do that now though unfortunately."

Daniel Levy was quick to comment on the situation.

"Jose Mourinho is a fantastic manager, but so is Sven-Goran Eriksson. I am delighted with who I chose to manage this club and do not regret the decision. I feel that it is very unprofessional of Jose Mourinho to make comments that could ultimately change the good harmony we have at this club and I hope Jose finds employment so that he doesn't have enough time to make these comments because it's unprofessional as I said from a top-class manager."

"Sven needs to know that he is the man I wanted, not Jose. The fact I didn't contact Jose shows that, it wasn't because I didn't know the situation with Inter or because I didn't think we would get him, it was because I knew Sven was my first choice and I wanted him over Jose."

Mourinho says he would have taken the job at Tottenham.

[craguuscool]

July 10th 2008
Eriksson has first press conference

Today at White Hart Lane, new Tottenham Hotspur manager Sven-Goran Eriksson held his first press conference as the manager of the club. Eriksson discussed many topics with many media sources including The Sun, the South London Press, the Sunday Mirror and Football365.com, Eriksson appeared in a happy mood but looked very tired after finalizing a deal in Mexico which would see him get out of his four-year contract signed with the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol Asociación (FEMEXFUT) having to jet back from Mexico in the early hours in the morning. Here is the details of the press conference.

Today you are the new manager of Tottenham Hotspur, Sven, how does that make you feel? Are you pleased to be here?
"Very much so, I'll be honest I didn't have, let's say a connection with Tottenham growing up in Sweden, I only heard about teams like Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool when I was younger and when I came to manage England I'd often find myself at White Hart Lane scouting players for England, so I knew the team was full of talent it just seems that they never actually managed to put that together. I am pleased to be here because I feel I can do a good job here and I think my stock as a manager needs a boost."

Can you talk us through the process it took to get you here?
"I'm not sure if you have heard but there was a major disagreement between myself and the Mexican FA and that played a major part in me leaving the club. Daniel Levy personally flew to Mexico to talk to me about the possibility of returning to England and I told him it would be a dream because I never wanted to leave Manchester City in the first place so to return with another huge side would be fantastic. He's been very generous from the contract to the welcoming he has given, I am eternally grateful to Daniel."

So, now you are here, what are your plans, how far do you think you can take this club and do you see yourself challenging for the league this year?
"I have a number of plans, the ultimate one is to make this club as big as say their rivals Arsenal or Manchester United. I think I can take this club far but it'll take us some time to progress, I need to get to know all the players in my squad, they need to get to know how I work and the team will need to gel when I dip into the transfer market. As for the league this year, I don't know, my main aim is a UEFA Cup spot, or what will be a UEFA Europa League spot and I'll be happy then we can focus on the league because it's a VERY hard league to challenge in."

You mentioned that you may go into the transfer market. Can you discuss any of the players that you are keeping an eye on and those you are maybe going to sell?
"I won't mention anyone by name because I feel that is unfair currently, I will say there are a number of changes that will happen at this club, people being sold, people being bought but that is all I am obligated to say."

What will your tactics be here?
"It may not be a wise move but I will try to dominate with this team as much as possible."

"I think that, that is enough right now."

What will Sven really bring to Tottenham? Keep up with THFC.com

Eriksson tries to avoid questions after press conference.

[Ana_Garcia]

Interesting choice as manager. Hope Tottenham made the right choice

Nice start!

[craguuscool]

AC/DC: Thank you The comment is much appreciated and I hope you continue to read.

Tottenham miss out on Darijo Srna

In his first attempt at trying to bring in a player to Tottenham Hotspur, new manager Sven-Goran Eriksson failed as he missed out on the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk defensive midfielder Darijo Srna. The Croatian instead opted for a move to the Eastlands and money-bags Manchester City. If Eriksson had managed to secure the transfer it would have cost the London club around eighteen million pounds to bring him from Ukraine.

We are told a bid was tabled days ago by Tottenham Hotspur before Manchester City made their interest known, the bid was believed to be around fifteen million pounds however Sven-Goran Eriksson pulled out of the deal trying to haggle a lower price, Manchester City came in with a bid that was accepted and Eriksson continued to have bids rejected. Shakhtar then told Tottenham they wanted an upped price of twenty-two million when they had already accepted fifteen million earlier.

It is being claimed that Shakhtar Donetsk only upped the price because Tottenham kept pulling out of the transfer to try and get a better deal and eventually Tottenham offered eighteen million which was accepted, however, Manchester City had longer contract discussions with Darijo and that probably led to him signing for the club who play their football in the City of Manchester Stadium.

"I feel that Shakhtar took our offers as a joke, like any manager I didn't want to be spending too much money and I want to get my players at the cheapest available price. Originally, fifteen million was acceptable but I haggled and Shakhtar basically put up ridiculous valuations and that has cost us in the end as Manchester City have signed Srna, it is disappointing."

"However, we now must look at other targets because Srna isn't the only player in the world, we will see how things go from here."

In other news, Jacques Maghoma completed a loan move to Rotherham for one season.

Srna is now a member of the Manchester City squad.

This post has been edited by craguuscool: 24 May 2009 - 09:29 PM

[craguuscool]

Pre-Season Results:

Huddersfield 0-2 Tottenham
Clyde 0-2 Tottenham
Tottenham 0-1 HSV
Gladbach 2-1 Tottenham
Leyton Orient 1-3 Tottenham
Doncaster 0-3 Tottenham

4th August 2008

Tottenham Hotspur sign Andrey Arshavin

Only a few days after missing out on signing Croatian midfielder Darijo Srna who opted for Manchester City over Tottenham, Sven-Goran Eriksson has made his first signing for the club dipping into the market to sign an up and coming Russian attacking midfielder. The move sees the star Zenit St. Petersburg player come to White Hart Lane over the City of Manchester Stadium and Manchester City who were also interested in signing him.

We believe that UEFA Cup winners Zenit St. Petersburg accepted a bid of around thirteen point five million pounds from Tottenham and this time no haggling was down by Sven-Goran Eriksson who was criticized by the Tottenham fans for missing out on Srna, described as a "must buy" because of the constant withdrawls from talks with the star.

The move, which marks an end to Arshavin's twelve-year stay at the Russian club will see Arshavin earn a much-improved contract of fifty-five thousand pounds per week and five thousand five hundred for every appearance and goal scored for the club. If the club were to be relegated from the top tier of English football his release clause comes in at thirteen point five million pounds and he would see his wages drop by 25%.

Tottenham in the end beat off much interest from many other clubs including the aforementioned Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers, Celtic and Arsenal who were the first to open talks with Andrey Arshavin but we understand a deal could not be reached.

Arshavin, who proved his worth for Zenit in the Russian League season and in their huge UEFA Cup victory in the City of Manchester Stadium against Scottish side Rangers to win the UEFA Cup and also in the European Championships of 2008 was estatic with the move and the chance to play for such a well-supported club.

"These English fans are passionate. It's one of the reasons I moved, last year when I was here for the UEFA Cup Final there were football fans everywhere, you know and even last year in the Champions League Final, the Manchester United and Chelsea fans were so loud, so passionate in Russia and it made for a great final. I try to catch Premiership football whenever I can in Russia and I have watched a number of Tottenham games were I have heard some great atmospheres. I always wanted to come here, to England to play and I'm glad to get the chance."

"I didn't sign for Arsenal or Manchester City simply because I didn't feel I'd get the right chance to shine, I am confident with my abilities and feel that over time I could've broke into the team but I feel at Tottenham I can do that immediately, Celtic and Blackburn came in for me but I wanted to stay in England and I wanted to live in London and play for a big club so Tottenham was the most suitable choice for me."

Sven-Goran Eriksson was also pleased with his first signing.

"I think that Andrey Arshavin has proven over the past year what a fantastic player and asset he is at any team. He really helped propel Zenit St. Petersburg in the league, domestic cups and also in Europe where he really helped them to the UEFA Cup Final and helped them on to the victory in the final. He will be an integral part of the Tottenham side I am constructing and I hope that his quality level continues to increase to help this club."

In more transfer news, Tottenham's Adam Smith has left the side on loan for six months to join Coca-Cola League One side Millwall. Kieran McKenna has also left the club on loan for six months to Coca-Cola League Two side Rotherham United.

The Russian International bid farewell to the Zenit fans in last night's friendly.

[vasilli07]

Arshavin should be good...COYS...

[Felton]

unlucky for srna, he ALWAYS joins city along with zhirkov :sarcastic: arshavin should be good, opposite end of London now KIU

[craguuscool]

vasilli07: Thanks very much for the comment man, I genuinely appreciate it and I hope you continue reading, hopefully Arshavin is good but I won't hold my breath, sometimes they flop.
felton1592: Yeah, Zhirkov did sign with Manchester City and when they went for Arshavin too I figured it was a lost cause, maybe Srna was my fault, I was trying to get a cheap price for ages. He should be, but will he? The fact I've started with the 08' data it means I could get Arshavin. Thanks for the comment Felton, appreciated and I also hope you continue to read.

Srna: "You aren't good enough."

Darijo Srna today lit the touchpaper, just days after he rejected the chance to sign for Sven-Goran Eriksson's Tottenham Hotspur opting insead for Manchester City, by telling the Daily Star that he refused the chance to play his football in London because he feels that Tottenham "aren't good enough for him." and that Tottenham would be lucky to break into the mid-table this season. He says that his side Manchester City will be up challenging for the Premier League trophy in no time and he will be the driving force behind it.

The defensive midfielder who signed for Manchester City in a deal believed to cost the Eastlands club seventeen point seven five million has taken a shot at the club for no apparent reason and has angered many sections of the Tottenham support but already Darijo Srna is already making a name for himself in England without even kicking a ball.

"I chose to sign for Manchester City rather than Tottenham because to be honest, Tottenham aren't good enough. I think it's obvious that Manchester City are one of the premier teams in England and within a few years we could be league champions and I want to be the driving force behind that, whereas Tottenham will languish in obscurity because I doubt they'll get mid-table this year and well Europe, give me a break."

"In Russia, we get English football, I watched Tottenham's matches week in and week out because I wanted to see my friend Luka Modric play for them and the team performance was pitiful and they were very lucky to escape relegation under Juande Ramos. I think the Tottenham fans and the players should stop the optimism that the appointment of Sven has brung them because they won't do anything this year or in years to come, the team in England is Manchester City, no one else."

"I don't have a bad attitude or a bad reputation I am just stating plain facts for everyone to see, that is the reason I didn't sign for them and I am pleased that I didn't because I can tell the setup here is much better than in London. I'll be happy to send a few in against Tottenham the next time we play so watch out."

It seems there has been a backlash of sorts from both the Tottenham board and the Manchester City board and there is talk that Darijo Srna could be fined two weeks wages for his comments which were "uncalled for" according to both directors.

"Darijo Srna had no right to insult our club, Tottenham. We failed to sign him which was disappointing but I you don't say why you chose Manchester City over us because it's not fair, it's uncalled for and it's just unprofessional and I hope Srna realizes that this isn't a way to make a proper name for himself in English football. The Tottenham board will be consulting with the Manchester City board to ensure appropriate action is taken."

Many comments were left below as to the fan opinion on the matter.

COMMENTS
Man City Fan
"I am pleased we get Darijo Srna over Tottenham but I think Srna just over-exaggerated everything, as much as it pains me to say it, Tottenham are a good club and he shouldn't really be insulting them like that and it's not a good start to his career."

Red Devils
"Do you think he got Manchester City confused with us? I mean City, the premier side in England, haha."

Go Hotspur
"It's ridiculous that he is making they comments and he needs to be reprimanded and be forced to give an apology."

Srna made his comments known to the Daily Star

[craguuscool]

Tottenham sign two

Only a few days after completing his very first signing of the season, Andrey Arshavin from Zenit St. Petersburg for over thirteen million pounds, Tottenham Hotspur manager Sven-Goran Eriksson completed two more signings in a bid to bolster his squad for the upcoming season, the transfer will see the arrivals of Barcelona's highly-rated defender Martín Cáceres and Newcastle United's flamboyant striker Obafemi Martins.

Tottenham first completed the transfer which would see Martín Cáceres become a regular player at White Hart Lane. The transfer went through without any problems and without any real competition for other clubs as Barcelona accepted a twelve point five million offer from Spurs, just a few thousand short of what Barcelona paid to bring him to the Nou Camp.

Martín Cáceres will now earn around thirty-four thousand per week and three thousand four hundred for every appearance he makes for the club, every year his wage will rise by 15% however if relegation occurs it was drop drastically, 25%.

"I am happy to be at such a illustrious club, in Spain I heard about this club quite often and it's nice to be able to play here, it's a new challenge and a challenge that I will have to adapt too but weather I am capable of doing that or not remains to be seen, there are a number of strong, strong defenders in the squad such as Ledley King and they'll prove stiff competition."

"I don't know if I'll have to wait, I guess I'll wait and see, I'll try my hardest in training to break into the squad, that's a certainty but at the end of the day it's up to Sven-Goran Eriksson if he wants to include me in the squad."

The second player to sign for Tottenham was Obafemi Martins who plays in the same league as the London club for Newcastle United. Martins, 23, has signed from Newcastle in a deal believed to be around twelve point seven five million which profits Newcastle who signed the youngster from Inter Milan for ten million.

At Tottenham, Martins can expect to earn forty thousand five hundred every week at White Hart Lane including four thousand in appearance and goal fees, if Tottenham face the dreaded relegation this season the Nigerian international will have his wage cut by 25% like many in a precautionary measure by the club.

"It's been a whirlwind couple of days, one day I'm a Newcastle player then the next I am a Tottenham player, I am sure that I won't get a good response the next time I am playing against Newcastle or the next time I am at St. James' Park but that is expected, I wanted to try something new and this opportunity has allowed me the chance."

"I've lost form recently, I will admit but I want to become the most prolific striker in the league and fill the obvious gap left by Robbie Keane who went to Liverpool. I want to make sure this club maintain their powerful reputation in English football."

It is expected that both men will make their debuts for their new club against Middlesbrough on the opening day of the season.

The Nigerian no longer plays for the Toon Army.

[craguuscool]

Tottenham Hotspur announce link with Clyde

Today, Tottenham Hotspur football club announced a link between themselves and Scottish First Division side Clyde. The two clubs now have a partnership in football which will see them benefit from many rules of the partnership.

Under the rules of the partnership, Tottenham will be able to send any players needing first team experience to Clyde FC in order to gain experience in the Scottish First Division. Although the wages will be paid in full by Tottenham and Clyde do not have to field the player and he can be recalled by the London-based club at any point during the loan spell.

Tottenham Hotspur also have first option to buy any of the Cumbernauld sides players, if for example a team comes in for one of Clyde's players, if Tottenham come in with a bid matching the other offer then Clyde will also have to accept the offer from Tottenham and then the player would then decide which team he wants go for.

This gives Tottenham the chance to bring in any new up and coming players that come through Clyde's Youth System in Scotland. The move will also see Tottenham begin to gain a foothold in Scottish football, every year Tottenham will have to pay Clyde around thirty eight thousand pounds for the link.

This strengthens Tottenham's reputation and links around the world as they already have links with several clubs in Europe including Leyton Orient of England, Slavia Prague of the Czech Republic and finally SuperSport United of South Africa.

"I, as Tottenham manager am very pleased to announce this link and partnership with Clyde Football Club and their astute chairman Ian Lethan. We both feel this link is beneficial to both clubs and will help both clubs progress through the strong partnership that has been created. We, unfortunately could not arrange terms for a yearly friendly to be played although one could happen come the season's end to reinforce the partnership."

The parent and feeder club badges.

[craguuscool]

Bent leaves the Lane

For a few days now it has all been players signing for Tottenham and until now no one had been sold by new manager Sven-Goran Eriksson until today. The Swedish manager has sold on English striker Darren Bent who will now ply his trade every week at Villa Park for new team Aston Villa.

The deal is expected to cost The Villians a very cheap four point seven million considering he was brought into Tottenham for a huge sum of fifteen point five million and that he cost the club four hundred thousand pounds per match when he only made twenty-seven appearances for the club. The move comes just days after Obafemi Martins was brought into the club.

Bent, 24, who played at Charlton Athletic before his move to the Spurs will now earn in the region of thirty-two thousand pounds per week and will earn eight thousand in appearance fees and three thousand in goal fees.

"I am pleased to join Aston Villa, that isn't to say I didn't enjoy my time at Tottenham because I did, it was an enjoyable experience and it made me a wealthy man. I really enjoyed my time there but it's time to enter a new chapter in my career and hopefully it's a good one at Aston Villa."

"I've never worked under Martin O'Neil and it's something I've always wanted to do so I am also looking forward to that."

In other transfer news, Charlie Daniels has completed a loan switch to Coca-Cola League 2 side Gillingham for five months.

Bent will soon be in the colours of Aston Villa after competing a move there.

[treva]

Some good signings there Craig. Oba and Arshavin should be great up top together. Nice start this Craig

[Euan]

Clyde? Bad choice

Good work so far.

[vasilli07]

Only 4.7 million for Bent? I believe you can get maybe 7-8 million. Hmm...not sure if Martins is better than Bent. I will continue reading your story as I'm a spurs fan.

[craguuscool]

Euan: I could have chose QPR but figured if I'm loaning out loan players they won't get a chance in the Championship whereas in the Scottish First Division they'll get a game. Thanks for reading and commenting.
vasilli07: I maybe could have got more for him but I didn't want to try and raise it to much incase the offers didn't pour in, I guess. Good to know you will continue reading and hopefully commenting too. Thanks.

16th August 2008
Tottenham 1-1 Middlesbrough

Tottenham Hotspur today didn't get off to quite the start they wanted under new manager Sven-Goran Eriksson on the opening day of the season as they only managed to pick up one point at White Hart Lane against Middlesbrough. In the end it was a result that reflected the quality of the game as both teams didn't look like they could win it and many would agree that the end result was a fair result on the opening day of the new league season.

There were only two goals in this game and the first was for Middlesbrough just twenty-five minutes in when Turkish international star Tuncay slammed home a curling shot after receiving a pass from Robert Huth. Tuncay, who has been at the centre of transfer speculation for weeks proved his loyalty by kissing his badge after the goal.

The final goal of the game came very late on in the eighty-fifth minute as Tom Huddlestone managed to seal a draw. The goal came from a throw-in when Luka Modric threw the ball to Andrey Arshavin, the Russian sped down the wing dribbling past Hoyte and playing it into the box where Tom Huddlestone rose above Gabri and powered a header into the goal and past Jones. The delight was clear to see on his face after the goal.

The two goals weren't the only major happenings of the game but one incident in the game will make Tottenham fans worry as star player Roman Pavlyuchenko had to be taken off as a precauntionary measure after a clash of heads during the game. We hear that Pavlyuchenko has suffered a broken nose in the clash and will be out for two or three weeks.

Giovanni Dos Santos, who was filling in for Obafemi Martins while the Nigerian was on international duty had the chance to fire Tottenham into the lead in the twenty-fifth minute but Middlesbrough goalkeeper Nash managed a fantastic save that shocked almost everyone that had packed into White Hart Lane.

Like Dos Santos, Middlesbrough striker Jérémie Aliadière was equally miffed at the fact his effort didn't find the net but like his counterpart Gomes, the Tottenham goalkeeper was on hand to prevent the shot from going in. Aliadière received a pass from Tuncay and his effort swerved towards the top right hand corner but often criticized Gomes was litreally on hand to prevent him.

Middlesbrough almost took the lead just before half-time when Tuncay's corner found the head of midfielder Stewart Downing but his header cannoned back off of the crossbar and back into the grateful hands of goalkeeper Gomes.

Robert Huth was given a yellow card for a tackle on David Bentley, the resulting free-kick taken by Andrey Arshavin flew right over the crossbar to the dismay of not only the Russian but his team-mates and the Tottenham fans.

The final chance of the game fell to Andrey Arshavin who was further frustrated when he charged forward and dribbled around the goalkeeper but his effort which seemed destined for the net was cleared by Justin Hoyte who tackled it away from the line.

Final Thoughts

Sven-Goran Eriksson: "I wasn't pleased with the performance today, I understand the team needs time to get used to new players and me but it was not a acceptable performance, of course we can only look to improve and we have the derby with Arsenal next and that is an absolutely huge game for everyone involved."