Tottenham transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Ange Postecoglou warns Tottenham players AND staff face axe – so who should stay and who should go?

      by

      ANGE POSTECOGLOU warned players and even staff members could go in his bid to turn Spurs into title challengers.The Aussie already implemented an overhaul in his first two transfer windows but, after three straight defeats, revealed more change is on its way.Ange Postecoglou says he is ready to make big callsCredit: AlamyTimo Werner’s loan deal can be made permanent for £15mCredit: GettyPlaymaker James Maddison’s form for Spurs has dipped recentlyCredit: RexPostecoglou, whose Tottenham side’s Champions League hopes are hanging by the thinnest of threads, said: “We’ve already made tough decisions.“We let some experienced players leave the club at the beginning of the year, some by choice.“But I feel like if we’re really going to change, that means change. You have to make decisions.“Some of those decisions aren’t that tough because, whether it’s a player or a staff member, they realise it themselves.READ MORE TOP STORIES“But some of them you have to make just because of change, not necessarily because they don’t fit in the picture.“I’ve got to change this squad.  I’ve got to build a squad I think can play our football. For that to happen, there have to be exits.”Postecoglou witnessed the early stages of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool revolution up close with a Boxing Day trip to Anfield in 2016.And just like the Reds board backed the German’s vision then — to great reward — Postecoglou feels he has the support of  Spurs’ hierarchy now to continue his own overhaul.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Aussie will head to Anfield on Sunday with some fans doubting him after three straight losses — including two painful London derby defeats to Arsenal and Chelsea.Yet he is further ahead than Klopp was in his first Reds campaign, where he finished eighth, given the Spurs chief is on course to come fifth.Jamie Redknapp forced to apologise after ‘stealing Sky Sports host’s thunder’ in awkward moment on live TVPostecoglou recalled a visit to take in Liverpool’s 4-1 thrashing of Stoke seven-and-a-half years ago in Klopp’s second season — which ended with the Reds finishing fourth — when discussing his own backing from Spurs bosses.The 58-year-old, a boyhood Liverpool fan, said: “In 2016 I came over with the family and  took my oldest son to Anfield to watch Liverpool.“It was just at the beginning of that building phase and, to be fair, they hadn’t done anything significant up until that point.“But there was just a real energy in the stadium around Jurgen.“The whole club, the supporters, everyone had bought into him, even though they hadn’t quite got to where they wanted to yet.“But I felt that in the stadium and that’s why I’ve always got drawn to managers like that.“You could see he could see things that others couldn’t in that time.“For the most part with the most successful clubs, that’s the  formula.“Part of that responsibility lies on me to make sure  I’m leading in a way that allows people to believe in me and support me because . . . it’s the only way I’m going to have success.“I’m not going to do it on my own, that’s for sure. I never have. Wherever I’ve been, I’ve had great support and right now I’ve all the support I need.“I really feel like the club has bought into the vision I have and it’s up to me to maintain that.”Some Spurs supporters questioned Postecoglou’s appointment in June from Celtic, arguing his success in Japan and Scotland was not enough to warrant a top Premier League job.Those worries soon vanished when he started the season like a house on fire, going unbeaten in his first ten games to send Tottenham top of the league.Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are under the microscopeCredit: GettyYet that old narrative has reared its head again after losses to Newcastle, Arsenal and Chelsea have now left Spurs’ Champions League chances almost in tatters.Thursday’s display in a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge was particularly concerning.Some fans are worried that though his open, attacking, uncompromising style won league titles with Yokohama and Celtic, it may not necessarily translate to the Premier League.And straight-talking Postecoglou understands he will have doubters until he delivers success.He explained: “What do you reckon they said when I got to Japan? [The same].“What do you reckon they said when I got to Scotland?“I get that. I understand that. It’s legitimate until success comes and then it doesn’t become legitimate.“My role is to navigate us to where I think we’ll be successful.“It’s not new to me. It’s not something I haven’t been asked before.“I’ve always just navigated it exactly the same way.“But that doesn’t mean those questions shouldn’t be there because until you achieve something, obviously people are just going to try and figure out if my ideas are going to work here.“That’s understandable. Until you have success, of course those questions are going to remain.Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s future at Tottenham is at doubtCredit: Rex“But do I have any doubts?  Absolutely none. I have clarity in terms of building us a club which will become successful.“I believe what I believe, down to my core. I’ll stand on the highest ground, die a noble death, believing in what I believe.”With Spurs’ hopes of a top-four finish seemingly wrecked, Ange Postecoglou knows he needs to overhaul his squad next season.Here, SunSport’s TOM BARCLAY runs the rule over who is likely to survive the cull — and who is in danger of going.FIVE TO STAYGUGLIELMO VICARIO: A little shaky from set-pieces but, overall, a big hit for just £16million.CRISTIAN ROMERO: Postecoglou hailed the World Cup winner as “outstanding”.MICKY VAN DE VEN: Dutch heir-apparent to Virgil van Dijk and lightning quick.DESTINY UDOGIE: Sensational in the first half of his maiden campaign and still so young.JAMES MADDISON: Tailed off recently but when he’s good, he’s perfect for Postecoglou.FIVE TO GOPIERRE-EMILE HOJBJERG: Dependable but not a natural Ange fit. One year left on his deal.BRYAN GIL: Talented but looks too lightweight for the Premier League.RYAN SESSEGNON: Injury issues mean Spurs may let him go for nothing.OLIVER SKIPP: A rare home-grown player but Postecoglou has hardly given him a look-in.TANGUY NDOMBELE: Spurs’ biggest-ever flop will be back this summer — but surely not for long.FIVE IN DOUBTYVES BISSOUMA: Form has nosedived since electric start to the season.GIO LO CELSO: Has shown glimpses but rarely features and has only a year left.EMERSON ROYAL: Spurs rejected £25m Saudi offer in January but may rethink.READ MORE SUN STORIESTIMO WERNER: Club can make his loan permanent for just £15m — but jury is out as to whether it is worth it.MANOR SOLOMON: Injury has ruined Israeli’s first season, prompting durability concerns. More

    • 275 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Come on mate, want me to write you a dossier?’ – Postecoglou fumes in live TV interview when asked about Tottenham loss

      by

      ANGE POSTECOGLOU fumed in his post-match interview after Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea.The loss was Spurs’ third consecutive defeat after losing to Newcastle and Arsenal.Postecoglou was not happy in his post-match interviewCredit: Sky SportsThe manager bristled when asked if his message was getting across to his playersCredit: Sky SportsGoals for Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson were enough to give Chelsea all three points in the London derby as they make a late push for Europe.The result delighted Mauricio Pochettino as he got one over his old side.It was set-pieces that proved to be Tottenham’s Achilles heel again with both goals coming from free-kicks.When asked about his team’s performance by Sky Sports, Postecoglou said: “It’s not good enough and I’ve got to take responsibility for that, that’s on me.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”I’m the manager, I’m the one that’s putting them out there and it was nowhere near good enough. As I said I’ve got to take a look at myself in all this and see how I can have more of an impact.”When asked about his message getting through to his players, a visibly annoyed Postecoglou said: “Come on mate. We didn’t play well. What do you want me to sit there and write a dossier on where we went wrong?”Like I said, I’ll take responsibility, we were poor in the first half, still think their goal was a foul but no one cares about that but we didn’t deserve any more than that and like I said that’s on me.”Spurs will be looking to bounce back on Sunday, when they face a tricky trip to Anfield.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey haven’t lost four games in a row since the 2002-03 season and Postecoglou will be hoping his side don’t renew that particular record.The loss leaves Spurs looking over their shoulder at Manchester United, who are six points off them with the same number of games played.’Bravest fan in the world’ spotted in the Tottenham end with an ARSENAL shirt after turning up with wrong ticketNewcastle in seventh are seven points behind Spurs as they look to push for Europa League football this season under Eddie Howe.Spurs’ set piece woesBY TOM BARCLAY
      ANGE POSTECOGLOU took the blame after another set-piece disaster left Tottenham’s Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.
      Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson headed home from free-kicks to take the number of goals Spurs have shipped from dead-ball situations to SIXTEEN this season, excluding penalties.
      Only Luton, Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest have conceded more in a week where Postecoglou downplayed the importance of set-pieces.
      “We didn’t have the mindset that I expect us to have. That’s on me, I’ve got to take responsibility for that.
      “I’m the one putting them out there and preparing them for it. When we’re so far off it, I’ve got to look at myself and see how I’m preparing this team for it.
      “We lacked a real conviction and positive mindset in our football. We didn’t really have any fluency, any sort of aggression with and without the ball.
      “It’s a bit unlike us because if nothing else we’ve always been competitive.”
      He later added: “We had bigger issues tonight than set pieces.” More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Ange Postecoglou’s four-word blast at Tottenham flops caught on camera as Gary Neville says ‘he’s snapped’

      by

      ANGE POSTECOGLOU was accused of losing it with his players in a four-word tirade caught on camera in Spurs’ costly 2-0 defeat at Chelsea.Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville reckoned the manager singled out two of his Tottenham stars and “snapped”.Ange Postecoglou was furious during what could prove a costly defeatPostecoglou was seen screaming “Stop passing it backwards!” as Spurs struggled to create anything meaningful in a tame Premier League loss.Tottenham, in fifth, are now seven points off fourth-placed Aston Villa in the hunt for Champions League places.Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues are suddenly scenting a European spot themselves.Victory via Trevoh Chalobah’s header and Nicolas Jackson’s rebound nod-in put Chelsea eighth, two points off Newcastle just above them.READ MORE TOP STORIESPostecoglou, normally so calm, launched a stern-faced blast from the touchline at Stamford Bridge.Manchester United legend Neville responded: ”He is having a right go at (Pape Matar) Sarr, he’s having a right go at (Cristian) Romero, he has snapped, has Postecoglou.”But many fans on social media blamed the ex-Celtic chief himself – claiming his tactics are now being found out.Other Spurs fans are fed up with their dead-ball defending.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne posted: “It’s literally his football that’s got us in this absolute state.”Another argued: “Can’t defend set pieces, but there isn’t a problem with that… The football is awful.”Frank Warren reveals he was ‘quite close’ to joining Premier League club despite being massive Arsenal fanA third wrote: “Been found out. Needs a plan b (and better players).”And one observer suggested Poctecoglou is already worried chairman Daniel Levy will sack him – as Spurs risk fading after a brilliant start to the season.That fan said: “He knows he’s under pressure. He knows Levy will get rid if this gets worse.”Spurs’ set piece woesBY TOM BARCLAY
      ANGE POSTECOGLOU took the blame after another set-piece disaster left Tottenham’s Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.
      Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson headed home from free-kicks to take the number of goals Spurs have shipped from dead-ball situations to SIXTEEN this season, excluding penalties.
      Only Luton, Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest have conceded more in a week where Postecoglou downplayed the importance of set-pieces.
      “We didn’t have the mindset that I expect us to have. That’s on me, I’ve got to take responsibility for that.
      “I’m the one putting them out there and preparing them for it. When we’re so far off it, I’ve got to look at myself and see how I’m preparing this team for it.
      “We lacked a real conviction and positive mindset in our football. We didn’t really have any fluency, any sort of aggression with and without the ball.
      “It’s a bit unlike us because if nothing else we’ve always been competitive.”
      He later added: “We had bigger issues tonight than set pieces.”

      Chelsea were more clinical than the visitors More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea 2 Tottenham 0: Pochettino gets revenge on former team as Blues deal Spurs’ Champions League hopes fatal blow

      by

      ANGE POSTECOGLOU deserves all he gets for being a Billy Joel fan.By quoting Mr Supermarket Music to defend his dislike of boring, set-piece practice, Tottenham’s manager betrayed himself twice.Nicolas Jackson scored Chelsea’s second as they sealed a 2-0 win over TottenhamCredit: GettyMauricio Pochettino got revenge on his old teamCredit: AFPWhile Ange Postecoglou cast a miffed figure on the sidelinesCredit: AFPHe firstly ruined any street cred he may wish for and secondly revealed to every opposition manager that he does not care for such trivial things as free kicks and corners.And so Chelsea duly carved his team open twice from free kicks to leave his hopes of qualifying for the Champions League in his first season hanging by a thread.Defeat here leaves Tottenham fifth, seven points behind Aston Villa and now with just one game in hand.And with only four games to go it is highly unlikely they will somehow recover from their alarming dip in form to make it to the Promised Land.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLConceding from similar free kicks in each half made it three defeats on the spin with Liverpool and title-chasing Manchester City still to play.But more than failing to reach the top four in his debut year, Postecoglou is learning at great cost how Tottenham contrive to cock it up around this time each season.This was their second London derby defeat inside four days too, suggesting his players need to toughen up when it comes to facing the neighbours.Two down to Arsenal inside half an hour on Sunday, they were caught on the hop again, proving they haven’t learned any lessons from the weekend or from recent history as another season of such promise threatens to crumble in the home stretch.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJust 25 minutes had gone when they went down to the first dead ball situation.Chelsea captain Conor Gallagher hooked a free kick into the box to find defender Trevoh Chalobah surging forward and free to loop a classy header over keeper Guglielmo Vicario.Jose Mourinho’s iconic first Chelsea press conferenceVAR tried to come to Tottenham’s rescue with delays to check nonsensical possible offside then a foul. But after the usual lengthy delay, Chalobah’s goal stood and Postecoglou found his team up against it again.Big Ange is having problems getting a tune out of his team at the crucial part of the campaign. Sound familiar Spurs fans?It was the son who got things going with Trevoh Chalobah lifting his top to reveal a T-shirt carrying the slogan ‘Jehovah’s Son’ across the chest as he wheeled away in delight after scoring first.Tottenham captain Son Heung-Min was anonymous.  His supply line cut off as Tottenham were overwhelmed. Spurs are running out of steam.James Maddison, signed with such expectation last summer, is fading from view.Chelsea were more clinical than the visitorsChalobah impressed at CBHaving been subbed in his last nine games he finally bit the bullet and was dropped altogether last night.The £40million midfielder has not completed a full 90 minutes since Brighton at home on February 10. His England place for the Euros is not safe.It wasn’t even as if Chelsea suddenly found a string of superstars to roll out on a big night at Stamford Bridge. It was the same old bunch that has pitched and rolled like a North Sea trawler all season long.Boss Pochettino even hinted there could be some surprises in his selection. With a crippling injury list, added to by the absences of Thiago Silva and fellow centre half Axel Disasi, he was not wrong there.Trevoh Chalobah put in a starring display and was rewarded with a goalCredit: PAThe defeat leaves Spurs with a mountain to climb for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe bench was not so much a ‘Who’s who?’ As a ‘Who’s he?’ with greenhorns Zak Sturge, Josh Acheampong, Tyrique George and Kiano Dyer among the 20-man matchday squad.Last night was eight years to the day since the notorious Battle of the Bridge resulting in nine bookings, a six match ban for Spurs’ Mousa Dembele and a punch up on the pitch.Early hopes of a repeat performance came and went with Cristian Romero and Nicolas Jackson shoving each other in a petty dispute at a dead ball in no man’s land just two minutes in. After that Spurs became Chelsea’s punch bag. Jackson went agonisingly close to putting them ahead after only five minutes.Put through on the chase by Mykhailo Mudryk, Chelsea’s erratic centre forward did everything right for once, slipping the ball through Vicario’s legs. Luckily, Spurs have flying Dutchman Mick van de Ven – clocked at more than 23 mph this season – in the ranks and he scampered back to hook the shot off the line, earning a massive hug from his mightily relieved keeper.Spurs’ set piece woesBY TOM BARCLAY
      ANGE POSTECOGLOU took the blame after another set-piece disaster left Tottenham’s Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.
      Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson headed home from free-kicks to take the number of goals Spurs have shipped from dead-ball situations to SIXTEEN this season, excluding penalties.
      Only Luton, Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest have conceded more in a week where Postecoglou downplayed the importance of set-pieces.
      “We didn’t have the mindset that I expect us to have. That’s on me, I’ve got to take responsibility for that.
      “I’m the one putting them out there and preparing them for it. When we’re so far off it, I’ve got to look at myself and see how I’m preparing this team for it.
      “We lacked a real conviction and positive mindset in our football. We didn’t really have any fluency, any sort of aggression with and without the ball.
      “It’s a bit unlike us because if nothing else we’ve always been competitive.”
      He later added: “We had bigger issues tonight than set pieces.”

      At least last weekend they put up a fight against the Gunners. Here they settled in to be overrun from start to finish, making a fairly average Chelsea team look like world beaters.A few half chances with Pape Sarr having a shot deflected and Brennan Johnson scuffing one wide in the second half . Postecoglou went from irate madman in the first half to deflated and defeated in the second, especially after Jackson grabbed the winner 18 minutes from the end.Palmer chipped in a free kick which cannoned off the crossbar. And given that free kicks don’t matter at Spurs, nobody bothered to pick up Chelsea’s centre forward who pounced to head in.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s the 16th time they have conceded from a set-piece. Postecoglou quoted Joel song ‘You May Be Right’ to justify his decision to ignore free kicks and corners but it’s hitting a duff note.Victory takes Chelsea up to eighth, above West Ham. They are now just three points behind sixth-placed Manchester United with their own dreams of Europe improving. More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m a former team-mate of Harry Kane but left Premier League a decade ago, now I’m set to become his Bundesliga rival

      by

      HARRY KANE is set to be reunited with an old Tottenham team-mate in the Bundesliga next season.Kane has been starring in Germany since his £104million transfer to Bayern Munich from Spurs last summer.Harry Kane is set to be reunited with an old Tottenham team-mate in the BundesligaCredit: RexKane starred alongside the star seven times in a Spurs shirtCredit: GettyThe German international left to join Hamburg in 2015Credit: RexDespite Bayern failing to win the German top flight for the first time in 12 years, Kane has still managed an impressive 43 goals and 11 assists in 43 games, including 35 in 31 league games.Kane, 30, still has the chance to land his first-ever career trophy with the Champions League this season, however, he will be hoping to dethrone Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen domestically next term.But on that journey, the England captain looks set to face a familiar foe in Lewis Holtby, who played for Tottenham between 2013 and 2015 after signing from Schalke.Holtby, 33, shared the pitch with Kane seven times – remarkably with a 100 per cent win rate and just two goals conceded – in north London before he departed to join Hamburg in 2015.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter four years Holtby did briefly return to England to star for Blackburn before he sealed a free transfer in 2021 to join current club Holstein Kiel. And following an impressive season in the 2. Bundesliga, Kiel now look set to secure promotion to the German top flight for the first time in their history.Holtby has played a key part of the north German sides efforts to get promoted, appearing in 28 games with four goals and ten assists.Holtby and co sit in the second automatic promotion spot in the table with just three games of the season remaining and a five-point gap over Fortuna Dusseldorf, who are in the promotion play-off spot.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLewis Holtby is closing in on promotion with 2. Bundesliga side Holstein KielCredit: GettyKane and Holtby won 100 per cent of their games togetherCredit: GettyThey can secure promotion in their next game if they beat relegation threatened SV Wehen Wiesbaden and Fortuna Dusseldorf fail to beat FC Nurnberg.However, providing Dusseldorf win it will set-up a promotion shootout between the two in the penultimate game of the season.How Harry Kane got even better at BayernShould Kiel fall to third in the table they will face a play-off match against the third-bottom side in the Bundesliga – a position currently occupied by Mainz.There is also the possibility that Holtby is promoted as a 2. Bundesliga champion with Kiel, but they will have to overcome a two-point gap to St. Pauli to achieve that.On the team, the three-time capped Germany star said: “It’s really a lot of fun to be with this young and hungry team right now.”We have a great spirit and still a lot of potential for improvement. “I have a very very good relationship with everyone at the club, because people here are simply honest, northern and direct.”Holtby has been a key player for the side this season and barring a late collapse should find their way into the top flightCredit: GettyThis one will have stung Kane the most… what’s the German for schadenfreude?, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      OF all the trophies Harry Kane has missed out on, the Bundesliga will have stung the most.
      This was supposed to have been a dead cert. This was nailed-on.
      Bayern Munich had won 11 successive Bundesliga titles, so when the England captain signed for the great Bavarian powerhouse last summer, we all said: “Well, at least he’ll finally win something.”
      Yet on Sunday evening, there were Bayer Leverkusen — known in Germany as ‘Neverkusen’ because they hadn’t previously won the league thanks to several late implosions — cavorting around, 16 points clear, unbeaten in all competitions and confirmed as champions with five games to spare.
      And so the greatest trophy curse in footballing history continues.
      And this one really is freakish because Leverkusen’s story is almost as extraordinary as Leicester City’s miracle title in 2015-16 — the season when Kane won his first Premier League Golden Boot and Tottenham ended up ‘third in a two-horse race’ behind Arsenal.
      Kane is always the runner-up, always the nearly man, always the fall guy, too often a figure of fun for those taking pleasure in the misfortune of others.
      Does anyone know the German word for schadenfreude…?
      Read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      Or read more from Dave Kidd. More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham had to flog Paul Gascoigne to avoid going bust over £10m debt – now Daniel Levy wants more than £4bn to sell

      by

      TOTTENHAM were once moments from going bust with a debt of £10million they could not repay to the bank.But now Daniel Levy wants £4.25billion for the club, according to a well-placed financial source in a new book published this week.Daniel Levy would want upwards of £4bn to sell the clubCredit: AFPSpurs had to sell Paul Gascoigne to stay afloatCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdEx-Spurs vice-chairman David Buchler revealed how a receiver called in at the club ready to declare it insolvent.That was until a split board finally accepted that the sale of Paul Gascoigne to Lazio for £5.5m was the only solution to saving Spurs from going under.Levy is after new investment but would not accept an outright takeover offer unless it started at £4bn.Tottenham are in talks with potential investors and long-term adviser, Rothschild & Co, has stated that the club “requires a significant increase in its equity base” in order to continue to invest in its teams and “undertake future capital projects”.READ MORE ON SPURSSpurs have received offers from the Far East, Middle East and US but “nothing has been put on our table that we felt has been in the interests of shareholders”.Buchler, of the financial firm Buchler Phillips, has for the first time told the inside story of how close the club came to going bust in 1992.And the former Spurs vice-chairman reveals a tumultuous period in the North Londoners’ history.He said: “My first introduction to the board was during the latter part of 1990 when the club was facing difficulties with their bankers, Midland Bank, over a £10m overdraft.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I advised the board on insolvency matters and when Nat Solomon became chairman at the beginning of 1991, I became chief executive and vice-chairman. Most read in FootballI remember my first meeting with Midland Bank, meeting Stephen Adamson, a partner of Ernst & Young and a friend, who was introduced to me by Midland Bank as their receiver and manager.Roy Keane told Paul Gascoigne ‘Gazza, stop it’ after England legend taunted Man Utd icon over his ‘wife’“Luckily, because our personal relationship was good, and Midland Bank knew me and respected me, the discussions relating to the reduction in the £10m overdraft quickly became cordial and not confrontational.“This helped me find a solution to what otherwise was a difficult problem. In the end the solution was to sell Paul Gascoigne as he was the only asset the club had that came anywhere near the £10m bank debt.“Realising Gazza’s value was the only way of avoiding the appointment of an insolvency practitioner as receiver and manager — that had become a real possibility, that the bank would appoint a receiver to take control of the running of the club.“It even reached the critical stage that at one meeting, Brian Clair, the Midland Bank director in charge of matters relating to Spurs’ £10m overdraft, had attended with the purpose of recovering the loan.Buchler has said Spurs’ stadium is Daniel Levy’s crowning achievementCredit: RexThe overdraft had hit £10m but you would really laugh today to think that the club nearly went under for that small amount as it’s now worth over £4bn!“Daniel Levy gets a bad press but he is extraordinary, very intelligent and he is like a dog with a bone — but he has done an exceptional job at the club.“The training ground is beyond brilliant, the stadium is something else, as good as you get anywhere in the world.“Both are unbelievable achievements. In years to come, you will look back and say, ‘Wow, did he really do that?’“Of course, he has excelled off the field but on it there could have been more silverware. “However, I am convinced that it will eventually come, particularly under Ange Postecoglou, the new manager.Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
      Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
      There is so much wrong.
      After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
      The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
      Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
      Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more…

      “Daniel has tried, he has brought in some world-class managers and he has spent as much, if not more, than the biggest clubs, so he can hardly be at fault for the failures of those managers.“As for what he has done with the club, in my opinion he has made it worth £4bn.“I believe Spurs are now a long way ahead of Manchester United and Chelsea, with a stadium that can host football and NFL.“Although Joe Lewis is the majority shareholder, I believe it will be Daniel’s decision whether to sell or not.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I don’t think he particularly wants to sell having brought the club to this level in this new super stadium. But if there’s a realistic offer that matches his valuation, then the club could be sold.” A HISTORY of Spurs — On the Pitch & Off the Drawing Board by Harry Harris & Paul Trevillion, foreword by Glenn Hoddle, price £25, contains over 300 pieces of original Trevillion artwork. Available direct from Empire Publications: enquiries@empire-uk.com More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal icon told ‘you’re live on the radio.. you shouldn’t be doing that’ by fuming Tottenham fan in North London derby

      by

      ARSENAL icon Perry Groves landed himself in hot water for celebrating at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.The former Gunners winger, 59, was working as a co-commentator for TalkSPORT during the North London Derby.Perry Groves was seen fist pumping when Arsenal scored against SpursCredit: XThe Arsenal legend was on air for TalkSPORTCredit: XA fan then appealed to security to have Groves removedCredit: XHe caused a stir when he celebrated one of Arsenal’s three first-half goals with a fist pump.A video emerged on social media of a fan saying Groves had “went off” during his celebrations while on TalkSPORT commentary.The fan told Groves: “You shouldn’t be doing that Perry, that’s a liberty.He then added: “Come on Perry. You’re live on the radio.”READ MORE ON ARSENALThe fan then followed that up with “You should be ashamed of yourself, you’re on the radio! You’ll cause a riot here.”The anger filtered out to other home fans who told Groves to “Get out” and appealed to stewards to remove him from the ground.The fan filming the video then caught the attention of a steward and said: “Excuse me, do you know that fella there? He shouldn’t be doing that.”A steward did eventually approach Groves, who was still on air, and appealed for him to calm down.Most read in FootballGroves spent the second half surrounded by stewardsCredit: XCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn the second half, Groves was surrounded by stewards to prevent any trouble with the home fans.Much to Groves’ delight, Arsenal would go on to win the game 3-2.Eight times Arsenal and Tottenham’s North London rivalry got pettyThe Gunners held off a second half comeback which saw goals for Cristian Romero and Heung-Min Son to narrow the margin of defeat.The result leaves Arsenal top of the table, one point ahead of rivals Manchester City – who have a game in hand.Tactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important playerBy Dean Scoggins
      KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
      But has now well and truly found his feet.
      The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
      But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
      In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
      That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
      Read more on how Mikel Arteta is using Kai Havertz.
      Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube. More

    • 175 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Gillingham SACK former Premier League star-turned-manager but fuming fans say ‘we’re turning into Watford’

      by

      GILLINGHAM announced they have dismissed manager Stephen Clemence.Ex-Tottenham, Birmingham and Leicester ace Clemence, 46, leaves with the Gills 12th in the League Two table.Gillingham have sacked manager Stephen Clemence after just five months in chargeCredit: AlamyA number of Gillingham fans were upset with Clemence’s dismissalCredit: AlamyThe former midfielder took over the Kent-based outfit only last November and lasted for just five months in the dugout.The ex-Sheffield Wednesday caretaker boss became the season’s third manager to work at Gillingham, who will now be looking for their fourth.Clemence replaced Keith Millen who managed the team on an interim capacity for a month after Neil Harris’ departure.The news infuriated Gillingham fans with some even claiming that the club has developed a short fuse regarding managers similar to Watford, who have changed a whopping 10 bosses in just four years.Read More on FootballOne supporter tweeted: “We are turning into Watford.”Another responded: “My thoughts we are turning into Watford.”A third wrote: “Absolute joke of a decision.”This one said: “Couldn’t make this up.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd that one stated: “Absolutely the wrong call to make. We’ll end up looking like Watford. Awful decision. Deserved the summer at the very least.”VAR ruined Coventry’s iconic FA Cup moment with offside decision in semi-final – but was technically CORRECTClemence oversaw a total of 34 matches across all competitions as Gillingham boss.He led the EFL outfit to a total of 12 wins and 13 losses during his short reign.Gillingham’s last five managersHere’s a full list of Gillingham’s last five managers’ reigns:
      Steve Evans – June 1, 2019-January 9, 2022 – 129 matches
      Steve Lovell (caretaker) – January 10, 2022-January 31, 2022 – 4 matches
      Neil Harris – January 31, 2022-October 5, 2023 – 90 matches
      Keith Millen (caretaker) – October 5, 2023-November 1, 2023 – 4 matches
      Stephen Clemence – November 1, 2023-April 29, 2024 – 34 matches More