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

    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

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

    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

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

    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

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    Tottenham boss Postecoglou blasts his own team for ‘UNACCEPTABLE’ defending following costly loss to Arsenal

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU blasted Tottenham’s defending as “unacceptable” after their first-half debacle in the North London derby.But he is still not overly-concerned by his side’s set-piece record, despite two more goals shipped from corners taking the total to FOURTEEN for the season.”This wouldn’t happen at an under 12s football match” 😬Paul Merson didn’t hold back on Tottenham’s defending for Arsenal’s opening goal 👀 pic.twitter.com/evU4COmxry— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 28, 2024

    Ange Postecoglou cast an angry eye over Spurs’ dodgy defendingCredit: EPATottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg nets his own-goal openerCredit: AFPThat is the fifth worst in the league after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s own goal and Kai Havertz’s header came either side of a Bukayo Saka breakaway strike.Arsenal’s 3-2 away win was built on that triple burst before the break and Postecoglou said: “They had too easy access to our goal.”They got there three or four times and scored three times in the first half.”It is just unacceptable at this level and we paid a price for it.”READ MORE TOP STORIESSpurs mounted a second-half fightback with Cristian Romero’s strike and a Son Heung-min penalty – but it was not enough.Once again Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was targeted at set-pieces as Arsenal exposed the hosts’ frailties.Yet Postecoglou said: “If I thought fixing defensive set pieces was the answer to us bridging the gap then I’d put all of my time and effort into that. But that’s not where we’re at.“For us it’s about, when I was focused on the details of, not just set pieces but a lot of moments in games where we don’t sense that you give good opposition the time and the space to do things then they’re going to hurt you.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“They maybe had four attempts on goal in the first half and they conceded three. I don’t think it’s about one part of it, it’s a bigger, broader picture than that, but our defensive set pieces for those two were very poor. But there’s a lot more than that to fix.”The defeat, which came two weeks after a 4-0 tonking at Newcastle, left Spurs seven points behind Aston Villa in the race for fourth spot.Tottenham star James Maddison opens up on three-month injury layoff which stopped him being a dad to newborn twinsThe performance of Argentina star Romero was a rare bright spot for the hosts.Postecoglou added: “He’s a World Cup winner and I’ve just got to get some of what’s in him into some of the others.”🗣️ “This game is over!”Jamie O’Hara says Tottenham ‘look like a pub team’ when defending set pieces against Arsenal ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/xCC5yCpFOM— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 28, 2024 More

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    Arsenal fans fume ‘Raya what have you done’ as catastrophic blunder lets Tottenham back into North London derby

    DAVID RAYA had Arsenal fans pulling their hair out after his blunder against Tottenham.The Gunners were cruising 3-0 in the North London derby when Raya’s mistake gifted Spurs a way back into the game. David Raya had Arsenal fans pulling their hair out after his blunder against TottenhamCredit: RexHe attempted to chip the ball over Cristian Romero only to fail epically and set the defender up. Romero capitalised and coolly slotted home to pull one back for the hosts – leaving Gooners bemused.One said: “We haven’t conceded an away goal in 2024 and Raya does that.”Another added: “What is Raya thinking”READ MORE IN football One asked: “What is Raya doing?”Another fumed: “What the actual… Raya FFS.”It was the first time Arsenal have conceded an away goal in over ten hours of football.The Gunners raced to an early lead after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s own goal on 15 minutes. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGoals from Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz then looked to have left Arsenal home and hosed by half-time. But Raya’s gaffe afforded Spurs a route back into the game and then Declan Rice gave away a penalty. Eight times Arsenal and Tottenham’s North London rivalry got pettyTottenham skipper Son Heung-min converted from the spot to leave it all to play for with ten minutes to go.But Arsenal held their nerve to take an important three points back to the Emirates in their fight for the title. More

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    I played against the Invincibles when they won the league at White Hart Lane…Spurs must focus on themselves today

    LEDLEY KING puffs out his cheeks and his eyes widen when he is reminded about an unfortunate anniversary.The former Tottenham captain is doing some community work ahead of the North London derby – 20 years to the day since he and his Spurs team-mates were unable to prevent Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal Invincibles from winning the Premier League at the old White Hart Lane.Ledley King celebrates scoring for Spurs against Arsenal – but six months after the Gunners won the league at the LaneCredit: AP:Associated PressArsenal players did celebrate at the end after Spurs has led the wayKing, now 43, said: “20 years? “Our main emotion was to play our best game but also to do everything in our powers to stop them winning the league on our home turf.“We didn’t manage that, but we took a satisfaction in our performance and the pride we showed throughout the game. “The fact that we didn’t get beat gave us something to take away from it.”Arsenal came to the Lane on April 25 2004 needing only a draw to confirm themselves as champions. Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires gave them a 2-0 lead at the break. But Jamie Redknapp pulled one back just after the hour, then Robbie Keane won and converted an injury-time penalty to complete the Spurs comeback.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGunners legend Thierry Henry has revealed that Wenger’s team agreed before the match not to go overboard if they clinched the title, for fear of provoking Tottenham fans.But after the Spurs players celebrated their late equaliser, that vow went out the window.Most read in FootballA smiling King recalled: “The fact that we got a late goal put us in a happy place at the end of the game and probably played a role in them celebrating in the end as well.“Football is a game of emotions.”Tottenham star James Maddison opens up on three-month injury layoff which stopped him being a dad to newborn twinsBut King, now a club ambassador, is adamant that Tottenham’s players must leave the emotions to the fans today.He said: “This is different. Arsenal won’t win the league if they win this game.“It’s more for the fans, the bragging rights, which we all understand and the players want to provide the fans with that feeling. “While after the job is done there will be a sense of satisfaction to take out of it [if Spurs have dented Arsenal’s title hopes], that can’t be the players’ focus.“They can only focus on playing their best game, using emotions in the right way without crossing the line, and using the fans as a 12th man.”Unlike 20 years ago, Tottenham have much more to play for than local pride.Back then Spurs had a tough season, sacking club legend Glenn Hoddle as boss in the autumn and finishing 14th under director of football David Pleat.But a victory today would keep alive hopes of snatching fourth place from Aston Villa. And more importantly maintain the feelgood factor that Ange Postecoglou has brought back to Tottenham.King said: “Now it’s a very different place.“With a new manager and losing your record goalscorer [Harry Kane], people weren’t sure how Tottenham would do this season “But we have exceeded expectations in terms of performances and where we are in the league at the moment. “The atmosphere in the stadium at games this season has been incredible.“That’s down to the manager, the type of football he’s instructing us to play.“It’s only been positives this season and it’s exciting that we know the manager wants to do big things.”READ MORE SUN STORIESVictory – or even another draw – against Arsenal today would be a big thing for Spurs fans in particular.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.
    Click here to read all about it.
    Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube.

    Ledley King meets Sophie Andrews OBE, CEO of Noah’s Ark Children’s HospiceCredit: Alex Morton/THFCAnge Postecoglou is putting ther feelgood factor back into TottenhamCredit: RexNoah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is the official charity partner of Tottenham Hotspur, and will be celebrating its partnership with the Club at Sunday’s north London derby, live on Sky Sports Main Event from 13:30 Sunday 28 April. Visit https://www.noahsarkhospice.org.uk/ to find out more. More

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    Premier League star could become Arne Slot’s first Liverpool signing as he informs club of free transfer exit

    TOSIN ADARABIOYO has reiterated his desire to leave Fulham in the summer – sparking a scramble to snap him up on a free.SunSport revealed back in December the former Manchester City kid, 26, was looking to quit the club when his deal expired this summer.Tosin Adarabioyo is set to leave Fulham at the end of the seasonCredit: AlamyArne Slot could make the Fulham defender his first signing as Liverpool managerCredit: PAHe has since snubbed the offer of fresh terms – which would have made him one of the highest earners at the West London club.And he will now walk away for nothing at the end of June.Numerous clubs from home and abroad have been eyeing up Tosin, including Liverpool and AC Milan.And Arne Slot could make him his first signing as Liverpool boss after he reportedly agreed to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Reds are said to have agreed a compensation deal with Feyenoord worth £9.4million.Liverpool’s interest in Tosin comes with the club are uncertain about the futures of both Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip.Tottenham also considered moving for Tosin last summer.The centre-back has made 132 appearances for Fulham since joining from Man City in 2020.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTosin has started all but two of Fulham’s league games since early DecemberHe was plagued by injury during the early part of this season, but has been ever-present since the turn of the year.He has started 18 of Fulham’s last 20 Premier League games, helping to keep six clean sheets.Who is Arne Slot?Marco Silva’s side sit 13th in the table, three points adrift of the top half with four games remaining. More

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    Man Utd outcast Anthony Martial ‘thrown Premier League transfer lifeline’ but could join former Champions League winners

    ANTHONY MARTIAL could reportedly be thrown a Premier League lifeline this summer.The Manchester United forward is set to leave the club at the end of the season with his contract expiring.Tottenham are reportedly interested in signing Anthony MartialCredit: AlamyMartial, 28, is on the lookout for his next club and has been linked with the likes of Inter Milan and Fenerbahce.The Frenchman could also have more options on the table as Tottenham Hotspur have been credited with an interest.Italian outlet Tuttosport have claimed that the North London outfit are looking at the forward.Spurs will have to fight off interest from Serie A giants Juventus.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Bianconeri are also said to be considering a move for Martial to strengthen their attacking options.The club had wanted to sign former West Ham star Felipe Anderson once his contract expired at Lazio.However, they missed out as he confirmed that his new club will be Brazilian side Palmeiras.Tottenham could have the edge over Juventus as the Italians may struggle to afford Martial’s wages.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe is said to be on £240,000-a-week which could be too much for Juventus.The forward could get Ange Postecoglou a more direct option in his attack should he move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.The manager currently has Heung-min Son, Timo Werner, Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski in his attack.Martial could take up a spot as a more traditional striker but would also be another option on the wing.He has struggled this season at Man United for fitness and has only featured 13 times in the Premier League.In total, Martial has played 19 times in all competitions, scoring two goals. More