Season Preview

I don’t think I’ve been this excited about a new season since I bought my first season ticket eight years ago. Compared with last season I was nervous and worried about our very Premiership survival after a dismal pre-season and a virtually whole new team waiting to gel. Luckily my worries were not necessary as we actually had a successful season if you think about what happened.

One of the keys to the door of success is a stable management structure. For the last two seasons we have sacked managers within two months or so of the season starting. In the case of Hoddle his sacking was necessary but the buffoon Pleat was stuck in charge and we looked like relegation for sure, especially at Christmas. Then Arnesen came in and brought along with him Santini and Jol. It wasn’t long until the mad French man was off grumbling into his croissant about houses and sea views in Tottenham and thankfully Jol was put in charge. His record was actually very good in the time he was in charge and we can only hope he improves on it this season. Of course the Russian Mafia then stuck their noses in and Frank Arnesen was jumping ship as well. It is vital that this season we don’t lose anymore important back room figures, especially Jol. It is unlikely but who thought that Santini would be off so quickly after it took such a long time to get him. The sporting director appointment will also be an important role and whoever it is must keep his nose out of the first team as Jol is the key man in Spurs being successful again. I hope Levy has the sense to consult Jol before anyone is brought in.

The playing squad has been improved again and very shrewdly as well with only a net out lay of around £500,000. Simon Davies was shipped off to Everton with us receiving an amazing £3.5 million for the injury prone winger. Arnesen also left with us receiving a tidy sum in return so there is still money to spend either now or in January. Routledge was signed adding welcome pace to the right wing. Further work is required on his final ball however. Tainio was bought via a Bosman and looks like he will be an excellent addition to the squad. Stalteri comes bringing “Champions” League experience with him. Lennon looks like one for the future and also has a lot of pace while Huddlestone joins from Derby. The big signing was Davids. The biggest Spurs buy since Klinsmann, it is hoped he can have a similar affect on the team as the blonde German. However it was important that we kept our key personal at the club and we have done so. Defoe, King and Robinson are all still here alongside Robbie Keane etc. so the squad is looking strong. Another left back is needed after Atouba was sold for £1.5 million and we need to trim the squad down with players like Sean Davis and even Michael Brown looking surplus to requirements.

We have a tricky start to the Premiership. We visit Portsmouth first. What always looks like an away win never is with us failing to score down their for quite a long time so while we will go there full of optimism on Saturday it won’t be an easy ride. We then host Middlesborough – a game we should be looking to win if we are really going to make progress towards a top six finish. We then visit Blackburn before The Mafia arrive. About time we beat them. Looking at the results from last season we took four points from those teams in the same fixtures. We must do better than that because a successful start is always important for confidence.

Many of the press including the Mail and Independent are predicted a strong season for Spurs. Fourth and fifth place appears to be where all the pundits are settling on us finishing come May and if that is the case then we would have had a fantastic season. We really must be looking to a top six finish this season and for us to finally make the big push towards regular European football back at the Lane.

Here’s hoping – COYS!