When thinking about improving our squad, many wonder if a prospective player could get into the (very few) teams above us. Or even if some of our own players could get into those teams. Nobody ever wonders out loud if our players are too good for the 80+ clubs below us. Which they probably are.
I wonder if the 80+ teams below us think the same way. Every club in the four divisions (remember that) wants to be Pool or City. Does Stevenage wonder if their players would fit in at Anfield, or if the player they are chasing could play for Pool. Of course not. We all have hopes and dreams, but they must have an element of realism attached to them. Everything to do with football is relative. Every club is different depending on the many variables that form the base of each club.
We are not Stevenage, struggling at the bottom of Division four (there it is again). We are Tottenham, competing at the top end of the toughest league on the planet. We are not Pool or City with an obscene amount of money to spend on eleven players kicking a piece of leather around while the millions of poor around the world starve. Personally I would not want to be like that. It seems to have gone way too far, it’s almost immoral. Gradually Football has ceased being ‘the peoples game’ and has become a game for the elite, rich, and powerful. But, nevertheless, we continue to do the best we can within the capacity of our resources …. and we remain in the mix.
We have a world class striker …. but that’s not enough! We want two, just in case one gets injured, or tired. Does any sane person think this is viable or even realistic? Is another Kane really going to sit on the bench and watch the game instead of playing in it. And if he is willing to do that …. what does it say about his commitment and integrity. So, to develop a younger player to, hopefully, ease into the team for years to come seems to make sense. Or, to bring in a less skilful player who, hopefully, can do a job, also makes sense. Hope is a big word when it’s connected to the world of football.
As HT said earlier (article comments here), we have bought back-ups for Kane more than once, without great success. At the time it may have looked like a good move …. but supporters live more in hindsight than in real-time. And hindsight brings a different perspective. It lets us be critical in both a good way or a bad way depending on how it turns out. It gives any argument a very unfair advantage.
As far as THFC is concerned, we don’t look too bad. We’ve been around for a while and we’ll be around for a while longer. We’ve had good times and we’ve had bad times. That will continue, too. It is what it is.
Roll on next season.
jod …. Historically we have got the best out of Kane when he drifts between a number 10 and number nine position. That kind of freedom seems to suit his game more. As you say, we have a number of players who can move around the forward line to give us options. Son, Moura, Bergwijn, Dele, and Lamela. I really can’t see reinforcing our strike force as a priority at the moment.
Kanes last injury happened whilst he was playing football. He can get injured anytime he is playing football. It is his job. And, it’s a risk every player takes when on the pitch or even in training.
And although he does obviously work very hard as a footballer (and I have respect for him and his professional outlook) he does get paid 200k plus a week. It’s not such a big sacrifice for him to play, as long as he is fit to play. It is his job. And he loves it. He wants to play all the time. Which is what we should all expect. Along with his team mates, coaches and chairman.
We have players to take his place when he is not playing. We have a manager who can take him off the pitch at anytime. Buying a new guy doesn’t change this. This is not me saying that Harry couldn’t do with cover for himself. But the reality is that top strikers, on 200k a week and more, will not be sitting around on the bench very much, as long as they are fit. It just doesn’t happen. And tbh, I don’t see why it should. No one says this about fullbacks or goalkeepers or any other position on the pitch. It’s nearly always about the striker/CF.
We all know that an amount of rotation is necessary for all positions. But there are two positions where this is less so, most of the time. That is goalkeeper and top goalscorer/striker/centre forward. It’s just how it is. But when Harry is physically no longer able to play as much as he has and does, that is when it will change.
And strikers such as Harry prove time and again that the more they get to play, the better they get at playing the game and scoring goals.
Look at Harry after lockdown. He was back from a long lay-off from a serious injury. Back quicker than I expected. And for his long term health, maybe should’ve taken more time with his recovery. And in the first 2 or 3 matches, he looked laboured, very unfit and knackered long before the game was over. And he wasn’t looking at all sharp in front of goal. But the more he played, the better he got and the fitter he looked. And, it didn’t take long. It wasn’t the other way around. (He didn’t get worse). And there was no way that Jose would not play him, as long as he could play.
This is not me expressing how I personally feel about it. It is what happens. Which is why people keep saying we need another striker in reserve. But it doesn’t even happen a lot when there are strikers in reserve. It didn’t happen with Janssen on the bench. Or then with Llorente and then Parrott. Why?
If Jose and the club want another striker they will try and get one. But that striker will not be sharing the duties with Harry that often, if Harry is fit. But, if Harry does get injured there is no guarantee that the reserve will do any better at covering for Harry, than Son, Lucas or anyone else we already have. Goals will still get scored without Harry. It doesn’t matter who is scoring them. And that could be Son or a new guy. But as long as Harry is fit, it’ll mostly still be him…….. It’s what he loves to do. It’s what he is paid to do. It’s what he is expected to do.
Spurs loaned out Parrott, knowing that he needs regular 1st team competitive football, in order to step-up and improve his game. He needs the experience and some maturity. He wasn’t gonna get that sitting on the bench at Spurs. And even if he did get his chance, he wasn’t seen as ready for it or to take Harry’s place, if needed. And it won’t be easy to find someone that is. But when we do, everyone will be down on the guy if he hasn’t scored for a couple of games. Just like they are with Harry. And just like they were with Janssen and Llorente… And then we’ll all be saying; “Jose, play Son up top”! 😉
Geoff
Was just agreeing with HT re a player on a lot of money sitting on a bench, when he had to knock his pan in for 12 hour a day to earn a crust. When I was referring to myself I alluded to the fact that working so many hours and trying to do it all actually put me into I’ll health. Hence the cancer which nearly killed me. I was sending out a bit of a warning to maybe younger posters who think they’re invincible.
I just felt you made a bit light of it m8.
ND …. I was certainly not making light of you, or anyone else. If you read the last sentence in my comment I was making light of myself, which is something I often do. But I do apologise for any offence, mate.
I agree with your warning to the youngsters out there ND.
I’ve been lucky with my health but that doesn’t mean it all did me any good. Or that I’ll continue to be okay with my general health. But I did then choose to earn a lot less money and take it a bit more easy on my physical self, when I was in my late 40’s. But again that’s because I could afford to. Not because I am wealthy. I’m not. But I live a humble life and my responsibility is only to myself. The irony being that if I was a wealthy man it would probably hasten my exit from the world by myself just continuing the excesses of my younger days which then lasted into my 40’s… I can’t now afford to be excessive. I can’t afford to be too indulgent. But that was by choice…. And so I am not bitter. Funnily as a young man I was bitter… You can’t win can you? Or rather we can’t have it all.
But it’s different strokes for different folks. And most don’t have the choice that I had to take it more easy with my work… And others maybe don’t have the strong constitution that I have had…
But people need each other more than they need money. So don’t leave your loved ones too early and before good time, by working yourself into an early grave. If you do have the choice….
HT
Glad you applied the brake(a bit) m8 whilst still in good health. Geoff no worries.
Back to football I still think we need a back up for HK 10.
As many remember we were pretty ineffective (up front) without him and Sonny when they were injured with many posters bemoaning the loss of Llorente around this time and many asked why we didn’t pick someone up to fill that void.
Who would I like in maybe a Richarlison type player who can play right across the front and if needed.
Not sure if it was PY or EJ who drew my attention to him. I’ve seen us linked to King from B’mouth I Havnt really watched him play, so don’t have a comment.
Re HK 10 he has unfortunately been injured in the past few seasons and when it came to the pointy end he was unavailable to play, often crucial matches. As HT has said it is not a necessity, however, I would like to see some one come in to take a bit of the load.
There is Callum Wilson at Bournemouth. He is experienced but not old. Just a bit older than Kane… Doesn’t score a great deal of goals but was called up for England recently… Maybe he is the kind of guy we should be looking to…
I honestly don’t know though.
I read an article yesterday that listed all strikers Spurs have bought in the PL era. I was amazed at how many there were …. and how many of them I could not remember, probably because most only played a few first team games. It did illustrate how difficult it is to find the right players to bring in. They may look good playing for another team with a different manager and style of play, but that is no guarantee that their performance will be as good at a new club.
Hey peeps, I note all is well…fantastic, some great opinions being uttered, keep it up.
Geofspurs, in answer to your question we are as best as can be expected, considering the situation we are in, thanks for asking, though yes I was up early the missus had a small problem as she does sometimes but we got it sorted, hope you and your kin are keeping well down under.
ND, sorry for you illness and well done for beating it, and now living to the best you can, we did get where you are coming from, very well said with gumption.
I think it was EJ who drew your attention to King mate, because I think he is to injury prone.
HT, your 2nd para, warning to the young, very well said, but unfortunately I do not think today’s generation have the work ethic us olduns had, me I worked my bollocks off all hrs god sent, invested dough etc, you know for that rainy day, thus to retire at 55, as I did, but the unfortunately the accident my wife had was our quote – rainy day, but we are both glad for what we done previous.
That’s it folks be back later, all keep safe. COYS
Thanks PY for your thoughts. Much the same as you I had a retirement planned and was considering sunnier climes. However sometimes life gets in the way. Probably a bit to the front of my mind at present as I just got the 5 Years clear last week. Trust you and Mrs PY are keeping safe and well.
Back to football
Re Forward HK replacement, yep, C Wilson may be a good selection for the role.
I would hate the thought of HK having to go to the arse end of Europe to Moldova Rovers (hard to say) some November Thursday nite.
Getting a niggle and we’re up at Newcastle on the Sunday with about a day’s rest and get beaten 1-0.
Its just Europe has never been kind to us.
Fee agreed for the Hojbjerg bloke apparently.
Your quite welcome ND, excellent news regards the 5 years clear, now onwards and upwards if you haven’t already started.
Me and Mrs PY are doing fine now, had a terrifying fright over the weekend, long story short, missus got stung by a bee causing instant problems and according to the Doc the reaction/actions by her mate, a Matron nurse, who sped round our house when called, saved her life and without her actions wouldn’t be with us now, any delay dead in less than 15 minutes, allergy reaction was because of the ailment she suffers with, that also means no normal bee sting allergy medicines work, so now loads more different stuff, I will tell you I have never and I mean never been so scared in my life and that includes my military confrontations. All’s well now thanks for asking.
Sorry about that, but got it off my chest.
Am in agreement regards Callum Wilson as HT and yourself proposed, but as everything Spurs we will just have to wait and see. COYS
Hot Tottingham – Do you really think playing with a target man and without a target man are the same thing ? seriously ? You are obviously one of those fans who believe sports science is just some mumbo jumbo and a player that is 90% fit will perform at the same level as one that is 100%. Let’s review what actually happened with the lockdown. It meant Harry and the club were forced to give the player’s body time to properly heal, he couldn’t be rushed back too early as normally happens. Once games did resume he wasn’t match fit, that took a few games. Then we saw what Kane at 100% can do, its been a while. As for how often the backup plays, Origi hardly seems to play for Liverpool yet Klopp insists on keeping him as a backup for Firminho. I guess that shows Klopp doesn’t understand football ?
I’m not sure I understand quite what you’re talking about there jod. Or what it has do with what I have been saying.
Where did I even mention sports science? Even so, I can assure you that I have a very good understanding of it. And it’s certainly not mumbo jumbo. So why you have used the word obvious about something that I wasn’t even talking about, has confused me a bit… I was just spelling out what we saw with Kane because I don’t actually know the details of what his physical fitness was like when the football returned. Maybe he had some real pain to contend with? It’s quite possible but I don’t know. But I suppose that you knew exactly what his situation was with him.
In fact most players that have had bad injuries will tell you that they are never are fully a 100% fit. And that they often play through the pain barrier. Or else they would never get to play, waiting for that 100% fitness that never comes. It may not be so obvious to you but I’m certain it’s so…
The point I was actually making was that strikers tend have to play themselves into goalscoring form whether that is just from being a benchwarmer or returning from injury. And that can be for physical or mental reasons or both… Or just getting back into the swing of it, if you like. Or, what you have called “match fitness”…
And what goes on with Klopp at Liverpool has nothing at all to do with it whatsoever. It was just a general observation and my own personal opinion… That is all…. I don’t pretend to be an expert, mate…
HT – I have lost count of the amount of times Jod has called me out for something I didn’t say. He clearly thinks he knows everything and seems to have very little time for anyone else’s opinion. I was as confused as you with his comments. For what it’s worth, I thought your post was spot on.
ND – it was me who mentioned Richarlison nearly a year ago now but then found out his value was much more than the £50-60m I thought he might cost and even at that it was highly unlikely we would move for him anyway as that sum would be a fortune for us (and we’ve already spent that kind of amount in the last year on N’Dombele as it is and with not much success at all) and we’ve now subsequently gone on and bought Bergwijn anyway – another LW who can also play RW!
I think Jod might have a point in that we need someone like HK10 who can also hold it up propetly, etc because we already have several pacy, run with the ball types like Sonny, Lucas, Bergwijn and even Lamela not to mention ACM’s like Dele, Lo Celso and even N’Dombele who can and will arrive late to get on the end of things around and even in the box so we need someone quite big and strong to help the others with their natural game!
Muriqi sounds interesting even Troy Deeney if he could be got on a free might well do a decent job for us also in the short term – let’s wait and see what happens – definitely think someone is coming in after Parrott’s loan out to Millwall for the season………….!
See The Hoj is likely on his way to us – sounds like a cracking deal at around £15-20m especially with us likely getting back some £12m for KWP – bring it on – first good deal of a few more to come hopefully!
Any transfer news yet? Or,are we going to pick up the scraps and cheapies/loanees at the last moment. Why does Levy have to drag negotiations out to the last minute? We need full backs, a decent attacking midfielder who can shoot, pass and score goals and someone (anyone) to give Kane some respite. We will have a massive fixture list this season and we have a very mediocre squad of triers. Loads of bench players but few who can compete with the top 4/5. Jose is not used to working with a small transfer budget, so we may have to put up with a mid table season till he hopefully goes into temporary retirement again. The transfer window is very short. Has Parrott gone out? Has wonder boy Sessegnon gone out? Has great prospect Jack Clarke gone out? Have we any academy players of note? Have we anything to look forward to other than the scrappy bunch we ended up with this season after so many exciting times? Not good enough Spurs. We area top 4 club playing attacking ,exciting football.We go out to win not to just defend to keep the score down. We need to return to the flowing football we were once capable of otherwise our very critical fans will not stand for the depressing football we have been turning out when the crowds eventually return. Time to take risks and get the transfers done and dusted. Never mind about bogof’s and blue cross deals.
Hoj – £15m possibly rising to £19m from what I’m now reading – think we should be getting a very good deal at that kind of price and good that it’s on a pretty long term 5 year contract!
Also interested in the links to Wilson (Prem proven, decent goal record – 1 in under 3 in the Prem as 44 goals in 126 games, quick, only 28, etc) – let’s see what happens here – 2 concerns – his past injury record and what he might cost in terms of fee and wages but if JM wants him and he comes – so be it and fine by me lol!
I think right now I might take Rose coming back for his last year of contract to compete and cover with Davies and maybe send Sessegnon out on loan to eg Fulham! Again send Skippy out on loan somewhere but probably more ideal if it’s a championship side like Millwall to whom Parrott has already gone – neither has any real experience so lower level football surely is the best starting place to get some and both much more likely to play regularly down there also! Same goes for Clarke again! At the moment Foyth definitely needs to stay with us as competition/cover for Aurier and even at CB also (now that it seems he has finally grown a few inches to reach 6ft1 1/2 lol)! Tanganga appeared to swim last season when thrown into the deep end that was/is the Prem so keep him around as competition/cover for the other CB’s in the 1st team squad!
EJ at least that’s seems to be one of our suggestions bought with Hojberg. I would also take Wilson as a HK 10 back up. I prob got him and King mixed up earlier. (I knew, it was someone from the cherries)
However if it all goes wrong next season are you and I to blame?
ND – don’t think it will go wrong with Hoj – he’s Prem proven already and a regular international at that – completely different to N’Dombele and for only £15m up front – can you even call it a calculated risk lol?!
Wilson again Prem proven, etc and for around £20m I think that’s another great deal to be had IMHO!
Solanke who is not Prem proven – Bournemouth indeed themselves paid around £19m for and that’s just 1 quick example so again as long as Wilson’s fit enough, etc – £20m is most probably going to be a bargain! 1 issue though is he will want over £100K a week for sure (he’s already on this at Bournemouth I believe) but I guess that’s probably the average for our squad these days or not far off so should not be that much of a problem!