I suppose it`s not how much money you have, but it`s how you use it and let`s be honest, Spurs have spent and wasted their fair share in the last 20 years to appreciate that more than most.
Although I am very happy with the position Spurs are in and the ownership that runs the club, I am betting we would all welcome investment on the scale of Manchester City, even Daniel Levy wouldn`t say no. For all of us that claim they are bad for the game, like Chelsea before, are probably basing our concerns, from a bit of jealousy than fear for the good of the game.
City`s problem will perhaps fitting all the quality players into a squad and them keeping them happy (football happy) and focussed on progressing the club. In fairness it is easy to see why many punters are looking at them for the title and if they gel early enough who knows, as United possibly decline, Chelsea and Arsenal stand still and the others, including Spurs might be blown away in a 200m spending spree.
There is still much of the Viv Nicholson about City and their Spend! Spend! Spend! attitude and perhaps we would take them more seriously if there was a more considered approach to their buying, but how much of that is flexing their financial muscle and how much is media and agent hype? Plus they are against the clock with the new regulations coming into effect in the near future.
In many ways I almost fear City over the established big four, partly because they have seemingly limitless funds and surely that will have an impact sooner rather than later, but also there is that unpredictability over what will actually happen with them. With their ability to buy anyone financially, it is all about whether the club has the pull of the establishment. I am still guessing that for all the money, the very best players will resist, at least until there is Champions league on offer and with squad restrictions and fair play rules on the finances, City are in a race against time to get that top four place, which has to be the top priority his season.
City, like Spurs of course have that wonderful ability to mess things up when success seems certain, but surely this could or should be about to change as long as there is sensible building over throwing money and demanding instant success. So far the signings of Boateng, Silva and Toure seem to be very decent acquistions and will surely worry their rivals, who either can`t compete or simply can`t afford to take them on in the market and in truth it must be a great time to be a City fan.
One problem they are sure to have this season is with another revolution over evolution and a less than spectacular start may just get the players restless and the manager nervous for his position. You don`t get to spend a probable £100m plus and get given that much time for the team to gel..
As a unit, I see a very good side, but I also see a lot of ego`s who may have signed to be part of the adventure over money, but based on that you want to be playing, which means either hefty rotation or unhappy players, neither are ideal at this stage.
If I could make one particular addition, I would opt for a commanding centre half and for all his problems, I can see why Mark Hughes wanted John Terry at almost any price last season and although he bought Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott for a combined fee of around 40 million, neither look settled or a decent pairing, but perhaps with the season to adjust and being injury free, who knows, they are good players and with Kompany, in the mix as possibly the commanding player, it might work, but is still the weakness in an otherwise strong and exciting side.
From Tottenham`s perspective, I have a feeling that if we finish above City, we will have had a very, very good season, as I expect City to finish in the top four, but probably short of the title, One thing that interests me is not whether they finish higher than Spurs, but whether they overtake United. Now that and a CL place would probably be just as sweet for their fans as winning the title, well nearly…
Share this article
