Tottenham Hotspur Season 2008/9

[devilsadvocate]

DA having never been to England what is the atmosphere like at the lane? Would love to get over to Old Trafford one day and support the mighty reds, from watching on tv the atmosphere sounds awesome. Makes AFL supporters look pathetic. Are tickets easy to get or are most matches sold out well in advance? My old man is from England he said things can get pretty rough but that was some 40 years ago would have thought things have mellowed a bit since back in his day.

The atmosphere at the Lane is like nothing else. Amazing. It does depend what mood the Yids are in, but if they're up for it, they'll sing all game and go totally bananas when Spurs score. The best atmospheres I've been involved in were Spurs v Chelsea last season at the Lane when Spurs came from 1-3 down to draw 4-4 in th last few minutes. Also going to the Emirates this year to see the 4-4 draw was great, but that's because Spurs traveling support was outstanding, as was the result. The Ar5ena1 fans are boring as hell. They don't sing, barely make a sound for a goal and just generally sit like stunned mullets.

Old Trafford would be mazing. Man U fans IMO are the best traveling support, but for some reason (probably because they sell themselves out to all the corporates and there are so many bandwagon fans) they just don't get the same atmosphere are they do away from home.

I've found it easy to get tickets. But it does take a bit of effort and crafty dealing. I've only bought 2 tickets at the club (using a mate's membership) because the games are usually sold out. I've bought a stack of tickets from a Spurs forum when people advertise their tickets because they cant go (as match dates are often changed after tickets are distributed). I've also bought off a scalper and for the Ar5ena1 away game I had to go to a hardcore Spurs pub and ask around for a ticket, which totally sucked, but I got one. I've never paid over face value either.

On football fans being rough, they all look tough, but in all of the 15 or so games I've been to I've only seen 1 proper fight, which was between a dickhead Man U fan who deserved to get his face beaten in for acting like a tool and a Spurs fan, but the police were onto it quick smart. The only other incident was West Ham fans fighting amongst themselves when Spurs were beating them 4-0 and about 20 of them were booted out of the Lane -mokeys . It's certainly not like it apparently used to be. It's perfectly safe to go to the football because the policing is fantastic. The only time I've felt a bit unsafe was in the Spurs pub before the Arse game asking for tickets. Fortunately, the pub was surrounded by riot police.

[RoosterMarty]

Old Trafford's atmosphere isn't too bad at times. I loved it when I saw them play Newcastle there but it could have been dead silent and I still would have loved it.

Away support will generally be better though as most of the travelling fans are the hardcore ones.

[devilsadvocate]

Old Trafford's atmosphere isn't too bad at times. I loved it when I saw them play Newcastle there but it could have been dead silent and I still would have loved it.

Away support will generally be better though as most of the travelling fans are the hardcore ones.

That's been my experience. A couple of nights at the Lane were terrible (Loss to Everton 1-3 and loss to Villa 1-2). But the away support at Immigrants, Fulham and even a 3rd round FA Cup replay at Reading were outstanding.

As I said, Man U travelling fans are nothing short of brilliant.

[BALLHOG]

DA having never been to England what is the atmosphere like at the lane? Would love to get over to Old Trafford one day and support the mighty reds, from watching on tv the atmosphere sounds awesome. Makes AFL supporters look pathetic. Are tickets easy to get or are most matches sold out well in advance? My old man is from England he said things can get pretty rough but that was some 40 years ago would have thought things have mellowed a bit since back in his day.

The atmosphere at the Lane is like nothing else. Amazing. It does depend what mood the Yids are in, but if they're up for it, they'll sing all game and go totally bananas when Spurs score. The best atmospheres I've been involved in were Spurs v Chelsea last season at the Lane when Spurs came from 1-3 down to draw 4-4 in th last few minutes. Also going to the Emirates this year to see the 4-4 draw was great, but that's because Spurs traveling support was outstanding, as was the result. The Ar5ena1 fans are boring as hell. They don't sing, barely make a sound for a goal and just generally sit like stunned mullets.

Old Trafford would be mazing. Man U fans IMO are the best traveling support, but for some reason (probably because they sell themselves out to all the corporates and there are so many bandwagon fans) they just don't get the same atmosphere are they do away from home.

I've found it easy to get tickets. But it does take a bit of effort and crafty dealing. I've only bought 2 tickets at the club (using a mate's membership) because the games are usually sold out. I've bought a stack of tickets from a Spurs forum when people advertise their tickets because they cant go (as match dates are often changed after tickets are distributed). I've also bought off a scalper and for the Ar5ena1 away game I had to go to a hardcore Spurs pub and ask around for a ticket, which totally sucked, but I got one. I've never paid over face value either.

On football fans being rough, they all look tough, but in all of the 15 or so games I've been to I've only seen 1 proper fight, which was between a dickhead Man U fan who deserved to get his face beaten in for acting like a tool and a Spurs fan, but the police were onto it quick smart. The only other incident was West Ham fans fighting amongst themselves when Spurs were beating them 4-0 and about 20 of them were booted out of the Lane -mokeys . It's certainly not like it apparently used to be. It's perfectly safe to go to the football because the policing is fantastic. The only time I've felt a bit unsafe was in the Spurs pub before the Arse game asking for tickets. Fortunately, the pub was surrounded by riot police.

If I ever got the chance to watch Man U away it would be at Anfield against Liverpool, or The City of Manchester Stadium against Man City just becauuse of the rivalry.

[johntheclaret]

City of Manchester stadium is crap for football and no atmosphere. the stands are too far away from the action as it wasn't built specifically for football.

Definitely the best atmosphere around is Liverpool when they are palying well. considering Man U get double the crowd than the rest (except Arsenal), the atmosphere is pretty poor.

Newcastle on a good day can make the hairs stand on the back of your neck but unfortunately you won't see that happen this year.

Celtic and Rangers are pretty passionate places too.

As for trouble, that's pretty much gone, and has been for a while. I've been going to Turf Moor for more than 30 years and have never been in a scrap in all that time. even through the dark days of the 70's and 80's. Then, like now, if you want it, you can find it.

As for atmos at WHL...... DA, you ain't seen nothin yet. wait until 6th or 7th Jan mate. you will learn what away support really is. I would postpone the trip for a wek if you can.

[devilsadvocate]

City of Manchester stadium is crap for football and no atmosphere. the stands are too far away from the action as it wasn't built specifically for football.

As for atmos at WHL...... DA, you ain't seen nothin yet. wait until 6th or 7th Jan mate. you will learn what away support really is. I would postpone the trip for a wek if you can.

Eastlands is rubbish. It's exactly the reason why I'm glad Spurs didn't continue with looking into the possibility of making a home at the London Olympics arena after 2012. It would have killed it for Spurs fans and lets face it, we don't have much to hang our hats on as it is.

JTC, If I could arrange to stay, I would mate. I'm gutted about missing those games. I'd love to have travelled up to Burnley for the away leg too. I've organised to watch it in a bar in New York with the NY Yids. Should be fun IF we win. I'll see if I can fly off the Rockerfella Centre if we lose! The way we played last night (Gilberto NEVER to play for Spurs again - even 'Arry said that to the press, bless him) we'll be lucky to get with 3 of the Clarets in either leg.

[Bully]

And here's the confirmation re-Redknap

Also thanks to Sky

Redknapp agrees Spurs deal

Harry Redknapp has confirmed to Sky Sports News that he is going to be the next manager of Tottenham Hotspur.
Shortly after revealing the departure of manager Juande Ramos, sporting director Damien Comolli and assistant boss Gus Poyet - Spurs admitted they had made a move for Redknapp.
Portsmouth quickly agreed to Spurs' offer of £5million for their manager and now Redknapp is on his way to north London.
Redknapp explained Spurs made their first move on Thursday. "I was in Portugal, waiting for a flight back [after Portsmouth's Uefa Cup match against Braga] and we got a phone call from Tottenham saying they would like to speak to me," he revealed to Sky Sports News. They spoke with Peter Storrie [Portsmouth chief executive] and he spoke with Daniel Levy, and I think they came to agreement where the club are actually playing £5milion in compensation which is a great deal for Portsmouth. But I think they needed the money, things are right and the club have been fantastic but we only get 19,000 - we tried to sell one more player during the window and in the end I guess they have sold the manager."

Redknapp admitted he could not turn down the chance to move to Spurs.

"It was a great opportunity for me, Tottenham are a great club - but I honestly loved, genuinely loved my time at Portsmouth I have never been happier - but Tottenham have come in and £5million is great for Portsmouth and I will now see what I can do at Tottenham."

He also confirmed that he will be Tottenham boss before their match with Bolton and he is likely to pick the side, alongside caretaker management team Clive Allen and Alex Inglethorpe.

"It is going to be done tonight [Saturday] and by tomorrow morning I will be in place, and yes I will go to the game and I will be in the dressing room and hopefully we can get a result, and hopefully Portsmouth will get a result too," he confirmed.

Redknapp was keen to stress how sad he was about leaving Fratton Park. "Portsmouth is in great shape, the best players they have ever had and in Tony Adams and Joe Jordan they have two fantastic people, coaches and I would just like to thank everyone for the great times I have had there and hopefully they will go just as well at Tottenham," he said. "The funds are tight, we were talking about selling players in January, and we were hoping to do a deal or two and suddenly Tottenham have come in and offered £5million and to be honest, it was good for the club to do a deal and for me it is the chance to manage a big, big club before I retire."

He admitted that he has a tough task ahead of him at White Hart Lane. "They have a decent squad on paper, but it is not a well balanced - I think maybe a soft centre and think we need a bit more strength and aggression," he said. "They don't pick up two points if they are that good - they have been on a horrendous run of games and we have to get cracking and get some results. "I am sure Juande Ramos was a terrific manager, but he just didn't get the breaks and hopefully I can go in their and get a bit of luck and pick up some results. It is a club with great tradition, we have got to stay up here and take it from there."

No Adams move
Redknapp also confirmed that his backroom staff at Portsmouth - Arsenal legend Adams and Jordan, were unlikely to follow him. "I don't think Tony would be a goer and I spoke to Joe - but Portsmouth would want to keep Joe or Tony as manager and they could not do much better than taking those two," he said. He also insisted that the Tottenham offer was very different to that of Newcastle - who he rejected last year. "The Newcastle one was a great offer, but I was just so happy at Portsmouth it never entered my mind that I would leave," he said. "This is where I thought I would finish, I was comfortable there but once Tottenham came in, once the offer was made it was difficult for them to turn down a £5million offer for the manager - it is crazy money for a manger and hopefully people will remember what I have done there. "Once Portsmouth accepted the compensation package it was all systems go. I am great friends with Peter [Storrie] and Sascha [Gaydamak. Pompey owner] and hopefully that will remain for a long time to come."

not sure if this is the one you mean jc, but my point is that spurs when they get the 'shits' if i should call it that with the manager , seen as its been a fair few managers they have gone through over the past few season, the current manager gets the vote of confidence from the board, and with in a week or 2 he is gone or sacked. just stating that my tip for 4 months on harry leaving or being sacked is still on the cards!

[johntheclaret]

Nah, it was this one Bully.

I thought you were saying that Arry would desert Spurs within 4 months.

I've always thought Harry was overrated, although JTC you would know better than I on that one ... Has changed clubs as often as I change my undies and IMHO hasn't got that much to hang his hat on.

Is probably a good fit in terms of helping Spurs ensure survival, but I don't think he's the man to take a club like that into the Top 4 and Europe which is where a club of Spurs status should be aiming.

Just IMHO.

Geez C_P, you must have smelly undies if you have only changed them 4 times in 20 odd years :wink:

Played for Bournemouth and then took over in 1982. Saved them from relegation and took them to the 3rd Div title. Left to join West Ham 10 years later. And who could blame him for wanting a bigger job. He was a West Ham old boy at that.

Saved West Ham,s bacon (no pun intended), and built an absolutely awesome side, Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinad, Michael Carrick, Frank Lampard, DeFoe, Anton Ferdinand, and a few other EPL stars. Stayed with the Hammers even thought they kept selling his prodigees from under his feet. Was with the Hammers for 9 years. I guess he just had enough of losing his talent to the big boys.

Joined Pompey in 2001 and within 3 years had them in the EPL. A fantastic achievement for a club with a sh1t ground, no money and an owner that couldn't afford to pay for Fergies chewing gum let alone keep up with him in the player market. Did a great job in keeping them in the EPL too. Everyone wrote them off in 04, but a great run saved the day. And how did they survive? Because of the players that Redknapp brought in, the team ethics he preaches and his no nonsence approach to players and staff.
Left Pompey in 04, after vitually being pushed through the door by new owner Velimir Zajec. Obviously Zajec listened to Mandaric, and of course the new owner had big plans that involved a big name European manager. As soon as they realised what a complete f$%k up they had made, they were knocking on Harry's door begging him to come back.

Ignore the Soton deal. Redknapp had no choice at Pompey, didn't want to leave and was glad to get the call to go back. Was still at Pompey in 08 7 years later, and still did a great job for them. They are one of the few sides in the EPL that are punching way about their weight.

Lets talk about underachievers. Liverpool, spent soooooooo much money on new managers and players it's beyond belief. How many titles since the EPL formed? What about Newcastle, one of the "biggest clubs" in the EPL, a "massive" club. Yeah right . And whilst we are on the topic of underachievers, Spurs naturally comes to mind. Supposedly one of the big four before the nuovo riche Chavski came along. "Massive" (yeah I know, the fav footy word) underachievers for bloody years.

Redknap, in my opinion is one of the best managers in the league. He has a knack of of keeping sides up. He did it at Bornemouth, he did it at West Ham and he did it at Pompey. He does it on limited funds and gets the right players, playing the right style for the team. Look at Pompey now, Defoe and Crouch up front, James in goal. Where did Defoe come from? Hmmmmmm. And he knows what it takes to win trophies. Beat United when at Bournemouth and got them promoted. Did the same at Pompey and lifted the FA cup last year. Make no bones about it, Harry can win the big prizes.

Personally, I think Redknap is just the right manager that Spurs need right now, and they should think themselves very, very, very lucky indeed that he said yes.

As for nomadic, I don't think you can call 4 clubs in 26 years as romany.

btw, just a final point to note. He made sure that Pompey are to get £5m as compensation. You tell me any other club / manager who has done that ?

[devilsadvocate]

Probably the best piece of news I've heard all season has come out today.

JERMAIN DEFOE IS YIDDDDOOOOO!!!!!!

Little man Defoe has been transfered back to Spurs from Pmpey for 15m quid. This will add some much needed pace and creativity up front.

I LOVE the little man. I was gutted to see him go in Jan, but this is fantastic news.

I my have to break the rule of love the club, not the player. JERMAIN DEFOE IS YIDDDOOOOOO!

[Pidge]

Probably the best piece of news I've heard all season has come out today.

JERMAIN DEFOE IS YIDDDDOOOOO!!!!!!

Little man Defoe has been transfered back to Spurs from Pmpey for 15m quid. This will add some much needed pace and creativity up front.

I LOVE the little man. I was gutted to see him go in Jan, but this is fantastic news.

I my have to break the rule of love the club, not the player. JERMAIN DEFOE IS YIDDDOOOOOO!

Good news for Spurs. Pompey are going to be on the slide in the second half of the season i reckon.

[Bully]

strange to see a player traded back to the club he was traded from so early since he went

[johntheclaret]

strange to see a player traded back to the club he was traded from so early since he went

Not really Bulldog. Remember, he went to Pompey when Arry was manager there, and now he has followed Arry to Spurs. I think, arry would have kept him at Pompey, if he was still manager there, and said as much this week.

[Bully]

could the honeymoon season for harry be over !!

[RoosterMarty]

Is it true that Defoe has asked for Pompey to pay him a 'loyalty bonus' or is that a media beat-up?

Not a real big fan of the bloke but he's a half decent player.

[Bully]

not sure the media in the highlight show was hyping up rafas spat at fergie

[blackcat]

Tottenham WHO?

[eyeofthetiger]

Tottenham WHO?

Totttenham WHO?
We are Tottenham ! We are Tottenham ! We are Tottenham From the Lane

[Bully]

Probably the best piece of news I've heard all season has come out today.

JERMAIN DEFOE IS YIDDDDOOOOO!!!!!!

Little man Defoe has been transfered back to Spurs from Pmpey for 15m quid. This will add some much needed pace and creativity up front.

I LOVE the little man. I was gutted to see him go in Jan, but this is fantastic news.

I my have to break the rule of love the club, not the player. JERMAIN DEFOE IS YIDDDOOOOOO!

how much did he get sold for when he left the spuds for pompey? did you guys make a profit for it or a loss?

[devilsadvocate]

how much did he get sold for when he left the spuds for pompey? did you guys make a profit for it or a loss?

We sold him for around 8-9m, but it was a weird deal with payments spread out over a couple of years.
He was bought back for around 15m, so we made a fair loss on that piece of stupidity.

[johntheclaret]

how much did he get sold for when he left the spuds for pompey? did you guys make a profit for it or a loss?

We sold him for around 8-9m, but it was a weird deal with payments spread out over a couple of years.
He was bought back for around 15m, so we made a fair loss on that piece of stupidity.

Pompey still owed Spurs £4m on that deal so no doubt that would have been knocked off the payment. OK not good for the P&L though.