| Tottenham Hotspur: a new cm0304 story |
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| Written by k8oylos |
| Thursday, 25 May 2006 18:55 |
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Tottenham Hotspur When I became manager of the Spurs I didnt expected that the financial situation was so painfully. A negative balance of 2.5 million euro, and very high salary costs. For example, fringe players like Anderton en Richards had basic wages of 45.000 per week. I had 9 million transfer funds to spend, so I decided to sell the following players, Gadner, Richards, Anderton, Zamora, Ziege and Davies. Gardner moved to Middlesbrough for 3.9 million, Richards was very lucky with his move to Rangers for 1.9 million, Anderton would love to sit on the bench at Arsenal ( A good sell to the rivals) of 4.1 million. Zamora had an successful negotiation with Aston Villa 3 million and Ziege moved to his old love, Bayern Munich 3.0 million. So, I was one week in charge and earned 15.9 million euros and brought some light in the financial stress. But I now had only a few good players left, so handling on the transfer market was very needed. First I decided to get Steven Reid from Blackburn on loan. Second bargain was Kristiansen, a perfect youngster, preferred foot either so he can play in every position on the midfield, he only costs 1.3 million. Second good buy was Steed Malbranque of Fulham. 7 million euros, divided into 24 months and the AMRC position was filled. Now I had to strength my defence. First I bought on a free transfer Maxwell and Yakubu from Ajax. They were coming in January. Second bargain was Michael Dawson of Forest. He had a minimum fee of 2.9 million, and he was a very welcome signing. The last signings were Mike Zonneveld from NEC ( Holland) for 2.4 million and Albrechtsen ( DC) for 5 million My squad was the following Keller Zonneveld King Dawson Carr Kristiansen Dalmat Marney Malbranque Postiga Keane I had a difficult start of the season, starting with an away match to Arsenal, home playing Chelsea and the 3th mach at Anfield against Liverpool. I played well against Arsenal, but the next time I really kill Henry. I went off with a flyer scoring an excellent screamer in the 2th minute ( Keane). Then Dawson showed that he is the most talented defender in this game, scorer an excellent header in the 28th minute. But then Henry scored two goals in 6 minutes so halftime 2-2. I dont write any comment to the second half, because Henry was having a lot of fun, 4 goals in 90 minutes: Arsenal - Tottenham 4-2. the second match home to Chelsea didnt started the way I wanted. First Dalmat has to get substituted because an injury, and second mutu proved to be an goal machine 0-1. I decided to make some changes, and put kristiansen FLC and changed 4-3-3. This was an good tactical move, because at halftime Postiga was acting very well two goals in his second match. King and Dawson were killing Mutu and Anelka ( moved for 21 million to Chelsea). I decided to buy Dean Ashton from Crewe and Luke Moore from Aston Villa. They costs totally 4 million, young and decisive strikers. I looked in my old shortlist and saw that Arteta from the rangers had a minimum fee. A excellent wonderkid player, preferred foot either, so indispensable for a club as Tottenham. I signed him for 1.5 million at once and 3.8 in 24 months. He had signed a set minimum fee of 21 million. So I now was out of transfer money but had bought some excellent players. I substituted Marney for Arteta to the match against Liverpool. This became a remarkable match, because Postiga scored the goal of the season in this match. I started well at Anfield, with some good changes, but Kirkland was having an impressive start of the match. But then, Dawson picked up the ball, and gave a superb 40 yard pass, Postiga picked up saw that Kirkland was not on his line and he give the ball an audacious lob, straight from 25 yards. I thought that I could even hear the Liverpool supporters singing Postiga name. The score was 2-2 at 90 minutes, so an good start of the season, with such heavy clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool. The season was going his way, with some excellent results ( Everton - Tottenham 1-5) ( Tottenham - Fulham 4-1), but on the other hand second thirth round league cup home against Cheltenham an heavy defeat 1-3. 24 October was a said day at White Hart Line. Malbranque was heavenly injured during training: slipped disc and out for 7 months. So I now had a real problem, because Davies was out of favour ( shame that I refused on offer of city 5.75 million) I decided to bring youngster Dean Marney. This was an important change, for his and Tottenham development. Marney was having an impressive start at the right wing position, away at Blackburn. He gave two crosses which became two assist and he was almost lucky whit a freekick, but Friedel was in position. So, remember this name in every game you play. Buy him, because with good tactical training, shooting and pig in the middle he will become the new Zidane. At the beginning of January the new Roberto Carlos Arrived, and also Yakubu. But he was immediately unhappy, he did not play one match ore he already complained. Ok, than I sell my players, no matter who it is. Earning 30.000 per week and than complaining? No way. I was glad to see that Newcastle were offering 7.5 million euros for this player, so within 9 days I earned a lot of money. Dont forget that the financial situation at Tottenham is very critical, so every euro you earn is welcome. Maxwell was better than Zonneveld, so he started in the home match against man. United. Ronaldo christiano was having no change against this strong decisive left centre back. Postiga was having an enjoyable stay the first 7 months and was working very well with Keane. Man United were beaten with 3-2. Ok, I admit a bit lucky because a goal of van Nistelrooij did not count, but winning against Chelsea, Man United and a draw at Anfield are some good results. ( losing against Arsenal, Charlton, Cheltenham, Leeds are not that good, but winning writes always better than losing). The FA cup was very good for me, until the quarterfinal. Then I drew Arsenal, again a home match against Henry. For the coming season I signed on a free transfer Basturk, garreth barry, Richard Wood, angelo Peruzzi and joe Barton. I was preparing for the match against Arsenal and saw that Internationale had put Dalmat on the transfer list. I decided to terminate the loan contract, and two days later I made a new loan offer with a set fee of 4.8 million at the end of the season. And they accepted it!!! Great. Good midfield players with a left foot arent that much in the game, so a very ( and lucky) good deal. Great transfer news, Roma bought Carlos Tevez from 31 million. A great shock, because I made a small calculation, and with the money receiving from the end position in the league, the 18 million television rights and transfer money I already prepared a big signing in my mind, but Roma screwed up my dreams. The match against Arsenal was one that you get a smile from your left ear to your right ear. I love Marney more and more. This guy is a superb passer, a genius and tenacious midfielder. Only 19 years but so good. When you look at his rates I agree that they are not that high, but give him confidence and training and he will pay you back. At half time Ashton scored a powerfull header. On the contrary an Swedish midfielder, called Lungberg ( GRRRR) scored his first two goals of the season. Of course against me. So 1-2 against my rivals. I substituted kristiansen, moved Maxwell to dl to AMLC en Zonneveld was strengthen the defence. Untill the 73th minute not a lucky move. But then, Marney moved into the goal, only the keeper to beat, he shoots, hard and high: GOAL TOTTENHAM!. In the 87 minute, Marney gets to the by line, he swings in a deep cross and the ball evades the head of keown, straight into Ashton feed: Thank you Keown. So I was through the quarter final. I hoped for a solid draw against for example Leeds or Blackburn, but it became Cardiff at home in the semi final. They beat Fulham in a sensational match, 4-3. The home match against Cardiff was not a remarkable match. I really dont get why Fulham was heaving so many problems with this team. Goals from kristiansen and Keane ( 2) brought me into the FA Cup final against Michael Owen. He personally was responsible for the good results of Liverpool. What a dramatic team this is. Only Kewell, Owen and Gerard ore really good, the other players ore really limited players. The league was decided. Arsenal became champion, Man.United second and the chase for the 3th and 4th position was still going on. Newcastle were thirth, Chelsea 4th and Tottenham fifth, with only 2 points behind Chelsea. Chelsea had to play ( at home) against Blackburn and away against Southampton. I was playing Wolves and Portsmouth home, so a little change of getting into the qualifying round of the Champions league. Chelsea where firing 7 goals against Friedel, with three red cards ( Cole, Kelly and Ferguson). I was feeling a lot of pressure for my last three matches. I decided to give each player some media comment, with praise of their recent performances. Keane was getting this very personal, and hit me against the Wolves ( 1-0) The last match Keane, Dalmat and Maxwell were injured ore suspended, so I had to climb up a mountain to beat Portmounth. It didnt look wel because Yakubu scored after 5 minutes. But the Marney show continued every match, he gave a superb assist to Ashton, who easily rounded of a good attack. At half time the score was 1-1 and Chelsea was leading 1-0 against Southampton. Finishing fifth is very good, but when you can finish fourth you can climb mountains. So my Tottenham did. 35.321 real Tottenham fans gave my players the boost they really needed. First Dalmat scored an excellent goal, straight from 25 yards. But then an own goal of my Roberto Carlos Maxwell changed the situation dramatically. I looked at the score at Chelsea and saw that Beattie really hurt Celsea 1-1. I had to score, but without Keane, and Postiga who hadnt scored for 5 matches. What a drama the last 10 minutes. But I already warned you when I started writing this article. The marney show began, again. He dribbled through the defence, entered the penalty area and Stefanovic stick out his leg: PENALTY. Im a Dutchman, and you know that we have some problems taking penalties, and I did not selected a penalty taker. I missed a view during the season, but this was highly important. I looked at my screen and saw that a 19th year old midfielder put the bal on the spot, en scores the most important goal of his career ( until then). I won 3-2 and Marian Pahars was my mate, he scored the equaliser against Chelsea. I earned 12.25 million for finishing fourth in the league. The last match of the season, with a fully fit squad against Owen, Kewell and Gerard. What a dramatic team Liverpool, with a loser of a coach Houllier. I decided to take a risk, by getting started with Ashton and Keane, and Postiga on the bench. Ledley king was injured, so my Danish granate Albrechtsen had to demolish Owen. I made a tactical change. Albrechtsen would not play zonal but man mark on Owen. A major risk, with four defenders on one line, but when I backed of Owen, Liverpool sucks so, it was worth the risk. The match started slowly, and after 45 minutes Ashton and Keane did not fire 1 shot on goal. I had not many choices, so I started the second half. But again a superb playing Gerard and Hamman cut out every pass played by Arteta, Marney or Dalmat. Keller really had to stretch him self twice by shots of Owen and Baros. But then, it getting boring again the Marney show began. Great to sea that even big names as Postiga and Keane are pleased to be playing alongside Marney. His shot, straight from 20 yards was so good that even Marcos could not get his fingers on the ball. 1-0. The millions earned by this result where very welcome. For the second season I had 31 million to spend. I sold Davies to Napoli ( 4.0) I bought Arteta for the set fee amount, and Blackburn were relegated so I picked up Scottish star Ferguson for 8.75 million. Aghahowa from Shaktar was my second big signing, and Brad Friedel for 3 million a good substitution. Keller decided that his future was not at Tottenham and he moved to Aston Villa. With the Italian star Peruzzi and a good substitute this was not very sad. I received on offer of 27 million euros of Newcastle for Dalmat. This offer was accepted and I now had 51 million to spend. I am a big fan of one player and that is Arjen Robben of PSV ( Holland). I made on offer of 30 million euros and the offer was accepted. My basis team for the second season was as followed: Peruzzi Maxwell barry Dawson Carr Robben Areta Ferguson Marney Postiga Keane Main substitutes: Friedel Zonneveld Albrechtsen Aghahowa Malbranque Ashton Basturk Richard Wood, Joe Barton Andreas Hinkel I had to play qualifying matches 3th round CL. Against Steau Boecarest. Keane personally screwed up two penalties in two matches. ( Dutch magic I think). But lucky Robben was impressive in his first two matches, so an overall score of 2-1. ( Postiga and Keane). The start of the season was terrible. I was fully confident to battle for the league but after 6 matches ( against midtable teams like Westham, Leeds, Porthmount) is was in 12th position. Strange because my players get good rates ( 7 or higher). The draw for the CL was finished and I was in group C with Celtic, Benfica and Milan. After losing home to Birmingham some rumours about unhappiness were coming up. I could not score goals, only 11 in 9 matches. The Marney show was over, Robben was unhappy. The pressure became higher and higher. Two good results, against Barnsley in the leauguecup ( 5-1) and away against Celtic 1-1 was very good for the confident of my players. I decided to bring Basturk in my basis team ( I always play with the same 11 players, only injuries and suspensions can change that). And put Ferguson on the bench. I now had two midfield players who where rated 17 on creativity and both had a preferred foot either. Again a good tactical switch. Following matches against Fulham, Chelsea Charlton brought me 9 points. I was beaten in the league cup fourth round: again against a very small club, this time away at Norwich 2-0. The league cup and I will never become big friends. Basturk scored his first goal, home at Celtic 1-0. Because Benfica lost twice to Real and lost four points to Tottenham I was ensured of UEFA cup football next winter. Winning at home against Real was enough to get through to the second round of the CL. The match ended goalless, but surprise in Portugal: Simao the killer. I ended second and draw the second round against Bayern Munich. I think that I will play with 10 defenders to stop Mackaay. After 22 matches I was in 6th position, and beaten in the thirth round of the FA Cup, away to Carlise Very good result for Carlise, but very bad for my reputation. I had nothing to challenge for beginning of February and thats very sad. I played well against Liverpool but lost three times in a road after that match. The matches against Bayern I will not write. Bayern - Tottenham 3-0 and Tottenham - Bayern 1-4. A good learning process, but my strikers dont scores the goals I needed. Last March I get the message that Leeds United are in receivership. I picked up a look at Paul Robinson and made a superb bargain, only 2.7 million. He will come to Tottenham next summer. Robben was not performing well at the amlc and Keane already stated two times that he would like to get another challenge. I brought malbranque, moved Marney to the MRC and put Basturk on the MLC. After this change I won 8 time a road and draw against Newcastle away. After 35 matches I was placed 5th but a terrible 3 last matches, scoring 0 goals and only 1 point I finished 6th. A dramatically season but after success you have to be capable to handle with negative result. 13 losing matches, and 8 draws is not good, but conceding 54 goals against is way to much. Robinson will deal with that I think. I start my new season with only one player sold and 1 bought one. Keane moved to Milan, for a fee of 17 million. I bought Cisse from Auxerre back, 11 million euro. I am very curious If he can bring me the successes in this new season. 
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